Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein provide a geo-targeted online reservation system that ensures authenticity of customer devices requesting reservations by generating reservations only if threshold authentication conditions are satisfied. For example, a computing device registered with a server system receives inputs for requesting a reservation of a limited release product and for configuring the product. To authenticate the computing device, the server device transmits an electronic message to the computing device requesting the computing device to respond. A response to the message is one threshold authentication condition for generating the reservation. Upon determining that one or more threshold authentication conditions are satisfied, the server device generates a reservation for the product.

Abstract: A modular system interface is provided. The apparatus includes a main panel that is configured to be attached to a rack and includes a plurality of cut-outs. A plurality of sub-panels are configured to be attachable to the main panel, spanning across the respective cut-out. Each sub-panel supports one predetermined type of connector. The present invention can also be viewed as a method for providing a modular system interface. In this regard, the method can be broadly summarized by the steps of providing a main panel configured to be attachable to a rack and including a plurality of cut-outs. The method includes providing a plurality of sub-panels configured to be attachable to the main panel across a respective the cut-out, wherein each sub-panel supports a predetermined type of connector.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are providing an modular system interface. The apparatus and method utilize a main panel that is configured to be attachable to a rack and includes at least one sub-panel slot. At least one sub-panel is configured to be attachable to the main panel through the sub-panel slot, and the at least one sub-panel supports a predetermined connector. The present invention can also be viewed as providing a method for an modular system interface. In this regard, the method can be broadly summarized by the following steps. (1) providing a main panel configured to be attachable to a rack and including of at least one sub-panel slot; and (2) providing at least one sub-panel configured to be attachable to the main panel in the sub-panel slot, wherein the at least one sub-panel supports a predetermined connector.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a method and system for enabling exchange of financial information and negotiation and settlement of securities transactions over an electronic network, comprising the steps of and means for: (a) receiving from a first member posting data, the posting data comprising one or more indicated offers to acquire or transfer ownership interests in selected securities; (b) transmitting the posting data over the network to other members; (c) receiving a counteroffer to one or more of the first member's offers over the network from a second member; (d) transmitting the counteroffer over the network to the first member; (e) transmitting to the first member and to the second member information sufficient to enable the two members to contact each other; (f) transmitting to the first and second members data sufficient to identify transaction settlement facilities; and related steps and means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adding shielding for electronic circuit packs. The invention includes a circuit pack cage, which has a first pair of parallel longitudinal circuit pack slots for receiving the circuit packs and further has a first longitudinal shield slot disposed between first pair of circuit pack slots for receiving a conductive sheet member. At least one conductive resilient member is disposed in the first shield slot in electrical coupling with a conductive chassis. Upon sliding the conductive sheet member between the pair of circuit packs and into the shield slot, the resilient member flexibly engages the conductive sheet member and electrically couples the conductive sheet member with the conductive chassis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selecting improved routing paths in an autonomous system having at least two computer networks while retaining the benefits of Routing Information Protocol (RIP) are disclosed. Such an apparatus and method are realized by having network bridges identify and, in certain circumstances, modify RIP update messages according to information retrieved from a routing database, or table, of an associated network router. More particularly, the network bridges modify RIP messages so that they will more accurately reflect the position of the network router that broadcast the RIP message, relative to the position of the associated network router, with respect any given destination network.

Abstract: An improved terminal block for permitting the connection of inputs and outputs of an electronics mainframe module, such as a VXI mainframe module, to external devices, such as devices under test. The improved terminal block includes insertion and ejection levers to ease the connection and disconnection of the terminal block to the module. A ledge of the insertion and ejection lever engages an insertion beating surface on a front panel of the module during the insertion process and is then rotated in the appropriate direction until the terminal block is securely connected to the module. The ledge of the insertion and ejection lever engages an ejection beating surface on the front panel of the module during the ejection process and is then rotated in the appropriate direction until the terminal block is disengaged from the module. The levers can also be shaped in such a manner to permit top and bottom cable routing apertures, as well as a back side cable routing aperture.