Abstract: A system and method for analyzing network service usage is provided. In example embodiments, model users of the network service are identified using a number of target events and in-scope events. Users of the network service generate interaction data by interacting with the network service. The interaction data of the identified model users can be compared to the interaction data of the non-model users without exposing the interaction data.

Abstract: The application describes systems and methods for loading a data file with a data pad having a pattern that enables identification of the data file during certain file operations. In one aspect, a file loading system comprises a datastore configured to store a plurality of data files where the plurality of data files include a plurality of original data files and at least one loaded data file. The system also includes a removable media storage device capable of interfacing with the datastore. The system further includes a processor arranged to access the plurality of data files in the datastore and convert a first original data file of the plurality of original data files into a first loaded data file. The first loaded data file includes information and a first data pad of added data. The first data pad includes a first pattern of data elements.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing network service usage is provided. In example embodiments, model users of the network service are identified using a number of target events and in-scope events. Users of the network service generate interaction data by interacting with the network service. The interaction data of the identified model users can be compared to the interaction data of the non-model users without exposing the interaction data.

Abstract: The application describes systems and methods for preventing the distribution of large volumes of electronic data by loading selected sensitive files with pad data to increase the size of the files such that file transfer, distribution, or downloading to removable media storage devices is more cumbersome. In one aspect, a file loading system comprises a datastore for storing a plurality of data files where each of the plurality of data files includes information and a processor arranged to: access the plurality of data files in the datastore, and load a data pad into one or more of the plurality of data files to increase the size of the one or more of the plurality of data files.

Abstract: Cooking tools comprising a soapstone slab having an upper side comprising a cooking surface, and a lower side for facing a heat source, are provided. Cooking tools such as soapstone grills having an upper cooking surface which is a substantially flat, polished, and non-stick are described, as well as uses thereof. Soapstone compositions and characteristics suitable for use in cooking tools are also described.

Abstract: The application describes systems and methods for preventing the distribution of large volumes of electronic data by loading selected sensitive files with pad data to increase the size of the files such that file transfer, distribution, or downloading to removable media storage devices is more cumbersome. In one aspect, a file loading system comprises a datastore for storing a plurality of data files where each of the plurality of data files includes information and a processor arranged to: access the plurality of data files in the datastore, and load a data pad into one or more of the plurality of data files to increase the size of the one or more of the plurality of data files.

Abstract: The application describes systems and methods for preventing the distribution of large volumes of electronic data by loading selected sensitive files with pad data to increase the size of the files such that file transfer, distribution, or downloading to removable media storage devices is more cumbersome. In one aspect, a file loading system comprises a datastore for storing a plurality of data files where each of the plurality of data files includes information and a processor arranged to: access the plurality of data files in the datastore, and load a data pad into one or more of the plurality of data files to increase the size of the one or more of the plurality of data files.

Abstract: A household appliance functions according to multiple operating cycles, wherein each operating cycle comprises at least one step characterized by a parameter having a factory-set default value. A user can access a controller of the household appliance through a user interface to simultaneously set new default values for a parameter common to at least two of the multiple operating cycles.

Abstract: Techniques are described for enabling authentication and/or key agreement between communications network stations and service networks. The techniques described include the negotiation and use of a cryptographic primitive shared between a service network and a home environment of a station. The techniques described also feature a key usage indicator, such as a sequence number, maintained by the service network and a station. Comparison of the key usage indicators can, for example, permit efficient authentication of the service network.

Abstract: Techniques are described for enabling authentication and/or key agreement between communications network stations and service networks. The techniques described include the negotiation and use of a cryptographic primitive shared between a service network and a home environment of a station. The techniques described also feature a key usage indicator, such as a sequence number, maintained by the service network and a station. Comparison of the key usage indicators can, for example, permit efficient authentication of the service network.

Abstract: A household appliance functions according to multiple operating cycles, wherein each operating cycle comprises at least one step characterized by a parameter having a factory-set default value. A user can access a controller of the household appliance through a user interface to simultaneously set new default values for a parameter common to at least two of the multiple operating cycles.

Abstract: Techniques are described for enabling authentication and/or key agreement between communications network stations and service networks. The techniques described include the negotiation and use of a cryptographic primitive shared between a service network and a home environment of a station. The techniques described also feature a key usage indicator, such as a sequence number, maintained by the service network and a station. Comparison of the key usage indicators can, for example, permit efficient authentication of the service network.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for processing information. In one embodiment, there is provided a method, providing a frame key based on a master key and a frame number of a frame of information to a keystream generator as an initial fill for one or more registers of the keystream generator such that the initial fill establishes a state for the one or more registers of the keystream generator; and generating, at the keystream generator, a keystream sequence based on the state established by the initial fill, wherein the keystream sequence includes a modulo-2 sum of a lagged-Fibonacci sequence and a pseudo-random sequence produced by a filter generator.

Abstract: An escrowed key distribution system for over-the-air service provisioning of cellular telephones and other wireless communication devices provides a secure and efficient authentication key distribution method for wireless communications networks. To ensure security, an authentication key used to activate the wireless device is never transmitted over the air. In addition, mutual authentication is performed between the wireless communication device and the service provider using an embedded private-key algorithm to ensure proper authentication key transfer.

Abstract: A system includes at least one wireless communications device having a standard wireless interface and a wireless provisioning device that provisions the wireless communications device. The wireless provisioning device uses the standard wireless interface to transfer the provisioning information, including an authentication key, to the wireless communications device when both devices are interconnected via a wireline link between a transceiver antenna of the wireless communications device and a communication unit of the provisioning device.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for processing information.

Abstract: A system includes at least one wireless communications device having a standard wireless interface and a wireless provisioning device that provisions the wireless communications device. The wireless provisioning device uses the standard wireless interface to transfer the provisioning information to the wireless communications device when both devices are at close proximity. The provisioning device includes a computer, having a memory and a processor, which provisions the wireless communications device, and a radio transceiver, connected to the computer, for transmitting provisioning information to the wireless communications device to activate the wireless communications device.

Abstract: A smectite clay is provided as an elevated solids aqueous slurry e.g. up to 50% solids, which is composed of the smectite clay slurried or dispersed in water containing an effective concentration of a monovalent salt. When such a salt is present in the clay slurry, the clay does not swell appreciably, is essentially inactive, and the slurry can be shipped and stored without creating a gelling problem. When this slurry is diluted with fresh water at the point of application to make it of the desired solids content for use, the smectite clay is activated and exhibits the desired properties, such as viscosity, retention, etc.