Patent ID: 8063781
Filing Date: 2011-11-22
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
1. A method of preparing a novelty item for distribution, the method comprising: receiving a novelty item that is worn by a user after distribution, the novelty item comprising an embedded radio-frequency transponder that allows value to be automatically decremented from an account as the user wears the novelty item; sequentially moving the novelty item to a plurality of stations of a preparation device; encoding, at a first station, the radio-frequency transponder with a radio-frequency identification code to personalize the novelty item with financial account information of a specific card holder to enable the novelty item to be used in providing access to the card holder's financial account; packaging, at a second station after the encoding step, the novelty item within a package such that the novelty item within the package is shielded from electromagnetic radiation during shipping, wherein the frequency range of the shielded electromagnetic radiation is at least the frequency range within which the radio-frequency devices operate, and wherein the radio frequency devices remain entirely enclosed within the package during shipping; receiving a magnetic-stripe card of the card holder; reading, at a third station, an identification of the magnetic-stripe card from the magnetic-stripe card; and determining the radio-frequency identification code to be encoded onto the radio-frequency transponder from the identification of the magnetic-stripe card, wherein packaging the novelty item within the package further comprises packaging the magnetic-stripe card.