Abstract: An electronic timer having a memory for storing programming information including astronomical sunset, sunrise, evening, dawn or twilight data for at least one geographic location, a processor for generating a time controlled signal; and a switch, responsive to the time controlled signal, for receiving an input power from a power supply and coupling the input power to at least one AC socket. The astronomical data can be used in setting an operating time corresponding to the geographic location of the user. Each AC socket can operate independently from the other. The electronic timer further includes a random selection unit used to randomly select an activation and/or deactivation times based on a number of setting parameters that provides a different operating time for each day of the year and for each AC socket.

Abstract: An initiator transceiver for operating in a two-way half-duplex communication mode with multiple recipient transceivers. The transceivers includes a body having a cavity and a control device, positioned within the cavity, for receiving a recipient identification code that identifies a remote transceiver and for transmitting an initiator identification code and the recipient identification code to the remote transceiver. The control device scans a plurality of channels for a signal or interference and designates a first available channel as a primary channel and a second available channel as a standby channel.

Abstract: A toy scanner is disclosed capable of scanning printed price indicators and audibly and visually displaying the scanned price. The price indicators are printed in carbon ink and the toy scanner includes a conductive rubber strip located on the reading face of the scanner for reading the carbon ink printed price indicators. The scanned price is visually displayed on an LCD display. The scanned price is audibly displayed by a voice synthesizer and loud speaker combination which “talks” the scanned price. A mute switch is included for turning off the talk feature. The scanner also includes a random number generator for generating a random price, which is also audibly and visually displayed, upon activation of a random price activation switch.