Abstract: A system and method for acquiring an equity position in a company through the purchase of qualifying products or services offered by the company, by accumulating credits toward the purchase of stock in the company based on the quantity of goods or services purchased. The invention is adapted for implementation, in part, on a digital computer. Consumers who purchase qualifying goods or services redeem UPC labels showing proof of purchase, and are given a designated credit toward the purchase of stock in the manufacturer or supplier for each label redeemed. When a participating consumer has accumulated enough credits for a particular manufacturer or supplier to purchase one or more shares of its stock, a buy order is issued for the appropriate number of shares, and the consumer's credits are reduced accordingly.

Abstract: A novelty grinder includes a grinder base with a pair of guide channels extending across its upper surface and intersecting near its center. The guide channels are preferably perpendicular to one another, and dovetailed in transverse cross-section. A pair of shuttle members or shoes is slidably disposed in the guide channels, each shoe being adapted for reciprocating translational movement in one of the channels. The shoes are preferably trapezoidal in transverse cross-section, and wider at their widest points than the widths of the channels at their upper edges. Alternatively, the channels may be straight-sided and provided with axially extending grooves for receiving pins disposed on the shoes for retaining the shoes in the grooves and preventing their removal in a direction transverse to the direction of their reciprocating movement. Such grooves may have a T-slot configuration for receiving a T-pin on the shoes. The T-slot may be on a side, or on the bottom, of a channel.

Abstract: A reclosing apparatus for reclosing an open container while still laden with contents, to inhibit spillage of the contents. The reclosing apparatus comprises a plate mounted about the central post of a container top for rotating between open and closed positions. The plate includes an axis bore for receiving the central post therethrough, and a sealing region for effecting a spill-resistant seal over the opening in the container top. The sealing region may include a seal depression and/or a seal ridge. When the reclosing apparatus is in the closed position, the seal depression protrudes through the opening, effecting at least a partial spill-resistant seal therewith. The seal ridge, if included, is formed in the plate to matingly align with a border ridge formed in the container top around the periphery of the opening.