Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method for storing and retrieving information concerning railroad ties or other railroad components. The apparatus preferably allows for information to be stored and retrieved. The stored information can be coded or non-coded. In one embodiment, a transponder is embedded in or attached to a railroad tie or other component that is capable of storing information concerning the component or tie and a reader, for retrieving the information, from the transponder, is provided. The transponder may utilize radio frequency identification (RF-ID) technology. The reader preferably generates and transmits radio frequency waves to the transponder, and the transponder broadcasts the information stored therein in response thereto. The reader may be carried by a rail car, a storage yard vehicle, can be manually transported, or other by other methods so that the reader moves within radio frequency (R.F.) activating range of the transponder in each component or tie.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for a user purchasing goods from a merchant, and a merchant delivering goods to a user. After communicating with a server system through a merchant website, the user selects one or more goods to purchase and the user places an order for selected goods via a user terminal. Then, the order is communicated to the assembling means via a merchant interface unit, prompting the assembling means to take the products from the merchant's inventory and assemble the order. A storage devices for a time slot chosen by the user is allocated via a reservation system and method, and given a combination which will open the storage unit during the chosen time slot. The order is placed by the assembling means in the storage unit for the user to pick up. The storage units are monitored to determine if the user picked up the goods at the chosen time slot. The storage units may also be used for sending packages and receiving packages sent to the user.

Abstract: A golf ball retriever that is integrally formed from a single sheet of a resilient flexible material comprises two panels separated by an H-shaped strap. The H-shaped strap is connected to end edges of the two panels along fold lines, and folds up in between the two panels as the two panels are brought together with their side and end edges aligned. The side edges of one panel are releasably interlocked with the side edges of the other panel by engaging respective tabs and slots provided along the panel side edges. When a force is applied to the interlocked side edges, the panels bow outwardly to form a tube having open tube ends. The golf ball retriever can be attached to the handle of a golf club by inserting the handle into one of the open tube ends, and then removing the force applied to the side edges. The H-shaped strap prevents the handle from extending into the tube beyond a predetermined distance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ball retriever and more particularly, to an attachment for temporarily attaching to an end of an extension member, and the attachment while it is so attached to the extension member being used for retrieving a ball, such as a golf ball on the ground or the like. When not in use, this attachment lies at rest in a substantially flat condition, being conveniently sized to slip into a standard breast pocket or the like.