Abstract: A binary tree structure for detecting inventory problems. A first embodiment detects on-hand inventory problems. A second embodiment detects inventory requirements problems. Both embodiments use a binary tree whose nodes store time values and delta values. (FIG. 2). The delta values represent inventory consumers or producers. (FIG. 6). The time values of trees used for inventory requirements problems are shifted in accordance with build-ahead times. (FIG. 6).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for optimization using multi-dimensional data includes receiving a problem instance to be solved using an optimization engine. The problem instance is specified in a multi-dimensional format associated with a multidimensional data model that includes multiple data dimensions each including a hierarchy of members. The problem instance includes an objective function, an optimization operator, and one or more constraints. The optimization engine is unable to solve the problem instance including the objective function, the optimization operator, and the one or more constraints in the multi-dimensional format.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system is provided for centrally managing core enterprise reference data associated with an enterprise. A centralized master repository contains the core enterprise reference data. An internal services framework coupled to the centralized master repository provides internal services for managing the core enterprise reference data within the centralized master repository, one or more of the internal services having direct access to the core enterprise reference data stored in the centralized master repository for management purposes.

Abstract: In one embodiment, optimizing inventory includes accessing service level band sets. Each service level band set is associated with a policy group, and includes service level bands. Each service level band of a service level band set has a service level priority with respect to any other service level bands of the same service level band set. An inventory band set is determined for each service level band set. Each inventory band set includes inventory bands, where each inventory band satisfies a corresponding service level band assuming an unconstrained network. Each inventory band of an inventory band set has an inventory priority with respect to any other inventory bands of the same inventory band set. A feasible supply chain plan that satisfies the inventory band sets is generated in order of the inventory priorities until a constrained network is depleted.

Abstract: A method of multi-enterprise optimization at a buyer computer includes accessing a forecasted demand for at least one item and generating one or more proposed flexible trade contracts using the forecasted demand for the item. The proposed flexible trade contract is communicated to a seller computer and subsequently executed after acceptance of the proposed flexible trade contract at the seller computer to create a flexible trade contract. Each proposed flexible trade contract may be a forward contract, an option contract, or a flexible forward contract.

Abstract: A method of multi-enterprise optimization at a buyer computer includes accessing a forecasted demand for at least one item and generating one or more proposed flexible trade contracts using the forecasted demand for the item. The proposed flexible trade contract is communicated to a seller computer and subsequently executed after acceptance of the proposed flexible trade contract at the seller computer to create a flexible trade contract. Each proposed flexible trade contract may be a forward contract, an option contract, or a flexible forward contract.

Abstract: A retractable banner display includes an easily replaceable banner core. Housing for the banner core includes an end cap with a reentrant opening on its top edge that receives and retains an end peg of the banner core. The end peg has a height greater than its width so that its movement is restricted within the reentrant opening. A retention member, such as a notch, may be included to hold the core within the reentrant opening when the banner is pulled to its extended position. A plurality of replacement banner cores may be included with a display assembly. The banner core may be configured to lock in a first orientation and unlock in a second orientation to assist in loading the core into the housing and assist in maintaining tension in the core. An adapter may be used to adjust the display angle of the banner.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly that includes upper and lower washers and a cam. A particular implementation of a nozzle assembly includes a stem coupled with a cam assembly. The stem has a nozzle in a first end which is in fluid communication with a second end of the stem. An upper washer is slidably coupled with a washer race in the stem and may have an upper washer groove and a lower washer may be coupled with the second end of the stem and have a lower washer groove. A spring element may be disposed around the stem between the upper and lower washer grooves. Particular implementations of a cam assembly may include a lower cam half slidably coupled into an upper cam half. Other particular implementations may further include the lower cam half rotationally and, in some implementations, removably indexed in relation to the upper cam half.

Abstract: In one embodiment, optimizing inventory includes accessing service level band sets. Each service level band set is associated with a policy group, and includes service level bands. Each service level band of a service level band set has a service level priority with respect to any other service level bands of the same service level band set. An inventory band set is determined for each service level band set. Each inventory band set includes inventory bands, where each inventory band satisfies a corresponding service level band assuming an unconstrained network. Each inventory band of an inventory band set has an inventory priority with respect to any other inventory bands of the same inventory band set. A feasible supply chain plan that satisfies the inventory band sets is generated in order of the inventory priorities until a constrained network is depleted.

Abstract: In one embodiment, planning repairs in response to demand in a multi-level repair network includes accessing a forecasted demand for serviceable parts at a repair location and, for each inspected unserviceable part at the location that is not repairable at the location: (1) planning a move of the part to an upstream repair location such that the part can be available for repair at the upstream location at an estimated earliest time; (2) estimating a latest time at which a repair of the part can begin at the upstream location to help satisfy the forecasted demand, according to the forecasted demand and the estimated earliest time, and planning a repair at the upstream location at the estimated latest time; and (3) re-planning the move, according to the start time of the repair, by modifying a move delivery time according to a repair start time and modifying a move start time according to the modified delivery time.

Abstract: In one embodiment, optimizing inventory includes accessing service level band sets. Each service level band set is associated with a policy group, and includes service level bands. Each service level band of a service level band set has a service level priority with respect to any other service level bands of the same service level band set. An inventory band set is determined for each service level band set. Each inventory band set includes inventory bands, where each inventory band satisfies a corresponding service level band assuming an unconstrained network. Each inventory band of an inventory band set has an inventory priority with respect to any other inventory bands of the same inventory band set. A feasible supply chain plan that satisfies the inventory band sets is generated in order of the inventory priorities until a constrained network is depleted.

Abstract: A method of providing visualization of market offers includes receiving offer data for multiple offers, the offer data reflecting values specified in the offers for multiple offer variables. The method further includes generating a display of the offer data. The display includes multiple patterns, each pattern representing a particular offer and including multiple bars. Each bar within the pattern represents a particular offer variable and includes a set of one or more geometric display elements that by virtue of their appearance collectively encode, according to a predefined encoding scheme, a value for the offer variable corresponding to the bar.

Abstract: A computer-implemented marketplace (16) for providing financial transaction services to participants (12, 14, 60, 62) in connection with commercial transactions involving the participants (12, 14, 60, 62) includes a database (22). The database (22) contains registration information for types of transactions available to participants (12, 14, 60, 62) and participation criteria for each participant (12, 14, 60, 62) that specifies types of transactions in which the participant (12, 14, 60, 62) is willing to participate. Processes (24) provide associated financial transaction services for the participants (12, 14, 60, 62) in connection with ongoing transactions involving the participants (12, 14, 60, 62).

Abstract: An outdoor swivel head spotlight is described. A light bulb hood comprises a reflector and base. The base comprises a spherical socket having an internal seat. A support arm comprising a spherical end and a distal end connected to the spherical end by a through conduit is provided. The spherical end is seated in the internal seat. An internally threaded nut comprising an inwardly projecting lip having an open interior diameter at least as large as the external diameter of the spherical end, is coupled with the spherical socket. A washer between the spherical end and the lip of the nut is provided. When the nut is in a loosened position, the hood may be positioned to a desired angular position and when the nut is in a tightened position, the washer presses the spherical end into the internal seat to fix the angular position of the light hood.

Abstract: A hydraulic air compressor and generator system may comprise: a hydraulic air compressor comprising a compressed air pipe for conveying the compressed air from the separator chamber; and an electrical power generator positioned in line with the compressed air pipe so that compressed air will directly power the generator. A method for operating an electrical power generator may comprise: positioning the electrical power generator in line with a compressed air pipe of a hydraulic air compressor; and using compressed air output from the HAC to directly power the electrical power generator.

Abstract: A luggage case having a built in luggage scale is described. A first frame coupled to and substantially coextensive with a bottom wall of a luggage case is provided. The luggage case comprises a lid movable between open and closed positions, the lid being substantially parallel to the bottom wall. A second frame moveably coupled to and substantially parallel to the first frame is provided. At least one load sensor between the first frame and the second frame, the at least one load sensor configured to measure a weight of the luggage case is also provided.

Abstract: Locations that include supply, manufacturing, demand locations, and channels are defined. A demand is computed for each part at each location. An availability lead-time is estimated for each part at each location and for each part at each channel. A total landed cost is calculated for each part at each location and each channel. A lead-time demand is computed for each part at each location using the availability lead-times for the part. A demand over lead-time is computed for each part at each location using the availability lead-times for the part. A completely filled demand is determined from the lead-time demands and the stock levels, and a partially filled demand is determined from the lead-time demands and the stock levels. A coverage function is generated for the parts at the locations and the channels from the completely filled demand and the partially filled demand.

Abstract: Implementations of an electrical cover plate assemblies feature a frame with a finished surface and at least one adapter plate recess in the finished surface. The adapter plate recess includes an electrical device aperture. An adapter plate couples with the frame at the adapter plate recess and is sized to fill the adapter plate recess substantially from its extents at least approximately to an edge of the electrical device aperture.

Abstract: A system for demand breakout for a supply chain includes a memory operable to store a plurality of orders for at least one product. Each product may be produced using at least one precursor. The memory is also operable to store a production schedule identifying one or more resources in the supply chain, a quantity of each product and precursor scheduled to be produced by the resources, and a time period associated with production of each product and precursor. The system also includes one or more processors collectively operable to identify one or more particular units of the product that correspond to each product order. The one or more processors are also collectively operable to identify one or more particular units of one or more precursors that correspond to each product order.

Abstract: A plurality of siding flange implementations comprising weatherproof siding flanges combined with an electrical wall box or a while-in-use electrical cover. The siding flange may be integrally formed with the electrical wall box or removably coupled to the electrical wall box, for example, on an inside surface of the box. The siding flange may comprise weight reducing pockets separated by strengthening ribs. The siding flange may also comprise a lip extending forward of the siding flange and having one or more grooves therein. The grooves may allow portions of the lip to be removed to adapt to varying siding material thickness.