Abstract: Automated systems and processes for managing paper and/or digital files, particularly medical records contained in digital files, digital or paper file folders and the like, in a file storage system having a finite size or expansion capacity. For paper files, a system tracks the thickness of individual file folders, the capacity of storage shelf sections, and the percentage of free space remaining in each shelf section. When occupied shelf space exceeds a threshold percentage for a shelf section, file folders are purged according to the likelihood that certain files will not be requested in the future, by applying purging algorithms to the files. For digital files, when a cumulative amount of storage space consumed by digital files reaches a certain threshold, typically less than the capacity, digital files are purged from the storage allocation according to an algorithm assessing a likelihood that certain files will not be requested in the future.

Abstract: A furnace valve suitable for use in an electric furnace in the manufacture of mineral fibre comprising a water cooled sleeve provided with a carbonaceous member which is formed with a flow passage extending therethrough and a shutter plate movable across the face of the carbonaceous member to control the effective discharge area of the flow passage.

Abstract: An electric furnace for fusing of fusible metal/non-metal oxide compounds, for example slag, having a side wall of steel, a plurality of electrodes depending into the furnace, a coolant distributing conduit surrounding the furnace near its upper end, and a tapping valve located in the side wall of the furnace between its upper and lower ends, the furnace being operated by melting the slag to form a melt, the outer layer of which is in contact with the inner surface of the furnace side wall which is frozen by the chilled coolant flowing over the outer surface thereof, to thereby form a frozen slag lining on the side wall inner surface which is continuously replenished as it is depleted.