Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a layered memory object. The method includes the operation of producing a first coin layer from a precious metal using mass production techniques. A second coin layer can be created using a material that is less expensive than the first coin layer. The second coin layer can be customized with a customizable image. The first and second coin layers can be adhered together. The customized image can be configured to be viewed by a coin viewer.

Abstract: Code generator for a distributed processing system. A method for generating a defined transaction process for connecting on a system between a user's workstation and a destination device. First, the logical sequence that is required for a user to interface with the destination device is defined as logical steps in accordance with the defined transaction process. The physical code operable with the system necessary to effect the logical steps thereon is then created by substituting blocks of predetermined physical code in the system between the user's workstation and the destination device. This allows the user to perform the transaction process on the system with the physical code.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating unique id packets in a distributed processing system. A method for facilitating processing over a network includes generating at a server location on the network a pointer that defines an information profile on the network. The pointer is then associated with the information profile, and the pointer and the associated information profile transmitted to at least two locations on the network. The pointer can then be transmitted to one of the at least two locations on the network from another location on the network during a processing operation on the network for the purpose of processing a network transaction at the receiving one of the at least two locations on the network, which network transaction requires the associated information profile, such that only transmission of the pointer is required for the processing operation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for monitoring and logging the operation of a distributed processing system. A method for monitoring the operation of a distributed transaction system that is operable to process one or more transactions, each of which is comprised of a plurality of discrete processes, and which transaction as a whole is operable to perform a transaction on data when transferring data from a first location on a network to a second location on the network and the transaction comprised of operating on the data at intermediate nodes in the system with one or more of the plurality of processes during the transaction. First, a determination is made as to when a transaction has been initiated from the first location and has been transferred to the one of the intermediate nodes in the network. The initiation of the transaction is then logged at a central location on the network.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for converting data between two dissimilar systems. A method for transferring information between first and second systems with dissimilar first and second database structures, respectively, is provided. The method includes the step of first extracting data from the first system and then routing the extracted data from the first system to a first conversion server. At the first conversion server, the data is converted from a format compatible with the first database structure to an intermediate format. The data in the intermediate format is then routed to a second conversion server. At the second conversion server, the data is converted from the intermediate format to a format compatible with the second database structure. The data converted at the second conversion server is then stored in the second system.

Abstract: System and method for transmission of information between locations on a computer network with the use of unique packets. A method is disclosed for communicating between first and second unlike systems. Information is generated at the first system in a first information format that is native to the first system. A first conversion system, in a first conversion operation, converts the generated information to a master space format such that a first converted information transmission is generated. The first converted information is then transmitted to a master information system. In response to receiving the first converted information at the master information system, the received first converted information is routed to a second conversion system in the master system format.

Abstract: A method for protecting an advertising sign from weathering conditions is disclosed. The method includes the operation of providing a frame configured to hold a plurality of sign segments, the sign segments having a front side and a back side each configured to carry graphical images. The front and back sides of each sign segment can be covered with a substantially transparent covering configured to enable each sign segment to be essentially undamaged by weathering effects for a period of at least seven years. The plurality of sign segments can be configured to be stacked on top of one another within the frame. The frame can be configured to enable removal and replacement of one or more of the plurality of sign segments.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for producing durable scrapbook pages. One operation is supplying a substrate layer. Another operation is configuring a plurality of scrapbook images and text in a computer memory. Then the images and text can be sublimated onto the substrate layer. Finally, two sheets of plastic can be bonded over the substrate layer to form a scrapbook. The substrate layer can be comprised of plastic, nylon or metal sheets.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for manufacturing a memory bill. The method can include the operation of creating a template for displayed face of the memory bill. Another operation can be cutting out the displayed face of the memory bill. Yet another operation can be adhering the displayed face to a center substrate in the memory bill. A further operation can be creating a template for a back face for a memory bill. The back face for the memory bill can be cut out, and the back face can be adhered to the center substrate for the memory bill.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for load balancing a distributed processing system. A method for load balancing a distributed processing system having a plurality of processing nodes associated therewith is provided. A portion of a process is first received at one of the processing nodes for processing of that portion thereat. The amount of processing at that node is then determined that will be required to complete the received portion of the process as a processing load on that one processing node. A determination is then made if the amount of processing exceeds a predetermined threshold. If the amount of processing exceeds the predetermined threshold, then information is transferred to other nodes in the network that the one of the processing nodes is unavailable for further processing.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for manufacturing a layered memory object. The layered memory object includes a base object layer made of a precious metal. A second object layer can be made from a material that is less expensive then the first object layer. The second object layer can have a customized image. An adhesive layer can then be used between the first and second object layer. The adhesive layer is configured to affix the first and second object layers together. In addition, the customized image on the second object layer is viewable.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for converting data between two dissimilar systems. A method for transferring information between first and second systems with dissimilar first and second database structures, respectively, is provided. The method includes the step of first extracting data from the first system and then routing the extracted data from the first system to a first conversion server. At the first conversion server, the data is converted from a format compatible with the first database structure to an intermediate format. The data in the intermediate format is then routed to a second conversion server. At the second conversion server, the data is converted from the intermediate format to a format compatible with the second database structure. The data converted at the second conversion server is then stored in the second system.