Abstract: An integrated web based system for generating electronic request for proposal (RFP) forms and responding to the generated RFPs over a secure communications network. Using a web site interface, the present invention enables users to request specific information for goods and services from specific vendors, automates the process of responding to the RFPs, and automates the process of reviewing, analyzing and presenting the results. Potential vendors are notified via e-mail when the RFP is completed, and have the option to respond to the RFP by using information stored in the associated online databases or by providing new information that is then stored in the online databases. The system remembers links from questions to all appropriate responses and prompts vendors to add them to their response form. Analysis on completed forms is automated and enables the users to evaluate RFPs.

Abstract: Data transfers between a workstation bus and a graphics adapter bus are handled by a plurality of first-in-first-out (FIFO) buffers, each of which is independently operable to transfer data in a selected direction between the two buses. The FIFOs are accessible either directly by the workstation processor or by means of a DMA operation. Each FIFO is assigned a unique range of addresses in the address space of the workstation processor to permit a workstation process to transfer a block of data to or from a selected FIFO using a single instruction. Workstation writes (reads) to a FIFO are suspended in response to a first status signal indicating that the high (low) threshold for that FIFO has been reached and are restarted in response to a second status signal indicating that the low (high) threshold has been reached.

Abstract: Crystal-clear peppermint oil maintaining its noble character and having a reduced pulegone content, enhanced menthone and menthol content, and improved stability against menthofuran oxidation breakdown is produced by a stereospecific method of reduction by hydrogenation of pulegone in situ using a saturated aqueous solution of sodium sulfite in the presence of glacial acetic acid at approximately neutral pH.

Abstract: Crystal-clear peppermint oil maintaining its noble character and having a reduced pulegone content, enhanced menthone and menthol content, and improved stability against menthofuran oxidation breakdown is produced by a stereospecific method of reduction by hydrogenation of pulegone in situ using a saturated aqueous solution of sodium sulfite in the presence of glacial acetic acid at approximately neutral pH.