Abstract: A method for protecting an advertising sign from weathering conditions is disclosed. The method includes the operation of providing a frame configured to hold a plurality of sign segments, the sign segments having a front side and a back side each configured to carry graphical images. The front and back sides of each sign segment can be covered with a substantially transparent covering configured to enable each sign segment to be essentially undamaged by weathering effects for a period of at least seven years. The plurality of sign segments can be configured to be stacked on top of one another within the frame. The frame can be configured to enable removal and replacement of one or more of the plurality of sign segments.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating unique id packets in a distributed processing system. A method for facilitating processing over a network includes generating at a server location on the network a pointer that defines an information profile on the network. The pointer is then associated with the information profile, and the pointer and the associated information profile transmitted to at least two locations on the network. The pointer can then be transmitted to one of the at least two locations on the network from another location on the network during a processing operation on the network for the purpose of processing a network transaction at the receiving one of the at least two locations on the network, which network transaction requires the associated information profile, such that only transmission of the pointer is required for the processing operation.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a layered memory object. The method includes the operation of producing a first coin layer from a precious metal using mass production techniques. A second coin layer can be created using a material that is less expensive than the first coin layer. The second coin layer can be customized with a customizable image. The first and second coin layers can be adhered together. The customized image can be configured to be viewed by a coin viewer.

Abstract: Code generator for a distributed processing system. A method for generating a defined transaction process for connecting on a system between a user's workstation and a destination device. First, the logical sequence that is required for a user to interface with the destination device is defined as logical steps in accordance with the defined transaction process. The physical code operable with the system necessary to effect the logical steps thereon is then created by substituting blocks of predetermined physical code in the system between the user's workstation and the destination device. This allows the user to perform the transaction process on the system with the physical code.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for converting data between two dissimilar systems. A method for transferring information between first and second systems with dissimilar first and second database structures, respectively, is provided. The method includes the step of first extracting data from the first system and then routing the extracted data from the first system to a first conversion server. At the first conversion server, the data is converted from a format compatible with the first database structure to an intermediate format. The data in the intermediate format is then routed to a second conversion server. At the second conversion server, the data is converted from the intermediate format to a format compatible with the second database structure. The data converted at the second conversion server is then stored in the second system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating unique id packets in a distributed processing system. A method for facilitating processing over a network includes generating at a server location on the network a pointer that defines an information profile on the network. The pointer is then associated with the information profile, and the pointer and the associated information profile transmitted to at least two locations on the network. The pointer can then be transmitted to one of the at least two locations on the network from another location on the network during a processing operation on the network for the purpose of processing a network transaction at the receiving one of the at least two locations on the network, which network transaction requires the associated information profile, such that only transmission of the pointer is required for the processing operation.

Abstract: System and method for transmission of information between locations on a computer network with the use of unique packets. A method is disclosed for communicating between first and second unlike systems. Information is generated at the first system in a first information format that is native to the first system. A first conversion system, in a first conversion operation, converts the generated information to a master space format such that a first converted information transmission is generated. The first converted information is then transmitted to a master information system. In response to receiving the first converted information at the master information system, the received first converted information is routed to a second conversion system in the master system format.

Abstract: Distributed processing system and method. A method for processing data from an origin node in a network to a destination node in the network in accordance with a predetermined process is disclosed. The method includes providing a plurality of processing nodes on the network. The process is then parsed into a plurality of sub processes and the sub processes distributed to the destination, origin and processing nodes such that a portion of the overall predetermined process can be carried out at separate ones of the destination, origin and processing nodes. The sub processes have associated therewith routing information to select ones of the destination and processing nodes associated with other of the sub processes. A process pointer is generated at the origin node that uniquely defines the predetermined process on the network.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for load balancing a distributed processing system. A method for load balancing a distributed processing system having a plurality of processing nodes associated therewith is provided. A portion of a process is first received at one of the processing nodes for processing of that portion thereat. The amount of processing at that node is then determined that will be required to complete the received portion of the process as a processing load on that one processing node. A determination is then made if the amount of processing exceeds a predetermined threshold. If the amount of processing exceeds the predetermined threshold, then information is transferred to other nodes in the network that the one of the processing nodes is unavailable for further processing.

Abstract: System and method for transmission of information between locations on a computer network with the use of unique packets. A method is disclosed for communicating between first and second unlike systems. Information is generated at the first system in a first information format that is native to the first system. A first conversion system, in a first conversion operation, converts the generated information to a master space format such that a first converted information transmission is generated. The first converted information is then transmitted to a master information system. In response to receiving the first converted information at the master information system, the received first converted information is routed to a second conversion system in the master system format.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for transferring information between a source and a destination on a network. This process includes the step of reading a unique ID, which unique ID is associated with a plurality of information destinations on a network. At least two other external items of information are received in conjunction with the step of reading the unique ID, wherein the unique ID is associated with corresponding items of information that may be identical or similar to the received at least two other external items of information which corresponding items of information are disposed at predetermined destinations on the network. A relational database is provided having stored therein the relationship between the unique ID and the plurality of associated destinations on the network. The read unique ID is processed in response to the step of reading to determine the destination on the network for the corresponding information to the received at least two other external items of information.