Abstract: Systems and techniques are provided for controlling and managing digital assets. These systems and techniques are particularly useful when digital assets are transmitted electronically using, for example, the Internet, as these techniques serve to make the Internet secure for communication and control of digital assets. In addition, they permit dynamic control and management of digital assets, regardless of where the assets reside. Use of these systems and techniques promises to enable new, Internet-based distribution models, and to provide superior insight with respect to the use and status of digital assets. Particular implementations of the systems and techniques permit features such as lifetime control of digital content, multi-level control of digital content (including session encryption, asset encryption, and remote management), and try-before-you buy marketing approaches.

Abstract: An automatic system is provided for dynamic diagnosis and repair of a user's computer through the utilization of a programmable interface to access and use relevant data in which a special script comprising a relatively small program first makes an inventory of hardware, software and configuration information relative to the user, his equipment and the network and stores this information in a single uniform object oriented database. A large number of system tools are also stored so that upon accessing the inventory and looking at any relevant data the script can call the available tools to automatically correct any user problem, whether it be compatibility of peripherals, software conflicts, providing missing software components, or correcting other problems, all on an automatic basis without user intervention or oftentimes without user knowledge.

Abstract: A system is provided for the remote control of one computer from another in which selectable compression speeds are utilized to minimize overall screen refresh time. In one embodiment, an algorithm selection module at one computer chooses the highest compression available corresponding to a worst case scenario, followed by measurement of the compression time and the transmission time, with the ratio of compression time to transmission time being used to select a decreased compression, thereby to lower compression time and consequently lower the overall screen refresh time. By adjusting both the send time and the compression time on the transmit side, the above ratio can be made to equal one, which corresponds to the most efficient utilization of the available bandwidth and CPU power, which in turn translates into the quickest screen refresh time for the remote control operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a negative pressure atmosphere, e.g. a regenerative furnace atmosphere during an exhaust cycle, has aspirating facilities for aspirating an atmospheric sample from the negative pressure atmosphere and moving the sample past an analyzer for content analysis thereof.

Abstract: Pneumatic control of flow patterns in regenerators is improved by the use of flow amplifier nozzles.

Abstract: Regenerator packing members are constructed and arranged to form tapered passageways interconnecting regenerator flues to induce transverse flow of gas between flues for increased heat transfer. A preferred embodiment includes parallelepiped bricks arranged in an open basketweave pattern, with spaces between brick ends and side faces defining the tapered passageways.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the controlling of longitudinal distortion of float glass is disclosed. It is disclosed that longitudinal distortion may be reduced by asymmetric cooling beneath the molten metal bath of a float glass forming chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing longitudinal distortion in float glass is disclosed. A beam or barrier having cross-hatched grooves is installed below the advancing float glass ribbon in a float glass-forming chamber. The barrier acts to divert or diffuse laterally the molten metal which is being drawn by interfacial drag with the bottom surface of the glass. The diffusion evens the heat on the undersurface of the glass and reduces glass distortion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the formation of flat glass are disclosed. The invention involves the utilization of transversely inclined barriers in the molten metal bath of a flat glass forming chamber to create asymmetric currents in said bath.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for achieving other than equilibrium thickness of float glass is disclosed. The thickness of the float glass is regulated by applying a rotating, toothed cylindrical member to the upper surface of molten glass as it moves on a molten metal bath. The cylindrical member preferably has teeth in a worm arrangement and is utilized with its axis parallel to a plane normal to the glass surface and extending in the direction of the movement of the glass ribbon.