Abstract: A target acquisition device that can determine a ballistics solution based on parabola characteristics. The parabola characteristics can be modeled in UI coordinates on the y-axis (e.g., pixels, mm, . . . ) and physical coordinates (e.g., feet, yards, meters, . . . ) on the x-axis. Zeroing data can be leveraged that establishes high quality reference points for two or more zeroed distances such that high quality ballistics solutions can be determined for other suitable (e.g., non-zeroed) distances as a function of parabola modeling techniques.

Abstract: A target acquisition device that can determine a ballistics solution based on parabola characteristics. The parabola characteristics can be modeled in UI coordinates on the y-axis (e.g., pixels, mm, . . . ) and physical coordinates (e.g., feet, yards, meters, . . . ) on the x-axis. Zeroing data can be leveraged that establishes high quality reference points for two or more zeroed distances such that high quality ballistics solutions can be determined for other suitable (e.g., non-zeroed) distances as a function of parabola modeling techniques.

Abstract: A target acquisition device that can determine a ballistics solution based on parabola characteristics. The parabola characteristics can be modeled in UI coordinates on the y-axis (e.g., pixels, mm, . . . ) and physical coordinates (e.g., feet, yards, meters, . . . ) on the x-axis. Zeroing data can be leveraged that establishes high quality reference points for two or more zeroed distances such that high quality ballistics solutions can be determined for other suitable (e.g., non-zeroed) distances as a function of parabola modeling techniques.

Abstract: A table attachable to the tailgate of a vehicle extends from the tailgate. The table is foldable between a stowed and a deployed configuration. In the stowed configuration the table can be folded against the vehicle tailgate or extend transverse to the tailgate and securable to the vehicle. In the deployed configuration the table when extended in the plane of the tailgate forms a surface.

Abstract: In many embodiments, a method can comprise receiving an online order for an item from a user and receiving an estimate of a network stockout cost of a network associated with the item, the network comprising at least a first fulfillment center and a second fulfillment center. In some embodiments, the method further can comprise updating a first local stockout cost and updating a second local stockout. In various embodiments, the method further can comprise executing a first stocking plan for the item at the first fulfillment center based at least in part on the updated first local stockout cost, executing a second stocking plan for the item at the second fulfillment center based at least in part on the updated second local stockout cost, and selecting the first fulfillment center to deliver the item pursuant to the online order from the user based at least in part on the first stocking plan. Other embodiments of related methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: In many embodiments, a method can comprise receiving an online order for an item from a user and receiving an estimate of a network stockout cost of a network associated with the item, the network comprising at least a first fulfillment center and a second fulfillment center. In some embodiments, the method further can comprise updating a first local stockout cost and updating a second local stockout. In various embodiments, the method further can comprise executing a first stocking plan for the item at the first fulfillment center based at least in part on the updated first local stockout cost, executing a second stocking plan for the item at the second fulfillment center based at least in part on the updated second local stockout cost, and selecting the first fulfillment center to deliver the item pursuant to the online order from the user based at least in part on the first stocking plan. Other embodiments of related methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: A method for computing a demand probability for one or more products. The method can include establishing one or more similarities between one or more regional segments and combining the one or more regional segments into one or more clusters based on the one or more similarities. The method can also include executing one or more computer instructions on one or more processors for determining a demand probability distribution across the one or more clusters for the one or more products based on historical data and delivering the one or more products to the one or more clusters based on the demand probability distribution.

Abstract: The invention is a piezoelectric self-cleaning apparatus, such as a chemical injection pump. The chemical injection pump is self-cleaning by employing either as an integral part or as an added part, a piezoelectric component that implosively cleans the pump head. This invention involves a liquid delivery system made of a liquid processing path and a piezoelectric actuator connected to or integral with said liquid processing path to enhance removal of unwanted solids from the liquid processing path or to maintain a blend, mix and/or integrity of a liquid chemical, wherein the liquid chemical does not precipitate particles, crystallize, separate or come out of solution.

Abstract: The invention a piezoelectric self-cleaning apparatus, such as a chemical injection pump. The chemical injection pump is self-cleaning by employing either as an integral part or as an added part, a piezoelectric component that implosively cleans the pump head. This invention involves a liquid delivery system made of a liquid processing path and a piezoelectric actuator connected to or integral with said liquid processing path to enhance removal of unwanted solids from the liquid processing path or to maintain a blend, mix and/or integrity of a liquid chemical, wherein the liquid chemical does not precipitate particles, crystallize, separate or come out of solution.

Abstract: A sign utilizing interchangeable, replaceable magnetic displays adhering to a ferromagnetic layer. The information, printed on the magnetic layers, retains their original freshness and crispness until removed and their replacements installed in their stead. Installing the new magnetic displays proves very facile and only requires removing the old magnetic display from its smooth, ferromagnetic panel and placing the new magnetic sign in its stead. The ferromagnetic panels can sit on top of regular signs which may include translucent panels with information visible through the panels. The ferromagnetic panel can clamp onto the regular sign since it requires no internal lighting. This arrangement avoids the need to penetrate any surface of the nonmagnetic sign. The ferromagnetic panel may have a nonflat configuration, and the magnetic sheet a flexibility to adhere intimately to the panel. The magnetic sign may, in fact, include several sections for flexibility in the sign's installation and content.

Abstract: A sign utilizing interchangeable magnetic displays adhering to a ferromagnetic layer. The information, printed on the magnetic layers, retains their original freshness and crispness until removed and their magnetic replacements installed in their stead. Installing the new magnetic displays proves very facile and only requires removing the old magnetic display from its ferromagnetic panel and placing the new magnetic sign in its stead. The ferromagnetic panels can sit on top of regular signs or simply sit on the ground. In the latter instance, the ferromagnetic panel can sit in a frame that has a flat base that can simply rest on the ground, two runners to support the sign on the ground, or spikes attached to the runners that will penetrate soil to hold the sign. The frame may hold the ferromagnetic panel with its sign in a fixed position or allow it to rotate 180 degrees.

Abstract: A sign with an interchangeable magnetic display. The sign comprising at least one panel, a display, a base, and a brace which limits relative motion between the panel and base. The panels form a ferromagnetic support surface which is attracted to a mounting surface of the display that is magnetic, the display thereby being easily attachable and detachable from the support surface. The base having a clamp used to attach the panels to business equipment, such as an exterior menu stand in a restaurant's traffic corridor, without damage to the stand.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide means for attaching a catch tray to a hanging plant container. An attachment device comprises two engaging members. The first engagement member includes a U-shaped engagement structure and a plurality of spaced-apart interlock features in combination with an elongated interconnect structure thereof. The second engagement member includes a U-shaped engagement structure and an elongated interconnect structure attached to the U-shaped engagement structure. The elongated interconnect structure of the second engagement member is slideably engaged with the elongated interconnect structure of the first engagement member.

Abstract: A gas-fired burner including a cylindrical burner housing having a premixed fuel/air opening. Disposed within the cylindrical burner housing is a cylindrical burner ring which forms at least one row of a plurality of burner ports. The cylindrical burner ring is sized relative to the burner housing such that an annular space is formed between the burner housing and the burner ring. Upper and lower annular rings extend between the burner ring and the burner housing, thereby enclosing the annular space. Disposed within the burner ring is a secondary air flow restrictor for controlling the flow of secondary air to the flame. A multi-finger grate having alternating long and short fingers is disposed above the burner housing.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention relate to a system and method for enhanced monitoring and/or controlling a flow of a media. For example, the flow of the media may be controlled and/or monitored over an enhanced range of flow rates; control over the flow of the media may be highly linear; the flow of an aggressive media may be controlled and/or monitored; or, other advantages may be provided.

Abstract: A method of forming a vehicle component, particularly an elongated impact beam, having an open section structure, in a manner to provide predetermined strategically strengthened portions, comprising the steps of cold forming unhardened steel into a workpiece having mounting surfaces, selectively fixturing the mounting surfaces, static induction heating the workpiece with lengthwise surface eddy currents on selected portions, followed by quenching of the fixtured heated workpiece to form strengthened portions, and unfixturing the resulting component. Also disclosed is apparatus to accomplish this, and the resulting novel vehicle component.

Abstract: A method for testing computer software is described. The method is intended for operation on software which may or may not have been previously subjected to unit and integration tests, to determine if it will meet the specific requirements of an end user. The method is applicable to internally developed, contractor developed, or vendor supplied software. The method includes application in six key process areas. The six key process areas are development of a test plan, development of test cases to support the plan, development of an environment to simulate the technical environment in which the program will operate, test execution in which the tests are executed in a technical environment, compiling and analyzing the results and finally reporting the results in a form whereby the end user can determine both the feasibility of the software system for the specific requirements and any areas where additional testing or modifications are necessary.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a gas-fired heater to maintain temperature within a zone. The gas-fired heater is modulated between a higher firing rate and a lower firing rate within a pseudo steady-state mode until a current firing rate exceeds a predetermined maximum time period ttrans. The gas-fired heater is then modulated between an updated higher firing rate and an updated lower firing rate within a transient mode until an updated current firing rate exceeds a predetermined maximum time period tdiag. Finally, the higher firing rate and the lower firing rate are redefined in a diagnostic mode until the gas-fired heater returns to the pseudo steady-state mode.

Abstract: A method and a system for a radio listener or a television viewer to retrieve a stored broadcast segment, such a song title or a sound recording, upon receiving a transmitted broadcast segment. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method and system facilitates retrieving a stored broadcast segment associated with a transmitted broadcast segment in response to a user inquiry, wherein the user inquiry references a time and a date of a broadcast and a station identifier of the transmitted broadcast segment. The user initiates the inquiry upon receiving the transmitted broadcast segment that interests the user. The method includes configuring a broadcast segment database with a plurality of stored broadcast segments associated with respective broadcast times, broadcast dates, station identifiers and identification information.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a gas-fired heater to maintain temperature within a zone. The gas-fired heater is modulated between a higher firing rate and a lower firing rate within a pseudo steady-state mode until a current firing rate exceeds a predetermined maximum time period ttrans. The gas-fired heater is then modulated between an updated higher firing rate and an updated lower firing rate within a transient mode until an updated current firing rate exceeds a predetermined maximum time period tdiag. Finally, the higher firing rate and the lower firing rate are redefined in a diagnostic mode until the gas-fired heater returns to the pseudo steady-state mode.