Abstract: The present invention is a method of distributing, redeeming, and clearing digital coupons that includes transmitting digital coupon data directly to a wireless user communication device such as a user's cell phone and then detecting directly from the device whether any of the digital coupon data has been selected to be redeemed and receiving the selected digital coupon data directly from the wireless user communication device for redemption and clearing purposes.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of distributing, redeeming, and clearing digital coupons that includes transmitting digital coupon data directly to a wireless user communication device such as a user's cell phone and then detecting directly from the device whether any of the digital coupon data has been selected to be redeemed and receiving the selected digital coupon data directly from the wireless user communication device for redemption and clearing purposes.

Abstract: A low phase error antenna. The antenna is adapted for use with the Global Positioning System and includes a spiral antenna for receiving electromagnetic energy at a first standard frequency (L1) and a second standard frequency (L2). The spiral antenna has a spiral element with a circumference greater than approximately one and a half times the wavelength of electromagnetic energy at the lowest frequency (L2). The cavity of the antenna is unloaded and includes a balun adjusted for zero squint. The antenna element is either a logarithmic spiral or an archimedian spiral. In the illustrative embodiment, the spiral antenna includes a cavity having a depth which varies in accordance with the received electromagnetic energy. The cavity is approximately ¼ of a wavelength deep at the positions along spiral that receive electromagnetic energy.

Abstract: An improved helix antenna including a single unitary antenna having plural radiating elements extending radially from a common junction. A microstrip balun is connected to the plural antenna elements at the common junction. In a particular embodiment, the antenna includes four radiating elements arranged in a helical pattern and mounted such that a longitudinal axis extending through the axial center of the antenna is coincident with a longitudinal axis of the microstrip balun. One or more of the radiating elements includes a semi-circular loop to create phase relationships necessary for a circularly polarized beam pattern. The microstrip balun includes a transmission line and a ground plane on opposite sides of a dielectric substrate. The transmission line and the ground plane are tapered for impedance matching between the input and the output thereof.