Abstract: A method for conducting Internet domain name service to users connected to the Internet comprises an automated procedure for transferring Internet domain name service from a domain name owner to a domain name manager. This method further comprises Internet sub-domain name services to prospective buyers based on domain names transferred to the domain name manager. Messages requesting domain name service, including requests from domain name owners to sub-license their particular domain name to prospective sub-domain name buyers and from prospective sub-domain name buyers to license available sub-domain names, are received and responded to by an automated domain name management system. This automated domain name management system further comprises an interactive website which includes a database, search engine, and Web server.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a biomaterial involving extracting Collagen Type I (Col I) protein from small intestine submucosa (SIS) under conditions that preserve the native helical configuration. The extract of the present method contains a substantial amount of the alpha helical form of Col I. Further the present method includes inducing the Col I protein to form a polymer material in solution or on a target surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protein polymer material and a method for preparing the protein polymer material involving applying an energy such as electrical energy or gravitational energy to a protein to cause the protein to assemble in a controlled arrangement. The protein used in this method may be any suitable fibrillar protein capable of self-assembling.

Abstract: A method of testing a tubular member and selecting tubular members for suitability for expansion by subjecting a representative sample the tubular member to axial loading, stretching at least a portion of the tubular member through elastic deformation, plastic yield and to ultimate yield, and based upon changes in length and area calculating an expandability coefficient indicative of expandability of the tubular members and selecting tubular members with relatively high coefficients indicative of good expandability.

Abstract: A system for radially expanding tubular members includes an expansion device and a vibratory device that generates vibratory energy for agitating at least one of the expansion device and/or the expandable tubular member.

Abstract: A method of forming a wellbore casing within a borehole that traverses a subterranean formation, is provided by assembling a tubular liner by coupling a multi-layer tubular insert assembly to a threaded portion of a first tubular member, and coupling a threaded portion of a second tubular member to the threaded portion of the first tubular member and the multi-layer tubular insert. The tubular liner assembly is positioned within the borehole; and the tubular liner assembly within the borehole is radially expanded and plastically deformed. The multi-layer tubular insert includes a first tubular insert having a first modulus of elasticity; and a second tubular insert coupled to the first tubular insert having a second modulus of elasticity. The first modulus of elasticity is different from the second modulus of elasticity.

Abstract: A surface capacity parameter is determined for a surface of an article having irregularities therein that can be characterized by peaks and valleys relative to a reference point. Initially, an area of interest on the surface of the article and a lateral resolution of that area of interest are determined. An apparatus generates a visual representation of the area of interest on the surface of the article. A deflection contact part factor for the article is calculated, and a bearing ratio curve level is determined based upon the calculated deflection contact part factor and the magnitude of the height or distance between the tallest peak and the lowest valley on the surface of the article. The volume of the material comprising the peaks in the surface of the article and the volume of the space in the surface of the article that is available for the retention of a fluid, such as a lubricant, are determined.

Abstract: A method of forming a wellbore casing within a borehole that traverses a subterranean formation includes the steps of assembling a tubular liner by coupling a threaded portion of a first tubular member to a threaded portion of a second tubular member and coupling a tubular sleeve to the threaded portions of the first and second tubular members. The method further includes positioning the wellbore casing within the borehole and radially expanding and plastically deforming the wellbore casing assembly within the borehole. The step of coupling the tubular sleeve through the threaded portions of the and second tubular members includes applying impulsive magnetic energy to the tubular sleeve.

Abstract: A lubricant coating for expandable tubulars. The interior surfaces of the expandable tubulars are coated with the lubricant coating. The expandable tubulars are then radially expanded.

Abstract: A method for measuring irregularities on the outer surface of an article employs an apparatus to obtain qualitative information regarding a first portion of the outer surface of the article, which can be used to generate a visual representation of a first portion of the outer surface of the article. Then, the article is moved by a predetermined amount, and the apparatus is again used to generate a visual representation of a second portion of the surface of the article. This process is repeated to obtain a plurality of visual representations that together span across a predetermined amount of the surface of the article. Then, the plurality of visual representations are processed to generate a single comprehensive enlarged visual representation of a relatively large surface area of the article, which is preferably shaded, colored, or otherwise highlighted to illustrate the irregularities that are formed therein.

Abstract: A structure and method of manufacturing an outer surface of a shaft avoids the creation of a preferential lead and thereby minimizes leakage through an annular seal assembly when such shaft is rotated or otherwise moved relative thereto during use. The outer circumferential surface of the shaft is formed having a plurality of relatively small irregularities that are evenly distributed thereabout. Such irregularities may be defined by relatively higher portions and relatively lower portions that are formed in an intersecting, cross hatched pattern or in a circumferentially extending undulating or oscillating pattern. To form the cross hatched pattern, an apparatus can be operated to engage the outer circumferential surface of the shaft in two sequential passes in opposite axial directions while the shaft is being rotated. To form the undulating pattern, an apparatus can be operated to engage the outer circumferential surface of the shaft in an axially reciprocating manner while the shaft is being rotated.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a case hardened journal cross includes an inductor having an open side to allow the journal cross to be inserted and withdrawn from the induction process with relative ease. The conductive frame of the inductor is shaped in a cross-like pattern that outlines the outer perimeter of a journal cross on each side of the journal cross. Because the induction coil passes across both sides of the journal cross, heat treating may be enhanced at specific locations of the outer surface of the journal cross by adjusting the distance of the induction coil from the journal cross. Also, a method for manufacturing such a journal cross includes determining the maximum stress distribution for the journal cross and, based thereon, determining the desired depth and location of the case hardening.

Abstract: A structure and method of manufacturing an outer surface of a shaft avoids the creation of a preferential lead and thereby minimizes leakage through an annular seal assembly when such shaft is rotated or otherwise moved relative thereto during use. The outer circumferential surface of the shaft is formed having a plurality of relatively small irregularities that are evenly distributed thereabout. Such irregularities may be defined by relatively higher portions and relatively lower portions that are formed in an intersecting, cross hatched pattern or in a circumferentially extending undulating or oscillating pattern. To form the cross hatched pattern, an apparatus can be operated to engage the outer circumferential surface of the shaft in two sequential passes in opposite axial directions while the shaft is being rotated. To form the undulating pattern, an apparatus can be operated to engage the outer circumferential surface of the shaft in an axially reciprocating manner while the shaft is being rotated.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a case hardened journal cross includes an inductor having an open side to allow the journal cross to be inserted and withdrawn from the induction process with relative ease. The conductive frame of the inductor is shaped in a cross-like pattern that outlines the outer perimeter of a journal cross on each side of the journal cross. Because the induction coil passes across both sides of the journal cross, heat treating may be enhanced at specific locations of the outer surface of the journal cross by adjusting the distance of the induction coil from the journal cross. Also, a method for manufacturing such a journal cross includes determining the maximum stress distribution for the journal cross and, based thereon, determining the desired depth and location of the case hardening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing audio advertisements in a computer network enables Web sites to deliver audio advertisements that cannot be bypassed by a visitor. More particularly, an advertising or sponsoring Web site receives a request from at least one user for delivery of a user-selected Web page associated with the Web site. The Web site selects at least one audio advertisement from a plurality of audio advertisements for delivery to the user in conjunction with the user-selected Web page. The Web site then delivers the audio advertisement to the user via the network in a format that precludes the user from controlling the manner of playback of the audio advertisement.

Abstract: A mail delivery system and method for delivery of mail to addressees are disclosed. The system is particularly suitable for implementation in the context of an email or similar electronic messaging system, and is particularly useful for managing and/or discouraging unsolicited junk mail. The system comprises a plurality of unique delivery addresses, each for a corresponding addressee, and a plurality of delivery codes. The delivery codes are generally defined or otherwise controlled by the addressees, with each addressee controlling a specific subset of the delivery codes. Any given delivery code does not comprise a unique delivery address or any essential portion thereof, and instead comprises distinct, essentially arbitrary addressee-controlled information. The method comprises addressing a selected piece of the mail with a selected delivery address, and associating a selected delivery code with the selected delivery address of the piece of mail.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing advertising service in a computer network is provided. This method and apparatus further comprises receiving a request from a user via this computer network to view a Web page, providing conditions to the user for viewing this Web page, delivering this Web page to the user, determining if the user has met the conditions required for viewing this Web page, and terminating access of the user to this Web page if these conditions are not met.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting on-line auctions of divisible property allows a prospective buyer to create a divisible property right, such as a sub-domain name, and initiate an auction for that newly created divisible property right. The divisible property right can then be sold at a market price. In an embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the steps of acquiring registration authority over a divisible property right from an owner, enabling a prospective buyer to select a sub-division of the divisible property right and initiate an auction for the sub-divided property right that extends for a predetermined period of time, receiving bids on the sub-divided property right from additional prospective buyers including the first prospective buyer, and transferring authority over the sub-divided property right to one of the prospective buyers that submits the highest bid during the predetermined time duration of the auction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing ownership of virtual property accessible to users is provided by a computer-implemented system connected to a network. This method and apparatus further comprises maintaining an inventory of virtual properties, managing ownership of virtual properties, and allowing use of virtual properties by corresponding property owners within corresponding network spaces. In particular, virtual properties are purchased from a system by user computers, wherein virtual properties may be accessed by a user and/or sold or traded to other users which may include auction websites.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for aggregating information from a plurality of remote information systems, such as bulletin boards, over a wide area network, such that a reception device operating on an aggregated information system can receive message data contained on the plurality of remote information systems. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention an aggregating application operating on the aggregated information system is adapted to retrieve original message data (OMD), such as a previously posted new message, and response message data (RMD), such as a previously posted response message, from a plurality of remote information systems. This retrieved message data (i.e., OMD, RMD) can then be provided to at least one reception device communicating with the aggregated information system.