Abstract: A system and method for conducting conditional payments includes receiving an application for a financial account and an authorization to credit an amount to the financial account. Information identifying a substitute collection technique is also received. The transaction is then finalized after receipt of both the application for the financial account and the authorization. The transaction can be finalized in several different ways, depending upon whether the application is approved or rejected. For example, if the application is approved, the transaction can be finalized by crediting the financial account by a first amount, which may represent, for example, the price of an item sold by a seller plus an incentive amount. If, however, the application is rejected, the transaction can be finalized by changing a second amount, without the incentive, to collection technique.

Abstract: A subscription system allows a customer to establish a subscription to a product with one or more retailers (e.g., by establishing the subscription through a controller or central system). In one embodiment, a subscription may be established after receiving information that identifies a product. Terms of a subscription for the product are established, such as a frequency and a duration of the subscription.

Abstract: A subscription system allows a customer to establish a subscription to a product with one or more retailers (e.g., by establishing the subscription through a controller or central system). In one embodiment, a subscription is established by receiving a request to establish a subscription and receiving information that identifies a product. Terms of a subscription for the product are established. The established subscription is identified by a redemption identifier which is communicated to the customer. It is also determined whether the customer is complying with a frequency of the subscription.

Abstract: A method by which a coupon having a variable benefit is provided includes generating a coupon having a variable benefit, wherein a duplicate of the coupon is transmitted from one recipient to another recipient, receiving an indication that a first recipient has performed a qualifying action, such as receiving, registering for and/or redeeming the coupon offer from a second recipient of the coupon, and changing a benefit of the coupon retained by the second recipient after the indication is received. A system includes a controller operable to compute a benefit of the coupon according to benefit variation conditions.

Abstract: A multiple-band antenna having first and second operating frequency bands is provided. The antenna includes a first patch structure associated primarily with the first operating frequency band, a second patch structure electrically coupled to the first patch structure and associated primarily with the second operating frequency band, a first slot structure disposed between a first portion of the first patch structure and the second patch structure and associated primarily with the first operating frequency band, and a second slot structure disposed between a second portion of the first patch structure and the second patch structure and associated primarily with the second operating frequency band. A mounting structure for the multiple-band antenna is also provided. The mounting structure includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to and overlapping the first surface.

Abstract: A subscription system allows a customer to establish a subscription to a product with one or more retailers (e.g., by establishing the subscription through a controller or central system). In one embodiment, a subscription is established by receiving a request to establish a subscription and receiving information that identifies a product. Terms of a subscription for the product are established. The established subscription is identified by a redemption identifier which is communicated to the customer. It is also determined whether the customer is complying with a frequency of the subscription.

Abstract: A subscription system allows a customer to establish a subscription to a product with any of a number of retailers by establishing the subscription through a controller or central system. In one embodiment, a subscription is established by first receiving information identifying a customer and a product. At least one retailer which offers the product is then identified, and terms of a subscription for the product are established. The established subscription is identified by a redemption identifier which is communicated to the customer. The customer is then able to redeem subscription products at the retailer by identifying the subscription using the redemption identifier.

Abstract: A multiple-band antenna having first and second operating frequency bands is provided. The antenna includes a first patch structure associated primarily with the first operating frequency band, a second patch structure electrically coupled to the first patch structure and associated primarily with the second operating frequency band, a first slot structure disposed between a first portion of the first patch structure and the second patch structure and associated primarily with the first operating frequency band, and a second slot structure disposed between a second portion of the first patch structure and the second patch structure and associated primarily with the second operating frequency band. A mounting structure for the multiple-band antenna is also provided. The mounting structure includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to and overlapping the first surface.

Abstract: An antenna and a wireless mobile communication device incorporating the antenna are provided. The antenna includes a first conductor section electrically coupled to a first feeding point, a second conductor section electrically coupled to a second feeding point, and a near-field radiation control structure adapted to control characteristics of near-field radiation generated by the antenna. Near-field radiation control structures include a parasitic element positioned adjacent the first conductor section and configured to control characteristics of near-field radiation generated by the first conductor section, and a diffuser in the second conductor section configured to diffuse near-field radiation generated by the second conductor section into a plurality of directions.