Abstract: Information about participants in an auction are received and analyzed along with information about products to be auctioned and other information to generate an interest gauge. The interest gauge may reflect the interest of a buyer, a seller, an auction house or any other entity in the auctioning event. Based on the interest gauge, the operations of the auction can be augmented and/or modified to be optimal in view of revenue generation, products moved, and a balance between the two. For instance, the buyer interest gauge could be used to create packages of items to be auctioned in a combinatorial auction.

Abstract: Multiple simultaneous auctions can be monitored and participated in using a single bidding device operated by a single remote bidder. A multi-windowed environment allows for the display of active bidding windows and docked bidding windows. The active bidding windows are fully functional bidding windows and include auction status, product information and the like. The docked bidding windows provide a subset of the information but, nonetheless provide real-time auction status information and allows for bidders to enter bids into the auctioning process without having to move the bidding window into an active status. A customer-identifier selector of identifier allows the remote bidder to associate a customer with a particular bidding window. The customer-identifier advantageously helps the remote bidder to track who purchased items are associated with, as well as providing control structure over the bidding process.

Abstract: An environment is established in which a variety of participating entities, including but not limited to auction houses, manufacturers, third party product and service providers, individuals, etc., can interface and benefit from the vast amount of data that is naturally collected or assimilated in the process of evaluating products to be introduced to an auction line.

Abstract: Information about participants in an auction are received and analyzed along with information about products to be auctioned and other information to generate an interest gauge. The interest gauge may reflect the interest of a buyer, a seller, an auction house or any other entity in the auctioning event. Based on the interest gauge, the operations of the auction can be augmented and/or modified to be optimal in view of revenue generation, products moved, and a balance between the two. For instance, the buyer interest gauge could be used to create packages of items to be auctioned in a combinatorial auction.

Abstract: An electronic inspection report system includes a dynamic integrity checker. Upon reception of inspection data from mobile devices, the data from similar and related fields is cross-correlated to identify any inconsistencies or discrepancies. This data is also compared with third party data that may be related to the item or similar item.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of diaphragm assemblies for diaphragm pumps and methods for manufacturing such diaphragm assemblies are disclosed. In at least one illustrative embodiment, a diaphragm pump may include an inflexible central core and a flexible diaphragm body surrounding the inflexible central core. The inflexible central core may include a reinforced thermoplastic and the flexible diaphragm body may include a thermoplastic elastomer. The flexible diaphragm body is bonded directly to the inflexible central core. The diaphragm assembly may include a mounting bolt having a head end and a threaded end. The inflexible central core surrounds the head end of the mounting bolt and the threaded end of the mounting bolt extends outside of the inflexible central core. The inflexible central core may include multiple raised features that cooperate to define cavities in the inflexible central core. The flexible diaphragm body fills the cavities of the inflexible central core.

Abstract: Multiple simultaneous auctions can be monitored and participated in using a single bidding device operated by a single remote bidder. A multi-windowed environment allows for the display of active bidding windows and docked bidding windows. The active bidding windows are fully functional bidding windows and include auction status, product information and the like. The docked bidding windows provide a subset of the information but, nonetheless provide real-time auction status information and allows for bidders to enter bids into the auctioning process without having to move the bidding window into an active status. A customer-identifier selector of identifier allows the remote bidder to associate a customer with a particular bidding window. The customer-identifier advantageously helps the remote bidder to track who purchased items are associated with, as well as providing control structure over the bidding process.

Abstract: Multiple simultaneous auctions can be monitored and participated in using a single bidding device operated by a single remote bidder. A multi-windowed environment allows for the display of active bidding windows and docked bidding windows. The active bidding windows are fully functional bidding windows and include auction status, product information and the like. The docked bidding windows provide a subset of the information but, nonetheless provide real-time auction status information and allows for bidders to enter bids into the auctioning process without having to move the bidding window into an active status. A customer-identifier selector of identifier allows the remote bidder to associate a customer with a particular bidding window. The customer-identifier advantageously helps the remote bidder to track who purchased items are associated with, as well as providing control structure over the bidding process.

Abstract: A method of loading a stack of sheet stock material for use by a dunnage conversion machine, includes the following steps: (i) providing first and second stacks, the second stack being protected by a carrier having a central portion and longitudinally-spaced extensions that bound a central portion, the extensions and the central portion being joined along a weakened area defining a tear line, the central portion and the longitudinally-spaced extensions forming a planar bottom panel and a planar side panel, each panel extending substantially the length of the stack, and at a right angle to each other about a fold line over a bottom and an adjacent side of the stack, and one or more bale ties longitudinally inwardly of the tear lines holding the carrier to the stack; (ii) removing the extensions from the carrier; (iii) setting the second stack on top of the first stack; and (iv) removing the bale ties and the carrier, whereby an adhesive bonds the top page of the first stack to the bottom page of the second sta

Abstract: An integration of components into a platform that enables the provision of a dynamically adjustable auctioning environment. The platform may include a data store, a search engine, an application interface and one or more network accessible applications. The data store operates to receive and maintain real-time data from one or more sources, such as participants in the auction as well as non-participating entities or systems that generally have relevant information. The search engine interfaces to the data store and is configured to receive requests, construct searching criteria, query the data store, receive query results and provide the query results to the one or more requesting elements. The data accumulated is accessible in real-time for altering the operating environment as well as providing data input to connected systems.

Abstract: A packaging machine of the type that is used to hand-wrap a package with a stretchable film that is heat-fused/sealed. The machine includes a supply of film for wrapping a package and a hot plate mechanism for heat fusing the film after the package is wrapped. The hot plate mechanism includes a fever arm that moves a sealing platform from a raised position to a lowered, heat sealing position when the package is placed on the platform. A control circuit energizes a heating element forming part of the sealing platform and causes it to reach a desired heating temperature in 2 to 4 seconds, whereby fusing of the sealing film is achieved. An interval timer is used to control a signaling device such as a light to Indicate the machine is in a heating cycle. A separate timer, in conjunction with a temperature sensing thermistor, controls a length of time the heating element is energized and terminates power to the heating element prior to the end of a sealing Interval if a predetermined temperature is exceeded.

Abstract: The ability to participate in an active auction is enabled for remote bidders by allowing the remote bidder to use a bidding device coupled to an active auction through a network. The remote bidding device receives live audio from the auction with minimal delay, and can receive and provide bidding information to the auction in real time. As such, the remote bidder can participate with equal standing as local participants.

Abstract: A method of loading a stack of sheet stock material for use by a dunnage conversion machine, includes the following steps: (i) providing first and second stacks, the second stack being protected by a carrier having a central portion and longitudinally-spaced extensions that bound a central portion, the extensions and the central portion being joined along a weakened area defining a tear line, the central portion and the longitudinally-spaced extensions forming a planar bottom panel and a planar side panel, each panel extending substantially the length of the stack, and at a right angle to each other about a fold line over a bottom and an adjacent side of the stack, and one or more bale ties longitudinally inwardly of the tear lines holding the carrier to the stack; (ii) removing the extensions from the carrier; (iii) setting the second stack on top of the first stack; and (iv) removing the bale ties and the carrier, whereby an adhesive bonds the top page of the first stack to the bottom page of the second sta

Abstract: The ability to participate in an active auction is enabled for remote bidders by allowing the remote bidder to use a bidding device coupled to an active auction through a network. The remote bidding device receives live audio from the auction with minimal delay, and can receive and provide bidding information to the auction in real time. As such, the remote bidder can participate with equal standing as local participants.

Abstract: A g-force-sensitive label for detecting and indicating the application of a g-force is provided, the g-force sensitive label comprising an area for detecting and indicating an application of a g-force above a threshold value on the g-force sensitive label and an attachment area for attaching the g-force sensitive label on an object. At least one physical property of the area measurably changes its state upon applying a g-force above the threshold value, thereby altering a displayed pattern such that a machine-readable 1D or 2D or alphanumeric code is displayed.

Abstract: Information about participants in an auction are received and analyzed along with information about products to be auctioned and other information to generate an interest gauge. The interest gauge may reflect the interest of a buyer, a seller, an auction house or any other entity in the auctioning event. Based on the interest gauge, the operations of the auction can be augmented and/or modified to be optimal in view of revenue generation, products moved, and a balance between the two. For instance, the buyer interest gauge could be used to create packages of items to be auctioned in a combinatorial auction.

Abstract: An environment is established in which a variety of participating entities, including but not limited to auction houses, manufacturers, third party product and service providers, individuals, etc., can interface and benefit from the vast amount of data that is naturally collected or assimilated in the process of evaluating products to be introduced to an auction line.

Abstract: An electronic inspection report system includes a dynamic integrity checker. Upon reception of inspection data from mobile devices, the date from similar and related fields is cross-correlated to identify any inconsistencies or discrepancies. This data is also compared with third party data that may be related to the item or similar item.

Abstract: An electronic inspection report system includes a central report generator and a data collection device. The central report generator is adapted to produce multiple types of inspection report template. The central report generator is adapted to select a type of inspection report template to provide to a data collection device based upon various criteria. The central report generator is adapted to receive electronic information from various databases and format the information such that the information can be used in inspection reports. While inspecting an item, an inspector uses a data collection device to access an inspection report template and fill in fields of the inspection report template. The data collection device can be configured to check the consistency of information carried in fields of the inspection report and signal the inspector when some of the information is inconsistent. The central report generator can include a repository of completed inspection reports.

Abstract: A packaging machine including a supply of film for wrapping a package and a hot plate for heat fusing the film of a wrapped package. Power to the heating element is only delivered to the element during a heating cycle, thus conserving electrical power. A photo eye senses the package and a control circuit energizes the heating element the element reaches a desired heating temperature in 2 to 4 seconds. The frame of the machine includes a lower base member to which an upper base plate, preferably formed from a continuous sheet, is rigidly attached. The upper plate includes a support surface for the hot plate, a vertical wall to which the photo eye is attached that is interconnected with the support surface by a curved transition surface. The upper base plate also includes a lateral, rearwardly extending plate portion which defines at least a portion of a hardware enclosure.