Abstract: A system for displaying, and redeeming electronic discount coupons in a store. The system includes a "smart card", a display kiosk, and a checkout station in the checkout area. The customer comes to the store with the card loaded with electronic coupons. At any time, the customer may insert the card into the display kiosk to view the location of products corresponding to the coupons stored on the card. Upon completion of shopping, the customer redeems the electronic coupons at the checkout area, by inserting the card into the checkout station. During checkout, when UPC data matches a coupon stored on the card, the customer is credited with the value of the corresponding coupon.

Abstract: A computer network for a retail store. The computer network collects coupon redemption information from a plurality of cash registers and periodically sends the redemption information to a market research center, allowing the correlation of coupon redemptions with customer demographic data. Each cash register includes a special computer for coupon redemption compilation. The special computer interfaces to conventional cash register computer hardware without requiring a substantial change to cash register computer software.

Abstract: An eye shield assembly for attaching to a cap. The assembly includes an envelope for storing a transparent or translucent eyeshield that may be moved from a retracted position when the eyeshield is not required to an extended position to protect the wearer's eyes, thereby providing either visual enhancement or a fashionable appearance.

Abstract: A frame assembly for applying makeup to presbyopic eyes. The assembly includes a single prismatic lens that rotates between a position in optical registry with the wearer's left eye and another position in optical registry with the wearer's right eye.

Abstract: A system for dispensing and redeeming the electronic discount coupons. The system includes a personal computer (PC) having hardware and software for receiving an electronic coupon from the system of computer networks, translating the received coupon into a binary format, and sending the binary-formatted coupon to a card-writing device. The card-writing device writes the coupon data onto a portable customer card ("smart card") approximately the size of a credit card. Subsequently, the customer goes to the store with the card. Upon completion of shopping, the customer redeems the electronic coupons at the checkout area, by inserting the card into the checkout station. During checkout, the customer is credited with the value of a coupon when UPC data from a bar code reader corresponds to a coupon stored on the card.

Abstract: A windshield wiper blade assembly providing having an electrical heating mechanism along the length of a wiper blade. The assembly can be trimmed to a length appropriate for a particular automobile.

Abstract: A system for creating, dispensing, and redeeming electronic discount coupons in a store. The system includes a "smart card", product stations adjacent to selected products in the store, and a checkout station in the checkout area. To create an electronic coupon, the customer inserts the card into the product station adjacent to an product the customer wishes to purchase, and the product station then writes an electronic coupon onto the card. The customer thus shops throughout the store collecting electronic coupons for products of interest. Upon completion of shopping, the customer redeems the electronic coupons at the checkout area, by inserting the card into the checkout station. During checkout, when UPC data matches data stored on the card, the customer is credited with the value of the corresponding coupon. Periodically, the electronic coupon data is transferred to a remote clearing house.

Abstract: A windshield wiper blade assembly providing having an electrical heating mechanism along the length of a wiper blade. The assembly can be trimmed to a length appropriate for a particular automobile.

Abstract: A frame assembly for accurate placement of eyedrops. The assembly includes opaque eye plates located to be in front of the wearers eyes. Each eye plate defines a liquid aperture and an optical aperture above the liquid aperture. The assembly also includes two funnels, each having an aperture aligned with one of the liquid apertures.

Abstract: A frame assembly for applying makeup to presbyopic eyes. The assembly includes a single lens that rotates between a position in optical registry with the wearer's left eye and another position position in optical registry with the wearer's right eye.

Abstract: A surgical needle holder for facilitating safe and efficient surgery. The surgical needle holder has a plurality of grooves to secure a surgical needle at a selected position within the holder.