Abstract: A product management computer system that can include one or more processors, and a computer-readable medium comprising instructions stored therein, which when executed by the processors, can cause the processors to: receive data representing a target product of interest to a user of the system, wherein the target product is described by a plurality of variable-value attributes associated; process the received data through a machine-learning-produced algorithm and generating data representing a first set of substitute product candidates for the target product and wherein each substitute product candidate has a corresponding match-score that represents a degree of determined similarity between that substitute product candidate and the target product; transform the generated data that represents the first set of substitute product candidates into data representing a refined set of substitute product candidates by processing the generated data utilizing a constraint-based algorithm; and output data representing

Abstract: A computer implemented method for identifying substitute products for a target product via a distributor's product management computer system, the method includes: receiving, at a distributor's product management computer system, data representing a target product of interest to a user of the system, wherein the target product is described by a plurality of variable-value attributes associated therewith; processing the received data through a machine-learning-produced algorithm and thereby generating data representing a first set of substitute product candidates for the target product and wherein each substitute product candidate has a corresponding match-score that represents a degree of determined similarity between that substitute product candidate and the target product; transforming the generated data that represents the first set of substitute product candidates into data representing a refined set of substitute product candidates by processing the generated data utilizing a constraint-based algorithm;

Abstract: A product management computer system that can include one or more processors, and a computer-readable medium comprising instructions stored therein, which when executed by the processors, can cause the processors to: receive data representing a target product of interest to a user of the system, wherein the target product is described by a plurality of variable-value attributes associated; process the received data through a machine-learning-produced algorithm and generating data representing a first set of substitute product candidates for the target product and wherein each substitute product candidate has a corresponding match-score that represents a degree of determined similarity between that substitute product candidate and the target product; transform the generated data that represents the first set of substitute product candidates into data representing a refined set of substitute product candidates by processing the generated data utilizing a constraint-based algorithm; and output data representing

Abstract: An optical fiber connector assembly employs a tubular alignment portion in which two watch jewels, one fitted to each fiber end, are aligned. The jewels are mounted on the ends of ferrules and have diameters greater than that of the ferrules so that alignment of the fibers is made off the jewels rather than the ferrules.

Abstract: A time-division multiplex (TDM) control system for controlling a plurality of devices from a central point includes a transmitter whose output is coupled over a common path to a plurality of receivers respectively located adjacent to the devices. The transmitter provides a repetitive cycle of a predetermined number of time slots during which a control signal is provided at any one or all of the time slots. Each receiver is assigned a given time slot corresponding to one of the time slots in the repetitive cycle of the transmitter, and each receiver is responsive to the control signal during its given time slot. Each receiver is operative to control one of the devices in response to the control signal.