Abstract: A remote finger switch device and arm mount for an electrical lighting accessory, such as a flashlight, and operation thereof from the finger switch. The switch device can include a remote control unit in electrical contact with the end of a flexible cable. The remote control unit can include an integral finger mount for attachment to a finger of the user. An arm-mount for the flashlight is also disclosed, and includes a wraparound strap, and an arm panel attached to the strap and bearing a Picatinny rail. A base attached to the flashlight clamps tongue-in-groove to the Picatinny rail. The flexible cable can include one end in electrical contact with the remote control unit and a second end in electrical contact with a first connector adapted for being electrically connected to a complementary second connector on the arm-mounted electrical lighting accessory.

Abstract: An extendable dry-erase board with a telescoping hand-held support extension handle pivotally-connected at one end to an accordion-folding dry erase board. The device can be easily transported by those traveling via bus, bicycle, walking, etc. to any sporting event, concert, or public demonstration and deployed instantly on-site, the dry-erase board being unfolded into a large prominent sign whereupon a message can be inscribed on the board, erased and rewritten as needed.

Abstract: A remote finger switch device and arm mount for an electrical lighting accessory, such as a flashlight, and operation thereof from the finger switch. The switch device can include a remote control unit in electrical contact with the end of a flexible cable. The remote control unit can include an integral finger mount for attachment to a finger of the user. An arm-mount for the flashlight is also disclosed, and includes a wraparound strap, and an arm panel attached to the strap and bearing a Picatinny rail. A base attached to the flashlight clamps tongue-in-groove to the Picatinny rail. The flexible cable can include one end in electrical contact with the remote control unit and a second end in electrical contact with a first connector adapted for being electrically connected to a complementary second connector on the arm-mounted electrical lighting accessory.

Abstract: A remote switch device for an arm-mounted electrical lighting accessory, such as a flashlight, may be securable to a finger of a user. The switch device can include a remote control unit in electrical contact with the end of a flexible cable. The remote control unit can include an integral finger mount for attachment to a finger of the user. The flexible cable can include one end in electrical contact with the remote control unit and a second end in electrical contact with a first connector adapted for being electrically connected to a complementary second connector on the arm-mounted electrical lighting accessory.

Abstract: A wrist-worn flashlight can include a lighting unit attached to a wrist band for allowing a user to wear the device on the wrist and a remote control that attaches to a finger of the user for allowing the user to control the light unit by finger. The remote control may allow the user to power the lighting unit on/off and/or switch between multiple lighting modes. The wrist-worn flashlight can enable a user to operate and toggle between modes using the user's fingertips. The flashlight can illuminate a target and free both hands of the user to work on the target. Moreover, the flashlight can allow the user to directionally train the beam on the target as desired and control the beam without diverting it.

Abstract: A remote switch device for an arm-mounted electrical lighting accessory, such as a flashlight, may be securable to a finger of a user. The switch device can include a remote control unit in electrical contact with the end of a flexible cable. The remote control unit can include an integral finger mount for attachment to a finger of the user. The flexible cable can include one end in electrical contact with the remote control unit and a second end in electrical contact with a first connector adapted for being electrically connected to a complementary second connector on the arm-mounted electrical lighting accessory.

Abstract: A wrist-worn flashlight can include a lighting unit attached to a wrist band for allowing a user to wear the device on the wrist and a remote control that attaches to a finger of the user for allowing the user to control the light unit by finger. The remote control may allow the user to power the lighting unit on/off and/or switch between multiple lighting modes. The wrist-worn flashlight can enable a user to operate and toggle between modes using the user's fingertips. The flashlight can illuminate a target and free both hands of the user to work on the target. Moreover, the flashlight can allow the user to directionally train the beam on the target as desired and control the beam without diverting it.

Abstract: An extendable dry-erase board with a telescoping hand-held support extension handle pivotally-connected at one end to an accordion-folding dry erase board. The device can be easily transported by those traveling via bus, bicycle, walking, etc. to any sporting event, concert, or public demonstration and deployed instantly on-site, the dry-erase board being unfolded into a large prominent sign whereupon a message can be inscribed on the board, erased and rewritten as needed.

Abstract: A cord and/or cable structure for electrical cords, extension cords, communication cables or other cords and cables in which an outer insulating sheath is formed with multiple integral anchoring fixtures for affixing decorative elements, such as artificial leaves, to give a pleasing natural vine aesthetic to the cord and/or cable. The anchoring fixtures allow removal and attachment of other decorative elements so that the vine-look can be easily modified to suit a wide variety of tastes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a personal vehicle surveillance system comprising cameras and microphones positioned such that they can record the type of events that happen to individuals rather than governmental vehicles. In addition, it provides for secure recording of events such that they are tamper resistant and can then be used during situations of problems with the vehicle or around the vehicle.

Abstract: A cord and/or cable structure for electrical cords, extension cords, communication cables and other electrical power and/or signal carrying cords and cables that includes an outmost sheath formed with multiple integral anchoring fixtures that provide a point of connection between the cord or cable and the multiple decorative elements (such as artificial leaves) that adorn it. The leaves or other decorative elements may be permanent, semi-permanent, or detachable/re-attachable decorations, and in the case of leaves, yields a pleasing natural vine aesthetic. The vine-look can be easily modified through the addition of other decorative elements to suit a wide variety of tastes. A consumer can use the present invention for multiple purposes or decorative variations instead of purchasing multiple decorative cords or cables.

Abstract: A customer activity data system and method which generate reports for manufacturers, sellers, and other suppliers. The system includes a computer for analyzing transaction data obtained from a transaction terminal and information characterizing customer activity at an information terminal specific to an item bearing a radio frequency identification (RFID) label, and for generating a report.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) identification system and method which rely on the presence or absence of unique frequency signals. The system includes an RF interrogator which transmits signals at a plurality of different frequencies and which receives first frequencies of the plurality of different frequencies from an item label, and a computer which determines second frequencies of the plurality of different frequencies which were not received by the RF interrogator, and which determines an item identification number from the first and second frequencies by assigning first values equal to a first binary value to first data bits occupying first data bit positions in the item identification number for the first frequencies and assigning second values equal to a second binary value to second data bits occupying second data bit positions in the item identification number for the second frequencies.

Abstract: A system for gathering data on behavior of shoppers in a retail market. A scanner is attached to a shopping basket, and detects (1) removal of an item from a shelf, (2) the identity of the removed item, (3) insertion of an item into a shopping basket, which may be the identical item removed from the shelf, and (4) the identity of the inserted item. Repeated detection of this type of data for numerous items, and numerous shoppers, allows one to draw valuable inferences about the shoppers, such as how often comparison shopping occurs. This type of detection also allows one to take specific responses to the actions of the shoppers.

Abstract: A customer activity data system and method which generate reports for manufacturers, sellers, and other suppliers. The system includes a computer for analyzing transaction data obtained from a transaction terminal and information characterizing customer activity at an information terminal specific to an item bearing a radio frequency identification (RFID) label, and for generating a report.

Abstract: A system for ascertaining prices of merchandise. Items of merchandise are labeled by Electronic Price Labels, EPLs. The prices stated by the EPLs can change, as when a sales promotion takes effect. If a customer selects an item prior to the change, but checks out after the change, the customer will ordinarily be charged the changed price, despite the fact that the customer saw another price on the EPL.

Abstract: A self-service kiosk for cashing checks. A kiosk, such as an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) receives a bank check from a customer. After identifying the customer and verifying the check, the kiosk delivers currency to the customer, and retains the check. However, the kiosk does not cause a deduction in an account maintained by the customer, because the check was probably drawn on the account of another.

Abstract: A method of detecting an item in a store which determines whether the item is from a different store. The method includes the steps of interrogating an RFID label on an item in the store, and comparing RFID label information in the RFID label with store RFID label information to determine whether the RFID label is from another store different than the one store.

Abstract: Techniques for an electronic shelf label (ESL) system which uses an ESL's liquid crystal display (LCD) to transmit information to a relay unit, or CBS, by reflecting infrared (IR) or visible light to the relay unit. In a first embodiment, a plurality of IR light sources flood the area where the ESL is located. To transmit a message to the relay unit, the ESL reflectively modulates the IR light by blinking, or turning on and off, at least one segment of the LCD display. The relay unit then receives and interprets the modulated reflected IR light. In a second embodiment, the relay unit does not generate IR light. Instead, the ESL reflectively modulates the visible light present in the retail establishment to transmit a message to the relay unit. The relay unit may use one or more cameras to receive this reflectively modulated visible light.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) identification system and method which rely on the presence or absence of unique frequency signals. The system includes an RF interrogator which transmits signals at a plurality of different frequencies and which receives first frequencies of the plurality of different frequencies from an item label, and a computer which determines second frequencies of the plurality of different frequencies which were not received by the RF interrogator, and which determines an item identification number from the first and second frequencies by assigning first values equal to a first binary value to first data bits occupying first data bit positions in the item identification number for the first frequencies and assigning second values equal to a second binary value to second data bits occupying second data bit positions in the item identification number for the second frequencies.