Abstract: A method of transacting sales over a computerized network defining a product desired to be purchased by a plurality of purchasers. A plurality of database records are produced and stored, each corresponding to a correlation between the product and a respective one of the purchasers. A cost-of-bid price is calculated in response to a first time rate at which the plurality of database records are accumulated in the database memory during the storing. The process is repeated to produce a cost-of-bid price that varies in time in response to the time rate of accumulation of the database records.

Abstract: A system for announcing failure of a mechanically actuated arrangement employs a first coupler arrangement that couples an actuator to a structural element that is desired to be controlled, and a first force sensor is coupled to the first coupler arrangement. The first coupler arrangement and the first force sensor constitute a primary load path. Similarly, a second coupler arrangement is coupled to the actuator to the structural element and constitutes a secondary load path. Changes in the forces experienced by one or both of first and second force sensors are monitored by a controller/monitor system. A connector has a screw shaft in the primary load path and a preloaded tie rod in the secondary load path. Axial forces are generated by a drive motor, which can include a ball screw arrangement. Operating impulses generated by the ball screw arrangement are monitored during a predetermined interval of operation.

Abstract: A method of transacting sales over a computerized network defining a product desired to be purchased by a plurality of purchasers. A plurality of database records are produced and stored, each corresponding to a correlation between the product and a respective one of the purchasers. A cost-of-bid price is calculated in response to a first time rate at which the plurality of database records are accumulated in the database memory during the storing. The process is repeated to produce a cost-of-bid price that varies in time in response to the time rate of accumulation of the database records.

Abstract: A method of transacting sales over a computerized network correlates in a first database record a first product and a plurality of first purchasers to form a pool; further correlates a plurality of second purchasers; issues an offer to a vendor of the first product; and consummates a transaction between the vendor and the first and second purchasers. The offer is issued to the vendor responsive to a time rate of accumulation of buyers in the pool. A first commitment price for buyers is responsive to historical sales performance of the first product; a price trend of an article similar to the first article; or a price trend of the first article itself over time. A second product desired to be purchased by a first purchaser is defined, and an offer is made to a vendor for the purchase of the second product.

Abstract: A system for announcing failure of a mechanically actuated arrangement employs a first coupler arrangement that couples an actuator to a structural element that is desired to be controlled, and a first force sensor is coupled to the first coupler arrangement. The first coupler arrangement and the first force sensor constitute a primary load path. Similarly, a second coupler arrangement is coupled to the actuator to the structural element and constitutes a secondary load path. Changes in the forces experienced by one or both of first and second force sensors are monitored by a controller/monitor system. A connector has a screw shaft in the primary load path and a preloaded tie rod in the secondary load path. Axial forces are generated by a drive motor, which can include a ball screw arrangement. Operating impulses generated by the ball screw arrangement are monitored during a predetermined interval of operation.

Abstract: A method of determining variations in operating characteristics of a mechanical system having a rotatory mode of operation and bearing balls entrained within a bearing balls recirculation system. There are provided the steps of first monitoring operating impulses generated by the mechanical system during a first interval of operation; first analyzing the operating impulses obtained during the first interval to determine the intensity and frequency of the operating impulses; first correlating the operating impulses obtained during the first interval to corresponding angular positions of the rotatory mode of operation; and first producing a first record of the intensity and frequency of the operating impulses obtained during the first interval correlated to the corresponding angular positions of the mechanical system.

Abstract: A method of transacting sales over a computerized network correlates in a first database record the first product and the first purchaser to form a pool; further correlates a plurality of second purchasers; issues an offer to a vendor to purchase the first product at a first offer price; and consummates a transaction between the vendor and the first and second purchasers. A first commitment price is calculated in response to a time rate of the filling of the pool. The first commitment price may be responsive to historical sales performance of the first product; a price trend of an article similar to the first article; or a price trend of the first article itself over time. A second product desired to be purchased by a first purchaser is defined. An offer is made to a vendor to purchase the second product. A consolidated report is presented to the purchaser.

Abstract: A method of determining variations in operating characteristics of a mechanical system having a rotatory mode of operation and bearing balls entrained within a bearing balls recirculation system. There are provided the steps of first monitoring operating impulses generated by the mechanical system during a first interval of operation; first analyzing the operating impulses obtained during the first interval to determine the intensity and frequency of the operating impulses; first correlating the operating impulses obtained during the first interval to corresponding angular positions of the rotatory mode of operation; and first producing a first record of the intensity and frequency of the operating impulses obtained during the first interval correlated to the corresponding angular positions of the mechanical system.

Abstract: An arrangement for detecting a load bearing failure includes a primary load-carrying system for bearing axially translatably a coaxial load, said primary load-carrying system having a rotor portion and an axially displaceable stator portion. A plurality of bearing balls is interposed between the rotor and axially displaceable stator portions. A detector, which may include any of a laser measuring, an ultrasonic measuring, or a linear variable transformer or electrical contact detects wear or actual or impending failure of the primary load-carrying system. A secondary load-carrying system may be provided for bearing the coaxial load upon the event of a failure of the primary load-carrying system. The primary load-carrying system is a recirculating ball screw arrangement wherein the plurality of bearing balls is disposed in part in respective helical grooves of the rotor and axially displaceable stator portions. Wear or escape of the bearing balls is detected.

Abstract: An arrangement for detecting a load bearing failure includes a primary load-carrying system for bearing axially translatably a coaxial load, said primary load-carrying system having a rotor portion and an axially displaceable stator portion. A plurality of bearing balls is interposed between the rotor and axially displaceable stator portions. A detector, which may include any of a laser measuring, an ultrasonic measuring, or a linear variable transformer or electrical contact detects wear or actual or impending failure of the primary load-carrying system. A secondary load-carrying system may be provided for bearing the coaxial load upon the event of a failure of the primary load-carrying system. The primary load-carrying system is a recirculating ball screw arrangement wherein the plurality of bearing balls is disposed in part in respective helical grooves of the rotor and axially displaceable stator portions. Wear or escape of the bearing balls is detected.

Abstract: A method of transacting sales over a computerized network defines a first product desired to be purchased by a first purchaser; correlates in a first database record the first product and the first purchaser; further correlates in respective ones of a plurality of first database records the first product and respective ones of a plurality of second purchasers; issues an offer to a vendor to purchase the first product at a first offer price in a quantity responsive to the plurality of first database records; and consummates a transaction between the vendor and the first and second purchasers. Prior to performing the step of issuing an offer there is further provided the step of calculating a first commitment price, in response to a rate of performing the step of further correlating.

Abstract: A system for controlling muscular responses in living beings utilizes electrical stimulation of the muscle and acoustic monitoring of muscle performance. In one aspect, muscle functioning during a physical activity can be monitored acoustically, and the resulting signal compared against predetermined signal characteristics. Deviation of the muscle function from the desired characteristic can be corrected by applying a responsive electrical signal. Additionally, the response of a muscle to electrical stimulation can be monitored acoustically and an appropriate responsive correction to the electric signal, such as in its amplitude, frequency, spectral composition, duty cycle, can be made. In this manner, the invention permits control of muscle functions in dynamic and static states.