Abstract: Instead of a PIN which is associated with an account and provides access to an account, a card identification code, which is located on the card but does not provide automatic access to an account, is used to verify that the consumer currently possesses the transaction card at the time of purchase and/or is the true card owner. At the time of card printing, an embossing file of account codes including associated identification codes is created and loaded into the account database. At the time of authorization, the identification code and the account code are entered into a POS device and sent to an authorization system. If the identification codes match, and other authorization parameters are satisfied, the transaction card is authorized.

Abstract: A system for generating and transmitting summary transaction data includes a computer database from which information is compiled and forwarded to a requesting party automatically, i.e., without the need to interface with a human operator. A party having access to a prepaid transaction account number may access the host computer from a remote location and interactively request transaction information pertaining to the account using virtually any communication modality. The computer is suitably configured to communicate with one or more of the foregoing communication modalities and to automatically compile and transmit the summary data to a requested destination, for example, to a PC. The computer may further be configured to allow the requesting party to select among various formats to configure the form of the summary data. Summary transaction data may be generated and transmitted for virtually any type of prepaid transaction card, including phone cards, travel, credit cards, stored value (e.g.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a smartcard system are provided which securely and conveniently integrate important travel-related applications. In one embodiment, a smartcard system includes a cardholder identification application and various additional applications useful in particular travel contexts; for example, airline, hotel, rental car, and payment-related applications. Furthermore, memory space and security features within specific applications provide partnering organizations (e.g., airlines, hotel chains, and rental car agencies) the ability to construct custom and secure file structures.

Abstract: A power strip is disclosed with an access panel which is situated and designed such that upon its removal, a sensor may be readily attached and the current load monitored. The access panel is arranged such that the receptacles, the power strip itself, or any of the electrical devices connected to the power strip do not need to be powered down to access the internal circuitry. The "back-wiring" design of the present invention allows for the replacement of any receptacle without interrupting the flow of electrical current to the remaining receptacles. The "back-wiring" design ensures the electrical load is evenly distributed across all the receptacles while providing a secondary path by which the electrical current may reach the receptacles. Thus, the disruption of electrical current across one wire will not result in the disruption of electrical current to any receptacle. Additionally, protective cover plates are utilized to prevent the unauthorized insertion of electrical cords into a power strip.

Abstract: The present invention includes a reliable and efficient method for redistributing, purchasing or selling tickets on the secondary market. The system generally includes a method for accepting tickets from individual sellers, posting the tickets on a central database for redistribution, establishing a market price based on demand and/or a service fee (this feature may not be available in certain states due to resale restrictions or at certain arenas due to prior agreements) and redistributing the tickets to new buyers. The system allows sellers to reach a wider market and also gives more individuals an opportunity to conveniently purchase tickets to events at a reasonable price. Individual buyers are not forced to deal directly with brokers, scalpers or other types of sellers, and thus, are substantially protected from fraud. To protect the buyer, the present invention verifies all tickets posted on the database and, to protect the seller, verifies the buyer's credit card and guarantees payment to the seller.

Abstract: An improved paging system including a transmitter and a call controller. An incoming call trunk, a memory device, an outgoing call trunk, and a central processing unit make up the call controller. A paging party connects to the call controller though the incoming call trunk and enters a phone number. The phone number is stored in the memory device, and the subscriber is notified of the page via the transmitter. To dial the phone number left by the paging party, the subscriber connects to the call controller through the incoming call trunk and enters an authorization code associated with a prepaid electronic account stored in the memory device. The central processing unit retrieves the stored phone number from the memory device and connects the subscriber directly to the phone number. During the duration of the phone call, the balance of the prepaid account is incrementally decreased by the central processing unit.

Abstract: An improved prepaid telephone card system is provided wherein a system center communicates to a calling party in the language spoken by the calling party. The system includes a system center which comprises an account database of prepaid accounts and a language library containing voice prompts and instructions in various languages.

Abstract: An improved system for "regenerating" or adding funds to a prepaid, remote memory account. The system includes a service provider network or host computer system including an account database of prepaid accounts. An integrated transaction card is issued to a consumer. One side of the card shows a prepaid telephone card for accessing the host computer system and an authorization code that allows access to the account database. The other side of the integrated transaction card is a transaction instrument, such as a prepaid transaction card, credit card, debit card, or the like. Information relating to the transaction instrument is stored at the host system so that a consumer may transfer funds from the transaction instrument to the prepaid phone card without the host system having to prompt the consumer for the necessary transfer information.

Abstract: A secure manner for issuing travellers cheques and other instruments is provided which overcomes many of the shortcomings associated with known devices. In particular, the present invention provides a device which permits an issuer of prepaid instruments to securely provide credit, replacement, or reimbursement to a purchaser who has lost or had stolen a prepaid instrument.

Abstract: An automated method and system for consolidating a plurality of individual company charges for a customer with different periodic company billing and payment due dates is provided. Under the system, companies and businesses such as utility companies report their periodic billing information to a central processing office or facility. The processing office holds the billing information data in time suspense until all of the billing information for the customer during a pre-selected time period is received. Then, the central processing facility generates a single customer statement which identifies all individual company charges as well as a statement due date. The statement is sent to the customer and payment for the identified charges is due by the statement due date. After receiving payment from the customer, the centralized billing center processes the payment and then remits payment to all of the companies.