Abstract: A method implemented with a machine, the machine, and method for using the machine, and products produced thereby, the method including a digital electrical computer having a processor programmed for electrically processing input data into output data, the computer electrically connected to an input device and to an output device, for illustrating a replacement of a benefit plan. The method the includes the steps of: entering information defining a benefit plan that is viable at one location but not viable at the replacement plan location, to convert the information into a portion of the input data that is electrically conveyed to the digital electrical computer for processing; engaging the digital electrical computer for the processing of the input data into the output data, the output data corresponding to characteristics for a replacement of the benefit plan, the replacement being viable at a location for the replacement; and generating an illustration of the replacement at the output device.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing real time approval of credit over a network. The method includes obtaining applicant data from an applicant. The applicant data is analyzed into a form suitable for directly obtaining a credit report from a credit bureau for the applicant. A credit report having credit report data is obtained from a credit bureau for the applicant. It is then determined whether to accept the applicant using the credit report data and it is communicated to the applicant that the applicant has been approved.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling a page description provided by a source server to perform additional behavior provided by a portal server. The page description (e.g., an HTML document) is associated with one or more items (e.g., a product). The enabling system executes at the portal server and receives a selection of the page description (e.g., a URL) from a client computer. The enabling system then retrieves from the source server the selected page description. The enabling system adds to the retrieved page description a user interface element that describes an action to be performed so that the additional behavior (e.g., placing an order for the product) can be performed for the associated item. The enabling system may also redirect to the portal server the navigation references of the retrieved page description so that all navigation based on the page description is routed through the portal server.

Abstract: A conditional purchase offer (CPO) buyer agency system is disclosed for processing variable conditional purchase offers (CPOs) containing at least one variable condition. If a posted CPO is not accepted by at least one seller for a predefined period of time, or has been rejected by all potential sellers, the terms of the posted CPO may be modified by the CPO buyer agency system, within the tolerances specified by the buyer in the variable CPO, to facilitate acceptance. A buyer can submit a variable CPO having two sets of conditions, namely, a first set and a second set of conditions, as well as the corresponding buyer-defined offer price for each condition set. In addition, the buyer preferably provides a set of rules to control the gradual posting of the condition sets between the first and second condition sets, as well as the appropriate adjustments to the corresponding offer price.

Abstract: Image data of various kinds of components and component text data required for mounting of components, e.g., shapes, dimensions, packing forms, colors, and the like of the components are stored in a storage medium in a manner to be read out as part of a component electrical catalog. The storage medium is used to make a search for components on a screen and automatically read out necessary component text data. The component electronic catalog can be used not only to search for components on a screen, similar to a conventional component electronic catalog, but to automatically read out component text data so as to automatically form mounting data for components to be mounted which are selected through the screen search.

Abstract: A computerized system for automated dispute resolution through an Intranet website via the Internet or other communications linkage for communicating and processing a series of demands to satisfy a claim made by or on behalf of a claimant or other person involved in a dispute with at least one other person, such as a defendant, his or her insurer, or other sponsor, and a series of offers to settle the claim through at least one central processing unit including operation system software for controlling the central processing unit is disclosed. Preferably the system also allows for the collection, processing and dissemination of settlement data generated from the settlement through the operation of the system for use by sponsors and claimants in establishing the settlement value of future cases. Also disclosed is a method for communicating and processing a series of demands and a series of offers through the system.

Abstract: Systems and methods consistent with the present invention facilitate a transaction between a user and a party represented by a server on a network. When the user agrees to enter a transaction with the party, the party's server informs a profile server. The profile server stores a user profile tag corresponding to the user, including a unique user identification code, instructions, and user data. Using information in the user profile tag, the profile server confirms that the user wishes to engage in the transaction. After this confirmation, the profile server may complete the transaction.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for presenting multiple custom offers to an applicant for credit over a network. The method includes obtaining a credit report containing applicant data. A plurality of offers are presented to the applicant. The plurality of offers are derived from the applicant data. The plurality of offers include different required balance transfers. A selected offer is obtained from the applicant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inputting an end-user's current brand name and, in return, providing at least one comparable branded product to the end-user where the category of branded products are non-comparison shopped products. In one embodiment, the method and apparatus is utilized in the area of medical devices including such markets as patients with intestinal stomas, incontinence wound care needs and diabetes.

Abstract: A method, system, computer program product, and data structure for trading in which a standardized contract is traded. The contract obligates a buyer and a seller to settle the contract based on a price of the contract at a first effective date. The contract is traded through an exchange that guarantees payment to the buyer of any amount owed to the buyer from the seller as a result of the contract and that guarantees payment to the seller of any amount owed to the seller from the buyer as a result of the contract. The price of the contract is determined based on preselected notional cash flows discounted by an interest rate swap curve obtained from a preselected swap rate source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for executing payment of a debt by a person to a payee. The method includes the steps of negotiating payment terms with the payee and entering the negotiated payment terms into a payment scheduler. The method further includes the steps of determining by the scheduler that the payment is due on the debt in accordance with the payment terms, electronically instructing a third party to pay the debt due and electronically transferring a receipt of the payment to the person and payee and to a database of the person in a secure location, remote from the person.

Abstract: A method and system for presentment of bills on a computer network includes a biller account hosted on a server of a bill service provider for receiving a bill file from a biller that includes bill data. The biller account automatically formats a bill for a consumer from the bill data. The bill file from which the bill is automatically formatted includes a bill template and bill content and may also include a temporary resource. A document server coupled to the bill service provider's server receives and automatically stores the formatted bill in a storage location. The formatted bill consists of an electronic mail message, and the storage location is an electronic mailbox. The stored bill is accessed and displayed by the consumer on a consumer terminal coupled to the document server. The consumer may pay the bill through a bill payment processor.

Abstract: A method of interactive, automated registration, negotiation and marketing for combining products and services from one or more vendors together to be sold as a unit allows vendors of products and services to post information about their products/services on a server, preferably accessible over the internet, for inclusion within bundles or collections of products and/or services. Bundle vendors then generate bundles of products/services by viewing and selecting available products/services from the posted available products/services. Members accessing the bundle system are able to view, select and purchase bundles generated and posted by the bundle vendors. The members and vendors preferably access the bundle server over the internet through the public switched telephone network.

Abstract: A bank device communicates with an account holder device, such as a telephone or computer operated by the account holder. The bank device receives therefrom check data that includes an account identifier, a check identifier, and an amount of funds. The account identifier indicates a financial account and the check identifier indicates a check drawn on the financial account. The amount of funds represents an amount to reserve for payment with the check. The bank device in turn makes the amount of funds unavailable for use in the financial account so the account holder may not withdraw or otherwise remove the amount of funds. The bank device generates a code that indicates the check, and transmits the code to the account holder device. Subsequently, a payee, such as a merchant presented with the specified check, may verify that the check does indeed have an amount of funds reserved for payment therewith.

Abstract: A computer system and methods for management and control of annuities and distribution of annuity payments is presented which enables transfer of funds between annuities, whether variable or fixed, without incurring payment discontinuity, while providing for allocation of interest risk, investment risk, and mortality risk between insurer and insured.

Abstract: There is provided an electronic clinical recording system handling, as electronic data, information including a patient's consultation record. The system comprises a portable storage medium for storing the patient's consultation record; an element for writing the patient's consultation record described in a structured language into the storage medium; and an element for reading the patient's consultation record from the storage medium. The writing element includes a converting/producing element for converting or producing link information in the consultation record when the consultation record is written in the storage medium, the link information being indicative of making reference to one or more specified files relevant to the consultation record and prepared as external information.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for providing programs, such as operational protocols, to medical diagnostic institutions and systems. The protocols are created and stored on machine readable media. A description of the protocols is displayed at the diagnostic institution or system. A user may select a desired protocol or program from a user interface, such as a listing of protocols. The protocol listing may include textual and exemplary image descriptions of the protocols. Selected protocols are transferred from the machine readable media to the diagnostic institution or system. The transfer may take place over a network link, and may be subject to fee arrangements, subscription status verifications, and so forth. Protocols may be loaded for execution on system scanners by selection from the same or a similar protocol listing screen.

Abstract: A plan of countersuit insurance provided to professionals, possibly as part of or along with their professional liability insurance, deters frivolous professional malpractice claims. The plan of insurance pays legal costs of countersuits for improper prosecution when a frivolous claim has been made and, preferably, tried to a judgment for the accused professional, and an objective review concludes that the claim was frivolous. As part of the insurance plan, the names of covered professionals are posted on a publicly accessible database. If a potential plaintiff or his or her attorney finds a potential defendant's name on the database, it may be a deterrent to filing weaker claims that might be viewed as frivolous.

Abstract: A method for engaging in electronic commerce (e-commerce) over a network from an e-commerce site, comprises the steps of: storing data representing an inventory of items for sale at the e-commerce site; storing historic and active shopping lists of respective shoppers at the e-commerce site; providing logged on shoppers with a shopping list builder tool for constructing entirely new shopping lists and for constructing new shopping lists from said stored shopping lists; accepting completed active shopping lists from the logged on shoppers; consummating purchases of products on the accepted lists; and, delivering the purchased products to the shoppers. The method can further comprise the step of: storing authorization data enabling shoppers to purchase the items at the e-commerce site on credit. Shoppers can use the shopping list builder to create, modify, delete and merge named lists. A permanent cumulative shopping list can be compiled for each shopper.

Abstract: The present invention, generally speaking, provides for secure electronic software packaging using a setup-external unlocking module. As a result, a software publisher can produce a single ESD-ready version of a software title that may later be prepared for distribution through multiple different ESD channels by adding channel-specific unlocking modules. Duplication of the injection process prior to the packing of the setup file set is eliminated and great flexibility is achieved. Preferably, the single ESD-ready version allows for trial of the software, e.g., a free 30-day trial. Software publishers are incentivized to produce trial versions of their software for marketing purposes. Once such a trial version of a software title has been produced, no further modifications are required on the part of the software publisher in order to distribute the software through various different channels.