Abstract: A system and method for optimizing inventory purchasing is presented. A system can include one or more processing modules and one more non-transitory storage modules. The storage modules can contain instructions that perform acts corresponding to optimizing inventory purchasing, particularly for seasonal items. The demand for related items can be rolled-up to create a more complete base from which to make calculations. Price can be used to create a more accurate measure of demand. One can also forecast the effect of a future price reduction on demand. This more accurate measure of demand can then be used to order goods. Other embodiments are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A system and method of forecasting using low-rank matrix completion is presented. Sales data is gathered. The data is divided into four different matrices, with two matrices covering a similar time period one year apart and another matrix covering a time period of similar length to the time period to be forecast. Matrix completion methods are performed on the four matrices in various orders. Two matrices are combined to form one sub-problem, then two matrices are combined to form a second sub-problem. The two sub-problems are solved using a matrix completion method to create a forecast of the time period in question. The matrix completion method can involve solving a nuclear norm least squares problem, then using an expectation maximization algorithm to create a forecast. Other embodiments are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: An animal remedy dispensing means is described which has an elongate handle having a longitudinal axis, an inlet for receiving a remedy and an outlet aperture. The outlet has a central axis which forms an angle of between 0° and 45° with the longitudinal axis of the handle. The dispensing means includes a dosage control part which is moveable between a first position wherein the dose dispensed can be adjusted and a second position wherein the dose dispensed cannot be adjusted. A novel one way valve is also described.

Abstract: An animal remedy dispensing means is described which has an elongate handle having a longitudinal axis, an inlet for receiving a remedy and an outlet aperture. The outlet has a central axis which forms an angle of between 0° and 45° with the longitudinal axis of the handle. The dispensing means includes a dosage control part which is moveable between a first position wherein the dose dispensed can be adjusted and a second position wherein the dose dispensed cannot be adjusted. A novel one way valve is also described.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises a cylconic separation unit with a dirty air inlet and a cleaned air outlet at a first end and a dirt collection portion at a second end. The separation unit is supported on the cleaner such that the inlet is located in a lower portion of the first end and such that, in normal use, the longitudinal axis of the chamber lies in, or can be brought to lie in, a substantially horizontal position. A shield member is provided at the inlet for shielding the inlet from the dirt collection portion of the chamber. This helps to prevent dirt from becoming re-entrained in the airflow and the inlet and dirt from falling from the inlet when a user removes the separation unit. The shield also helps to straighten incoming airflow through the inlet. The shield can be formed integrally with a shroud or other insert that fits inside the separation unit.

Abstract: A changeover valve comprises a first valve member and a second valve member. The first value member has an aperture. The second valve member has first and second apertures. The first valve member is movable relative to the second valve member for selective alignment of the first value member aperture with one or other of the apertures of the second valve member. The value also has a ramp and follower means for automatically moving the valve member away from the one another during changeover movement of the first valve member relative to the second valve member so that wear on the surfaces of the valve members is minimized.