Abstract: An automated retail point-of-sale machine is disclosed having the ability to allow consumers to check out their purchases with a minimal of direct human assistance. The machine is designed to work with products whether labelled or not with machine readable bar codes. The machine possess security features which deter customers from fraudulently bagging items by comparing the weight changes on the packing scale with the product number related information in the case of labelleled products. In the case of nonlabelled products, experienced customers can identify the product through a series of menu choices while beginner customers can allow the supervisory employee to enter a product number abbreviated code, with additional visual and/or dimensional sensory information of the contents being relayed to a supervisory employee.

Abstract: A vertical culture system including a culture tube having an opening and a bottom opposite the opening and a removable culture unit which has a platform and an elongate handle for disposing the platform proximate the tube bottom and for permitting removal of the culture unit. The culture system also includes a culture substrate carried by the platform and closure means for sealing the tube. The culture system may further include a volume retention element disposed within the culture tube.

Abstract: A fertility computer is disclosed having the ability to store information about a users past menstrual cycle history, basal body temperature, gynecological disorders, which along with certain prediction indicators is used to statistically predict when ovulation will occur. The prediction indicators are based on information concerning the current status of certain body indicators such as mucus change, spotting in the middle of a cycle or a sore throat. This information is processed in accordance with a predetermined program which ascribes certain values to the above parameters to predict the present fertility status of the user.