Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling access to or from a facility associated with providing services and/or sales of merchandise. The facility has an automatically operated, normally closed access gate and a scanner. Patrons may access the facility free of charge or at a discount by displaying an article of merchandise such that the scanner reads a bar code inscribed upon the merchandise. Data corresponding to the scanned bar code is compared to data entered into the memory of an automated data processing device. If that comparison results in establishing a correlation between data from the scanned merchandise and data entered into memory corresponding to merchandise for which a discount is accorded, then a control signal is generated and transmitted to the access gate. The access gate then opens and allows the patron submitting merchandise for scanning to enter or leave the facility.

Abstract: Energized body jewelry including alternative embodiments designed to be worn by persons who have piercings in their bodies, as well as for those who do not have piercings. In one embodiment, the jewelry may be worn by a person with a piercing by attaching the jewelry with a barbell style piercing including a drilled retainer sized to carry the jewelry. In an alternative embodiment, through the use of a drilled elastomeric band, the jewelry may be worn by a person who does not have a piercing. The jewelry is energized such that it may vibrate, illuminate, or perform other functions requiring energy from some extracorporeal source such as a battery.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling access to or from a parking lot associated with a retail or other sales facility. The parking lot has an automatically operated, normally closed access gate and an optical scanner. Patrons may access the parking lot free of charge by displaying purchased merchandise such that the scanner reads a bar code inscribed upon the merchandise. Data corresponding to the scanned bar code is compared to data entered into the memory of an automated data processing device. If that comparison results in establishing a correlation between data from the scanned merchandise and data entered into memory corresponding to merchandise stocked by the sales facility for vending, then a control signal is generated and transmitted to the access gate. The access gate then opens and allows the vehicle submitting merchandise for scanning to access the parking facility.