Abstract: A portable transaction-enabling device (10), said device comprising: one or more first card receiving formations therein for storage of one or more cards within the device; a second card receiving formation (24); a reader associated with said second formation and arranged for reading data stored on a card (26) within said second formation; signal transmission means arranged for transmission of a verification data signal upon verification of card data read by said reader; and a data transfer member. The data transfer member comprises a second memory. The second memory is in electronic communication with said reader such that data read from the card when inserted in said second formation is transmitted to said second memory for access by an external device so as to allow indirect access to data stored on said bank card (26) for processing of a transaction via said data transfer means.

Abstract: A switch (10) comprises a face plate (16) and a single switch sensing oscillator (18) responsive to a switch activating presence. The oscillator (18) has a resistive component (36) connected to a sensing plate (38) which acts as a first capacitor plate. The face plate (16) is arranged to prevent electrical contact between the user and the oscillator (18). Any object, when placed adjacent the face plate (16), acts as a second capacitor plate which alters the frequency of the oscillator (18). A microprocessor (20) senses the smoke detector (62). In a further aspect the switch includes a mains electricity cable signal transmitter/receiver and a microprocessor whereby each such switch may communicate directly with another such switch.

Abstract: A switch (10) comprises a face plate (16) and a single switch sensing oscillator (18) responsive to a switch activating presence. The oscillator (18) has a resistive component (36) connected to a sensing plate (38) which acts as a first capacitor plate. The face plate (16) is arranged to prevent electrical contact between the user and the oscillator (18). Any object, when placed adjacent the face plate (16), acts as a second capacitor plate which alters the frequency of the oscillator (18). A microprocessor (20) senses the change in frequency and activates the switch (10) in response to the change. In another aspect a mains light switch (10) includes a smoke detector (62). In a further aspect the switch includes a means electricity cable signal transmitter/receiver and a microprocessor whereby each such switch may communicate directly with another such switch.