Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080208716 | Product information system - Product information may be structured using a product hierarchy so that products may be uniquely identified. A first level of the product hierarchy may be associated with product make and model information. A second level of the product hierarchy may be associated with product year information. A third level of the product hierarchy may be associated with product generation information. The product hierarchy may also include additional levels to accommodate other product detail information. | 08-28-2008 |
20100049622 | INTRODUCING A FIXED-PRICE TRANSACTION MECHANISM IN CONJUNCTION WITH AN AUCTION TRANSACTION MECHANISM - A method and systems for auction price-setting for a listing using a fixed price-setting process are disclosed. A seller is provided with an option to offer the listing in the fixed price-setting process or the auction price-setting process. A fixed price offer for the listing is published based on a criteria. Additional embodiments are also disclosed. | 02-25-2010 |
20110022490 | SELLER-CONTROLLED PUBLICATION OF QUESTION AND ANSWER SETS - An auction mechanism that would allow a buyer to submit a question to a seller, and optionally have the seller post the relevant question as well as a response for inclusion within a listing. | 01-27-2011 |
20140089127 | INTRODUCING A FIXED-PRICE TRANSACTION MECHANISM IN CONJUNCTION WITH AN AUCTION TRANSACTION MECHANISM - An auction price-setting method to present an auction price-setting process and a fixed price process to provide a fixed price offer for an item and to publish the fixed price offer on a listing based on a criteria. | 03-27-2014 |
20150363845 | METHOD AND SYSTEM TO GENERATE A PORTABLE CONTRACT DOCUMENT - A method and system to generate a portable contract document are provided. The system may include a description module, a price module and a contract document generator. The description module may be configured to receive, from a potential buyer, identification information associated with a sale item. The price module may be configured to receive, from the potential buyer, a price information associated with the sale item. The contract document generator may be configured to respond to a request by the potential buyer by automatically generating a contract document for a sale of the sale item, utilizing the identification information and the price information. | 12-17-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090013908 | Break down desk assembly - A break down desk is disclosed to facilitate an efficient storage disassembly and transport in compact shipping containers. The break down desk may be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled without the use of traditional tools and fasteners and with a minimal of assistance. A removable desktop is detachably connected to and across a pair of opposing side panels. The removable desktop includes a primary writing surface at the front, a file/paper stacking surface located behind the primary writing surface, and a pair of detachable side wings. A wire management channel, through which to receive an electrical wire from an electrical apparatus, runs around the desktop between the primary writing surface, the file/stacking surface, and the side wings. A cable routing trough, to guide the cable from an AC power strip received therewithin towards a source of power, is detachably connected between the pair of opposing side panels below the desktop. A cable access door is pivotally attached to the file/stacking surface of the desktop to be rotatable from a closed position, at which to prevent access to the cable routing trough through the desktop, to an open position, at which to permit access to the cable routing trough through the desktop. | 01-15-2009 |
20090051254 | Modular desk assembly having collapsible frame - A modular desk assembly is disclosed of the kind commonly used in a home or office. The desk assembly includes front and second end desk sections and a mid desk section located between the end desk sections. Each of the first and second end desk sections includes a frame that is adapted to be moved between expanded and collapsed frame configurations. The mid desk section includes a frame that is coupled between and suspended from the frames of the first and second end desk sections. A lift-off top is detachably connected to a set of legs from each of the first and second end desk sections. A lift-off top is seated upon the frame of the mid desk section so as to lie between the lift-off tops of the first and second end desk sections. The desk assembly can be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled without using tools and with a minimum of manpower. | 02-26-2009 |
20110079687 | Folding a-frame TV stand - A folding A-frame TV stand to be detachably connected to a TV mount so that a television connected to the TV mount can be held above the ground. The folding TV stand includes first and second intersecting legs. The first and second legs are pivotally connected to one another by a hinge located at the intersection thereof so that the legs are rotatable at the hinge between an unfolded position, at which the first and second legs are spaced apart to have a “A” shape in order to support the TV mount, and a folded position, at which the legs are moved side-by-side one another to assume a generally flat, space-efficient configuration suitable for transport in a compact shipping container. One of the first and second legs is longer than the other to create a vertical leg extension above the hinge at which the TV stand is detachably connected to the TV mount. | 04-07-2011 |
20110079688 | Folding TV stand assembly - A folding TV stand assembly adapted to be shipped disassembled in a substantially-flat configuration within a compact shipping container and assembled without the use of tools. The TV stand assembly includes a rotatable shelf support, a TV mount to be connected to the back of a television, and an upstanding back spine to be removably received at one end thereof by a spine-receiving base of the rotatable shelf support and detachably connected at the opposite end thereof to the TV mount. The shelf support has first and second sets of rails that are pivotally coupled to respective opposite sides of the spine-receiving base. The first and second sets of rails are rotatable relative to the spine-receiving base between an unfolded position projecting outwardly and away from one another to a folded position arranged in parallel alignment with one another to facilitate transport in the substantially-flat shipping configuration. A plurality of shelves are detachably connected to the sets of rails of the shelf support when the rails are rotated to the unfolded position. | 04-07-2011 |
20110163050 | Floor and wall-mounted stands with backlighting - Backlighted floor and wall-mounted stands, each including a set of shelves and a mood-enhancing light source (e.g., an LED tube) located behind the shelves. According to one preferred embodiment, the stand has a base that is seated on the floor and a pair of upstanding TV mount support posts connected to the base to hold a television above the shelves. A set of flexible light-diffusing panels are bent around and in front of the light source so as to be removably retained between the TV mount support posts. According to a second preferred embodiment, the stand has a pair of vertical V-shaped side rails that are held by back braces against a wall. A set of flexible light diffusing panels are bent around and in front of the light source so as to be removably retained between the V-shaped side rails. | 07-07-2011 |
20110163584 | No-tools seat plate assembly with seat lift gas cylinder receiver - A seat plate assembly that is secured without the use of tools or special skill to the bottom of a seat of a home or office chair that is sold disassembled. The no-tools seat plate assembly includes a seat plate housing that is connected to and slidable along the seat relative to a catch and a cam lock that is pivotally connected to and rotatable relative to the seat plate housing. The seat plate housing has a gas cylinder receiver in which to receive a gas lift cylinder. When the seat plate housing is first connected to the seat, the cam lock is rotated over top the gas cylinder receiver to block receipt of the gas cylinder. During installation, the seat plate housing slides axially along the seat, and the cam lock is rotated into locking engagement with the catch. The gas cylinder receiver is now unblocked to accept the gas cylinder therewithin. | 07-07-2011 |
20110215629 | No-tools chair assembly - A chair assembly including a seat, a back and at least one arm that are detachably connected together without requiring the use of tools or special skill. The chair assembly can be advantageously shipped disassembled in a compact, space-efficient package to reduce shipping costs. A seat bracket affixed to the arm is slidably and removably received by a seat bracket receiver affixed to the seat, whereby the arm is detachably connected to the seat. A back bracket affixed to the back is slidably and removably received by a back bracket receiver at the arm, whereby the back is detachably connected to the arm. The back bracket includes a locking catch that is adapted to rotate into and out of locking engagement with one of a set of serrated edges from a locking plate of the back bracket receiver after the back bracket slides into removable receipt by the back bracket receiver. | 09-08-2011 |
20110215630 | No-tools chair assembly - A chair assembly including a seat, a back and at least one arm that are detachably connected together without requiring the use of tools or special skill. The chair assembly can be advantageously shipped disassembled in a compact, space-efficient package to reduce shipping costs. An arm connection bracket affixed to the arm is slidably and removably received by an arm bracket receiver affixed to the seat, whereby the arm is detachably connected to the seat. A back connection bracket affixed to the back is slidably and removably received by a back bracket receiver affixed to the arm, whereby the back is detachably connected to the arm. The back bracket receiver includes a rotatable lock release lever that is adapted to rotate into and out of locking engagement with the back connection bracket after the back connection bracket slides into removable receipt by the back bracket receiver. | 09-08-2011 |
20140062153 | CHAIR WITH INTEGRAL PIVOTING LUMBAR AND SEAT CUSHION PORTIONS - A chair of the type commonly found in a home or office and having a stationary back, a pair of arms, and a rotatable seat cradle that is located between the arms. The seat cradle includes a lumbar portion lying against the stationary chair back to support the user's lower back and a seat cushion portion to support the user's pelvis. The lumbar portion and the seat cushion portion of the seat cradle are connected to one another so as to rotate together as a unit relative to the stationary back and the arms of the chair. By virtue of the foregoing, the hips and spine of the user will be continuously aligned whenever the user shifts his weight in the chair, whereby to maximize user comfort and improve user posture. | 03-06-2014 |
20150102647 | DYNAMIC LUMBAR SUPPORT FOR A CHAIR - A dynamic lumbar support located within the back of an office or home chair to enable a user to be seated close to a work surface (e.g., a desk or a table). The chair back rocks back and forth when the user shins his weight backwards and forwards. The dynamic lumbar support includes a cushion back support manufactured from a resilient material that is responsive to a compressive force applied thereto when the user reclines and shifts his weight against the chair back. In particular, the cushion back support is adapted to change its shape from a relaxed convex shape at which to support the user's lower back and maintain a proper posture when the user sits erect and the chair back stands upright to a compressed flattened shape at which to support the users back when the reclines and the chair back bits backwards. | 04-16-2015 |
20150208809 | PROGRESSIVELY CURVED LUMBAR SUPPORT FOR THE BACK OF A CHAIR - A progressively curved lumbar support located within the back of an office or home chair to enable a user to be seated close to a work surface (e.g., a desk or a table). The chair back tilts backwards and forwards when the user shifts his weight back and forth. The lumbar support includes a cushion back support manufactured from a resilient material that is responsive to a compressive force applied thereto when the user reclines against the chair back. In particular, a tilt pressure-responsive rod rides up and down over a pair of inclined guide blocks to cause the cushion back support to change its shape from a convex configuration at which to support the user's lower back and maintain a proper posture when the user sits erect and the chair back stands upright to a relatively flattened configuration when the chair back tilts backwards. | 07-30-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120232537 | Radiation-Based Dermatological Devices and Methods - A self-contained, hand-held device for delivering fractional radiation-based treatment to the skin includes a device body configured to be handheld by a user; a radiation source supported in the device body, the radiation source including a beam source configured to generate an energy beam; an application end configured to be manually moved across the surface of the skin during a treatment session; and electronics configured to control the radiation source during the treatment session such that the beam source emits a sequence of pulsed energy beams to the skin to generate an array of treatment spots on the skin, wherein adjacent treatment spots generated on the skin are spaced apart from each other by areas of non-treated skin between the adjacent treatment spots. Each energy beam emitted by the pulsed beam source has the same, fixed propagation path with respect to the device body. | 09-13-2012 |
20120232538 | RADIATION-BASED DERMATOLOGICAL DEVICES AND METHODS - A self-contained, hand-held device for providing fractional treatment to the skin includes a device body configured to be handheld by a user; a radiation source supported in the device body, the radiation source including a single beam source configured to emit a single energy beam; an application end configured to be manually moved across the skin during a treatment session; and electronics configured to pulse the single beam source to emit a sequence of pulsed energy beams to the skin while the application end is manually moved across the skin, thereby generating an array of treatment spots on the skin, wherein adjacent treatment spots generated on the skin are spaced apart from each other by areas of non-treated skin between the adjacent treatment spots, thereby providing a fractional treatment. Each pulsed energy beam emitted by the beam source has the same, fixed propagation path with respect to the device body. | 09-13-2012 |
20120239016 | Radiation-Based Dermatological Devices and Methods - A self-contained, hand-held device for providing radiation-based dermatological treatments includes a device body configured to be handheld by a user; a laser device supported in the device body, the laser device including a laser beam source configured to emit laser radiation; an application end configured to be manually moved across the surface of the skin during a treatment session; and electronics configured to control the laser beam source to emit laser radiation toward the skin to provide a dermatological treatment; wherein the device includes no optics downstream of the laser source. | 09-20-2012 |
20130338736 | Antimicrobial Layer For Optical Output Window - Light-source treatment devices such as dermatological or cosmetic devices include a skin contacting surface layer that is antimicrobial. The antimicrobial skin contacting surface layer enhances the cleanliness of the device and helps reduce infection and contamination risks associated with use of the devices, particularly where the treatment of multiple individuals occurs. The antimicrobial layer may be titanium dioxide. | 12-19-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080310836 | Manufacturing System and Method Using IR Communications Link - An automated test system for testing devices being manufactured comprises an infrared communications link for free space communications between a host and a device under test. The communications link is asymmetric and instructions from the host are acknowledged by the device. The instructions cause the device to operate, and the output of the device is monitored, logged, and compared to acceptance criteria. The host can then generate calibration messages to the device, to change the device operating characteristics as appropriate. The communications link uses an unmodulated data stream together with asynchronous handshaking and a robust checksum algorithm to ensure accurate communication. | 12-18-2008 |
20090097513 | Failure Protection Apparatus and System - A safety and interlock circuit for use with devices which could cause injury if an error condition causes improper operation. A control program executing on a processor monitors a variety of device conditions, including pulse over-duration threshold, diode over-current threshold, pulse lock-out duration, temperature threshold, and pulse repetition frequency limit, and prevents the laser from firing if an error condition is detected. In addition, the error conditions are logged in a persistent memory to facilitate subsequent diagnosis and correction. | 04-16-2009 |
20090125006 | Optical Sensor and Method for Identifying the Presence of Skin - A sensor for detecting the presence of skin is disclosed, one configuration of which uses multiple light emitting diodes, each of a unique wavelength band, and a broad-band photodetector to measure the remission of light at multiple wavelengths from a material being analyzed. Characteristics of the spectral remission of the material are used to discriminate human skin from materials that are not human skin. Further, an aesthetic medical device utilizing such a sensor in which the device is inhibited from operation if skin has not been detected. The incorporation of a skin sensor improves the safety of devices that emit radiation that otherwise would pose a hazard if not directed onto skin. | 05-14-2009 |
20090204109 | Eye-Safe Dermatologic Treatment Apparatus and Method - A dermatologic treatment apparatus is disclosed which includes one or more housings with at least one housing configured for manipulation in a dermatologic treatment procedure, a light source, and an electrical circuit. The circuit energizes the light source to produce output light pulses. A light path includes an aperture through which eye-safe light pulses are propagated having properties sufficient for providing efficacious treatment. An optical diffuser is disposed along the light path to reduce the integrated radiance to an eye-safe level. The apparatus produces an output fluence not less than 4 J/cm | 08-13-2009 |
20090270848 | Optical Sensor and Method for Identifying the Presence of Skin and the Pigmentation of Skin - Apparatus and methods are provided to control a device, such as a light emitting dermatologic or cosmetic treatment device, and ensure that the device is in contact with skin while also determining the pigmentation level of skin. One or more light sources contact the skin and one or more detectors measure spectral remission from the skin. The obtained remission measurements are compared with known skin spectral remission values, and calibration allows measurements of absolute remission to be converted to fractional remission values. Skin pigmentation levels are compared to known base-line levels to determine and control appropriate treatment parameters. A temperature sensor allows correction for temperature variations. The apparatus may or may not be incorporated into the treatment device. | 10-29-2009 |
20100069898 | Acne Treatment Method, System and Device - An acne treatment system, device and method includes optical visualization means for identifying areas of skin colonized by the | 03-18-2010 |
20110098789 | Phototherapy Device Thermal Control Apparatus and Method - A phototherapy device includes a light source; a light emanation block; and a heat exchanger for the dissipation of heat from one or more heat loads associated with the device. Heat may be transferred via the heat exchanger from the light source independently of the dissipation of heat from one or more of the other device heat loads. Substantially thermally isolated heat transfer regions may be provided, and such regions may be maintained at different operating temperatures, to control the transfer of heat in conjunction with a phototherapy method and to promote efficient and enhanced device operation and performance. | 04-28-2011 |
20130051414 | Compression Mount for Semiconductor Devices, and Method - A mount for semiconductor laser devices comprises thermally conductive anode and cathode blocks on either side of a semiconductor laser device such as a laser diode. Interposed between at least the anode block and the anode of the semiconductor laser device is a sheet of conformable material with high thermal conductivity such as pyrolytic highly-oriented graphite. In some embodiments, a second sheet of such thermally conductive conformable material is interposed between the cathode of the semiconductor laser device and the cathode block. The semiconductor laser device can be either a single laser diode or a diode bar having a plurality of emitters. A thermally conductive, but electrically insulating, spacer of essentially the same thickness as the laser diode or bar surrounds the diode or bar to prevent mechanical damage while still permitting the conformable material to be maintained in a compressed state. | 02-28-2013 |
20130058367 | Mount for Semiconductor Devices Using Conformable Conductive Layers, and Method - Mount for semiconductor laser devices comprises thermally conductive anode and cathode blocks on either side of semiconductor laser device such as laser diode. Interposed between at least the anode block and the anode of the semiconductor laser device is a sheet of conformable electrically conductive material with high thermal conductivity such as pyrolytic highly-oriented graphite. In some embodiments, a second sheet of such electrically and thermally conductive conformable material is interposed between the cathode of the semiconductor laser device and the cathode block. The semiconductor laser device can be either a single laser diode or a diode bar having a plurality of emitters. A thermally conductive, but electrically insulating, spacer of essentially the same thickness as the laser diode or bar surrounds the diode or bar to prevent mechanical damage while still permitting the conformable material to be maintained in a compressed state and directing current through the laser device. | 03-07-2013 |
20140114299 | Eye-Safe Dermatologic Treatment Apparatus and Method - A dermatologic treatment apparatus is disclosed which includes one or more housings with at least one housing configured for manipulation in a dermatologic treatment procedure, a light source, and an electrical circuit. The circuit energizes the light source to produce output light pulses. A light path includes an aperture through which eye-safe light pulses are propagated having properties sufficient for providing efficacious treatment. An optical diffuser is disposed along the light path to reduce the integrated radiance to an eye-safe level. The apparatus produces an output fluence not less than 4 J/cm | 04-24-2014 |
20140155876 | SELF-CONTAINED, EYE-SAFE HAIR-REGROWTH-INHIBITION APPARATUS AND METHOD - A dermatologic hair-regrowth-inhibiting apparatus is disclosed which is cordless and sufficiently compact as to be hand-held. A self-contained housing is configured for gripping by a person's hand for cordless manipulation in a hair-regrowth-inhibiting procedure. A light source and electrical circuit are contained within the housing. The circuit includes one or more batteries for energizing the light source to produce output light pulses. A light path within the housing includes an aperture through which eye-safe light pulses are propagated out of the housing having properties sufficient for at least temporary hair-regrowth inhibition. A diffuser is disposed along the light path to reduce the integrated radiance to an eye-safe level. | 06-05-2014 |
20140171929 | Phototherapy Device Thermal Control Apparatus and Method - A cordless, hand-held dermatologic hair-regrowth-inhibiting apparatus may include: a self-contained housing configured for gripping by a person's hand for cordless manipulation in a hair-regrowth-inhibiting procedure; a light source comprising one or more diode laser bars within the housing; a direct drive electrical circuit within the housing comprising one or more batteries for energizing the light source to produce output light pulses, wherein the electrical circuit does not include any storage capacitors that energize the light source by capacitor discharge; and a light path within the housing including an aperture through which the output light pulses are propagated out of the housing having properties sufficient for at least temporary hair-regrowth inhibition. | 06-19-2014 |
20140334507 | Mount for Semiconductor Devices Using Conformable Conductive Layers, and Method - A mount for semiconductor laser devices comprises thermally conductive anode and cathode blocks on either side of a semiconductor laser device such as a laser diode. Interposed between at least the anode block and the anode of the semiconductor laser device is a sheet of conformable electrically conductive material with high thermal conductivity such as pyrolytic highly-oriented graphite. In some embodiments, a second sheet of such electrically and thermally conductive conformable material is interposed between the cathode of the semiconductor laser device and the cathode block. The semiconductor laser device can be either a single laser diode or a diode bar having a plurality of emitters. A thermally conductive, but electrically insulating, spacer of essentially the same thickness as the laser diode or bar surrounds the diode or bar to prevent mechanical damage while still permitting the conformable material to be maintained in a compressed state and directing current through the laser device. | 11-13-2014 |
20150057725 | PHOTOTHERAPY DEVICE THERMAL CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD - A phototherapy device includes an outlet end to be placed in contact with a person's skin, a heat exchanger, an optical structure arranged between the heat exchanger and the outlet end, and a light source arranged between the heat exchanger and the outlet end, and configured to emit light for delivery to the skin through or adjacent the optical structure. The heat exchanger may include a first heat transfer portion thermally coupled to the light source for dissipating heat from the light source, and a second heat transfer portion thermally coupled to the optical structure for dissipating heat from the optical structure. The first and second heat transfer portions of the heat exchanger may be substantially thermally isolated from each other, e.g., partially or completely physically separated from each other. | 02-26-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080320049 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR HARVESTING COMMENTS REGARDING EVENTS ON A NETWORK-BASED COMMERCE FACILITY - Systems and Methods to determine whether a single input interface includes comment information that is categorized. The system present a single input interface via a communications network. The single input interface includes a plurality of input mechanisms to facilitate user input of comment information and categorization information. The plurality of input mechanisms include a first input mechanism and a second input mechanism. The first input mechanism is to facilitate user input of comment information that pertains to a first event of a plurality of events. The second input mechanism is to facilitate user input of categorization information that categorizes the comment information pertaining to the first event. The plurality of input mechanism further include a third input mechanism and a fourth input mechanism. The third input mechanism is to facilitate user input of comment information that pertains to a second event of the plurality of events. The fourth input mechanism is to facilitate user input of categorization information that categorizes the comment information that pertains to the second event. Finally, the system determines whether the single input interface includes comment information that is categorized. | 12-25-2008 |
20100049622 | INTRODUCING A FIXED-PRICE TRANSACTION MECHANISM IN CONJUNCTION WITH AN AUCTION TRANSACTION MECHANISM - A method and systems for auction price-setting for a listing using a fixed price-setting process are disclosed. A seller is provided with an option to offer the listing in the fixed price-setting process or the auction price-setting process. A fixed price offer for the listing is published based on a criteria. Additional embodiments are also disclosed. | 02-25-2010 |
20100228536 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO FACILITATE TRANSLATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN ENTITIES OVER A NETWORK - A system and method to facilitate translation of communications between entities over a network are described. Multiple predetermined language constructs are communicated to a first entity as a first transmission over the network. Responsive to selection by the first entity of a language construct from the predetermined language constructs, a translated language construct corresponding to the selected language construct is identified. Finally, the translated language construct is communicated to a second entity as a second transmission over the network. | 09-09-2010 |
20110022490 | SELLER-CONTROLLED PUBLICATION OF QUESTION AND ANSWER SETS - An auction mechanism that would allow a buyer to submit a question to a seller, and optionally have the seller post the relevant question as well as a response for inclusion within a listing. | 01-27-2011 |
20110137740 | PROCESSING VALUE-ASCERTAINABLE ITEMS - Techniques are provided for allowing a merchant to process third party closed-loop instruments (such as gift cards) as if the closed-loop instruments were open-loop instruments. A customer provides card data of a third party gift card to a merchant, e.g., online or in a merchant store, for the purchase of one or more items provided by the merchant. The merchant sends the gift card data to an intermediary that deducts at least a portion of the balance of the gift card. The intermediary sends an offer for the gift card to the customer. If the customer accepts the offer, then the merchant applies the offer towards the total purchase price of the one or more items. | 06-09-2011 |
20110320331 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SUBMITTING AN OFFER TO PURCHASE OVER A NETWORK-BASED COMMERCE FACILITY - A system and method to facilitate a transaction in a network-based commerce facility is provided. The method includes presenting a plurality of listings to a user, and monitoring selection of one of the plurality of listings by the user. Thereafter, the user is provided with an indication of an equivalent periodic payment of a plurality of periodic payments associated with an offer to purchase. In one embodiment, the user is provided with an option to conclude the transaction for the selected listing based on a plurality of periodic payments. In certain embodiments, the network-based commerce facility is a web-based auction facility where the offers are in the form of bids. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the periodic payment may be a monthly payment and the products are movable goods such as motor vehicle, motorcycles, watercraft, or the like. | 12-29-2011 |
20120059736 | PROCESSING VALUE-ASCERTAINABLE ITEMS - Techniques are provided for allowing a merchant to process third party closed-loop instruments (such as gift cards) as if the closed-loop instruments were open-loop instruments. A customer provides card data of a third party gift card to a merchant, e.g., online or in a merchant store, for the purchase of one or more items provided by the merchant. The merchant sends the gift card data to an intermediary that deducts at least a portion of the balance of the gift card. The intermediary sends an offer for the gift card to the customer. If the customer accepts the offer, then the merchant applies the offer towards the total purchase price of the one or more items. | 03-08-2012 |
20120143705 | PROCESSING VALUE-ASCERTAINABLE ITEMS - Techniques are provided for allowing a merchant to process third party closed-loop instruments (such as gift cards) as if the closed-loop instruments were open-loop instruments. A customer provides card data of a third party gift card to a merchant, e.g., online or in a merchant store, for the purchase of one or more items provided by the merchant. The merchant sends the gift card data to an intermediary that deducts at least a portion of the balance of the gift card. The intermediary sends an offer for the gift card to the customer. If the customer accepts the offer, then the merchant applies the offer towards the total purchase price of the one or more items. | 06-07-2012 |
20120221405 | PROCESSING VALUE-ASCERTAINABLE ITEMS - Techniques are provided for allowing a merchant to process third party closed-loop instruments (such as gift cards) as if the closed-loop instruments were open-loop instruments. A customer provides card data of a third party gift card to a merchant, e.g., online or in a merchant store, for the purchase of one or more items provided by the merchant. The merchant sends the gift card data to an intermediary that deducts at least a portion of the balance of the gift card. The intermediary sends an offer for the gift card to the customer. If the customer accepts the offer, then the merchant applies the offer towards the total purchase price of the one or more items. | 08-30-2012 |
20120221425 | PROCESSING VALUE-ASCERTAINABLE ITEMS - Techniques are provided for allowing a merchant to process third party closed-loop instruments (such as gift cards) as if the closed-loop instruments were open-loop instruments. A customer provides card data of a third party gift card to a merchant, e.g., online or in a merchant store, for the purchase of one or more items provided by the merchant. The merchant sends the gift card data to an intermediary that deducts at least a portion of the balance of the gift card. The intermediary sends an offer for the gift card to the customer. If the customer accepts the offer, then the merchant applies the offer towards the total purchase price of the one or more items. | 08-30-2012 |
20130018756 | METHOD AND SYSTEM AUTOMATICALLY TO SUPPORT MULTIPLE TRANSACTION TYPES, AND TO DISPLAY SELLER-SPECIFIC TRANSACTIONS OF VARIOUS TRANSACTION TYPES IN AN INTEGRATED, COMMINGLED LISTING - This invention provides for a method of (or apparatus for) facilitating the display of items of multiple transaction types in a commingled listing. The display of items of multiple transaction types in a commingled listing may include items which are being offered by a specific Seller at a network based commerce facility. | 01-17-2013 |
20130073459 | DIGITAL EXCHANGE AND MOBILE WALLET FOR DIGITAL CURRENCY - Techniques are provided for managing a digital wallet on behalf of a user. A user causes one or more value-ascertainable items (such as gift cards) to be reflected in the user's digital wallet. Once a value-ascertainable item is reflected in the digital wallet, the user may access the digital wallet and use the value-ascertainable item to make a purchase from a merchant that is capable of redeeming the value-ascertainable item. Alternatively, an exchange service that maintains the digital wallet allows the user to exchange the value-ascertainable item for another value-ascertainable item, whether of the same type item or a different type of item. The exchanged-for item may be used to make a purchase from a merchant that is capable of redeeming the exchanged-for item. | 03-21-2013 |
20130304620 | USING A VALUE-ASCERTAINABLE ITEM TO OBTAIN CREDIT AT A THIRD-PARTY MERCHANT - Techniques are provided for providing value to a user in exchange for the user's value-ascertainable item. In one technique, the user, while in a merchant's store, uses a mobile device to scan a QR code that triggers a browser application to send a request to an exchange service over a network. The request includes data that is associated with the merchant. The user provides card data of a particular gift card to the exchange service. The exchange service checks the balance of the card and sends an offer for the card to the user. If the user accepts, then the exchange service sends account information and/or a bar code to the user's mobile device. The account information or bar code can be used immediately by the user to purchase one or more items at the store. | 11-14-2013 |
20140082063 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR HARVESTING COMMENTS REGARDING USERS ON A NETWORK-BASED FACILITY - Displaying a user interface to harvest feedback information pertaining to transactions facilitated by a computerized transaction facility includes the display of multiple feedback windows, or other distinct areas, within a user interface displayed on a display device. Each feedback window includes transaction identifier information that identifies a respective transaction. Each feedback window also includes a feedback input that receives feedback information, pertaining to an associated transaction identified by the transaction information. The feedback input is displayed, within each feedback window, to indicate an association with the respective transaction information. Accordingly, feedback input for multiple transactions may conveniently be inputted through a single user interface. | 03-20-2014 |
20140089127 | INTRODUCING A FIXED-PRICE TRANSACTION MECHANISM IN CONJUNCTION WITH AN AUCTION TRANSACTION MECHANISM - An auction price-setting method to present an auction price-setting process and a fixed price process to provide a fixed price offer for an item and to publish the fixed price offer on a listing based on a criteria. | 03-27-2014 |
20140142919 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO FACILITATE TRANSLATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN ENTITIES OVER A NETWORK - A system and method to facilitate translation of communications between entities over a network are described. Multiple predetermined language constructs are communicated to a first entity as a first transmission over the network. Responsive to selection by the first entity of a language construct from the predetermined language constructs, a translated language construct corresponding to the selected language construct is identified. Finally, the translated language construct is communicated to a second entity as a second transmission over the network. | 05-22-2014 |
20140372244 | METHOD AND SYSTEM TO GENERATE A LISTING IN A NETWORK-BASED COMMERCE SYSTEM - Generating a listing in a network-based commerce system Listing identification data is received from a user, and listing data associated with the listing, based on the listing identification data, is retrieved. Thereafter, a listing is generated that is at least partially based on the listing data tier posting on the network-based commerce system. In one embodiment, the user may edit the listing data prior to the listing being posted. The network-based commerce system may include a database of listing data associated with at least one of movies, music, games, books and motor vehicles. In one embodiment, the proposed listing comprises a plurality of check boxes each of which is associated with an attribute of the listing and the system automatically, without human intervention, checks attributes based on the listing data. The editing by the user may include the user selecting one or more of the check boxes. | 12-18-2014 |