Abstract: A wearable communication apparatus is in the form of a self-contained telephone headset that includes an integral antenna, stand-alone power supply and on-board electronics and circuitry for RF and I/R communication. The headset includes a mouthpiece that is rotatably mounted to a central housing that contains the bulk of the apparatus electronics. The mouthpiece includes an ear speaker and microphone, as well as the rechargeable power supply. The rotating end of the mouthpiece includes an array of electrical contacts that are configured to contact a complementary contact array on the central housing. The electrical contacts provide for the communication of electrical power and information between the mouthpiece and its components and the central housing and its components. The headset can be activated by rotation of the mouthpiece into its operative position and deactivated by rotation out of this position.

Abstract: A personal bar code scanning device for aiding shoppers in keeping track of their expenditures and speeding the process of check-out and taking advantage of coupons. A microprocessor coupled to a bar code reader, a communication port, an audible feedback device and a touchscreen or light pen and display combination carrys out bar code scanning in a store as a shopper shops. The user selects a shopping list from a collection of one or more shopping lists or creates a new list from a database or by spelling out the items to purchase on a keyboard. The user then downloads the store's current price list by modem or by connecting to the store computer when the store is entered. When the shopper wishes to purchase an item, the personal bar code scanning device is placed adjacent to the bar code on the package of the item and the user presses a button to scan the bar code.