Abstract: Electronic currency consists of data in a form suitable to be stored in a user's data storage medium, comprising information on the data value, identification of each specific set of data or data point, and authentication information suitable to verify that said data has been generated by a specific Currency Issuing Authority (CIA). A method and a system for effecting currency transactions between two users over the Internet or other communication network are also described.

Abstract: Electronic currency consists of data in a form suitable to be stored in a user's data storage medium, comprising information on the data value, identification of each specific set of data or data point, and authentication information suitable to verify that said data has been generated by a specific Currency Issuing Authority (CIA). A method and a system for effecting currency transactions between two users over the Internet or other communication network are also described.

Abstract: Electronic currency consists of data in a form suitable to be stored in a user's data storage medium, comprising information on the data value, identification of each specific set of data or data point, and authentication information suitable to verify that said data has been generated by a specific Currency Issuing Authority (CIA). A method and a system for effecting currency transactions between two users over the Internet or other communication network are also described.

Abstract: A security device for the transportation and/or storage of assets includes a chamber for receiving these assets combined with at least one tank for a destructive product, the destructive product including chlorosulfonic acid, the tank suitable for the release of the destructive product under the direction of a control element, and the chamber adapted to expose the assets to gaseous decomposition products of the destructive product.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a means of securitization of life settlement contracts using a method of stripping the death benefit asset from the premium liabilities by producing a Stripped Collateralized Life Settlement Obligation. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a means of securitizing life insurance contracts using a method of stripping the death benefit asset from the premium liabilities by producing a Stripped Collateralized Life Insurance Obligation.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a unified commercial real estate data model through collection, distribution and use of information in connection with commercial real estate and for creating a web-based marketplace that facilitates the efficient and secure buying and selling of commercial properties. The invention provides a digital marketplace in which the members of the commercial real estate and related business community can continuously interact and facilitate transactions by efficiently exchanging accurate and standardized information. The present invention also facilitates mortgage lending and provides enough information to allow lenders to underwrite a property. The present invention also provides a mobile data gathering and dissemination vehicle as well as a system tracking and dispatch of mobile vehicles. The present invention further provides correlation of data stored in a remote location to vehicle position in real time.

Abstract: A smart card is provided having a removable integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is mounted on a semiconductor chip assembly which is locked within the smart card. The semiconductor chip assembly is configured so that once it is locked in place, it may only be removed with a special tool. The special tool allows the locking mechanisms holding the semiconductor chip assembly within the smart card to be disengaged. Attempts to remove the semiconductor chip assembly without the special tool may result in damage to one or both of the semiconductor chip assembly and the smart card. The semiconductor chip assembly may be mounted through the side of the smart card or through one of the faces. A security label applied to the smart card and the semiconductor chip assembly provides additional security with a visual indication of tampering with the semiconductor chip assembly.

Abstract: A smart card payment system using stored value in the form of serialized electronic coins and electronic bills, which provides efficient security monitoring without the need for full centralized accounting of each transaction. Central monitoring of the system-level security includes statistical sampling techniques coupled with efficient tracing of the transaction path of an electronic coin back to its source. Only small amounts of data storage and transmission are utilized, eliminating the need for large centralized databases of transaction records. Consumer privacy as well as flexibility in making card-to-card monetary transfers are thereby enhanced, while allowing verification of system-wide security as well as rapid detection and tracing of security breaches. Multiple editions of electronic coins permit transparent and periodic renewal of the system and re-establishment of a security baseline, and also provide for the regular reclamation of stored value lost or abandoned by consumers.

Abstract: An optical recording medium includes an integrated circuit (IC) module whose exposed surface is masked so as not to be visually recognized. The optical recording medium can be efficiently manufactured without degrading the essential function thereof. The optical recording medium includes a transparent substrate, an optical recording layer and a protective layer provided in this sequence. The IC module is buried in the optical recording medium so that one surface of the IC module is exposed on the protective layer. The optical recording medium also includes a hardened surface layer, transparent to a light beam for reproducing information recorded in the optical recording layer, or for reproducing information recorded in the optical recording layer and recording information in the optical recording layer, provided on a surface of the transparent substrate where the light beam is projected, and a masking layer provided in a region behind the IC module on the external surface of the hardened surface layer.

Abstract: A digital cash safe for storing a monetary value corresponding to an amount of digital cash. The digital cash safe includes a circuit board on which a plurality of storage devices are mounted each of the storage device storing a monetary value and a controller to select one of the storage devices and transfer a monetary value from or into the selected storage device. The circuit board and the controller are secured by a case having a door and a door lock for controlling access thereto.

Abstract: An automatic donation system for a sales establishment includes an entry arrangement for entering the price of a product into a cash register and for entering the amount of cash being paid and a calculator for determining the excess cash payment. A card reader keypad receives a card number for accessing data including charity accounts concerning the card, and a computer apportions at least a part of the excess cash payment among said accounts, and then prints out the amounts entered.