Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for implementing heuristic-based auctions for complex resource allocations. The systems and methods include an auctioneer's system that uses a bid-entry device comprising a dedicated system for each bidder to collect bid information and a mechanism by which the auctioneer may communicate results or current prices to bidders in a dynamic process. The auctioneer's system may be coupled to a database that stores information about the items for sale including bid information. The auctioneer's system may be configured to query this database and receive answers with information required to determine allocations and prices. The auctioneer's system may also be coupled, via a communication link, to one or more feasibility-checker systems, comprising a parallel array of one or more computing systems that implements the feasibility-checking process at any given round in a dynamic implementation or any computational iteration in a sealed-bid implementation.

Abstract: An organizer device includes a top horizontal organizer (THO) section that rests on a top horizontal surface and a three-ring binder assembly. The THO section is an open top rectangularly-shaped box. The THO section includes at least one chamber to store and organize desktop items such as paper clips, clamps, tacks, small memory devices, etc. The THO section includes a bottom horizontal floor and supporting vertical walls with an open top. Nonetheless, one or more chambers may have a lid (not shown). The three-ring binder assembly includes a plurality of binder rings coupled to a binder strip or support plate. The plurality of binder rings has two portions that are configured to be opened and closed (pivoted away or toward each other) via a manually operable lever. The binder ring portions of a ring may be spring biased toward each other to a rings-closed position when the manually operable lever is in a first position.

Abstract: A method for joining component bodies of material over bonding regions of large dimensions by disposing a plurality of substantially contiguous sheets of reactive composite materials between the bodies and adjacent sheets of fusible material. The contiguous sheets of the reactive composite material are operatively connected by an ignitable bridging material so that an igniting reaction in one sheet will cause an igniting reaction in the other. An application of uniform pressure and an ignition of one or more of the contiguous sheets of reactive composite material causes an exothermic thermal reaction to propagate through the bonding region, fusing any adjacent sheets of fusible material and forming a bond between the component bodies.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the reactive multilayer joining of components utilizing metallization techniques to bond difficult-to-wet materials and temperature sensitive materials to produce joined products.