Abstract: Authentication method and systems using RFID-enabled payment cards are disclosed herein where a server receives a request corresponding to authorization of a payment associated with a payment card from an electronic terminal. The server identifies an electronic device of a user associated with the payment card. The server then transmits an instruction to the electronic device to cause an RFID reader of the electronic device to determine whether an RFID tag corresponding to the payment card is located within a predetermined proximity to the electronic device. When the payment card is located within the predetermined proximity, the server executes a first authentication protocol. Moreover, when the payment card is not located within the predetermined proximity, the server executes a second authentication protocol, wherein the second authentication protocol is more restrictive than the first authentication protocol.

Abstract: A method for automating commerce, including the work of selling, shopping for, and/or selling goods and services; by facilitating communications between any combination of buyers and sellers to facilitate opportunities for commercial activities. The method also includes facilitating opportunities for related activities, for example, charitable activities, in a manner that maximizes efficiencies including reducing intermediaries between consumers and manufacturers.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided whereby an Islamic investor (106) transfers a commodity to a corporate investor (108) in exchange for a contract to repay the value of the commodity plus a target rate of return in accordance with and agreed-upon schedule (204). The corporate investor in turn converts the commodity to a liquid asset for investment in an investment fund (206). The returns from the investment fund are used to satisfy the contract with the Islamic investor (214). The investment is thus made in accordance with Shari'ah law.

Abstract: A test machine and method for dynamically testing a tire/wheel assembly. A first laser measurement gage is directed to an inboard rim flange of the wheel to measure radial deflection of the tire/wheel assembly. A second laser measurement gage is directed to the inboard rim flange to measure axial deflection of the tire/wheel assembly. Displacement data and loading data are correlated to provide values for lateral stiffness, radial stiffness and ride stiffness.

Abstract: A digital controller provides digital signals to audio modules; the digital signals include both clock signals and data. All of the logic circuits of the controller and of the modules are clocked on the receipt of a rising edge. However, to avoid interference from regular clock pulses, the clock pulses are altered to have a variable mark-space ratio which means that the clock pulses arrive at random times and have random widths and thus appear to be randomized. Use of randomized clock signals can avoid tones appearing in an audio system, and also avoids interference effects in other electrical systems. The use of randomized clock signals is particularly helpful when designing digital circuits which meet current regulations controlling electromagnetic emissions.

Abstract: An audio mixing console incorporates a number of audio modules connected in series, with the first module being serially connected to a digital controller. The digital controller provides digital signals to the audio modules, the digital signals comprising both clock signals and data. Data is sent by the controller to each audio module by way of a data coder which randomizes or scrambles the data stream such that it is not cyclic or repetitive. The coding circuit may be a maximal length pseudo number sequence generator, and this enables decoding to be made by a complementary decoding circuit without links between coder and decoder being required. As the data output appears completely random, it has no fundamental frequency and consequently there is no interference from crosstalk.