Abstract: A self-contained printing system includes a weatherproof housing defining an interior for containing the self-contained printing system components. A printer located within the weatherproof housing prints documents responsive to a print command. The printer is powered by a battery located within the weatherproof housing. A charging system charges the battery located within the weatherproof housing responsive a charging signal. At least one solar panel located on an exterior of the weatherproof housing provides the charging signal. Wireless communications circuitry enables the receipt of the print commands from an external device located outside of the weatherproof housing via a wireless communications link and communications with at least one remote server via the wireless communications link. A system processor monitors wireless communications link and generates status messages responsive thereto. At least one display located on the exterior of the weatherproof housing displays the status messages.

Abstract: An online auction system comprising a preliminary bidding portion and a virtual auction portion is disclosed herein. The preliminary bidding portion allows bidders to access auction items and input bids during a preestablished extended period of time. After the preliminary bidding portion concludes, the virtual auction portion provides bidders the opportunity to input bids on each item consecutively and individually from the preliminary auction portion in a manner similar to a conventional live auction. During the virtual auction portion, bidders are provided with a countdown to encourage further bidding before the previous bid becomes final. After each new bid is inputted, the countdown is reinitiated. The countdown is reinitiated until no new bids are input. An alert system notifies bidders that a particular item of interest is about to be offered for bid as part of the virtual auction portion. The system also provides bidders means for inputting proxy bids.