Abstract: Systems and methods for distributing marketing materials to airline consumers are disclosed. A promotion management system receives information regarding an airline consumer's checked baggage. The promotion management system has a processor and databases holding such information as client profiles, destination information, and vendor promotions. The processor determines which vendor promotion is mostly likely to be of interest to the airline consumer, and then transmits the selected vendor promotion to a remote device that provides the marketing material. This marketing material, which may be a coupon or a promotional offer, is then attached to the baggage of the airline consumer. The baggage and the attached marketing material are processed and transported to the arrival baggage claim. The airline consumer retrieves the baggage, reviews the marketing material, and may then choose to respond to the marketing material.

Abstract: A cabinet for housing a vending machine having an article storage area from which the articles stored therein cannot be automatically vended by the dispensing apparatus of the vending machine. An interchangeable storage module is adapted to be received within the article storage area from which articles cannot be vended.

Abstract: A method and system for managing and selling investments via electronic means. An investor can establish sell order criteria based upon a preset desired rate of return. The broker thereby monitors the investment and automatically sells it on behalf of the investor once the prescribed sell order criteria are met. The investor can effectively lock in a rate of return prior to its sale without monitoring. Also provided is a method and system for returning to the investor a portion of the initial investment. Once the investment reaches a predetermined value, three simultaneous events occur. A portion or all the initial invested capital is returned to the investor for purposes of reinvestment. The investment instrument is transferred to the broker as collateral, given that its value appreciated relative to the initial purchase amount. Yet the investor still owns the “rights” to the capital appreciation for the life of the investment.

Abstract: A sloped gutter assembly provides for the controlled discharge of runoff water from a structure roof. The gutter assembly includes a first elongated gutter section having a bottom and upstanding side walls that collectively define a U-shaped cross-section. The first gutter section is characterized by an upstream end and a downstream end, wherein the side walls are tapered progressively from the upstream end to the downstream end. This taper defines a cross-section of progressively reduced dimension. A plurality of mounting brackets are spaced apart and integrally attached to one of the upstanding sidewalls, and attach the first elongated gutter section to the structure. Finally, the gutter assembly includes a screen that is hingedly attached along one side to the upstanding side wall disposed adjacent the structure. The screen is further disposed to overlie the opposing gutter side wall, and therefore the gutter channel.