Abstract: Various computer-implemented services are disclosed for increasing the utility of electronic wish lists, and for assisting users in making gift purchases. One such service automatically notifies a user when an item being accessed in an electronic catalog is on, or is similar to an item on, an electronic wish list of an “affiliated” user. The affiliations may be created explicitly by the users (e.g., by completing an online form), and/or implicitly based on actions performed by the users (e.g., when one user purchases a gift for another user). Another service automatically reminds a first user who is affiliated with a second user when a known or inferred gift-giving event of the second user is approaching. The reminder may include a link to a wish list of the second user, and/or may include or provide a link for viewing personalized gift recommendations for the second user.

Abstract: Various computer-implemented services are disclosed for increasing the utility of electronic wish lists, and for assisting users in making gift purchases. One such service automatically notifies a user when an item being accessed in an electronic catalog is on, or is similar to an item on, an electronic wish list of an “affiliated” user. The affiliations may be created explicitly by the users (e.g., by completing an online form), and/or implicitly based on actions performed by the users (e.g., when one user purchases a gift for another user). Another service automatically reminds a first user who is affiliated with a second user when a known or inferred gift-giving event of the second user is approaching. The reminder may include a link to a wish list of the second user, and/or may include or provide a link for viewing personalized gift recommendations for the second user.

Abstract: A computer process is disclosed for selecting items to present or recommend to users based on the referring sites accessed by such users. The process includes tracking referrals of users from referring sites to a target site, and recording the item selections of the referred users from an electronic catalog of the target site. The process may also include analyzing the recorded item selections of the users to identify, for a particular subset of the referring sites, a set of items that correspond to group preferences of users referred to the target site by the subset of referring sites. These identified items may thereafter be presented to users who access a site that is a member of the subset of referring sites.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing community-specific content to customers of a merchant's web site. In one embodiment, customers who are electronically referred to the merchant's web site from an affiliate web site, or from one of a group of related affiliate web sites, are automatically assigned to the same community. For example, all customers who enter the merchant's web site from links on golf-related affiliate web sites may be assigned to the community “golf.” Customers may also join or be assigned to communities using other methods. Purchase histories and/or other activity data of the merchant's customers is analyzed periodically to identify specific products or other items that are currently “popular” within the community (e.g., best selling), based upon predefined criteria. This information is provided to members of the community, and possibly to other customers, on the merchant's web site and/or on the web sites of the corresponding affiliates.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention distributes data via a network to remotely located individuals. Evaluation feedback by one or more of the individuals is transmitted to others so that the feedback may be used by others to quickly locate the more useful data. The evaluation feedback may be in the form of ratings of product reviews. The feedback helps customers by allowing the more useful reviews can be quickly located.

Abstract: Various computer-implemented services are disclosed for increasing the utility of electronic wish lists, and for assisting users in making gift purchases. One such service automatically notifies a user when an item being accessed in an electronic catalog is on, or is similar to an item on, an electronic wish list of an “affiliated” user. The affiliations may be created explicitly by the users (e.g., by completing an online form), and/or implicitly based on actions performed by the users (e.g., when one user purchases a gift for another user). Another service automatically reminds a first user who is affiliated with a second user when a known or inferred gift-giving event of the second user is approaching. The reminder may include a link to a wish list of the second user, and/or may include or provide a link for viewing personalized gift recommendations for the second user.

Abstract: A computer-implemented service, provided in association with a browsable electronic catalog, automatically notifies a user when an item being accessed in the catalog is on an electronic wish list of an “affiliated” user. The affiliations may be created explicitly by the users (e.g., by completing an online form), and/or implicitly based on actions performed by the users (e.g., an affiliation is automatically created between two users when one purchases a gift for the other). In a web based embodiment, the notifications are presented by supplementing web pages, such as product detail pages, associated with particular catalog items. In some embodiments, users are also notified when the viewed items are merely similar to items on the wish lists of their affiliates. Also disclosed are services for reminding or notifying users of events associated with their affiliates, and for including within these reminders links to the associated wish lists.

Abstract: A unitary modular link or link section for use in forming a rodless conveyor belt or a section thereof is provided. The link section includes a plurality of laterally-repeating link-shaped portions, each including an apex portion and a pair of leg portions. Each apex portion includes a receiver for receiving an integral first connector extending between the leg portions of a next-adjacent link or link section, preferably in snap-fit engagement, such that relative pivoting movement is established. A second integral connector may be provided between the leg portion of each adjacent apex portion to create an engagement surface for a tooth of a drive or idler sprocket. The underside surface of each link section may also be specially contoured or curved to facilitate smooth passage over a guide structure, such as a small diameter, cylindrical nosebar or the like.

Abstract: A computer method and system for publicizing commercial transactions. To publicize a commercial transaction, the system (“e-commerce system”) receives a selection of a purchase transaction for a first item. The e-commerce system identifies an auction for a second item such that the second item is related to the first item. For example, the first item may be a kayak, and the second item may be a kayak cover. The e-commerce system then generates a display description (e.g., web page) that includes information for conducting the purchase transaction for the first item and that includes information relating to the auction for the second item. In this way, a user who views information relating to the purchase transaction can also view information relating to the auction.

Abstract: A method for determining a threshold distance for a collision warning system includes receiving, from at least one sensing device, data indicative of a change of position of a target object relative to a host machine. The method further includes receiving data indicative of a velocity of the host machine and determining a closing rate associated with a rate of change of distance between the host machine and the target object based on the data indicative of a change of position of the target object relative to the host machine. The method also includes calculating a velocity of the target object based on the velocity of the host machine and the closing rate.

Abstract: An improved conveyor chain formed from a plurality of modular links arranged in rows and each associated with at least two elongated transverse connectors is disclosed. In one embodiment, the connectors together create a substantially open, planar support surface intermediate of the links in each row. Each link in a first row includes apertures for receiving a first of the connectors extending through a slot in the links of an adjacent row, as well as a receiver having a closed end and an open end for receiving one end of a second one of the connectors. The chain with the connectors associated with each row is thus capable of side-flexing to negotiate curves or bends, as well as longitudinal compression/expansion, while at all times providing full and even article support.

Abstract: A computer method and system for publicizing commercial transactions. To publicize a commercial transaction, the system (“e-commerce system”) receives a selection of a purchase transaction for a first item. The e-commerce system identifies an auction for a second item such that the second item is related to the first item. For example, the first item may be a kayak, and the second item may be a kayak cover. The e-commerce system then generates a display description (e.g., web page) that includes information for conducting the purchase transaction for the first item and that includes information relating to the auction for the second item. In this way, a user who views information relating to the purchase transaction can also view information relating to the auction.

Abstract: A conveyor system moves one or more articles in at least a conveying direction along an endless path having a forward run and a return run. The system includes an endless chain having lateral side edges spaced apart in a direction transverse to the conveying direction, and at least one link having a surface intermediate of the side edges. A chain support positioned between the side edges includes an axle extending in the transverse direction for rotatably supporting a roller for engaging the surface of the link. The roller provides enhanced, low friction support for the chain intermediate of the side edges.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an audible alarm signal. The method and apparatus includes creating a rectangular pulse signal having a desired period and a desired first amplitude, adding a shaped modulation component to the rectangular pulse signal from the desired first amplitude to a desired second amplitude to create a modulating waveform, creating a carrier signal, and combining the carrier signal and the modulating waveform to create the audible alarm signal.

Abstract: A method implementable by an electronic system comprises identifying an event corresponding to a data set, the data set being of a type of a plurality of data-set types; identifying the type of the data set; identifying an association between the type of the data set and an entity of a plurality of entities; and instructing the entity to perform an action with respect to the data set.

Abstract: An improved conveyor chain formed from a plurality of modular links arranged in rows and each associated with at least two elongated transverse connectors is disclosed. In one embodiment, the connectors define a substantially open, planar conveying surface intermediate of the links in each row. Each link in a first row includes apertures for receiving a first of the connectors extending through a slot in the links of an adjacent row, as well as a receiver having a closed end and an open end for receiving one end of a second one of the connectors. The chain with the connectors associated with each row is thus capable of side-flexing to negotiate curves or bends, as well as longitudinal compression/expansion, while at all times providing full and even article support.

Abstract: A modular link (10) or link section for use in forming a riddles conveyor belt or a section thereof is provided. In one embodiment, the link section is unitary and includes a plurality of laterally-repeating link-shaped portions (16), each including an apex portion (14) and a pair of leg portions (22, 24). Each apex portion includes a receiver (18) for receiving an integral first connector (36) extending between the leg portions of a next-adjacent link or link section, preferably in snap-fit engagement, such that relative pivoting movement is established. A second integral connector (40) may be provided between the leg portion of each adjacent apex portion to create an engagement surface for a tooth of a drive or idler sprocket(s). The underside surface of each link section may also be specially contoured or curved to facilitate smooth passage over a guide structure (B), such as a small diameter, cylindrical nosebar or the like.

Abstract: Methods and systems for distributed arbitration in a push-to-talk communications system are disclosed. A server receives talk requests from user communications terminals in a push-to-talk communications system. The server generates state information based on the talk requests and delivers the state information to the user communications terminals. The user communications terminals execute a distributed arbitration algorithm to determine which user communications terminal should have possession of a communications channel among user communications terminals with simultaneously pending talk requests based on the state information.

Abstract: A hand tool for squeezing or pressing down over an area with a roller. The tool includes a roller support structure with an elongate member having a first end, a mid-portion, and a second end, a roller support extending from the first end of the elongate member, a handle extending from the mid-portion of the elongate member, and a forearm engagement member. The handle will preferably be detachable from the roller support structure. A roller support frame with a substantially horizontal member and a roller support axis, and an adjustable connection that allows the user to selectively retaining the horizontal member against the roller support member at a desired angle to the roller support member, so that the angle of the roller support axis relative to the roller support member may be varied. Additionally, the removable handle is adapted for direct attachment to the roller support frame to allow use of the roller support frame together with the handle and without the roller support structure.