Pd-L2Ork offers -unique startup flag that leverages Tcl/Tk's ability to share variables across multiple apps. By default it tries to open patches in an existing instance to prevent newcomers who tend to open patches by double-clicking on icons from opening multiple instances of Pd-L2Ork and thereby getting confused by the existing patches (if any) not communicating with the new one (e.g. via sends and received) or having two consoles. With some minor modifications, this should be also able to do the same per patch Please feel free to copy/port, as needed.