Abstract: Systems and methods are described for collecting data at a merchant's point of return for use in processing a merchandise return transaction that is being requested by a customer. In various embodiments, the data may be collected using a wide variety of data collection technologies and may be used in conjunction with stored data, including data collected from other merchants, by a return authorization system to make a determination whether to accept or deny the requested merchandise return. The data may additionally or alternatively be used to determine whether to issue a warning to the customer about limitations on future return transactions presented by the customer. Examples of data categories that may be collected include, but are not limited to, information about: the merchant, the customer, the requested transaction, the merchandise being returned, one or more receipts, a clerk processing the transaction, and other general applicable information.

Abstract: Systems and method for processing merchandise returns are described. In some embodiments, a sales receipt can be received in connection with a requested merchandise return. A receipt identifier can be used to locate sales data associated with the original purchase of the merchandise being returned, and a customer identifier (e.g., a customer loyalty number or a hashed credit card number) can be extracted from the sales data. Customer information, such as prior merchandise return data or prior purchase data, can be retrieved using the extracted customer identifier. The customer information can be used to assess the risk associated with the requested merchandise return for making a determination of whether to accept or deny the return request. Determinations can also be made for whether to provide the customer with a warning or with a coupon in connection with the merchandise return.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for collecting data at a merchant's point of return for use in processing a merchandise return transaction that is being requested by a customer. In various embodiments, the data may be collected using a wide variety of data collection technologies and may be used in conjunction with stored data, including data collected from other merchants, by a return authorization system to make a determination whether to accept or deny the requested merchandise return. The data may additionally or alternatively be used to determine whether to issue a warning to the customer about limitations on future return transactions presented by the customer. Examples of data categories that may be collected include, but are not limited to, information about: the merchant, the customer, the requested transaction, the merchandise being returned, one or more receipts, a clerk processing the transaction, and other general applicable information.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for collecting data at a merchant's point of return for use in processing a merchandise return transaction that is being requested by a customer. In various embodiments, the data may be collected using a wide variety of data collection technologies and may be used in conjunction with stored data, including data collected from other merchants, by a return authorization system to make a determination whether to accept or deny the requested merchandise return. The data may additionally or alternatively be used to determine whether to issue a warning to the customer about limitations on future return transactions presented by the customer. Examples of data categories that may be collected include, but are not limited to, information about: the merchant, the customer, the requested transaction, the merchandise being returned, one or more receipts, a clerk processing the transaction, and other general applicable information.

Abstract: A web crawling engine is configured to mine auction web sites for auction market data. On-line auction market data are aggregated for use in determining how to best list an item for sale through an on-line auction. The market data include listing options (e.g., duration, opening bid) as well as data descriptive of the auction's progress (e.g., current bid). Auction market data can also be actively accumulated by actively listing items at auction, varying the listing options, and monitoring the same auctions. Data is analyzed to identify correlations between item listing options and desirable auction results, such as closing bid price. A multivariable curve fitting is performed based upon the accumulated data to create a function that yields auction revenue as a function of listing options. A set of options that corresponds to the maxima of this function is identified as an optimal set of listing options for a product.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for forming coatings of transition metal compounds on solid bodies using cathodic arcs and a reactive gas in a vacuum chamber. The metal composition of the coatings is varied by moving the articles to be coated through the vacuum chamber having cathodes at selected locations, the articles being supported on movable supports.

Abstract: Single hard particles or single point cutting tools having the particles bonded thereto are coated with a modulated or layered composition of transition metal compounds or with titanium compounds to decrease mechanical failure of the particles. Titanium and zirconium nitrides may be used to form the modulated composition. Total thickness of the coatings is in the range from about 0.5 micrometer to about 30 micrometers. Individual layers of varying composition have a thickness in the range from about 0.5 nanometers to about 30 nanometers.

Abstract: A system funds future losses incurred by an insurance carrier on active workers' compensation insurance claims. Statistical models are used to predict future costs and durations of claims. The statistical models are generated by applying statistical analysis techniques to representative historical insurance claim data with the aid of a professional statistician. Forecasting accuracy is improved by generating several models wherein each model represents a predefined type of insurance claim. Each model is applied to active claims of the corresponding type to obtain cost and duration predictions for those claims. A total cost prediction for a claim is proportioned among various cost categories to more accurately reflect actual and predicted claim costs. For each claim, a reserve amount is calculated which is the predicted cost minus the amount of money paid to date on the claim.

Abstract: Single hard particles or single point cutting tools having the particles bonded thereto are coated with a modulated or layered composition of transition metal compounds or with titanium compounds to decrease mechanical failure of the particles. Titanium and zirconium nitrides may be used to form the modulated composition. Total thickness of the coatings is in the range from about 0.5 micrometer to about 30 micrometers. Individual layers of varying composition have a thickness in the range from about 0.5 nanometers to about 30 nanometers.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for funding future losses incurred by an insurance carrier on active workers' compensation insurance claims. The system uses statistical models to predict future costs and durations of an insurance carrier's claims. The statistical models are generated by applying statistical analysis techniques to representative historical insurance claim data with the aid of a professional statistician. Forecasting accuracy is improved by generating several models wherein each model represents a predefined type of insurance claim. Each model is applied to the carrier's active claims of the corresponding type to obtain cost and duration predictions for those claims. A total cost prediction for a claim is proportioned among various cost categories to more accurately reflect actual and predicted claim costs. For each claim, a reserve amount is calculated which is the predicted cost minus the amount of money paid to date on the claim.

Abstract: Grinding tools are provided having a composite working surface with a metal bonding material coated with a modulated composition of transition metal compounds. Titanium nitride and zirconium nitride are suitable compounds. A manufacturing method for such grinding tools is also provided, employing cathodic arc deposition with transition metal compounds being formed from arcs of transition metal cathodes and a reactive gas.