Abstract: A method is provided for passing authentication data to a third party that processes a transaction. More specifically, in connection with a transaction conducted between a first party and a second party, wherein a plurality of transaction details related to the transaction are generated, including a transaction ID which identifies the transaction and authentication data which reflects a result of an attempt to authenticate the first party, the method includes: providing the second party a document over a communications network, said document requesting a transaction ID; receiving the transaction ID over the communications network from the second party; collecting the transaction details corresponding to the received transaction ID; identifying the authentication data within the collected transaction details; formatting the transaction details according to a prescribed format; and, forwarding the formatted transaction details to the third party.

Abstract: A method is provided for supporting processing of a transaction conducted between a first party and a second party. The first party accepts payment via a plurality of different payment options selectable by the second party, and the plurality of different payment options are associated with a plurality of different authentication protocols prescribed therefor.

Abstract: A method for provisioning a mobile device (100) with a personalized authorization code generating application (101) includes: collecting user information and a password; generating an application specific encryption key (128) from the collected user information and the password; embedding the generated application specific encryption key (128) in a software code (130) provisioned to generate authorization codes using the application specific encryption key (128) in accordance with a prescribed algorithm, the software code with the application specific encryption key embedded therein comprising the personalized authorization code generating application; and, delivering the personalized authorization code generating application (101) to the mobile device (100).

Abstract: A method is provided for completing an authenticated commercial transaction over an internet protocol (IP) network (40) for an account holder (60) engaged in the transaction via a non-IP based telecommunications platform (30).

Abstract: A method of centralized identity authentication for use in connection with a communications network includes registering users of the communications network such that each registered user's identity is uniquely defined and determinable, and registering a plurality of vendors having a presence on the communications network. The registered vendors selectively transact with registered users, wherein the transactions include: (i) the registered vendor selling goods and/or services to the registered user; (ii) the registered vendor granting the registered user access to personal records maintained by the registered vendor; and/or (iii) the registered vendor communicating to the registered user personal information maintained by the registered vendor. The method also includes each user's identity being authenticated over the communications network prior to completion of transactions between registered vendors and registered users.

Abstract: A method is provided for processing authentication of a consumer using one of a plurality of different types of payment instruments to conduct a commercial transaction over a communications network with a merchant. The payment instrument being used is either enrolled in or not enrolled in an authentication program conforming to one of a plurality of authentication protocols prescribed for the respective plurality of different types of payment instruments by payment networks supporting the same.

Abstract: A method is provided for processing authentication of a consumer using one of a plurality of different types of payment instruments to conduct a commercial transaction over a communications network with a merchant. The payment instrument being used is either enrolled in or not enrolled in an authentication program conforming to one of a plurality of authentication protocols prescribed for the respective plurality of different types of payment instruments by payment networks supporting the same.

Abstract: A method is provided for authenticating debit card transactions engaged in by a cardholder on a communications network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting a commercial transaction over the Internet or other network connection are provided. The method includes the use of random numbers which are unique for each user session. These random numbers are pre-loaded onto a handheld, portable device, token, at the time of the device's manufacture or programming. These numbers are generated by external systems. The external systems then deliver the number sets to the token for storage in the token's internal memory and also to another random number database that is accessible by an authentication system. The random numbers are dispensed by the token to a user by pressing a button on the token or otherwise signaling the token. A simple polynomial equation may be employed in order to increase the number of codes. A dispensed number is cross referenced, by the authentication system, to the random number database that was created when the token was programmed. In this way the user or transaction can be authenticated.

Abstract: A method of administering a commercial transaction carried out over a communications network (20) used for shopping includes receiving a shopper (50) at a first web-site maintained on the communications network (20). The shopper (50) has an affinity group (40) associated therewith. The method further includes forwarding the shopper (50) to a second web-site maintained on the communications network (20), and obtaining a generated click-through fee related thereto. A portion of the obtained click-through fee is distributed to the affinity group (40) associated with the shopper (50), and it is communicated to the shopper (50) how much was distributed.

Abstract: A method for carrying out commercial transactions includes establishing a transaction processing system on an electronic communications network, and establishing an account within the transaction processing system for a corresponding account holder. One or more descriptions of acceptable future commercial transactions related to the account are obtained from the account holder. Commercial transactions carried out via the transaction processing system are administered, and it is verified that administered commercial transactions related to the account meet one or more of the descriptions obtained.

Abstract: A method of processing drug prescriptions via a communications network includes registering doctors, pharmacies and patients as participants such that each registered participant's identity is uniquely defined and determinable. Registered doctors from which prescriptions are received via the communications network have their identities authenticated. Each of the received prescriptions indicates a respective registered patient's identity for whom the prescription is intended. Registered patients from which orders are received via the communications network also have their identities authenticated. Each of the received orders indicates the prescription being ordered. The method also includes forwarding the orders to registered pharmacies via the communications network.

Abstract: A method of centralized identity authentication for use in connection with a communications network includes registering users of the communications network such that each registered user's identity is uniquely defined and determinable, and registering a plurality of vendors having a presence on the communications network. The registered vendors selectively transact with registered users, wherein the transactions include: (i) the registered vendor selling goods and/or services to the registered user; (ii) the registered vendor granting the registered user access to personal records maintained by the registered vendor; and/or (iii) the registered vendor communicating to the registered user personal information maintained by the registered vendor. The method also includes each user's identity being authenticated over the communications network prior to completion of transactions between registered vendors and registered users.

Abstract: A means for preventing weld splatter produced during the welding together of two housing parts from entering a fluid passageway contained within the housing. The preventing means comprises an annular chamber located between the fluid passageway and the surfaces to be welded together and a screen contained within the chamber to cover a vent passage connecting the chamber to the fluid passageway. The screen prevents weld splatter from passing through the vent passage into the fluid passageway where it may later contaminate the fluid flowing therethrough.