Abstract: Loan mechanisms for completing transactions made with prepaid cards where an insufficient balance exists on the prepaid card to complete the transaction, methods of completing transactions for an amount that exceeds an available balance on a prepaid card, and methods of transforming goods from a state of being retail inventory to a state of being owned by and in the possession of an end user. Loan mechanisms may include a website, a database, a connection to at least one prepaid card authorization machine, programmed technology to evaluate whether to make a loan, an apparatus to add funds to the card sufficient to cover the transaction, and a collection feature for collecting the loaned funds plus compensation. Methods may include acts of collecting information, perceiving a transaction attempt for an amount that exceeds an available balance, evaluating consent, evaluating credit risk, loaning money, and later collecting from the card holder.

Abstract: A lighting device (10) has an elongated light tube (12) to be used in combination with a holster (80) in a manner which will enable the holster (80) to hold the lighting device (10) as may be necessary and also enable the holster (80) to adjust the extent of illumination of the light tube (12) of the lighting device by light received from a light source (24) disposed within the lighting device (10) using magnets (66, 96).

Abstract: A spoiler for a vehicle includes at least one support bracket having a first end secured to the vehicle and a substantially transparent spoiler wing secured to the second end. The spoiler may also include at least one support bracket that is adjustable to change the angular orientation of the spoiler wing. In the alternative, a lighted wing for attachment to a surface may include at least one bracket adapted to be secured to the surface and a substantially transparent wing secured by the bracket to the surface. A material may be interposed and secured between the wing and the surface with a light module coupled to the wing for illumination thereof.

Abstract: A spoiler for a vehicle includes at least one support bracket having a first end secured to the vehicle and a substantially transparent spoiler wing secured to the second end. The spoiler may also include at least one support bracket that is adjustable to change the angular orientation of the spoiler wing. In the alternative, a lighted wing for attachment to a surface may include at least one bracket adapted to be secured to the surface and a substantially transparent wing secured by the bracket to the surface. A material may be interposed and secured between the wing and the surface with a light module coupled to the wing for illumination thereof.

Abstract: A simulated neon-light tube assembly (10) that is comprised of four major elements: a transparent tube (12) having a closed front end (16) and an open rear edge (18), a light-diffusing material (24), a light source (50) and a power source (60). The light-diffusing material (24) consists of stacks of thin acetate, or a like material, which are rolled and inserted into the tube (12) through the tube's open rear edge (18). The light source (50) can consist of a single LED (52) or an LED cluster. In either case, the LED(s) are located within a light-power assembly (70) that encloses the LED (52). The power source (60) for the LED can consist of an internal battery located within the assembly (70) or the assembly (70) can include a cable that is connected to an external battery. In either design, when the LED (52) illuminates, the light travels through the light emitting material (28) to cause the simulation of a neon-light.

Abstract: A simulated neon-light tube assembly (10) that is comprised of four major elements: a transparent tube (12) having a closed front end (16) and an open rear edge (18), a light-diffusing material (24), a light source (50) and a power source (60). The light-diffusing material (24) consists of stacks of thin acetate, or a like material, which are rolled and inserted into the tube (12) through the tube's open rear edge (18). The light source (50) can consist of a single LED (52) or an LED cluster. In either case, the LED(s) are located within a light-power assembly (70) that encloses the LED (52). The power source (60) for the LED can consist of an internal battery located within the assembly (70) or the assembly (70) can include a cable that is connected to an external battery. In either design, when the LED (52) illuminates, the light travels through the light emitting material 928) to cause the simulation of a neon-light.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus includes a lens, such as a circular rod carried by a housing. A lamp or light is positioned adjacent the circular rod which has a convex entry portion and a convex exit portion to distribute a wide and intense beam of light to a desired area. Variations of the apparatus allow for distribution of the light in any desired pattern, either downwardly or outwardly, as desired by the particular end use. The apparatus eliminates the need for reflectors to assist in generating the beam, although mirrors may be employed to generate a triple high-intensity beam from a single light source.

Abstract: An ammunition clip or magazine for a firearm including a self-contained system for sensing the amount of ammunition contained within the magazine and visually or audibly indicating that value to the user of the firearm. The counting and indicator system may be configured to display the number of rounds remaining in the magazine itself, or the number of rounds remaining in the firearm overall (the number of ammunition rounds in the magazine plus one round in the chamber of the firearm, if applicable), or it may be configured to simply indicate that the magazine is empty or that the number of rounds remaining in the magazine is below some other predetermined threshold. The magazine may be utilized in conjunction with any suitable firearm without modifying the firearm.

Abstract: An ammunition clip or magazine for a firearm including a self-contained system for sensing the amount of ammunition contained within the magazine and visually indicating that value to the user of the firearm. The counting and display system may be configured to display the number of rounds remaining in the magazine itself, or the number of rounds remaining in the firearm overall (the number of ammunition rounds in the magazine plus one round in the chamber of the firearm, if applicable), or it may be configured to simply indicate that the magazine is empty or that the number of rounds remaining in the magazine is below some other predetermined threshold. The magazine may be utilized in conjunction with any suitable firearm without modifying the firearm.