Abstract: A skateboard deck that is both stiff in one dimension and flexible in another dimension is disclosed. The deck includes an elongated body characterized by a longitudinal axis, a plurality of ribs, and a plurality of apertures. The plurality of ribs are long, narrow beams oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and integral with the bottom of the elongated body. The plurality of apertures are distributed in a plurality of rows also oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The ribs and rows of apertures are interposed in an alternating pattern across the width of the deck. The resulting deck is stiff in the longitudinal direction yet flexible with respect to rotation about the longitudinal axis. The deck is therefore flexible enough to enable the front and rear trucks to rotate with respect to one another while still being rigid enough to withstand the weight of the rider.

Abstract: The invention provides improved security for stored-value instruments. For example, a point-of-sale device may receive a request to process a transaction (such as an activation, redemption, funds recharge, etc.) with a presentation instrument. The point-of-sale device may receive a first identifier associated with the instrument. Merely by way of example, the first identifier may be encoded on a magnetic stripe disposed on the instrument, and receiving the first identifier may comprise swiping the magnetic stripe through a reader in communication with the point-of-sale device. The point-of-sale device may also receive a second identifier associated with the instrument. In some embodiments, the first and second identifiers may be correlated, e.g., to determine whether they are consistent.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved apparatus, methods, and systems for displaying and packaging financial presentation instruments, particularly stored value, gift, or other pre-paid debit cards. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for displaying a financial presentation instrument with an integrated holder is provided. The method comprises providing a data card having an information storage medium and an aperture therethrough. The data card is then suspended from a display hook through the at least one aperture. Hence, the present invention advantageously allows for convenient displaying and easy access to the data card for activation at the time the card is purchased by a consumer. Further, the integrated holder on the data card decreases the operating costs and increases the efficiency for selling such debit cards as no additional materials, packaging, or carriers other than the data card itself are needed for the presentation and display of such debit cards.

Abstract: A method of providing telephone response unit (TRU)-based services includes receiving from a point-of-sale (POS) device a request at a host computer system to activate TRU-based services. The request includes an identifier that indicates the specific TRU-based services to be activated. The method also includes confirming the availability of the specific TRU-based services to be activated and storing at the host computer system information that indicates the services are activated. The method also includes returning a message to the POS that indicates that the TRU-based services have been activated.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided to apply a discount to a transaction. An identifier is extracted from a discount instrument and is transmitted to a host system. A validation is received from the host system for the discount instrument and a cost of the transaction is reduced in accordance with a discount arrangement associated with the discount instrument.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved apparatus, methods, and systems for displaying and packaging financial presentation instruments, particularly stored value, gift, or other pre-paid debit cards. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for displaying a financial presentation instrument with an integrated holder is provided. The method comprises providing a data card having an information storage medium and an aperture therethrough. The data card is then suspended from a display hook through the at least one aperture. Hence, the present invention advantageously allows for convenient displaying and easy access to the data card for activation at the time the card is purchased by a consumer. Further, the integrated holder on the data card decreases the operating costs and increases the efficiency for selling such debit cards as no additional materials, packaging, or carriers other than the data card itself are needed for the presentation and display of such debit cards.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved apparatus, methods, and systems for displaying and packaging financial presentation instruments, particularly stored value, gift, or other pre-paid debit cards. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for displaying a financial presentation instrument with an integrated holder is provided. The method comprises providing a data card having an information storage medium and an aperture therethrough. The data card is then suspended from a display hook through the at least one aperture. Hence, the present invention advantageously allows for convenient displaying and easy access to the data card for activation at the time the card is purchased by a consumer. Further, the integrated holder on the data card decreases the operating costs and increases the efficiency for selling such debit cards as no additional materials, packaging, or carriers other than the data card itself are needed for the presentation and display of such debit cards.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selecting and processing text or images and applying the text or images to a variety of plastic cards. This system allows a user to select or upload images, select or type text and apply the image to either a dispensed plastic card similar in size to a standard credit or gift card. The system can restrict placement of images and text to pre-specified areas of a card based upon the card selected. The method can be used on the Internet to select images and text to apply to card products being purchased. The system can restrict fonts, size and colors based upon the card selected.

Abstract: The invention provides improved security for stored-value instruments. For example, a point-of-sale device may receive a request to process a transaction (such as an activation, redemption, funds recharge, etc.) with a presentation instrument. The point-of-sale device may receive a first identifier associated with the instrument. Merely by way of example, the first identifier may be encoded on a magnetic stripe disposed on the instrument, and receiving the first identifier may comprise swiping the magnetic stripe through a reader in communication with the point-of-sale device. The point-of-sale device may also receive a second identifier associated with the instrument. In some embodiments, the first and second identifiers may be correlated, e.g., to determine whether they are consistent.

Abstract: A method for issuing tickets proceeds by selecting an inactive ticket that includes an identifier. Payment is provided for the ticket, and the identifier and a payment amount is entered into a payment processing device. The identifier is transmitted to a host computer system having a record of the identifier and a status of the ticket. The status of the ticket is then changed to an active status in the host computer system.

Abstract: A method of providing telephone response unit (TRU)-based services includes receiving from a point-of-sale (POS) device a request at a host computer system to activate TRU-based services. The request includes an identifier that indicates the specific TRU-based services to be activated. The method also includes confirming the availability of the specific TRU-based services to be activated and storing at the host computer system information that indicates the services are activated. The method also includes returning a message to the POS that indicates that the TRU-based services have been activated.

Abstract: The present invention discloses microfluidic modules for making nanocrystalline materials in a continuous flow process. The microfluidic modules include one or more flow path with mixing structures and one or more controlled heat exchangers to process the nanocrystalline materials and reagents in the flow path. The microfluidic modules can be interconnected to form microfluidic reactors that incorporate one or more process functions such as nucleation, growth, and purification.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved apparatus, methods, and systems for displaying and packaging financial presentation instruments, particularly stored value, gift, or other pre-paid debit cards. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for displaying a financial presentation instrument with an integrated holder is provided. The method comprises providing a data card having an information storage medium and an aperture therethrough. The data card is then suspended from a display hook through the at least one aperture. Hence, the present invention advantageously allows for convenient displaying and easy access to the data card for activation at the time the card is purchased by a consumer. Further, the integrated holder on the data card decreases the operating costs and increases the efficiency for selling such debit cards as no additional materials, packaging, or carriers other than the data card itself are needed for the presentation and display of such debit cards.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a tungsten contact in a semiconductor device, the method including the steps of: (a) providing a silicon wafer structure including a dielectric layer and an underlying layer selected from a semiconductor or electrically conductive material, the dielectric layer being patterned to expose a contact portion of the underlying layer; and (b) depositing by chemical vapor deposition a tungsten layer over the dielectric layer and the contact portion, the deposition being carried out by reaction of a tungsten-containing component and a reducing agent which are introduced into the vicinity of the silicon wafer structure, the deposition step having a first phase in which the process conditions are controlled to form a seed layer of tungsten on the dielectric layer and a second phase in which the process conditions are modified from the first phase to form a blanket tungsten layer over the seed layer which acts as an adhesion layer between the dielectric layer and the blanket tungsten layer.

Abstract: A protective tire liner is positioned between the bicycle inner tube and the bicycle outer tire of a bicycle wheel. The tire liner includes a puncture-resistant flexible strip to protect the inner tube from puncture damage, and at least one covering layer on the puncture-resistant flexible strip to cover at least the side edges thereof. The puncture-resistant strip has a relatively abrasive surface especially at side edges thereof so as to be capable of abrading the inner tube upon relative motion. Accordingly, the covering layer prevents abrading of the inner tube which would otherwise occur. The protective liner protects the inner tube from puncture damage, such as from thorns, as are commonly encountered when mountain biking. In one embodiment, the at least one covering layer comprises a flexible plastic strip spirally wound about the puncture-resistant flexible strip.