Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a stylus operates with a capacitive touch screen only when the stylus tip is in contact with the touch screen. The stylus is used as a sensor to determine the location where a user is touching the surface of a capacitive touch screen, but is not active until the stylus tip is pressed against the touch screen. In an exemplary embodiment, pressing the stylus tip against the touch screen activates the stylus by creating a physical separation in the circuit and disconnecting the stylus tip from ground. When the stylus tip is no longer grounded, it becomes active and is able to operate with a capacitive touch screen. In an exemplary embodiment, signal attenuation may be performed by diverting the sense signal to ground via a capacitor or other electronic component.

Abstract: A method of transferring a value to a smart card includes inserting a smart card into a reader and reading data from at least one of a chip located in said smart card and a magnetic stripe located on a surface of the smart card. The method also includes inputting a transaction request for said value, sending said request and said data to a processing center and receiving approval of said request. The method includes transmitting said value to said smart card, receiving by said smart card of said value, and storing said value on a contactless communication portion of said smart card.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and system for simultaneously charging the battery of a portable POS terminal and its peripherals, either through the use of electrical connections on a charging dock or via a USB connection. The POS terminal also accommodates contactless instrument readers and optionally includes features for electronic signature capture, user display interaction, multi-tasking capabilities, check reading and age and identity verification.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a compact, portable POS terminal through the use of a compact printer that utilizes a thermal printer with fan-folded paper. The POS terminal also accommodates contactless instrument readers and optionally includes features for electronic signature capture, user display interaction, multi-tasking capabilities, check reading and age and identity verification.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a compact, portable POS terminal through the co-location of a magnetic card slot and a smart card entry slot. In one embodiment, the smart card slot is positioned within a portion of the magnetic card slot. The POS terminal also accommodates contactless instrument readers and optionally includes features for electronic signature capture, user display interaction, multi-tasking capabilities, check reading and age and identity verification.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a rotatable, portable POS terminal through the use of software and hardware that supports different screen orientations for electronic signature capture. The POS terminal also accommodates contactless instrument readers and optionally includes features for user display interaction, multi-tasking capabilities, check reading and age and identity verification.

Abstract: The invention provides increased convenience through use of multiple opposed magnetic stripe reader heads within a POS terminal card reader track. In one embodiment, the various opposed heads are offset along the card reader track. The POS terminal also accommodates smart card and contactless instrument readers and includes features for electronic signature capture, user display interaction, multi-tasking capabilities, check reading and age and identity verification.