Abstract: Disclosed are a device, computer program and method, for determining a range to a target, the device comprising a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a controller; wherein the method comprises determining the device's geographic location based on coordinates from the GPS receiver and the device's elevation based on pressure and temperature data from the sensors; obtaining a location and elevation of a landmark based on GPS coordinates from a database; determining a distance between the device and the landmark using GPS coordinates; applying a slope compensation based on the difference in elevation between the device's elevation and the landmark; and converting the distance to a signal perceptible to a user.

Abstract: A distance measuring device for determining distances to objects on a golf course comprises a laser rangefinder; a satellite navigation receiver; and a portable handheld housing for housing both the laser rangefinder and the satellite navigation receiver. The housing has opposed left and right sidewalls, opposed top and bottom walls, and opposed front and rear walls, with all of the walls being sized and configured to permit a user to hold the device with one hand. A display for displaying distance information from the satellite navigation receiver is positioned in one of the sidewalls of the housing and an eyepiece of the laser rangefinder is positioned in the front wall of the housing. This permits a user to hold the device with one hand, look through the eyepiece to operate the laser rangefinder, and then simply twist his or her hand to view satellite navigation information on the display without releasing or re-gripping the device.

Abstract: An integrated distance measuring device for golf comprises a satellite navigation receiver operable to determine a current location of the device; a laser rangefinder operable to determine a distance from the current location of the device to an object on a golf course; a compass operable to determine a bearing of the device when it is aimed at the object; a display; and a computing device. The computing device is programmed to determine a location of the object as a function of the current location of the device, the distance to the object, and the bearing of the device. The computing device may also be programmed to calculate a distance between the object and a second object on the golf course as a function of the location of the object and pre-mapped location information for the second object.

Abstract: An optical scope with a position-based on/off switch preserves power by automatically deactivating one or more electrical components when the scope is not in use. The scope includes an orientation sensor that determines when the scope is in an inactive position by sensing when the scope is rolled left or right to a predetermined angle of inclination from an upright position. A power switch receives an indicia of orientation from the orientation sensor and deactivates the one or more electrical components when the scope is in the inactive position, thus preserving power and extending the life of a battery.

Abstract: A flashlight with a battery life indicator to continuously indicate a power level to facilitate flashlight retrieval and battery monitoring is disclosed. The flashlight generally includes a light source, contacts operable to couple with a power source having a power level, an input operable to turn the light source on and off, and an indicator coupled with the power source contacts to continuously indicate the power level. Such continuous indication of the power level enables the flashlight to be easily located in darkness and provides a constant power level reminder to help users maintain the flashlight in operating condition.

Abstract: A portable recording device operable to receive an electrical signal input and convert the input to digital data is disclosed. The device broadly includes a portable handheld housing; a signal element operable to receive an electrical input signal; a controller operable to convert the input signal to digital data; a memory operable to store the digital data; and a power supply operable to power the device.

Abstract: An optical scope with a position-based on/off switch preserves power by automatically deactivating one or more electrical components when the scope is not in use. The scope includes an orientation sensor that determines when the scope is in an inactive position by sensing when the scope is rolled left or right to a predetermined angle of inclination from an upright position. A power switch receives an indicia of orientation from the orientation sensor and deactivates the one or more electrical components when the scope is in the inactive position, thus preserving power and extending the life of a battery.

Abstract: A GPS device and method for associating current and forecasted geo-referenced weather data with location data in a hand-held ruggedized GPS device having an integrated weather data receiver, wherein the weather data can be displayed alone, particularly on larger scales, or in conjunction with the location data.