Abstract: A power receptacle includes two or more socket terminals and a locking mechanism. The socket terminals are configured for receiving respective pins of a mating electrical plug. The locking mechanism is operative to transition between an unlocked state, in which the socket terminals grip the respective pins with a first mechanical pressure, and a locked state in which the socket terminals grip the respective pins with a second mechanical pressure that is higher than the first mechanical pressure.

Abstract: A method of controlling access to a service over a network, including the steps of automatically identifying a service user and acquiring user information, thereby to control the access. Additionally, a method of providing service over a network, in which the service requires identification of a user, including the steps of automatically identifying the user; and associating the user with user information, thus enabling the service.

Abstract: A method and system for allowing a secure transaction system (STS) that includes an access system in communication with a network access provider (NAP) identification module to convey to a third party trusted persistent identification details relating to a customer computer station. A user identification request including a set of generally available persistent and transient IDs is received from the third party. The NAP ID module is requested to extract persistent IDs and information associated with the customer computer station and to verify the transient IDs of the customer computer station. The information is received from the NAP ID module and forwarded at least in part back to the third party.

Abstract: A system and a method for automatically acquiring the identity of a user requesting service from a service provider is provided. The method includes the service provider sending an identification request to a network access provider (NAP), the NAP including a NAP identification module and an access system in communication with the NAP identification module and the NAP ID module extracting information associated with the user, verifying the network address of the user and forwarding the information associated with the user to the service provider. The NAP identification module includes a controller and an address extractor in communication with the controller.

Abstract: A method of controlling access to a service over a network, including the steps of automatically identifying a service user and acquiring user information, thereby to control the access. Additionally, a method of providing service over a network, in which the service requires identification of a user, including the steps of automatically identifying the user; and associating the user with user information, thus enabling the service.