Abstract: A method according to one embodiment includes receiving audio input by a microphone of an access control device that controls access through a passageway, processing an audio signal associated with the audio input to identify and authenticate a user, determining a command corresponding with the audio signal in response to identification and authentication of the user, and performing at least one action that corresponds with the command.

Abstract: In a manufacturing process using multivariate analysis for statistical process control, data representing a plurality of process and/or product variables is collected during operation of the process. A surrogate variable, representing the overall state of the process is evaluated. The surrogate variable is a function of a plurality of intermediate variables, which in turn are a function of the process and/or product variables. When the value of the surrogate variable is outside of a predetermined limit, the contributions to the surrogate variable by the intermediate variables are calculated. The intermediate variable with the largest contribution is identified and the contributions to the identified intermediate variable by the process variables is calculated., The process variables with the largest contribution to the identified intermediate variable are identified, and used to diagnose and correct the problem with the process.

Abstract: A runner for conveying molten pig iron and slag from a blast furnace of a steel manufacturing facility, is of wholly metallic construction and is hollowly formed to provide a cooling jacket through which water is circulated. Each runner so formed is an individual section in a string of other, similarly formed runners each of which has its own inlet connected to a source of water under pressure, and its own outlet to a suitable drain or reservoir where water temperature may be measured and observed. Water entering each section through the inlet courses through a tube that extends within the jacket substantially from one end to the other end, adjacent the slag channel of the runner, then extends transversely of the channel to the other side of the runner, thereafter extending longitudinally of said other side. The water flows out of the tube, within the jacket, after having extended along both sides of the channel in heat exchange relation to the slag flowing through the channel.