Abstract: Data transfer is effected by a remote packet-communicating device to facilitate the transfer of data from a data source to another device that is local to the remote device. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a host server provides access to a user's data source (e.g., at a registered user's PC) in response to a request from a remote packet-communicating device. The remote device directs the host server to facilitate the transfer of data from the data source to another device that is local to the remote device. In one implementation, a remote device and a media playback device are in communication on a local area network (LAN), and the remote device controls the communication of data from the data source to the media playback device, by interacting with a host server via a packet-communicating network and a gateway at the LAN.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for secure transaction management and electronic rights protection. Electronic appliances such as computers equipped in accordance with the present invention help to ensure that information is accessed and used only in authorized ways, and maintain the integrity, availability, and/or confidentiality of the information. Such electronic appliances provide a distributed virtual distribution environment (VDE) that may enforce a secure chain of handling and control, for example, to control and/or meter or otherwise monitor use of electronically stored or disseminated information. Such a virtual distribution environment may be used to protect rights of various participants in electronic commerce and other electronic or electronic-facilitated transactions. Distributed and other operating systems, environments and architectures, such as, for example, those using tamper-resistant hardware-based processors, may establish security at each node.

Abstract: A railway coupler having a coupler head and a support shelf extending from the lower portion and in some couplers, from the upper portion as well, of the coupler head is provided. A chamfer is provided on the front and side edges of the support shelf and also on the front and side edges of the auxiliary interlocking lug to decrease the possibility of the raising of one coupler during an adverse vertical angling coupling operation.

Abstract: An improved type "E" railway coupler with a top and bottom shelf is provided for reducing the possibility of derailments of railroad cars caused by accidental disengagement of interlocking couplers. The improved coupler has a top planar surface for fixedly carrying the top shelf and has a bottom planar surface for fixedly carrying the bottom shelf. The top shelf includes an upper abutment surface limiting the upward vertical movement of a mating coupler and has a set of downwardly-extending coplanar pads seated upon the top planar surface. The bottom shelf includes a lower abutment surface limiting the bottom vertical movement of a mating coupler and has a set of upwardly-extending coplanar pads positioned against the bottom planar surface.

Abstract: To prevent vertical disengagement of the knuckles of railway car couplers, for example type "E" couplers, a vertical upward extension is provided on the forward nose of the knuckle which terminates in a shelf extending over the buffing face of the nose. The pulling face of the extension tapers upwardly toward the buffing face to allow for vertical angling thereof.

Abstract: The head portion of a railway car coupler is provided with forwardly projecting horizontal upper and lower shelves. The leading edge of the top shelf is angled upwardly and rearwardly to provide clearance for coupler droop. Additionally, the leading angle of the coupler can be extended upwardly to establish an improved relation between the leading edges of the mating couplers, thereby minimizing the tendency to have one leading edge slipping under the other during a droop condition of the couplers.

Abstract: A collar having an upper and a lower shelf and adapted to be secured to the head of an A.A.R. Standard E-type railway coupler or other coupler not provided with safety shelves, the shelves, when the collar is so secured, lying respectively over and under the coupler head recess which receives the knuckle of a mated coupler to prevent coupler disengagement during a derailment or a coupler pull-out.