Abstract: Transaction card assemblies, systems and methods of making are provided. One such assembly includes a card carrier having a card integrally formed within. The card peripherally engages the card carrier and is adapted to be removed from the card carrier. An encodable strip is disposed on the card. The strip has first and second encodable tracks. The first encodable track is positioned to be read by a point-of-sale device when the card is engaged with the card carrier, and the second encodable track is positioned to be read by the point-of-sale device after the card is separated from the carrier. In this manner, the card can be read using the same point-of-sale device whether or not the card has been separated from the carrier.

Abstract: Transaction card assemblies, systems and methods of making are provided. One such assembly includes a card carrier having a card integrally formed within. The card peripherally engages the card carrier and is adapted to be removed from the card carrier. An encodable strip is disposed on the card. The strip has first and second encodable tracks. The first encodable track is positioned to be read by a point-of-sale device when the card is engaged with the card carrier, and the second encodable track is positioned to be read by the point-of-sale device after the card is separated from the carrier. In this manner, the card can be read using the same point-of-sale device whether or not the card has been separated from the carrier.

Abstract: Transaction card assemblies, systems and methods of making are provided. One such assembly includes a card carrier having a card integrally formed within. The card peripherally engages the card carrier and is adapted to be removed from the card carrier. An encodable strip is disposed on the card. The strip has first and second encodable tracks. The first encodable track is positioned to be read by a point-of-sale device when the card is engaged with the card carrier, and the second encodable track is positioned to be read by the point-of-sale device after the card is separated from the carrier. In this manner, the card can be read using the same point-of-sale device whether or not the card has been separated from the carrier.

Abstract: Keyless inking and dampening systems and methods are disclosed which employ application, subtractive and dampening roller systems to control the ink/dampening fluid film on the form roller. A clean-up roller removes residual ink from non-image areas on the printing plate.

Abstract: Keyless inking systems and methods are disclosed which employs a main form roller and a smaller clean-up roller, both in contact with a rotating printing plate. Separate application and subtractive roller systems control the ink film on the form roller. The clean-up roller removes residual ink from non-image areas on the printing plate. The clean-up roller is in ink communication with the main form roller through a vibrating roller. Mechanisms are provided to selectively engage and disengage the various rollers.

Abstract: In a printing system where ink from an applicator roller is applied to a form roller in rotational contact with a plate cylinder, methods of washing up after printing in which methods the form roller is disengaged from the plate cylinder and a subtractive roller system removes a mixture of residual ink and ink solvent from the form roller and applicator roller. In preferred embodiments, the press drive is stopped during wash-up and the form roller is independently driven.

Abstract: A printing system is disclosed including an inking system with a single form roller for applying ink to a printing cylinder. Ink is applied to the form roller by an applicator roller having a surface with an array of interconnected wells and a variable speed drive. The form roller and plate cylinder are rotated at the same rpm while the speed of the applicator roller is varied to vary the amount of ink applied to the plate. A variable speed subtractive roller system removes excess ink from the form roller and returns the ink to a common reservoir. For wash-up, the press drive and form roller are disengaged and the inking system is rotated by an inker roller drive while wash-up fluid is applied to the inking system.

Abstract: A printing system is disclosed including an inking system with a single form roller for applying ink to a printing cylinder. Ink is applied to the form roller by an applicator roller having a surface with an array of interconnected wells and a variable speed drive. The form roller and plate cylinder are rotated at the same rpm while the speed of the applicator roller is varied to vary the amount of ink applied to the plate. A variable speed subtractive roller system removes excess ink from the form roller and returns the ink to a common reservoir. For wash-up, the press drive and form roller are disengaged and the inking system is rotated by an inker roller drive while wash-up fluid is applied to the inking system.

Abstract: A printing press having a keyless inking system. The inking system includes a single form roller for applying ink to a printing plate, and a transfer roller adjacent the form roller for removing excess ink from the form roller. A subtractive roller adjacent the transfer roller removes excess ink from the transfer roller, and a scraper blade adjacent the subtractive roller scrapes excess ink from said subtractive roller. An ink reservoir adjacent the scraper blade receives ink scraped from the subtractive roller, and supplies ink for application onto the form roller. An applicator roller adjacent the ink reservoir receives ink from the ink reservoir, and applies the ink to the form roller.

Abstract: A printing system is disclosed including an inking system with a single form roller for applying ink to a printing cylinder. Ink is applied to the form roller by an applicator roller having a surface with an array of interconnected wells and a variable speed drive. The form roller and plate cylinder are rotated at the same rpm while the speed of the applicator roller is varied to vary the amount of ink applied to the plate. A variable speed subtractive roller system removes excess ink from the form roller and returns the ink to a common reservoir. For wash-up, the press drive and form roller are disengaged and the inking system is rotated by an inker roller drive while wash-up fluid is applied to the inking system.

Abstract: A portable signature capture pad operative for gathering signature data associated with customer transactions includes a digitizer, microprocessor, and a pad cradle that facilitates a wireless data link between the portable signature capture pad and a point-of-sale (POS) terminal, such as an electronic cash register. Subsequent to receiving a ready signal from the POS terminal, the portable signature capture pad is removed, temporarily disconnecting the pad from communication with the pad cradle and thus the POS terminal. A transaction receipt is printed at the POS terminal and placed on the portable signature capture pad. The portable signature capture pad and receipt are presented to a customer for signature capture. Data signals corresponding to the customer's signature are captured by the digitizer and stored in a memory in the pad. The pad is then returned to the cradle.

Abstract: A low cost, compact embossed card reader for reading embossed characters on credit or debit cards and for integration into a combined magnetic character/magnetic stripe terminal. A low-profile housing forms a card path and provides a surface for mounting a removable read head. The housing includes an integrated card guide for guiding the embossed characters along a linear path adjacent the read head. The read head includes a plurality of pins mounted orthogonally to the card, and aligned so as to scan each of the embossed characters in parallel paths as the card moves relative to the read head. The pins move upwardly as they encounter an embossed character and open a normally closed switch formed by a printed circuit board and a plurality of leaf spring fingers. Improved data acquisition and decode methods for sampling the embossed character data and decoding the data to form an account number. The data acquisition method samples the embossed characters at a predetermined rate.

Abstract: A data card terminal, such as a credit card transaction terminal, is disclosed. The terminal includes a transaction terminal comprising an embossed character reader and magnetic stripe reader, with a separate signature capture printer. The transaction terminal is operative for detecting the physical presence of a data card during a card transaction. The embossed character reader employs a tactile imager and pattern recognition for detecting the embossed characters on the data card. A signature capturing printer prints a paper receipt, which is signed by a cardholder at a signature capturing window on the printer. A signature capturing system digitizes and compresses signals corresponding to the signature of the card holder. Transaction data including compressed signature signals and signals indicative of the presence of the card are transmitted to the host computer system of a transaction processor, who guarantees the transaction as chargeback-protected under certain circumstances.

Abstract: A signature capture pad (or signature capture/PIN pad) operative for gathering signature data associated with customer transactions includes a digitizer, microprocessor, and a plurality of serial ports, and may be connected to a point-of-sale (POS) terminal, such as an electronic cash register. The signature capture pad provides compressed or uncompressed signature signals in response to commands received from the POS terminal. Uncompressed signature data may be used to provide a facsimile signature on a display or printer at the POS terminal, whereby the signature may be approved by the operator. A signature capture cycle is terminated upon receipt of a command from the POS terminal, or upon the expiration of an optional timer. The maximum size of the compressed signature data is selectable by the POS terminal. Compressed signature data exceeding the prescribed size may be post-processed at a lower resolution.

Abstract: A method of obtaining and providing card identifying information from a data card presented in connection with a financial transaction, the data card having a magnetic stripe and an embossed region containing identifying information, the method being carried out in a data card terminal. The data card terminal is operative for gathering credit card or check information required for customer transactions at a point of sale. The method comprises providing a transaction risk parameter selectively indicative of a first or second level of transaction security to be provided for the data card terminal. In response to the transaction risk parameter indicating the first level of security, verified card identifying information is provided if either the first data record region or the second data region contains valid card identifying information. In response to the transaction risk parameter indicating the second level of security, a second level security check is performed.

Abstract: A multi-reader terminal including a magnetic stripe reader, an embossed character reader, and a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) check reader, in an integrated stand-alone unit. The terminal is operative for gathering credit card or check information required for customer transactions at the point of sale. The terminal provides a single card passageway for receiving a credit card having a magnetic stripe and embossed characters. The magnetic stripe reader and embossed character reader read the credit card as it travels in the passageway. The embossed character reader may be selectively retracted from the card passageway. The terminal includes a plurality of serial communications ports that allow the terminal to be connected in series between a host computer and an electronic cash register. The serial ports allow connection of a signature capture pad, a personal identification number (PIN) pad, and other serial devices.

Abstract: A multi-reader terminal including a magnetic stripe reader, an embossed character reader, and a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) check reader, in an integrated stand-alone unit. The terminal is operative for gathering credit card or check information required for customer transactions at the point of sale. The terminal provides a single card passageway for receiving a credit card having a magnetic stripe and embossed characters. The magnetic stripe reader and embossed character reader read the credit card as it travels in the passageway. The embossed character reader may be selectively retracted from the card passageway. The terminal includes a plurality of serial communications ports that allow the terminal to be connected in series between a host computer and an electronic cash register. The serial ports allow connection of a signature capture pad, a personal identification number (PIN) pad, and other serial devices.

Abstract: A low cost, compact embossed card reader for reading embossed characters on credit or debit cards and for integration into a combined magnetic character/magnetic stripe terminal. A low-profile housing defines a card path and provides a surface for mounting a removable read head. The housing includes an integrated card guide for guiding the embossed characters along a linear path adjacent the read head. The read head includes a plurality of pins mounted orthogonally to the card, and aligned so as to scan each of the embossed characters in parallel paths as the card moves relative to the read head. The pins move upwardly as they encounter an embossed character and open a normally-closed switch formed by a printed circuit board and a plurality of leaf spring fingers. The read head is operative to float relative to the surface of the card and relative to the embossing on the card.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a data card terminal, such as a credit card transaction terminal, for providing chargeback protection services for the benefit of merchants are disclosed. The terminal includes a transaction terminal comprising an embossed character reader and magnetic stripe reader, with a separate signature capture printer. The transaction terminal is operative for detecting the physical presence of a data card during a card transaction. The embossed character reader employs a tactile imager and pattern recognition for detecting the embossed characters on the data card. A signature capturing printer prints a paper receipt, which is signed by a cardholder at a signature capturing window on the printer. A signature capturing system digitizes and compresses signals corresponding to the signature of the card holder.