Abstract: A computer system configured to authenticate the identity of a user who is attempting to access a website or conduct a transaction is provided. The system is configured to receive a geographical location associated with the user and to receive the geographical location of a mobile phone associated with the user, and to determine whether the two geographical locations are within an acceptable distance. The system is configured to take into account the accuracy of the mobile phone location.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for verifying the identity of an internet user, or for detecting the misuse of an identity, during an on-line transaction. The method involves comparing the geographic location of the transaction to the geographic location of the user's cell phone or other mobile device, and taking a geographically close location relationship between the two as a positive indication of identity. A reasonable travel time between the two locations can be taken into account so as to reduce the incidence of false negatives, and to improve the reliability of positive identifications.

Abstract: A method for facilitating the detection of misuse of an identity during an electronic transaction comprises the step of receiving a notification to authenticate the use of an identity at a first location, wherein the identity is associated with a mobile phone; determining an approximate location of the mobile phone, and determining whether the first location and mobile phone locations match in geographical proximity. The approximate location of the mobile phone is determined based on cached position information. The invention provides a method for ensuring that the cached position information is up to date, by overwriting stale information with new position information derived by accessing a database that correlates Wi-Fi signals detected by the mobile phone with a geographic location.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for verifying the identity of an internet user, or for detecting the misuse of an identity, during an on-line transaction. The method involves comparing the geographic location of the transaction to the geographic location of the user's cell phone or other mobile device, and taking a geographically close location relationship between the two as a positive indication of identity. A reasonable travel time between the two locations can be taken into account so as to reduce the incidence of false negatives, and to improve the reliability of positive identifications.

Abstract: In one embodiment the invention is a hand guard, comprising: a generally hollow cylindrical body having a rail securing top surface; a top Picatinny rail securable to the rail securing top surface. The top rail is in slidable engagement with the rail securing top surface such that the top Picatinny rail is removable from the top surface. The generally hollow cylindrical body is populated with vent holes. In another embodiment an upper receiver is provided, the upper receiver includes a front face located at a front end of the upper receiver, the upper receiver having a Picatinny rail atop thereof, the Picatinny rail having a last rail located at a front end of the Picatinny rail, the last rail is aligned with the front face. In another embodiment the hand guard has a fixed Picatinny rail atop thereof. At least one plug is optionally provided for fitting into vent holes.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a buffer retaining pin is provided that comprises an elongate body. The elongate body comprises a cylindrical body portion. The elongate body has a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and an opposite open distal end. The cylindrical body has an inner chamber in communication with the open distal end. A tooth is located at the proximal end of the elongate body. The tooth is integral with and extends from the cylindrical body such that the cylindrical body portion extends between the tooth and the open distal end. The tooth defines a top side, a left side, a right side, a front face, and a rear face. The front face of the tooth extends in a plane such that the plane of the front face intersects the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a buffer retaining pin is provided that comprises an elongate body. The elongate body comprises a cylindrical body portion. The elongate body has a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and an opposite open distal end. The cylindrical body has an inner chamber in communication with the open distal end. A tooth is located at the proximal end of the elongate body. The tooth is integral with and extends from the cylindrical body such that the cylindrical body portion extends between the tooth and the open distal end. The tooth defines a top side, a left side, a right side, a front face, and a rear face. The front face of the tooth extends in a plane such that the plane of the front face intersects the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: In one embodiment the invention is a hand guard, comprising: a generally hollow cylindrical body having a rail securing top surface; a top Picatinny rail securable to the rail securing top surface. The top rail is in slidable engagement with the rail securing top surface such that the top Picatinny rail is removable from the top surface. The generally hollow cylindrical body is populated with vent holes. In another embodiment an upper receiver is provided, the upper receiver includes a front face located at a front end of the upper receiver, the upper receiver having a Picatinny rail atop thereof, the Picatinny rail having a last rail located at a front end of the Picatinny rail, the last rail is aligned with the front face. In another embodiment the hand guard has a fixed Picatinny rail atop thereof. At least one plug is optionally provided for fitting into vent holes.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for determining whether a transaction has taken place in geographic proximity to a wireless device. Upon receiving a notification to authenticate the use of an identity at a transaction location, where the identity is associated with a wireless terminal, the method determines an approximate location of the wireless terminal based on cached position information, GPS location, cellular geo-location, and/or Wi-Fi geolocation, and determines whether one or more of these is in geographic proximity to the location of the transaction.