Abstract: A computer-based system, computer-implemented method, and computer program product facilitate determining energy cost savings in an energy-consuming facility, such as a commercial building, using an artificial intelligence model, for example a neural network model, that projects or estimates the amount of energy that would have been consumed by the facility but for the implementation of energy efficiency or conservation measures. Energy savings are represented by the difference between the estimate of energy that would have been consumed but for the measures and the actual amount of energy consumed by the facility under actual conditions during a time interval after the measures have been implemented.

Abstract: A computer-based system, computer-implemented method, and computer program product facilitate determining energy cost savings in an energy-consuming facility, such as a commercial building, using an artificial intelligence model, for example a neural network model, that projects or estimates the amount of energy that would have been consumed by the facility but for the implementation of energy efficiency or conservation measures. Energy savings are represented by the difference between the estimate of energy that would have been consumed but for the measures and the actual amount of energy consumed by the facility under actual conditions during a time interval after the measures have been implemented.

Abstract: A computer-based system, computer-implemented method and computer program product facilitate determining energy cost savings in an energy-consuming facility, such as a commercial building, using an artificial intelligence model, for example a neural network model, that projects or estimates the amount of energy that would have been consumed by the facility but for the implementation of energy efficiency or conservation measures. Energy savings are represented by the difference between the estimate of energy that would have been consumed but for the measures and the actual amount of energy consumed by the facility under actual conditions during a time interval after the measures have been implemented.

Abstract: A computer-based system, computer-implemented method and computer program product facilitate determining energy cost savings in an energy-consuming facility, such as a commercial building, using an artificial intelligence model, for example a neural network model, that projects or estimates the amount of energy that would have been consumed by the facility but for the implementation of energy efficiency or conservation measures. Energy savings are represented by the difference between the estimate of energy that would have been consumed but for the measures and the actual amount of energy consumed by the facility under actual conditions during a time interval after the measures have been implemented.

Abstract: This assembly is for use with hot chamber die casting. More specifically, the assembly is a fast fill bottom fill gooseneck. The intake port has been moved to the bottom of the gooseneck. The bottom intake port has been fitted with an interior plug. When the plunger moves upwardly, it creates a vacuum the pulls the interior plug upwardly. This vacuum also opens the bottom intake port pulling molten metal into the chamber from the reservoir. When the plunger moves downwardly, the interior plug moves downwardly and seals the bottom intake port. As the plunger continues to travel downward, it pressurizes the molten metal and forces the molten metal contained in the cylinder through the channel in the gooseneck, through the nozzle seat and the nozzle into the die cavity of the die thereby filling the cavity and forming the cast part.

Abstract: This assembly is for use with hot chamber die casting. More specifically, the assembly is a fast fill bottom fill gooseneck. The intake port has been moved to the bottom of the gooseneck. The bottom intake port has been fitted with an interior plug. When the plunger moves upwardly, it creates a vacuum the pulls the interior plug upwardly. This vacuum also opens the bottom intake port pulling molten metal into the chamber from the reservoir. When the plunger moves downwardly, the interior plug moves downwardly and seals the bottom intake port. As the plunger continues to travel downward, it pressurizes the molten metal and forces the molten metal contained in the cylinder through the channel in the gooseneck, through the nozzle seat and the nozzle into the die cavity of the die thereby filling the cavity and forming the cast part.

Abstract: An automated system for management of a restaurant or bar includes a server computer, several wireless hand-held units, and at least one stationary touchscreen unit. A master copy of a menu is stored in the server, and changes to the master copy are automatically made to local copies stored in the hand-held and touchscreen units. Thus, all copies of the menu, in all of the units, are quickly and automatically synchronized. The system allows a manager to indicate the quantity remaining of a particular item, and that quantity is updated, in all of the hand-held and touchscreen units, as orders for that item are placed. When the quantity remaining of the item reaches zero, the system rejects further orders for the item. The system allows a waiter to print an order or a bill from any one of a variety of selected printers. The system therefore greatly enhances the efficiency of operation of the restaurant or bar.

Abstract: A backing film for incorporation as a backing layer in a resilient floor covering or a floor tile having at least two laminae and a method for making such a backing layer whereby waste is reduced when the color of the upper lamina is changed. Where there are two backing films having two or three laminae making up the backing layer the intermediately colored film resulting from a change in the color of the upper lamina can be utilized without further processing on the second backing film where color is not essential. Where there are three laminae making up a backing film the desired color is introduced and established in the bottom lamina before the supply of the original color to the upper lamina is stopped. The film can then be turned over for use with the former bottom lamina becoming the upper lamina.

Abstract: A reinforced casting assembly formed of ferrous metal for use with hot chamber die casting including a gooseneck, nozzle seat and nozzle. Reinforcing members are used to reinforce the casting. The preferred embodiment is reinforcing the gooseneck as this is where most failures created by the high internal pressure of hot melt die casting occur. The reinforcing members generally are made of steel wire such as a solid or braided wire.

Abstract: A backing film for incorporation as a backing layer in a resilient floor covering or a floor tile having at least two laminae and a method for making such a backing layer whereby wastage is reduced when the color of the upper lamina is changed. Where there are two backing films having two or three laminae making up the backing layer the intermediately colored film resulting from a change in the color of the upper lamina can be utilized without further processing on the second backing film where color is not essential. Where there are three laminae making up a backing film the desired color is introduced and established in the bottom lamina before the supply of the original color to the upper lamina is stopped. The film can then be turned over for use with the former bottom lamina becoming the upper lamina.

Abstract: A backing film for incorporation as a backing layer in a resilient floor covering or a floor tile having at least two laminae and a method for making such a backing layer whereby wastage is reduced when the color of the upper lamina is changed. Where there are two backing films having two or three laminae making up the backing layer the intermediately colored film resulting from a change in the color of the upper lamina can be utilized without further processing on the second backing film where color is not essential. Where there are three laminae making up a backing film the desired color is introduced and established in the bottom lamina before the supply of the original color to the upper lamina is stopped. The film can then be turned over for use with the former bottom lamina becoming the upper lamina.

Abstract: A thermoplastic solid backing film manufactured by the co-extrusion of three polymer compositions wherein die-lip build up is avoided by adjusting the amount of filler present in each polymer composition. The first and third polymer compositions are such that substantially no die-lip build up occurs when these compositions are extruded through a die however the second polymer composition is such that there would be substantial die-lip build up if it was extruded adjacent a die-lip. The presence of the first and third polymer compositions prevents the second polymer composition from contacting the die-lip during manufacture of the backing film. The thermoplastic solid backing film can be incorporated in a resilient floor covering and in floor tiles.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for manufacturing long-tailed neps useful as a fill or effect material the method including feeding a synthetic or natural fibrous material to a woollen opening mechanism with its outlet closed, running the opening mechanism for a predetermined period, opening the outlet of the opening mechanism so that a rotating fan doffer roller of the opening mechanism throws therefrom a plurality of modified fibre neps, each of which has a nep-shaped region from the fibres of which extends a tail (long-tailed neps). The fibrous material can be scoured wool, a synthetic fibrous material or woollen fibres in an unclean state with vegetable matter and other contaminants entrained therewith.