Abstract: A dynamic signature/sign biometric verification system for detecting and preventing fraudulent transactions is described. The system comprises remote digital signature/sign input devices, a means to extract spatial and temporal features from the signature, a means to transmit the signature/sign features along with customer identifier information to a centralized signature/sign verification authority, a means for combining signature/sign feature verification with other forms of fraud detection technology, and a means for transmitting the results of a signature/sign verification back to the remote location where the signature/sign was captured. The system was primarily developed for use in payment card industries (e.g. credit cards, debit cards) but has applicability to other centralized signature/sign verification applications such as Automated Teller Machine authorizations and other identity theft detection and monitoring services.

Abstract: A dynamic signature/sign biometric verification system for detecting and preventing fraudulent transactions is described. The system comprises remote digital signature/sign input devices, a means to extract spatial and temporal features from the signature, a means to transmit the signature/sign features along with customer identifier information to a centralized signature/sign verification authority, a means for combining signature/sign feature verification with other forms of fraud detection technology, and a means for transmitting the results of a signature/sign verification back to the remote location where the signature/sign was captured. The system was primarily developed for use in payment card industries (e.g. credit cards, debit cards) but has applicability to other centralized signature/sign verification applications such as Automated Teller Machine authorizations and other identity theft detection and monitoring services.

Abstract: A surface coating includes fire retarding and smoke suppressing constituents dispersed throughout an essentially non-toxic, water-based adhesive binder. The coating comprises a mixture of chemical compounds where each constituent falls into one of six functional groups, being: 1) catalyst/initiator; 2) expandable graphite; 3) carbonific, or source of carbon which additionally forms water; 4) blowing agent (a source of non-flammable gases); 5) cement; and, 6) ceramic.

Abstract: A flame retarding and smoke suppressing additive powder that can be mixed with resins includes a carbonific material, a heat activated blowing agent, a heat activated halogen material, a phosphate material, and an inorganic material. The additive powder, when added to a curable or hardenable resin, forms a mixture where the additive powder is about 20-30%, by weight, of the mixture. The resin can be styrenic, olefinic, acrylic, cellulosic, polyester, or polyamide such as are commonly used in the manufacture of fiberglass reinforced structures and moldable plastics.

Abstract: A surface coating includes fire retarding and smoke suppressing constituents dispersed throughout an essentially non-toxic, water-based adhesive binder. The coating is composed of a mixture of chemical compounds where each constituent falls into one of six functional groups, being: 1) catalyst/initiator; 2) expandable graphite; 3) carbonific, or source of carbon which additionally forms water; 4) blowing agent (a source of non-flammable gases); 5) cement; and, 6) ceramic.

Abstract: A back lighted transflective liquid crystal display with improved contrast ratio has a light mask positioned between the transflective element and the source of back lighting. The mask has light transmitting sections which are aligned with and have the same configuration as the indicia-forming electrodes in the cell. The mask has opaque or light blocking sections that are aligned with the background portion of the cell. In the transmissive mode light impinges on the cell only in the area of the indicia-forming electrodes, thereby enhancing the contrast ratio between the indicia and background portions of the cell.