Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing burst usage of a networked computer system are described herein. In an embodiment, resource requesters can request, within a time window, resources over a computer network before the resources are available. The resources can then be allocated in batch mode when the resources are available. Thus, resource requests do not have to be processed in real-time, and resource requests can be received before the resources are available.

Abstract: A positioning system for positioning a plurality of rotatable objects for processing includes a base plate that is configured to be positioned on a support surface of a processing machine. The base plate defines a plurality of alignment members to align the base plate to the support surface. The positioning system further includes at least three elongate cylindrical members that are arranged in parallel to one another and rotatably supported in alignment with the base plate. The cylindrical members are configured to support the rotatable objects. The positioning system also includes a rotation mechanism configured to cooperate with the cylindrical members and rotate the cylindrical members in synchrony so as to rotate the plurality of rotatable objects in synchrony. The positioning system further includes a rotational control mechanism configured to cooperate with the rotation mechanism to control rotation of the cylindrical members.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing burst usage of a networked computer system are described herein. In an embodiment, resource requesters can request, within a time window, resources over a computer network before the resources are available. The resources can then be allocated in batch mode when the resources are available. Thus, resource requests do not have to be processed in real-time, and resource requests can be received before the resources are available.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing burst usage of a networked computer system are described herein. In an embodiment, resource requesters can request, within a time window, resources over a computer network before the resources are available. The resources can then be allocated in batch mode when the resources are available. Thus, resource requests do not have to be processed in real-time, and resource requests can be received before the resources are available.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing burst usage of a networked computer system are described herein. In an embodiment, resource requesters can request, within a time window, resources over a computer network before the resources are available. The resources can then be allocated in batch mode when the resources are available. Thus, resource requests do not have to be processed in real-time, and resource requests can be received before the resources are available.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing burst usage of a networked computer system are described herein. In an embodiment, resource requesters can request, within a time window, resources over a computer network before the resources are available. The resources can then be allocated in batch mode when the resources are available. Thus, resource requests do not have to be processed in real-time, and resource requests can be received before the resources are available.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing burst usage of a networked computer system are described herein. In an embodiment, resource requesters can request, within a time window, resources over a computer network before the resources are available. The resources can then be allocated in batch mode when the resources are available. Thus, resource requests do not have to be processed in real-time, and resource requests can be received before the resources are available.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing burst usage of a networked computer system are described herein. In an embodiment, resource requesters can request, within a time window, resources over a computer network before the resources are available. The resources can then be allocated in batch mode when the resources are available. Thus, resource requests do not have to be processed in real-time, and resource requests can be received before the resources are available.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing burst usage of a networked computer system are described herein. In an embodiment, resource requesters can request, within a time window, resources over a computer network before the resources are available. The resources can then be allocated in batch mode when the resources are available. Thus, resource requests do not have to be processed in real-time, and resource requests can be received before the resources are available.

Abstract: A positioning system for positioning a plurality of rotatable objects for processing includes a base plate that is configured to be positioned on a support surface of a processing machine. The base plate defines a plurality of alignment members to align the base plate to the support surface. The positioning system further includes at least three elongate cylindrical members that are arranged in parallel to one another and rotatably supported in alignment with the base plate. The cylindrical members are configured to support the rotatable objects. The positioning system also includes a rotation mechanism configured to cooperate with the cylindrical members and rotate the cylindrical members in synchrony so as to rotate the plurality of rotatable objects in synchrony. The positioning system further includes a rotational control mechanism configured to cooperate with the rotation mechanism to control rotation of the cylindrical members.

Abstract: An automated ticket auctioning system receives and evaluates bid information records received from a plurality of remote terminals. Each bid information record corresponds to at least one bid for one or more desired seats at a venue. Each bid information record may also include a plurality of additional bids identified for different seats in the venue. The separate bids in each bid information record are prioritized. The automated ticket auctioning system includes a central controlling computer operable to receive the bid information records and determine, in order of priority, whether any of the bids in a bid information record is accepted. If one bid in a bid information record is accepted, all lower priority bids in that bid information record are dismissed.

Abstract: An automated ticket auctioning system receives and evaluates bid information records received from a plurality of remote terminals. Each bid information record corresponds to at least one bid for one or more desired seats at a venue. Each bid information record may also include a plurality of additional bids identified for different seats in the venue. The separate bids in each bid information record are prioritized. The automated ticket auctioning system includes a central controlling computer operable to receive the bid information records and determine, in order of priority, whether any of the bids in a bid information record is accepted. If one bid in a bid information record is accepted, all lower priority bids in that bid information record are dismissed.

Abstract: An automated ticket auctioning system receives and evaluates bid information records received from a plurality of remote terminals. Each bid information record corresponds to at least one bid for one or more desired seats at a venue. Each bid information record may also include a plurality of additional bids identified for different seats in the venue. The separate bids in each bid information record are prioritized. The automated ticket auctioning system includes a central controlling computer operable to receive the bid information records and determine, in order of priority, whether any of the bids in a bid information record is accepted. If one bid in a bid information record is accepted, all lower priority bids in that bid information record are dismissed.

Abstract: An automated ticket auctioning system receives and evaluates bid information records received from a plurality of remote terminals. Each bid information record corresponds to at least one bid for one or more desired seats at a venue. Each bid information record may also include a plurality of additional bids identified for different seats in the venue. The separate bids in each bid information record are prioritized. The automated ticket auctioning system includes a central controlling computer operable to receive the bid information records and determine, in order of priority, whether any of the bids in a bid information record is accepted. If one bid in a bid information record is accepted, all lower priority bids in that bid information record are dismissed.

Abstract: A temperature control system for a building comprises a thermal collection system, a plurality of underground heat sinks, and a heat exchanger. The thermal collection system includes at least one fluid channel. The thermal collection system is configured to heat or cool fluid within the at least one fluid channel. A first and a second underground heat sink are configured to receive the fluid from the thermal collection system. The first underground heat sink absorbs heat from the fluid in order to heat the first underground heat sink. The second underground heat sink transfers heat to the fluid in order to cool the second underground heat sink. The heat exchanger is configured to receive fluid from the first or second underground heat sink in order to heat or cool the building.

Abstract: An automated ticket auctioning system receives and evaluates bid information records received from a plurality of remote terminals. Each bid information record corresponds to at least one bid for one or more desired seats at a venue. Each bid information record may also include a plurality of additional bids identified for different seats in the venue. The separate bids in each bid information record are prioritized. The automated ticket auctioning system includes a central controlling computer operable to receive the bid information records and determine, in order of priority, whether any of the bids in a bid information record is accepted. If one bid in a bid information record is accepted, all lower priority bids in that bid information record are dismissed.

Abstract: An automated ticket auctioning system receives and evaluates bid information records received from a plurality of remote terminals. Each bid information record corresponds to at least one bid for one or more desired seats at a venue. Each bid information record may also include a plurality of additional bids identified for different seats in the venue. The separate bids in each bid information record are prioritized. The automated ticket auctioning system includes a central controlling computer operable to receive the bid information records and determine, in order of priority, whether any of the bids in a bid information record is accepted. If one bid in a bid information record is accepted, all lower priority bids in that bid information record are dismissed.

Abstract: An automated ticket auctioning system receives and evaluates bid information records received from a plurality of remote terminals. Each bid information record corresponds to at least one bid for one or more desired seats at a venue. Each bid information record may also include a plurality of additional bids identified for different seats in the venue. The separate bids in each bid information record are prioritized. The automated ticket auctioning system includes a central controlling computer operable to receive the bid information records and determine, in order of priority, whether any of the bids in a bid information record is accepted. If one bid in a bid information record is accepted, all lower priority bids in that bid information record are dismissed.

Abstract: An automated ticket auctioning system receives and evaluates bid information records received from a plurality of remote terminals. Each bid information record corresponds to at least one bid for one or more desired seats at a venue. Each bid information record may also include a plurality of additional bids identified for different seats in the venue. The separate bids in each bid information record are prioritized. The automated ticket auctioning system includes a central controlling computer operable to receive the bid information records and determine, in order of priority, whether any of the bids in a bid information record is accepted. If one bid in a bid information record is accepted, all lower priority bids in that bid information record are dismissed.

Abstract: An automated ticket auctioning system receives and evaluates bid information records received from a plurality of remote terminals. Each bid information record corresponds to at least one bid for one or more desired seats at a venue. Each bid information record may also include a plurality of additional bids identified for different seats in the venue. The separate bids in each bid information record are prioritized. The automated ticket auctioning system includes a central controlling computer operable to receive the bid information records and determine, in order of priority, whether any of the bids in a bid information record is accepted. If one bid in a bid information record is accepted, all lower priority bids in that bid information record are dismissed.