Abstract: Compositions and methods for etching cobalt chromium alloys are disclosed. The compositions generally include at least two mineral acids, certain component metals of the alloy to be etched, and optionally iron (Fe). For example, when etching a cobalt chromium molybdenum alloy, the component metals may include chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), and optionally, cobalt (Co). The at least two mineral acids may include hydrochloric acid (HCl), nitric acid (HNO3), and hydrofluoric acid (HF). The methods provide for etching an entire surface of a substrate or etching a surface of a substrate in a pattern using selective coating patterns and/or coating removal. Thus, unlimited patterns, as well as etch depths and variations in etch depths are achievable using the compositions and methods disclosed. Moreover, the compositions and methods provide cobalt chrome surfaces having very low surface roughness (Ra) that are useful in the aerospace industry.

Abstract: A method and system for secure authentication of a user in a session conducted over an interactive communication channel, such as a two-way telephony communication channel, with an authenticating entity, such as a financial institution, utilizes a session identifier, such as pseudorandom noise to detect and identify attempts to play back authentication information, such as user-spoken phrases, intercepted and recorded by an unauthorized party during a previous session between the user and the authenticating party.

Abstract: A method and system for strong, convenient authentication of a web user makes use, for example, of a computing device, such as a user's personal computer (PC), coupled over a network, such as the Internet, to one or more servers, such as the host server of an authenticating authority, as well as one or more databases of the authenticating authority. The authentication process is broken into three phases, namely a registration phase, an enrollment phase, and a transaction authentication phase, with each phase being less intrusive and less secure than the preceding phase. In the registration phase, an authenticating authority registers the user based upon identification of the user using a strong authentication technique and provides an authenticating token to the user, which can be used in the enrollment phase to enroll one or more user devices for the user.

Abstract: The present invention allows an e-mail server to process requests for Web pages and forward copies of the requested Web pages as attachments to e-mail messages. In addition to providing copies of a first set of Web pages themselves, the present invention also copies additional Web pages referenced by the links contained in the first set of Web pages into the e-mail messages so that the user may read the copies of the additional Web pages using the features and capabilities of a Web browser. The requests are generated by using a search engine or by requesting a specific Web page from a previously copied and linked Web page. The user may thus request Web pages and then go off-line and wait for the results to be returned to him/her as attachment(s) to e-mail message(s).

Abstract: Methods and systems whereby two electronic wallets communicate and exchange information. In one such system, a consumer's personal electronic wallet communicates with the exclusive or preferred wallet of a web merchant. In one such system, an internet consumer registers with a web merchant's exclusive or preferred electronic wallet (“merchant wallet”) and provides consumer information (e.g., credit card number, mailing address, and other information) to the merchant wallet, which is stored by the merchant wallet in a database on the merchant server. Such information may be automatically populated by the consumer's personal electronic wallet. The consumer maintains current consumer information in a consumer electronic wallet on the consumer's personal computer. When the consumer visits the merchant site again, and orders goods or services, the merchant's preferred wallet can be automatically updated by the consumer's electronic wallet if any of the data in the merchant's wallet has changed.

Abstract: A method and system for secure authentication of a user in a session conducted over an interactive communication channel, such as a two-way telephony communication channel, with an authenticating entity, such as a financial institution, utilizes a session identifier, such as pseudorandom noise to detect and identify attempts to play back authentication information, such as user-spoken phrases, intercepted and recorded by an unauthorized party during a previous session between the user and the authenticating party.

Abstract: A method and system of transaction card fraud mitigation utilizes location based services provided by a card holder's wireless carrier for verification of whether or not a transaction with the card holder's transaction card is fraudulent. For example, when factors indicative of a likelihood of a fraudulent transaction with the card holder's transaction card are present, the card processing system requests the card holder's wireless carrier to return the location information of the card holder's mobile phone, which is typically on the person of the subscriber. When the location of the subscriber's mobile phone is returned and determined to be at or near the location from which the transaction is being attempted with the transaction card, the card processing system has a reasonable degree of confidence that the particular transaction is or is not fraudulent and allows the transaction to proceed. Otherwise, the transaction is denied.

Abstract: A method and system for strong, convenient authentication of a web user makes use, for example, of a computing device, such as a user's personal computer (PC), coupled over a network, such as the Internet, to one or more servers, such as the host server of an authenticating authority, as well as one or more databases of the authenticating authority. The authentication process is broken into three phases, namely a registration phase, an enrollment phase, and a transaction authentication phase, with each phase being less intrusive and less secure than the preceding phase. In the registration phase, an authenticating authority registers the user based upon identification of the user using a strong authentication technique and provides an authenticating token to the user, which can be used in the enrollment phase to enroll one or more user devices for the user.

Abstract: A method and system for integrated payment services by a financial institution providing on-line payments, risk management, account information protection, escrow services, and payee holding accounts. The system involves payments via web site, email, Internet phone, and personal appliances, such as personal digital assistants (PDAs). The method and system empowers non-merchants with the capability of receiving integrated payment services over a communications network. Payments may be made directly from a payer's checking or credit card account, and the payer and payee may individually select the preferred manner of payment in terms of timeliness, guarantees, and fees.

Abstract: A method and system for presentment of bills on a computer network includes a biller account hosted on a server of a bill service provider for receiving a bill file from a biller that includes bill data. The biller account automatically formats a bill for a consumer from the bill data. The bill file from which the bill is automatically formatted includes a bill template and bill content and may also include a temporary resource. A document server coupled to the bill service provider's server receives and automatically stores the formatted bill in a storage location. The formatted bill consists of an electronic mail message, and the storage location is an electronic mailbox. The stored bill is accessed and displayed by the consumer on a consumer terminal coupled to the document server. The consumer may pay the bill through a bill payment processor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of computerized intelligent agents to facilitate the integration of networked performance of financial transactions with computerized methods of financial accounting. Incorporated into this combined financial transaction/financial accounting system are intelligent agents that automatically analyze the system information to provide users with financial advice. This invention permits the automated performance on-line of a wide variety of financial transactions and integrates these transactions with computerized financial accounting. All of this information is collated and analyzed automatically by intelligent agents, which generate user-specific financial reports, profiles, and advice, and under appropriate conditions take action.