Abstract: Systems and methods for managing mileage value accounts are provided. One such method includes receiving a presentation instrument having an account identifier stored thereon, and transmitting the account identifier and a purchase item identifier from a point-of-sale device to a host computer system. Using the host computer system, a customer account is identified based on the account identifier. A mileage value is associated to the purchase item identifier. The customer account is debited by the mileage value associated to the purchase item identifier. In this manner, the customer uses their mileage value account for the purchase of desired items or services. For airline travelers, the items may include a meal, a beverage, or a movie.

Abstract: A system and method for the purchase of products, wherein a database account is credited with virtual coupons. Each virtual coupon is associated with a maximum value and a specified product. When a purchase is made, the coupon is debited from the account upon presentation of a financial card at a POS terminal, and any difference between the maximum value of the coupon and the actual purchase price is stored in the database. In one embodiment, coupons are issued through a government benefits program, such as the federally funded WIC (Women, Infants, Children) program. The financial card may also be associated with a second account, such as a credit or debit card account. The second account may be used to purchase products other than those specified by the virtual coupons.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for making a lottery pick comprises selecting a lottery presentation instrument having stored thereon an account identifier. The account identifier and the purchase amount are transmitted from a point of sale device to a host computer system. Also transmitted to the host computer system is a request to play a lottery. The request includes the account identifier. The player selects a lottery pick, and a confirmation of the lottery pick is provided to the player.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for authorizing lottery transactions comprises receiving an account identifier for a stored value lottery account from a lottery system. The account identifier is authenticated at a host computer system and an authentication is transmitted to the lottery system. A cost associated with one or more lottery picks for a lottery transaction is received from the lottery system, a determination is made at the host computer system that the cost does not exceed an account balance associated with the account identifier, and an authorization for the lottery transaction is transmitted to the lottery system.

Abstract: A boot scraper of novel design and shape and incorporating a novel boot scraping surface that can be mounted to, or incorporated in, skiing implements such as skis and snowboards, as well as ski boot bindings, snowboard boot bindings, and ski boots and snowboard boots. In one embodiment, the boot scraper comprises an elongated polygonal molded rigid ABS plastic block that is mounted to the top surface of a ski. The block is mounted to the ski by an adhesive or by mechanical fasteners such as screws. The top surface of the boot scraper incorporates a two-dimensional grid of adjacent polyhedrons extending in an upward direction. The tips of the polyhedrons form a scraping surface consisting of a multi-dimensional array of spaced, generally rigid pointed surfaces. The underside of the block contains hollowed out cavities that reduce weight but maintain strength and rigidity of the block. The scraper is used by drawing the sole of the ski boot to be cleaned over the scraper.