Abstract: A ferrule and coupling member assembly for mounting a flag pole is disclosed. The ferrule and coupling member are both formed from a non-metallic material, such as a ceramic composite material, which aids in wear-resistance and provides a low coefficient of friction between the surfaces. In addition, debris will be less likely to become lodged in a gap between the ferrule and coupling member and particulate matter on the golf course will not be able to gouge or scratch the ferrule or the coupling member.

Abstract: A method of offering a user a plurality of scenarios under which to conduct at least one primary transaction involving at least one specific item, the specific item being one of goods and services, with each one of these scenarios entailing a corresponding cost to the user. The method can include at least the following. Communication is established via a communications device between the user and a system to facilitate the primary transaction. Primary transaction data is obtained relating to the primary transaction, with the primary transaction data including data representing an identity of the user and representing the at least one specific item. The user is offered a choice between at least two scenarios under which to conduct the primary transaction, with a first scenario providing that the user may conduct the primary transaction, or another transaction, at a first cost to the user in exchange for the user receiving at least one offer of an upsell transaction.

Abstract: A golf cup is provided that has a cylindrical wall defining an interior. The golf cup includes an insert formed from a non-metallic material positioned in the interior to form two chambers. The insert and chambers are arranged and configured to effect an audible indication upon an object, such as a golf ball, being dropped into the interior of the golf cup through the receiving opening. In one form, the audible indication is similar to that obtained from a golf ball being dropped into a metallic golf cup that is buried in the ground.

Abstract: A gun case that facilitates safe handling of a gun to be contained therein. The gun case includes a pair of side walls with at least one of the side walls being formed with a ballistic resistant layer and one of the side walls being formed with a target indicia on an outer side thereof. During handling of the gun, the gun muzzle is held in close proximity to and pointed toward the target indicia such that an accidentally discharged bullet from the gun during handling will impact the ballistic resistant layer to prevent or minimize bodily injury or property damage.

Abstract: A commercial and institutional kitchen retrofit system for 1. the automatic daily cleaning of commercial kitchen exhaust hoods and flues, 2. a low pressure, low volume, recirculating cleaning system designed for the removal of oily residue from hard surfaces and the accelerated bioremediation of the resulting collective hydrocarbon waste, 3. the collection and elimination of roof-top grease accumulations, 4. the systematic on site incubation and enhanced propagation of cultured, hydrocarbon specific, bacterial microorganisms in an automatically mixed aqueous solution containing PH neutral oxidizers and hydrocarbon base emulsifiers altogether, producing a regenerative, recyclable cleaning solution specifically developed for use in 5.