Abstract: A computer implemented method of performing a transaction using a payment account, typically handled by a payment account manager (PAM), comprises the steps of: receiving a first message from a top up terminal indicating that funds have been transferred to the payment account; setting or adjusting a funds limit of the payment account based on information in the first message; receiving an authorization or pre-authorization request from a first terminal and commencing a funds aggregation; receiving a second message indicating a pre-defined amount of funds which may be used in the transaction; blocking an amount of the funds limit of the payment account equivalent to the pre-defined amount; and sending an authorization response to the first terminal.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of automatically transferring data to each of one or more data receivers includes, for each data receiver: automatically determining if the current data within the data receiver meets a requirement for an automatic transfer of data to the data receiver to be performed; and, in dependence on the requirement being met: automatically attempting to transfer data from a first data source to the data receiver in dependence on the data within the first data source; and, if the attempt to transfer data is not successful, automatically transferring data from one of one or more further data sources, in dependence on the data within the one of the one or more data sources, to the data receiver. Advantageously, a user's experience is improved both due to the increased amount of control that a user has and the improved functionality of the system.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of performing a transaction using a payment account, typically handled by a payment account manager (PAM), comprises the steps of: receiving a first message from a top up terminal indicating that funds have been transferred to the payment account; setting or adjusting a funds limit of the payment account based on information in the first message; receiving an authorisation or pre-authorisation request from a first terminal and commencing a funds aggregation; receiving a second message indicating a pre-defined amount of funds which may be used in the transaction; blocking an amount of the funds limit of the payment account equivalent to the pre-defined amount; and sending an authorisation response to the first terminal. As a result, the PAM can send data to indicate that a card associated with the payment account is not fit for travel.

Abstract: An individual tetrahydrocannabinol isomer of interest is separated from a mixture containing two or more such isomers, by treating the mixture with an isocyanate or isothiocyanate of formula I: R—(CH2)n—N?C?X??(I) where R represents an aromatic ring optionally substituted with one or more electron withdrawing groups, n=0 or 1 and X is oxygen or sulphur; so as to produce a crystallizable THC carbamate of formula II: wherein X and R are as defined above, R? is a C3-C10 alkyl group and the dotted lines indicate optional unsaturation including aromatic, separating the compound of formula II from solution in isolation of other THC derivatives, and hydrolyzing the compound of formula II to form the individual tetrahydrocannabinol isomer of interest.

Abstract: Dronabinol, the tetrahydrocannabinol compound which comprises the active constituent of marijuana and is pharmaceutically useful as an antiemetic, is prepared by a process involving reaction of cis-menth-1-enc-3,8-diol with olivetol to form 1,3-dihydroxy-2-[(1R,6R)-6-(2-hydroxyprop-2-yl)-3-methylcyclohex-2-en-1-yl]-5-pentylbenzene; and cyclizing the 1,3-dihydroxy-2-[(1R,6R)-6-(2-hydroxyprop-2-yl)-3-methylcyclohex-2-en-1-yl]-5-pentylbenzene so formed to obtain dronabinol. A novel synthesis of cis-menth-1-ene-3,8-diolis also provided.