Abstract: The exemplary embodiment of the present invention will provide computer systems and methods for customizing computer-based value-bearing items, such as, for example, customizing a computer-based postage-indicia-bearing item such as exemplary image-customized computer-based postage label 1 in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, depicted in FIG. 1. With reference to FIG. 1, the exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will bear an image 2 that would be provided by a corresponding user, namely by the user that orders the customized computer-based postage label. The user may provide image 2 in an electronic form, such as by uploading a digital representation of image 2. In a variation of the exemplary embodiment, a user could alternatively provide a hardcopy image. The exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will bear a human-readable indication of the country 4 for which the postage is approved.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide image-customized postage labels, and systems and methods for providing image-customized postage labels, in rolls adapted for high-speed application to mail pieces. The output of the exemplary systems and methods of the present invention is one or more exemplary rolls of liner-backed, self-adhesive, image-customized postage labels per an order placed by a customer. Each of the exemplary rolls comprises a label roll core and an exemplary length of liner-backed, self-adhesive, image-customized postage labels rolled around the label roll core.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiment of the present invention will provide computer systems and methods for protecting the security of processing for customization of computer-based value-bearing items, such as, for example, securing processing of exemplary image-customized computer-based postage label 1 in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as depicted in FIG. 1. The exemplary embodiment of the present invention will further provide computer systems and methods for securing computer-based value-bearing items, such as, for example, securing image-customized computer-based postage label 1 as depicted in FIG. 1. With reference to FIG. 1, the exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will bear an image 2 that would be provided by a corresponding user, namely by the user that orders the customized computer-based postage label. The user may provide image 2 in an electronic form, such as by uploading a digital representation of image 2.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer system for managing shipping of a plurality of parcels by a plurality of users using a plurality of carriers that functionally aligns each server computer device of a plurality of server computer devices so that each server computer device performs a plurality of activities in support of a primary function.

Abstract: The present invention provides special purpose label arrangement sets for use with computer-based postage systems to facilitate mailing tracking, sheets of such label arrangement sets, and methods for printing such label arrangement sets.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises methods and computer systems for creating a cross-variation, cross-vendor view of a plurality of products. In the exemplary embodiment the exemplary computer system comprises a computer device programmed to identify a first relationship between a plurality of variations of a first particular product; and associate a first particular product identifier with the plurality of variations of the first particular product. The computer device would be further programmed to identify a second relationship between a plurality of variations of a second particular product; and associate a second particular product identifier with the plurality of variations of the second particular product. The exemplary embodiment would associate critiques input by various critiquing users regarding various variations of the first particular product with the first particular product.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a way for low-volume mailers to track individual outbound mail pieces, including tracking of individual U.S. Postal Service FIRST-CLASS MAIL® letters. The exemplary embodiment of the present invention encodes a unique mail piece tracking identifier as a CONFIRM® service identifier in a graphic symbology. The unique mail piece tracking identifier of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention conforms with requirements of a CONFIRM® service identifier, while at the same time, provides, for a defined period of time, mail-piece-level uniqueness for first class and other mail class mail piece tracking.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plurality of Enterprises with a single online user interface with which the Enterprise can provide Enterprise Shippers, shipping origination users and shipping intermediary users with an automated parcel management system for a plurality of supported Carriers for a plurality of services. The present invention provides for the hierarchical definition of users, including the establishment of at least one user for each Enterprise as a Super-Administrator with the highest level of privileges and authority for the Enterprise, and the identification of other users as Sub-Administrators, Desktop Users and Shipping Station Users. The present invention also provides for the hierarchical definition of organizational units within each Enterprise, including the definition of sites, groups within a site, and users within a group.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods providing a digital scale interface in a global communications shipping management environment so that a shipping management system resident on a server computer device remote from a user client computer device, receives and recognizes a weight of a parcel from the digital scale configured with the remote user client computer device.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods providing a single system available over a global communications network for shipping management for each parcel from a plurality of parcels that each Shipper of a plurality of Shippers ships using any one of a plurality of services offered by any one of a plurality of carriers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer system (the “System”, or the “Return System”) that is configured and programmed to provide online stores with a fast, simple, convenient way for eCommerce customers of an online store to return merchandise purchased from that store from within that online store. The Return System provides multi-carrier shipment rating, shipment labeling, shipment tracking, shipment tracking management reports, returns analysis and returns management reporting In an exemplary embodiment, the Return System has three major components: 1.) A Returns Manager Subsystem that provides a user interface to each Merchant to setup the Merchant's account, setup the Merchant's return policy and rules, and to monitor the status and movement of return shipments; 2.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods providing a digital scale interface in a global communications shipping management environment so that a shipping management system resident on a server computer device remote from a user client computer device, receives and recognizes a weight of a parcel from the digital scale configured with the remote user client computer device.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods providing a printer interface in a global communications environment for a shipping management system resident on a server computer device remote from a user client computer device, that creates an image of a shipping label with dimensionally accurate symbologies, such as a bar code label, for display on a remote display device and for printing on a remote printing device, such as a laser printer, configured with the remote user client computer device. The present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods providing a printer interface that recognizes the graphic resolution for each printer, including laser printers, configured with each of a plurality of remote user client computer devices, wherein the printer interface communicates with each remote user client computer device over a global communications network.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods that apply to a single particular billing method selected by each of a plurality of users, in response to each particular user's request, a set of billing method rules for each carrier of a plurality of carriers and determines whether or not each carrier of the plurality of carriers supports the shipper's specified preferred billing method, and if so, any special pricing considerations for each particular Carrier. Each user of the present invention accesses the present invention over a global communications network using a client computer device, each user client computer device having an individual electronic connection to the global communications network.

Abstract: The present invention provides a personal floatation device comprising a back floatation package extending horizontally, latitudinally (when worn) across an upper back shoulder portion of the vest from an upper right back shoulder portion to an upper left back shoulder portion. The back floatation package of the present invention has a lower edge that extends horizontally (latitudinally) from a rear left-arm mid-sleeve position to a rear right-arm mid-sleeve position. The present invention further comprises a back non-floatation anchoring means that is connected to the lower edge of the back floatation package. The back non-floatation anchoring means extends vertically (longitudinally) from the lower edge of the back floatation package to a waist of the vest. In various embodiments, the back non-floatation anchoring means may comprise a panel of material, a panel of mesh material, a configuration of straps, either adjustable or non-adjustable, or other anchoring means.