Abstract: An electronic commerce system to perform a non-toll payment transaction with an electronic toll collection transponder, the transponder being located in a vehicle, the transponder having a transponder memory storing payment information. The electronic commerce system includes a point-of-sale (POS) terminal; and a handheld reader tethered to the POS terminal via a wired communication link. The handheld reader is movable to within close proximity of the transponder when the vehicle is adjacent to the POS terminal. When the handheld reader is in close proximity to the transponder, the handheld reader is to transmit a short-range RF signal that contains sales information, receive a signal that contains payment information from the transponder in response to transmitting the short-range RF signal, and send the signal containing the payment information to the POS terminal, via the wired communication link, for completing the non-toll payment transaction.

Abstract: A system and method to facilitate drive-through ordering in which two or more options are presented to a customer and an in-vehicle transponder includes an input device to receive customer selection of one of the two or more options. The user selection received via the input device is relayed to the vendor through RF communications between the transponder and a reader.

Abstract: A retail package for an activated transponder that prevents the transponder from receiving or responding to interrogation signals from a reader as the packaged transponder is shipped to retail outlets or while the packaged transponder in the possession of a retail purchaser but prior to the purchaser's intended use. The retail packaging includes shielding material to attenuate RF transmission sufficiently to prevent the accidental occurrence of a transaction, such as a electronic vehicle toll transaction. Once the transponder is removed from the packaging it may function normally.

Abstract: Methods and systems for obtaining vehicle emissions data from on-board vehicle information systems under on-road or open-road conditions. The vehicle may be equipped with a transponder for relaying emissions data to a reader. The reader includes antennas defining a communications zone within a roadway. The transponder and reader are capable of engaging in RF communications as the vehicle-mounted transponder traverses the communications zone.

Abstract: A medicament compact is produced by placing loose powdered medicament in a mould having a longitudinal axis where a mandrel is positioned along the longitudinal axis of the mould compressing the medicament when a force parallel to the longitudinal axis is applied. The frictional force between the medicament and the mould and the frictional force between the medicament and the mandrel are opposite.