Abstract: An area-based open pit mine designer is disclosed. One example includes an economic shell receiver module to receive an economic shell. In addition, a user input module receives a user parametric input denoting an open pit mine shape based on the economic shell. The open pit mine designer module automatically develops an open pit mine design based on the user parametric input.

Abstract: A thermostat control system is suitable for mounting within a substantially sealed housing, and comprises an infrared sensor within the substantially sealed housing that monitors the interior surface temperature of at least a portion of a housing wall. The monitored portion of the interior wall, as well as the thermal path between the monitored wall portion and an exterior housing surface is highly thermally conductive to minimize the lag between temperature changes exterior to the housing and the consequential monitored temperature changes of the interior wall surface. The monitored portion of the interior wall surface is also characterized by high emissivity. Because the interior of the housing is substantially sealed from the external steam bath environment, electronic components within the housing, including the sensor, are protected from the moist environment of a steam bath or other submersible environment.

Abstract: An area-based open pit mine designer is disclosed. One example includes an economic shell receiver module to receive an economic shell. In addition, a user input module receives a user parametric input denoting an open pit mine shape based on the economic shell. The open pit mine designer module automatically develops an open pit mine design based on the user parametric input.