Abstract: A system and method for an online marketplace that facilitates auction-style bidding and raffle-based prize mechanisms through a mobile application is disclosed. The system includes a mobile application configured to interface with a server over a network to enable users to view product listings, submit bids, purchase raffle tickets, and manage transactions. The server includes modular components comprising a user management module for authenticating users, an auction module for initiating timed auctions, a bidding module for processing anonymous bids, and a raffle module for executing spin-based raffle games using pseudo-random or cryptocurrency and blockchaingraphic algorithms. A transaction module securely processes payments and shipping details, while a subscription module enables access to premium features. Methods are also disclosed for conducting time-bound auctions and executing raffles via interactive spinning wheels.

Abstract: Contextual information and topics associated with primary content and secondary content may be determined. Secondary content may be selected based on a similarity between the contextual information of the secondary content and the contextual information of the primary content.

Abstract: Techniques for timely medication information include storing in a database, for each of multiple different medication providers, a pharmacy ID field that uniquely indicates the provider, a pharmacy link field that indicates a network link for the provider, and a pharmacy API format field that indicates a format for requesting patient medication information and for receiving patient medication information from the provider. In response to receiving, from a client process on a remote network node, a client query packet that includes a patient field that indicates information for a patient: selecting a first provider; formatting a pharmacy request packet to request medication information for the patient based on the API format field for the first provider; and, sending the first pharmacy request packet to the network link in the pharmacy link field for the first provider.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of an object locating apparatus includes a cartridge having a cartridge interior; a float in the cartridge interior; a float attachment line attached to the float and the cartridge; a water-dissolvable float retainer tablet retained in the cartridge interior; a cartridge cap in the cartridge interior; and a spring normally sandwiched and compressed between the cartridge cap and the float retainer tablet and adapted to expand and push the float from the container interior upon dissolving of the float from the retainer tablet.

Abstract: Magnetic weather stripping and methods of making and using the magnetic weather stripping are described. Magnetic weather stripping may include a compressible insulative core, a strip magnet permanently affixed to the insulative core, and an adhesive layer applied to a second surface of the insulative core opposite the first surface of the insulative core. The weather stripping may be attached to a door or window frame using the adhesive. A separate magnet strip may be applied to the door or window if the door or window is not made of a ferromagnetic material such as steel.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of an object locating apparatus includes a cartridge having a cartridge interior; a float in the cartridge interior; a float attachment line attached to the float and the cartridge; a water-dissolvable float retainer tablet retained in the cartridge interior; a cartridge cap in the cartridge interior; and a spring normally sandwiched and compressed between the cartridge cap and the float retainer tablet and adapted to expand and push the float from the container interior upon dissolving of the float from the retainer tablet.

Abstract: A control valve of the ball type with bi-directional shutoff capabilities is disclosed. The ball valve including an inlet and an outlet, a ball element and a seal assembly. When closing the valve, the ball element, which is eccentrically mounted on a shaft, rotates to abut the seal assembly. While closed, the seal assembly including a seal housing, a main seal and a resilient member, contacts the ball element at the main seal, while the resilient member biases the main seal toward the ball element. The seal assembly further includes a secondary flowpath between the main seal and seal housing, which is restricted by a high temperature seal.