Abstract: A harness for supporting a musical instrument, and in particular, a weighty musical instrument such as a saxophone, has an anchor formed from a rigid or semi-rigid material having a curved portion adapted to be seated, in part, on the shoulders of a musician, and a rearwardly and downwardly extending tail portion adapted to receive a first adjustable strap extending around the body of the musician for retaining the anchor fixed relative to the musician. A second adjustable strap extending forwardly from two front ends of the anchor carries a hook for engaging a musical instrument.

Abstract: Gripping pliers having upper and lower jaws facing each other. An upper handle supports a bearing member extending through first and second walls of the upper handle. A supporting member connected to the lower jaw extends through the upper handle, and is supported to the upper handle via a bearing member which is free to rotate. A threaded ring within the bearing member adjusts the length of the supporting member, thereby establishing a distance between the gripping jaws of the pliers. A relatively constant facing relationship between upper and lower jaws is maintained through the geometry created by the location of the bearing axis relative to the distance between the pivot point of the lower jaw and a pivot formed by the end of the toggle link.

Abstract: A self adjusting grasping pliers. Upper and lower grasping jaws are pivotally connected together. A first handle extends rearward from the upper grasping jaw, and a second handle pivotally connected to the lower grasping jaw extends rearward thereof. A toggle member connects to one end of the second handle extending upwards into the longitudinal slot of the first handle. A pressure adjustment control is connected to one end of the handle, and extends into the handle a distance which is adjustable. A grasping size control rod extends through the pressure adjustment control engaging one end of the toggle member. A spring is located between a stop fixed threaded to the control rod and the pressure adjustment control. The pressure control is adjusted to establish a nominal grasping force. During grasping of an object, the control rod can move against the force of the spring limiting the force exerted on an object between the jaws.

Abstract: A method for securely storing analog or digital data on a data storage medium. An analog information signal is combined with a noise signal. The composite noise and information signal is encrypted with a key which is derived from the noise signal. The encrypted composite signal is compressed and then recorded on the data storage medium along with an encrypted value of the key. The storage medium data is read, decompressed, and decrypted using a decryption key derived from the stored encrypted key. The data is then converted to an analog signal and combined with a noise correction signal derived from said key to eliminate the noise signal added to the analog information signal before storing the signal on the data storage medium.

Abstract: An animal control device, and method for confining an animal within a boundary identified by a current carrying conductor. The animal is equipped with a control device, as an antenna coil, which is coupled to a magnetic flux emanating from the conductor. When the animal approaches the boundary conductor, the change in voltage across the antenna coil is compared with a reference change in voltage. As the distance closes from a charging animal, the rate of change in voltage from the antenna coil increases correspondingly, providing a reliable detection of the animal's imminent crossing of the boundary. Conventional animal correction circuitry is provided which, in response to a detected voltage change, issues a corrective stimulus to the animal to stop the animal from crossing the boundary.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for discouraging computer theft. The apparatus and method requires that a password or other unique information be supplied to the computer before the computer BIOS routines can be completely executed. A BIOS memory storing the BIOS routines includes a security routine which will determine whether or not the required password entered by the user, or a known quantity read from an externally connected memory device is present. The security function stored within the BIOS memory also includes an administration function which permits the computer to be either placed in a locked state, thereby requiring password or the known quantity read from an externally connected memory device to be present each time the computer is booted up. The administration function also permits an unlock state which permits the computer boot up process to complete without entering any password or externally supplied quantity.

Abstract: A method of protecting computer software on installation is provided by providing an installation media containing an installation program supplied to the user along with an hardware security electrical device (HSED). The HSED must be connected to the user's computer before the software from the installation media can be entered on the user's computer. The HSED contains a variety of secret installation data which is used to install a program to be protected. In general the secret installation data is checked to see if a specific HSED is present and if it contains information to enable the installation process for that particular piece of software to continue. The exact nature of the secret installation data will depend on the process used for protection. The HSED is also used in a method of metering the amount of computer service used such that payment can be made at the time of delivery of the HSED to the end user.

Abstract: Communication between a plurality of computers which are intercoupled or networked is provided in confidential form using password protection in combination with a special hardware token which is used to generate a one-time random session ciphering key.

Abstract: An adaptor having a base plate adapted to fit on an accelerator pedal of a vehicle has an operating plate with upper and lower portions thereon. The operating plate is elevationally and adjustably mounted on the base plate. A lateral integral projection extends outwardly from the lower portion of the operating plate. The adaptor is removably attached to the accelerator pedal which facilitates the positioning of the toe and heel of the same foot of the user on the operating plate for controlling the braking and acceleration of the vehicle without lifting or moving the foot from one pedal to the other. The use of the adaptor permits a conventional manual transmission vehicle to be converted for stock car racing. In an alternative embodiment, the accelerator pedal per se replaces the base and the adaptor is directly attached to the accelerator pedal.

Abstract: In order to provide office security for receiving facsimile transmissions, a particular key or password of a receiver of a transmission is sent to the sender. The sender of a facsimile message incorporates the graphic pattern of the key of the receiver in a predetermined location on the first page of the facsimile message which is intercepted at the receiving end by a security reader which looks for the key. If the key is present, the message is placed in storage where it may be retrieved by the receiver by simply keyboarding the password related to the key to retrieve the stored message. If the key is not present, the facsimile transmission is sent on to a standard facsimile machine of the receiver.

Abstract: A method is provided for protecting distributed software which relies on a unique factor such as an accessible serial number or the generation of a profile or fingerprint of the computer of the user which is entered individually and/or with a random factor to generate a unique first key which will differ for different computers. The first key is sent to a processing center which then generates a second key. The user applies the second key which compares the unique and/or random factors. If the comparison matches, the first and second keys are used in an algorithm in the software to generate a decrypting key permitting the customer to purchase the selected program(s).

Abstract: A closed circuit television communication system for the transmission and reception of original video signals over wires is provided in which separated horizontal sync pulses of the original video signal are pulse width modulated by an audio signal, enabling the video signal to carry additional information which can be recovered on reception. The horizontal sync pulses are separated from the original video signal which are pulse width modulated to form a pulse which varies linearly with an audio input signal. The horizontal sync pulses are replaced in the original video signal with the pulse width modulated pulses while preserving the original video signal levels surrounding the replaced video area. The reconstituted video signal is transmitted over wire, received and the pulse width modulated pulses from the reconstituted video signal are separated and demodulated to produce an audio output signal along with the original video signal.

Abstract: A method of protecting computer software is provided by storing a first key in a plug-in hardware device, storing an algorithm for processing a purality of keys including the first key in software to be protected, loading the software containing the algorithm in the computer and plugging in a hardware device in a communications port of the computer. A second key, external to the software, to be protected which bears a relationship to the first key by the algorithm is loaded into the computer where processing takes place of the first and second keys in the algorithm for deriving a control key, if present, for the continued processing of the software being protected. The step of loading the second key is performed using a computer keyboard, any input/output port, a hard disk file or any other method of entry in the computer. Additional keys external to the software which bear a relationship to the first and second keys configured in the algorithm may be provided.

Abstract: A flat support is provided on which an open multiple page bound volume of printed material is adapted to be supported. First and second arms are positioned on opposite sides of the open volume on first and second elevated platforms which are mounted on opposite sides of the support. The first and second arms are pivotally mounted on the first and second platform which in one orientation of pivoted movement, the arms face each other when in position for holding a volume thereunder on a support. First and second magnets are mounted on the first and second arms to hold by magnetic attraction individual pages of a volume having magnetic material positioned thereon in magnetic alignment with the first and second magnets whereby individual pages may be read released and turned by the user while the volume is held in open position which turned pages are also held in position while the next succeeding page is magnetically held in position for reading.

Abstract: A hardware device containing a first permanent key and a second key is plugged in a specified port of a computer to establish a communication path between the hardware device and computer. The first and second keys are presented with an access sequence from the computer in the software which is desired to be controlled generating outputs which are applied to an algorithm decoder which provides a control key which is used to protect the software from unauthorized use. The control key is the resultant of the algorithm decoder and the first and second keys. One of the keys is supplied with the hardware under the control of the developer whereas the second key may be supplied with the hardware device but is not restricted to the hardware device and may be entered through a separate port of the computer. The algorithm decoder can be included in any part of the software, the computer hardware or any combination thereof.

Abstract: Filter networks are incorporated within a software protection hardware device which is plugged into a communications port of a computer which device will select bits or combinations of bits emanating from the communications port resulting from commands of a controlling software in use with the computer which is desired to be protected. The filter networks select the bits of a disguised predetermined control code which when matched with a stored reference code results in an output from the filter used to activate functions within the protection device. A stream of bits including a disguised predetermined control code issuing from the computer through the security device are compared with a stored reference code in a programmable memory. When a match occurs an output emanates providing an acknowledgment code to the computer indicating that the hardware device has been plugged in and is a proper one.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for protecting computer software using an active coded hardware apparatus which is adapted to be connected by an interface connector to a communications port of a computer. The computer is directed by a coded software program in which a small section of the code of the computer software interrogates the communications port periodically to determine if the active coded hardware device is present and connected. The active coded hardware device has a permanently established preset code on an active presettable counter circuit which code is transmitted when interrogated. If the active coded hardware device is present when interrogated and the correct code returned through the communications port of the computer, the program is permitted to continue insuring that the software is properly protected at all times. The active coded hardware device with its particular code and circuitry are sealed in epoxy as a deterrent against tampering.

Abstract: A remote speedometer-tachometer for the measurement of the rpm's of an engine and the speed of the craft containing the engine is provided, having first and second adjustable voltages which are related to the pitch of the engine with the sound moving toward and away from an observer. A multiplier is provided for modulating the first voltage by the second voltage and applying the output therefrom to an oscillator for controlling the frequency of the oscillator. An output transducer means is coupled to the oscillator, making it possible for the observer by adjusting the first and second voltages to match the output of the transducer with that of the sound from the engine, the settings of said first and second voltages being calibrated to provide the speed of the craft in which the engine is mounted and/or rpm measurement for the engine.

Abstract: A communication system is provided which allows closed circuit television pictures to be transmitted from conventional TV cameras to conventional monitors via an ordinary pair of wires, for example, telephone wires, lamp cord, BX cable, etc., over limited distances without measurable degradation of picture quality. A balanced system is provided with dual inputs and outputs so that the system can accommodate simultaneous transmission of audio or other data. Adapters are provided on the receiving end and on the sending end which provide conversion, impedance matching, and the frequency compensation required in order to provide uniform frequency response for the quality transmission of television as well as audio and/or other data.