Abstract: A method of determining a return option for a customer of a retail enterprise. The method includes receiving a request to return a previously-ordered inventory item. The request includes item attributes including an item description and an item cost of the previously-ordered inventory item. Customer attributes are received, which include a customer profile, historical sales order metrics, and historical return metrics from a customer attribute database. A risk score for the customer is determined. The risk score is based, at least in part, on the customer attributes and one or more rules assessed by a customer risk assessment tool of the retail enterprise. Based on the risk score and the item attributes, at least one return processing option for the customer is automatically determined. The at least one return processing option is presented to the customer for selection.

Abstract: A concentrated flavor dispensing machine having displacement pumps for delivering between a fraction of a milliliter and a few ounces of fluids having a viscosity value between 1 to 4000 centepoise is described. The dispensing machine includes a cabinet for containing a multitude of displacement pumps, where each displacement pump is realizably connected to a disposable pre-filled fluid cartridge. Each displacement pump includes a stepper motor in engagement with a threaded drive rod that is advanced or retracted by any one of several predetermined distances. The drive rod impels a plunger positioned within the disposable cartridge to dispense a volume of fluid. Flexible capillary tubes connected to the output of each disposable cartridge direct the fluid to a central dispensing area. The disposable cartridge includes an expandable plunger which draws fluid back into the cartridge when the drive rod is withdrawn after a dispense operation for drip prevention.

Abstract: A concentrated flavour dispensing machine having displacement pumps for delivering between a fraction of a millilitre and a few ounces of fluids having a viscosity value between 1 to 4000 centepoise is described. The dispensing machine includes a cabinet for containing a multitude of displacement pumps, where each displacement pump is realisably connected to a disposable pre-filled fluid cartridge. Each displacement pump includes a stepper motor in engagement with a threaded drive rod that is advanced or retracted by any one of several predetermined distances. The drive rod impels a plunger positioned within the disposable cartridge to dispense a volume of fluid. Flexible capillary tubes connected to the output of each disposable cartridge direct the fluid to a central dispensing area. The disposable cartridge includes an expandable plunger which draws fluid back into the cartridge when the drive rod is withdrawn after a dispense operation for drip prevention.

Abstract: A topping dispenser for dispensing portions of chilled topping onto beverages and desserts comprises a housing having a drawer that includes a product compartment and an adjacent drive compartment separated by a partition. The product compartment is adapted to receive a bag containing topping, and houses a vertically displaceable pressure member, such as a roller, to roll down along one side of the bag opposite a pressure surface on the other side of the bag to squeeze contents of the bag out through a bottom dispensing valve assembly to direct product into a waiting container. The roller is advanced downward in predetermined increments by a motor-driven carriage assembly in the drive compartment that may be actuated by a push button on the housing. The dispensing valve assembly holds a pressure-actuated valve that closes automatically to cleanly cut off a dispensed ribbon of topping and is configured to impart a decorative appearance to the dispensed ribbon.

Abstract: A topping dispenser for dispensing portions of chilled topping onto beverages and desserts comprises a housing having a drawer that includes a product compartment and an adjacent drive compartment separated by a partition. The product compartment is adapted to receive a bag containing topping, and houses a vertically displaceable pressure member, such as a roller, to roll down along one side of the bag opposite a pressure surface on the other side of the bag to squeeze contents of the bag out through a bottom dispensing valve assembly to direct product into a waiting container. The roller is advanced downward in predetermined increments by a motor-driven carriage assembly in the drive compartment that may be actuated by a push button on the housing. The dispensing valve assembly holds a pressure-actuated valve that closes automatically to cleanly cut off a dispensed ribbon of topping and is configured to impart a decorative appearance to the dispensed ribbon.

Abstract: A new and improved truck container light bar adapted for use in association with a truck having an electrical system and a truck container having a rear section including tie down holes, the apparatus comprising, in combination: a first cross bar and a second cross bar each including an open inboard end and an outboard end formed in an inverted L-shaped configuration, each crossbar including at least one hole extending therethrough, at least one brake light and at least one signal light being coupled to each cross bar, each signal light and brake light including a lead wire extending therefrom and positioned through each crossbar, a central adjustment bar including a plurality of apertures and a plurality of small running lights, the running lights having lead wires extending through the central adjustment bar, the central adjustment bar being coupled within the open inboard ends of the crossbars with a cooperatively coupled bolt, an electrical extension cord being operatively coupled to each light and includ

Abstract: A concentrated flavor dispensing machine having displacement pumps for delivering between a fraction of a milliliter and a few ounces of fluids having a viscosity value between 1 to 4000 centepoise is described. The dispensing machine includes a cabinet for containing a multitude of displacement pumps, where each displacement pump is realizably connected to a disposable pre-filled fluid cartridge. Each displacement pump includes a stepper motor in engagement with a threaded drive rod that is advanced or retracted by any one of several predetermined distances. The drive rod impels a plunger positioned within the disposable cartridge to dispense a volume of fluid. Flexible capillary tubes connected to the output of each disposable cartridge direct the fluid to a central dispensing area. The disposable cartridge includes an expandable plunger which draws fluid back into the cartridge when the drive rod is withdrawn after a dispense operation for drip prevention.