Abstract: An integrated impact energy management system is provided for managing a wide range of impact energies exerted upon impact of a vehicle with an object. The system includes a cover structure adapted for attachment to a vehicle, the cover structure being designed to deform elastically when impact energy is exerted thereon, and having an inner surface with a preformed detent. The system also includes a folding coupler mechanism including a shank having a proximate end adapted to attach to the vehicle, and a longitudinal axis that extends from the proximate end to a distal end in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The shank has an energy absorption element for absorbing energy caused by compressive forces exerted along the longitudinal axis of the shank. The folding coupler mechanism also includes a coupling head pivotally attached to the distal end of the shank for pivoting between an extended position and a stowed position.

Abstract: A method of indexing spatial object data comprises dividing space that contains objects based on the clustering of the objects within the space. A computer readable medium contains computer executable instructions. The instructions cause the computer to divide a space containing spatial objects based on clustering of the objects within the space. A method of searching spatial object data includes utilizing spatial object data that has been gridded based upon clustering of the spatial objects. The grids are then recursively checked to see if they cover a range of interest. If the grids overlap the range of interest objects within the grids are checked to see if they satisfy a search criterion.

Abstract: An off-line transit planning and management system is disclosed. The off-line transit planning and management system is to be integrated into an on-line transit and management planning system. The process disclosed includes logging timepoints and generating route, pattern, block, and schedule information therefrom to be supplied to a database that is connected to a real-time transit management system.

Abstract: A multi-channel communications system for communications between a mobile units and dispatch agencies through tower sites under control of a multi-channel communication controller. The method of communications used is time division multiple access with provisions for alternate methods. The mobile units and dispatch agencies have forms of identifications to route messages between the mobile units and dispatch agencies according to the forms of identification. The forms of identification are resolved from one form to another to operate with the alternate methods of communications. The mobile units are handed off from one communications channel to another by the multi-channel controller as channel loading conditions exceed a predetermined limit. Mobile units change tower sites as the geographic coverage of a tower site changes.

Abstract: A system for communicating between a base station and a plurality of vehicles over a two-way communication system allows the mobile vehicles to request air time to send a message. Within the request to send signal is an identifier providing the base station with an identification of the priority level for the particular message. As an example, if the mobile vehicles are public safety vehicles, a message having some urgency would have a high priority, while a more routine report might have a lower priority. The base station will receive the request to send signals and schedule transmission of the longer message from the vehicle based initially upon the priority level. Thus, an emergency signal from the vehicle to the base would be scheduled before a more routine signal based upon the priority information provided in the request to send signal. The base then schedules the transmission of the longer message from each of the mobile vehicles based upon the priority identifier.

Abstract: A centralized information center is disclosed. The centralized information center includes a plurality of source information inputs. The centralized information center disclosed also includes a central processor configured to receive information from the source information inputs and a memory coupled to the processor. A program runs on the central processor. The program organizes information, prioritizes information and generates information flows. Selective information flows are provided to a central office for a transportation system and to a transportation vehicle. The plurality of source information inputs includes vehicle-related information, operations-related information, and external service provider information.

Abstract: A multi-channel communications system for communications between a mobile units and dispatch agencies through tower sites under control of a multi-channel communication controller. The method of communications used is time division multiple access with provisions for alternate methods. The mobile units and dispatch agencies have forms of identifications to route messages between the mobile units and dispatch agencies according to the forms of identification. The forms of identification are resolved from one form to another to operate with the alternate methods of communications. The mobile units are handed off from one communications channel to another by the multi-channel controller as channel loading conditions exceed a predetermined limit. Mobile units change tower sites as the geographic coverage of a tower site changes.

Abstract: An off-line transit planning and management system is disclosed. The off-line transit planning and management system is to be integrated into an on-line transit and management planning system. The process disclosed includes logging timepoints and generating route, pattern, block, and schedule information therefrom to be supplied to a database that is connected to a real-time transit management system.