Abstract: A system and method for processing and administering requests for sample parts and materials. Parts, materials, or other items are requested by a customer on a client over a network. A server receives the item request and forwards it to the appropriate fulfilling party. An associated relational database is accessible by the server and stores information related to items, projects, customers, fulfilling parties, and the status of fulfillment and design feedback. Feedback is automatically solicited from and shared with customers and fulfilling parties.

Abstract: Sulfur is removed from fossil fuels containing sulfur by incubation of the fuel with microbes isolated and purified from soil or water that selectively extract the sulfur without apparently utilizing the fuel as a carbon or energy source. Preferred biodesulfurization microbes remove at least about 20% of the sulfur. The microbes are obtained in a multi-step screen that first selects microorganisms that utilize dibenzothiophene (DBT) as a sole source of sulfur, and then tests these in incubations with fossil fuels; organisms that desulfurize DBT without metabolizing the DBT phenyl ring structures and desulfurize fuels only when a second carbon source devoid of sulfur is present are identified and employed in desulfurization processes. Two cultures, CDT-4 and CDT-4b, were particularly efficacious in the desulfurization of liquid fossil fuels.

Abstract: A shipping container is provided which is formed from a blank of foldable sheet material. The container includes a top closure flap which is foldably connected to the upper edge of one of four side panels. The closure flap has a shape which corresponds substantially to the area delimited by the upper edges of the side panels. Foldably connected to a peripheral segment of the closure flap is a finger pull tab which is disposed a substantial distance from the connection of the flap to the side panel. The finger pull tab facilitates initially moving the closure flap from a closed position to an open position. A first pair of alternate bottom closure flaps is foldably connected to corresponding side panels. Each of the first pair of bottom closure flaps is provided with a locking tab which is interlockingly accommodated within an elongated slot formed in a bottom closure flap which is one of a second pair of alternate bottom closure flaps.

Abstract: A container is provided to accommodate a cylindrical unit having an axially disposed core. The container includes two complemental sections, each being provided with side walls delimiting a compartment, which coact to contain the unit. Opposed side wall portions on each section include reinforced semicylindrical recesses which completely retain the core ends.