Abstract: A device includes a device body having an attachment face defined by an attachment area and a contact array disposed in the device body and exposed at a coupling face. The contact array comprises one or more magnets disposed on the coupling face and a plurality of terminals disposed on the coupling face. A periphery of the one or more magnets and the plurality of terminals defines a coupling area. The attachment area is greater than and independent of the coupling area.

Abstract: Systems, methods, software, and apparatuses for coordinating traffic proximate to a potential conflict zone, such as a roadway intersection, where travel conflicts, such as crossing traffic, can arise. Coordination involves forming an ad-hoc network in a region containing the conflict zone using, for example, vehicle-to-vehicle communications and developing a dynamic traffic control plan based on information about vehicles approaching the conflict zone. Instructions based on the dynamic traffic control plan are communicated to devices aboard vehicles in the ad-hoc network, which display one or more virtual traffic signals to the operators of the vehicles and/or control the vehicles in accordance with the dynamic traffic control plan.

Abstract: An adaptor allows a magnetic stripe card reader to receive information from other media such as wireless proximity chip cards while maintaining the ability to receive a magnetic stripe card. In accordance with one embodiment, the adaptor includes a simulacrum structure of sufficiently narrow width to fit substantially permanently within the slot of the magnetic stripe reading device, while providing sufficient room for a magnetic stripe card to also be concurrently accommodated within the slot and read by the reader head. The simulacrum structure may be in electronic communication with one or more transceivers of wireless communications such as RF and IR.

Abstract: An adaptor allows a magnetic stripe card reader to receive information from other media such as wireless proximity chip cards while maintaining the ability to receive a magnetic stripe card. In accordance with one embodiment, the adaptor includes a simulacrum structure of sufficiently narrow width to fit substantially permanently within the slot of the magnetic stripe reading device, while providing sufficient room for a magnetic stripe card to also be concurrently accommodated within the slot and read by the reader head. The simulacrum structure may be in electronic communication with one or more transceivers of wireless communications such as RF and IR.

Abstract: An adaptor in accordance with the present invention allows a conventional magnetic stripe card POS reader to receive information from contact-based or wireless sources while maintaining the concurrent ability of the reader to interact with a magnetic stripe card. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the adaptor includes an inductor capable of generating a magnetic field of sufficient power to couple with a head of a magnetic stripe card reader through the housing of the reader device. In this manner, the adaptor can be positioned external to the reader device, leaving the slot of the reader accessible for conventional interactions with magnetic stripe cards. Selective inductive communication with individual heads of the reader device may exploit their differing sensitivity to external magnetic fields generated by the adaptor.

Abstract: An adaptor allows a magnetic stripe card reader to receive information from other media such as wireless proximity chip cards while maintaining the ability to receive a magnetic stripe card. In accordance with one embodiment, the adaptor includes a simulacrum structure of sufficiently narrow width to fit substantially permanently within the slot of the magnetic stripe reading device, while providing sufficient room for a magnetic stripe card to also be concurrently accommodated within the slot and read by the reader head. The simulacrum structure may be in electronic communication with one or more transceivers of wireless communications such as RF and IR.

Abstract: Techniques for negotiation techniques for mobile personal trusted device financial transactions are provided. A user of a mobile personal trusted device sets user preferences that define the user's preferred parameters for conducting financial transactions. A merchant sets merchant preferences that define the merchant's preferred parameters for conducting financial transactions. When a financial transaction is initiated, a user preference and a merchant preferences are accessed. A negotiated preference is generated that accommodates both the user preference and the merchant preference. If the user preference and the merchant preference are not mutually exclusive, the negotiated preference attempts to satisfy both preferences. If the user preference and the merchant preference are mutually exclusive, the negotiated preference satisfies at least one of the two preferences based on which of the two preferences has a higher priority. The financial transaction is conducted based on the negotiated preference.

Abstract: A multi-functional photometer includes a scanning mechanism having a housing that bears a movable linkage. The linkage is coupled to an optical scanning head and incorporates light-transmitting paths with at least one reflective surface for transmitting radiant energy to and from the scanning head. The arm comprises a C-shaped elbow member, pivotally attached to a shoulder member. In turn, the shoulder member of the arm is pivotally connected to the housing. In one embodiment the reflective surfaces are optically coupled and are mounted onto the housing, shoulder member and elbow member, such that the shapes of the light-transmitting paths remain fixed regardless of the orientation of the arm. The housing further incorporates a Cartesian-coordinate table for positioning the scanning head with respect to a microplate that contains a plurality of analyte samples.

Abstract: A multi-functional photometer includes a scanning mechanism having a housing (10) that bears a movable linkage (12). The linkage is coupled to an optical scanning head (18) and incorporates optical fibers for transmitting radiant energy to and from the scanning head. The arm comprises a C-shaped "elbow" member (14), pivotally attached to a "shoulder" member (16). In turn, the "shoulder" member of the arm is pivotally connected to the housing. Dynamic couplings join the optical fibers such that the shapes thereof remain fixed regardless of the orientation of the arm. The housing further incorporates a Cartesian-coordinate table (20) for positioning the scanning head with respect to a microplate (22) that contains a plurality of analyte samples.

Abstract: A multi-functional photometer includes a scanning mechanism having a housing (10) that bears a movable linkage (12). The linkage is coupled to an optical scanning head (18) and incorporates optical fibers for transmitting radiant energy to and from the scanning head. The arm comprises a C-shaped "elbow" member (14), pivotally attached to a "shoulder" member (16). In turn, the "shoulder" member of the arm is pivotally connected to the housing. Dynamic couplings join the optical fibers such that the shapes thereof remain fixed regardless of the orientation of the arm. The housing further incorporates a Cartesian-coordinate table (20) for positioning the scanning head with respect to a microplate (22) that contains a plurality of analyte samples.