Abstract: A method is provided for conducting a financial transaction by a purchaser with a merchant having an acquirer bank, over a communications network. The method includes the steps of sending a first authorization request using a pseudo account number associated with a real account number to a service provider which forwards a second authorization request to the issuer using the real account number and preferably a pseudo acquirer code associated with the service provider such that the response to the second request is based on the real account number and sent back to the service provider who preferably forwards a response to the first request preferably to the “real” acquirer. A message authentication code is further provided which includes transaction data, and where the authorization request is formatted as a standard payment card track having one or more fields including a discretionary field in which the message authentication code is placed.

Abstract: There is provided a financial transaction payment method and system for processing a transaction conducted using a financial transaction card. The financial transaction card has associated therewith a financial account in a financial institution and one or more transaction criteria. The financial transaction payment system includes a processing unit and an application program for execution on the processing unit. The method includes the step of determining by the application program whether a transaction accesses an installment loan on the financial account based on the one or more transaction criteria.

Abstract: Aerogel-based thermal management systems and methods for vehicles incorporate aerogel materials to provide insulation and heat shielding. Various components of a vehicle must be protected from high temperatures, and conventional insulation undesirably adds weight and mass to the vehicle. Aerogel materials can be used for heat insulation and heat shielding while consuming minimal space and weight in the vehicle. The aerogel materials can be provided in monolithic or fiber-reinforced composite form, and can be enclosed in an encapsulating material such as a polymer, elastomer, or metal. The aerogel material is then attached on or near an automobile component.

Abstract: There is provided a financial transaction payment method and system for processing a transaction conducted using a financial transaction card. The financial transaction card has associated therewith a financial account in a financial institution and one or more transaction criteria. The financial transaction payment system includes a processing unit and an application program for execution on the processing unit. The method includes the step of determining by the application program whether a transaction activates an installment loan on the financial account based on the one or more transaction criteria.

Abstract: In a secure electronic payment system, authentication data is sent from a payment account issuer to user software operated by a purchaser. The user software sends the authentication data to a merchant using hidden fields on the Web page of the merchant. The merchant generates an authorization request message based upon the authentication data. The authorization request message is sent to a payment organization either directly from the merchant or via the merchant's acquirer. The payment organization forwards the authorization request message to a payment account issuer which verifies the authorization request message, thereby generating an authorization response message which is sent to the payment organization. The payment organization forwards the authorization response message to the merchant, either directly or via the acquirer.

Abstract: In a secure electronic payment system, authentication data is sent from a payment account issuer to user software operated by a purchaser. The user software sends the authentication data to a merchant using hidden fields on the Web page of the merchant. The merchant generates an authorization request message based upon the authentication data. The authorization request message is sent to a payment organization either directly from the merchant or via the merchant's acquirer. The payment organization forwards the authorization request message to a payment account issuer which verifies the authorization request message, thereby generating an authorization response message which is sent to the payment organization. The payment organization forwards the authorization response message to the merchant, either directly or via the acquirer.

Abstract: A low temperature stable diesel fuel composition includes diesel oil, ethanol, and a solubliser of C14-C18 fatty acids from biodegradable sources e.g. tall oil or depitched tall oil. This fuel remains stable at temperatures as low as −20° C.