Abstract: Methods and systems for predicting out-of-stock occurrences and for assigning root causes to out-of-stock occurrences are described. In one implementation, inventory data and point of sale data are collected. An expected lost sales value is determined. A true demand is determined based on the point-of-sale data and the expected lost sales value. A probability of an out-of-stock occurrence is determined based on the inventory data. In another implementation, an out-of-stock occurrence is identified. The out-of-stock occurrence is classified, and one or more root causes are assigned to the out-of-stock occurrence.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved stacker, method of stacking sheets such as tags, and a stack of sheets. The stacker and the stacking method produces a stack of sheets, wherein same-size sheets are stacked so that the endmost sheet or sheets in one batch are offset or staggered to provide batch separators in a stack of sheets. The stacker includes an improved sheet feed mechanism that enables sheets having different characteristics to be fed without disassembling any portion of the mechanism or the stacker.

Abstract: Disclosed are a printer and a stacker and methods. The printer prints selectively on one or both sides of a printable web and sheets or labels are cut from the web and stacked in the stacker. The printer has an unwind mechanism that accepts and holds web rolls of different widths in center-justified relationship with respect to a print head. The printer has a spindle for mounting an ink ribbon core with a detent for center-justifying the ink-ribbon with respect to the print head.

Abstract: Disclosed are a printer and a stacker and methods. The printer prints selectively on one or both sides of a printable web and sheets or labels are cut from the web and stacked in the stacker. The printer has an unwind mechanism that accepts and holds web rolls of different widths in center-justified relationship with respect to a print head. The printer has a spindle for mounting an ink ribbon core with a detent for center-justifying the ink-ribbon with respect to the print head.

Abstract: Disclosed are a printer and a stacker and methods. The printer prints selectively on one or both sides of a printable web and sheets or labels are cut from the web and stacked in the stacker. The printer has an unwind mechanism that accepts and holds web rolls of different widths in center-justified relationship with respect to a print head. The printer has a spindle for mounting an ink ribbon core with a detent for center-justifying the ink-ribbon with respect to the print head.

Abstract: Disclosed are a printer and a stacker and methods. The printer prints selectively on one or both sides of a printable web and sheets or labels are cut from the web and stacked in the stacker. The printer has an unwind mechanism that accepts and holds web rolls of different widths in center-justified relationship with respect to a print head. The printer has a spindle for mounting an ink ribbon core with a detent for center-justifying the ink-ribbon with respect to the print head.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided that include techniques for forecasting demand. One method includes identifying event data associated with a demand forecast. The method further includes determining a first portion of a demand forecast using the event data. The method further includes determining a second portion of the demand forecast using at least order history data. The method further includes identifying weights to be applied to the first and second portions. The method further includes determining an aggregate demand forecast including applying respective identified weights to and combining the first and second portions of the demand forecast.

Abstract: Disclosed are a printer and a stacker and methods. The printer prints selectively on one or both sides of a printable web and sheets or labels are cut from the web and stacked in the stacker. The printer has an unwind mechanism that accepts and holds web rolls of different widths in center-justified relationship with respect to a print head. The printer has a spindle for mounting an ink ribbon core with a detent for center-justifying the ink-ribbon with respect to the print head.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved stacker, method of stacking sheets such as tags, and a stack of sheets. The stacker and the stacking method produces a stack of sheets, wherein same-size sheets are stacked so that the endmost sheet or sheets in one batch are offset or staggered to provide batch separators in a stack of sheets. The stacker includes an improved sheet feed mechanism that enables sheets having different characteristics to be fed without disassembling any portion of the mechanism or the stacker.

Abstract: There is disclosed an ink jet printer for printing on both sides of a label web. The printer has selectively movable guides which enable the label web to be easily threaded through the printer and which enable the label web to be brought into an operating position for printing and advancing the label web. The printer has individually and selectively removably mounted ink jet print modules to facilitate changing of ink colors, replacing or servicing a malfunctioning print module, and so forth. The ink jet print heads of the modules can be individually selectively moved between printing and stored positions. The unwinding of the label web from the supply roll is facilitated by an unwind mechanism to prevent stretching of the label web. The system for delivering ink and recovering waste ink includes needles for penetrating a cartridge. A guard shields the needles when the module(s) are out of the printer.

Abstract: There is disclosed an ink jet printer for printing on both sides of a label web. The printer has selectively movable guides which enable the label web to be easily threaded through the printer and which enable the label web to be brought into an operating position for printing and advancing the label web. The printer has individually and selectively removably mounted ink jet print modules to facilitate changing of ink colors, replacing or servicing a malfunctioning print module, and so forth. The ink jet print heads of the modules can be individually selectively moved between printing and stored positions.

Abstract: A security label is attached to a fabric material for producing a signal when passed through a magnetic sensing field to produce a signal as an anti theft device for retail stores. The security label including a security device, such as a metallic strip, is attached to garments, apparel, soft goods (towels, etc.) and footwear (sneakers, etc.). The methods for attaching the security labels to the fabric materials include allowing convenient removal of the security device after the sales transaction and include permanent attachment. The security labels are attached to woven, coated, and synthetic fabrics by conventional sewing, heat sealing and/or ultrasonic sealing.

Abstract: A thesaurus feature for finding synonyms of words is provided for use with electronic typewriters having electronic spelling dictionaries for storing words in a data base contained in an electronic memory. Each word in the electronic dictionary which appears in the thesaurus is identified by a special code immediately following the word, so that the dictionary can be scanned quickly to determine if a given input word is in the thesaurus. If the word is in the thesaurus, the search for synonyms can proceed quickly. The input operations required of the typist are patterned after previously known operations to eliminate extensive learning or relearning on the part of the typist. Cascaded scanning of the display and listing operations are utilized to conserve time.

Abstract: In an electronic typewriter, an automatic word correcting system includes a keyboard word erase function key for selectively causing automatic erasure of a word or a series of words. Operation of the word correcting system is based on electronic sensing of "space" or non-print functions and successive recall of consecutively printed characters stored in a print line memory of a control circuit in the typewriter. To erase a previously typed word after other words have been typed, the operator aligns (backspaces) a carrier print point at any print line position occupied by the word. Then a single one touch (depress/release) actuation of the Word Erase Key operates an electronic word erase control that causes the carrier to automatically move to the right to find and then stop the carrier when the subsequent "space" function is electronically sensed in memory.

Abstract: A simplified, symmetrical encoding apparatus of the acoustic rod type with polarized output signals, e.g., where key-actuated strikers impact an acoustic bar having a number of differently-shaped tabs on the bar, the impact giving rise to divergent acoustic waves sensed by a transducer at each end of the bar. Providing paired sets of a non-polarizing tab and oppositely-oriented raked (polarizing) tabs in mirror image form at desired locations on right and left halves of the bar, preferably with a first tab located at the bar's midpoint, facilitates distinguishing between impacts on the different tabs.

Abstract: Power supply sensing circuitry comprises a first comparator for determining whether the power supply potential voltage exceeds by a predetermined amount the voltage required to operate a data processing system connected to the power supply potential, and a second comparator for determining whether the power supply potential is at least the voltage required to operate the connected data processing system.