A system and method which allows third-parties to monitor company inventory via the Internet and World Wide Web ("web") and automatically order needed items. The present invention also provides a forum through which resellers and customers may directly interact to resell surplus and used equipment. The present invention may also allow a third party to act as a broker, thereby assuring that both the equipment purchased is actually delivered, and that the seller is properly compensated.

An automated security and reorder system for items maintained within a boundary. Each item has an associated transponder which is configured to transmit item identification data for indicating a secured status and a consumable status of the associated item. The system has a transponder communications device configured to electrically interrogate a transponder. The system has a controller which is configures to generate an alert signal in response to detection of a given transponder having crosse...

Various embodiments of this invention are directed towards the communication infrastructure of an automated inventory system, on which the necessary communication between a dispensing unit and an administrative unit of the system occurs. To facilitate the integration of the automated inventory system into the client's computer network, the infrastructure is preferably implemented using hypertext transfer protocol (http) or its secured counterpart (https). In certain embodiments the administrativ...

A plurality of orderers with their own code systems procures materials from companies (supply companies) with which the orderers have business relations. In this material procurement system, a name register master is provided for making correspondence between goods name codes provided by each of the supply companies and material codes of the orderers. When necessary materials are procured from the supply company, the orderer goods name codes are used for specifying the materials. Further, an ord...

The present invention comprises a method for processing on-line orders wherein the on-seller is liberated from having to maintain cumbersome or uneconomical warehouse stocks. Herein, after an order is received from a customer, the on-line seller subcontracts for the item sought by the customer and sends out a printing order. Both subcontract and printing order include an identification key which is later used to associate printed materials and item, so as to facilitate special packing of the ite...

A system and method for conducting an inventory of tags, wherein each tag is assigned a Tag ID and a manufacturer number. Each tag can be attached to an item to take inventory of those items. A tag reader transmits a wake-up signal followed by at least one clock signal. Each tag increments a first tag count in response to the clock signals, and transmits the Tag ID assigned to the tag when the first tag count corresponds to the Tag ID assigned to the tag. The tag reader records the transmitted T...

A spring forming machine includes a machine frame, a movable member, and a driving mechanism. The driving mechanism comprises a slide plate seat, a slide plate and a cam wheel. When fitting an eccentric pin unit and a filler within a horizontal slide slot in the slide plate, the slide plate seat rotates on the machine frame, and the slide plate moves on the slide plate seat so as to move the movable member along an elliptical path upon actuation. When locking the slide plate seat and removing th...

A system for efficiently transferring heat from a cold sink to a hot source utilizing thermoelectric cooling effects is disclosed. A plurality of thermoelectric elements are coupled in a series configuration with a power source. The plurality of thermoelectric elements are coupled in a parallel configuration with the cold sink and the hot source. The surface area of the hot source is greater than the surface area of the cold sink such that the plurality of thermoelectric elements can effectively...

A multifunction machine for modifying a workpiece held in a bending brake is provided that allows one tool to be easily interchanged with another tool. The machine includes a carriage operable to move longitudinally along the bending brake, and a tool detachably connected to the carriage and operable to modify the workpiece. The tool can be detached from the carriage and interchanged with another tool for performing a different modification to the workpiece. In a preferred embodiment, either the...

A method of holding plants to a stake is provided. A posable figure preferably having a plurality of elongate positionable appendages is provided. The posable figure preferably has an internal bendable wire frame and external relatively soft body, appendage, and head portions surrounding the wire frame. In addition, the figure is preferably a whimsical figure, such as a fanciful frog, garden bug, or farmer. A stake is inserted into the soil or other ground or potting material adjacent the plant....