Abstract: A USB web launcher for launching a browser on a host computer and directing the browser to a website specified by the web launcher. The USB web launcher comprises a housing, and a controller within the housing which is configured to operate as a USB HID keyboard device. The controller has a URL stored therein in the form of a keyboard scancode string and is programmed to send the keyboard scancode string to the host computer in response to actuation of a switch on the housing. The web launcher includes USB connector means for coupling the controller to a USB port of the host computer, and, in response to the transmitted URL, the host computer launches the browser and accesses the corresponding website. One embodiment of the invention is a USB web launcher having first and second USB connector parts and a lanyard mode of operation in which the controller within the web launcher is programmed to recognize when the first and second USB connector parts are interconnected and to energize an LED in response.

Abstract: A liquid-activated lighted ice cube includes a battery-powered electrical circuit and LED housed in a hollow body that resembles an ice cube. The circuit includes electrodes exposed to the exterior of the hollow body that, when in contact with water or other liquid beverage, cause the circuit to turn on the LED and illuminate the beverage.

Abstract: A liquid-activated lighted ice cube includes a battery-powered electrical circuit and LED housed in a hollow body that resembles an ice cube. The circuit includes electrodes exposed to the exterior of the hollow body that, when in contact with water or other liquid beverage, cause the circuit to turn on the LED and illuminate the beverage.

Abstract: A multi-state flashing button and method of conducting a lottery using such a button. One or more multi-state buttons including an internal timer are distributed along with a relatively large number of single-state flashing buttons. The timer causes the multi-state buttons to change from a flashing state to non-flashing state at the end of a predetermined time-out interval, and a prize is awarded to each participant having a button which undergoes such a change of state.

Abstract: An illuminated magnetic-clasp bottle cap comprising a bottle cap with a printed circuit board mounted thereon, the printed circuit board having an IC flasher circuit including a plurality of COB LEDs mounted thereon, the bottle cap further comprising a low-profile epoxy dome covering the LEDs, a battery holder extending below the printed circuit board and the central portion of the bottle cap and containing at least one battery operatively connected to the IC flasher circuit, and a magnetic clasp for holding the bottle cap on an object with first and second mutually attractive parts of the magnetic clasp located respectively on first and second surfaces of the object.

Abstract: A completely self-contained, battery-powered flashing coin having a series of three visible-spectrum LEDs flashed in sequence when a flash control IC is triggered by a sufficient force, e.g., the force generated upon impact of the coin on one of its faces or sides from a height of about 50 mm. A cantilever switch contact suspended over a stationary contact on a circuit board closes in response to the sufficient force and triggers the IC. The coin is preferably provided with a decorative design and the LEDs are preferably arranged within or around the design so as to draw attention thereto during flashing action.

Abstract: An advertising article with an automatically activated indicator assembly attached to the article including a piezoelectric sensor, a printed circuit board including a triggerable signal generator, and an LED or speaker. The piezoelectric sensor is attached to the advertising article such that it is responsive to mechanical force experienced by the advertising article during normal use, and, in response to such force, produces an output level sufficient to trigger the signal generator which in turn supplies a signal to activate the LED or speaker which is connected thereto. The signal generator includes device control circuitry for providing a battery-saving sleep state.

Abstract: A display sticker with integral LED flasher circuit and power source adapted to be adhesively affixed to and readily removed from a fabric article. A printed circuit board having an LED, a control circuit and a battery is adhesively affixed to the back surface of a thin flexible sheet having printed indicia on its front surface. A rubber-based, pressure-sensitive adhesive is provided on the back surface of the flexible sheet to adhere the circuit board thereto, and also to adhere the sticker assembly to a fabric article such as an article of clothing.

Abstract: A closure-sensitive signalling device with a cantilever switch responsive to the opening of a folded article such as a business card holder, greeting card, folder, or other article having panels foldable with respect to each other along a fold line. The cantilever switch has a stationary electrical contact and a conductive cantilever arm engageable therewith, and is mounted along with a battery-powered signal generator IC on a low-profile printed circuit board adapted for mounting on one panel of the folded article with the cantilever switch adjacent to the fold line. The cantilever arm's free end is engageable with another panel of the folded article such that the switch is held open when the article is closed and is closed when the article is open. The signalling device generates an audible or visible signal in response to a signal from the signal generator IC.

Abstract: A display sticker with integral LED flasher circuit and power source adapted to be adhesively affixed to and readily removed from a fabric article. A printed circuit board having an LED, a control circuit and a battery is adhesively affixed to the back surface of a thin flexible sheet having printed indicia on its front surface. A rubber-based, pressure-sensitive adhesive is provided on the back surface of the flexible sheet to adhere the circuit board thereto, and also to adhere the sticker assembly to a fabric article such as an article of clothing.

Abstract: A novelty button assembly provides buttons with a variety of indicia on the face of the button and an unlimited location of the blinking light in the face of the button. An electronic circuit is adapted to drive a light emitting diode with a current pulse of very short duration to permit the use of a small battery and to provide long battery life. A capacitor is used in a novel high efficiency oscillator circuit only in the determination of blinking rate and battery current duty cycle, allowing the use of a wide variety of smaller value capacitors that lend themselves to microelectronic packaging desirable in flasher button assemblies. The pin used to fasten the flasher button assembly to the clothing of a wearer also serves as the electrical switch to turn the flashing button assembly on and off.