Abstract: A system for conducting a transaction with privacy on a wide area network, the system including a personal access device (PAD) associated with a subscriber to the system, the PAD storing a profile of the subscriber and generating commands, a privacy service provider (PSP) connected to the wide area network, the PAD being accessible by the PSP under first conditions set by the profile and the PSP being responsive to the commands from the PAD, a registered vendor (RV) connected to the wide area network, and a privacy shield network (PSN) connected to the wide area network, the RV being registered with the PSN and the PSN being structured to carry communications between the PSP and the RV related to the transaction under second conditions set by the profile. Advantageously, the PAD stores private data associated with the subscriber, and the PSP releases any of the private data to the RV only under the first and second conditions.

Abstract: A system for conducting a transaction with privacy on a wide area network, the system including a personal access device (PAD) associated with a subscriber to the system, the PAD storing a profile of the subscriber and generating commands, a privacy service provider (PSP) connected to the wide area network, the PAD being accessible by the PSP under first conditions set by the profile and the PSP being responsive to the commands from the PAD, a registered vendor (RV) connected to the wide area network, and a privacy shield network (PSN) connected to the wide area network, the RV being registered with the PSN and the PSN being structured to carry communications between the PSP and the RV related to the transaction under second conditions set by the profile. Advantageously, the PAD stores private data associated with the subscriber, and the PSP releases any of the private data to the RV only under the first and second conditions.

Abstract: A manually or voice-activated recorder interfaces with an Internet browser. A handheld recording device functions to record a vocal input signal including an analog representation of a website address. The analog input is then converted into a digital signal and stored on the recording device to be routed to an Internet-enabled display device. The Internet-enabled display device receives the digital signal and accesses the recorded website address and associated website.

Abstract: A system for conducting a transaction with privacy on a wide area network, the system including a personal access device (PAD) associated with a subscriber to the system, the PAD storing a profile of the subscriber and generating commands, a privacy service provider (PSP) connected to the wide area network, the PAD being accessible by the PSP under first conditions set by the profile and the PSP being responsive to the commands from the PAD, a registered vendor (RV) connected to the wide area network, and a privacy shield network (PSN) connected to the wide area network, the RV being registered with the PSN and the PSN being structured to carry communications between the PSP and the RV related to the transaction under second conditions set by the profile. Advantageously, the PAD stores private data associated with the subscriber, and the PSP releases any of the private data to the RV only under the first and second conditions.

Abstract: A protective shield is disclosed for housing an electronic toll collection identifier on the outside surface of a motor vehicle. It includes a flat, rectangular base portion with openings at the four corners. Screws are used to install the electronic toll collection identifier and the base portion to the motor vehicle, generally in the vicinity of the license plate. Rubber-coated arms extend outward from the base and substantially surround the electronic toll collection identifier, and thereby protect it from frontal impact.

Abstract: A protective shield is disclosed for housing an electronic toll collection identifier on the outside surface of a motor vehicle. It includes a flat, rectangular base portion with openings at the four corners. Screws are used to install the electronic toll collection identifier and the base portion to the motor vehicle, generally in the vicinity of the license plate. Rubber-coated arms extend outward from the base and substantially surround the electronic toll collection identifier, and thereby protect it from frontal impact.

Abstract: A holder is provided for the reception and selective shielding of an electronic vehicle identifying device conventionally used in conjunction with automatic toll collection. The holder includes a shielding portion which is manually actuated by the vehicle operator when it is desired to permit communication between the signal of the vehicle identifying transponder and an externally located interrogator which ascertains the presence of the vehicle.