Jeff Mahony

Embodiments disclosed herein describe a proof of majority block consensus method based upon a mutually enforced collaboration between the nodes. A node may maintain a random subset of connected peer nodes, refreshed at every epoch through network gossiping protocols. The node may propagate received transactions to selected peers in the random subset. The node may generate a transaction ballot from received transactions and iteratively update the transaction ballot by mutual exchanges with other… Show more

Embodiments disclosed herein describe a proof of majority block consensus method based upon a mutually enforced collaboration between the nodes. A node may maintain a random subset of connected peer nodes, refreshed at every epoch through network gossiping protocols. The node may propagate received transactions to selected peers in the random subset. The node may generate a transaction ballot from received transactions and iteratively update the transaction ballot by mutual exchanges with other nodes until the network converges. The node may generate a block-and a hash thereof-based upon its understanding of the transaction ballot. The node may also receive hashes from other connected nodes and identify a hash generated by the majority of peer nodes. If the node determines that its own hash is the one generated by the majority of peer nodes, the node may update its local copy of the blockchain by appending its block. Show less

An investment method wherein an investment account is initially established on behalf of an end user. In the investment method, an electronic gift certificate is created through the use of a computer for a prescribed gift amount. The gift certificate is thereafter electronically transferred to the end user through the use of a computer, with the gift certificate thereafter being redeemed by the end user for the gift amount. The gift amount is electronically transferred into the investment… Show more

An investment method wherein an investment account is initially established on behalf of an end user. In the investment method, an electronic gift certificate is created through the use of a computer for a prescribed gift amount. The gift certificate is thereafter electronically transferred to the end user through the use of a computer, with the gift certificate thereafter being redeemed by the end user for the gift amount. The gift amount is electronically transferred into the investment account, with the gift amount thereafter being transferred from the investment account into an investment product pre-selected by the end user. Show less