Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for managing a processing load of a processing module and thermal energy produced by the processing load. In one example, a method includes identifying a hot water profile that contains usage information of hot water from a hot water tank that serves as a heat sink for the thermal energy. A determination may be made as to whether it is economically desirable to increase or decrease the processing load based on factors such as an economic value generated by the processing load, a cost of energy needed to support the processing load, and an economic value of the thermal energy transferred to the hot water tank based on the hot water profile. The processing load may be dynamically modulated by a local or remote controller in response to the economic desirability of increasing or decreasing the processing load as well as other possible parameters.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for controlling displays in a multi-display environment are disclosed. An exemplary method may create a request to close a display in response to a request inputted to the display system. The method may generate a display monitoring thread in response to a request inputted to the display system. The method may determine if the display has closed and create a second request to close a display when the display has not closed.

Abstract: Devices and methods for controlling displays in a multi-display environment are disclosed. An exemplary method may comprise the following steps. Initially, an exemplary method may continuously track and record currently active display surfaces. Next, the exemplary method may identify the display surface that is determined to have been active immediately prior to the newly invoked display. After updating the specification file for the newly invoked display to include the identity of the display surface just identified, the exemplary method may be completed by displaying the newly invoked display on the same display surface as previously identified. In the event that the newly invoked display is a critical display, both the newly invoked display and the display determined to have been active immediately prior to the invoked display may be assigned an always-on-top status.

Abstract: Devices and methods for controlling displays in a multi-display environment are disclosed. An exemplary method may comprise the following steps. Initially, an exemplary method may continuously track and record currently active display surfaces. Next, the exemplary method may identify the display surface that is determined to have been active immediately prior to the newly invoked display. After updating the specification file for the newly invoked display to include the identity of the display surface just identified, the exemplary method may be completed by displaying the newly invoked display on the same display surface as previously identified. In the event that the newly invoked display is a critical display, both the newly invoked display and the display determined to have been active immediately prior to the invoked display may be assigned an always-on-top status.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for controlling displays in a multi-display environment are disclosed. The exemplary system may include a module for intercepting display creations from the display system. A module makes a determination whether the intercepted display is a dialog display and, if so, promotes the display status of that display to an always-on-top status, thereby ensuring the display's visibility.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for controlling displays in a multi-display environment are disclosed. An exemplary method may create a request to close a display in response to a request inputted to the display system. The method may generate a display monitoring thread in response to a request inputted to the display system. The method may determine if the display has closed and create a second request to close a display when the display has not closed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously controlling multiple control systems is provided. The resulting hybrid control system provides for sharing of inputs and outputs on a control surface membrane between the multiple distinct control systems. A unified tactile/LED interface for both systems is achieved, allowing for a single hybrid control system experience for operators in industrial, manufacturing and control-room environments.

Abstract: A system for transferring molten metal (12) from a ladle (11) to a tundish (14) includes a nozzle (18) carried by the ladle (11) and having a bottom edge (30). A tube (19) has an upper edge (33) adapted to be positioned adjacent to the bottom edge (30) of the nozzle (18). The bottom edge (35) of the tube (19) is received in the tundish (14) and the passageway (32) in the tube (19) may receive a plug (39) to prevent slag (16) in the tundish (14) from entering the passageway (32). Either the bottom edge (30) of the nozzle (18) or the upper edge (33) of the tube (19) is generally spherical and engages a generally conical surface of the edge (30, 33) which is not spherical to form a seal between the nozzle (12) and the tube (19) irrespective of their precise alignment. The molten metal (12) may then pass from the ladle (11), through the nozzle (18), and through the tube (19) to displace the plug (39) and be received in the tundish (14).

Abstract: A method of controlling a computer window display of a display system having a display surface of one or more physical screens, provides an integrated workspace wherein multiple applications are displayed, by category, in a coordinated, predetermined area of the display surface. In response to a request inputted to the display system, the requested application display is created. A category of the requested display is ascertained. A lookup is performed in a configuration file to find a match between the category of the requested display and an entry in the configuration file. When a match of categories is found, the display characteristic data is obtained to get the position and size of the display. A pointer points to the next available area of the display area for the category of interest, and the display is created to be positioned within the selected available window.

Abstract: In a display system having a display surface of one or more physical surfaces, a method controls the presentation of application displays in a multi-window computer environment wherein multiple application displays are displayed. Further, any application display requested to be displayed is caused to be displayed by the method in one of the multi-windows in response to an operator select action. The method comprises the steps of outputting selectable options for each window as specified in a configuration file. The configuration file defines window properties for each window of the multi-window display. The selectable options provide indications of where application displays are to be presented. The option selected is read by the Workspace Management System. The application display is outputted to conform with the option selected, the option indicating the replacement of current application displays with subsequent application displays.

Abstract: This tracer golf ball enables its user to observe easily the roll and other characteristics that take place when the ball is in flight. Primarily, it includes a center chamber filled with a chemical smoke-producing agent, and the body of the ball also includes a membrane and sleeve combination, which serve as a release valve for chemical smoke, which will trail the ball in its flight, after it has been struck. The core of the ball also includes air chambers which enable the ball to float in water.

Abstract: The nitrogen and oxygen content of low carbon steel made by the basic oxygen process is minimized by:(a) introducing nitrogen-free fluid into the vessel before the nitrogen content of the melt has reached its minimum level,(b) adjusting the flow rate of the nitrogen-free fluid to maintain total off-gas flow rate at least equal to that which would have been produced without the nitrogen-free fluid at the time in the refining process when the nitrogen content of the melt reached its minimum level, and(c) the injection of nitrogen-free fluid throughout the remainder of the oxygen blow.A preferred additional or alternatively separate step involves minimizing the nitrogen content of BOP steel by purging the vessel headspace with a nitrogen-free fluid prior to reblows.

Abstract: Beds, such as hospital beds, in which at least some portion of the bed is movably actuated by an electric motor (or motors) are provided with a control circuit to determine proper energization of the motor from an AC power source. Since the AC signal from the power source could be harmful to the person selecting a desired direction of travel of the movable portion of the bed, the selecting portion of the control circuit is isolated by appropriate transformers from the power portion that supplies the motor. Bidirectional switching devices, such as triacs, are utilized to convey the power to the motor. Other bidirectional switching devices, such as triacs, are used to gate the power handling triacs through appropriate gating transformers. A phase shifting arrangement is utilized in connection with the gating transformers to provide proper commutation of the power handling triacs.

Abstract: An improved control and locking device for a hospital bed such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 496,212, filed on Aug. 9, 1974. The locking device is utilized to provide a positive lock of the hospital bed in a Trendelenburg or reverse Trendelenburg position and eliminate the capability to manualy or inadvertently remove the bed from such position. As depicted herein, the locking device is a pivotal abutment which normally precludes release of a hook holding the bed in a Trendelenburg position. Yet, when the entire bed is raised by its electric motor, the abutment is automatically withdrawn from its abutting, locking position to permit the bed to lower under electric power.

Abstract: Ground-test device indicating when the connection to ground has become lost and passing no more than about 12 microamperes of current into the ground system. The device also develops an indication when the wiring from the source of a.c. power suffers from reversed polarity or when the common, or neutral, connection floats appreciably above ground. When no abnormality exists, the circuit introduces less than about 0.6 microamperes to ground.

Abstract: An elevating and Trendelenburg mechanism for a hospital bed providing elevated Trendelenburg positions and positive latching of cooperating members. Two torque tubes pivotally attach to an elevating frame. Lift arms welded to the torque tubes support the frame at various elevations. A motor on the frame produces rotation of a yoke pivotally attached to one of the torque tubes. The yoke abuts a first drive arm rigidly attached to the tube to lift one end of the frame, and a second drive arm pivotally attached to the tube. A rod connects the second drive arm to a pivot plate as a second rod connects the pivot plate to a third drive arm welded to the other torque tube to lift the other end of the bed. When the frame raises to about its maximum height, one of two hooks on the frame may prevent the first or second drive arm from following a receding yoke, with the result that one end of the bed remains elevated while the other lowers.

Abstract: Bed guard rotatable between elevated and lowered positions and slidable from the latter to a position underneath the bed. While elevated, it prevents accidental falling off, and when underneath, it allows facile patient management and movement of the bed through narrow passageways. Where the bed incorporates one or more electric motors to alter its configuration, the guard may additionally or alternatively include the patient controls for the motors.