Abstract: An electronic scale for use in a weight control program in which the weighing histories and desired weight goals for each of a number of individuals are stored. A weigh signal is produced when an individual steps onto the platform of the scale, and the weight is displayed on the top of a column upstanding from the base and spoken. Following entry of information identifying the individual into a keyboard also atop the column, a microprocessor assembles two types of messages, at least one informational and at least one psychologically reinforcing, from stored message components in accordance with the identified individual's stored weighing history and stored desired weight goal and the message is spoken. In response to manual operation of other keys, the scale can calculate any individual's ideal weight goal and can review his stored weight history.

Abstract: An improved topical medicament useful in treating athletic injuries or other painful subdermal conditions is provided which includes a penetrating solvent such as dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) along with, in preferred forms, a corticosteroid (e.g., hydrocortisone acetate), a counterirritant/analgesic such as methyl salicylate, and one or more emulsifiers, a rubifacient and an alcoholic carrier. The medicaments hereof, when applied topically, are absorbed through the skin and serve to transport the corticosteroid and/or analgesic to a site of inflammation. The preferred salicylate component is converted to the analgesic salicyic acid and active metabolites in the bloodstream to serve as a pain killing agent (i.e., a prostaglandin inhibitor). The compositions hereof may be in the form of lotions, creams or aerosols, depending upon desired end use.

Abstract: The amount of beverage dispensed from each of a plurality of reservoirs in units at a plurality of remote locations, such as hotel rooms, is controlled and indicated. A central console, such as a hotel front desk, includes a keyboard for deriving data and command signals, as well as a data processor that responds to the data and command signals to derive addressing and command signals for the units. A display at the central console responds to the keyboard data and command signals to display the keyboard data signals, as well as data signals derived from addressed units. At each of the units, a liquid flow controller for each reservoir responds to an output of a data processor at the unit. The unit data processor responds to a customer input and command signals from the console to activate the flow controller. In response to a unit being addressed by the console, the unit data processor supplies signals to the console to indicate the amount of beverage dispensed from the reservoirs.

Abstract: A portable electronic dictionary in a hand-held housing which mounts a plurality of alpha-numeric displays and a keyboard. A plug-in module contains a microcomputer and a ROM which stores a plurality of pairs of sequences of alpha-numeric characters and is searched by a central processing unit in the microcomputer under instructions stored as firmware in another ROM forming part of the microcomputer. One sequence of each stored pair is compared with a sequence which is entered into the keyboard and stored in a RAM also forming part of the microcomputer until a match is found. After one or more sequences have been entered into the keyboard and locations of matching pairs are stored in the microcomputer RAM, the pairs of stored sequences can be rolled across the display. Either sequence of each pair can be compared with a sequence entered into the keyboard.

Abstract: A data display communication system wherein data generated locally by a keyboard or generated remotely and communicated by modems is displayed on a display device. Data displayed on the screen can be edited or reformatted prior to storage, print-out, or transmission to a remote location. Data communicated between storage and the central processing unit is handled in blocks that make up one full line of characters on the display device. All edit and format functions are performed on the basis of these blocks of data. Timing for the display device controls the operation of the system. The communication system utilizes a microprocessor operating in conjunction with specific hardware logic to handle display oriented operations.

Abstract: A portable electronic dictionary with a micro-computer in a hand-held housing which mounts a plurality of alpha-numeric displays and a keyboard. A plug-in ROM stores a plurality of pairs of sequences of alpha-numeric characters and is searched by a central processing unit in the micro-computer under instructions stored as firmware in another ROM forming part of the micro-computer. One sequence of each stored pair is compared with a sequence which is entered into the keyboard and stored in a RAM also forming part of the micro-computer until a match is found. After one or more sequences have been entered into the keyboard and locations of matching pairs stored in the micro-computer RAM, the pairs of stored sequences can be rolled across the display. Either sequence of each pair can be compared with a sequence entered into the keyboard.