Abstract: Disclosed is a multipurpose case used as a case of cosmetic tools or stationery materials which allows withdrawal of cosmetic tools or stationery materials as required by a user. The multipurpose case has a simple structure and a core accommodated in the multipurpose case may be withdrawn at once. The multipurpose case includes a core fixing section, to which first and second tubes are coupled from upper and lower portions thereof. A third tube is arranged between the first and second tubes and the core fixing section is coupled to a lower end of the third tube. When the third tube is moved up, the core fixing section is simultaneously moved up, so that the core provided at an upper end of the core fixing section is easily withdrawn to an exterior. The multipurpose case having the simple structure reduces the manufacturing cost and improves the convenience of use by allowing for easy withdrawal of the core.

Abstract: Secure methods of distributing and prescribing prescription medications and related systems significantly increase prescription medication distribution security. Applications of the present invention are particularly useful in prescribing and distributing lifestyle drugs where an actual physical examination is not necessarily required, but are similarly useful for all prescription medications. A system configured according to a particular embodiment of the present invention involves a prescription request kiosk, a prescription request review terminal, a medical information database, and a pharmacy all associated with a prescription distribution system processor. Particular embodiments of prescriptions of the present invention include a photograph of a prescription requestor on the prescription for added security along with additional follow-up questions to be asked by the pharmacist to the customer.

Abstract: A weatherproof cover plate that may be installed horizontally and vertically is disclosed. In a weatherproof flat cover plate, an apron is provided to offer a water shield along at least two sides of the cover plate base. Additionally, a continuous ridge on the base is disclosed in association with a gasket and a biased hinge to provide additional protection against the weather. A novel locking clip is also disclosed. In a weatherproof bubble cover plate, a biased hinge is provided to bias the lid closed upon the base. Additionally, one or more cord catches in the base and knock-outs in the lid are disclosed. Other embodiments include bubble cover plates having gaps between the lid and the base to allow a cord to pass therethrough when the lid is close.

Abstract: A combination golf club head cover and towel includes a head cover which is open on the heel side of a golf club head to facilitate slipping it over the head. Mating first and second fasteners are attached to the edges adjacent the shaft to secure the cover around the shaft. A towel with at least a third fastener on an edge or corner thereof is releasably secured to a portion of at least one of the fasteners on the head cover to releasably hold the towel in place on the head cover both when the head cover is on the head of a golf club, or is removed from the golf club head.

Abstract: A cellulosic ethanol production process. Implementations may include providing a raw cellulose stream by mixing a waste cellulose feed and an algae cellulose feed and hydrolyzing the raw cellulose stream to form a hydrolyzed cellulose stream by reacting the raw cellulose stream with one or more fungi from the phylum Neocallimastigomycota. Implementations may include liquefying the hydrolyzed cellulose stream to form a raw sugars stream, separating xylitol from the raw sugars stream and fermenting the sugars stream to form a raw ethanol stream by reacting the sugars stream with a yeast feed in at least one fermenter. Implementations also may include separating ethanol from the raw ethanol, generating an algae stream by reacting the xylitol stream with algae in at least one algae bioreactor, and reacting the algae stream in at least one biodiesel reactor to produce the algae cellulose feed and a biodiesel stream.

Abstract: An electrical device cover with a rotatable lid. An implementation of a weatherproof electrical device cover may include a base unit having a face, an electrical device aperture, and a box mounting screw aperture therethrough. A lid may be rotatably coupled to the base unit and rotate over the base unit in a plane substantially parallel with the base unit. The lid may cover the electrical device aperture of the base unit when the lid is closed over the base unit.

Abstract: A method for distributed quote management includes receiving a buyer request for quote (RFQ) from a buyer. The buyer RFQ requests a quote from a seller and identifies multiple items. The method includes automatically determining a best cost of each item in the buyer RFQ. The method includes automatically generating a quote for the buyer RFQ using the determined best costs of the items in the buyer RFQ. The method includes automatically generating a bid package for the buyer RFQ that includes the generated quote and automatically communicating the generated bid package to the buyer.

Abstract: A plurality of approaches for forming a horizontal and vertical electrical device cover including 1) providing hinge members on opposing sides of the cover that allow the cover to pivot along adjacent-sided axes for horizontal and vertical mounting; 2) providing a removable pin and corresponding cover and base hinge members wherein the removable pin may be placed along either the horizontal or vertical axis for selective horizontal or vertical mounting; 3) providing a pivoting hinge arm that is pivotable between adjacent sides of the unit for selective horizontal or vertical mounting; and 4) providing selectively attachable hinge members that may be attached by the installer at the time of installation to choose between horizontal or vertical mounting configurations.

Abstract: A tool for both plunging and cleaning plumbing fixtures and drains includes a handle with a plunger and a cleaning brush both connected to the same end of the handle. The plunger is removable by way of a connector between the brush handle and the plunger head. The brush and handle may be released from the plunger head and used for scrubbing and cleaning a toilet bowl. The plunger may be reconnected to the brush and handle, allowing the plunger head to be operated by use of the brush handle. When the plunger, brush and handle are connected, the tool is also in a storage form and may be easily and aesthetically stored. Exemplary embodiments are particularly useful for cleaning and plunging toilets using the combination toilet brush and toilet plunger.

Abstract: An electronic commerce system includes one or more databases operable to store product data for one or more products. The system also includes a master global content directory that includes a plurality of product classes organized in a hierarchy, the product class categorizing the products and associated with one or more attributes of the products. At least one of the product classes has one or more associated product pointers that identify one or more of the databases. The system further includes one or more secondary content directories including one or more classes mapping back to the product classes in the master global content directory and the classes having associated class pointers that identify product classes in the master global content directory. The system also includes a search interface that communicates a search query to one or more of the databases to search product data.

Abstract: A system for providing third-party certification of content in an electronic commerce transaction includes one or more servers operating on one or more computers. The one or more servers receive a first set of attribute values from a first party, the first set of attribute values being associated with one or more products that are the subject of an electronic commerce transaction between the first party and a second party. The one or more servers verify that the first set of attribute values matches, at least in part, a second set of attribute values maintained by the second party, the second set of attribute values being associated with the one or more products that are the subject of the electronic commerce transaction between the first party and the second party.

Abstract: A weatherproof cover plate is disclosed. A continuous ridge on the base is disclosed in association with a gasket and a biased hinge to provide additional protection against the weather. Particular implementations include an opening in the gasket and the lid. In a weatherproof bubble cover plate, a biased hinge is provided to bias the lid closed upon the base. Additionally, one or more cord catches in the base and knock-outs in the lid are disclosed. Other embodiments include bubble cover plates having gaps between the lid and the base to allow a cord to pass therethrough when the lid is close.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for penetrating convenience store food markets with a customer-engaging food merchandising module. The customer-engaging food merchandising module comprises three units: a food storage and display unit attached to a food preparation and display unit, and a shell unit attached to at least one of the other two units. One embodiment of the apparatus comprises: a glass-door freezer for storing and displaying at least one type of frozen food, a microwave oven attached to the freezer, and a shell attached to the freezer. The shell is used to support advertising and instructional graphics and also to give the apparatus a unitary appearance. The microwave oven has pre-programmed buttons corresponding to each of the types of food displayed in the freezer, each button activating the microwave oven to correctly heat a corresponding type of frozen food. The shell may extend above the freezer/microwave combination.

Abstract: A telescoping in-use cover plate that includes at least two inter-fitting members that enable the cover to be retracted to the wall when not in use and expanded to increase the depth of the outlet cover and allow a plug to be plugged into the outlet when the cover is closed. Specific implementations allow for vertical and horizontal mounting and installation, knockouts and/or adapter plates for conversion to alternate electrical configurations.

Abstract: A simple, two piece slide-on electrical device cover assembly can be adapted for either horizontal or vertical mounting on the same base. Removable rail members that are coupled to the cover through thinned or partially broken or grooved sections enable the rail members to be snapped off under reasonable force. A manufacturer can package and ship a product in a generic configuration and allow an installer to select whether a horizontal or vertical configuration is desired, and quickly adapt and assembly the product for either configuration.

Abstract: A request for quote (RFQ) engine (10) includes a data and metrics designer (22) that generates, in response to input from a user, a data and metrics model (42) for an RFQ template using a data and metrics meta-model (32). The RFQ engine (10) also includes a state transition designer (24) that generates, in response to input from the user, a state transition model (44) for the RFQ template using a state transition meta-model (34). Furthermore, the RFQ engine (10) includes a workflow designer (26) that generates, in response to input from the user, a user interface workflow (46) for the RFQ template using a workflow meta-model (36). In addition, the RFQ engine includes an execution engine (40) that executes the RFQ template that includes the data and metrics model (42) generated by the data and metrics designer (22), the state transition model (44) generated by the state transition designer (24), and the user interface workflow (46) generated by the workflow designer (26).

Abstract: A cover plate for covering an electrical outlet. The electrical outlet includes a receptacle having at least one socket and at least one securing aperture for receiving a securing device, wherein each of the at least one socket includes a face and a plurality of blade apertures for receiving plug blades. The cover plate includes a front surface for facing outwardly from the electrical outlet and externally relative to the cover plate and a back surface facing toward the electrical outlet. A plurality of blade apertures extend through the cover plate through the front and back surfaces. Optionally, at least one securing aperture extends through the cover plate. The front surface of the cover plate contains, or includes, a single line extending substantially in a rectangle around the blade apertures and the at least one securing aperture, the front surface otherwise being continuous, having uniform topography, and being free of any other apertures.