Abstract: Target file generation systems and methods are described, which are optionally for use by ordinary computer users enable those users to readily generate target files without the requirement that they know the internal layout structures of the target files. A user is enabled to select a template file from a plurality of template files via a user interface configured to be displayed on a computer display to the user, wherein the template files include changeable fields associated with corresponding field delimiters and prompting labels. An incomplete software program file containing variable name locations is accessed from memory. The program file is parsed to locate the variable name locations. The label names obtained from the template file selected by the user are inserted into the variable name locations to further complete the software program file. The software program file is stored in computer memory.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention may provide a method for operating a REST web service operable to search one or more data sources. In some embodiments, the invention may comprise receiving a query directed to a first data source, wherein the first data source defines at least one characteristic of at least one first data object returned by the query. Some embodiments of the invention may comprise querying the first data source. Various embodiments of the invention may comprise receiving at least one first data object from the first data source in response to querying the first data source. In some embodiments, the invention may comprise retrieving linked relationships between the at least one first data object and one or more second data objects from a second data source. Some embodiments of the invention may comprise querying the second data source for information on the one or more second data objects.

Abstract: A lessee of an item, such as an automobile, is encouraged to either purchase the automobile at the expiration of the lease, or to initiate a new lease for the same item. If the lessee undertakes a purchase or a new lease, a manufacturer of the item, or another party, provides insurance covering the item. The methods disclosed herein may be performed over a computer network, such as the Internet.

Abstract: A customer whose conditional purchase offer (CPO) has been accepted may receive a bounce back offer from a vendor (supplier-partner) of other services or products. The bounce back process determines whether a supplier-partner can participate in a bounce back transaction. If a bounce back transaction is effectuated between the customer and supplier-partner, the partner notifies the principal of the transaction. In the case of automobile rentals, the bounce back process permits a traveler to recognize reduced automobile rental rates while enabling a rental agency to more effectively manage its excess capacity. The CPO management system employing bounce back capability can be utilized to acquire any underlying product and/or service and bounce back product and/or service.

Abstract: A payment system includes transaction handler that processes transactions, each characterized by a consumer and a merchant engaging in a sales transaction involving a prepaid program having prepaid cards, such as a gift card, that an issuer provides to consumers. A method for establishing a prepaid program includes the issuer remotely accessing a computer system at the transaction handler. The computer system presenting the issuer with a program information form on which the issuer enters requested data. As each data item is entered, the computer system checks for errors, which are identified to and corrected by the issuer in real time. The issuer submits the data as a request to create a prepaid program, which the transaction handler reviews and responds by approving or rejecting creation of the prepaid program. The transaction handler electronically communicates approval or rejection of the prepaid program to the issuer.

Abstract: A system is provided for determining the quality of merchant supplied enhanced data related to financial transactions performed by holders of financial presentation devices such as credit cards. The system includes a memory storing a plurality of enhanced transaction data (ETD) records and quality check criteria for determining the quality of enhanced data contained in the ETD records. A quality determination module determines a quality of the stored ETD records based on the stored quality check criteria.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the task of retrieving numeric information in response to a textual keyword-based query by automatically associating a unit to the type of data being retrieved. An information retrieval system is presented which suggests a unit for data exploration by leveraging the local environment of numeric data across the corpus. This local environment is parsed, including through natural language processing and proximity-based techniques, to determine units relevant to particular keyword phrases. The system also relies on knowledge of semantically and scientifically related units to optimize their binning for suggested unit scoring.

Abstract: This disclosure details the implementation of methods for providing a permanent life insurance policy, such as a universal life or variable universal life insurance policy, that may provide a level cost of insurance and may be marketed to clients of an asset manager. A need exists for a life insurance policy that provides level cost of insurance rates for a specific duration, while providing a death benefit and a cash value. The instant invention provides a method and an insurance policy that addresses these and other issues. In some embodiments, the level cost of insurance rate for a universal or variable universal life insurance policy may be provided for a fixed period of time and determined based on the corresponding cost of insurance rate for a comparable term life insurance policy having a term substantially similar to that fixed period of time. In further embodiments, the asset manager may receive compensation for advising the client based on the total value of assets in the insurance policy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a smoking article packet with an inner packet part for accommodating the smoking articles and an outer packet part for accommodating the inner packet part. The outer packet part has one substantially open face through which the inner packet part can be pushed out of the packet part with a slide aperture in the outer packet part. It also relates to a smoking article packet in which the inner packet part has a lid attached to it, or articulated, and a lid opening tab is provided in the region of the articulation line. The lid opening tab has a cut-out in which a co-operating piece on the outer packet part is able to engage, causing the lid to open as the inner packet part is being pushed out of the outer packet part.

Abstract: The APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ADVANCEMENT PATH CANDIDATE CLONING (“CLONER”) provides mechanisms allowing advancement seekers to identify, map out, structure and interact with various advancement paths to the seeker's goals. In one embodiment, the seekers are career advancement seekers, and the CLONER provides mechanisms allowing the seeker to explore various career paths and opportunities. In one embodiment, the CLONER interacts with a statistical engine, which allows seekers to map their experiences to various advancement states in the statistical engines state structure. By so doing, it allows seeker to explore multiple paths based on various criteria, and allows seekers to plan their career goals. In the process, the CLONER allows interested parties (e.g., an employer) to supply a good known seeker (e.g., a great current employee) and identify other candidates that have similar and/or identical experience in an attempt to “clone” the known seeker's abilities.

Abstract: An unspecified-time airline ticket representing a purchased seat on a flight to be selected later, by the airlines, for a traveler-specified itinerary (e.g., NY to LA on March 3rd) is disclosed. Various methods and systems for matching an unspecified-time ticket with a flight are also disclosed. An exemplary method includes: (1) making available an unspecified-time ticket; (2) examining a plurality of flights which would fulfill the terms of the unspecified-time ticket to determine which flight to select; and (3) providing notification of the selected flight prior to departure. The disclosed embodiments provide travelers with reduced airfare in return for flight-time flexibility and, in turn, permits airlines to fill seats that would have otherwise gone unbooked.

Abstract: Pursuant to some embodiments, a platform matching system, method, apparatus and means are provided which include identifying at least a first benchmark test procedure to evaluate at least a first and a second target platform for use with an application, the at least first benchmark test procedure including at least a first unit test; receiving test result data from tests performed on the at least first and second target platform using the at least first benchmark test procedure; and performing a matching analysis to determine which of the at least first and second target platform is a best fit for the application.

Abstract: The disclosure includes a cargo vehicle. The cargo vehicle includes a cargo compartment, which in turn is defined by a floor, a plurality of adjoining walls extending upwardly from the floor, and a ceiling attached to an upper end of the plurality of adjoining walls, wherein the walls, floor and ceiling cooperate to form the cargo compartment and a first vertical opening having a width defined by first and second sides for accessing the interior of the cargo compartment. The vehicle further includes a first segmented retractable door proximate the first vertical opening of the cargo compartment. The first door is displaceable from a first vertically-oriented closed position in which the door covers the first vertical opening to a second open position in which the door is substantially disposed below the first vertical opening.