Abstract: An apparatus for homogenizing molten glass is disclosed comprising a stir chamber including a rotatable stirrer disposed therein. The apparatus further comprises a catcher coupled to the stirrer shaft, the catcher having a concave, bowl-like shape and adapted to prevent particulate from falling from upper surfaces of the stir chamber into the molten glass. At least a portion of the catcher bottom is in contact with the upper surface of the molten glass, whereas a peripheral edge of the catcher is preferably raised above the upper surface of the molten glass to prevent molten glass from contacting an upper surface of the catcher.

Abstract: A method of optimizing a contact management system using a computerized system including a set of titles. The method includes storing a set of user identity records in an identity management site, wherein each record of the set of user identity records can be redeemed by a pointer. The method also includes generating a contact title including the pointer for the record; storing the contact title in a first title management site; selecting the contact title; redeeming the record from the identity management site; and displaying the record.

Abstract: A title management apparatus resident on a first computer including a memory for storing a control program and data, and a processor for executing the control program and for managing the data. The apparatus includes a title object resident in the memory including a title structure, the title structure further comprising a content element, a set of attributes, and a set of title object security indicia. The apparatus further includes an authorization structure configured to selectively redeem the content element based at least in part on the user security indicia, and further configured to use a set of protocols. The apparatus also includes a title management structure configured to associate a user with the title object based at least in part on the user data and the title attributes.

Abstract: A method of optimizing a contact management system using a computerized system including a set of titles. The method includes storing a set of user identity records in an identity management site, wherein each record of the set of user identity records can be redeemed by a pointer. The method also includes generating a contact title including the pointer for the record; storing the contact title in a first title management site; selecting the contact title; redeeming the record from the identity management site; and displaying the record.

Abstract: A title management apparatus is resident on a computer server and includes a memory for storing a control program and data, and a processor for executing the control program and for managing the data. The computer memory has user data resident including user security indicia. A plurality of title objects are resident in the memory, where each title object includes a content element, attributes, and security indicia. An authorization structure is configured to selectively grant access to users based at least in part of the user security indicia. A title management structure configured to associate a user with particular title objects based at least in part of the user data and the title attributes, and the title management structure is configured to support the exchange of title objects between users. Advantages of the invention include the ability to manage titles over a network such as the Internet.

Abstract: A method of facilitating a transaction between a merchant and a buyer using a computerized system including a set of titles. The method includes storing the set of titles in a merchant site corresponding to a set of products for sale; browsing the merchant site using a client device and selecting a product for purchase; and generating a payment slip title for the product including information relating to a payment amount and a buyer identifier. The method further includes selecting a payment structure from a set of available payment structures; modifying the payment slip title to include information corresponding to the selected payment structure; releasing the product title to the buyer; and transmitting the payment amount to the merchant.