Abstract: A waterstop ring provides a flexible joint connection between a pipe and a concrete structure. The waterstop ring includes an annular waterstop member projecting from an outer circumference thereof, and a pair of annular shoulder portions respectively disposed on each side of the waterstop member. The waterstop member and each of the shoulder portions each include hollow annular cavities defined therein, such that when the waterstop ring is installed in a connection between a concrete structure and a pipe, and partially embedded within the concrete structure, the annular cavities allow deformation of the waterstop ring and thereby allow tilting movement of the pipe in a direction away from the central axis of the pipe.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for promoting entertainment programs. A request relating to an item is received from a user utilizing a network. The inquiry is mapped to a promotion for a media program of a similar genre. The promotion is output to the user utilizing a network.

Abstract: A sealing member for sealing a joint between a pipe and a wall defining an opening is provided. The sealing member has an annular base, a projection, and preferably first and second annular flanges. The annular base has a bottom and first and second sidewalls. The projection is attached to the base for anchoring the sealing member within the wall. In some embodiments it extends radially outwardly from the base. The first and second annular flanges extend from opposite sidewalls of the base. The first and second flanges each have a top and a bottom surface. The top surfaces of each can have an annular depressed portion, and each of the bottom surfaces can have a plurality of grooves formed therein. Preferably, the base includes at least one cavity extending completely around the circumference of the sealing member.

Abstract: A waterstop ring provides a flexible joint connection between a pipe and a concrete structure. The waterstop ring includes an annular waterstop member projecting from an outer circumference thereof, and a pair of annular shoulder portions respectively disposed on each side of the waterstop member. The waterstop member and each of the shoulder portions each include hollow annular cavities defined therein, such that when the waterstop ring is installed in a connection between a concrete structure and a pipe, and partially embedded within the concrete structure, the annular cavities allow deformation of the waterstop ring and thereby allow tilting movement of the pipe in a direction away from the central axis of the pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of and system for loading information onto a computer in the form of a digital capsule containing information about one of more aspects of a subject, such as products for sale. Preferably, it can then be determined whether the information from the capsule should be updated when the subject is accessed on a user's computer, and, if so, the capsule information can be updated. The capsule is preferably linked to a file containing a representation of the subject and can be exchanged between computers.

Abstract: A sealing member for sealing a joint between a pipe and a wall defining an opening is provided. The sealing member has an annular base, a projection, and preferably first and second annular flanges. The annular base has a bottom and first and second sidewalls. The projection is attached to the base for anchoring the sealing member within the wall. In some embodiments it extends radially outwardly from the base. The first and second annular flanges extend from opposite sidewalls of the base. The first and second flanges each have a top and a bottom surface. The top surfaces of each can have an annular depressed portion, and each of the bottom surfaces can have a plurality of grooves formed therein. Preferably, the base includes at least one cavity extending completely around the circumference of the sealing member.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for bar code-based electronic commerce. First, a representation of a bar code is received from a user at a terminal. The representation of the bar code is obtained by scanning a bar code of an item. Information relating to obtaining the item is presented on a display of the terminal. Input relating to obtaining the item is received from the user in response to the presented information.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for allowing bidding on products. A summary of user demand for a product is generated based on user input of product information. The summary is presented to a plurality of sellers of the product. Bids are received from the sellers for a price of the product. The lowest bid is selected and is presented to a reseller of the product.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for alerting a user to a promotional offer for a product. A representation of a bar code is received from a user. The representation of the bar code is associated with a product. A relationship between the user and the product is generated. The relationship between the user and the product is stored in a database. A search is performed for matching a promotional offer to the product. The promotional offer is output to the user based on the relationship of the user with the product.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for matching products to a textual request. Upon receiving a request for information about an item, the request is parsed to determine attributes of the item. A search of a database is performed for selecting a plurality of products each having the attributes of the item. Information about the products is retrieved and output.

Abstract: A bar code scanner is provided according to the present invention. The scanner includes a housing. A scanning portion is coupled to the housing and is operable to scan a bar code for generating an electronic representation of the bar code. A communications portion is coupled to the housing and is operable to upload the representation of the bar code to a client device of a user. A transmitting portion is coupled to the housing and is operable to transmit the representation of the bar code to a remote device, either wirelessly or through physical medium.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for selecting a vendor of a product. First, a textual message having a word generically referring to a product is received. The word is matched to one or more brands of product. A vendor of the brand(s) of product is selected. Information about the vendor is output.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for presenting product information. A navigation of a user is monitored. A detection is made that the user is viewing content about a product. A database having product information associated with the product is searched. Product information associated with the product is selected based on the search. The selected product information is presented for output in a second window of a display being viewed by the user.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for generating a promotional offer for a product. A form is provided. The form has one or more fields, such as a field for entering a product identification associated with the product or service, a promotion field for identifying the promotional offer, a price field, a discount field, a date field, and/or a field for an identifier of the entity or person offering the promotional offer. Information for entering in the field(s) of the form is received and entered in the field(s) for completing the form. A description of the promotional offer is generated based on the sufficiently completed form. The promotional offer is associated with the product and output to a user upon receiving a request for information about the product.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for providing product information to a user, where the user may remain anonymous. A product identifier is received from a client device of a user. The product identifier is associated with a particular product. A search is made of a data store for matching the product identifier with information about the product. The product information is stored on a network data site. The user is allowed to access the product information on the network data site using a user identifier.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for test marketing in real time based on user polls. User input relating to requests for information about products is stored in a database. The database is searched for selecting users who have entered user input relating to at least one product. Information relating to the product(s) is presented to the selected users. Feedback is received from the users. The feedback is analyzed for determining user interest in the at least one product.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for allowing selection of products while navigating multiple websites. A button is presented on a display screen that is displaying a web page of a first website, where the web page has information about a first product thereon. An identity of the first product is captured upon selection of the button. The button is presented on the display screen upon displaying a web page of a second website, where the web page of the second website has information about a second product thereon. An identity of the second product is captured upon selection of the button. The identities of the products are placed in a list. At least a portion of the list is output.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for selecting a vendor based on a list of user-selected products. A plurality of product identifiers are received from a user. Each product identifier is associated with a particular product. A list of the products is generated. A search is made for vendors of the products on the list. A vendor of the products is selected based on predetermined criteria. Information about the selected vendor is output.