Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a housing including a computer communication interface and a controller configured for generating, onboard the portable electronic device, a current measure of dynamic information. The portable electronic device also includes a memory storing the current measure and a website address. The controller includes a keyboard emulator providing keystroke data over the computer communication interface to launch an internet browser, navigate to the website address, and transmit the current measure. A specific device driver does not need to be installed on a computer for the portable electronic device to automatically launch the internet browser, navigate to the website address, and transmit the current measure when the portable electronic device is connected to communicate with the computer.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a housing including a computer communication interface and a controller configured for generating, onboard the portable electronic device, a current measure of dynamic information. The portable electronic device also includes a memory storing the current measure and a website address. The controller includes a keyboard emulator providing keystroke data over the computer communication interface to launch an internet browser, navigate to the website address, and transmit the current measure. A specific device driver does not need to be installed on a computer for the portable electronic device to automatically launch the internet browser, navigate to the website address, and transmit the current measure when the portable electronic device is connected to communicate with the computer.

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 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.