Abstract: A system for appraising an item physically received from a seller includes a transaction point computer. The item has at least one constituent selected from the group consisting of a precious stone, a semi-precious stone, a precious metal, and a semi-precious metal. Appraising the item includes determining a composition of the item using an evaluating device and associating an exchange value with the item using the evaluating device and market data obtained over a network. The system includes a networking device and shipping carton dispenser configured to provide a shipping carton for shipping the item to a depository. The system further includes a shipping label dispenser for providing a fold-under label to be adhered to the shipping carton, and a slot for dispensing a transaction card to the seller. The shipping carton is shipped to the depository after the transaction card is loaded with the exchange value.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for appraising and selling an item includes the step of using a kiosk to physically receive the item from a seller. The method comprises the step of appraising the item by determining a composition of the item using an evaluating device and associating an exchange value with the item using market data obtained over a network. A global positioning device determines a location of the kiosk. The method includes the step of using a legal database to ascertain a set of rules governing the sale of the item in the location. The set of rules comprise a holding requirement dictating that the item be retained for a fixed number of days before it is sold to a buyer. The method also includes the step of selling the item to the buyer at the kiosk in compliance with the set of rules.

Abstract: A method for appraising at a retail location an item having one of a precious stone, a semi-precious stone, a precious metal, or a semi-precious metal includes the step of providing a variety of food products at the retail location. Then, by a transaction point computer at the retail location, the item to be appraised is received, along with the consumer's selection of a food product. The item's composition is determined using an evaluating device, and an exchange value is associated with the item using data obtained by the evaluating device and market data obtained over a network. The exchange value of the item is relayed to the consumer after the food product selected by the consumer has been delivered.

Abstract: A distribution marketing piece is designed to be adhered to and carried by a substrate and includes a top ply selectively adhered to a liner ply. A transverse line of separation divides the top ply into first and second sections, each section having side strips and the first section having *a central portion and the second section having a center section. Removal of the liner before application of the top ply to the substrate results in removal of the side strips along the second section which are carried with the liner ply; a portion of the liner ply remains adhered **to the first and second sections to connecting them. By folding the liner ply and the connected part of the first and second sections, the first section adheres to the substrate surrounding the center section and the central portion to define a pocket free of adhesive connection to the substrate.

Abstract: A business card is constructed with dimensions of 2 inches wide and 3 inches long. Miniature gift or promotional cards are detachably secured to the border or edges of the business card by tabs. The miniature gift or promotional cards may be separated from the business card by a customer or potential customer and submitted to the business identified on the card to receive a gift, discount, rebate, or cash at the time the customer purchases goods for services from the business identified on the card. Methods of making and using the business cards are also provided.

Abstract: A method for appraising at a retail location an item having one of a precious stone, a semi-precious stone, a precious metal, or a semi-precious metal includes the step of providing a variety of food products at the retail location. Then, by a transaction point computer at the retail location, the item to be appraised is received, along with the consumer's selection of a food product. The item's composition is determined using an evaluating device, and an exchange value is associated with the item using data obtained by the evaluating device and market data obtained over a network. The exchange value of the item is relayed to the consumer after the food product selected by the consumer has been delivered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retailing system that provides a series of consumer products, customizable prime business communication products and a selection of ready to eat convenience food products. The retail system is provided at a fixed retail location such as a kiosk or permanent installation and may include a series of advertising panels displaying one or more products that is offered by the retail system. The retail system further includes one or more transaction points enabling a user to obtain the consumer goods, business communication products and ready to eat convenience foods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retailing system that provides a series of consumer products, customizable prime business communication products and a selection of ready to eat convenience food products. The retail system is provided at a fixed retail location such as a kiosk or permanent installation and may include a series of advertising panels displaying one or more products that is offered by the retail system. The retail system further includes one or more transaction points enabling a user to obtain the consumer goods, business communication products and ready to eat convenience foods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a user enabled product and service fulfillment system in which a cell phone is used to enter prompts for products and services. The system of the present invention enables users to regularly receive products and or services that are routinely ordered without the necessity of having to re-enter such products or services each time a user connects with the system. The user may also supplement each order with available additional products or service offerings which are not routinely ordered by the user.

Abstract: A business form having an integrated label in its top ply or other sheets advantageously includes a release sheet which is only partially covered with a release coating in order to provide a controlled release. The controlled release is provided by skiving lines which preferably remove a portion of the release coating within a border on the release sheet. The adhesive layer is thereby directly connected to both the label and the release sheet. The release coating is penetrated intermittently by the skiving lines to remove a portion of the release coating. Alternatively, a pattern of release coating of silicone or the like may be printed in a pattern so that the release coating is only intermittently provided in covering relationship over the release sheet. The provision of intermittent direct contact between the adhesive and the release sheet provides improved adhesion of the label to the liner without detracting from the functionality of the form or the label.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the continuous manufacture of printed, laminated stock is provided. The apparatus is designed to use plain, uncoated webs and at separate stations along a continuous path apply a release coating, apply an adhesive, join the webs together and imprint the combined webs to yield a final, laminated and imprinted stock. By die cutting and stripping the stock at further stations, discrete elements such as labels may be produced and carried by one of the webs. The apparatus preferably includes stations for curing and remoisturizing the release coated web, whereby a known moisture content is provided for the release coating prior to the application of adhesive and joining the webs into laminated stock. The process includes providing respective webs, applying a release coating to one web, joining the two webs together, imprinting at least one of the webs and routing the combined webs to a delivery station whereby the entire process is continuous and uninterrupted.

Abstract: A business form having a base sheet and a web adhered thereto forming a discrete pocket is provided. The web is applied and adhered to the base sheet whereby the surrounding margin of the web is recessed from the circumscribing edge of the base sheet. The continuous form can be fan-folded without binding or interference as the fold lines of the base sheet are free from interference by the web, The base sheet may be coated with carbonless transfer media as may be an insert ply positioned between the web and the base sheet to permit inscriptions on the base sheet to be transferred to a ply which may be subsequently removed.