Abstract: A system and method for monitoring consumption of graphite electrodes during the operation of an electric arc furnace (EAF) uses machine vision cameras operatively communicating with a computer processor. The system can determine, track, manage, and optimize the consumption of the graphite electrodes in real time. Electrode consumption is determined for each EAF heat by measuring the length and tip diameter of the electrode. The length and tip diameter are used to determine the electrode consumption amount using a consumption model. Measured hydraulic pressure within the EAF correlating with a known electrode weight can also be used to determine electrode consumption and correlated with the model calculation. Butt loss can also be determined based on the machine vision measured lengths of the electrode and/or based on the hydraulic pressure. The calculated electrode consumption amounts are also stored in a database and correlated to other measured EAF parameters for multiple EAFs.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a brokerage commission owed by a client of a brokerage firm based on the principal volume (“PV”) of the client's eligible transactions over a time period. The system may comprise: (i) a database storing information about the client's transactions; and (ii) one or more processors in communication with the database. The processor(s) is programmed to determine the client's brokerage commission by: (i) calculating the cumulative PV of transactions made by the client through the brokerage firm over a time period; and (ii) calculating the commission for a billing time period based on the calculated cumulative PV. The applicable commission may be determined based on a tiered marginal commission rate schedule.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a brokerage commission owed by a client of a brokerage firm based on the principal volume (“PV”) of the client's eligible transactions over a time period. The system may comprise: (i) a database storing information about the client's transactions; and (ii) one or more processors in communication with the database. The processor(s) is programmed to determine the client's brokerage commission by: (i) calculating the cumulative PV of transactions made by the client through the brokerage firm over a time period; and (ii) calculating the commission for a billing time period based on the calculated cumulative PV. The applicable commission may be determined based on a tiered marginal commission rate schedule.

Abstract: In operating a battery powered vehicle, a battery charger is located at a stationary location but the battery charger control circuit is mounted on the vehicle and powered from the DC battery of the vehicle. During a charging operation, a microprocessor within the battery charger control circuit detects that a charging operation is taking place and locks the vehicle in position and when the battery charger is disconnected, the battery charger is de-energized prior to disconnecting the electrical contact between it and the vehicle to avoid arcing. The microprocessor and its memory within the battery charger control circuit records information about the energy state of the battery and controls the battery both by measuring input and output power to the battery and by measuring the rate of change of charging current. It also controls operations such as trouble lights within the vehicle and may control a speed control circuit within the vehicle as well.