Abstract: A system, method, and article of manufacture is disclosed for determining optimal parameter settings for a business initiative testing model used for testing initiatives for business locations included in a business network. In one aspect, a method is disclosed that includes defining a first test type of a business initiative testing model having a set of parameter settings. Each parameter setting may include a set of one or more parameter setting options. The method may also include performing virtual tests on a set of virtual test sites based on the defined test type. Each virtual test site may reflect a selected business location in the business network. Also, the method may include determining a set of optimal parameter settings for the first test type of the business initiative testing model based on results from the virtual test.

Abstract: A system, method, and article of manufacture is disclosed for developing and managing a the test of a business initiative for a business network including business locations. In one aspect of the invention, a method is performed that includes performing a process for developing a business initiative to apply to the business network and performing a process for designing a test for the initiative. Further, the method includes executing the initiative at a set of test sites in accordance with the designed test, each test site corresponds to a selected business location in the business network. Also, performance results of the executed initiative may be analyzed and a rollout plan is created for implementing the initiative at a first set of business locations.

Abstract: A system, method, and article of manufacture is disclosed for developing and managing a the test of a business initiative for a business network including business locations. In one aspect of the invention, a method is performed that includes performing a process for developing a business initiative to apply to the business network and performing a process for designing a test for the initiative. Further, the method includes executing the initiative at a set of test sites in accordance with the designed test, each test site corresponds to a selected business location in the business network. Also, performance results of the executed initiative may be analyzed and a rollout plan is created for implementing the initiative at a first set of business locations.

Abstract: A pull-down shelf for storage of articles has a lower shelf portion that contains a wind-up mechanism, which can be spring powered or motorized, an overhead mounting plate that attaches to ceiling joists or the like, and at least a pair of cables that are wound onto arbors of the wind-up mechanism for suspending the shelf portion from the overhead mounting plate. Scissors-action stabilizers hold the shelf from tipping or swinging. The user pulls the shelf down, and this unwinds the cables and charges the springs. A releasable ratchet wheel keeps the mechanism from turning in the rewind direction. The user can pull or actuate a release handle or button to release the shelf and let the spring rewind the cables to pull the shelf back to its overhead position.

Abstract: A pull-down shelf for storage of articles has a lower shelf portion that contains a wind-up mechanism, which can be spring powered or motorized, an overhead mounting plate that attaches to ceiling joists or the like, and at least a pair of cables that are wound onto arbors of the wind-up mechanism for suspending the shelf portion from the overhead mounting plate. Scissors-action stabilizers hold the shelf from tipping or swinging. The user pulls the shelf down, and this unwinds the cables and charges the springs. A releasable ratchet wheel keeps the mechanism from turning in the rewind direction. The user can pull or actuate a release handle or button to release the shelf and let the spring rewind the cables to pull the shelf back to its overhead position.

Abstract: A method of controllably charging a heat pump system with refrigerant until adequately charged for the cooling mode of operation, including checking the outdoor ambient temperature, injecting sufficient refrigerant to sustain safe compressor operation, operating the compressor at higher or lower rates depending upon the detected ambient temperature level and determining when to halt charging by monitoring indoor coil inlet and suction temperature differences in the heat pump system.

Abstract: A system, method, and article of manufacture is disclosed for determining optimal parameter settings for a business initiative testing model used for testing initiatives for business locations included in a business network. In one aspect, a method is disclosed that includes defining a first test type of a business initiative testing model having a set of parameter settings. Each parameter setting may include a set of one or more parameter setting options. The method may also include performing virtual tests on a set of virtual test sites based on the defined test type. Each virtual test site may reflect a selected business location in the business network. Also, the method may include determining a set of optimal parameter settings for the first test type of the business initiative testing model based on results from the virtual test.