Abstract: Included herein is a service outsourcing system for providing at least one purchaser with concrete. The system may include at least one central server comprising at least one central database and an interactive electronic ordering guide configured to allow the purchaser to place at least one concrete order. The concrete order may include a job site location. The outsourcing system may be configured to receive at least one concrete order and provide the purchaser with the ability to select at least one selected concrete supplier from at least one potential concrete supplier. In addition, the service outsourcing system is further configured to access the at least one central database. Finally, the service outsourcing system may be further configured to outsource the concrete order with the selected concrete supplier.

Abstract: Included are methods for providing concrete to at least one purchaser. The method may include securing at least one outsourcing agreement with at least one concrete supplier, and providing at least one order menu screen through computer logic. The order menu screen may be configured to receive at least one concrete order, and the concrete order may include order data. Also included in the methods are receiving the concrete order, displaying at least one potential concrete supplier based on the order data, receiving data indicating at least one selected concrete supplier, and outsourcing the concrete order to the selected concrete supplier.

Abstract: The Application relates to a precipitation hardening alloy which has a 0.2% proof stress of at least 500 N/mm.sup.2 and a high resistance to corrosion in highly aggressive sour gas media. The alloy consists of 43 to 51% nickel, 19 to 24% chromium, 4.5 to 7.5% molybdenum, 0.4 to 2.5% copper, 0.3 to 1.8% aluminium and 0.9 to 2.2% titanium, residue iron. Heat treatment processes are described which allow the establishment in the alloy of high strength accompanied by satisfactory ductility.

Abstract: A device for rapidly cooling a canned or bottled beverage having a cooling compartment in which two rollers are horizontally disposed to support and cause to rotate a horizontally positioned cylindrical beverage container, an ice retaining member angularly disposed within said cooling compartment to support a quantity of ice in frictional contact with the perimeter surface of said beverage container and an electrical motor causing said rollers to rotate through a gear mechanism. Rapid rotation of the beverage container in frictional contact with a chilling substance such as ice results in a very rapid chilling of the contents of the beverage container.