Abstract: Various embodiments of a system and method for labor allocation across distinct processes of a materials handling facility are described. Embodiments may include a computer system configured to generate a model of a materials handling facility. The model may indicate, for each of multiple distinct quantities of work processed via a respective materials handling process, a quantity of labor resources processing that quantity of work in accordance with the respective materials handling process. The computer system may evaluate the model to determine that one or more additional labor resources are needed to process a particular quantity of work in accordance with a particular materials handling process. The computer system may select a labor resource processing a different quantity of work in accordance with a different materials handling process and generate an instruction that directs that labor resource to process the particular quantity of work via the particular materials handling process.

Abstract: A switching machine comprises a frame, a point detector bar, an indication contact assembly, at least one detector bar follower able to act on the indication contact assembly depending on the position of the point detector bar relatively to the frame, an inhibiting element jointly movable with the detector bar follower, and a cam bar translatable relatively to the frame between an unlock position and a lock position. The cam bar comprises a tongue portion which is able to be in contact with a stop of the inhibiting element when the cam bar is in its unlock position and to be away from the stop when the cam bar is in its lock position. The inhibiting element comprises a main body relatively to which the stop is vertically translatable between an active position and a passive position.

Abstract: A modular merchandiser and system with a frame of vertical posts and horizontal bars is carried on legs and carries grid elements sandwiching an indicia panel. Adjacent merchandiser panels can be linearly, perpendicularly or angularly (from about 10° to 350°) joined, and placed on the front end or other positions in various locations to carry various product on novel, height adjustable accessories and merchandising effects. Various parts of the merchandiser and the accessories therefor may be obtained in a first financial transaction (lease or sale) and others in subsequent financial transactions to update the same. Supporting special software can be similarly obtained and used to achieve uniform displays by using the included indicia panel. The system permits easier, less expensive, less wasteful, faster, and more environmentally friendly updating of the merchandiser, accessories, frame and grid portions separately.

Abstract: A hand-held motorized household cleaning apparatus that includes a housing, a battery located in the housing, a motor located in the housing and connected to the battery, an output drive shaft connected to the motor, a cleaning attachment coupled for movement with the output drive shaft and a liquid delivery system with a pressurized reservoir. A flexible adapter is also provided.

Abstract: A hand-held motorized household cleaning apparatus that includes a housing, a battery located in the housing, a motor located in the housing and connected to the battery, an output drive shaft connected to the motor, a cleaning attachment coupled for movement with the output drive shaft and a liquid delivery system with a pressurized reservoir. A flexible adapter is also provided.

Abstract: A thermal printer of the three-pass variety for printing in color featuring a sheet feeder, automatic registration, and ejection of the sheet when printing is complete. A rotatable, cylindrical drum has the print head close adjacent thereto and includes a releasable clamp for receiving the paper from the sheet feeder. The paper is clamped to the drum and the drum rotated past the print head three times, one for each color. The drum is then rotated to release and eject the paper. Sensors are provided to detect and monitor the position of the drum during its printing operation and to monitor the status of the paper supplied to the clamping mechanism.