Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for associating payments with spending vehicles so that an individual who is entitled to receive periodic or special payments (e.g., Social Security checks, 401(k) distributions, dividend payments, tax refunds, etc.) may choose to receive in place of the payment a spending vehicle such as an e-card, a sponsor discount card, a sponsor rebate, or a sponsor coupon for use with purchases of the sponsor's products or services. Sponsors may include companies and organizations interested in offering purchase incentives to their customers. An individual who wishes to receive a spending vehicle rather than the regular payment selects the spending vehicle he or she would like to receive. The individual then assigns his or her right to receive the payment to a third party. The third party may be a sponsor of the spending vehicle or a financial institution that offers spending vehicles from a plurality of sponsors.

Abstract: A system for purchasing from an intermediary a right to a payment related to the performance of an entertainment production. The system comprises a transaction server for generating web page data for a web page that displays information concerning one or more entertainment productions, and an offer to purchase one or more related participation units. The transaction server is adapted to transmit and receive such web page data via the Internet. A plurality of client information appliances, each adapted to receive via the Internet such web page data, and generate and display a web page based on such data, and further adapted to transmit information to the transaction server via the Internet, including acceptance of an offer to purchase a participation unit.

Abstract: A method for managing entertainment system data includes obtaining a record corresponding to a first entertainment selection that is selected. A selectable identifier corresponding to a first set of entertainment system data in the record is presented on a display device. A search for a second entertainment selection having a corresponding second set of entertainment system data related to the first set of entertainment system data is performed when the selectable identifier is selected. A result of the search is presented on the display device.

Abstract: A method and system for managing and evaluating commodities purchasing over a network of distributed computing devices. In one embodiment, the method allows a plurality of buyers to generate one request for quote and, response to the request for quote, receive a quote from plurality of vendors. The system of the present invention provides a price normalization routine that allows buyers to evaluate and compare a normalized price for commodity products having different evaluation parameters. In an arrangement comprising a plurality of computers connected to a network said plurality of computers including at least one server, at least one buyer client computer and a plurality of seller client computers, the method for providing commodities exchange services first provides a web-based browsable display describing at least one commodities exchange service. The system then receives at least one request for quote from the buyer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for merchant processing of purchase card transactions with expanded card type acceptance are provided. For each merchant, a record is maintained of each card type that the merchant accepts, and merchant-specific transaction processing parameters are associated with each card type. During transaction processing, a card type for the transaction is identified from transaction data submitted by the merchant, and the merchant-specific transaction processing parameters associated with the identified card type are used to control transaction processing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing cash advance requests are described. In one embodiment, the system includes a data repository, and a process management and workflow system coupled to the data repository. The process management and workflow system is configured to record a cash advance request, evaluate current collateral information, and evaluate current credit status.

Abstract: A system for causing investment returns for individual investors in a fund to correspond to occurrence of selected events with respect to investment options selected by said individual investors, the system including instructions for: defining a plurality of said investment options each having a yield calculator, said calculator having a value related to occurrence of predefined events; selecting a nominal yield of said fund; allocating a portion of said nominal yield to each of said investment options ratably with respect to the portion of said value of each said yield calculator bears to all values of said yield calculators; calculating, on a periodic basis, a change in total value of assets owned by said fund and ratably allocating said change to investors in said fund; and periodically redetermining said values in each of said yield calculators by measuring occurrence of said predefined events during a selected measuring period.

Abstract: A securities transaction performance framework for developing an evaluation system directed toward the securities industry. The framework comprises a compilation of Broker demographics, a compilation of Broker performance data, a compilation of Client Portfolio information, and a compilation of periodic Transaction data including volume of Transactions, commission charged, and associated Broker information. The data compilations interface with a Broker Master to correlate a Broker to a statistical database as requested by the user. The Broker Master correlates financial statistics from Transaction data to Broker demographics and performance data so as to provide a performance evaluation system. Transaction data is stored in a secure environment and is able to provide historical analysis upon request of the end user.

Abstract: The invention solves the inconvenience that a customer would experience when his/her electronic wallet was lost or broken down. A backup condition testing means tests predefined backup conditions to determine whether to make a backup, when an electronic wallet device communicates with any other device to transfer monetary data. When the backup condition testing means has determined to make a backup, a backup data sending means sends a predetermined set of backup data collected from the electronic wallet device. A backup data management means receives the backup data from the backup data sending means and saves the received data into its backup database. In this way, the proposed system automatically saves backup data of the electronic wallet device when any backup condition is met. This mechanism permits the customer to have an alternative electronic wallet device to be promptly issued when his/her electronic wallet device is lost.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for using an e-duction card as a payment instrument, whereby a purchase price of articles purchased on-line or off-line is deducted from an employee's paycheck. The e-duction card is similar to a credit card but is not bound by the same terms and conditions of a credit card. An employer authorizes the inventive system to accept payroll deduction as a payment option for the employer's employees. The employer and/or the system establish guidelines for utilizing the payroll deduction option during commerce and the system stores the guidelines and identifying information for the employer and corresponding employees in a database. Merchants also sign up with the inventive system and agree to accept the e-duction card is a payment instrument. Thereafter, when an employee selects articles from the merchant's web site or store, the employee may use the e-duction card to pay for the selected articles.

Abstract: Systems and methods for merchant processing of purchase card transactions with expanded card type acceptance are provided. For each merchant, a record is maintained of each card type that the merchant accepts, and merchant-specific transaction processing parameters are associated with each card type. During transaction processing, a card type for the transaction is identified from transaction data submitted by the merchant, and the merchant-specific transaction processing parameters associated with the identified card type are used to control transaction processing.

Abstract: Information concerning personal investment and finance is developed and stored in first and second data sets containing topics and issue-questions related thereto. The information is accessed from these data sets by selectively combining an issue-question with at least one topic to produce a primary information product. A program means associated with the data sets modifies the primary information product by imposing thereon a plurality of answer-options to the selected issue-question. Each answer-options comprises at least one expert opinion and at least one prudent-investor opinion, stored in third and fourth data sets. The imposition of answer-options on the information product produces a polycentric information product, which is readily communicated by oral, written or electronic means.

Abstract: A method of providing security during operation of a self-service checkout terminal includes the step of creating a transaction table which includes a plurality of records corresponding respectively to a plurality of items entered into the checkout terminal during a checkout procedure. The method also includes the step of analyzing the plurality of records. The method further includes the step of generating a characteristic value in response to the analyzing step. Moreover, the method includes the step of comparing the characteristic value to a characteristic trigger point and generating a characteristic control signal in response thereto.

Abstract: A device that can be used to treat appendage ailments is provided. The device, or appendage sleeve, can be used for wounds, cuts, and blisters, as well as joint related ailments, such as arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. In some instances, the appendage sleeve can at least partially made from an elastomeric material, such as an elastomeric nonwoven, so that the sleeve can more aptly fit onto a finger or toe. Furthermore, the sleeve can also possess a barrier that is liquid impermeable, but vapor permeable so that the finger or toe of a user is more comfortable. Various additives can be applied to the sleeve to aid for therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: A method is disclosed involving acquiring a plurality of charge accounts. The accounts are of a type normally issued with an associated physically producible card which may be presented as evidence of an existing charge account, the physically producible cards bearing human readable account numbers and expiration dates. The plurality of charge accounts are capable of being gifted to a party, after acquisition. A request is received from a first party to gift a charge account to a second party having a name, without both the issuance and provision of a physical card for the charge account to the second party. The first party and the second party are different from each other.

Abstract: A method and system for an electronic auction is described. Bids by participating bidders are specified over multiple contract term segments (e.g., years), and define a pattern of cash payments over time. The auction system converts the defined pattern of cash payments over time into a net present value bid. The net present value bids are used to effect a comparison between participating bidders.

Abstract: A method of analyzing and presenting a series of risk factors associated with the operation of a business, such as a bank. Quantifiable risk factors are identified. Ranges of acceptable and unacceptable values for the factors are selected and arranged to each factor. Each risk factor has an immediacy value, or risk tolerance, assigned to it. A business is evaluated by measuring the actual values for each factor found in the business, comparing the actual values to the user-defined acceptable value ranges for each factor and creating a report identifying unacceptable valued risk factors and their immediacy value to the business. The measuring, evaluating and reporting may be automated using a computer, or portions can be done manually.

Abstract: An accounts payable system in which invoices submitted by electronic data interchange (EDI) are audited for duplicate invoices prior to them being entered into the production database, or environment. Pre-processor logic audits, identifies and returns electronically duplicate transmissions. At this pre-processor level, all inbound invoices are sorted in credit/debit sequence. Invoices are posted (committed to the production accounts payable environment; that is, to the accounts payable data base) one at a time so purchase order history is current for each evaluation. Inbound invoices are sorted by credit/debit. Only debits are audited.

Abstract: A computer implemented meta search engine and search method. In accordance with this method, a query is forwarded to one or more third party search engines, and the responses from the third party search engine or engines are parsed in order to extract information regarding the documents matching the query. The full text of the documents matching the query are downloaded, and the query terms in the documents are located. The text surrounding the query terms are extracted, and that text is displayed.

Abstract: The invention provides a biocompatible composite for use in a living subject for purposes of repairing damaged tissues and reconstructing a new tissue. The composite includes a biodegradable or absorbable three-dimensional support construct, a liquid or viscous fluid forming a gel matrix or viscous fluid when delivered to an area of interest in a living subject. The biodegradable construct provides an ideal surface for cell or cell extract attachment, while the gel matrix or viscous fluid acts as both a carrier material and a separator for maintaining the space between the constructs as well as the structural integrity of the developing issue.