Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing glass products from tubular glass precursors is provided. In particular, a method and apparatus for separating tube glass into sized glass tube portions, produced glass tube portions, glass precursor portions, or glass product portions, and their use as pharmaceutical packaging are provided. The tube glass or the glass precursor or the glass product is provided with filaments along predetermined breaking planes. The filaments extend obliquely to the local wall radius and allow for clean separation of the tube glass or the glass precursor or the glass product.

Abstract: A beverage drinking system having a container with a bottom wall and a sidewall that form a hollow chamber. A lid is formed and adapted to selectively cover the opening to the hollow chamber. The lid has an indicator assembly. The indicator has an elongated arcuate slot in a top wall of the lid and a marking member frictionally and slidably received within the slot. A pocket, for holding supplies, is attached to the container.

Abstract: A system and method of processing electronic funds through a split-fee merchant payment platform is provided. The present system and method is especially suitable for service businesses accepting virtual (non-face-to-face) payments such as electronic checks, debit or credit cards. The platform has a virtual “real-time” merchant boarding process which therein allows the merchant to start accepting electronic payment transactions almost instantaneously. The present split-fee merchant payment platform system and method also allows merchants to pick between, at least, three split-fee options: merchants may electively (i) eat (absorb) the usual 3% fees, (ii) share the 3% in fees with their customer, or, (iii) pay zero and pass 3% in fees to their customer. Finally, the present platform system and method allows a merchant to receive payment 365 days a year.

Abstract: A purchasing entity directs the sourcing of one or more parts in a microprocessor-based method. The microprocessor-based method comprises obtaining over a computer network sourcing information from a primary supplier which identifies one or more third party secondary suppliers for one or more parts in a group of parts, ordering the group of parts from the primary supplier, and then issuing a release to the secondary supplier to ship the part to a predetermined location. A computer system for purchasing parts from a secondary supplier that executes the method is also provided.

Abstract: A purchasing entity directs the sourcing of one or more components of a part in a microprocessor-based method. The microprocessor-based method comprises generating a listing for a part that identifies the one or more components. Such a listing is stored in digital electronic form and is accessible by a microcomputer-based system. The purchasing entity then enters into a purchase agreement with a secondary supplier for at least one component of the one or more components. The purchasing entity then obtains a quotation from a primary supplier for the part with the secondary supplier specified as a supplier for at least one component. A computer system for directed sourcing that includes a computer network including one or more computers and which executes the method of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: A purchasing entity directs the sourcing of one or more components of a part in a microprocessor-based method. The microprocessor-based method comprises generating a listing for a part that identifies the one or more components. Such a listing is stored in digital electronic form and is accessible by a microcomputer-based system. The purchasing entity then enters into a purchase agreement with a secondary supplier for at least one component of the one or more components. The purchasing entity then obtains a quotation from a primary supplier for the part with the secondary supplier specified as a supplier for at least one component. A computer system for directed sourcing that includes a computer network including one or more computers and which executes the method of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: A purchasing entity directs the sourcing of one or more parts in a microprocessor-based method. The microprocessor-based method comprises obtaining over a computer network sourcing information from a primary supplier which identifies one or more third party secondary suppliers for one or more parts in a group of parts, ordering the group of parts from the primary supplier, and then issuing a release to the secondary supplier to ship the part to a predetermined location. A computer system for purchasing parts from a secondary supplier that executes the method is also provided.