Abstract: A method for managing a frequent shopper program at a site providing both electronic commerce (e-commerce) shopping and in-store shopping, comprising the steps of: establishing a point of sale (POS) system, having a POS loyalty database and a POS purchase history database; establishing a list builder tool having an on-line shopping history database; establishing a query interface enabling communications between the POS system, the list builder tool and a network browser; updating the on-line shopping history database with information from the POS purchase history database through the query interface; updating the POS purchase history database with information from the on-line shopping history database through the query interface; and, determining a shopper's entitlement to a frequent shopper discount by accessing information from the updated POS purchase history database and the updated on-line shopping history database.

Abstract: A method and system for electronic distribution and redemption of coupons on a computer network. The method includes the steps of: providing an electronic coupon in the form of a machine readable computer file; permitting a user of a client machine to receive the computer file via the computer network when the user accesses a selected coupon distribution web site; storing the computer file on the client machine; and authorizing a benefit when the computer file is received by a selected coupon redemption web site via the computer network. The method can further include the steps of transmitting the computer file from the coupon redemption web site to the centralized computer facility; and verifying the authenticity of the computer file prior to authorizing the benefit.

Abstract: A method for engaging in electronic commerce (e-commerce) over a network from an e-commerce site, comprises the steps of: storing data representing an inventory of items for sale at the e-commerce site; storing historic and active shopping lists of respective shoppers at the e-commerce site; providing logged on shoppers with a shopping list builder tool for constructing entirely new shopping lists and for constructing new shopping lists from said stored shopping lists; accepting completed active shopping lists from the logged on shoppers; consummating purchases of products on the accepted lists; and, delivering the purchased products to the shoppers. The method can further comprise the step of: storing authorization data enabling shoppers to purchase the items at the e-commerce site on credit. Shoppers can use the shopping list builder to create, modify, delete and merge named lists. A permanent cumulative shopping list can be compiled for each shopper.

Abstract: An electronic commerce site, comprising: a point of sale (POS) system, having a POS loyalty database and a POS purchase history database; a list builder tool having an on-line shopping history database; a query interface between the POS system and the list builder tool, the POS system accepting data from an on-line shopper received by the list builder tool and routed through the query interface; the list builder tool returning at least one historical shopping list from the on-line shopping history database to the network browser through the query interface responsive to the on-line shopper's request; and, the on-line shopping history database of the list builder tool being updated with information from the POS system transmitted through the query interface. Communications between the query interface and the list builder tool can be over one or more of the Internet, a wide area network and a local area network.

Abstract: A method of enhancing network communications that provides conversion of data type, including language translation, between data producing and data consumers desiring to collaborate in a language or other data format different than the host language or data format. A conversion manager can receive producer data, sucn as topic threads, from a data provider and convert, either internally or through remote conversion engines, to a preferably preselected format for republication over the network to subscribing data consumers.

Abstract: A method for engaging in electronic commerce over the Internet, comprising the steps of: programming a first electronic mail (e-mail) message to include: a description of at least one product available for sale by an electronic commerce (e-commerce) site; a shopper selectable indicia for indicating that the shopper has chosen to purchase the at least one product; and, a shopper activatable link back to the e-commerce site for transmitting a second e-mail message including the shopper's choice to purchase the at least one product; transmitting the e-mail message over the Internet to at least one potential shopper; and, in response to receiving the second e-mail message transmitted back to the e-commerce site by activation of the link by the at least one potential shopper, consummating the purchase of the at least one product by the at least one potential shopper.

Abstract: An external fixation apparatus for applying force against a single isolated plane of deformity in the distal radius for fracture treatment, and which can be used to avoid the need for a bone graft to correct a distal radius malunion. A pair of laterally spaced-apart circular rings are coupled by three rods extending between the rings. Z-shaped brackets are used to offset each of the rods distal to the distal ring, and each rod is pivotally coupled to a Z-shaped bracket by a ball joint. One of the rods is also coupled to a gear mechanism and functions as a pushrod that provides for adjustment of the spacing between the rings along the axis of the pushrod. Each ring carries a radius fixation mechanism, and an optional metacarpal fixation mechanism can be attached to the distal side of the distal ring. An optional ulnar fixation mechanism can also be attached to the proximal ring.