Abstract: A translation platform allows a client using a first language to communicate via translated voice and/or text to at least a second client using a second language. A control server uses various speech recognition engines, text translation engines and text to speech engines to accomplish real-time or near-real time translations.

Abstract: A cooking surface for a grill includes a cylindrical fire column. Food placed on the grill surface directly above the fire column will be impinged by the heat of the heat source, made even more intense by the upward, directional flow of air through the fire column. Food placed on the grill surface but not directly above the fire column can be cooked with indirect heat.

Abstract: Methods and systems for bidding on items include a predetermined price or range associated with an item, the price not disclosed to bidders. Successful bids conform to a predetermined success rule(s) determined independently of the amounts of other bids. Successful bids can be immediately communicated to the successful bidders. Price adjustments, typically discounts, can be determined and communicated prior to fulfillment.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a transparent means of collecting context-dependent data nested in a client-server request/response paradigm. Through the use of an embedded web server, messages are terminated between the user and the disclosure wherein the disclosure takes on the role of a web server. The disclosure then initiates a new request, based on the content of the incoming request and submits this new message to a destination system. In this latter case, the disclosure is acting in the role of a web client. The response coming back from the destination system is then terminated at the disclosure which is still acting in the role of a web client. The content of the response is used to generate a new message which is sent back to the user. In this final phase, the disclosure is acting in the role of a web server. The purpose of this interaction is to capture website structure and function—mapped together is what it termed context-dependent information.

Abstract: Methods and systems for bidding on items include a predetermined price or range associated with an item, the price not disclosed to bidders. Successful bids conform to a predetermined success rule(s) determined independently of the amounts of other bids. Successful bids can be immediately communicated to the successful bidders. Price adjustments, typically discounts, can be determined and communicated prior to fulfillment.

Abstract: A desktop application and supporting web site for recording voice-over or music sessions is introduced, wherein the production staff and talent may be in separate remote locations. The application includes providing a high quality data format for transferring audiovisual data, recordings and the like, and a lower-quality data format for intercommunicating verbal instructions that relate to, but are not part of, the recording session. The desktop application also provides mechanisms for playing back sound and video for talent's reference during a recording, timing the recording session or individual takes thereof, and calculating payments due based on such timing.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a web-based operating system is disclosed. A web-based operating system is downloaded from a server to a network-enabled device. The web-based operating system provides a platform from which to run web-based computer applications. Web-based computer applications are downloaded from the server onto the network-enabled device, and executed in conjunction with the web-based operating system. Those portions of the web-based operating system software and web-based computer application software are downloaded to the network-enabled device as needed. A component-based environment for the development and deployment of a web-based operating system and web-based computer applications is also provided. Components are deployed within library files as part of a component-based development model. The web-based operating system downloads those library files needed to execute the web-based computer applications.

Abstract: A collective procurement management system which permits multiple potential purchasers of a specific item or service to submit orders for the item or service on an ongoing basis. As orders enter the system, they are grouped such that potential purchasers are may “cooperate” in generating a collective bulk order so that all participants may obtain discount/volume pricing. Once a threshold level of order volume is obtained as a result of multiple orders, the grouped order is submitted to the supplier for fulfillment. The order is then fulfilled at a volume pricing level although individual portions of the collective order are routed to a plurality of purchasers. The present invention also includes a Reverse Auction Process (RAP) which, in one embodiment, operates to allow potential purchasers to select a product or service and set a maximum price that they are willing to pay for the same.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system to enable dynamic replication of Web servers across a wide area in response to access patterns by Web clients as well as in response to customer requests. The method for dynamically replicating one or more parent nodes on a network in response to a user request by a policy manager. The policy manager transmits the user request to an event module. The event module transmits the user request to a data consistency module, wherein the data consistency module maintains integrity of the data on the parent node. The event system communicates with a resource management module to ensure proper utilization of network resources, and transmits the routing request to a request routing module for appropriately balancing the network load. The request routing module is capable of providing optimal routing based on the network resources.

Abstract: An educational content communications system that provides a system and method for creating, processing and managing educational content so that students, teachers, parents, and administrators (including staff) can better access, share, create, input, manage, store and/or deliver educational content. The educational content communication system is designed with the capability to create, process and manage educational content within a school, within and between a system of schools, within and between a community of schools, and within and between third-party providers of educational content.

Abstract: A method and system for providing the on-demand addition of graphic and other information to the browser's toolbar of a web surfer. A plug-in is installed or caused to be installed in the browser of the web surfer, and the information is allowed to be added to and/or modified in the toolbar area of the browser by the action of the plug-in. The information comprises a skin or a plurality of categorized or rated links, added to the links line of the toolbar. The skin may comprise a message, such as a greeting or an advertisement. The plug-in and the information may be provided to the surfer by a service web site.

Abstract: A system and process for establishing a function having a corresponding function identifier. The function is adapted to be processed during a transaction such as a point-of-sale transaction that may involve a credit card. The system and process involve identifying an account having an account identifier, establishing a function having a function identifier, and receiving a transaction request including the account identifier, a transaction amount, and the function identifier. The system and process also process the transaction in accordance with the function to affect the transaction and, possibly, the transaction amount. An affect on the account is also contemplated. Additionally, the system and process are adapted to allow message to be presented by customers and credit card holders during a transaction for later appearance on a credit card statement or other notice.

Abstract: A PBX/automatic call distributor (ACD) system allows callers to exercise control over their rank order within a phone queue. The ACD accesses a call database and develops offers to be made to callers, based upon a caller reaching a particular position in a queue or at a position at which the call is first placed in the queue. An interactive voice response unit (IVRU) is employed to offer a caller a chance to move up in the queue in return for a payment. If the caller wishes to accept the offer, the caller responds by using the touch tone keys of his/her telephone and entering a credit card number, an account number, or indicating some other method of payment. The ACD then changes the rank order of the caller's call within the phone queue and alters the rank position of other calls within the queue, accordingly.