baber/WOPTO huggingface dataset:
Patent JP-2000509007-A (JP)
Title: シアン化水素を合成ガスから除去する方法
IPC: B01D53/86
Filed: 1997-04-23
Abstract: (57)【要約】
水蒸気の存在下で、VI族、IVB族およびアルミニウムの酸化物からなる金属酸化物触媒と接触させ、次に、得られた合成ガスを水洗することによって、シアン化水素をHCN含有合成ガスCO+H 2 から取り除くものである。
Patent JP-2002502299-A (JP)
IPC: A61F2/30
Filed: 1999-01-27
Abstract: A spacer for insertion between two vertebrae has a variable axial length. The spacer comprises a first sleeve-shaped shape member 1 and a second member 2 which is slidably guided within the first member in axial direction relative thereto for adjusting the overall length. The second member 2 comprises, on its outer portion facing the first member 1, an axially extending portion having ratchet notch means 18, and the first member 1 has an engagement member 23 cooperating with the ratchet notch means 18 for displacement to a desired overall length.
Patent JP-2000509648-A (JP)
Title: ジヒドロキシエステル製造用可溶性マグネシウム触媒
IPC: B01J31/04
Filed: 1997-04-25
Abstract: (57)【要約】
特定のヒドロキシアルデヒドからジヒドロキシエステルを製造する触媒及び製造方法が開示される。一つの態様では、液状触媒は特定の一又は複数のアルカン酸のマグネシウム塩10〜60％及び特定の一又は複数のアルカン酸90〜40％からなり、アルカン酸のマグネシウム塩に対するモル比は1.5〜20.3である。触媒溶液又は液は適当な反応条件下に特定のヒドロキシアルデヒドと接触させて所望のジヒドロキシエステルを生成する。別の態様では、ジヒドロキシエステルは、先ず適当な条件下にマグネシウム又は酸化マグネシウムを、特定のモル比より過剰で供給される適当な一又は複数のアルカン酸と、反応させることによって、マグネシウム触媒含有液を形成せしめることによって、特定のヒドロキシアルデヒドから誘導される。得られたマグネシウム酸−アルカン酸液は次に液状触媒として使用され、適当な反応条件下に、対応するヒドロキシアルデヒドを転化せしめて所望のジヒドロキシエステルを生成する。
Patent JP-2001523334-A (JP)
Title: 細胞分類のためのスペクトル生体結像方法
IPC: C12N5/071
Filed: 1998-03-16
Abstract: (57)【要約】
本発明によれば、細胞の自動そして／あるいは半自動スペクトル解像形態計測分類に用いることが可能な、以下のステップからなるスペクトル生体結像方法が提供される。（ａ）試料をスペクトル的に映像化するための準備をするステップ。この試料は少なくとも一つの細胞の少なくとも一部分を含む。（ｂ）光学装置を介して試料を視検するステップ。この光学装置は結像分光計に光学的に接続されるが、光学装置及び結像分光計は試料の各ピクセルのスペクトルを得るためのものである。（ｃ）ピクセルのスペクトルに応じてピクセルの各々を分類グループへ分類するステップ。そして、（ｄ）分類グループを分析することによって、少なくとも一つの細胞を細胞クラスへ分類するステップ。
Patent JP-2002506424-A (JP)
Title: ガストリン受容体−親和性ペプチド結合体
IPC: A61K38/00
Filed: 1998-04-22
Abstract: (57)【要約】
治療用または診断用放射性薬剤として使用するための化合物は、ガストリン放出ペプチド受容体に結合することができる残基に結合した医学的に有用な金属を錯化することができる基を含む。新生物疾患を有する被験体を治療するための方法は、腫瘍細胞上に発現され次に細胞内にインタナリゼーションされるガストリン放出ペプチド受容体に結合することができる残基に結合したキレート化基とキレート化した金属を有する、有効量の放射性薬剤を被験体に投与する工程を含む。治療用および診断用化合物の形成法は、金属シントンを、ガストリン放出ペプチド受容体に結合することができる残基に共有結合したキレート化基と反応させることを含む。
Patent JP-2001524857-A (JP)
Title: 箱枠システム
IPC: A47B87/02
Filed: 1998-05-12
Abstract: (57)【要約】
箱構造を形成する側壁と協同する周辺フランジ部を有する長方形の支持フレームからなるモジュール式の家具システムを提供する。該システムは、積み重ねられた複数の箱構造と、分離されている箱構造の側壁部材を支持するために必要な各層間の支持フレーム部材からなる。箱構造は前もって形成されていてもよい。それによって、多数の箱を支持フレームを用いてその頂部及び底部において積み重ねることができる。また、フレームはアセンブリの構造を所望の幅又は高さにするための近接連結手段、及び完成したアセンブリ構造を支持するための足部又は脚部用ソケットを有する。
Patent NZ-205115-A (NZ)
Title: Process for inverting the configuration of optically active compounds: products thereof
Inventor: LEUCHS H J
IPC: C07D263/14
Filed: 1983-08-02
Abstract: For the contracting states BE, CH, DE, FR, GB, IT, LI, NL, SE 1. A process for inverting the configuration at the optically active carbon atom (*) in compounds of the formula I   see diagramm : EP0102520,P6,F1   in which A represents a cyclopentylphenyl radical and R represents the t-butyl radical, which comprises converting these compounds by formylation into optically active compounds of the formula II   see diagramm : EP0102520,P6,F2   in which A and R have the meanings defined above, while maintaining the configuration at the carbon atom (*), converting these compounds, by treatment with a strong acid or an acid halide, into optically active cyclic compounds of the formula III   see diagramm : EP0102520,P6,F3   in which A and R have the meanings defined above and in which X**(anion) represents the anion of a strong acid or of a halogen atom, and converting these oxazolinium derivatives (III), by acid or alkaline hydrolysis, if appropriate via the stage of the N-formyl compound, into optically active compounds of the formula IV   see diagramm : EP0102520,P7,F4   in which A and R have the meanings defined above, possessing the same structure as the starting material I, but having an opposite configuration at the carbon atom (*). For the contracting state AT 1. A process for inverting the configuration at the optically active carbon atom (*) in compounds of the formula I   see diagramm : EP0102520,P7,F1   in which A represents a cyclopentylphenyl radical and R represents the t-butyl radical, which comprises converting these compounds by formylation into optically active compounds of the formula II   see diagramm : EP0102520,P7,F2   in which A and R have the meanings defined above, while maintaining the configuration at the carbon atom (*), converting these compounds, by treatment with a strong acid or an acid halide, into optically active cyclic compounds of the formula III   see diagramm : EP0102520,P7,F3   in which A and R have the meanings defined above and in which X**(anion) represents the anion of a strong acid or of a halogen atom, and converting these oxazolinium derivatives (III), by acid or alkaline hydrolysis, if appropriate via the stage of the N-formyl compound, into optically active compounds of the formula IV   see diagramm : EP0102520,P7,F4   in which A and R have the meanings defined above, possessing the same structure as the starting materail I, but having an opposite configuration at the carbon atom (*).
Patent NZ-226787-A (NZ)
Title: Thermoplastic polymer compositions comprising a grafted diene rubber and a polymer containing polar groups
Inventor: VROOMANS HUBERTUS JOHANNES
IPC: C08L57/00
Filed: 1988-10-31
Abstract: The invention concerns a thermoplastic polymer mixture based on a polyamide and a graft copolymer of a copolymer of a vinyl aromatic compound and acrylonitrile in a rubber, on the rubber being moreover present monomers of a vinylaromatic compound and of a carboxy- and/or imide-containing compound in a relative molar ratio of 5 : 1 to 1 : 5. It was found that the mixture of both components showed superior mechanical properties, and is easy to process.
Patent NZ-238704-A (NZ)
Title: Herbicidal composition of a salt of paraquat or diquat in admixture with a gelling agent that gels at the ph of human gastric juice
Inventor: HEYLINGS JONATHAN ROY
IPC: A01N59/06
Filed: 1991-06-26
Abstract: A herbicidal composition, comprising preferably an aqueous solution of a salt of paraquat or diquat, or a mixture thereof, in admixture with a gelling agent that will gel at the pH of human gastric juice, (e.g. magnesium silicate), and further comprising (1) an emetic, (e.g. a triazolopyrimidine emetic) or (2) a purgative (e.g. magnesium sulphate), or (3) both an emetic and a purgative. In the event of ingestion of the composition, these additives act synergistically to reduce absorption of bipyridylium compound from the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream, and thereby reduce the oral toxicity of the composition.
Patent NZ-242335-A (NZ)
Title: Anhydrous transdermal lyotropic liquid crystalline compositions
Inventor: SZABO ANNA Z
IPC: A61K31/13
Filed: 1992-04-13
Abstract: The invention concerns an anhydrous transdermal preparation comprising in a 20-100% lyotropic liquid crystalline arrangement: 5-15 w.% of optically active or racemic N-methyl-N-(phenyl-2-propyl)-2-propynylamine or N-methyl-N-(1-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-2-propyl)-2-propynylamine or their therapeutically acceptable salts,     40-70 w.% of liquid polyoxyethyleneglycol,     10-20 w.% of solid polyoxyethyleneglycol,     2-30 w.% of a nonionic surface active agent,     2-20 w.% of propyleneglycol, if desired 0.5-2 w.% of a polymer the a value of which is > 0.6, and if desired other auxiliary agents.
Patent NZ-246584-A (NZ)
Title: Electrical impedance imaging of a body comprising administering a suitable salt, particles or soluble compound
Inventor: KLAVENESS JO
IPC: A61B5/05
Filed: 1993-01-04
Abstract: PCT No. PCT/EP93/00006 Sec. 371 Date May 4, 1995 Sec. 102(e) Date May 4, 1995 PCT Filed Jan. 4, 1993 PCT Pub. No. WO93/12717 PCT Pub. Date Jul. 8, 1993Agents for use in improving tissue/tissue contrast in electrical impedance tomography are described. In particular triiodophenyl compounds, metal chelates, magnetic particles, conducting particles and microbubbles may be used.
Patent NZ-291775-A (NZ)
Title: Separating solids from liquids using gas entrainment/flotation reactor
Inventor: OVERATH HORST
IPC: B01D36/00
Filed: 1995-09-01
Abstract: PCT No. PCT/DE95/01192 Sec. 371 Date Mar. 7, 1997 Sec. 102(e) Date Mar. 7, 1997 PCT Filed Sep. 1, 1995 PCT Pub. No. WO96/07483 PCT Pub. Date Mar. 14, 1996A flotation/entrainment reactor is poured with a plurality of concentric tubes forming respective chambers, the tubewear for receiving and filtering a liquid from solids contained therein, and with an inlet cylindrical base receiving the liquid and guiding it and, a rising flow along a cone wall of a frustoconical cap mounted on the base to the region of formation of a foam column in one of the concentric tubes encompassing an imaginary apex of the cone wall of the cap.
Patent NZ-315384-A (NZ)
Title: Organophosphorous mono and di nucleoside derivatives with p-chirality and their method of synthesis
Inventor: STEC WOJCIECH J
IPC: C07H19/20
Filed: 1996-08-29
Abstract: Methods for the stereospecific synthesis of chirally pure organophosphorus dinucleotide derivatives and nucleoside monomer synthons used in their synthesis are provided. These methods allow for conversion of nucleoside intermediates of unchosen sense of P-chirality to nucleoside monomer synthons of chosen sense of P-chirality. Also provided are novel nucleoside intermediates useful in such methods.
Patent NZ-332311-A (NZ)
Title: Use of autoantigen HC gp-39 and proteins structurally related thereto in immunotherapy of autoimmune diseases particularly rheumatoid arthritis
Inventor: BOOTS ANNA MARIA HELENA
IPC: A61K38/00
Filed: 1997-04-15
Abstract: Disclosed is the use of autoantigen HC gp-39, and substantially pure proteins comprising amino acid sequences which exhibit at least 70 % homology with the amino acid YKLVCYYTSW SQYREGDGSCFPDALDRFLCTHIIYSFANISND (SEQ ID NO:1) in antigen-specific treatment of autoimmune disease induced articular cartilage destruction by inducing systemic tolerance of the immune system.  The described autoantigen with the amino acid sequence YKLVCYY TSWSQYREGDGSCFPDALDR-FLCTHIIYSFANISND (SEQ ID NO:1) is also suitable to induce arthritis in animals, preferably mice. The invention furthermore relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said autoantigen and/or said arthritogenic proteins and a diagnostic drug screening method for the detection of autoreactive T cells indicative of rheumatoid arthritis.
Patent NZ-332922-A (NZ)
Title: Hybrid polypeptides comprising neurturin and related growth factors
Inventor: JOHNSON EUGENE M
IPC: A61P25/16
Filed: 1996-08-27
Abstract: A novel growth factor, neurturin, is disclosed and the human and mouse amino acid sequences are identified. Human and mouse neurturin genomic DNA sequences have been cloned and sequenced and the respective cDNA sequences identified. The subcloning into vectors and the preparation of cells stably transformed with the vectors are also disclosed. In addition, methods for treating degenerative conditions, tumor cells and obesity; methods for detecting gene alterations and methods for detecting and monitoring patient levels of neurturin are provided. Methods for identifying additional members of the neurturin-GDNF family of growth factors are also provided.
Patent NZ-334327-A (NZ)
Title: Assessment of intracellular cysteine and glutathione concentrations using solutions of glucose, pantothenic acid, inorganic ions, L-Buthionine-[S.R.]-Sulfoximine, a mitogen and a buffered serum free solution
Inventor: CRAWFORD J FRED
IPC: C12N5/07
Filed: 1997-09-03
Abstract: A medium and method for culturing lymphocytes are provided for determining intracellular concentration of glutathione or cysteine in human lymphocytes to provide biochemical analysis of an individual's capability of dealing with oxidative stress. The medium is a buffered serum-free solution having a pH of from about 6.8 to 7.6 and containing a carbohydrate which is glucose or a compound capable of producing glucose in lymphocytes, pantothenic acid, choline or a substance capable of producing choline in lymphocytes, inorganic ions including chloride, phosphate, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and iron, L-Buthionine-[S.R.]-Sulfoximine, deionized water and a mitogen to stimulate lymphocytes. When determining cysteine concentration, the medium additionally contains N-Acetyl-L Cysteine and Cumene Hydroperoxide. The method is carried out by inoculating the culture medium with lymphocytes from an individual, incubating the lymphocytes in the medium and comparing the response of the lymphocytes with an average response of lymphocytes from a control group of individuals.
Patent NZ-337940-A (NZ)
Title: Oxazolidine-based hardeners for curing resorcinol resins in the bonding of wood articles
Inventor: WU GAOMING
IPC: C09J161/34
Filed: 1998-03-25
Abstract: A composition for hardening resorcinol resins comprising:  (a) an oxazolidine compound having the formulae above wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are independently hydrogen, hydroxyl, branched or straight chain alkyl, branched or straight chain hydroxy alkyl; (b) a base in an amount sufficient to retard the reaction of resorcinol resin with the oxazolidine compound of (a); (c) an effective amount of a sorbent; and (d) an effective amount of water.
Patent NZ-502681-A (NZ)
Title: Method and apparatus for producing gas hydrates
Inventor: HEINEMANN ROBERT FREDERICK
IPC: F17C11/00
Filed: 1998-09-25
Abstract: The method for producing gas hydrates comprises: Introducing a hydrate-forming gas and water into a reactor vessel (12) having a fluidised or expanded bed reaction zone. The reactor vessel has an upper portion (14) and lower portion (16) wherein the cross-sectional area of the upper portion is larger than the cross-sectional area of the lower portion. The gas is introduced, under elevated pressure, into the lower portion of the reactor vessel. Preferably, the water and gas flow in a countercurrent manner through the reactor and into the fluidised or expanded bed reaction zone. Gas hydrate particles are withdrawn from the reactor using a suitable product withdrawal device (40) and unreacted hydrate-forming gas is withdrawn from the upper portion of the reactor vessel and is recycled back to the fluidised or expanded reaction bed. The apparatus for practicing the process also includes a defrosting device (50) so that at least a portion of at least one wall of the reactor vessel can be defrosted.
Patent NZ-507867-A (NZ)
Title: Apparatus and method for distribution of high quality image and audio programs to remote locations
Inventor: MORLEY STEVEN A
IPC: H04N5/765
Filed: 1999-04-30
Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for the distribution of very high quality audio or visual programming material from one or more central hubs (102) to one or more presentation locations (56, 104) such as theatres using high data rate links such as satellites (106). At the central hub (102), a source generation system (108) generates an electronic program signal from an analogue signal, a compression/encryption system (110) codes and digitally encrypts the electronic signal, and a modulation/transmission system (114) processes the signal for transmission via the satellite (106). A network management system (112) at the central hub (102) controls the operation of the hub. At the theatre (56) or other location, a receiver/demodulator (120) receives the programming signal transmitted using the satellite (106). A theatre management system (122) then controls the storage, routing, decoding, and display of the received programming material. Storage arrays (124A-124N) in the theatre system (104A-104N) provide for centralized storage of the programming material. The programming material is routed through a local area network to designated auditoriums, several of which may operate within a theatre system (104A-104N). At each auditorium, the programming material is decompressed and decrypted for display using electronic projection equipment (132A) and standard auditorium sound systems (134A).
Patent NZ-509545-A (NZ)
Title: Release microcapsules formed of an aminoplast shell wall containing a base cleavable ester moiety
Inventor: VAN KOPPENHAGEN JUANITA E
IPC: A01N25/28
Filed: 1999-07-28
Abstract: A microcapsule formed of an aminoplast shell wall and an encapsulated ingredient or ingredients enclosed within wall, the wall containing an ester moiety having the formula: core [A1-X)tCH2N<] [(A2-X)uCH2N<] ..... [(An-X)yCH2N<] where "core" is derived from a multifunctional C1-C20 aliphatic or cycloaliphatic alcohol containing at least two functional groups capable of esterification; (A1-X)t, (A2-X)u, ... (An-X)y each constitute one or more randomly oligomerised esters of 2-hydroxy C2-C6 alkanoic acids and/or 2-thiol C2-C6 alkanoic acids, where X is oxygen or sulfur; -CH2N< represents a trivalent nitrogen fragment of the amino formaldehyde prepolymer; n is the number of functional groups on the core capable of reacting with derivatives of the 2-hydroxy and/or 2-thiol C2-C6 alkanoic acids; and t, u .....y are independent values from 1 to 20.
Patent NZ-512553-A (NZ)
Title: Human monoclonal antibodies to cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4)
Inventor: HANKE JEFFREY HERBERT
IPC: G01N33/15
Filed: 1999-12-23
Abstract: Disclosed are fully human monoclonal antibodies against human cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4). Nucleotide sequences encoding and amino acid sequences comprising heavy and light chain immunoglobulin molecules, particularly contiguous heavy and light chain sequences spanning the complementarity determining regions (CDRs), specifically from within FR1 and/or CDR1 through CDR3 and/or within FR4, are provided. Further provided are antibodies having similar binding properties and antibodies (or other antagonists) having similar functionality as antibodies disclosed herein. Also provided is a cell culture system for assaying T cell stimulation.
Patent NZ-515206-A (NZ)
Title: Non-squamous epithelium-specific transcription
Inventor: DE LEIJ LOU FRANCISCUS MARIA H
IPC: A61K48/00
Filed: 2001-02-28
Abstract: An isolated and/or recombinant nucleic acid comprising a tissue specific promoter or functional fragment thereof having a sequence from about position -778 to about -422 as shown in figure 1 of the specification, or a nucleic acid with 70% or more homology, allowing for expression of a nucleic acid of interest operably linked to the promoter or functional fragment in a cancer cell, wherein the expression is restricted to neoplasias derived from epithelia. The nucleic acid is used in the preparation of a medicament for treating cancer.
Patent NZ-517761-A (NZ)
Title: 7-acylamino-3-heteroarylthio-3-cephem carboxylic acid antibiotics
Inventor: HECKER SCOTT J
IPC: C07F9/6506
Filed: 2000-09-21
Abstract: A cephem derivative or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof has the formula (I) wherein: R1 is an optionally substituted thiazole or thiadiazole; R3 is a pyridyl group substituted by -CH2S-CH2CH2R12; R12 is NR21R22, NR23C(=NR24)NR25R26, C(=NR27)NR28R29 or NR30CH(=NR31) and R21 to R31 are independently H or alkyl. A cephem prodrug or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof has the formula II wherein: R'2 is an acyl group that is cleaved by an enzyme found in mammals; one of A, B or L is nitrogen and the others are carbon; Q is nitrogen or -CX and X is hydrogen or chlorine. A cephem derivative or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof has the formula III wherein: R'2 is hydrogen, -C(O)-R88, -C(O)-OR89, -C(O)-CH-(NHR'3)- alk4 or a group of formula (4); R'3, R88 and alk4 are as defined in the specification and R89 is benzhydryl, t-butyl, p-nitrobenzyl, benzyl, p-or o- nitrobenzyl, 2,2,2-trichloroethyl, allyl, cinnamyl, 2- chloroallyl, t-amyl, trityl, 4-methoxytrityl, 4,4'- dimethoxytrityl, trimethylsilyl, t-butyldimethylsilyl, b- (trimethylsilyl)ethyl, 4-or 2-methoxybenzyl, 2, 4- dimethoxybenzyl, 3,4-dimethoxybenzyl, 2,4,6- trimethoxybenzyl, methoxymethyl, or 3, 3-dimethylallyl. The compounds are useful for treating a methicillin- resistant Staphylococcal bacterial infection.
Patent NZ-520000-A (NZ)
Title: Minimum distortion 3D woven preforms
Inventor: GOERING JONATHAN
IPC: C08J5/24
Filed: 2002-07-04
Abstract: A two dimensional woven fabric for forming a structure having a three dimensional shape, the fabric comprising: a first portion of the fabric; a second portion of the fabric foldable with respect to the first portion; a plurality of yarns interconnecting the first and second portions; and a yarn path defined by a yarn passing from the first portion to the second portion, the yarn path having a portion of yarn which is woven shorter than the path and a portion of yarn woven longer than the path such that folding of the second portion with respect to the first portion causes the portion of yarn which is woven shorter to draw in that portion of the yarn woven longer along the yarn path so as to compensate for folding.
Patent NZ-522321-A (NZ)
Title: Soap based pesticides
Inventor: SOUTER PHILIP FRANK
IPC: A01N25/30
Filed: 2001-05-24
Abstract: A liquid pesticide comprising: an insecticidal soap solution; a fragrance, preferably a terpenoid natural oil, solubilized in the insecticidal soap solution; and an evaporation retardant; wherein the levels of the soap and fragrance are such as to provide synergistic enhancement of insecticidal activity and wherein the evaporation retardant is selected from the group consisting of humectants, thickeners and mixtures thereof; and the use of the pesticide for controlling insects and related arthropods on garden, house and greenhouse plants and vegetables and crops or for controlling foliar pests such as aphids whitefly and spider mites.
Patent NZ-522882-A (NZ)
Title: Pyridazinone compounds effective as beta-2-adrenoreceptor agonists as well as PDE4-inhibitors
Inventor: HATZELMANN ARMIN
IPC: A61P25/28
Filed: 2001-06-01
Abstract: The compounds of formula (I) wherein Ar1, A, R6, R7, R8 and Ar2 are as defined in the specification, have valuable pharmacological properties which make them commercially utilizable. As these compounds providing selective PDE4 inhibition combined with b2-adrenoceptor agonist activity they are suitable on the one hand as bronchial therapeutics (for the treatment of airway obstructions on account of their dilating but also on account of their respiratory rate or respiratory drive-increasing action), but on the other hand especially for the treatment of disorders, in particular of inflammatory nature, e. g. of the airways, of the skin, of the central nervous system, of the intestine, of the eyes and of the joints, which are mediated by mediators such as histamine, PAF (platelet-activating factor), arachidonic acid metabolites such as leukotrienes and prostaglandins, cytokines, interleukins, chemokines, alpha-, beta-and gamma-interferon, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) or oxygen radicals and proteases.
Patent NZ-523746-A (NZ)
Title: System and method for verifying commercial transactions
Inventor: HARRIS DAVID N
IPC: G06Q20/00
Filed: 2001-07-16
Abstract: A computer system for verifying a commercial transaction between an account-holder and a merchant, comprises: a processing unit (202) for processing data and code; a memory device (208) for storing the data and the code, the code includes a merchant communications module (232) operative to facilitate a connection with the merchant for receiving a transaction approval request including a complete account number, an account-holder communications module (222) operative to facilitate a separate connection with the account-holder for verifying the transaction approval request, and an authorization module (226) responsive to the transaction approval request and operative to transmit an approval to the merchant only if the transaction approval request is verified by the account-holder; and wherein the authorisation module (226) responsive to instructions from the account-holder is operative to automatically verify subsequent transaction approval requests without further input from the account-holder.