Abstract: A method for estimating a used vehicle's market value is disclosed. The method searches for a set of comparable vehicles in an existing historical database of used vehicles. Estimations of the used vehicles are established based on each comparable vehicle (neighbor) in the set of comparable vehicles by adjusting their resale value in accordance with the individual differences found between the neighbor(s) and the used vehicle whose market value is to be estimated/predicted (the target vehicle). Finally, a distance-weighted average of all such estimations is calculated to arrive at a market value estimation for the target vehicle.

Abstract: An automatic pricing method and apparatus for use in electronic commerce environments is described. Automatic pricing uses live price testing to estimate and measure demand for specific products—taking into account where appropriate, a vendor selected segmentation scheme. The results of live price testing are compared using a vendor selected goal function, e.g. profit maximization, to select a new price. A goal function that balances short term gains versus long term gains based on customer lifetime value is described. The live price testing approach used is designed to minimize losses due to price testing through statistical methods. Additionally, methods for distributing price testing across time so as to avoid problems caused by too many ongoing tests as well as side effects from testing are described.

Abstract: Methods for producing decorative laminate composites are described. The method includes the owner of intellectual property covering the use and manufacture of paint film technology selectively licensing the technology to various automotive component suppliers and manufacturers. In this manner, the total number of suppliers in the supply chain can be either reduced and/or more carefully controlled, thus leading to increased levels of finished component quality control. By way of a non-limiting example, a single licensee/supplier can produce the finished component.

Abstract: Method and system for managing a plurality of remote assets, such as a fleet mobile assets is provided. The method allows for collecting data regarding each of a plurality of remote assets. The collected data is used to develop historical information regarding actual usage of each remote asset. The information is distributed via a global information network.

Abstract: System and method for generating information relating to a vehicle's history. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of identifying target records in a database, determining a total number of owners for each vehicle based on the target records, and displaying a listing of the vehicles including corresponding number of owners. A step of determining and displaying the ownership type may be provided. A vehicle history information system is also provided, including a database having vehicle history records, a vehicle history report module adapted to retrieve the vehicle history record, an ownership module adapted to determine the number of owners for the vehicles based on the vehicle history records, and a user interface module adapted to generate a listing of the vehicles and the number of owners. The system may be adapted to determine and display the ownership type.

Abstract: A method routes a predefined number of entities (200) through a predetermined area for scanning the content of the predetermined area. The method comprises the steps of: partitioning the predetermined area into a first set of cells (100); grouping the first set of cells (100) into a number of corridors (201) equal to the number of entities (200); determining a starting cell for each entity (200) in each corridor (201); initiating a scan of cells of each of the corridors (201) from the starting cell of each of the entities (200) and determining the content of each of the scanned cells; and determining a total cost for each entity (200) to travel to each of the scanned cells scanned by each entity (200) and performing a scan from each of the scanned cells by each entity (200).

Abstract: A system is provided for facilitating the distribution of unused theater tickets. The system includes a central distribution processor to which theater patrons are provided access for determining the availability of theater tickets and purchasing available theater tickets at a discounted rate. The system further includes a plurality of remote ticket offices of distinct theaters linked to the central distribution processor, the remote ticket offices including interface software compatible with the central distribution processor for facilitating the uploading of relevant ticket information to the central distribution processor. The interface software further provides a user interface through which the plurality of remote ticket offices selectively enter available theater ticket information which is subsequently uploaded to the central distribution processor for access and purchase by theater patrons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for financing ownership of a vehicle by a customer. A preferred method of the present invention includes financing the purchase of a vehicle with a RIC or loan. The RIC or loan is preferably repaid with a set of first payments followed by a set of second payments. The first payments preferably last until a decision point and are about 10 percent to about 40 percent lower than the second payments. The preferred method embodiment includes contacting the customer prior to the decision point to promote trade-in of the vehicle and a new vehicle purchase.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating many uniquely identifiable media copies from a few uniquely marked masters to reduce the expense of subjecting each media copy to a marking process while maintaining the ability to trace unauthorized copies back to an authorized source. A number of masters of a film or media presentation are digitally or optically marked with identifiers to distinguish each master from each other master. The identifiers provide the ability to distinguish corresponding partitions or segments among masters. The masters with their identifiers are then duplicated. Final media prints are then assembled by combining segments with the duplicated identifiers from various masters in a manner to form segments with unique identifier sequences. Thus, each final print may be distinguished from each other final print by their identifier sequences.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating many uniquely identifiable media copies from a few uniquely marked masters to reduce the expense of subjecting each media copy to a marking process while maintaining the ability to trace unauthorized copies back to an authorized source. A number of masters of a film or media presentation are digitally or optically marked with identifiers to distinguish each master from each other master. The identifiers provide the ability to distinguish corresponding partitions or segments among masters. The masters with their identifiers are then duplicated. Final media prints are then assembled by combining segments with the duplicated identifiers from various masters in a manner to form segments with unique identifier sequences. Thus, each final print may be distinguished from each other final print by their identifier sequences.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for implementing transaction services patterns. Logical requests are batched for reducing network traffic. A batched request is allowed to indicate that it depends on the response to another request. A single message is sent to all objects in a logical unit of work. Requests that are being unbatched from a batched message are sorted. Independent copies of business data are assigned to concurrent logical units of work for helping prevent the logical units of work from interfering with each other.

Abstract: A print roll for use in a camera imaging system said print roll having a backing surface having a plurality of formatted postcard information printed at pre-determined intervals.

Abstract: A monitor housing has a front casing connected with a rear casing enclosing a cathode ray tube. The front casing has at least one snap portion at an upper rear surface of the same and at least one engaging pin at a lower rear surface. The rear casing has at least one engaging portion at an upper front surface for being detachable engaged with the front casing. At least one receiving hole is formed at a lower portion of the front surface, so that the rear casing is integrally engaged with the front casing in such a manner that the receiving hole is separately engaged to the engaging pin, and a snap pin engaged in the receiving hole for preventing the engaging pin from detaching from the receiving hole in the case that the engaging pin of the front casing is integrally engaged into the receiving hole of the rear casing for thereby significantly decreasing an assembling time with an easier assembling and disassembling operation of a front casing and a rear casing and enhancing an engaged state of the monitor.

Abstract: A method is disclosed which enables travelers to discover other travelers with similar and compatible travel plans, for purposes of contacting them and negotiating shared travel agreements. Travel plans are characterized quantitatively, enabling numerical measurement of the match between a pair of plans. Dependence upon similarity of place names is eliminated. The temporal difference between plans is converted to an equivalent distance difference and summed with the origin and destination differences to yield a single number ranking the match. Plans are ordered by this ranking against a search specification. The method is more compatible than the prior art with computer automation, and is accessible via the Internet.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided wherein a consumable item parameter is exchanged between a consumable item and a consuming device. According to one embodiment, a consumable item parameter request is transmitted to a device associated with a consumable item, and the consumable item parameter is then received. The device may comprise, for example, the consumable item or a device associated with dispensing the consumable item. The device may also comprise, for example, a device associated with a consumption of the consumable item, a device adapted to control a consumption of the consumable item, or a device that consumes the consumable item.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system for generating a lead by determining an estimated for a vehicle. The system may receive vehicle identifying information; receive seller identifying information; receive information for a sample of vehicles of the same make and model as the vehicle; determine a value for vehicle using the vehicle identifying information and the historical information, wholesale sales through auctions and at dealerships; (and also vehicle condition information if provided), and determine an estimated value, estimated value range, or offer price for the vehicle using predetermined buyer criteria and the determined value. This offer may then be transmitted to the seller in the form of a price certificate, appraisal report, etc., and the seller identifying information may be transmittal to the buyer as a sales lead.

Abstract: Interchangeable portions of a cooler or container, having a sports logo thereon, allows a single cooler body or container body to have a first logo at one particular time, and a second logo at another time, upon replacement of interchangeable the portions. Preferably, the portions comprise a plurality of cooler tops, each having a different sports logo, each mating directly or through interchangeable hinge portions with the same cooler body, or being secured to a planar portion of the cooler or container. Alternatives for securing the attachment to the cooler planar portion are disclosed and include adhesive, VELCRO brand fasteners, guide members, or elastomeric attaching members.

Abstract: A blister package for a pharmaceutical treatment card suitable, the blister package having a plurality of individual blisters suitable for containing a pre-measured dosage of a pharmaceutical composition in the form of tablets, pills and capsules. In accordance with a pre-determined schedule of administration of the individually sealed blisters may be opened by a method of tearing, peeling and pushing. The blister card package can be characterized as a multiple layer laminate assembly having a plurality of transparent cavities containing composition.

Abstract: A method for obtaining warranty registration of products, facilitating return of lost products, and expediting warranty service on defective products comprising providing a unique identifier on or within each product; providing a lost and found system comprising the steps of marking each product with return instructions and a reward offer to any person who finds said product after it has been lost; and offering to return each product to a registered owner in the event said product is lost and returned by said person who finds it if said owner provides data comprising owner identification and date said product was purchased at retail; providing said data to a manufacturer or other warrantor in order to register said warranty.

Abstract: A method (10) for acquiring material for use within a die and for determining whether a die has certain characteristics which would allow the die to have a relatively long operating life. The method (10) requires that a suppler of a die provide certain material which is analyzed to determine whether the supplied material has a certain toughness. If the material has the requisite toughness, a material signature is created and used to evaluate further materials and dies produced and/or provided by the supplier.