Abstract: A system for preserving or establishing an ecosystem comprises an assembly coupled to a guidance component. An assembly comprises an enclosure and a substrate, and is configured to contain one or more organisms within the enclosure. The guidance component causes the assembly to be transported to a destination environment. The assembly is decoupled from the guidance component. The assembly detaches from the substrate, to integrate the one or more organisms into an ecosystem of the destination environment.

Abstract: An underwater positioning system comprises a plurality of underwater beacons. A beacon, in response to a signal sent by an underwater vehicle, responds with a signal comprising one or more characteristics to identify the beacon. Components of an access algorithm are provided to the underwater vehicle. The access algorithm determines a location of the beacon based on the beacon's identity. A position of the vehicle is determined based at least in part on the location of the beacon.

Abstract: This invention is a jewelry clasp fastening device with a magnifying lens on a foldable handle. What is new, unique, and useful about this invention is that people with poor close vision can now have a tool with built in magnification to help them open and fasten jewelry clasps, especially those of the latch type with operating levers. It will also make this job easier for all jewelry wearers to operate all types of jewelry clasps. The tool also functions as a pocket-sized, portable hands-free magnifier that can be easily clipped to common household surfaces.

Abstract: There are methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for user authentication. For example, there is a method that includes generating a dynamic mapping between assigned authentication symbols and temporary authentication symbols, presenting the dynamic on an electronic device, and receiving a selection signal that identifies one or more of the temporary authentication symbols.

Abstract: An efficient system and method for mounting an image composed of a plurality of subimages comprises a back panel onto which the subimages are mounted, and a transparent or translucent cover plate. In the preferred embodiment, the images are printed on borderless labels having a low-tack or low-aggressive type adhesive. The back panel and transparent cover plate are preferably dimensionally the same, and both may include aligned through-holes. The back panel may includes visual indicia such as score lines or alpha/numeric placement indicia to aid in mounting the subimages. The back panel and cover plate are preferably held together with a plurality of clips. An assembly method is also disclosed.

Abstract: There are methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for user authentication. For example, there is a method that includes generating a dynamic mapping between assigned authentication symbols and temporary authentication symbols, presenting the dynamic on an electronic device, and receiving a selection signal that identifies one or more of the temporary authentication symbols.

Abstract: Methods and articles of manufacture facilitate the partitioning of an image into a plurality of discrete sections for reassembly into an enlarged version thereof. The image to be enlarged is received in an electronic form and displayed on a display device such as that associated with a personal computer. User commands are input relating to the way in which the image is to be partitioned, including the number of discrete sections. Each section is then printed under user control, enabling the printed sections to be assembled into the enlarged version. The electronic representation of the image may be received through digitally capturing or importation from a file, a clipboard, or any other appropriate source. The image may be in black-and-white or in color, and may be produced photographically or by any other graphical or electronic process.

Abstract: A network including a plurality of nodes which communicate over a communications link includes client nodes which are used by users and server nodes. At least one of the server nodes is a management server node, and other server nodes may comprise backup server nodes or software distribution server nodes. To initiate, for example, backup service, the management server node transmits a message to the backup server node to enable it to perform the backup. To initiate software distribution service, the management server node determines the nature of the service, such as downloading new versions, auditing use for licensing purposes, and the like, and transmits a message to the software distribution server node to initiate the operation. The network may include master and slave management server nodes, backup server nodes and software distribution server nodes to further divide the control of the respective operations.