Abstract: A topical sting/bite treatment compound and method of making same comprising combining effective amounts of: a natural enzyme; a natural abrasive; a natural pain reliever; a natural anti-inflammatory; and a natural anti-microbial agent. The topical sting/bite treatment compound can neutralize venom, debride the sting/bite wound site, relieve pain, reduce swelling and prevent infection.

Abstract: A portable litter with an integrated IV pole comprising: a frame having a handle section; a storage cavity defined in the handle section; a handle grip extendably attached to the handle section that can be retracted into the storage cavity or extended out of the storage cavity; an end cap removably secured to the handle grip having an IV pole retaining assembly; an IV pole having a standard that can be secured to the end cap by the retaining assembly, received in an opening defined in the handle grip and received in the storage cavity when the IV pole is in a collapsed configuration; and, a support arm rotatably attached to the standard that is parallel to the standard when the IV pole is in a collapsed configuration and rotated generally perpendicular to the standard when the IV pole is in an operational position.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a portable intravenous fluid heater that can weight less than 10 oz having an internal power supply internal tubing that is heated by a heating element; a logic assembly; an external power terminal for connecting an external power supply; and computer readable instructions, that when executed by the processor, perform the steps of receiving output temperature from the fluid output heat sensor, removing power from the heating element if the output temperature is above a predetermined temperature to reduce the temperature of fluid exiting the tubing and delivering power to the heating element when the output temperature is below a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A carbon fiber frame assembly having a first collapsible frame pole and a second collapsible frame pole interconnected by a bed member. The bed member is reinforced with nylon strips for receiving and supporting a person between the frame poles. The first frame pole and the second frame pole consisting of a plurality of interlocking pole segments moveable between a collapsed configuration wherein the pole segments for each of the frame poles are generally disengaged from each other, and an erected configuration wherein the pole segments are aligned and connected end to end to form each of the frame poles. An elastic retention cord is disposed within a hollow interior of the first and second frame poles to bundle the frame segments together when in the disassembled configuration and to resist separation in the erected configuration. The distal end of each frame pole includes an extendable locking handle assembly.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a portable intravenous fluid heater that can weight less than 10 oz having an internal power supply internal tubing that is heated by a heating element; a logic assembly; an external power terminal for connecting an external power supply; and computer readable instructions, that when executed by the processor, perform the steps of receiving output temperature from the fluid output heat sensor, removing power from the heating element if the output temperature is above a predetermined temperature to reduce the temperature of fluid exiting the tubing and delivering power to the heating element when the output temperature is below a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A microfibrillar cellulose substrate having a defined morphology and optimized concentrations of free radicals formed by milling a source material containing alpha cellulose with non-metalic cutting surfaces into a sterilized fine powder with a particle size of approximately 20 to 35 micrometers. A gauze selected from the group consisting of a woven, nonwoven, and extruded netting substrate for supporting the microfibrillar cellulose substrate. The microfibrillar cellulose substrate may be carried between a first layer of the gauze and a second layer of the gauze by affixing the first and second gauze layers closed around their perimeter.

Abstract: A computer peripheral with integrated printer and bar code reader which saves space on countertops. The computer peripheral includes a printer, including a housing, a bar code reader in the housing, and control circuitry in the housing for facilitating communication of data between the printer and a computer and between the bar code reader and the computer over a single cable.

Abstract: An electronic terminal includes an input device for receiving input from a user. The electronic terminal also includes a processing unit electrically coupled to the input device. Yet further, the electronic terminal includes a memory device electrically coupled to the processing unit. The memory device has stored therein a plurality of instructions which, when executed by the processing unit, causes the processing unit to (a) permit the user to deposit funds into a banking account if the user enters either a first PIN number or a second PIN number with the input device, the first PIN number being different than the second PIN number, (b) permit the user to withdraw a first dollar amount from the banking account if the user enters the first PIN number with the input device, and (c) permit the user to withdraw a second dollar amount from the banking account if the user enters the second PIN number with the input device, wherein the first dollar amount is less than the second dollar amount.

Abstract: A retail terminal includes a voice generating device. The retail terminal also includes a processing unit electrically coupled to the voice generating device. Moreover, the retail terminal further includes a memory device electrically coupled to the processing unit.

Abstract: A method of providing security during operation of a self-service checkout terminal includes the step of creating a transaction table which includes a plurality of records corresponding respectively to a plurality of items entered into the checkout terminal during a checkout procedure. The method also includes the step of analyzing the plurality of records. The method further includes the step of generating a characteristic value in response to the analyzing step. Moreover, the method includes the step of comparing the characteristic value to a characteristic trigger point and generating a characteristic control signal in response thereto.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for allowing a consumer to configure their own personal privacy preferences or privacy data model to prescribe the type of personal data that can be obtained from the consumer. The consumer's privacy data model is encoded into a barcode or other machine readable marking(s), or onto a key flock or card via a personal computer (PC), personal digital assistant (PDA), cell phone, or the like. The encoded privacy data model provides an access to the consumer's privacy preferences at the point of sale or the point of service for a business. This allows the consumer to opt in or out of various aspects of personal data collection and/or use as well as the collection of any data. The code can be accessed through a consumer's personal web page or a store's database.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for analyzing customer behavior based on the time when those behaviors occur. This invention captures information about customer transactions and interactions over time, classifies customers into one or more clusters based on their time-based interactions and transactions, or both, and uses this classification to perform selected target marketing and cross-selling. This is performed by temporally tagging customer transactions and interactions, analyzing the tagged information to create temporal profiles, creating advertising campaigns aimed at the temporal profiles, triggering an advertising campaign, and analyzing the effectiveness of the advertising campaign.

Abstract: A method of operating a self-service checkout terminal is herein. The self-service checkout terminal has a housing, a stationary scanner secured to the housing, and a hand-held scanner having a holder associated therewith. The hand-held scanner is movable relative to the housing. The method includes the step of detecting when the hand-held scanner is removed from the holder and generating a removed-from-holder control signal in response thereto. The method also includes the step of disabling the stationary scanner in response to generation of the removed-from-holder control signal. The method further includes the step of generating a first item-entered control signal when a first product code associated with a first item for purchase is read by the hand-held scanner. Moreover, the method includes the step of marking the first item for purchase so as to indicate that the first product code was read by the hand-held scanner.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for collecting activity data for a plurality of products displayed in a merchandising store. A transaction terminal identifies a product presented for purchase and prints an itemized receipt therefor. A remote price verifier permits price verification of the product independently of the terminal. Purchase data from the terminal is stored. Verification data from the verifier is stored. Comparison of the purchase and verification data for a specific product may be used for improving its sales performance.

Abstract: A film drop-off apparatus which expedites film processing based upon delivery choice. The apparatus includes a computer; a display controlled by the computer which displays instructions to a customer, including photo delivery options during a film processing transaction; an input device controlled by the computer which records a customer choice for a photo delivery time; and communication circuitry which sends an alert message to the film laboratory based upon the customer choice.

Abstract: A film drop-off apparatus which minimizes lost film. The apparatus includes a computer; a display controlled by the computer which displays instructions to a customer, including photo delivery options during a film processing transaction; an input device controlled by the computer which records a customer choice for a photo delivery location; and a printer controlled by the computer which prints information identifying the photo delivery location on a film envelope.

Abstract: A method of operating a retail terminal having a display monitor associated therewith includes the step of generating an item-entered control signal when a user enters an item for purchase into the retail terminal during a retail transaction. The method also includes the step of entering a record corresponding to the item for purchase into an electronic transaction table in response to generation of the item-entered control signal. The method further includes the step of generating an instructional message which instructs the customer on operation of the self-service checkout terminal during the retail transaction. The message generating step includes the step of displaying an animated character and an associated instructional text message with the display monitor during the retail transaction. The animated character is configured to resemble a commercially recognizable image so as to communicate the commercially recognizable image to the customer with the display monitor.

Abstract: A method of operating a self-service checkout terminal includes the step of generating an end-of-itemization control signal in response to a user's indication that the user has no further items to enter into the checkout terminal. The method also includes the step of generating a message in response to generation of the end-of-itemization control signal which instructs the user to (1) verify that the user has no further items to enter into the checkout terminal, and (2) perform a first verification activity if the user has no further items to enter into the checkout terminal. The method further includes the step of generating a confirmation control signal in response to the user's performance of the first verification activity. A self-service checkout terminal having a display monitor for displaying a message which instructs the user to verify that the user has no further items prior to tendering payment is also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-service checkout apparatus for processing items selected by a customer for purchase includes a customer operated device, such as a scanner/scale, for identifying each item selected for purchase. The apparatus also includes a self-service terminal which includes a card or cash payment accepting device, a cash dispensing device for providing a customer with cash by way of change or cashback, and an electronic controller connected to the customer operated device and arranged to determine the price of each item identified by the customer operated device. The terminal displays the total amount payable on a screen. A customer exit is normally closed by a security gate which is arranged to be opened in response to the customer making payment for the total amount. The terminal can be used to provide ATM services independently of a checkout transaction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for checking out an item to be weighed through a checkout station. The method includes the steps of sensing when the item is positioned on a scale, and displaying a visual indication which prompts a user to initiate a specific keystroke operation in response to the sensing step. The visual indication may be an item menu or a highlighted portion of a screen display. The item menu may include a listing of item names which are ranked based on a sales volume value associated with each of the item names listed in the item menu.