Abstract: A computer-implemented method, according to one embodiment, includes: receiving an offer request including one or more desired services, and selecting available offerings, each of which include at least one of the desired services. A determination is made whether available benchmarks exist for each of the at least one desired service included in each of the selected available offerings. For each desired service determined as not having available benchmarks, a draft benchmark is computed for each of a plurality of criteria. A confidence weight is also computed for each of the draft benchmarks. The available benchmarks, the draft benchmarks, and the confidence weights are further used to construct an offer which is submitted in response to the received offer request. Moreover, the draft benchmarks and the corresponding confidence weights are re-computed for each of the respective desired services in response to determining that the submitted offer was not accepted.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, according to one embodiment, includes: receiving an offer request including one or more desired services, and selecting available offerings, each of which include at least one of the desired services. A determination is made whether available benchmarks exist for each of the at least one desired service included in each of the selected available offerings. For each desired service determined as not having available benchmarks, a draft benchmark is computed for each of a plurality of criteria. A confidence weight is also computed for each of the draft benchmarks. The available benchmarks, the draft benchmarks, and the confidence weights are further used to construct an offer which is submitted in response to the received offer request. Moreover, the draft benchmarks and the corresponding confidence weights are re-computed for each of the respective desired services in response to determining that the submitted offer was not accepted.

Abstract: Furnace combustion in a multi-stage or variable input furnace is controlled by operating the furnace in a high fire mode at furnace start-up until the temperature of the products of combustion, or a temperature corresponding to the products of combustion, equals or exceeds a selected temperature. A temperature sensor, preferably a thermostat, is located downstream of the furnace zone of combustion (e.g., in a flue collector box at an outlet from the heat exchanger). The thermostat provides an indication of the products of combustion temperature and has a set point corresponding to the selected temperature. When the products of combustion temperature is less than the selected temperature, the thermostat contacts remain closed. The furnace is operated in the high fire mode while the thermostat contacts remain closed in response to a demand for heating, irrespective of whether the demand is for first stage or second stage heating.

Abstract: A furnace includes a generally cylindrical combustion chamber that is open at one end for receiving a single port inshot target burner. The combustion chamber is connected to a heat exchanger through which the combustion products are drawn by an induced draft blower. A flame retention ring is provided in the target burner to aid the flame in attaching to the outer surface of the flame retention ring and thereby improve flame lifting characteristics. Also, a frustro-conical member surrounds the end of the target burner within the combustion chamber for directing air into the combustion zone to enhance the combustion process.