Abstract: A method for automatically providing items based on an item preference may include receiving payment credential data associated with a payment credential and preference data associated with an item preference of a user, determining whether one or more items associated with the item preference of the user is available, and processing, with at least one processor, a payment transaction involving the one or more items associated with the item preference of the user based on determining that the item is available. A system and a computer program product are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for facilitating international return of dutiable goods. A typical application involves a purchaser buying goods on-line, resulting in shipping the goods internationally to the purchaser. After receipt of the goods, the purchaser determines that return of the goods is necessary. The purchaser contacts the merchant selling the goods to request returning the goods. The merchant, in turn, communicates to the carrier delivering the goods that an international return is requested. The merchant provides certain information to the carrier allowing the carrier to make available the necessary documentation required by the customer to return the goods to the merchant. The documentation includes a properly completed commercial invoice that is made available to the consignee. The consignee can then sign and use the documentation for returning the item. The documentation may be variously provided to the customer either by the merchant or the carrier.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a return label for merchandise being returned from a buyer or consumer in a first country to a merchant in a second country. A name and address of a consumer in the first country desiring to return merchandise and merchant or seller information including a merchant identifier is received. An address for receiving returns for the merchant or seller in the second country is accessed based on the merchant information. One or more machine readable identifiers for use by a first country carrier and for use by a second country carrier based at least on the consumer information, and information for routing the return merchandise are generated. A return label for merchandise being returned from the consumer to the merchant is generated. The return label can include the machine readable identifiers and a customs declaration for the merchandise.

Abstract: Electronic delivery of counterfeit-resistant documents exchangeable for value such as admission tickets, gift certificates, coupons, vouchers, etc. directly to the person who ordered the documents over an open communications network such at the Internet. A first party orders a document from a second party, and the second party electronically delivers the ordered, counterfeit-resistant document to a device designated by the first party. For example, the document may be electronically ordered using a PC, and a printer coupled to the PC may print the document. In one embodiment, the first party transmits unsolicited offers over the open communications network The document may be made counterfeit resistant by assigning unique information to each document of a given type, e.g., admission tickets, and checking the uniqueness of a document and whether the unique information was previously read prior to allowing it to be exchanged for value.

Abstract: A railway crossing structure for a railway track including an elastomeric gauge insert (50) fitting between each rail (10) and the adjacent gauge panel (12). Elastomeric gauge insert (50) has a body portion (70) formed by upper and outer sides (72, 74) separated by an elasticity cavity (76) and joined to each other at juncture (78) defining an outer sealing surface (80). Hinge lines formed by notches (82, 84) in sides (72, 74) assist in the folding or flexing of body portion (70) as shown in FIG. 6 during installation of gauge insert (50) by a pushing force exerted against upper surface (62) of body (52). Body portion (70) snaps beneath head (16) of rail (10) upon the seating of gauge insert (50) with leg (54) engaging arcuate connecting surface (36) of base (18) as shown in FIG. 3. Sealing surface (80) of body portion (70) seals against undersurface (30) along a relatively large sealing area and a relatively large sealing force is provided by compressed sides (72, 74).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved on-line interactive computerized catalog system and process for efficiently processing international, cross-border transactions in a manner substantially transparent to the user-customer.

Abstract: A self-service sales system for large containers such as pet food bags and the like includes a fixture having a plurality of container or bag shelves. A price channel positioned at each of the shelves contains product identification and marketing information. In addition, a plurality of Universal Product Code (UPC) symbol pads are fixed to the price channels. The symbol pads are attached by an adhesive coated foam strip. The pad contains a plurality of removable sheets, each of which are imprinted with a product description and UPC code. The purchaser may remove a sheet corresponding to each product to be purchased. The sheets are taken to the checkout counter where the UPC code is read. After payment for the product, the retailer retrieves the product for the customer.

Abstract: The invention provides a seal for rails in a road level railbed comprising inner and outer resiliently flexible elongate members secured about each rail. The seal members are contoured to fit snugly against the inner and outer sides of a rail and are provided with a flexible membrane accommodating rail spike heads. The inner members have a groove to allow clearance of the flange of a railcar wheel and a flexible membrane extends beneath the groove. Movement of the flexible membrane in response to the railcar wheel flange breaks up silt and detritus which has a tendency to settle and pack hard in the flange groove. The movement of the flexible membrane also allows for deicing in the winter.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a resilient pad mounted on the outside adjacent portion of a rail having sealing engagement with the rail along its base, the head and the interconnecting web of the rail with compression chambers located within the pad to permit the resiliency of the pad to cooperate with the movement of the rail in its vertical displacement as well as other movements imparted thereto by the passage of trains, thereover while maintaining a sealing contact with the rail to prevent water collecting along the rail and other foreign matter to minimize maintenance.

Abstract: A railway level crossing (grade crossing) is described in which the road surface between the rails is, at least adjacent the rails, provided by flexible plates, e.g. rubber plates. The plates extend right to the rails and under their edge portions adjacent the rails are resilient support means which allow the plate to flex downwardly when engaged by the flange of a wheel passing on the rail. The resilient support may be a gas-filled tube extending parallel to the rail.