Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing an transparent or translucent transaction card having multiple features, such as a holographic foil, integrated circuit chip, RFID circuitry, silver magnetic stripe with text on the magnetic stripe, opacity gradient, an invisible optically recognizable compound, a translucent signature field such that the RFID circuitry and signature on back of the card is visible from the front of the card and an active thru date on the front of the card. The invisible optically recognizable compound is an infrared ink and/or film, which can be detected by a sensor found in an ATM or card assembly line.

Abstract: A transponder-reader payment system includes a RFID reader for interrogating a transponder, and a fob including a transponder which is associated with fob data file funded by one or more funding sources. In exemplary operation, the fob identifying information may be presented to the RFID reader for completion of a transaction request. The transaction request may be provided to a fob issuer system which may process the transaction request in accordance with a funding protocol wherein the transaction request is satisfied according to a fob issuer predefined funding criteria relative to the multiple funding sources.

Abstract: A transponder-reader payment system includes a fob including a transponder, and a RFID reader for interrogating the transponder. The system may further include a personalization system for populating onto the fob and RFID reader identifying information and security and authentication keys which may be used during mutual authentication of the fob and the reader and for completing a transaction. In exemplary operation, the fob and RFID reader may be personalized, the fob may be presented to the RFID reader for interrogation, the fob and reader may engage in mutual authentication, and fob identifying information may be provided to the reader for transaction completion. In another exemplary embodiment, operation of the transponder-reader payment system may be controlled by an activation circuit. Further, the fob may be responsive to multiple interrogation signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing an transparent or translucent transaction card having multiple features, such as a holographic foil, integrated circuit chip, RFID circuitry, silver magnetic stripe with text on the magnetic stripe, opacity gradient, an invisible optically recognizable compound, a translucent signature field such that the RFID circuitry and signature on back of the card is visible from the front of the card and an active thru date on the front of the card. The invisible optically recognizable compound is an infrared ink and/or film, which can be detected by a sensor found in an ATM or card assembly line.

Abstract: A transponder-reader payment system includes a fob including a transponder, and a RFID reader for interrogating the transponder. The system may further include a personalization system for populating onto the fob and RFID reader identifying information and security and authentication keys which may be used during mutual authentication of the fob and the reader and for completing a transaction. In exemplary operation, the fob and RFID reader may be personalized, the fob may be presented to the RFID reader for interrogation, the fob and reader may engage in mutual authentication, and fob identifying information may be provided to the reader for transaction completion. In another exemplary embodiment, operation of the transponder-reader payment system may be controlled by an activation circuit. Further, the fob may be responsive to multiple interrogation signals.

Abstract: A transponder-reader payment system includes a fob including a transponder, and a RFID reader for interrogating the transponder. In exemplary operation, the fob identifying information may be presented to the RFID reader for completion of a transaction request. The transaction request may be provided to a fob issuer system which retrieves a value for satisfying the transaction request from a fob associated transaction data file. The issuer system may deplete the transaction data file in accordance with the transaction request and replenish the data file in accordance with fob user or fob issuer defined reload protocol.

Abstract: A transponder-reader payment system includes a fob including a transponder, and a RFID reader for interrogating the transponder. The system may further include a payment device separate and distinct from the fob, but associated with payment account mutually shared with the fob. In exemplary operation, the fob identifying information, or the payment device information, may be presented to the RFID reader for completion of a transaction request. A process server may receive the transaction request and satisfy the transaction request in accordance with a predetermined payment criteria. The process server may additionally augment a rewards account based on fob or payment device usage, thereby incenting fob usage in one instance and payment device usage in the other.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for determining the location of a prosthesis previously deployed in a body lumen, and for effecting treatment associated with the prosthesis, including a catheter having a distal end region and at least one prosthesis locator sensor disposed on the distal end region. A therapeutic device may be provided either on the distal end region of the catheter or on a separate catheter which may be positioned over the distal end region. In one embodiment the therapeutic device is a balloon catheter, while the prosthesis locator sensor is a plurality of compliant and resilient fingers projecting perpendicularly from the circumference of the catheter. The plurality of fingers detect the presence of an edge of a prosthesis by direct electrical connection, or inductance or capacitance changes. Methods of localizing prostheses with the apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for mapping an interior surface of a section of a body lumen comprising a catheter having a plurality of elements circumferentially disposed around its distal end that contact the interior surface of a body lumen and provide output signals corresponding to the local diameter of the lumen. In a preferred embodiment, the contacts are of an electrical-mechanical type, such that an output signal may be generated which is proportional to the degree of deflection of the contact caused by the local diameter of the body lumen. The distal end of the catheter is translated through the body lumen for a predetermined distance, while the output signals are reproduced on either an analog recorder or as a digital three-dimensional display. A drive system for translating the catheter, and methods of use, are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for mapping an interior surface of a section of a body lumen comprising a catheter having a plurality of elements circumferentially disposed around its distal end that contact the interior surface of a body lumen and provide output signals corresponding to the local diameter of the lumen. In a preferred embodiment, the contacts are of an electrical-mechanical type, such that an output signal may be generated which is proportional to the degree of deflection of the contact caused by the local diameter of the body lumen. The distal end of the catheter is translated through the body lumen for a predetermined distance, while the output signals are reproduced on either an analog recorder or as a digital three-dimensional display. A drive system for translating the catheter, and methods of use, are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for determining the location of a prosthesis previously deployed in a body lumen, and for effecting treatment associated with the prosthesis. The apparatus includes a catheter having a distal end region and at least one prosthesis locator sensor disposed on the distal end region. A therapeutic device may be provided either on the distal end region of the catheter or on a separate catheter which may be positioned over the distal end region. In one embodiment the therapeutic device is a balloon catheter, while the prosthesis locator sensor is a plurality of compliant and resilient fingers projecting perpendicularly from the circumference of the catheter. The plurality of fingers detect the presence of an edge of a prosthesis by direct electrical connection, or inductance or capacitance changes. Methods of localizing prostheses with the apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A protocol for communication through a bus controller to control data transfers between a host processing platform and the data bus of a bit map printer. This protocol is optimized for a data bus which connects a number of ASIC accelerator cards in addition to the printer, disk controller, bus controller and other typical system cards. The basic data transfer cycle transfers eight data words on the bus between ASIC's, I/O devices, printer and any other devices.