Abstract: End-to-end user anonymity is provided in electronic commerce or other types of online transactions through the use of an intermediary. An intermediary machine, which may be implemented in the form of a set of servers or other type of computer system, receives communications from a consumer or other user, and generates and maintains an alias for that user. Connections between the user machine and any online vendor or other web site are implemented through the intermediary using the alias. When the user desires to make a purchase from a given online vendor, the intermediary may present the user with a number of options. For example, the user may be permitted to select a particular payment card number and real destination address as previously provided to the intermediary. The intermediary then communicates with the online vendor and supplies intermediary payment information, e.g.

Abstract: A low noise sinusoidal signal at a desired output frequency is synchronised using a first variable frequency oscillator (1) and providing a feedback control loop around the first oscillator (1) to generate a feedback control signal in successive frequ comparison steps using second and third frequency reference signals (44, 42). Each of the second and third frequency reference signals are derived from a first frequency reference signal, the second frequency reference signal (44) being compared with the output frequency of the first oscillator (1) to generate a frequency difference signal (43), and said frequency difference signal ( being compared in frequency with the third frequency reference signal (42) to generate said feedback control signal for the first oscillator (1), the frequency of the third frequency reference signal (42) being equal to the difference of the frequency of the se frequency reference signal (44) and the desired output frequency.

Abstract: A transposon which comprises an RNA polymerase recognition site and a homing endonuclease recognition site. The transposon may be used in methods for the identification of an essential gene or a conditional essential gene of an organism. Genes identified in such methods are useful as substrates for use in screening for antibacterials, antiparasitics, fungicides, pesticides and herbicides.

Abstract: Signal measuring apparatus (100) comprises a detector head (110) connected to a meter (112) by a cable (114). The cable (114) allows the meter to supply power and a RF local oscillator signal to the head (110), and the head (110) to send an intermediate frequency signal to the meter (112). The head (110) contains a mixer (120) for downconverting a test input at connector (116). The meter (112) receives the downconverted signal and measures its various parameters.

Abstract: A differential mounting assembly 10 which allows a differential 12 to be selectively and securely mounted within a vehicle and which substantially reduces and/or eliminates undesirable roll and pitch of the operatively mounted differential 12.

Abstract: A pipe beveling attachment for a rotary power tool including base means, an arbor sleeve adapter assembly for mounting the base means to the rotary power tool, bearing means in the base means for securing a shank of a pipe beveling rotary cutting tool, and alignment and guide means for cooperatively engaging a pipe wall of a pipe end to be beveled and for accommodating different diameter pipes including removable pins on each side of the pipe wall to provide a slidable cooperative engagement of the base means and pipe beveling rotary cutting tool with the end of the pipe to be beveled. The attachment includes a safety shield for an operator's protection and an optional flexible rotational stopper for preventing the attachment assembly from rotating when the power tool is at idle, generally a circular power saw. An alignment pin extending from the end of the arbor sleeve adapter assembly juxtaposed the power tool is optionally included to engage an aperture in a circular power saw retainer washer.

Abstract: A telecommunications call routing device provides call routing based on digits received at the device from an exchange. The routing device has the facility to route by one of a plurality of networks, including both private networks and public networks, and to force calls to be placed over a private network if a route is available. Early reconnection of calls is also possible by monitoring call progress tones, measuring the pauses between dialed digits and reconnecting the exchange to a network or PBX as soon as the routing decision is made.

Abstract: A flexible chair includes a seat frame having a bidirectional fabric stretched over the seat frame to define seat back and seat bottom portions. The seat frame is supported on an upper axis and a lower axis by a flexible frame. In one embodiment, the flexible frame is a substantially continuous symmetrical loop defining arm portions. The arm portions are supported by a pair of u-shaped support forks. The connection geometry between the forks and the frame may be adjusted to provide varying degrees of flex from the chair frame. In another embodiment, the flexible frame is a pair of symmetrical loops including ground supporting portions.

Abstract: A highly linear AC to DC conversion system comprises a variable gain amplifier via which an AC signal to be converted is applied to an AC/DC converter. The output of the AC/DC converter is compared with a reference level and a control signal dependent on the difference therebetween adjusts the gain of the variable gain amplifier so as to reduce the difference. The output of the AC/DC converter is also applied to one input of a comparator, whose DC output is applied via the variable gain amplifier to the other input of the comparator. The variable gain amplifier has exactly the same gain for both AC and DC signals. It can then be shown that the DC output signal produced by the comparator is very accurately linearly related to the magnitude of the AC input signal.