Abstract: The present invention relates to a smart card and to a method of operating the smart card in which the smart card has input/output means enabling the smart card to receive and transmit data regarding individual financial transactions. The smart card has a microprocessor which incorporates a read only memory, a random access memory and input/output ports. The smart card is able to communicate through the ports when suitably positioned within a smart card reader. The internal operations of the smart card are controlled by the microprocessor as determined by program microinstructions that are stored in the read only memory. The microinstructions include a number of application programs enabling the smart card to conduct financial transactions, other related applications and transaction logging operations. The smart card has a secure area and an unsecured area within the random access memory.

Abstract: A controller for residential telephone wiring. Apparatus associated with the controller provides multiple communication channels on ordinary residential telephone wiring. The controller (1) routes incoming calls to a selected telephonic device within the residence, (2) routes outgoing calls to a free external line servicing the residence, and (3) routes calls within the residence from one telephonic device to another.

Abstract: The invention concerns using multiple computers to hold a conference. Under the invention, an application program can run on a single computer, yet remote participants can issue commands to the program. Remote participants can watch the program operate, because the invention replicates the display window of the running program onto the displays of the remote computers. Any participant can make annotations on the participant's own computer display. The invention copies the annotations to the displays of the other participants.

Abstract: A reluctance sensor produces reluctance signals in response to passing slots in a rotating wheel. When a given signal exceeds a threshold, a DIG.sub.-- OUT signal is produced. When the signal falls to zero, the DIG.sub.-- OUT signal is terminated. The invention adjusts the threshold, based on the magnitude of the reluctance signals. Since the magnitude of the reluctance signals depends on wheel speed, the invention, in effect, adjusts the threshold based on wheel speed, yet without independently measuring wheel speed.