Abstract: A postal security device (PSD) includes a microprocessor including an internal random access memory (RAM) and an internal flash memory in which is stored at least one secure datum, and at least one external memory coupled to the microprocessor in which is stored at least one non-secure datum and not one of the at least one secure datum.

Abstract: A method includes receiving at a sub-program a request from an external entity the request comprising at least one parameter and a return address, utilizing the return address and an address list associated with the sub-program to authenticate the external entity, and processing the request if the external entity is authenticated.

Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method includes storing at least one data element in an external memory located outside of a security boundary, and executing a validation algorithm within the security boundary to repeatedly validate the at least one data element. The validation algorithm includes validating a size of the at least one data element, validating a hash of the at least one data element, and validating a signature of a hash file comprising information corresponding to the at least one data element.

Abstract: A high speed mailing system that utilizes a single postal security (PSD) device in conjunction with multiple printing modules is provided. The control unit with which the PSD is associated is coupled to each of the printing modules through a multiplexer capable of switching between each of the printing modules. During initialization of the system for each mail processing session, the control unit establishes a secure communication session with each printing module individually through the multiplexer. Thus, the control unit can generate and provide indicia that can be printed only on the specific printing module that is currently in use. The multiplexer can switch between printing modules during operation of the mailing system, thereby always keeping one printing module in use while allowing the printing module that is not currently being used to perform any necessary maintenance operations, without having to stop the processing of mail pieces.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing a plurality of payment services to facilitate electronic commerce. In one embodiment, services are provided within the context of a four-corner trust model comprising a buyer and a seller that engage in an on-line transaction. The buyer is a customer of a first financial institution. The first financial institution acts as a certificate authority for the buyer and issues the seller a hardware token including a private key and a digital certificate signed by the first financial institution. The seller is a customer of a second financial institution. The buyer uses its private key to sign payment instructions that are forwarded to the first or second financial institution for execution. The message may be forwarded to the first financial institution indirectly via the seller and the second financial institution.

Abstract: Apparatus for pressurized cleaning of well flow conductors. The apparatus has a non-rotating inner mandrel, an adapter to connect the inner mandrel to a work string, a rotating housing on the exterior of the inner mandrel, and a nozzle body attached to the housing. An alternative embodiment of the invention allows cleaning tools to be attached to a modified nozzle body and rotated therewith. Fluid pressure flowing through the inner mandrel will cause the housing to rotate relative to the inner mandrel. Rotation is used to direct fluid jets in the nozzle body towards different portions of the interior of the flow conductor. Rotation of a cleaning tool can also be used for combined mechanical and hydraulic drilling to remove deposits from within a well flow conductor.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a tube such as a coil tubing, or the like, to well tools, pipe, or another tube. The connector will withstand high pressures and is capable of transmitting high tensile and torque loads, and can be applied to tubes by crimping through use of conventional swaging devices.