Abstract: A system and method for creating and retrieving coupons using an electronic coupon database includes registering coupons with the database by a vendor, and then registering cell phones, also with the database; so that cell phones subsequently can request coupons from the database. The coupons are encrypted and sent to the requesting registered cell phone, which then decrypts the coupons for display and redemption at a point of sale. Provision is made to prevent the transfer of coupons from the requesting cell phone to some other cell phone in the system.

Abstract: A translator is provided for reading the bar codes displayed on the screen of a portable electronic device which utilizes a digital camera and/or a microphone responsive to tones from the portable electronic device to process and convert the information received from the camera and/or the microphone to a form readable by a reflective bar code reader without requiring any modification of the bar code reader.

Abstract: A propulsion system for a space vehicle is designed as a fully self-contained system which does not eject particles to effect the propulsion, referred to as a “reactionless drive”. Propulsion is effected by changing the mass of rings of charged particles by acceleration of the rings of charged particles to velocities near the speed of light and back to a rest or near rest speed in an oscillatory manner. While this is taking place, the charged particles are moved back-and-forth within a contained housing to impart thrust when the large mass particles are moved, and allowing the return of the low mass particles to the original starting place before imparting high velocity rotation to increase the mass of the particles. The average velocity is less than the actual velocity; so that if the vehicle is placed within a singularity, the singularity might travel faster than light without passing through a condition where the vehicle mass approaches infinite mass.

Abstract: A modular switch assembly comprises a multiple switch configuration operated by a single finger. The assembly consists of a base member with a push-button or plunger switch located on its top. Four upright switch operators extend above the surface of the push-button switch for contact by movement of a finger in any of four directions 90.degree. angularly offset from one another. These upright switch operators normally are magnetically biased to a first position, located near the push-button switch. They are operated by the finger to a second position, by rocking them outwardly from the first position. All of the parts snap fit together; and there are no mechanical springs or hinge assemblies to hold the various switch parts together.

Abstract: A three-position floating beam armature switch includes a hollow housing, in which a floating beam armature is resiliently biased toward the closed top of the housing. An operator member is carried by the housing to apply a predetermined force to the armature; so that a first end of the armature initially moves toward the bottom of the housing by pivoting the armature about its second end. Continued application of additional force by the operator member, causes the armature to pivot about the first end; so that the second end then moves toward the bottom of the housing. With both the first and second ends at the bottom of the housing, the third position of the switch is attained. Release of force by the operator member allows the floating beam armature once again to be biased toward the top of the housing to the initial position.

Abstract: A data input device particularly suited for computers includes a housing which also contains a computer mouse. The mouse functions are executed by moving the entire housing member, and the fingers never move away from their constant "home" key positions for the data input keys. The normal left and right hand keyboard functions are split between two separate keyboard housings adapted to underlie the palms of the left and right hands, respectively. A mouse is in one or both of these housings. Finger wells are provided for the fingers of the operator along with a thumb well in each keyboard member. Data input keys are mounted at various positions within these wells for producing keyed input data to the computer; and the mouse (mice) has (have) a surface movement detecting apparatus for inputting spatial mouse movement signals to the computer.

Abstract: An ergometrically improved computer of typewriter keyboard having the keys arranged and designated so that they are operated using finger movements which substantially mimic those currently employed by a typist using a standard "QWERTY" keyboard. The keyboard is divided into two separate sections, one of which is intended to be used by the right hand of the operator and the other of which is intended to be used by the left hand to permit independent positioning of the two sections relative to one another. Each keyboard section includes a housing having a raised central portion designed to ergometrically support and steady the hands of the operator, in a natural relaxed position from which all of the keys may be operated without significant hand movement. The fingers and thumb are positioned in respective cavities each having a plurality of push button key switches arranged therein for engagement by the thumb and fingers, with a minimal and unique finger movement required to actuate any key.