Abstract: A system that enables users to generate and manage forecasts through an integrated software tool. Forecast administrators are enabled to create forecast series data that define a forecast's structure and provide search criteria that is used in generating forecasts. These data also define who may participate in creating forecasts, and their relative position in an organization's hierarchy. Users are also enabled to enter a variety of forecast data that are stored by the system. Various forecast data are then retrieved corresponding to the user, applicable subordinates, and parameters defined by the forecast series. Users may then fine-tune their forecasts and submit their forecasts to their managers. The managers are enabled to adjust and roll up their subordinate's forecasts to produce their own forecasts. This process may be recursively applied while moving up through various layers of management defined by the organization's hierarchy.

Abstract: A method and system that enables users to generate and manage forecasts through an integrated software tool. Forecast administrators are enabled to create forecast series data that define a forecast's structure and provide search criteria that is used in generating forecasts. These data also define who may participate in creating forecasts, and their relative position in an organization's hierarchy. Users are also enabled to enter a variety of forecast data that are stored by the system. Various forecast data are then retrieved corresponding to the user, applicable subordinates, and parameters defined by the forecast series. Users may then fine-tune their forecasts and submit their forecasts to their managers. The managers are enabled to adjust and roll up their subordinate's forecasts to produce their own forecasts. This process may be recursively applied while moving up through various layers of management defined by the organization's hierarchy.

Abstract: There is described a method for moving at least one object in a vertical plane in a display using an input device having a housing and a member that is rotatable relative to the housing. The method may comprise: selecting at least one object to be moved; rotating the member to move at least one object in a vertical plane; and determining enablement of an elevation control mode for the input device. The at least one object may move vertically when the elevation control mode is enabled. A corresponding graphical user interface facilitating the aforementioned method is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying large format images, graphics, and videos. The apparatus comprise a layer of column oriented optical fibers, each fiber is illuminated at one end by at least one laser diode, and a second layer which sits in front of the first layer and is parallel to the first layer, whose projected area substantially overlap that of the first layer. The second layer comprises a plurality of optical fibers arranged in rows. In between the first and second layer sits a third layer of optical switching elements. Alternatively, the second layer can be a light diffusing layer. Laser lights emitted from the laser diodes travel in parallel along respective column fiber until they are redirected by optical switching elements which couple the laser lights within the column fibers to the row fibers or to the difflusing layer directly whereby they are scattered by the diffusing elements to reach the viewing audience.

Abstract: A spinner for centrifuging molten glass into glass fibers comprises a spinner peripheral wall having orifices for forming mineral fibers, and an annular spinner bottom wall defining an open bore, the bottom wall being connected at its outer periphery to the peripheral wall and adapted to receive a stream of molten glass, a central hub, and spoke members connecting the hub and the bottom wall to enable rotational force to be transferred from the hub to the peripheral wall, the spoke members enabling a substantial flow of air downwardly through the bore.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating fibrous mineral insulation material comprises an oven divided into zones, a conveyor for carrying the insulation material through the oven, means for directing hot gases into contact with the insulation material in the first oven zone, first heating means for heating the hot gases, and second heating means, distinct from the first heating means and positioned upstream from the first oven zone for heating the conveyor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating fibrous mineral insulation material comprises an oven divided into zones, a conveyor for carrying the insulation material through the oven, means for directing hot gases into contact with the insulation material in the first oven zone, first heating means for heating the hot gases, and second heating means, distinct from the first heating means and positioned upstream from the first oven zone for heating the conveyor.