Abstract: A container for fluids, in particular liquids, such as beer or water, includes a spherical or spheroid casing, a valve part for filling the container with a fluid and an outer package surrounding the casing. The outer package comprises a shell, which follows the circumference of the casing.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing cap and beverage bottle assembly provides a spill-resistant container for use by a small child. The dispensing cap has a perforated baffle that restricts the beverage flow under static pressure conditions and permits beverage flow when a sufficient pressure differential is applied across the baffle. The dispensing cap includes a spout that facilitates beverage consumption. The dispensing cap either screws onto a bottle neck or is a press-fit cap that is inserted into the bottle's open end. A seal is provided that prevents beverage leakage and indicates if the container has been tampered with or compromised.

Abstract: A mixing device for use atop a plurality of containers that contain constituents that are to be mixed and dispensed is described. The device includes a head having an outlet and a cartridge that has inlets for accepting constituents from each of the plurality of containers, a mixing chamber, and a nozzle for dispensing a mixed product extending through the opening in the head. The device includes a means for securing the head to the containers. A mixing system can include the device together with the containers holding the constituents to be mixed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a beverage dispenser for gravitationally dispensing a liquid from a bottle such as standard sized bottles commonly used in the drinking water industry. The dispenser preferably includes a removable top closeable over a space large enough to hold and fully enclose the inverted bottle, a base having a substantially flat bottom surface for maintaining the bottle in an inverted position and mating surfaces for receiving the removable top, a collar having an aperture sized to receive a neck portion of the bottle and disposed within the base for supporting the bottle in the inverted position, a reservoir attached to the collar for receiving the liquid from the bottle, whereby the neck portion of the inverted standard sized bottle extends downward through the aperture of the collar, and a spigot extending from the reservoir for dispensing the liquid from the reservoir.

Abstract: A method of visually enhancing water cooler having a base unit which receives an inverted water bottle. A first step involves providing an annular tank having an annular bottom with a transparent exterior sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom making the contents of the annular tank visible and an interior sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom which defmes a cylindrical central cavity. The cylindrical central cavity is selectively sized to slide over an inverted water bottle. A second step involves sliding the annular tank over the inverted water bottle of the water cooler, until the inverted water bottle is positioned within the cylindrical central cavity of the annular tank with the bottom of the annular tank resting upon the base unit. A third step involves filling the annular tank with a visual attraction viewable through the transparent exterior sidewall.

Abstract: A tamper-indicating dispensing closure assembly embodying the principles of the present invention includes a closure body, and an associated pivotal flip-top lid. Notably, the flip-top lid includes an integral hinge member, having a retention portion at a distal end thereof. Closure manufacture is effected by use of an over-molding technique, in conjunction with interlocking geometrical features of the retention portion and the closure body, to ensure proper retention of the lid, while facilitating single-handed manipulation of the lid by consumers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid dispenser member comprising a body (1), a pusher (2) axially displaceable between a rest position and a depressed position, the pusher forming a fluid dispenser orifice (24), and a flexible part (3) connecting the body to the pusher. The part forms return spring means (35) urging the pusher towards the rest position. The part also forms the moving member (38) of an outlet valve. The part also comprises support means (33) engaged with the body, and anchor means (37) engaged with the pusher. The support means are surrounded by the anchor means. The part includes an elastically deformable portion (34) that extends between the support means and the anchor means. The elastically deformable portion (34) constitutes both the return spring means (35) and the outlet valve moving member (38).

Abstract: The baby formula preparation device includes a powder hopper and a distributor operably associated with the powder hopper for dispensing powdered baby formula into a baby bottle. The device also includes a water dispensing system having a water storage tank and a water heater that dispenses heated water into the baby bottle. A load cell measures the weight of the bottle and a controller coupled to the load cell regulates the quantity by weight of heated water and powdered baby formula dispensed into the baby bottle.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting of a lever member to a housing in which a stop member which normally limits rotation of the lever member about a fulcrum is movable to a position which permits the lever member to be disengaged from the housing and removed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved spray bottle to allow the bottle to be turned sideways, even upside down, yet still allow spraying. A heavy bead is placed at the end of the intake tube to use gravity to keep it at the bottom of the liquid, even when the bottle is tilted. A flexible hose is used to allow movement of the intake tube to reach different areas of the bottle.

Abstract: A resilient invertible duckbill valve is constructed so that it may be pressed downwardly and folded inwardly upon itself to a stopper position of force-fit within a compression ring to apply a direct lateral compressive force between sealing elements of the valve. This provides additional sealing surface area and very high closing pressure which prevents leakage and a tightly sealed storage condition of a container is achieved when not in use. The valve is conveniently a unitary resilient valve member which is supported by a rigid baseplate that includes an aperture in the center which forms a compression ring around the body of the valve. Both the baseplate and the valve member are releasably held between a threaded cap and top rim of the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing an adhesive generally comprises a dispensing module, a liquid supply component configured to supply the adhesive to the dispensing module, and an attachment system. The attachment system includes a stationary component and an attachment member pivotally coupled to the stationary component. The attachment member is configured to apply a clamping force to the dispensing module to couple the dispensing module to the liquid supply component.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing an adhesive generally comprises a dispensing module, a liquid supply component, and an actuating assembly. The actuating assembly includes a housing proximate the dispensing module and a three-way solenoid valve operatively coupled to the housing. A piston positioned within a piston chamber of the housing is configured to reciprocate along a piston axis when operated by pressurized air controlled by the solenoid valve. The piston is operatively coupled to a valve element within the dispensing module by a pivot arm.

Abstract: A cap closure that dispenses liquid from a liquid container has a cylindrical base that is removably mounted on the liquid container. A valve spout is mounted on the base for linear reciprocating movement. A valve actuator is mounted on the base for rotation. The spout is movable between closed and opened positions where in the opened position liquid can be dispensed through the spout and in the closed position the liquid is blocked from passing through the spout. The actuator is operatively connected to the spout whereby rotation of the actuator between first and second positions relative to the cap base moves the spout between the respective closed and opened positions of the spout on the base.

Abstract: A dispensing closure system (30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D) is provided with a peripheral wall or closure body (32, 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D) for extending from a container. In one form of the system, at least one lid (61 or 62/61A or 62A/61B or 62B/61D or 62D) includes a latch post (130D) for being received in a latch aperture (120D) in a rim (44D) of the peripheral wall (32, 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D) to increase the opening resistance of the lid. In another form of the system, two lids (61 and 62/61A and 62A/61B and 62B/61D and 62D) are molded with the body (32, 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D) as a unitary structure, and the lids are closable over two openings (51, 52/51A, 52A/51B, 52B/51C,52C/51D,52D).

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, the foregoing disadvantages of the prior art are addressed. In one aspect of the present invention, a hanger for supporting a belt buckle includes a flexible body having a top end, bottom end and prong portion therebetween. The top and bottom ends include top locking component and corresponding bottom locking component respectively. The locking components engage to lock the top end to the bottom end. The prong portion includes an access opening and prong holder. The prong portion limits movement of a prong within the hanger to prevent dislodgement of the prong.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods of donning garments are provided wherein an expandable layer is temporarily inserted into a garment. A source such as a donning chamber is utilized to expand the temporary expandable layer, thus stretching the garment by an amount suitable to assist the wearer in donning the garment. Once donned, the expandable layer is at least partially removed from underneath the garment. For example, pieces of the expandable layer may be pulled through a mesh fabric of the garment, or otherwise slipped out from under the garment. Alternatively, the temporary expandable layer may be constructed such that, at least portions are soluble. Once the garment is donned, the soluble portions of the temporary expandable layer are dissolved using a corresponding solvent. Still further, a physical treatment such as ultrasound or ultraviolet radiation, may be used to crumble or disintegrate a portion or the entire temporary expandable layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for aiding in the donning of a foot covering is provided. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a base supported by the floor with a surface oriented at an angle to the floor so that it is not parallel to the floor. The surface has an area sufficient for contact with at least a portion of the bottom of a foot of a user. A foot covering retaining member is provided and is carried by the base. The foot covering retaining member is configured for receiving a foot covering and holding open an opening of the foot covering.

Abstract: A holder for an electronic device comprises a clip, a hub and a plurality of arms. The hub is removably engaged with the clip. The plurality of arms extends from the hub, each arm having a proximal end connected to the hub and a distal end having a pocket shaped to receive a corner of the electronic device. Each pocket may be shaped to substantially surround the corresponding received corner. The holder may comprise four arms extending radially from the hub such that the arms form an X shape. The arms may be semi-rigid. The clip may further comprise a swivel connector, such that the hub is engaged with the clip via the swivel connector.

Abstract: A holster including a receptacle for housing therein a weapon, the receptacle including at least one guide on an internal surface thereof and also including a tactical volume adapted for receiving therein a tactical accessory mounted on the weapon, the at least one guide being adapted to guide the weapon along a predefined path into the receptacle, such that when the weapon is in the receptacle, the tactical accessory mounted on the weapon is received in the tactical volume.

Abstract: A portable, adjustable, sporting articles holder for use within a vehicle. A base unit positions the device on the floor of a vehicle. A plurality of telescoping legs are attached to the base and extend upwardly therefrom for contacting the ceiling of the vehicle. A plurality of multi-function clamps are frictionally held to the telescoping legs, and the clamps are slidably adjustable with respect to the telescoping legs for vertical adjustment of the clamps. A plurality of tubular connecting bars are held in place by the clamps, and the tubular connecting bars are also slidably adjustable. Attached to the ends of the tubular connecting bars are a plurality of planar receiving members capable of receiving and supporting a number of sporting articles, such as fishing rods and firearms, wherein the sporting articles are received by a plurality of adjacent, spaced apart cut-outs contained within the receiving members.

Abstract: A panel truck provides a material carrier made up of a fixed frame clamped the a rain gutter of the truck and a movable frame that is able to be drawn toward the fixed frame to clamp panels between the frames. The fixed frame is further secured to the truck by a clamp leg that may be drawn toward an interior panel of the truck so as to apply clamping action between the fixed frame against the exterior panel of the truck and the clamp leg against the interior panel. Therefore, the material carrier is easily mounted on the truck and easiy removed therefrom without any modification to the truck.

Abstract: A portable storage device and filing system is provided for use in a transportation vehicle. The system comprises a case which may be engaged with an interior trim component, such as an interior sidewall, and the device may appear to be part of the interior vehicle trim. The device may be accessed by articulating the sides of the case away from one another to expose the interior of the case. The interior of the case may include an expandable compartment having dividers or folders for storage and organizing of loose pieces of paper. The case may be trimmed to coordinate with the interior theme of the vehicle when stored in the vehicle.

Abstract: A razor blade holder that is conveniently attachable to any selected surface of a garment worn by a user includes a first generally planar housing having one or more first magnets embedded therein and a vertical channel extending across the front surface thereof conformed to hold the razor blade therein by magnetic attraction. The upper edge of the vertical channel includes a cut-out to expose a part of the blade for manual grasping while the lower edge is provided with a transverse recess for receiving the blade edge. A second housing, similarly provided with embedded second magnets, is then positioned on the opposite side of the selected garment surface in alignment with the first housing to capture the garment surface between the housings.

Abstract: A sheet of brittle material, such as glass, flat or bowed, is separated along a score line by applying fluid energy (compressed gas or liquid) through a fluid applicator such as a nozzle or directional fluid motivator, into a scored sheet material. A separation time of less than 1 second is possible with smooth edge quality. The brittle material can be in the form of a moving ribbon of glass sheet or a stationary sheet. A load (tension) can be applied transverse to the score line to enhance crack propagation along the score line. A controller controls the fluid pressure, release time and other process parameters for best results, depending on material properties and structure.

Abstract: An adapter configured for use in combination with a cap on a fuel cell having a closure formation, the cap having at least one leg portion and a corresponding foot extending from the leg, including a ring portion configured for engagement upon the closure formation of the fuel cell and including a top edge, a bottom edge, and a sidewall therebetween having an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall, a grooved portion defined by the inner sidewall, a convex gripping formation on the outer sidewall complementary to the closure formation, and at least one recessed formation adjacent the grooved portion for receiving the foot.

Abstract: A system may install a floor above a sub-floor surface, the floor having a board abutting adjacent boards. The system may include a lowering apparatus, a positioning apparatus, and a securing apparatus. The lowering apparatus may be adapted to receive the board and to lower the board to the floor. The positioning apparatus may be adapted to position the board in contact with one or more of the adjacent boards. The securing apparatus may be adapted to secure the board to the sub-floor surface.

Abstract: A method of driving a gathering stapler having a plurality of subassemblies including a stapling carriage, a collecting chain, a stapling-displacement configuration, a delivery, and an ejector. The method includes separately driving at least two of the subassemblies, each with a separately controllable drive. Commanding movements of the subassemblies driven in each case by controllable motors, with an electronic control unit. Synchronizing a movement of one separately driven subassembly with a movement of at least one other separately driven subassembly. Executing a variable collecting-chain movement adapted to a simultaneous operation of the stapling carriage.

Abstract: A coil nailing device for finishing materials is invented that comprises a standby part for temporarily retaining and loading the nails into a muzzle. A door is installed adjacent to the standby part to check the nail supply. A door latch consists of a hook, coil spring and latch hinge shaft. The door and door latch are operated in the lateral direction, perpendicular to the axis of the main body. The muzzle consists of an adapter, lever arm and a pair of arc-shaped sliding grooves formed on both lateral surfaces. The adapter is attachable to the nose of the main body. A clearance setting device is designed to allow the use of various sizes of nails by setting the depth of the magazine depending on the loaded nail size. An interval setting device is convenient to nail a series of shingle panels by setting the panel interval while the coil nailing device is sliding along the edge of the panels.

Abstract: A surgical staple inserter is disclosed and can include a shaft and a staple engagement arm pivotably engaged with the shaft. Further, the surgical staple inserter can include a spring that can be connected to the shaft and the staple engagement arm. The surgical staple inserter can be moved between a straight position and a bent position. In the straight position, the staple engagement arm can be substantially aligned with the shaft. In the bent position, the staple engagement arm can be rotated with respect to the shaft.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device is provided for clamping and stapling tissue, and for dispensing a fluid such as an adhesive onto the tissue. The adhesive can be stored within one or more rigid chambers within removable cartridge and dispensed from a plurality of passageways within the cartridge. A plurality of staples and staple drivers are located in the cartridge and may be isolated from the fluid. Both linear and rotary members can be provided to dispense the fluid from the cartridge. Alternately, the fluid can be dispensed from the cartridge at any time with an operator actuatable control. A removable staple cartridge cover can be provided to seal the fluid in the cartridge and prevent fluid loss. Alternately, a fluid cartridge can be provided that can mount within a surgical stapling device and dispense one or more firings of a fluid therefrom.

Abstract: Reinforcing lumen rings are configured and adapted for use in conjunction with a circular endoscopic stapling instrument having a staple cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly. The reinforcing lumen rings maintain anastomotic lumen, e.g. as formed by the circular endoscopic stapling apparatus, in an open condition. The reinforcing lumen rings can include an annular ring having an outer terminal edge and an inner terminal edge, the outer terminal edge having a diameter which is substantially equal to an outer diameter of the staple cartridge assembly and the inner terminal edge having a diameter which is substantially equal to an inner diameter of the staple cartridge assembly.

Abstract: Surgical stapling apparatus are disclosed including an anvil having a working surface with a shaped topography, and a staple cartridge, in juxtaposition with the anvil. The staple cartridge includes a working surface with shaped topography which is complementary to the shaped topography of the working surface of the shaped anvil. When the anvil and the staple cartridge are approximated with or toward one another, at least a portion of the working surface of the anvil cooperates with at least a portion of the working surface of the staple cartridge to enhance alignment of the staple cartridge and the anvil in at least one of a transverse and longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Provided are surgical fasteners coated with a material including an initiator configured for activation upon application of an initiator. The surgical fasteners may be configured for use in combination with a surgical fastener applying apparatus. In one version, the surgical fastener is a surgical staple including a pair of legs, a crown interconnecting the pair of legs, and a material including an initiator coating at least a portion of the legs and/or crown. Adhesive may be delivered into contact with the initiator associated with the surgical fasteners such that a desirable size, shape, and configuration of activated or polymerized adhesive is created.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for joining materials comprising providing an assembly comprising at least one material layer; at least one metal heat source; and at least one solder layer, each solder layer disposed between each metallic heat source and each material layer; placing the assembly in a controlled atmosphere; and initiating a chemical reaction in the metal heat source so as to enable the solder to join the material layer.

Abstract: Methods of securing a thermocouple to a ceramic substrate are provided. The thermocouple includes a pair of wires that define a junction, and the method comprises directly bonding the junction of the thermocouple to the ceramic substrate. In one form, the junction is directly bonded using an active brazing material.

Abstract: A three-piece container comprises top and bottom walls, opposite end walls, opposite side walls, and reinforced corners. A first end piece is configured to form a first container end wall. The first end piece is folded to define a first inner wall panel and an overlying second outer end wall panel. First partial side wall panels extend perpendicularly from opposite sides of the first inner wall panel. Second partial side wall panels extend perpendicularly from opposite sides of the second outer wall panel. Each of the first partial side wall panel is joint to the first inner wall panel by a diagonal web that forms a reinforcing corner post in each corner of the container. A second end piece is configured to form a second container end wall. The second end piece is folded to define a second inner wall panel and an overlying third outer end wall panel. Third partial side wall panels extend perpendicularly from opposite sides of the second inner wall panel.

Abstract: A packaging container for containing an object includes a substantially square-shaped first sheet member and a substantially square-shaped second sheet member overlaid on one another and forming four sides. At least one of the four sides forms an opening from which the object can be inserted. The packaging container also includes a first flap adjacent to the first sheet member through a first fold line at the opening, including a first cover piece to cover one half of the opening when folded, and a second flap adjacent to the second sheet member through a second fold line at the opening, including a second cover piece to cover another half of the opening when folded. The first flap and the second flap are provided at the opening so as not to overlap each other, and the first cover piece and the second cover piece cover substantially all the opening when folded.

Abstract: A clamshell container comprising a tray and a cover formed from a blank; the tray including a bottom and four curved side walls foldable upward from the four edges of the bottom along arcuate fold lines, the tray walls having defined corners inwardly offset relative to the center points of the walls; and a cover provided with corresponding walls, at least three of which are folded from arcuate fold lines along corresponding edges of a cover top panel and which define depending arcuate cover walls and a cover with a maximum width at transverse centerlines between opposed sets of walls and minimum widths at corners defined by the cover walls; the cover pivotally closing over the tray with the arced walls of the tray received within the arced walls of the cover and engaging therewith.

Abstract: A reinforced handle is provided in an end wall closure of a substantially tubular carton by forming a handle opening in a top end flap, and by aligning the handle opening with corresponding cutouts formed in respective side end flaps. Each cutout is provided with reinforcing flaps that align with at least the weight bearing edge of the handle opening. Each reinforcing flap is formed from the respective side end flap and folded out of the plane of the respective side end flap to be in face contacting relationship with that side end flap. Each reinforcing flap aligns its edge with the weight bearing edge of the handle opening. In this manner, the material at the weight bearing edge of the handle opening is at least three plies thick.

Abstract: A carton with a new dispenser that can be opened by a pull tab with this dispenser flap being placed in a corner of the top panel of the carton so that it is adjacent to the tops of the small necks of the bottles for easy opening and removal or for opening and reclosing. The dispenser flap is held in position by resistant tear lines but can be easily removed by an attached pull tab that is loosely connected to the top panel.

Abstract: A folding collapsible storage box is disclosed to include a folding collapsible box body, which has a front open side, a rear open side, a flexible retangular cover flap stitched to two adjacent ones of the four peripheral sides of the rear open side, and a zip fastener that fastens the other two sides of the flexible rectangular cover flap to the other two adjacent ones of the four peripheral sides of the rear open side, a supporting board inserted into the rear open side of the folding collapsible box body to support the folding collapsible box body into shape after opening of the zip fastener, and partition boards mounted inside the folding collapsible box body to divide the holding space of the folding collapsible box body into multiple storage compartments.

Abstract: An operation signal corresponding to an input operation on a rotating body by a user is output to an information-processing unit 400 and the operation signal is processed by a processing condition in accordance with the condition of the input operation. Based on the information property such as sound volume processed based on the operation signal and output by the output unit 200 or a setting position such as a cue point that is set by the input operation on the switch section 340 and at which a reproducing position is changed by a processing unit 440 in accordance with a pressing operation on the rotating body 600, the location of the reproducing position that is moved in accordance with the condition of the input operation on the rotating body 600 is recognized. And the rotating body 600 is operated (conducting click-like movement restriction, vibration and the like) in accordance with output condition corresponding to the condition of the input operation based on the property.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide access to services. A base ticket value is determined based on a price range for a subject service. A ticket manager engine translates the price range into a ticket level. End users/ticket holders present the leveled ticket for redemption of the particular service from a participant's service provider. Tickets are redeemable for a particular service or experience such as concerts, sports events, theatrical shows, broadway shows, family events, golf courses, movie theaters, spas, etc., each at different levels. Tickets are thus redeemed at variable rates for equivalent services. An online distributor or portal in the primary and/or secondary market may employ the ticket manager engine and ticket leveling. As a result, the distributor offers/sells leveled tickets.

Abstract: An anti-theft lottery ticket includes a substrate, a redemption bar code printed on one side of the substrate, and play symbols printed in a play area on one side of the substrate. The play area is covered with a scratch-off material and a destructible bar code is printed over a portion of the scratch-off material. The portion depends on whether the ticket is a winning ticket or a losing ticket. An enclosure encloses at least one anti-theft lottery ticket, and an activation bar code is attached to the enclosure. Anti-theft lottery ticket methods include scanning the activation bar code, the destructible bar code, and the redemption bar code by a retailer and communicating with an activation-validation database to determine if a lottery ticket is valid and payable.

Abstract: A system and method for verifying a stream of payments includes accepting a request for verification and, optionally, supporting documentation relating to the payments from a user such as a consumer and transmitting the request and the supporting documentation to a verifier who is unknown to the consumer at the time the request is made. The verifier directly contacts the payee to verify the payment stream. If the verifier indicates that the payment stream has been verified, the consumer is notified and given the opportunity to designate a third party recipient to whom the verification will be sent.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) includes a lockable first fascia portion (20) which when unlocked enables access to a chest lock input device (104), inputs to which enable opening a chest door (18) of the machine. Opening the first fascia portion also enables access to an actuator (116) which enables moving a second fascia portion (22) for conducting service activities. A controller (72) in the machine selectively illuminates light emitting devices (118, 126) for purposes of facilitating user operation of the machine. Sensing devices (128) adjacent a card reader slot (28) on the machine enables the controller to detect the presence of unauthorized card reading devices. Servicing the machine is facilitated through use of a portable diagnostic article (98) which enables the controller to access diagnostic data stored in memory and which provides data indicative of the significance of the diagnostic data.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) includes a lockable first fascia portion (20) which when unlocked enables access to a chest lock input device (104), inputs to which enable opening a chest door (18) of the machine. Opening the first fascia portion also enables access to an actuator (116) which enables moving a second fascia portion (22) for conducting service activities. A controller (72) in the machine selectively illuminates light emitting devices (118, 126) for purposes of facilitating user operation of the machine. Sensing devices (128) adjacent a card reader slot (28) on the machine enables the controller to detect the presence of unauthorized card reading devices. Servicing the machine is facilitated through use of a portable diagnostic article (98) which enables the controller to access diagnostic data stored in memory and which provides data indicative of the significance of the diagnostic data.

Abstract: A banking system controlled by data bearing records. The system includes an automated banking machine (10) including a card reader (16) operative to read identifying data from user cards. The identifying data is used authorize operation of the automated banking machine. The banking machine includes a user interface (15). The user interface includes a card reader, receipt printer opening (30), cash dispensing opening (38), and deposit accepting opening (40). Multicolor light emitting devices (17, 31, 41, 43) are adjacent to and associated with a respective location where a user interacts with a particular transaction function device of the machine. One or more machine controllers (64) are selective to control the output color and duration of each light emitting device responsive to programming associated with the controller and an operative condition of the associated transaction function device.

Abstract: A wireless financial transaction instrument, such as a card, has a magnetic stripe, a display, and an on-board power supply, such as a battery, and is usable with a dual capture point of sale terminal. Information is received by such a terminal from the card wirelessly, and also from the magnetic stripe, and the data received contactlessly is preferably used to verify that read from the stripe. The display can display the account number on command, or to display a current balance, or amount of credit remaining, or any combination of these items of information.