Abstract: A computer-implemented automated method of generating a report of sales growth estimate from point of sale transaction settlement database includes selecting a subset of the point of sale transaction data that represents sales transactions for accounts in the transaction settlement database that are active during two consecutive reporting periods from the point of sale transaction settlement database. The selected subset of the point of sale transaction data is then analyzed based on a sorting category resulting in an estimate of sales growth rate over the reporting period.

Abstract: This disclosure details the implementation of systems, methods and apparatuses for providing an integrated process tracking and management. The disclosure provides solutions for initiating, tracking, correlating and managing complex processes. In particular, the disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatuses for process tracking and management particularly suited to job listing matching and management. In an implementation, the system may be configured to receive and extract base data entry metrics from a user designated input, for example a user's resume or a user designated saved job listing. The base data entry metrics may be correlated with user correlation metrics to derive search parameters for identifying supplemental data entries for a particular user.

Abstract: The invention provides conspicuity devices and methods. A first embodiment includes a tool band and an electroluminescent lamp adapted and configured to admit light having an advantageous spectral energy distribution. The device can have many additional and/or alternative passive and/or active conspicuity features, such as lasers, lamps, photoluminescent and retroreflective materials, among others.

Abstract: A system loads, authenticates and uses a virtual smart card for payment of goods and/or services purchased on-line over the Internet. An online purchase and load (OPAL) server includes a virtual smart card data base that has a record of information for each smart card that it represents for a user at the behest of an issuer. The server includes a smart card emulator that emulates a smart card by using the card data base and a hardware security module. The emulator interacts with a pseudo card reader module in the server that imitates a physical card reader. The server also includes a client code module that interacts with the pseudo card reader and a remote payment or load server. A pass-through client terminal presents a user interface and passes information between the OPAL server and a merchant server, and between the OPAL server and a bank server. The Internet provides the routing functionality between the client terminal and the various servers. A merchant advertises goods on a web site.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for a comparative, collaborative, creative works evaluator (3CWE). One of the benefits of 3CWE is that it provides a mechanism to rate and subsequently rank creative works and their authors. The benefits of ranking creative works and their authors are many, one of which is to provide audiences with guidance as to the quality and/or popularity of a given author or work. As such, the system provides and may act as a more accurate promotional vehicle in identifying and uncovering talent. This 3CWE system allows individuals without the standard resources to be recognized by an internationally-targeted market. By evaluating creative artists and works by interested participants, the artists and works' exposure is expanded. In one, non-limiting example, present, inventive aspect of the disclosure provides a system that pits creative works, and as a consequence, their authors, against one another for evaluation by an audience.

Abstract: A package comprises a first unit for a smokable tobacco product and a second unit for a smokeless tobacco product. In one embodiment of the package, the second unit is of a material suitable as a barrier material for moisture and/or aroma related to the smokeless tobacco product.

Abstract: A consumer's credit rating is derived from non-credit transactions on an account. Each transaction was a purchase by the consumer from a merchant using a pre-paid card. The derived consumer's credit rating can use a total of all of the transactions, totals for each merchant and/or for categories thereof. Here, the account is issued by an issuer to the consumer. Each merchant submits each non-credit transaction to an acquirer for processing by a transaction handler who requests the issuer to obtain payment for the transaction from the account. The issuer forwards the payment to the transaction handler who forwards the payment to the acquirer to pay the merchant for the purchase of the transaction. The derived credit rating can also consider prior credit ratings based upon prior credit transactions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for navigating hypermedia using multiple coordinated input/output device sets. Disclosed systems and methods allow a user and/or an author to control what resources are presented on which device sets (whether they are integrated or not), and provide for coordinating browsing activities to enable such a user interface to be employed across multiple independent systems. Disclosed systems and methods also support new and enriched aspects and applications of hypermedia browsing and related business activities.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system to track information access over a communications network. The present disclosure teaches how to associate access credentials with content accesser in a global and persistent manner. Both content and people are registered with a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) handle system (1603). Furthermore, security and other information such as certificates, personal records, encryption keys, and all other objects involved in such transactions may also be registered with a DOI in the handle system and/or may be associated with another DOI as one of the multiple-resolution pointers contained in a DOI record. A right clearinghouse (1604) then maintains a rights database associated content rights with content accessers by DOIs. The association of people, i.e., content accessers, with digital object identifiers further ensures that content and accessers may be mapped in a manner allowing for the secure tracking of content access.

Abstract: A pack for tobacco industry products such as menthol cigarettes, comprises a housing (1) defining an enclosure containing tobacco industry products (4) and a pad (34) disposed in or on the pack, impregnated with the substance for altering characteristics of the tobacco industry products, such as a menthol flavorant, and a removable strip (32), attached to the pad so that when removed, the substance is released into the pack from the carrier to be adsorbed by the cigarettes. Thus, menthol can be released from the pad into the pack after opening by the consumer, by removal of the strip to boost the level of menthol flavorant in the cigarettes.

Abstract: Option orders are processed by receiving an option order, the option order including information identifying a customer, and information identifying a desired option. One of a plurality of option exchanges is selected to complete the option order, the selecting based on information identifying the customer and the desired option. In some embodiments, a routing rule is selected based on the information identifying a customer.

Abstract: A computerized risk management method and system for facilitating analysis and quantification of risk associated with a financial transaction. An automated global risk management system maintains a database relating risk variables including world events government advisories, and other information sources with potential risk for a financial institution. The system generates a risk quotient or other rating based upon a weighted algorithm applied to the criteria, wherein the risk quotient is indicative of risk associated with a financial transaction or account. The quotient can be monitored on a periodic basis, during the course of a transaction, or on demand. Actions commensurate with a risk quotient can be presented to a financial institution to help the institution properly manage risk associated with a particular entity or transaction. A log or other stored history can be created such that utilization of the system can mitigate adverse effects relating to a problematic account.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for effectuating bilateral buyer-driven commerce. The present invention allows prospective buyers of goods and services to communicate a binding purchase offer globally to potential sellers, for sellers conveniently to search for relevant buyer purchase offers, and for sellers potentially to bind a buyer to a contract based on the buyer's purchase offer. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention includes a controller which receives binding purchase offers from prospective buyers. The controller makes purchase offers available globally to potential sellers. Potential sellers then have the option to accept a purchase offer and thus bind the corresponding buyer to a contract. The method and apparatus of the present invention have applications on the Internet as well as conventional communications systems such as voice telephony.

Abstract: A prepaid payment device is used to by a consumer as a ticket to a future performance event as well as to conduct a transaction with a merchant. The consumer operates a user interface of a kiosk to select admission to the future performance event and a monetary amount to be added thereto. Payment is submitted to the kiosk for both the admission price and the monetary amount. The prepaid payment device is associated with an account that is credited with the payment. Stored on the prepaid payment device is information which includes the associated account and authorization for admission to the selected future performance event. The payment credited to the account can be for both the transaction with the merchant offering admission to the future performance event and also for an additional transaction with another merchant who may be at the venue of the future performance event.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, software program, and system for offering debt. More particularly, in one embodiment a method for offering a predetermined amount of debt is provided, comprising: dividing the debt into a plurality of debt elements, wherein each of the debt elements has associated therewith at least one of a maturity amount, a maturity date, and a yield; and periodically offering at least one of the debt elements for sale into a primary market; wherein at least one of the maturity amount, the maturity date, and the yield associated with each of the debt elements is based on a demand for the debt element at the time that the debt element is offered.

Abstract: A wireless mobile communications apparatus reads removable cards and can communicate an account corresponding to the removable card in order to conduct a wireless transaction with a merchant on the account with the wireless mobile communications apparatus. A total currency amount for the transaction, and remaining balance in the account after the transaction, can be displayed on a display screen of the wireless mobile communications apparatus. The removable card can be a gift card bearing a magnetic strip having an identifier for the account encoded thereto that will be read when inserted into the wireless mobile communications apparatus which can be a cellular telephone or Web enabled portable device. The magnetic strip gift card can be substantially composed of paper so as to be intended for disposable after use.