Abstract: A primer removal tool comprising a starter tap, a holder for the starter tap, one or more setscrews passing through the holder and against the starter tap for securing the starter tap in the holder, a handle, a spacer bushing connected to the center of the handle, a shaft having one end connected to the starter tap holder and the other end connected to the spacer bushing, and a knurled slider on the shaft, the slider being constrained to slide between the holder and the spacer bushing. The starter tap is inserted into the center of the damaged primer; the tool is held parallel to the centerline of the cannon bore while applying forward pressure; the handle of the tool is rotated clockwise to run the tap into the primer a few turns; and the handle of the tool is rotated counterclockwise one-quarter of a turn. These steps are repeated until most of the tap is in the primer chamber. Next, the slider is gripped, pushed forward toward the primer chamber, and then quickly pulled backward against the spacer bushing.

Abstract: A stool-like device for safely removing the spindle and the breechblock from the carrier of a howitzer. The device comprises a frame; rollers connected to the frame for sliding the bottom of the frame on the recoil slide rails of a howitzer until the frame is centered under the breechblock of the howitzer; and plates connected to the frame for receiving and holding the breechblock while permitting passage of the spindle through holes in the plates so that the spindle can be safely removed from the carrier of the howitzer without the breechblock dropping out of the carrier and causing bodily harm. After the spindle is removed, the breechblock can also be removed by raising the carrier and sliding the device out from under it.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing a time architecture of a mobile network that includes a plurality of network components, each having a time subsystem clock that is updated using a network time protocol (NTP) program. The method includes operating the components in a hierarchical fashion and booting up all the network components such that execution of a NTP sub-program for making small incremental changes to the each component time subsystem clock is delayed. Additionally, the method includes iteratively executing a NTP sub-program for making large changes to each component time system clock until each component time sub-system clock establishes an initial synchronization with a parent component time sub-system clock. Furthermore, the method includes iteratively executing the NTP sub-program for making small incremental changes once initial synchronization is established such that each component time sub-system clock maintains synchronization with the parent component time sub-system clock.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for controlling and managing the storage and retrieval of personal information in a computer network environment and that is configured for supporting any number of applications supplied by any number of vendors. An exemplary method and system can provide an open-ended capability for an individual to define, securely store, retrieve and/or modify information pertaining to the activities of the individual, such as those relating to computer access, electronic commerce or Internet based information searching, or the communication with other parties via electronic mechanisms. In addition, an exemplary method and system can provide significant improvement to prior art server-based and local client-based methodologies of managing stored information through the utilization of smart card-like devices having server-like processing capability, as well as physical security and mobility aspects provided by the size and portability of the user smart card device.

Abstract: A high speed, highly secure transaction management system and method capable of managing large volumes of complex transactions, that require a high level of security, from a plurality of transaction sources is provided. Such transaction sources may include, but are not limited to, the electronic toll and fare collection industry. The transaction management system may include tamper resistant hardware containing, for example, memory and data storage components, and a processor device for controlling, processing and managing transactions and related data and information, and may be configured with one or more processing components. In addition, the transaction management system can be suitably configured for facilitating offline payment transactions, for example a payment transaction that can be conducted locally, rather than through a post processing of a prepaid account, or through use of an intelligent, agency specific transponder device.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses novel coated particles that are well suited for use as absorption media in chromatographic processes. The coated particles comprise a substrate, such as aluminum, silicon, titanium or zirconium oxide particles, containing polymerized silane moieties on a surface of the substrate. The silane moieties include two or three olefinic groups as well as at least on useful ligand. Methods of preparing these coated particles are also described.

Abstract: A transaction system having a first transportable integrated circuit (IC) device, a terminal, and a security device is disclosed. The first IC device includes a processor, memory, data stored in the memory, and an operating program stored in the memory. The terminal includes a reader/writer device, a processor, memory, and an operating program stored in the memory. The reader/writer device establishes communication with the first IC device whereby the processor of the first IC device is in communication with the terminal processor. The security device includes a processor, memory, data stored in the memory and an operating program stored in the memory. The security device communicates with the terminal so that the processor of the security device communicates with the terminal processor.

Abstract: An adsorption medium that includes a finely divided substrate provided on at least a portion of its surface with the polymerization product of a silane that includes (a) two or three olefinic groups having the formula --(CH.sub.2).sub.m CH.dbd.CH.sub.2, where m is between 0 and 3, inclusive, and (b) at least one ligand selected to interact with a substance brought into contact with the adsorption medium to adsorb at least a portion of the substance on the surface of the adsorption medium.

Abstract: An adsorption medium that includes a finely divided substrate provided on at least a portion of its surface with the polymerization product of a silane that includes (a) two or three olefinic groups having the formula --(CH.sub.2).sub.m CH.dbd.CH.sub.2, where m is between 0 and 3, inclusive, and (b) at least one ligand selected to interact with a substance brought into contact with the adsorption medium to adsorb at least a portion of the substance on the surface of the adsorption medium.

Abstract: A stored value transaction system has a plurality of value storing transfer devices, including at least one local device, collection device, consolidation device and settlement device. First and second transfer devices are provided for performing a value information transfer transaction between each other. First and second cryptographic verifiers within the first and second transfer devices, respectively, provide individual first and second secure transaction determinations and permit the value information transfer transaction in accordance with the first and second individual secure transaction determinations. The first and second cryptographic verifiers include respective first and second pluralities of encryption keys. The first and second pluralities of encryption keys have at least one common encryption key whereby both the first secure transaction determination and the second secure transaction determination are made in accordance with the common encryption key.

Abstract: A stored value transaction system has a plurality of value storing transfer devices. First and second stored value transaction networks each include at least one local value storing device, at least one consolidation device, and at least one network settlement device. An internetwork value information transfer device coupled to the first and second stored value transaction networks transfers value information between the internetwork value information transfer device and the first and second stored value networks. Cryptographic verifiers in each of the networks and in the internetwork value transfer device make independent secure transaction determinations and permit transfers according to the determinations. The value information transferred from the consolidation device to the settlement device may be a summary of the information received by the consolidation device. The network settlement device performs settlement based upon the information summary.

Abstract: A system for determining value in a stored value transaction system has a plurality of value storing devices. A first network consolidation device is provided for receiving stored value information from at least one of the value storing transfer devices and summarizing the received stored value information to provide a first consolidated portion of the received stored value information. A first network settlement device coupled to the first network consolidation device receives the first consolidated portion and performs settlement of the first stored value transaction network in accordance with the first consolidated portion. Further network consolidation devices each have stored value information and apply a consolidated portion of their stored value information to the first network settlement device whereby a plurality of consolidated portions are applied to the first network consolidation device.

Abstract: A system for determining value in a stored value transaction system has a plurality of value storing devices. A first network consolidation device is provided for receiving stored value information from at least one of the value storing transfer devices and summarizing the received stored value information to provide a first consolidated portion of the received stored value information. A first network settlement device coupled to the first network consolidation device receives the first consolidated portion and performs settlement of the first stored value transaction network in accordance with the first consolidated portion. Further network consolidation devices each have stored value information and apply a consolidated portion of their stored value information to the first network settlement device whereby a plurality of consolidated portions are applied to the first network consolidation device.

Abstract: A transaction system and method of conducting a transaction between in integrated circuit (IC) card and a transaction terminal which includes a security module comprises establishing communication between the terminal and the IC card. Separate session keys are generated in the IC card using data stored in the IC card and a code associated with the particular IC card and the security module using data stored in the security module, and the code associated with the particular IC card. The session key generated by the IC card is used to encrypt data using an encryption algorithm to obtain a first result and the session key generated by the security module is used to encrypt the same data using the same encryption algorithm to obtain a second result. The first and second results are compared to enable the terminal to conduct the transaction only if the comparison establishes that the first result and the second result are identical.

Abstract: A first transfer device receives a first transaction signal from a second transfer device and provides a first certification signal. The second transfer device receives the first certification signal and encrypts it to provide a first encrypted signal. The first transfer device receives the first encrypted signal and encrypts the first certification signal to provide a second encrypted signal. A transaction is verified in accordance with the first and second encrypted signals and stored value is transferred between the first and second transfer devices in accordance with the verifying. A third transfer device, separate from the first and second transfer devices, receives a second transfer signal from a selected one of the first and second transfer devices and provides a second certification signal. The selected transfer device receives the second certification signal and encrypts it to provide a third encrypted signal.

Abstract: A system for determining value in a stored value transaction system has a plurality of value transferring devices including a local device, a collection device, a consolidation device and a settlement device. A stored value transaction network includes a settlement device and a consolidation device coupled to the settlement device. A value transferring device applies stored value information to the consolidation device. The consolidation device transmits a consolidated portion of the received stored value information to the settlement device for performing network settlement in accordance with the consolidated portion by the network settlement device. A plurality of collection devices within the network can transmit stored value information to the consolidation device and a consolidated portion of the stored value information of the plurality of consolidation devices can be used for network settlement. A further portion of the stored value information is transferred to a storage device.

Abstract: An hollow sphere, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, has a slot formed on a somewhat less than semicircular portion of the great circle that separates the sphere into two hemispheres. A shower curtain grommet support is spaced inwardly of said slot to engage a shower curtain grommet and support a portion of the curtain. A pair of diametrically aligned small circles in the plane of hemispherical separation enables the holder to move freely on a shower curtain rod.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an apparatus for use in automated testing of elements in data processing systems such as the central processing unit. The system is comprised of a microprocessor with associated firmware, RAM and peripheral communications devices. There are two communication interface ports for receiving commands and instructions from local and remote computer terminals or from data processing units programmed to cause the testing apparatus to perform predetermined sequences of tests. There is also a port for connection to a portable maintenance panel which can be held in the hand of a field engineer for controlling the testing apparatus. The system is designed to replace prior art maintenance panels used for debugging computer hardware.