System and method for transacting for a perishable object having an uncertain availability

• US 20050071245A1
• Filed: 01/08/2004
• Published: 03/31/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 09/25/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Nor1, Inc. (Oracle Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Nor1, Inc. (Oracle Corporation)
• Inventors: Norins, Arthur L., Norins, Arthur L. Jr.
• Granted Patent: US 7,249,062 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/26
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/02 Reservations, e.g. for tickets, services or events
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0235 constrained by time limit or expiration date
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0601 Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/08 Auctions

Abstract

The present invention enables the purchase of perishable objects by ascertaining and attaching a value to the certainty that the perishable object will be available and adjusting the value of the product or service for purchasers willing to pay the discounted value on the condition that the perishable object may not be available at the time of expiration. Rather than paying the certainty value, the prospective purchaser is given the opportunity to enroll in a pool for the perishable object. At a certain time the perishable is released to the pool of purchasers, who are then selected to purchase the item.

Claims

1. A method for transacting for at least one perishable object, executed by a system configured to transact for perishable objects, the method comprising:

fixing at least one transaction value for the at least one perishable object, said perishable object having an unconfirmed availability and said at least one fixed transaction value reflecting the unconfirmed availability;

accepting in a system configured to transact for perishable objects at least one potential transaction for the at least one perishable object into an enrollment;

closing said enrollment;

confirming the availability of the at least one perishable object; and

selecting at least one actual transaction for the at least one perishable object from the at least one potential transaction in said enrollment.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the method further comprises:

executing the confirmation of the availability of said at least one perishable object and the selection of the at least one actual transaction for the at least one perishable object from the at least one potential transaction in said enrollment in a plurality of stages.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein each of the plurality of stages are executed based on the proximity of each stage to a time of expiration of the at least one perishable object.

4. The method of claim 2 wherein the method further comprises:

determining which of the plurality of stages said potential transaction will belong to when the potential transaction is accepted into said enrollment.

5. The method of claim 3 wherein each of the plurality of stages are executed at forty-eight hours, twenty-four hours, and one hour before the time of expiration of the at least one perishable object.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least one perishable object is an airline ticket for a specific trip.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least one potential transaction comprises a plurality of potential transactions and, after said confirmation of the availability of the at least one perishable object, the plurality of potential transactions is greater than the at least one available perishable object.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the selection of the at least one actual transaction is random.

9. The method of claim 7 wherein the selection of the at least one actual transaction is based on an order in which the potential transaction is accepted into said enrollment.

10. The method of claim 7 wherein the at least one fixed value comprises a plurality of fixed values and the selection of the at least one actual transaction is based on said fixed transaction value chosen from the plurality of fixed transaction values during enrollment.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least one perishable object is a reservation for a service.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least one perishable object is energy.

13. The method of claim 11 wherein the service is a freight service.

14. The method of claim 11 wherein the freight service is:

by rail;

by automobile;

by ship;

or

by plane.

16. The method of claim 12 wherein the transportation service is:

an airline;

a bus service;

a rail service;

or

a ship service.

18. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least one perishable object is a reservation for a performance.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the reservation for a performance is:

a stadium seat;

a theater seat;

or

a seat for a musical performance.

20. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least one perishable item is a labor service, said labor service having an unconfirmed availability for a period of time.

21. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least one potential transaction can be withdrawn prior to the closing of said enrollment.

22. The method of claim 1 wherein a time for confirming the availability of the at least one perishable object is known when the at least one potential transaction is accepted into enrollment.

23. The method of claim 1 wherein the perishable object loses all its use value at a time of expiration.

24. The method of claim 1 wherein the perishable object loses part of its use value at a time of expiration, said at least one fixed value being greater than the use value at the time of expiration.

25. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least one perishable object is inventory material.

26. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least one fixed value is greater than the price of maintaining said inventory materials.

27. The method of claim 1 wherein the method further comprises:

listing at least one party transacting for a perishable object.

28. The method of claim 1 wherein the method further comprises:

assigning at least one identification number to a party transacting for a perishable object.

29. The method of claim 1 wherein the method further comprises:

inviting a party to transact for a perishable object.

30. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

storing data correlated to the transacting for the at least one perishable object in a database.

31. The method of claim 1 comprising a party engaging a system configured to transact for perishable objects and agreeing to be bound by a selection of the actual transaction from the potential transaction.

32. The method of claim 1 wherein the method further comprises:

transmitting prior to a time of expiration of the perishable object a notification that informs the party that it has purchased the perishable object if the party'"'"'s potential transaction is selected to be an actual transaction;

or

transmitting prior to a time of expiration of the perishable object a notification that informs the party that it has not been selected if the party'"'"'s potential transaction is not selected to be an actual transaction.

33. The method of claim 1 wherein the system configured to transact for perishable objects includes a processor and the method further comprises:

closing said enrollment with the processor; and

selecting using the processor at least one actual transaction for the at least one perishable object from the at least one potential transaction in said enrollment.

34. The method of claim 1 wherein the transaction for the perishable object is consummated on-line using a computer apparatus.

35. The method of claim 1 wherein the method for transacting for a perishable object is computer executable and is stored on a computer readable media operative to control a computer.

36. An on-line method for transacting for at least one perishable object, the method comprising:

maintaining an interface to the internet through which a party can submit a potential transaction for a perishable to a system configured to transact for perishable objects said perishable object having an uncertain availability and at least one fixed transaction value, said at least one fixed transaction value reflecting the unconfirmed availability, said system comprising a processor and an enrollment, and receiving indications there from such that, when the party submits a potential transaction, via the interface, to the enrollment, a selection of an actual transaction from the potential transaction will be performed by the processor if after a closing of said enrollment at least one perishable object is confirmed to be available, and the party will be provided with either a positive or negative indication from the system configured to transact for perishable objects, via the interface, as to whether or not the party'"'"'s potential transaction is selected.

37. The method of claim 36 wherein the selection of the at least one actual transaction is random.

38. The method of claim 36 wherein the selection of the at least one actual transaction is based on an order in which the potential transaction is accepted into said enrollment.

39. The method of claim 36 wherein the at least one fixed value comprises a plurality of fixed values and the selection of the at least one actual transaction is based on said fixed transaction value chosen from the plurality of fixed transaction values during enrollment.

40. The method of claim 39 wherein the selection of the at least one actual transaction is randomly selected after determining which fixed transaction value the selection is based on.

41. The method of claim 36 wherein the at least one potential transaction can be withdrawn prior to the closing of said enrollment.

42. The method of claim 36 further comprising:

hosting the system configured to transact for perishable objects.

43. The method of claim 36 further comprising:

storing a processor executable program which, when executed, performs the selection and provides the party with the either positive or negative indication for the selection of the potential transaction.

44. The method of claim 36 wherein the method further comprises:

listing at least one party transacting for a perishable object.

45. The method of claim 36 wherein the method further comprises:

assigning at least one identification number to a party transacting for a perishable object.

46. The method of claim 36 wherein the method further comprises:

inviting a party to transact for a perishable object.

47. The method of claim 36 further comprising:

storing data correlated to the transacting for the at least one perishable object in a database.

48. The method of claim 36 further comprising:

obtaining an agreement from a party to participate in an transaction for a perishable object using an on-line system configured to transact for perishable objects and, when the result indicates that said party'"'"'s potential transaction has been selected to be the actual transaction, to be legally bound to purchase the object for the fixed value.

49. A method for transacting for a perishable object comprising steps stored in a system configured to transact for perishable objects said system including a processor and storage, the method comprising:

a step of executing a first program module, written in a markup language, for receiving into an enrollment at least one potential transaction for the at least one perishable object having at least one fixed transaction value and an unconfirmed availability, said at least one fixed transaction value reflecting the unconfirmed availability, the at least one potential transaction being submitted by a party via the internet;

a step of executing a program object, written in an object oriented programming language, confirming the availability of the at least one perishable object and selecting at least one actual transaction for the at least one perishable object from the at least one potential transaction in said enrollment; and

a step of executing a second program module for informing the party that the actual transaction has been selected from the potential transaction.

50. The method of claim 49 wherein the method further comprises:

executing the step of confirming of the availability of said at least one perishable object and the step of selecting selection of the at least one actual transaction for the at least one perishable object from the at least one potential transaction in said enrollment in a plurality of stages.

51. The method of claim 50 wherein each of the plurality of stages are executed based on the proximity of each stage to a time of expiration of the at least one perishable object.

52. The method of claim 50 wherein the method further comprises:

the step of determining which of the plurality of stages said potential transaction will belong to when the potential transaction is accepted into said enrollment.

53. The method of claim 51 wherein each of the plurality of stages are executed at forty-eight hours, twenty-four hours, and one hour before the time of expiration of the at least one perishable object.

54. The method of claim 49 wherein the step of selecting the at least one actual transaction is random.

55. The method of claim 49 wherein the step of selecting the at least one actual transaction is based on an order in which the potential transaction is accepted into said enrollment.

56. The method of claim 49 wherein the at least one fixed value comprises a plurality of fixed values and the step of selecting the at least one actual transaction is based on said fixed transaction value chosen from the plurality of fixed transaction values during enrollment.

57. The method of claim 49 wherein the at least one potential transaction can be withdrawn prior to the step of closing said enrollment.

58. The method of claim 49 further including:

a step for logging the party in.

59. The method of claim 49 further including:

a step for collecting and processing transaction data using the processor.

60. The method of claim 49 wherein a time for confirming the availability of the at least one perishable object is known when the at least one potential transaction is accepted into enrollment.

61. The method of claim 49 wherein the method further comprises:

a step of listing at least one party transacting for the perishable object.

62. The method of claim 49 wherein the method further comprises:

a step of assigning at least one identification number to a party transacting for the perishable object.

63. The method of claim 49 wherein the method further comprises:

a step of inviting the party to transact for a perishable object.

64. A method comprising steps for transacting for a perishable object, the method comprising:

a first step for fixing in a computer at least one transaction value for the at least one perishable object, said perishable object having an unconfirmed availability and said at least one fixed transaction value reflecting the unconfirmed availability;

a second step for accepting in a computer at least one potential transaction for the at least one perishable object into an enrollment;

a third step for closing said enrollment using the computer;

a fourth step for confirming, using the computer, the availability of the at least one perishable object; and

a fifth step for selecting, using the computer, at least one actual transaction for the at least one perishable object from the at least one potential transaction in said enrollment.

65. The method of claim 64 wherein the method further comprises:

executing the step for confirming of the availability of said at least one perishable object and the step for selecting selection of the at least one actual transaction for the at least one perishable object from the at least one potential transaction in said enrollment in a plurality of stages.

66. The method of claim 65 wherein each of the plurality of stages are executed based on the proximity of each stage to a time of expiration of the at least one perishable object.

67. The method of claim 65 wherein the method further comprises:

a step for determining which of the plurality of stages said potential transaction will belong to when the potential transaction is accepted into said enrollment.

68. The method of claim 66 wherein each of the plurality of stages are executed at forty-eight hours, twenty-four hours, and one hour before the time of expiration of the at least one perishable object.

69. The method of claim 64 wherein the at least one potential transaction comprises a plurality of potential transactions and, after said confirmation of the availability of the at least one perishable object, the plurality of potential transactions is greater than the at least one available perishable object.

70. The method of claim 69 wherein the step for selecting the at least one actual transaction is random.

71. The method of claim 69 wherein the step for selecting the at least one actual transaction is based on an order in which the potential transaction is accepted into said enrollment.

72. The method of claim 69 wherein the at least one fixed value comprises a plurality of fixed values and the selection of the at least one actual transaction is based on said fixed transaction value chosen from the plurality of fixed transaction values during enrollment.

73. The method of claim 64 wherein the at least one potential transaction can be withdrawn prior to the closing of said enrollment.

74. The method of claim 64 further comprising:

a step for on-line generation of documents relating to the transaction for the perishable object.

75. The method of claim 64 wherein a time for confirming the availability of the at least one perishable object is known when the at least one potential transaction is accepted into enrollment.

76. The method of claim 64 wherein the method further comprises:

a step for listing at least one party transacting for a perishable object.

77. The method of claim 64 wherein the method further comprises:

a step for assigning at least one identification number to a party transacting for a perishable object.

78. The method of claim 64 wherein the method further comprises:

a step for inviting a party to transact for a perishable object.

79. The method of claim 64 further comprising:

a step for storing data correlated to the transacting for the at least one perishable object in a database.

80. A method comprising:

fixing at least one transaction value for at least one perishable object, said perishable object having an unconfirmed availability and said at least one fixed transaction value reflecting the unconfirmed availability;

receiving first signals including data representing at least one potential transaction from an entity for the at least one perishable object into an enrollment;

closing said enrollment;

confirming the availability of the at least one perishable object; and

selecting at least one actual transaction for the at least one perishable object from the at least one potential transaction in said enrollment.

15. The method of claim 111 wherein the service is a transportation service.

17. The method of claim 111 wherein the service is a lodging service.

81. The method of claim 80 wherein the first signals are received over a communications linkage coupled to a computer system configured to transact for perishable objects,

82. The method of claim 80 wherein the selecting includes:

preparing the first signals for automated selection of at least one actual transaction for the at least one perishable object from the at least one potential transaction in said enrollment, said selection being performed by a system configured to transact for perishable objects; and

receiving a response signal indicating that the selection from the at least one potential transaction has resulted in an actual transaction for the perishable object in the system configured to transact for perishable objects.

83. The method of claim 80 wherein the method further comprises:

forwarding a message including data representing the actual transaction, in response to the selection, for ultimate delivery to the entity if said entity'"'"'s potential transaction was selected.

84. The method of claim 80 further including:

receiving second signals including data representing at least one potential transaction from a second entity for the at least one perishable object into the enrollment.

85. The method of claim 84 further including:

forwarding cookie data sent by the system configured to transact for perishable objects for storage on a hard drive associated with either the first or second entity usable by the system configured to transact for perishable objects to track usage by the first or second entity.

86. The method of claim 85 further including:

receiving third signals from the system configured to transact for perishable objects for forwarding to a computer associated with either the first or the second entity which, when received, would cause the computer to retrieve the cookie data from the hard drive and send it to the system configured to transact for perishable objects.

87. The method of claim 80 wherein the method further comprises:

executing the confirmation of the availability of said at least one perishable object and the selection of the at least one actual transaction for the at least one perishable object from the at least one potential transaction in said enrollment in a plurality of stages.

88. The method of claim 87 wherein each of the plurality of stages are executed based on the proximity of each stage to a time of expiration of the at least one perishable object.

89. The method of claim 87 wherein the method further comprises:

determining which of the plurality of stages said potential transaction will belong to when the potential transaction is accepted into said enrollment.

90. The method of claim 88 wherein each of the plurality of stages are executed at forty-eight hours, twenty-four hours, and one hour before the time of expiration of the at least one perishable object.

91. The method of claim 80 wherein the at least one perishable object is an airline ticket for a specific trip.

92. The method of claim 80 wherein the at least one potential transaction comprises a plurality of potential transactions and, after said confirmation of the availability of the at least one perishable object, the plurality of potential transactions is greater than the at least one available perishable object.

93. The method of claim 92 wherein the selection of the at least one actual transaction is random.

94. The method of claim 92 wherein the selection of the at least one actual transaction is based on an order in which the potential transaction is accepted into said enrollment.

95. The method of claim 92 wherein the at least one fixed value comprises a plurality of fixed values and the selection of the at least one actual transaction is based on said fixed transaction value chosen from the plurality of fixed transaction values during enrollment.

96. The method of claim 80 wherein the at least one perishable object is energy.

97. The method of claim 80 wherein the at least one perishable object is a reservation for a service.

98. The method of claim 97 wherein the service is a freight service.

99. The method of claim 98 wherein the freight service is:

by rail;

by automobile;

by ship;

or

by plane.

100. The method of claim 97 wherein the service is a transportation service.

101. The method of claim 100 wherein the transportation service is:

an airline;

a bus service;

a rail service;

or

a ship service.

102. The method of claim 92 wherein the service is a lodging service.

103. The method of claim 80 wherein the at least one perishable object is a reservation for a performance.

104. The method of claim 103 wherein the reservation for a performance is:

a stadium seat;

a theater seat;

or

a seat for a musical performance.

105. The method of claim 80 wherein the at least one perishable item is a labor service, said labor service having an unconfirmed availability for a period of time.

106. The method of claim 80 wherein the at least one potential transaction can be withdrawn prior to the closing of said enrollment.

107. The method of claim 80 wherein a time for confirming the availability of the at least one perishable object is known when the at least one potential transaction is accepted into enrollment.

108. The method of claim 80 wherein the perishable object loses all its use value at a time of expiration.

109. The method of claim 80 wherein the perishable object loses part of its use value at a time of expiration, said at least one fixed value being greater than the use value at the time of expiration.

110. The method of claim 80 wherein the at least one perishable object is inventory material.

111. The method of claim 110 wherein the at least one fixed value is greater than the price of maintaining said inventory materials.

112. The method of claim 80 wherein the method further comprises:

listing at least one party transacting for a perishable object.

113. The method of claim 80 wherein the method further comprises:

assigning at least one identification number to a party transacting for a perishable object.

114. The method of claim 80 wherein the method further comprises:

inviting a party to transact for a perishable object.

115. The method of claim 80 further comprising:

storing data correlated to the transacting for the at least one perishable object in a database.

116. The method of claim 80 further comprising:

tabulating transaction specific information from a plurality of transactions for a perishable object, so that the transaction specific information is accessible according to categories.

117. A system comprising:

at least one fixed transaction value for the at least one perishable object, said perishable object having an unconfirmed availability and said at least one fixed transaction value reflecting the unconfirmed availability;

at least one potential transaction submitted on-line by at least one entity;

a proxy including an input, an output and a computer executable program, the program being structured to, when executing,

accept at least one potential transaction via the input;

accept via the input at least one confirmation indicator indicating that the at least one perishable object'"'"'s availability is confirmed;

and return a result indicator to the proxy based upon a selection of at least one actual transaction from the at least one the potential transaction after the at least one perishable object'"'"'s availability is confirmed.

118. The system of claim 117 wherein the program is further structured to, when executing, foreclose the acceptance of any potential transaction via the input prior to a confirmation of the availability of the at least one perishable object.

119. The system of claim 117 further including processor accessible storage configured to temporarily store at least one potential transaction for retrieval by the proxy via the input.

120. The system of claim 117 wherein the computer executable program includes a plurality of modules, one of which is programmed in an object oriented programming language and another of which is programmed in a markup language.

121. The system of claim 120 wherein the object oriented programming language includes JAVAScript.

122. The system of claim 120 wherein the markup language is ColdFusion Markup Language.

123. The system of claim 120 wherein the markup language is Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML).

124. The system of claim 117 further including an entity accessible detail log including transaction specific information.

125. The system of claim 117 further including a time indicator which, when exceeded, will cause the proxy to take a predetermined action with regard to the at least one potential transaction.

126. The system of claim 125 wherein the at least one potential transaction is withdrawable and the predetermined action prevents a withdrawal the potential transactions.

127. The system of claim 117 wherein the program, when executing, is further structured to:

accept the plurality of indicators of the availability of said at least one perishable object and the selection of the at least one actual transaction for the at least one perishable object from the at least one potential transaction in said enrollment in a plurality of stages.

128. The system of claim 127 wherein each of the plurality of stages are executed based on the proximity of each stage to a time of expiration of the at least one perishable object.

129. The system of claim 127 wherein the system further comprises:

determining which of the plurality of stages said potential transaction will belong to when the potential transaction is submitted.

130. The system of claim 129 wherein each of the plurality of stages are executed at forty-eight hours, twenty-four hours, and one hour before the time of expiration of the at least one perishable object.

131. The system of claim 117 wherein the at least one potential transaction comprises a plurality of potential transactions and, after said at least one confirmation indicator of the availability of the at least one perishable object is accepted, the plurality of potential transactions is greater than the at least one available perishable object.

132. The system of claim 131 wherein the selection of the at least one actual transaction is random.

133. The system of claim 131 wherein the selection of the at least one actual transaction is based on an order in which the potential transaction is submitted.

134. The system of claim 131 wherein the at least one fixed value comprises a plurality of fixed values and the selection of the at least one actual transaction is based on said fixed transaction value chosen from the plurality of fixed transaction values during enrollment.

135. The system of claim 117 wherein the at least one potential transaction can be withdrawn prior to the closing of said enrollment.

136. The system of claim 117 wherein a time for confirming the availability of the at least one perishable object is known when the at least one potential transaction is submitted into enrollment.

137. The system of claim 117 wherein the system further comprises:

a storage for listing at least one party transacting for a perishable object.

138. The system of claim 117 wherein the program is further structured to assign at least one identification number to a party transacting for a perishable object.

139. The system of claim 117 wherein the program is further structured to invite a party to transact for a perishable object.

140. A system configured to transact for perishable objects comprising:

at least one fixed transaction value for at least one perishable object, said perishable object having an unconfirmed availability and said at least one fixed transaction value reflecting the unconfirmed availability;

an enrollment;

at least one potential transaction submitted by at least one entity submitted into the enrollment;

a program constructed to, when executing, to;

close the enrollment;

confirm the availability of the at least one perishable object;

select at least one actual transaction for the at least one perishable object from the at least one potential transaction in said enrollment; and

a programmed processor executing the program to;

set an indicator thereby indicating the enrollment is closed;

set a confirmation indicator thereby indicating the confirmation of the availability of the at least one perishable object;

select the at least one actual transaction for the at least one perishable object from the at least one potential transaction in said enrollment; and

set a selection initiation indicator thereby automatically initiating a payment from the entity.

141. The system of claim 140 wherein the program is further constructed, when executing, to:

execute the confirmation of the availability of said at least one perishable object and the selection of the at least one actual transaction for the at least one perishable object from the at least one potential transaction in said enrollment in a plurality of stages.

142. The system of claim 141 wherein the program is further configured to execute each of the plurality of stages are executed based on the proximity of each stage to a time of expiration of the at least one perishable object.

143. The system of claim 141 wherein the program is further configured to:

determine which of the plurality of stages said potential transaction will belong to when the potential transaction is submitted into said enrollment.

144. The system of claim 142 wherein the program is further configured to execute each of the plurality of stages at forty-eight hours, twenty-four hours, and one hour before the time of expiration of the at least one perishable object.

145. The system of claim 140 wherein the at least one potential transaction comprises a plurality of potential transactions and, after said confirmation indicator is set, the plurality of potential transactions is greater than the at least one available perishable object.

146. The system of claim 145 wherein the program is further configured to randomly select the at least one actual transaction.

147. The system of claim 145 wherein the program is further configured to select the at least one actual transaction is based on an order in which the potential transaction is accepted into said enrollment.

148. The system of claim 145 wherein the at least one fixed value comprises a plurality of fixed values and the program is further configured to select of the at least one actual transaction is based on said fixed transaction value chosen from the plurality of fixed transaction values during enrollment.

149. The system of claim 140 wherein the program is further configured to set, prior to the closing of said enrollment, a withdrawal indicator thereby indicating that at least one potential transaction is withdrawn prior to the closing of said enrollment.

150. The system of claim 140 wherein a time for confirming the availability of the at least one perishable object is known when the at least one potential transaction is submitted into enrollment.

151. The system of claim 140 wherein the system further comprises:

a storage for listing at least one party transacting for a perishable object.

152. The system of claim 140 wherein the program is further structured to assign at least one identification number to a party transacting for a perishable object.

153. The system of claim 140 wherein the program is further structured to invite a party to transact for a perishable object.

154. An apparatus for transacting for perishable objects stored on a computer accessible storage media for execution by a processor, comprising:

a plurality of modules which, when executed by the processor;

fixes at least one transaction value for the at least one perishable object, said perishable object having an unconfirmed availability and said at least one fixed transaction value reflecting the unconfirmed availability;

accepts in a system configured to transact for perishable objects at least one potential transaction for the at least one perishable object into an enrollment;

closes said enrollment;

confirms the availability of the at least one perishable object; and

selects at least one actual transaction for the at least one perishable object from the at least one potential transaction in said enrollment.

155. The apparatus of claim 154 wherein the apparatus further comprises a module which when executed by the processor:

confirms the availability of said at least one perishable object and the selection of the at least one actual transaction for the at least one perishable object from the at least one potential transaction in said enrollment in a plurality of stages.

156. The apparatus of claim 155 wherein each of the plurality of stages are executed based on the proximity of each stage to a time of expiration of the at least one perishable object.

157. The apparatus of claim 155 wherein the apparatus further comprises:

determining which of the plurality of stages said potential transaction will belong to when the potential transaction is accepted into said enrollment.

158. The apparatus of claim 156 wherein each of the plurality of stages are executed at forty-eight hours, twenty-four hours, and one hour before the time of expiration of the at least one perishable object.

159. The apparatus of claim 154 wherein the at least one potential transaction comprises a plurality of potential transactions and, after said confirmation of the availability of the at least one perishable object, the plurality of potential transactions is greater than the at least one available perishable object.

160. The apparatus of claim 159 wherein the plurality of modules further comprises a module which when executed by the processor randomly selects at least one actual transaction.

161. The apparatus of claim 159 wherein the selection of the at least one actual transaction is based on an order in which the potential transaction is submitted into said enrollment.

162. The apparatus of claim 159 wherein the at least one fixed value comprises a plurality of fixed values and the selection of the at least one actual transaction is based on said fixed transaction value chosen from the plurality of fixed transaction values during enrollment.

163. The apparatus of claim 154 wherein the plurality of modules further comprises a module withdrawing at least one potential transaction prior to the closing of said enrollment.

164. The apparatus of claim 154 wherein a time for confirming the availability of the at least one perishable object is known when the at least one potential transaction is submitted into enrollment.

165. The apparatus of claim 154 wherein the apparatus further comprises:

a storage for listing at least one party transacting for a perishable object.

166. The apparatus of claim 154 wherein the program is further structured to assign at least one identification number to a party transacting for a perishable object.

167. The apparatus of claim 154 wherein the program is further structured to invite a party to transact for a perishable object.

168. A method of transacting for a perishable object, in a system with at least one central processing unit, comprising:

a) introducing into the central processing unit, information corresponding to at least one transaction value for the at least one perishable object, said perishable object having an unconfirmed availability;

b) introducing into the central processing unit, information corresponding to at least one potential transaction for the at least one perishable object;

c) using the central processing unit to foreclose the introduction of any potential transaction prior to a confirmation of the availability of the perishable object;

d) introducing into the central processing unit, information corresponding to the confirmation of the availability of the at least one perishable object; and

e) selecting, using the central processing unit, at least one actual transaction for the at least one perishable object from the at least one potential transaction in said enrollment.

f) communicating either non-selection message, when the actual transaction is not selected from the potential transaction, or a selection message, when the actual transaction is selected from the potential transaction.

169. The method of claim 168 wherein the method further comprises:

executing the confirmation of the availability of said at least one perishable object and the selection of the at least one actual transaction for the at least one perishable object from the at least one potential transaction in said enrollment in a plurality of stages.

170. The method of claim 169 wherein each of the plurality of stages are executed based on the proximity of each stage to a time of expiration of the at least one perishable object.

171. The method of claim 169 wherein the method further comprises:

determining which of the plurality of stages said potential transaction will belong to when the potential transaction is accepted into said enrollment.

172. The method of claim 170 wherein each of the plurality of stages are executed at forty-eight hours, twenty-four hours, and one hour before the time of expiration of the at least one perishable object.

173. The method of claim 168 wherein the at least one perishable object is an airline ticket for a specific trip.

174. The method of claim 168 wherein the at least one potential transaction comprises a plurality of potential transactions and, after said confirmation of the availability of the at least one perishable object, the plurality of potential transactions is greater than the at least one available perishable object.

175. The method of claim 174 wherein the selection of the at least one actual transaction is random.

176. The method of claim 174 wherein the selection of the at least one actual transaction is based on an order in which the potential transaction is accepted into said enrollment.

177. The method of claim 174 wherein the at least one fixed value comprises a plurality of fixed values and the selection of the at least one actual transaction is based on said fixed transaction value chosen from the plurality of fixed transaction values during enrollment.

178. The method of claim 174 wherein the at least one perishable object is energy.

179. The method of claim 168 wherein the at least one perishable object is a reservation for a service.

180. The method of claim 179 wherein the service is a freight service.

181. The method of claim 180 wherein the freight service is:

by rail;

by automobile;

by ship;

or

by plane.

182. The method of claim 179 wherein the service is a transportation service.

183. The method of claim 182 wherein the transportation service is:

an airline;

a bus service;

a rail service;

or

a ship service.

184. The method of claim 170 wherein the service is a lodging service.

185. The method of claim 168 wherein the at least one perishable object is a reservation for a performance.

186. The method of claim 185 wherein the reservation for a performance is:

a stadium seat;

a theater seat;

or

a seat for a musical performance.

187. The method of claim 168 wherein the at least one perishable item is a labor service, said labor service having an unconfirmed availability for a period of time.

188. The method of claim 168 wherein the at least one potential transaction can be withdrawn prior to the closing of said enrollment.

189. The method of claim 168 wherein a time for confirming the availability of the at least one perishable object is known when the at least one potential transaction is accepted into enrollment.

190. The method of claim 168 wherein the perishable object loses all its use value at a time of expiration.

191. The method of claim 168 wherein the perishable object loses part of its use value at a time of expiration, said at least one fixed value being greater than the use value at the time of expiration.

192. The method of claim 168 wherein the at least one perishable object is inventory material.

193. The method of claim 168 wherein the at least one fixed value is greater than the price of maintaining said inventory materials.

194. The method of claim 168 wherein the method further comprises:

listing at least one party transacting for a perishable object.

195. The method of claim 168 wherein the method further comprises:

assigning at least one identification number to a party transacting for a perishable object.

196. The method of claim 168 wherein the method further comprises:

inviting a party to transact for a perishable object.

197. The method of claim 168 further comprising:

storing data correlated to the transacting for the at least one perishable object in a database.

198. A system for transacting for a perishable object comprising:

a processor for processing demands and offers;

means for introducing to the processor, via a communications linkage, information corresponding to;

at least one transaction value for the at least one perishable object, said perishable object having an unconfirmed availability;

at least one potential transaction for the at least one perishable object;

the confirmation of the availability of the at least one perishable object;

memory means, accessible by the processor, for storing information corresponding to;

at least one transaction value for the at least one perishable object, said perishable object having an unconfirmed availability;

at least one potential transaction for the at least one perishable object;

the confirmation of the availability of the at least one perishable object;

selection means, in communicating relationship with the processor, for selecting at least one actual transaction for the at least one perishable object from the at least one potential transaction in said enrollment; and

means for communicating a result of the selection.

199. The system of claim 198 wherein the communications linkage is an internet connection.

200. The system of claim 198 wherein the communications linkage is a voice connection.

201. The system of claim 198 further comprising:

means for generating voice messages through a telephone linkage for guiding a user in a use of the system.

202. The system of claim 198 further comprising:

security means for preventing an access of the system until provision to the system of at least one of;

a) an identification number identifying the transaction,

b) a security code corresponding to the transaction, or

c) an administrator code.

203. The system of claim 198 wherein the confirmation of the availability of said at least one perishable object and the selection of the at least one actual transaction for the at least one perishable object from the at least one potential transaction in said enrollment is executed in a plurality of stages.

204. The system of claim 203 wherein each of the plurality of stages are executed based on the proximity of each stage to a time of expiration of the at least one perishable object.

205. The system of claim 198 further comprising:

time keeping means for associating an entry time with at the at least one potential transaction.

206. The system of claim 205 wherein the system further comprises:

determining which of the plurality of stages said potential transaction will belong to when the potential transaction is accepted into said enrollment.

207. The system of claim 203 wherein each of the plurality of stages are executed at forty-eight hours, twenty-four hours, and one hour before the time of expiration of the at least one perishable object.

208. The system of claim 198 wherein the at least one potential transaction comprises a plurality of potential transactions and, after said confirmation of the availability of the at least one perishable object, the plurality of potential transactions is greater than the at least one available perishable object.

209. The system of claim 208 wherein the selection of the at least one actual transaction is random.

210. The system of claim 208 wherein the selection of the at least one actual transaction is based on an order in which the potential transaction is accepted into said enrollment.

211. The system of claim 208 wherein the at least one fixed value comprises a plurality of fixed values and the selection of the at least one actual transaction is based on said fixed transaction value chosen from the plurality of fixed transaction values during enrollment.

212. The system of claim 198 wherein the at least one potential transaction can be withdrawn prior to the closing of said enrollment.

213. The system of claim 198 wherein a time for confirming the availability of the at least one perishable object is known when the at least one potential transaction is submitted into enrollment.

214. The system of claim 198 wherein the memory means is further configured to store a list of the at least one party transacting for a perishable object.

215. The system of claim 198 wherein the program is further structured to assign at least one identification number to a party transacting for a perishable object.

216. The system of claim 198 wherein the program is further structured to invite a party to transact for a perishable object.

217. A method for communicating and processing at least one potential transaction for at least one perishable object through a computerized system for configured to transact for perishable objects having at least one central processing unit including operating system software for controlling the central processing unit, means for introducing information corresponding to at least one transaction value for the at least one perishable object into the central processing unit and memory means for storing the information corresponding to at least one transaction value for the at least one perishable object, said perishable object having an unconfirmed availability, the at least one potential transaction for the at least one perishable object, and a confirmation of the availability of the at least one perishable object, wherein the method comprises the steps of:

a) introducing into the central processing unit, information corresponding to at least one transaction value for the at least one perishable object, said perishable object having an unconfirmed availability;

b) introducing into the central processing unit, information corresponding to at least one potential transaction for the at least one perishable object;

c) using the central processing unit to foreclose the introduction of any potential transaction prior to a confirmation of the availability of the perishable object;

d) introducing into the central processing unit, information corresponding to the confirmation of the availability of the at least one perishable object; and

e) selecting, using the central processing unit, at least one actual transaction for the at least one perishable object from the at least one potential transaction in said enrollment.

f) communicating either non-selection message, when the actual transaction is not selected from the potential transaction, or a selection message, when the actual transaction is selected from the potential transaction.

218. A method comprising:

receiving a submission of an offer to sell at least one perishable object having an unconfirmed availability contingent on said perishable object becoming available from a sponsor into a system configured to transact for perishable objects;

receiving an agreement to sell said perishable object, if said perishable object becomes available;

generating a message, using the system configured to transact for perishable objects, for communication to an offeree, which invites the offeree, to participate in a transaction for perishable objects;

receiving a responsive agreement from the offeree to participate and to be bound by the a transaction for at least one perishable object, if said perishable object becomes available and the offeree is selected to purchase the at least one perishable object;

receiving into an enrollment a potential transaction submitted by the offeree within a limited time period;

closing said enrollment;

confirming the availability of the at least one perishable object; and

selecting at least one actual transaction for the at least one perishable object from the at least one potential transaction.

219. The method of claim 218 wherein the method further comprises:

executing the confirmation of the availability of said at least one perishable object and the selection of the at least one actual transaction for the at least one perishable object from the at least one potential transaction in said enrollment in a plurality of stages.

220. The method of claim 219 wherein each of the plurality of stages are executed based on the proximity of each stage to a time of expiration of the at least one perishable object.

221. The method of claim 219 wherein the method further comprises:

determining which of the plurality of stages said potential transaction will belong to when the potential transaction is accepted into said enrollment.

222. The method of claim 220 wherein each of the plurality of stages are executed at forty-eight hours, twenty-four hours, and one hour before the time of expiration of the at least one perishable object.

223. The method of claim 218 wherein the at least one perishable object is an airline ticket for a specific trip.

224. The method of claim 218 wherein the at least one potential transaction comprises a plurality of potential transactions and, after said confirmation of the availability of the at least one perishable object, the plurality of potential transactions is greater than the at least one available perishable object.

225. The method of claim 224 wherein the selection of the at least one actual transaction is random.

226. The method of claim 224 wherein the selection of the at least one actual transaction is based on an order in which the potential transaction is accepted into said enrollment.

227. The method of claim 224 wherein the at least one fixed value comprises a plurality of fixed values and the selection of the at least one actual transaction is based on said fixed transaction value chosen from the plurality of fixed transaction values during enrollment.

228. The method of claim 218 wherein the at least one perishable object is energy.

229. The method of claim 218 wherein the at least one perishable object is a reservation for a service.

230. The method of claim 229 wherein the service is a freight service.

231. The method of claim 230 wherein the freight service is:

by rail;

by automobile;

by ship;

or

by plane.

232. The method of claim 229 wherein the service is a transportation service.

233. The method of claim 232 wherein the transportation service is:

an airline;

a bus service;

a rail service;

or

a ship service.

234. The method of claim 229 wherein the service is a lodging service.

235. The method of claim 229 wherein the at least one perishable object is a reservation for a performance.

236. The method of claim 235 wherein the reservation for a performance is:

a stadium seat;

a theater seat;

or

a seat for a musical performance.

237. The method of claim 218 wherein the at least one perishable item is a labor service, said labor service having an unconfirmed availability for a period of time.

238. The method of claim 218 wherein the at least one potential transaction can be withdrawn prior to the closing of said enrollment.

239. The method of claim 218 wherein a time for confirming the availability of the at least one perishable object is known when the at least one potential transaction is accepted into enrollment.

240. The method of claim 218 wherein the perishable object loses all its use value at a time of expiration.

241. The method of claim 218 wherein the perishable object loses part of its use value at a time of expiration, said at least one fixed value being greater than the use value at the time of expiration.

242. The method of claim 218 wherein the at least one perishable object is inventory material.

243. The method of claim 218 wherein the at least one fixed value is greater than the price of maintaining said inventory materials.

244. The method of claim 218 wherein the method further comprises:

listing at least one party transacting for a perishable object.

245. The method of claim 218 wherein the method further comprises:

assigning at least one identification number to a party transacting for a perishable object.

246. The method of claim 218 wherein the method further comprises:

inviting a party to transact for a perishable object.

247. The method of claim 218 further comprising:

storing data correlated to the transacting for the at least one perishable object in a database.