Abstract: Method for processing a transaction, the method comprising automatically requesting a transfer from a source account to a destination account via a communication link, receiving the transfer, adjusting destination account data associated with the destination account by increasing a balance of the destination account by an amount of the transfer, receiving transaction data from a merchant indicating an attempted transaction, the transaction data including a transaction amount and data identifying the destination account, and processing the attempted transaction.

Abstract: Method for processing a transaction, the method comprising automatically requesting an automated clearing house transfer from a source account to a destination account via an automated clearing house network, receiving the automated clearing house transfer, adjusting destination account data associated with the destination account by increasing a balance of the destination account by an amount of the transfer, receiving transaction data from a merchant indicating an attempted transaction, the transaction data including a transaction amount and data identifying the destination account, processing the attempted transaction with a credit card interchange rate, and transmitting data to the merchant indicating one of authorization of the attempted transaction and denial of the attempted transaction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing gifts are described. In one exemplary embodiment, the systems and methods may include receiving financial card distribution information from a consumer, wherein the financial card distribution information identifies at least one recipient for a financial card and a predetermined delivery time for providing the financial card to the recipient, storing the financial card distribution information in a database, such that the stored financial card distribution information is associated with the consumer, and preparing a communication to the recipient to provide the financial card to the recipient at the predetermined delivery time.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for offering a credit card account to a potential home buyer. The systems and methods may include determining if a consumer is a potential home buyer and offering a credit card account to the consumer if the consumer is a potential home buyer. Next, the systems and methods may include transferring a balance to the credit card account equal to at least a portion of closing costs associated with the purchased home by the consumer. In addition, the systems and methods may include providing a discount to the consumer on items purchased by the consumer using the credit card account.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for offering a credit card account to a consumer at a point-of-sale location. The systems and methods may include offering a product to the consumer at the point-of-sale location. In addition, the systems and methods may include offering a credit card account to the consumer at the point-of-sale location. Moreover, the product offer may be conditioned based on the consumer's acceptance of the credit card account, fees allocating charges associated with the product may be required to be charged to the credit card account. The fees allocating charges associated with the product may comprise periodic subscription fees associated with the product's use.

Abstract: An O-plate compensator comprising an organic liquid crystal polymer, and methods for fabricating the same, are disclosed. The compensator is a uniaxial birefringent thin film with its extraordinary axis oriented obliquely with respect to the surface of the film. (It is noted that the birefringent thin film could be weakly biaxial.) The oblique orientation of the liquid crystal director, which is parallel to the films extraordinary axis, is achieved by casting an organic thin film onto a surface specially prepared for a orienting liquid crystals, such as obliquely deposited SiO, mechanically rubbed alignment agents. The film can either be cast from a solution of the liquid crystal polymer or from a reactive liquid crystal monomer having a nematic phase. Any solvent that may be used during the fabrication process is evaporated off and the organic thin film is held at a temperature in its nematic phase. If a reactive monomer is used, the film is then photopolymerized.

Abstract: An O-plate compensator comprising an organic liquid crystal polymer, and methods for fabricating the same, are disclosed. The compensator is a uniaxial birefringent thin film with its extraordinary axis oriented obliquely with respect to the surface of the film. (It is noted that the birefringent thin film could be weakly biaxial.) The oblique orientation of the liquid crystal director, which is parallel to the film's extraordinary axis, is achieved by casting an organic thin film onto a surface specially prepared for orienting liquid crystals, such as obliquely deposited SiO, mechanically rubbed alignment agents. The film can either be cast from a solution of the liquid crystal polymer or from a reactive liquid crystal monomer having a nematic phase. Any solvent that may be used during the fabrication process is evaporated off and the organic thin film is held at a temperature in its nematic phase. If a reactive monomer is used, the film is then photopolymerized.

Abstract: A liquid crystal cell including chiral nematic liquid material with negative dielectric anisotropy. The cell is placed between two orthogonal polarizers. In the absence of an applied field, the liquid crystal molecules assume a homeotropic alignment. The liquid crystal molecules assume a twisted pattern in the field-on state.

Abstract: A liquid crystal cell including chiral nematic liquid material with negative dielectric anisotropy. The cell is placed between two orthogonal polarizers. In the absence of an applied field, the liquid crystal molecules assume a homeotropic alignment. The liquid crystal molecules assume a twisted pattern in the field-on state.