Abstract: An electronic token system including a token receptacle and a portable token. The token receptacle includes a receptacle body with an outer surface having a first, generally planar array of electrical contacts, which are arranged in a dense-packed configuration that minimizes the surface area occupied by the planar array, consistent with sufficient electrical separation between adjacent contacts. The token receptacle also includes a first alignment feature and a first retention feature. The portable token includes an enclosure for enclosing at least a portion of the receptacle body, the enclosure having a second alignment feature for mating engagement with the first alignment feature and a second retention feature for holding the portable token in removable connection with the first retention feature. The token also includes a second, generally planar array of electrical contacts for electrical communication with the corresponding electrical contacts of the first planar array mounted in the token receptacle.

Abstract: Compositions including carbon nanofoam are suitable for printing and magnetic ink.

Abstract: A network accessible node that facilitates management of a fleet of portable communication devices (EIR terminal), including portable data terminals and/or barcode readers, by directing performance of software upgrade and/or configuration update actions by one or more members of the fleet of EIR terminals.

Abstract: The invention relates to an identification device comprising at least one magnetically-responsive micro-wire (21) that is suitable for responding to an outside magnetic field, characterized in that the identification device includes a core member (7) surrounded by a protective cover member (29) and at least one micro-wire (21) being arranged between the core member (7) and the protective cover member (29).

Abstract: A system includes a wireless-enabled smart card reader able to be connected concurrently to at least two devices and a mobile device able to be connected wirelessly to the smart card reader and to control connections of the smart card reader.

Abstract: Disclosed is a processor card arrangement comprising a first portion and a second portion capable of being moved relative to one another between a first configuration and a second configuration resulting in the processor card switching between a first state and a second state, wherein when in said first state, the processor card arrangement is operable to perform at least one function and, when in said second state, the processor card arrangement it is not operable to perform said at least one function. According to some embodiments of the invention the dimensions of said processor card arrangement are substantially the same when in the first configuration and when in the second configuration.

Abstract: A card key includes a circuit board and a plate-shaped key body. The circuit board is mounted with electronic parts that configure an electronic circuit for performing radio communication with an on-vehicle device. The key body is mounted with the circuit board which is covered with a resin material. The key body has a principal front surface on the side of which the electronic parts are mounted, and has a main body recess sunk to a predetermined depth level from the principal front surface and a key component accommodating recess further sunk to a level deeper than the main body recess and opened in a bottom surface of the main body recess. The key body forms an outline of the card key together with a sheet body fitted to the main body recess. The key component accommodating portion is formed between the sheet body and the key component accommodating recess.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an elongated security element (40) for security papers, value documents and the like, having a longitudinal direction and, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, a transverse direction, and having, arranged on a support, a magnetic layer (44) that includes machine-readable magnetic regions. According to the present invention, the magnetic layer comprises a plurality of frame-shaped magnet elements (44) that include the machine-readable magnetic regions and that are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the elongated security element (40).

Abstract: A smart card reader including a smart card reading assembly including a plurality of smart card chip communication contacts and a static electricity discharge element assembled with the smart card reading assembly, the static electricity discharge element including a plurality of static electricity discharge contacts contacting multiple diverse surfaces of a smart card for discharge of static electricity thereon.

Abstract: Combined use transaction cards are disclosed including preferably the functionality of being usable for conducting a financial transaction along with the additional functionality for activation or access to at least one other event. Many types of non-financial events are contemplated such as for access or entry, employee need, student need, and the like. Such cards preferably utilize electronically readable means as may be provided to such cards, such as including magnetic stripes, RFID transponders, OCR text, and one dimensional or two dimensional bar codes.

Abstract: A method, for maximizing the financial benefits that accrue to one from optimally taking advantage of the incentives offered by the various providers of credit cards, includes the steps of: (1) collecting card provider information regarding currently offered incentives, (2) collecting one's information regarding past and proposed card purchases, (3) analyzing this information to determine the benefits that would accrue to one from making the proposed purchase with each of one's available cards, (4) communicating the results of this analysis so as to enable it to be used in selecting the card to be used in one's next purchase, (5) presenting the incentives of other cards which are not in the one's card portfolio, and (6) if one is considering adding one of these other cards to one's portfolio in order to take advantage of its incentives, advising of the impact on one's credit rating of applying for a new card.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a reconfigurable stripe reader configured to receive read head signals corresponding to states on a magnetic stripe. The reconfigurable stripe reader can have a first configuration with a first routing of the read head signals to detect an initiation of a swipe of the magnetic stripe from the read head signals. The reconfigurable stripe reader can have a second configuration with a second routing of the read head signals to read data stored on the magnetic stripe from the read head signals during the swipe of the magnetic stripe.

Abstract: An apparatus for effecting commercial transactions with a server using a transaction card via a communication device is provided. The apparatus includes a transaction device coupled with the communication device for capturing information from the transaction card and a controller for converting the captured card information into an encrypted audio signal and for transmitting the audio signal to the communication device. The communication device delivers the audio signal to the server for processing the commercial transaction.

Abstract: The assembly (22) involved in the fabrication of electronic cards comprises a plate (14) exhibiting a plurality of apertures (16) in which are respectively housed a plurality of electronic modules (2). These electronic modules are assembled to the plate 14 by fixing means, in particular by fixing bridges leaving a slot (26) over the major part of the surround of the electronic module. For example the fixing means are formed by projecting parts (18) at the periphery of the apertures (16), these projecting parts exhibiting a smaller thickness than the thickness of the plate (14) and serving as supports for the electronic modules, in particular for a substrate (12) of these modules. Fixing is performed for example by welding or adhesive bonding. The invention also relates to an intermediate product formed by such an assembly and a filing material that fills at least the major part of the remaining space in the apertures (16).

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for the creation of a payment card that is programmable by a user in order to access one or more accounts from multiple financial institutions and/or other institutions. The payment card includes an account selection application that facilitates selection of one of the transaction accounts associated with the payment card. A processor circuit then determines a code that corresponds with the respective one of the transaction accounts and facilitates the embodiment of the corresponding code to a dynamic magnetic strip located on the payment card.

Abstract: A card reading machine includes a card reader for reading data on a magnetic card and a device for preventing reading of the data on the magnetic card by illegal card reading devices operatively associated with the card reading machine. The device for preventing may include an oscillator, a driver circuit and a coil for generating electromagnetic signals similar to data on a card. A method for preventing reading of data on a magnetic card by in illegal card reader in operative association with an apparatus having a card reader intended to read the data on the magnetic card includes producing a signal ruining the data collected by the illegal card reader. The apparatus having a card reader may include an insertion slot in which case the method may further include producing the signal near the insertion slot.

Abstract: The electronic module (18) for an electronic device (10) such as a microcircuit card, comprises a substrate (20) delimiting first (20A) and second (20B) opposite faces. More particularly, the module (18) comprises a light source (26) borne by the second face (20B) of the substrate (20) and capable of illuminating a visible part of the electronic device.

Abstract: A smart card includes: a host integrated circuit (IC) and one or more secure authentication ICs disposed on a board. The host IC contacts a user's terminal. The host IC is configured to receive signals and execute services in accordance with the received signals. The one or more secure authentication ICs are also configured to receive signals from the host IC and accommodate an application independent of or relevant to the host IC to execute a function of the application. Accordingly, independence and security of the secure authentication ICs is improved.

Abstract: A payment card (e.g., credit and/or debit card) is provided with a magnetic emulator operable of communicating information to a magnetic stripe reader. Information used in validating a financial transaction is encrypted based on time such that a validating server requires receipt of the appropriate encrypted information for a period of time to validate a transaction for that period of time. Such dynamic information may be communicated using such an emulator such that a card may be swiped through a magnetic stripe reader—yet communicate different information based on time. An emulator may receive information as well as communicate information to a variety of receivers (e.g., an RFID receiver).

Abstract: A system, method and prepaid payment card configured to display a current card balance on the prepaid payment card. The prepaid payment card receives a balance request from a button on the card. After retrieving the current card balance encoded on the prepaid payment card, the card displays the current card balance. Remote terminals may be configured to support the real-time display of a balance on a prepaid payment card by writing the current balance to the card after a payment transaction has occurred.

Abstract: A system for processing security or identification objects, comprising a transfer device which is receives and re-delivers at least one security or identification object. The system includes processing, control, inventory or receiving modules which are arranged on an enclosure having an at least partially closed periphery. The periphery of the enclosures surrounds the space in which the transfer device moves the security or identification objects so that the space in which the security or identification objects are moved and a space surrounding the enclosure are spatially separated from each other. The periphery of the enclosure includes openings through which the transfer device receives the security or identification objects from the surrounding space and delivers same to the surrounding space and through which the supply and/or discharge of the security or identification objects to/from the modules takes place.

Abstract: When a conventional sensor or tag is sandwiched by a plurality of metal planes, the condition is deteriorated and the sensitivity is lowered. Provided is multiplane imaging system using MISEMAS (Multi-Image Effect and Separation Method for Magnetic Sensor and Tag) in which the sensitivity is not lowered, but rather enhanced, and it is possible to separate and select each of the tags without causing interference with adjacent sensor coils SC1, SC2, SC3, SC4 or tags R1, R2, R3, R4, thereby enabling an effective use of a current on the metal surface and a magnetic path.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that performs card-based transactions. During operation, the system displays a set of magnetic-stripe cards to a user through a user interface of a portable device and obtains a user selection of a magnetic-stripe card from the set of magnetic stripe cards. Next, the system writes magnetic-stripe data associated with the magnetic-stripe card to a rewritable magnetic stripe on the portable device. Finally, the system uses the rewritable magnetic stripe in the card-based transaction in place of the magnetic-stripe card.

Abstract: Advanced loyalty applications are provided to improve the functionality of cards and devices. For example, a user interface may be placed on a card (e.g., a physical button) or a telephonic device (e.g., a virtual button on a capacitive touch screen). Manual input provided to this user interface may, for example, cause a non-merchant product (e.g., insurance) to be purchased with a merchant purchase. The product can be paid for with debit, credit, gift card balance, or points. A code indicative of a user's desire to purchase the product may be communicated to a payment card reader (e.g., to a magnetic stripe reader via a magnetic stripe communications device). A display may be provided next to a button to allow a user to scroll, or toggle by pressing the button repeatedly, through different products (which may be merchant or non-merchant products).

Abstract: The microcircuit card (10) comprising a body (12) delimiting an edge (14) of the card (10). The body (12) incorporates a luminous means (16) capable of illuminating at least partially the edge (14) of the card (10).

Abstract: A method for communicating with a magnetic stripe reader which has a magnetic read head by activating the electronic apparatus from an off state to a reduced power mode, then detecting the magnetic stripe reader, then activating the electronic apparatus from the reduced power mode to a full power mode after detection of the magnetic read head, and then broadcasting a signal that contains a transaction specific data packet that is read by the magnetic read head. The signal is broadcast without using a static magnetic stripe and it is a time varying and spatial varying magnetic field that is interpreted by the magnetic read head as originating from a standard magnetic stripe. A monitoring system can be used to identify what type of point-of-transaction terminal is being used to read the electronic apparatus and choose a timing of the magnetic stripe broadcaster to accommodate it.

Abstract: A card reader for use with a mobile device includes a rotatable face that can be rotated over a portion of the mobile device so that when the user slides a card through the card reader, the overlapping portion of the rotatable face prevents the card reader from spinning or rotating. A foot and/or a housing for a jack on the bottom of the card reader prevents the card reader from accidently turning off the mobile device during use.

Abstract: The invention enables to improve flexibility, reliability and service life of a payment card having embedded ornamental elements. In order to achieve the technical effect, the device includes a foil layer, a first layer and a second layer, all being made laminating. The foil layer is fixed between the first layer and the second (outer) layer. The card is provided with a plastic plate, a magnetic strip, an adhesive layer, an insert made with a thickness greater than that of the foil layer and made of the same material as the foil layer. The ornamental element is fixed within the insert and flush to it. The outer surfaces of the second layer and the insert are located in a single plane, and the insert and the ornamental element are free from the second layer on the outside and are fixed in the plastic plate with the adhesive layer.

Abstract: The invention described herein represents a significant advancement in systems that enable a user to control systems and input data into a very wide range of systems. User interface devices that comprise an array of input devices such as buttons on a remote control, keys on a computer keyboard, touch screens, and a computer mouse. Such devices comprise an array of contacts that can be used to capture a user's inputs and communicate them wirelessly using passive RFID apparatuses and processes. Contacts can be positioned in physical proximity to graphics or alphanumeric characters and this proximity can be stored in memory such that a user altering a specific contact status represents specific data to a controlled system or memory. Also, the sequence or change or direction of changes in contacts can be used to control systems or processes in predetermined ways.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems, computer program product, and related computer implemented methods to issue a closed-loop retail prepaid card including a user-designed external face using a chit, the chit being defined by an identification mechanism representing a financial commitment to issue a closed-loop retail prepaid card in an amount associated with a value paid for the chit, are provided. Embodiments of the present invention advantageously provide a service that enables a consumer to purchase, at the storefront of a retail establishment, a chit card that the consumer can subsequently redeem through a graphical user interface of an Internet website for a closed-loop retail prepaid card with a user-designed external face. The user-designed closed-loop retail prepaid card, for example, can be subsequently printed and delivered to an intended recipient. Advantageously, such a service can be made available to any retail establishment that uses a point-of-sale system.

Abstract: A card may include a magnetic stripe emulator having a coil with magnetic or non-magnetic material located inside and/or outside of the coil. A shield may be located adjacent to the magnetic emulator that may include a magnetic or a non-magnetic material. The shield may attract magnetic flux lines generated by the magnetic stripe emulator to reduce a magnitude of an electromagnetic field generated on one side of the card as compared to a magnitude of an electromagnetic field generated on another side of the card. A shield may be laminated between layers of a card or may be fixed on a surface of a card.

Abstract: Articles and methods for growing or analyzing tissues and organs using bioreactors or other devices and components are provided. In some embodiments, a bioreactor is configured to provide a growth chamber having one or more inlets, outlets, sensors, organ attachment sites, and/or organ identifiers.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for conducting a transaction with an electronic card that dynamically generates transaction specific data determines whether the transaction is being conducted with a smart card reader or with a magnetic stripe reader. A smart card reader mode is activated if the transaction is being conducted with a smart card reader; a magnetic stripe reader mode is activated if the transaction is being conducted with a magnetic stripe reader. The electronic card is activated from a reduced power mode to a full power mode after either the smart card reader mode or the magnetic stripe reader mode is activated and the dynamic field of data is not generated until the full power mode is activated.

Abstract: An automated transaction machine includes a card reader that can read a unique magnetic characteristic of a magnetic stripe on a card. The machine can then send data reflective of the read characteristic to a remote card validator. The card validator can compare the received data to referenced magnetic characteristic data corresponding to cards authorized for use with the machine. The machine can also communicate with a transaction host computer to carry out a financial transaction. As a result of the magnetic data comparison, an invalid card can be discovered and a fraudulent transaction prevented. Communication between the card validator and machine is independent from communication between the transaction host and machine.

Abstract: A banking system operates responsive to data read from data bearing records. The system includes an automated banking machine comprising a card reader. The card reader includes a movable read head that can read card data along a magnetic stripe of a card that was inserted long-edge first. The card reader includes a card entry gate. The gate is opened for a card that is determined to be properly oriented for data reading. The card reader can encrypt card data, including account data. The machine also includes a PIN keypad. The card reader can send encrypted card data to the keypad. The keypad can decipher the encrypted card data. The keypad can encrypt both deciphered card data and a received user PIN. The card data and the PIN are usable by the machine to authorize a user to carry out a financial transfer involving the account.

Abstract: A transaction product includes a cover, a sheet support member, a plurality of separate sheet members, and an account identifier. Each of the plurality of separate sheet members transition between folded and unfolded configurations. Each of the plurality of separate sheet members is coupled to the cover via the sheet support member. In the folded configuration, each separate sheet member is maintained within a footprint of the cover. In the unfolded configuration, each separate sheet member extends beyond the footprint of the cover. When one separate sheet member is in the unfolded configuration others of the plurality of separate sheet members are in the folded configuration and substantially hidden from view via the sheet support member. The account identifier is statically connected to one of the cover, the sheet support member, and the plurality of separate sheet members and links the transaction product to a financial account.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for acquiring payment device data for wireless payment transactions are disclosed. According to one method, a request from a wireless payment reader for standardized payment device data for effecting a wireless payment is received by a wireless smart payment device. Payment device data elements are assembled by the wireless smart payment device into the standardized payment device data. The standardized payment device data are sent by the wireless smart payment device to the wireless payment reader.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention relate to a smart phone casing and information exchange system which enables a user to carry a single system that merges the digital and telecommunications necessities of the individual with the personalized cards, membership accounts, consumer credit and/or medical insurance or health information in a single source protected both physically with a hardened case, and digitally with appropriate safeguards for electronic protection.

Abstract: Provided herein are coded fibers. In some embodiments, informationally-encoded carbon fiber structures are provided. In some embodiments, methods of manufacturing and/or reading a coded fiber are provided.

Abstract: A medium processing apparatus is provided. The medium processing apparatus comprises an MR sensor, one or more differential amplifiers, a storage, and a controller. The MR sensor comprises a plurality of detection elements configured to detect a magnetic component of a medium. The one or more differential amplifiers receive respective output signals of two detection elements among the plurality of detection elements to subtract and amplify the received signals. The storage stores various pattern information of a magnetic component signal for the medium. The controller compares the pattern information, stored in the storage, with magnetic component signals respectively outputted from the detection elements and a magnetic component signal outputted from the one or more differential amplifiers to determine authenticity of the medium.

Abstract: A system and method for processing transactions using a multi-account transaction device. The method comprises the steps of: receiving at least one transaction particular relating to a transaction conducted with a multi-account transaction device; determining at least one first desired account associated with the multi-account transaction device to which the transaction will be posted; posting the transaction to the at least one first desired account; receiving at least one second desired account to which at least a portion of the transaction should be posted; posting the at least a portion of the transaction to the at least one second desired account; and reconciling the at least one first desired account.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for conducting offline commerce transactions that use a barcode as an alternative means for personal identification. The user represented in the bar code format, User ID Barcode, is generated from a number that uniquely identifies the user. Numbers such as a cell phone number or a credit card number may be used to generate the User ID Barcode. These numbers are prefixed with a special character before they are converted to the barcode format. Prefixing a special character is necessary so that the bar code generated can be distinguished from any bar code representing products being sold. If a credit card number is used, the User ID Barcode is printed on the back of the credit card which then becomes a 2 and 1 credit card.

Abstract: The event souvenir bracelet and card comprises a bracelet and card displaying an identifying name or logo of an event inside a transparent package with an information packet containing information about the event. The card contains stored, retrievable data allowing it to function as a money card, such as a stored value card or gift card. In a second aspect of the inventions, a wearable bracelet contains a device allowing data to be transmitted to and from the bracelet. The data is stored on an RFID device allowing use of the bracelet as a wearable ticket, as an identification and location device, and as a gift card, credit/debit card or stored value card.

Abstract: A card comprises a body with a precut microcircuit card, characterized in that a token is also precut in the body of the card, adjacent to the microcircuit card.

Abstract: A method of creating a single transaction card is disclosed and comprises embossing the single transaction card within a pocket to form embossed characters on a first surface of the single transaction card, filling the pocket with a fill panel to provide a substantially flush surface on a second surface of the single transaction card, wherein a third surface of the fill panel is in uniform, direct contact with an interior of the pocket. Another method is disclosed for machining a face pocket within a single transaction card and disposing a microchip therein. In various embodiments, a single transaction card is comprised of a continuous metal layer, such as, for example, titanium.

Abstract: A financial transaction card includes a first member, a second member, a side wall, at least one substantially rigid connection member, and an account identifier. The first member defines a first panel, and the second member defines a second panel. Each of the first panel and the second panel are substantially planar. The side wall extends between the first panel and the second panel such that the first panel is spaced from the second panel to define a void between the first panel and the second panel. The at least one substantially rigid connection member extends through the first member and interfaces with the second member to at least partially couple the first member to the second member. The account identifier associates the financial transaction card with an account or record having a value associated therewith. Other cards, assemblies and associated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A financial card having a body with a front surface and a back surface and a primary account number associated with a primary account of a user of the financial card, the card including a magnetic strip positioned on the back surface configured for magnetic encoding including the primary account number. The magnetic strip includes a user definable portion for providing a selectable discretionary encoding thereto. The card also includes a user interface having at least one user input device positioned on the body of the financial card. The user interface is configured for receiving input from the user at a time of use of the financial card selecting a particular account indicator from among a plurality of account indicators each of which is associated with the primary account.

Abstract: A transaction product includes a housing and a transaction card. The housing defines a storage chamber and a substantially planar surface. The substantially planar surface defines a perimeter portion and a recessed portion surrounded by, spaced from, and extending substantially parallel to the recessed portion to define a recess. The housing includes opposing tabs extending from the perimeter portion, toward each other, and partially across the recessed portion. The transaction card includes a machine-readable account identifier linking the transaction card to an account or record remote from the transaction product and having a value available for use as payment toward a purchase. The transaction card defines two opposing edges each selectively secured between the recessed portion of the substantially planar surface and a different one of the opposing tabs.

Abstract: A method of forming a card having a magnetic strip is disclosed and includes advancing a planar card member along a predetermined path of travel. The card member has opposing surfaces. A longitudinal strip of slurry comprising magnetically conductive particles is applied onto a surface of the card member. The magnetically conductive particles are magnetically aligned. The longitudinal strip of magnetically conductive particles are radiation cured to form the magnetic strip on the surface of the card member.

Abstract: A portable consumer device having a substrate layer, a protective layer and a diamond-based brittle material layer having an intentionally created unique fissure or cracked patterns or crystal zone boundaries and systems and methods for making and using same are disclosed. The diamond-based brittle material layer includes a diamond material. The unique random fissure or cracked pattern and crystal zone boundaries, or the electromagnetic signature based thereon, of the brittle material layer are detected and used to authenticate the portable consumer device.