Abstract: A method for scheduling processing of an instrument. The method receives instrument information, selects an instrument category for the instrument based on the instrument information, the selected instrument category having a calculation set, assigns the instrument to a job corresponding to the calculation set of the selected instrument category; and sends the job to a computing resource. In another aspect, the method also receives a purpose identifier, and chooses the calculation set from two or more calculation sets of the selected instrument category based on the purpose identifier. In another aspect, the calculation set includes two or more calculation sub-sets, each calculation sub-set having a job priority, and the method includes assigning the instrument to two or more jobs corresponding to each of the two or more calculation sub-sets.

Abstract: A napkin ring can include a first transparent disc, a second transparent, and a decorative disc positioned between the first and second transparent discs. The first and second transparent discs can be retained adjacent to each other by a retention feature, which can be a first and second plurality of magnets disposed within the respective transparent discs.

Abstract: The current document is directed to methods and systems that identify projects for which service consumers desire service provision and identify available candidate service providers that best match various project parameters and service-provision criteria determined by the automated system. Information describing the identified candidate service providers is presented to the service consumers by the systems to allow service consumers in order to facilitate their selection of service providers and scheduling of service provision. In one described implementation, service providers are matched to stock-keeping-unit (“SKU”) identifiers and location or locations. Service providers identified in the initial SKU-and-location-based matching process are then scored and ranked according to additional criteria and constraints, with information describing the highest-ranked service candidate providers provided to service consumers for selection and scheduling.

Abstract: A method for scheduling processing of an instrument. The method receives instrument information, selects an instrument category for the instrument based on the instrument information, the selected instrument category having a calculation set, assigns the instrument to a job corresponding to the calculation set of the selected instrument category; and sends the job to a computing resource. In another aspect, the method also receives a purpose identifier, and chooses the calculation set from two or more calculation sets of the selected instrument category based on the purpose identifier. In another aspect, the calculation set includes two or more calculation sub-sets, each calculation sub-set having a job priority, and the method includes assigning the instrument to two or more jobs corresponding to each of the two or more calculation sub-sets.

Abstract: A napkin ring can include a first transparent disc, a second transparent, and a decorative disc positioned between the first and second transparent discs. The first and second transparent discs can be retained adjacent to each other by a retention feature, which can be a first and second plurality of magnets disposed within the respective transparent discs.

Abstract: A method for scheduling processing of an instrument. The method receives instrument information, selects an instrument category for the instrument based on the instrument information, the selected instrument category having a calculation set, assigns the instrument to a job corresponding to the calculation set of the selected instrument category; and sends the job to a computing resource. In another aspect, the method also receives a purpose identifier, and chooses the calculation set from two or more calculation sets of the selected instrument category based on the purpose identifier. In another aspect, the calculation set includes two or more calculation sub-sets, each calculation sub-set having a job priority, and the method includes assigning the instrument to two or more jobs corresponding to each of the two or more calculation sub-sets.

Abstract: A method for scheduling processing of an instrument. The method receives instrument information, selects an instrument category for the instrument based on the instrument information, the selected instrument category having a calculation set, assigns the instrument to a job corresponding to the calculation set of the selected instrument category; and sends the job to a computing resource. In another aspect, the method also receives a purpose identifier, and chooses the calculation set from two or more calculation sets of the selected instrument category based on the purpose identifier. In another aspect, the calculation set includes two or more calculation sub-sets, each calculation sub-set having a job priority, and the method includes assigning the instrument to two or more jobs corresponding to each of the two or more calculation sub-sets.

Abstract: A filter system for filtering water and/or wastewater which includes an underdrain system having a plurality of laterals that are anchored to the floor of a filter by a hold-down assembly. Preferably, the hold-down assembly does not rely on grout or other substance that is applied in a viscous or semi-viscous state and subsequently hardened as the primary means for connecting the underdrain laterals to the floor of the filter. Preferably, the hold-down assembly includes hold-down clips that can move relative to an anchor assembly and corresponding underdrain blocks so that the hold-down clips can cooperate with any desired portion of the corresponding underdrain blocks.

Abstract: A filter system for filtering water and/or wastewater which includes an underdrain system having a plurality of laterals that are anchored to the floor of a filter by a hold-down assembly. Preferably, the hold-down assembly does not rely on grout or other substance that is applied in a viscous or semi-viscous state and subsequently hardened as the primary means for connecting the underdrain laterals to the floor of the filter. Preferably, the hold-down assembly includes hold-down clips that can move relative to an anchor assembly and corresponding underdrain blocks so that the hold-down clips can cooperate with any desired portion of the corresponding underdrain blocks.

Abstract: A flume for a filter system including at least one filter having a filter bed that is periodically washed with liquid, gas and/or a combination of liquid and gas. The flume includes a chamber having a top wall, a bottom wall, a left sidewall and a right sidewall. The chamber is adapted to receive a liquid, a gas and/or a combination of liquid and gas. Preferably, the flumes includes at least a first inner wall and a second inner wall. Each of the first inner wall and the second inner wall are preferably free of any orifices. The first inner wall is positioned relative to the second inner wall such that an open space is formed between the first inner wall and the second inner wall. The open space creates a first liquid/gas interface upstream of the first inner wall and the second inner wall and a second gas/liquid interface downstream of the first inner wall and the second inner wall when gas and liquid are present in the chamber.

Abstract: A pretreatment unit and associated method for pre-treating filter media used to filter water or wastewater prior to installation in a filter. Preferably, the pretreatment unit includes a pretreatment chamber for temporarily storing and pre-treating filter media prior to installation of the filter media in a filter. The pretreatment chamber has a liquid distribution system for distributing liquid through the filter media at a sufficient velocity to remove fines or other unwanted material from the filter media. The washing liquid may be super chlorinated to sterilize the filter media. The pretreatment unit also includes a collector for collecting fines or other unwanted material removed from the filter media. Preferably, at least a portion of the collector is disposed in the pretreatment chamber. The pretreatment unit further includes a filter media discharge port for discharging filter media treated in the pretreatment chamber.

Abstract: A fluid distribution system for directing fluids through a filter system. The fluid distribution system ensures proper distribution of fluids during the process of filtering as well as the process of washing a filter bed. The fluid distribution system may be used with numerous filter systems including but not limited to an upflow filter, a downflow filter, a combined upflow/downflow filter and/or multiple downflow filters connected in series.

Abstract: An underdrain system having a bottom formed of concrete. The concrete bottom includes a plurality of depressions formed therein. A porous plate is operably associated with at least one of the depressions. An anchor assembly is provided for anchoring the porous plate to the concrete bottom in an efficient and cost effective manner. Preferably, the anchor assembly permits the porous plate to be readily replaced. An optional insert may be used to enhance the distribution of the flow of fluid through the porous plate.

Abstract: An underdrain system for a filter having filter media. The underdrain system preferably includes a bottom formed of concrete having a plurality of generally cone-shaped depressions formed therein. Fluid flows through the plurality of generally cone-shaped depressions during filtration and washing. The underdrain system further includes a fluid distributor operably associated with at least one of the generally cone-shaped depressions. The fluid distributor preferably has a plurality of elongated slots for distributing the flow of fluid passing into and out of the generally cone-shaped depressions. The slots are sized to prevent filter media supported by the fluid distributor from passing therethrough. An optional insert may be provided to ensure even distribution of fluid through the fluid distributor.

Abstract: A method for scheduling processing of an instrument. The method receives instrument information, selects an instrument category for the instrument based on the instrument information, the selected instrument category having a calculation set, assigns the instrument to a job corresponding to the calculation set of the selected instrument category; and sends the job to a computing resource. In another aspect, the method also receives a purpose identifier, and chooses the calculation set from two or more calculation sets of the selected instrument category based on the purpose identifier. In another aspect, the calculation set includes two or more calculation sub-sets, each calculation sub-set having a job priority, and the method includes assigning the instrument to two or more jobs corresponding to each of the two or more calculation sub-sets.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing network-based trading platforms with a continuous stream of up-to-date pricing date for derivatives by way of an externally based pricing-engine system. The pricing engine receives and process feeds of up-to-date information to derive up-to-date pricing data for complex derivative securities. Preferably, the up-to-date information feed is received in real time from a network-based source. The methods and systems of the invention then write the derived pricing data to the locations in cache memory of a network-based trading platform where pricing data is read.

Abstract: A carbide-tipped circular saw blade is formed by brazing cutting tips of tungsten carbide to the teeth of a steel blade blank, thereby creating discoloration on the planar surfaces of the blade adjacent the rim. Substantially the entire surface of the blade is sandblasted with blast media to remove the discoloration while generating a substantially uniform coloration and texture to the planar surfaces of the blade. User-readable graphics are overprinted upon the blasted surface. The graphics and the surface appearance of the blasted area are selected to be at a predetermined contrast, and the carbide cutting tips retain a visual appearance different from the rest of the blade, such that the graphics and cutting tips are visually perceptible to a potential purchaser at the blade's point of sale. The saw blade surfaces are sandblasted by jets directed at both sides of the saw blade. The blast nozzles are oriented such that the vertical components of force of the jets offset one another.