Abstract: A time display device (“TDD”)—equally adaptable to watches, clocks, computers, phones, and vehicles—indicates the current hour of the day by displaying a color that refers an observer to the disclosed color-to-hour matrix, thereby eliminating the traditional hour hand or digit altogether. Alternately adaptable to months, the system may be used with both mechanical and electronic displays. Various disclosed minute indicators provide minute indication by shape, complexity, company logo, air bubbles, or other novel methods. Environmental sensors allow switching between functions. TDD appearance is user-customizable via Internet. Birthstones, gemstones, and precious metals are alternately used as stand-alone time indicators. Licensing information may be obtained via www.inventerprise.com.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method by which suretyship bonds and guaranties can be purchased and deployed over the Internet in real time, providing automatic application evaluation and policy binding. The principal's credit card information is used in a repeating cycle of pre-authorized charges so that the card account serves as effective collateral. A bond seal image, safeguarded against piracy, appears in Web pages indicating the existence of bond coverage. A dynamically updated gauge displays the margin of coverage available under the bond at any given moment. Means of integrating the information technology of auction site and surety company are also disclosed. The invention makes possible an unprecedented level of security in user-to-user auction environments and eliminates the need for online escrow services. Means of accepting bidder deposit accounts is also disclosed, enabling automatic, electronic payment the moment an Internet auction closes and eliminating the need for online payment services.

Abstract: A study aid apparatus provides an academic outline that is arranged three dimensionally through the use of a number of moving parts. Several modules, each devoted to a separate category, are attached to the face of a base member so that the several different category headings can be seen simultaneously. Parts within a given module are manipulated to reveal subheadings, sub-subheadings, and so on. In this way, the invention provides study materials that mimic the workings of the human mind more accurately than do prior study materials, thereby enhancing a student's learning experience and increasing the likelihood of effective recall. In particular, the invention keeps information “in perspective,” such that major concepts remain prominent at all times whereas minor details are suppressed until needed.

Abstract: A Universal Political Platform System (UPPS) enables citizens to create and maintain a political party's platform. In a preferred embodiment, a citizen submits a “plank” —a principle, policy, or stance on an issue—via a disclosed electronic form. Other citizens then “ratify” or “oppose” the plank. When party members' ratifications or oppositions of the plank meet predetermined thresholds, the plank becomes “adopted” into the platform. Citizens may donate funds earmarked for promoting a plank. Candidates are evaluated mathematically according to how well they represent party views. User coalitions may also be formed. Licensing information is available at www.inventerprise.com.

Abstract: A disclosed shipping method allows a sender to send a physical letter or package through a regular postal mail service, said letter or package being addressed simply to an e-mail address (such as “anyone@example.com”). Licensing information may be obtained through http://www.inventerprise.com.

Abstract: Disclosed is a guitar effects controller comprising a digital compass and means for converting directional degree information to signal effect level values. Alternate embodiments provide different sensors, e.g., GPS receiver or tilt sensor. The invention allows user control of instrument volume or other signal effects by turning, tilting, or otherwise manipulating the guitar. Also disclosed is a user configuration system whereby an effects controller can be configured using RF or infrared technology, RFID tags, the Internet, and other tools. Controller function is enhanced by a multipurpose guitar docking station and case. Also disclosed is a universal music exchange medium to facilitate the rapid configuration of system components.

Abstract: Disclosed is a means of tracking and communicating about events using refrigerator magnets. In a preferred embodiment, relationship health is tracked by moving foreground units appearing to be logs or bellows onto a background unit shaped like a fire. In an alternative embodiment, contents of a refrigerator are tracked by moving magnets symbolizing food items onto segments of a background magnet labeled “We Have” and “We Need.” In another alternative embodiment, food group symbols for dietary tracking are moved onto a background magnet of which the surface is partitioned according to a model diet of food group servings.

Abstract: A time display device (“TDD”)—equally adaptable to watches, clocks, computers, phones, and vehicles—indicates the current hour of the day by displaying a color that refers an observer to the disclosed color-to-hour matrix, thereby eliminating the traditional hour hand or digit altogether. Alternately adaptable to months, the system may be used with both mechanical and electronic displays. Various disclosed minute indicators provide minute indication by shape, complexity, company logo, air bubbles, or other novel methods. Environmental sensors allow switching between functions. TDD appearance is user-customizable via Internet. Birthstones, gemstones, and precious metals are alternately used as stand-alone time indicators.

Abstract: A case for electronic devices that can be converted to a wrist-wearable mount with very little effort. In a first position, a flexible strap serves as a case for a hand-held electronic device. In a second position, the same flexible strap serves as an arm-attachment mechanism, whereby the hand-held electronic device can be worn on the user's arm. A swiveling base is provided so that the hand-held device can swivel in place while being worn. The mechanism may be used to mount a variety of electronic devices, including PDA's or other flat-panel display monitors, keypads, bar-code scanners, magnetic storage medium readers, GPS receivers, microphones, speakers, and other devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated game with five subsystems: (i) electronic spell-casting system, (ii) card game system, (iii) user-created card system, (iv) system for replacing the use of dice and/or random number generation; and (v) board game system. Spell-casting system provides a physical input mechanism, e.g., sensor-equipped “magic wand”, and a verbal input mechanism which together trigger a spell. Cards form formations affecting their powers and are marked as “spent” by being placed under another card. Users create their own cards through a Web-accessible site. Random number (generated by computer or dice) usage is replaced by “challenges,” i.e., player-performed tasks. Chess pieces follow standard rules but are deployed one-by-one, as are squares of the chess board. Licensing information is available through www.inventerprise.com.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polychromatic barcode or portable data file symbology, image, system, method, and apparatus enabling virtually unlimited information density. In a preferred embodiment, ASCII characters are assigned to unique identifiers, which identifiers are in turn assigned to unique colors. Color blots are sequentially arranged in a symbol so as to match the sequence of corresponding identifiers to be encoded, and then the symbol is applied to a surface. To decode, the symbol is scanned, colors translated into identifiers, and identifiers translated into content. Also disclosed are blots dedicated to calibration. Information density is further enhanced through an external reference function achieved through commands included in the barcode itself, by which function infinitely high information density is achieved. Licensing information is available through www.inventerprise.com.