Abstract: A transaction card includes at least two read-only magnetically encoded stripes encoding different data in accordance with standard data encryption protocols readable by conventional transaction card reading systems. The stripes are associated with areas of the card which may have different indicia, such as, for example, being different colors or different textures. In accordance with one embodiment, superimposed upon the card may be two sets of printed indicia including, for example, the transaction card number, the expiration date and the name of the card user. One set of the printed indicia is inverted with respect to the other set so as to indicate to the user which one of the magnetic stripes is being processed. In this way, magnetically encoded information on the same transaction card may be segregated at the point of sale.

Abstract: A transaction card includes at least two read-only magnetically encoded stripes encoding different data in accordance with standard data encryption protocols readable by conventional transaction card reading systems. The stripes are on opposite sides of the card adjacent the same edge of the card. In accordance with one embodiment, superimposed upon the card are two sets of printed indicia including, for example, the transaction card number, the expiration date and the name of the card user. The indicia may be placed on the same side of the card or on opposite sides of the card. In this way, magnetically encoded information on the same transaction card may be segregated at the point of sale. The transaction card is readable by standard, existing readers and the information is processed for invoicing by standard processing systems to preferably generate a single statement with two groups of charges, one relating to each magnetically encoded stripe.

Abstract: A computerized prompting system is especially useful for vehicular maintenance and includes a level of maintenance database with task schedules for selected vehicles and prompt frequencies for those tasks. A prompter initiates a display informing the user that a scheduled maintenance is due to be performed on a selected date and an Internet exchange connects the database to a service center. The system has a capability to print coupons and to receive and incorporate updates from manufacturers.

Abstract: A transaction card includes at least two read-only magnetically encoded stripes encoding different data in accordance with standard data encryption protocols readable by conventional transaction card reading systems. The stripes are associated with areas of the card which may have different indicia, such as, for example, being different colors or different textures. In accordance with one embodiment, superimposed upon the card may be two sets of raised printed indicia including, for example, the transaction card number, the expiration date and the name of the card user. One set of the raised printed indicia is inverted with respect to the other set so as to indicate to the user which one of the magnetic stripes is being processed. In accordance with another embodiment, only one set of raised letters is used; the other set being flush with the surface of the card if there are two sets. In this way, magnetically encoded information on the same transaction card may be segregated at the point of sale.

Abstract: Methods of an apparatus for cleaning an electro-mechanical transducer such as a "mouse" used for moving cursors on a computer display terminal comprise a scrubbing ball having a "hook" VELCRO surface and a pad having a "loop" VELCRO surface. The VELCRO covered ball is lightly coated with solvent, inserted into the recess of the "mouse" and rolled over the "loop" VELCRO surface. This rolling action scrubs the interior of the "mouse" and transfers dust, debris and suspended oil from the recess of the mouse to the pad.

Abstract: Methods of an apparatus for cleaning an electro-mechanical transducer such as a "mouse" used for moving cursors on a computer display terminal comprise a scrubbing ball having a "hook" VELCRO surface and a pad having a "loop" VELCRO surface. The VELCRO covered ball is lightly coated with solvent, inserted into the recess of the "mouse" and rolled over the "loop" VELCRO surface. This rolling action scrubbs the interior of the "mouse" and transfers dust, debris and suspended oil from the recess of the mouse to the pad.