Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for coordinating a change in status of a stored-value card for a customer. Transaction information is received at a host system from a point-of-sale terminal. The transaction information includes stored-value-card information identifying the stored-value card and payment-instrument information identifying a payment instrument to be used for financing the change in status of the stored-value card. The host system receives a payment authorization from a payment authority in response to a transmission of the payment-instrument information to the payment authority. The host system also receives a confirmation of the change in status of the stored-value card from a stored-value-card authority in response to a transmission of the stored-value-card information to the stored-value-card authority. The host system transmits an approval for effecting the change in status of the stored-value card to the point-of-sale terminal.

Abstract: System and methods for facilitating the settlement of financial accounts across different entities utilize a host computer system that tracks financial transactions made at each merchant location or store and uses this information to reconcile accounts across different entities. In one embodiment, the host computer periodically performs a net settlement analysis of the transactional data received from each entity's stores. A request is prepared to transfer funds from each entity's bank account having a positive net settlement amount into a central entity bank account. A request is also prepared to transfer funds into each entity's bank account having a negative net settlement amount from the central entity bank account.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for implementing a program of discount arrangements. Discount-arrangement information relating to discount arrangements is maintained, with each discount arrangement being associated with one of multiple merchants. Transaction information related to a transaction at a point of sale is received, with the transaction information identifying a merchant party to the transaction. An identifier for a discount instrument presented at the point of sale during the transaction is received. A determination is made whether the merchant party is one of the multiple merchants is made. Validation information is then returned to the point of sale in accordance with the determination.

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: An apparatus as disclosed for making concrete forms for making stairs. A substantially planar member has a riser end and a pivot end substantially opposite the riser end and has first and second. A pivot point rotatably fixes the pivoting end to a stinger so that the riser end can pivot with respect to the pivot end. A riser support member is mounted perpendicular to the planar member adjacent the riser end and extends to each side of the planar member. A kneeboard support may be placed on both sides of the planar member so that a kneeboard may be placed between one apparatus and a corresponding apparatus on the other side of the stairs. A scale may be provided for positioning the apparatus with respect to the stringer to facilitate mounting subsequent apparatus to a given stringer. The riser support member may be slanted to provide a constant toe-in or kickback.

Abstract: An apparatus as disclosed for making concrete forms for making stairs. A substantially planar member has a riser end and a pivot end substantially opposite the riser end and has first and second. A pivot point rotatably fixes the pivoting end to a stringer so that the riser end can pivot with respect to the pivot end. A riser support member is mounted perpendicular to the planar member adjacent the riser end and extends to each side of the planar member. A kneeboard support may be placed on both sides of the planar member so that a kneeboard may be placed between one apparatus and a corresponding apparatus on the other side of the stairs. A scale may be provided for positioning the apparatus with respect to the stringer to facilitate mounting subsequent apparatus to a given stringer. The riser support member may be slanted to provide a constant toe-in or kickback.