Abstract: Electronic commerce transaction messages are processed over a network between a client and a server in a highly reliable fashion by establishing a secure or un-secure communications connection between the network client and the network server at an electronic transaction assurance (eTA) system, which is located in a communication path between the network client and the network server. The transaction type is identified in the message and the progress of the transaction is tracked using transaction models. Any failure in the back-end server system or in the network connections is detected and the failure is recovered from using an outcome determination technique. The failure of a node within the eTA system is masked from the network client by formulating an appropriate response and sending it back to the client such that the network client and network server that were using the selected node do not see any interruption in their communications.

Abstract: An apparatus for impact dispersal of a force applied to a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle or other carrier. The apparatus includes a hydraulic cylinder in fluid communication with a relief valve and a flow restrictor connected in series. The piston rod of each cylinder receives the force of an impact, which causes the fluid in the cylinder to undergo an increase in pressure, which is relieved by multiple relief valves and serially connected flow restrictors. In one embodiment, the relief valves and the flow restrictors are incorporated into a single valve. The system responds to an amount of force caused by an impact and disperses the force accordingly at a controlled rate. Applications for such an embodiment include connection to vehicle bumpers, to a seat back where the cylinder is double-acting, and to landing feet for air-drop carriers.

Abstract: Electronic commerce transaction messages are processed over a network between a client and a server in a highly reliable fashion by establishing a secure or un-secure communications connection between the network client and the network server at an electronic transaction assurance (eTA) system, which is located in a communication path between the network client and the network server. The transaction type is identified in the message and the progress of the transaction is tracked using transaction models. Any failure in the back-end server system or in the network connections is detected and the failure is recovered from using an outcome determination technique. The failure of a node within the eTA system is masked from the network client by formulating an appropriate response and sending it back to the client such that the network client and network server that were using the selected node do not see any interruption in their communications.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing increased homing capabilities in a guided miss seeker against a continuous wave radar signal by compressing the received signal which effectively increases the received signal level by more than twenty decibels.