Abstract: A method and system for forecasting distribution center (DC) or warehouse product suggested order quantities required to meet future product demands for a retailer. In determining DC/warehouse order quantities, a bias factor and Adaptive Forecast Error (AFE) are calculated from prior product demand and sales data and applied to DC/warehouse effective inventory calculations to account for forecast errors in DC/warehouse suggested order quantities. If the bias indicates a forecast that is too high, the method and system will attempt to compensate by increasing the suggested order quantity. If the bias indicates a forecast that is too low, the method and system will attempt to compensate by decreasing the suggested order quantity.

Abstract: An improved method for forecasting and modeling product demand for a product. The forecasting methodology employs a causal methodology, based on multiple regression techniques, to model the effects of various factors on product demand, and hence better forecast future patterns and trends, improving the efficiency and reliability of the inventory management systems. The demand forecasting technique seeks to establish a cause-effect relationship between product demand and factors influencing product demand in a market environment. Such factors may include current and recent product sales rates, seasonality of demand, product price changes, promotional activities, weather forecasts, competitive information are examples of the other primary factors which can be modeled. A product demand forecast is generated by blending the various influencing factors in accordance with corresponding regression coefficients determined through the analysis of historical product demand and factor information.

Abstract: An improved method for forecasting and modeling product demand for a product. The forecasting methodology blends information about the future price of a product with historical sales data to better forecast the future product demand. This forecasting methodoloy takes into account three main parameters that may affect the future demand for a product: seasonality (using seasonal factors), recent sales trends (through average rate of sale analysis) and the product price (by estimating the price driven demand).

Abstract: An improved method for forecasting and modeling product demand for a slow moving product. The method includes the steps of maintaining a database of historical product demand information, calculating the average rate of sales (ARS) for a product from the historical demand information corresponding to the product, determining if the product is a slow moving product (SMP), and if the product is a SMP modifying the ARS using a mean reverting forecast method called GARCH (Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity) to accurately model the expected demand and variability of the slow moving product.

Abstract: A puncturing needle device has multiple (2 or more) thin needles which are mounted onto a body part or a syringe. The combination of thinness and multitude of needle can minimize pain while drawing or injecting sufficient amount of liquid such as blood or liquid drug. The needles can be different in their length.

Abstract: A torque intensifying tool for tightening and loosening threaded connectors has at least one torque intensifier means having a torque intensifier housing portion, having input means and having a first output means and a second output means, a drive operatively connected with the input means for transmitting a torque from the drive through the intensifying means to a threaded connector, so that in one mode of operation the torque intensifier housing portion together with the first and the second output means turn in the same direction and the same speed and torque as the input means, and in another mode of operation the torque intensifier housing portion together with one of the first and second output means receives a turning force in one direction while the other one of the first and second output means receives an equal turning force in the opposite direction at a lower speed but higher torque than the input means, and so that one of the first and second output means turns in the one mode and in the another

Abstract: A method has been devised to produce a Confidence Prediction metric which gives the business user some indication as to the future reliability of the current week's forecast. The forecasting method analyzes historical demand data and prior product demand forecasts to calculate forecast errors for the prior product demand forecasts, and determine a confidence level for current and future product demand forecasts, the confidence level providing an indication of whether a given product forecast is unreliable or not. Reliable product demand forecasts can be automatically passed to a purchase order system, while unreliable forecasts may need to be reviewed and adjusted manually. A method for assessing, before-hand, whether a given product's forecast is reliable has been devised.

Abstract: A smart-card based system and methods to control access to a plurality of attractions within a geographical area. The system may include one or more reward terminals that are located at attractions and are configured to read smart cards presented to them and, assuming the card is valid for that location, allow the card holder to access the attraction. Each smart card may be programmed with a product code that defines the attractions at which the card may be used. Product codes may be stored in a central database along with a list of the attractions associated with the each product code. The list of attractions may be updated as desired, thereby updating and changing the attractions at which any given card may be used.

Abstract: A method and system for forecasting product order quantities required to meet future product demands for a retail distribution center or warehouse. The method includes the steps of determining for each one of a plurality of retail stores, a long range order forecast for a product sold by said retail store; accumulating said long range order forecasts for said plurality of retail stores to generate a distribution center demand forecast for said retail distribution center; comparing said distribution center demand forecast with current and projected future inventory levels at said distribution center of said product; and determining from distribution center demand forecast and said current and projected future inventory levels suggested order quantities necessary for maintaining a minimum inventory level sufficient to meet said distribution center demand forecast for said product.

Abstract: A practice sports racket and ball in combination is disclosed. The racket has an elastic member stretched over both sides of the frame. The elastic member is partly covered with the hook fasteners of hook and loop fastener material and the ball is covered with the loop fasteners of hook and loop fastener material. The center of this practice sports racket, sometimes referred to as the "sweet spot" is void of any hook fastener material. In practice, if the ball hits the "sweet spot", it will rebound as a normal hit. However, if the ball is off center, it will be contained as the loop fastener material on the ball makes contact with the hook fastener material on the practice sports racket.