Abstract: A secure wireless payment system and method thereof allow a consumer to acquire transaction information generated by a payment requesting unit of a seller with a handheld payment responding unit. The payment responding unit has a storage unit embedded with payment authentication data. After the consumer confirms that the transaction information is correct, a payment request is generated and transmitted to a banking unit releasing the payment authentication data through a secure wireless voice channel so that the banking unit can directly approve to pay. Accordingly, consumers need not present credit cards for sellers to charge and fully eliminate the risk of credit card piracy. Additionally, the payment responding unit of the present invention can be automatically connected with the banking unit releasing the payment authentication data for payment of a transaction.

Abstract: A dual-interface converter of a miniature memory card has a cartridge compatible with a standard memory card, a memory card interface together with a product interface formed on the cartridge, and a slot defined in the cartridge so that the miniature card is inserted to the cartridge through the slot. In one aspect of using the converter, a card reader is able to read or write data in the miniature memory card through the memory card interface. In another aspect, an electronic device is able to access data of the miniature memory card by connecting the product interface to a corresponding communication port of the electronic device. Further, the converter can serve as a portable storage media by incorporating a memory module.

Abstract: A hydrogen absorbing alloy is disclosed for use as the negative electrode in alkaline batteries. The general formula of the alloy is AB.sub.x M.sub.y, wherein A is selected from the rare earth element La or a mischmetal thereof; B is selected from the group consisting of Ni, Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Co, and mixtures thereof; M is selected from the group consisting of Al, In, Zn, Sn, Ga, Si, Ge, Bi, and mixtures thereof; 4.5.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.5.5; and 0.3<y.ltoreq.0.6. This alloy has a longer cycle life, along with larger capacity and better reactivity.