Abstract: Disclosed is barcode reader apparatus placed at a store for communicating the store bank with the vendor's bank over a communication network. The barcode reader apparatus scans a barcode chip attached to a product. The barcode reader apparatus includes a housing handheld by the store manager or a clerk, in-counter barcode scanner for decoding the barcode chip, a memory unit for storing information related to vendor, vendor's bank, products at the store etc, and a processor coupled to memory unit for processing the decoded information and thereafter communicating with store's bank/customer's bank account for transferring the vendor price associated with the product to the vendor's bank account.

Abstract: A barcode and chip inventory and payment management system is disclosed. A product information label with a bar code and an embedded barcode chip incorporating an antitheft device is fixed to each product shipped with the embedded chip containing an individual product code and bank account routing data. The chip may be programmed to further contain pricing and markup information so that when the product is purchased (or returned) and scanned, the money involved is automatically transferred from the customer to the correct accounts and the item is added to or subtracted from the appropriate inventory.

Abstract: A portable liquid container is provided wherein an elongated, flexible container is filled with a beverage through a closable filling orifice, and the container is belted on a user using belt end fasteners, e.g. hook-and-loop material. The user grasps a nozzle on the end of an flexible, extendable straw that is stored and wound within a spring-loaded winder mechanism attached to the surface of the container. Pulling on the nozzle causes the straw to extend sufficiently to reach the user's mouth. When finished, the user allows the straw to be rewound into the winder mechanism. A collecting member with an intake positioned low within the container delivers beverage to a mating member that establishes fluid communication between the collecting member and the straw. A color-coded temperature gauge and liquid level indicator are attached to the container. An isolating member is also provided between the user and the container.

Abstract: A portable liquid container is provided wherein an elongated, flexible container is filled with a beverage through a closable filling orifice, and the container is belted on a user using belt end fasteners, e.g. hook-and-loop material. The user grasps a nozzle on the end of an flexible, extendable straw that is stored and wound within a spring-loaded winder mechanism attached to the surface of the container. Pulling on the nozzle causes the straw to extend sufficiently to reach the user's mouth. When finished, the user allows the straw to be rewound into the winder mechanism. A collecting member with an intake positioned low within the container delivers beverage to a mating member that establishes fluid communication between the collecting member and the straw. A color-coded temperature gauge and liquid level indicator are attached to the container. An isolating member is also provided between the user and the container.