Abstract: The confidentiality of JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) message data is secured using an encryption scheme. The encryption scheme implements a JSON encryption syntax, together with a set of processing rules for creating encrypting arbitrary data in JSON messages in a platform/language independent manner. A method for encrypting a data item in a JSON message begins by applying an encryption method and a key to the data item to generate a cipher value. A data object is then constructed that represents an encryption of the data item. The data item in the JSON message is then replaced with the data object, and the resulting modified JSON message is then output from a sending entity. At a receiving entity, information in the data object is used to re-generate the data item, which is then placed back in the original message.

Abstract: A performance-based method of allocating and distributing campaign contributions using a computer system accessible through an interactive interface, like a web site or mobile application. The computer system collects monetary campaign contribution pledges from Donors, the pledges being associated with a particular piece of legislation rather than a particular candidate. The Donor indicates whether they are for or against the legislation when making their pledge. The computer system then monitors the legislative body's action on the legislation and once voted on, it allocates pledge funds to incumbents or their challengers based on how the incumbent voted. Multiple Donors' allocated pledges for multiple pieces of legislation are accumulated over time per seat. At the end of each seat's term, the pledges are then distributed accordingly. Thus, a contribution decision is ultimately made based on an incumbent's record rather than on his or her promises.

Abstract: A machine-implemented method for signing a JSON message begins by constructing a reference element for each data object in the JSON message. The data object is identified by a reference identifier that includes a pointer to a digest method, and a digest generated by applying the digest method to the data object. Then, a signature information element is constructed for reference elements corresponding to data objects in the message. The signature information element includes a pointer to a signature method, as well as one or more reference elements, or a canonical form of the one or more reference elements. Then, a signature element is constructed that includes the signature information element, and a signature value generated by applying the signature method to the signature information element. The signature enables a sending entity to generate a digest on a JSON message and to secure the digests using a signing key.

Abstract: Methods and systems for updating a database with one or more update records are provided in the present application. A staged table corresponding to a primary table of the database is generated. The update record is processed to validate the update record to determine whether there is an error in the update record and to add the update record to the staged table. The update record is copied from the staged table to the primary table when there is no error in the update record. The update record is deleted from the staged table after the update record is processed.

Abstract: JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) message integrity is provided using a digital signature scheme. The digital signature scheme implements a set of processing rules for creating and representing digital signatures using a JSON signature syntax. The syntax preferably comprises a set of named elements, including a reference element, a signature information element, and a signature element. In one embodiment, a machine-implemented method for signing a JSON message begins by constructing a reference element for each data object in the JSON message to be signed. The data object is identified by a reference identifier. The reference element includes the reference identifier, a pointer (such as a URI) to a digest method, and a digest generated by applying the digest method to the data object or a given function of the data object. Then, a signature information element is constructed for one or more of the reference elements corresponding to the one or more data objects in the message that are being signed.

Abstract: The confidentiality of JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) message data is secured using an encryption scheme. The encryption scheme implements a JSON encryption syntax, together with a set of processing rules for creating encrypting arbitrary data in JSON messages in a platform/language independent manner. A method for encrypting a data item in a JSON message begins by applying an encryption method and a key to the data item to generate a cipher value. A data object is then constructed that represents an encryption of the data item. The data item in the JSON message is then replaced with the data object, and the resulting modified JSON message is then output from a sending entity. At a receiving entity, information in the data object is used to re-generate the data item, which is then placed back in the original message.

Abstract: Methods and systems for updating a database with one or more update records are provided in the present application. A staged table corresponding to a primary table of the database is generated. The update record is processed to validate the update record to determine whether there is an error in the update record and to add the update record to the staged table. The update record is copied from the staged table to the primary table when there is no error in the update record. The update record is deleted from the staged table after the update record is processed.

Abstract: An inflator apparatus for inflating an inflatable device is provided wherein a gas generant reactant reacts with oxygen to produce a gaseous inflation medium. The apparatus includes a closed first chamber wherein a supply of oxygen and a quantity of at least one unreactive reaction modifier are stored. The apparatus also includes an initiator to initiate reaction of at least a fraction of the supply of oxygen with the gas generant reactant to produce a quantity of the gaseous inflation medium. Also provided are associated methods for inflating an inflatable safety device in a vehicle.

Abstract: An inflator apparatus for inflating an inflatable device and a method are provided wherein a combination of a dissociative gas source material and at least one unreactive dissociation reaction modifier is stored at least partially in liquefied form with the reaction modifier effective to moderate at least one of the temperature and concentration of the at least one gas source material upon the dissociation of at least a portion of the at least one gas source material.

Abstract: An inflator apparatus for inflating an inflatable device and a method are provided wherein a combination of a dissociative gas source material and at least one unreactive dissociation reaction modifier is stored at least partially in liquefied form with the reaction modifier effective to moderate at least one of the temperature and concentration of the at least one gas source material upon the dissociation of at least a portion of the at least one gas source material.

Abstract: An inflator apparatus for inflating an inflatable device and a method are provided which utilize a burst disk arrangement which results in a sequential opening regime such as may desirably provide a form of the above-described S curve inflation performance behavior without necessitating the use of or reliance on mechanical opening devices such as projectiles or piston members.

Abstract: An initiator suitable for use with airbag passive restraint systems and which does not use pyrotechnic materials is disclosed. The initiator provides an electrically actuated igniter which ignites an adjacently stored non-pyrotechnic fluid combustible material which may comprise a mixture of a fluid fuel and a fluid oxidizer, a fluid monopropellant or a fluid exothermically decomposable material. A sub-assembly of the non-pyrotechnic initiator with a fuel containment chamber and inflators which use the non-pyrotechnic initiator are also disclosed.

Abstract: An inflator apparatus and method for inflating an inflatable device wherein a solid fuel material and nitrous oxide are stored in intimate contact and, when properly actuated, react to produce inflation gas for use in inflating the inflatable device.

Abstract: An improved adaptive output inflator is provided wherein inflator performance, such as measured by inflator gas output, can be appropriately varied and selected by appropriately varying and selecting the operational oxidant composition of the inflator.

Abstract: A hybrid inflator having a quantity of stored gas in a pressure vessel, and a quantity of gas generant stored within a generant housing having at least one port in its longitudinal end. Within the generant housing the gas generant is retained within a porous sleeve. This sleeve is spaced inward from the non-porous generant housing, such that a free flow area is formed between the sleeve and the generant housing. The inflation gas created by the gas generant will thus flow radially outward through the sleeve, and then be turned to flow longitudinally toward the port(s) in the generant housing. Providing the free flow area reduces the pressure drop across the generant sleeve, resulting in less slag being forced through the sleeve to be entrained within the created gas flow. Additionally, the changes in direction forced upon the created gas flow to exit the generant housing cause additional amounts of slag to be removed from the created gas flow. This results in a hybrid inflator having reduced solid emissions.

Abstract: An improvement in an air bag system for a motor vehicle relating to a multiple level fluid fueled air bag inflator and method of operation thereof are provided. Such a multiple level inflator includes a stored gas chamber, a combustion chamber wherein, upon actuation, a fluid fuel and an oxidant are burned, an opener to open the stored gas chamber and an initiator device to initiate the burning of the fluid fuel and oxidant in the combustion chamber. Various performance levels can be obtained through the proper selected actuation and sequencing of actuation of the opener and the initiator device.

Abstract: Apparatus for inflating an inflatable device, methods for inflating an inflatable safety device and a method of manufacturing an apparatus for inflating an inflatable device are provided having a fuel containment assembly to contain a fuel in the form of a fluid. The fuel, upon proper initiation, is burned to produce gas used in the inflation of the inflatable device.

Abstract: The use of unitary liquid fuel storage chambers provides advantages in the manufacturing and assembly of inflators for use in airbag passive restraint systems. A unique process of injecting liquid fuel through a conduit which is controlled to discharge the liquid fuel beneath the rising surface of the liquid fuel in the container and then sealing the storage chamber with a unique stopper provides consistently accurately filled unitary fuel containing storage chambers. The filled and sealed unitary storage chambers can then be either stored or assembled into an inflator. The assembly of the inflator can be at a location separate from that at which the storage container is loaded with fuel, whereby the relatively hazardous loading and handling of liquid fuels can be separated from the inflator assembly area.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inflating a vehicular inflatable device adaptable to a variety of fuels and oxidants wherein a fluid fuel is burned to produce hot gas, with the hot gas undergoing a reversal in direction of flow and mixing with stored, pressurized gas to produce inflation gas containing little or no particulate.

Abstract: A unitary storage structures for the fluid components of a inflator of a vehicular airbag passive restraint system. The unitary storage structures facilitate the storage, testing, transportation and assembly of such components in the inflator. Advantageous methods of filling the storage chambers and of testing the filled structures for leaks prior to their transportation and assembly into the inflator housing are also disclosed.