Abstract: An electrical rotary connection (15) comprising a first element (18) supported by a housing (16), a second element (19) supported by the housing, the first and second elements configured to rotate about a central axis (X) relative to each other at a rotary interface (20), the first element (18) comprising an input electrical lead (21), an electrical-to-optical E/O converter (22) having an optical source (23), and a transmitting lens (28), the second element (19) comprising a receiving lens (30) opposing the first element across the rotary interface, an optical-to-electrical O/E converter (32) having an optical receiver (33), and an output electrical lead (35), whereby electrical input received by the first element may be converted into light, the light may be transmitted on-axis across the rotary interface to the second element, and the light may be converted into an electrical output by the second element for transmission via the output electrical lead of the second element.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for protecting privacy of parties to electronic transactions, such as transactions conducted through a GSM network. An anonymity service provider receives orders directed from its subscriber to a recipient for goods or services, along with information about its subscriber. The anonymity service provider relays the order to the recipient but withholds information about the subscriber, as the subscriber directs. The recipient receives payment for the good or service by way of a voucher from the anonymity service provider.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for protecting privacy of parties to electronic transactions, such as transactions conducted through a GSM network. An anonymity service provider receives orders directed from its subscriber to a recipient for goods or services, along with information about its subscriber. The anonymity service provider relays the order to the recipient but withholds information about the subscriber, as the subscriber directs. The recipient receives payment for the good or service by way of a voucher from the anonymity service provider.

Abstract: An electrical rotary connection (15) comprising a first element (18) supported by a housing (16), a second element (19) supported by the housing, the first and second elements configured to rotate about a central axis (X) relative to each other at a rotary interface (20), the first element (18) comprising an input electrical lead (21), an electrical-to-optical E/O converter (22) having an optical source (23), and a transmitting lens (28), the second element (19) comprising a receiving lens (30) opposing the first element across the rotary interface, an optical-to-electrical O/E converter (32) having an optical receiver (33), and an output electrical lea (35), whereby electrical input received by the first element may be converted into light, the light may be transmitted on-axis across the rotary interface to the second element, and the light may be converted into an electrical output by the second element for transmission via the output electrical lead of the second element.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for protecting privacy of parties to electronic transactions, such as transactions conducted through a GSM network. An anonymity service provider receives orders directed from its subscriber to a recipient for goods or services, along with information about its subscriber. The anonymity service provider relays the order to the recipient but withholds information about the subscriber, as the subscriber directs. The recipient receives payment for the good or service by way of a voucher from the anonymity service provider.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for protecting privacy of parties to electronic transactions, such as transactions conducted through a GSM network. An anonymity service provider receives orders directed from its subscriber to a recipient for goods or services, along with information about its subscriber. The anonymity service provider relays the order to the recipient but withholds information about the subscriber, as the subscriber directs. The recipient receives payment for the good or service by way of a voucher from the anonymity service provider.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for protecting privacy of parties to electronic transactions, such as transactions conducted through a GSM network. An anonymity service provider receives orders directed from its subscriber to a recipient for goods or services, along with information about its subscriber. The anonymity service provider relays the order to the recipient but withholds information about the subscriber, as the subscriber directs. The recipient receives payment for the good or service by way of a voucher from the anonymity service provider.

Abstract: An integrated internetworking architecture for automating the configuration and control of networks that operate according to standard layered protocols. The described architecture includes two major blocks: (1) a network; and (2) a controller coupled to the network that automatically configures the network by coordinating different resources to perform an action, such as providing an e-commerce shopping service. The controller may operate at a layer above the standard network protocols so as to abstract away the visible complexity of the network, thus allowing a human user to control, configure and operate the network as if it were a single host (e.g., computer) via a simple user interface. A tool set may also be provided to simulate and evaluate the interaction of the various networked components using the properties and provisioning information maintained within the controller.

Abstract: A software method of setting a state in a processor regarding whether a processor number encoded in the processor will be available for reading is described. The method comprises prompting the user to enter an indication whether the processor number should be available for reading by a program. Then, setting a state to inhibit the processor number from being read by a program if the indication indicates that the processor number should not be available for reading by the program. For one embodiment, the method further includes testing the indication if a request for the processor number is received, and releasing the processor number if the indication indicates that the processor number is available.

Abstract: A system featuring an interface unit connected to a programmable unit is described. The interface unit is capable of containing a time-sensitive key. The programmable unit is allowed to receive digital content from the interface unit upon establishing that the time-sensitive key is also contained therein.