Abstract: An improved method and system for identifying individual users accessing a web site. A web site server is able to identify distinct users by using a unique identifier associated with each client computer system requesting access to the web site. The unique identifier comprises an Internet address, such as an Internet Protocol (IP) address, and a time value associated with each client computer system requesting access to the web site. On starting up a web browser, an application program or browser plug-in may synchronize the internal clock included with the client computer system with a global time standard. The synchronized time value may be based on an event associated with the client computer system, such as the start of a web browser. A web site server may determine the uniqueness of the client computer system by comparing unique identifier records of users accessing the web site. A user may be identified as distinct if no matching record exists in the database.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking tax and production-related information for a product is disclosed. The product and/or a package housing the product may include a memory device. The memory device may be configured to store production and tax information related to the product. The system may include one or more computers connected by a network and software to track the production and tax related information. A server may be configured to interface with the memory device (e.g., using a wireless link) in order to read data from and write to the memory device. The system may be portable or may be built into a stationary apparatus such as a conveyer belt or an automated assembly line. Production and tax related information may be generated, updated and accessed in real-time by using a network such as the Internet to communicate with the system and/or the memory device.

Abstract: A system for negotiating logistics and insurance transactions may include interfaces configured to connect logistics providers, insurance providers, and emarketplaces. An agent software module may be configured to search the Internet for pricing information that is used to maintain a current database of pricing and terms. The emarketplaces may be configured to allow purchasers to enter descriptions of items to be shipped and insured. The system may then search the current database to provide the purchaser with a quote for freight and insurance services in real time.

Abstract: A system and method for providing temporary access to content during shipping. In one embodiment, the system may include a retail web site configured to allow a user to purchase one or more content items via the Internet. The system may also include a temporary content server storing digital copies of at least a portion of at least a subset of the one or more content items. A network interface may be used to connect the temporary content server to the Internet. The temporary content server may be configured to provide the user with temporary access to selected portions of the stored digital copies. The selected portions correspond to the content items purchased by the user. The temporary content server is configured to prevent the user from accessing the stored digital copies once the server has detected that the user has received the ordered content items.

Abstract: A system and method for arranging shipment and insurance for items being shipped in containers with memory devices. An intelligent shipping agent may receive a request to ship an item. The intelligent shipping agent may search a database or solicit quotations to obtain shipping and insurance services for an item to be shipped from an origination to a final destination. The intelligent agent may find an entry in the database or may select a vendor based on received quotations. The selection may maximize value of a product or service at the lowest cost. The memory device may store shipping and insurance information related to the item being shipped in a data file. The memory device may include input devices and sensors to gather and store information before, during and after shipment.