Refactor and clean up util functions

[lnarmour]

There are several branches containing various implementation versions of (1) the face lattice, (2) dependence raising, and (3) simplification. These all add various new utility functions. We are currently tracking the clean implementation of (1) and (2) with the following issues:

• 28

• 29

• 30

• 31

• 32

After addressing these issues BUT before merging the optimal simplification algorithm, we should review any new utility functionality that was introduced and refactor as needed.

[ryanjob42]

This issue also seems to address issue #18. We can double check this when we meet to discuss this issue.