Abstract: A dynamic listings catalog may be generated from a plurality of auction listings to allow a more robust user experience in viewing these catalogs, a more personalized grouping of ecommerce items, and facilitate rendering and embedding within a third party website. A listings catalog is defined as a compilation of ecommerce listings within a rich media environment and does not require page-by-page loading of listing sites as a user sequences through them. One natural consequence of the ability to dynamically group and catalog listing sites is that micro-communities may be developed. A micro-community is defined as a group of users (either sellers or buyers) that share one or more commonalities and that are integrated together to facilitate ecommerce within the grouping.

Abstract: A system for transmitting information related to a network-based marketplace includes identifying information that may be interesting, useful, and entertaining to the users and to the potential users of the network-based marketplace. The identified information may be other than information that is already being displayed in listings by the network-based marketplace.

Abstract: A proxy server for providing transparent proxy services to a user of a client device is provided. The proxy server receives a request from a browser for a unit of digital content, requests the unit of digital content from a remote server, receives the unit of digital content from the remote server, parses the unit of digital content for references to the remote server, identifies a reference within a software construct, inserts a software function into the modified remote page for modifying references, inserts a call to the software function into the software construct, modifies references to the remote server in the unit of digital content to form a modified unit of digital content by inserting a surrogate server hostname into the references and removing a remote server hostname from the references, and transmits the modified unit of digital content to the browser.

Abstract: A surrogate system for the transparent control of electronic commerce transactions is provided through which an individual without a credit card is enabled to shop at online merchant sites. Upon opening an account within the surrogate system, the account can be funded using numerous fund sources, for example credit cards, checking accounts, money orders, gift certificates, incentive codes, online currency, coupons, and stored value cards. A user with a funded account can shop at numerous merchant web sites through the surrogate system. When merchandise is selected for purchase, a purchase transaction is executed in which a credit card belonging to the surrogate system is temporarily or permanently assigned to the user. The credit card, once loaded with funds from the user's corresponding funded account, is used to complete the purchase transaction.

Abstract: An automated method and system to assemble and inspect tubing assemblies includes one or more coordinate tables with each table having a plurality of robotic fixtures mounted for movement on the table. The robotic fixtures are controlled by a computerized control system to move to predetermined positions on the table surface, and tubing holders on the robotic fixtures are controlled to receive portions of a bent length of metal tubing to inspect and assemble the portions of tubing.

Abstract: One or more client devices are coupled to a system server through a network link, with the network adapted to support TCP/IP packet-based data transmission protocols. The system server provides initial set-up parameters and continuing operating instructions to each client device over the network link. Subsequently, client devices carry out normal monitoring functions locally, over their local communication link. Intervention by the system server is no longer required unless and until a client device determines that one of its supported pieces of infrastructure equipment is functioning outside of its normal operating parameters. The System server gives the appropriate control information to the client which communicates the control code to the out-of-parameter device in its native language protocol.

Abstract: A proxy server for the transparent control of electronic commerce transactions is provided through which an individual without a credit card is enabled to shop at online merchant sites. Upon opening an account within the proxy server, the account can be funded using numerous fund sources, for example credit cards, checking accounts, money orders, gift certificates, incentive codes, online currency, coupons, and stored value cards. A user with a funded account can shop at numerous remote servers through the proxy server. When merchandise is selected for purchase, a purchase transaction is executed in which a credit card belonging to the proxy server is temporarily or permanently assigned to the user. The credit card, once loaded with funds from the user's corresponding funded account, is used to complete the purchase transaction. The proxy server provides controls that include monitoring the data streams and, in response, controlling the information flow between the user and the merchant sites.