Abstract: A computer system for automatically allocating periodic maintenance contributions to a maintenance savings account based upon vehicle telematics data includes a processor and a computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon that, in response to execution by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations including: (i) receiving, from a vehicle, telematics data associated with a vehicle component; (ii) determining a replacement cycle associated with the vehicle component; (iii) determining a replacement cost of the vehicle component; (iv) calculating a plurality of periodic maintenance contributions to a maintenance savings account, the maintenance savings account associated with the vehicle owner and designated to receive the plurality of periodic maintenance contributions; and (v) automatically transferring the plurality of periodic maintenance contributions from a primary account associated with the user to the maintenance savings account.

Abstract: A computer system for automatically allocating periodic maintenance contributions to a maintenance savings account based upon vehicle telematics data includes a processor and a computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon that, in response to execution by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations including: (i) receiving, from a vehicle, telematics data associated with a vehicle component; (ii) determining a replacement cycle associated with the vehicle component; (iii) determining a replacement cost of the vehicle component; (iv) calculating a plurality of periodic maintenance contributions to a maintenance savings account, the maintenance savings account associated with the vehicle owner and designated to receive the plurality of periodic maintenance contributions; and (v) automatically transferring the plurality of periodic maintenance contributions from a primary account associated with the user to the maintenance savings account.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging phosphorescent items can include a receptacle portion configured to receive at least one phosphorescent item; a light source formed on an inner surface of the receptacle portion, and configured to emit a charging light to charge the at least one phosphorescent item to emit latent light; a power source; and a switch configured to selectively provide power to the light source. The apparatus is portable for easy transport by a person.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of assembling a tank car comprises assembling a top platform. Assembling the top platform comprises coupling a first running board to a first handrail assembly such that it at least partially encloses the first running board; coupling a second running board to a second handrail assembly such that it at least partially encloses the second running board; and coupling the first handrail assembly to the second handrail assembly via at least one closure plate to form a passageway for a rail operator to pass between the first handrail assembly and the second handrail assembly. The method further comprises coupling the top platform to the tank. Particular embodiments include leveling the top platform on the top of the tank.

Abstract: A power transmission belt. The power transmission belt includes a body having an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter. A fabric is attached to the inner perimeter of the body for reinforcement wherein the fabric is a double knit fabric formed using textured yarns in at least the cross-machine direction. The belt may further include a layer of reinforcing cords surrounding the outer perimeter of the body.

Abstract: A power transmission belt. The power transmission belt includes a body having an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter. A fabric is attached to the inner perimeter of the body for reinforcement wherein the fabric is a double knit fabric formed using textured yarns in at least the cross-machine direction. The belt may further include a layer of reinforcing cords surrounding the outer perimeter of the body.

Abstract: A rock drilling bit includes at least one button having a button sidewall and button bottom, the button sidewall and the button bottom having a button sidewall geometry and a button bottom geometry, respectively. The rock drilling bit further comprises a bit body having at least one button-receiving hole having a hole sidewall and a hole bottom, the hole sidewall and the hole bottom having a hole sidewall geometry complementary to the button sidewall geometry and a hole bottom geometry, and a deformable seat compressed between the buttom bottom and the hole bottom so that the seat conforms to a hole bottom geometry and the button bottom geometry. The seat comprises tin.

Abstract: A down-the-hole hammer includes a casing and a piston movable in the casing between a lowermost operating position and an uppermost operating position. A recess is provided between the piston and the casing so that the piston and the casing define an intermediate chamber between a top end of the piston and a bottom end of the piston. A passageway is provided between a source of pressurized fluid and the intermediate chamber such that, at all positions of the piston between the lowermost and the uppermost operating positions, the source of pressurized fluid is in flow communication with the intermediate chamber through the passageway. An opening in the piston at least partially defines the passageway.

Abstract: A rock drilling bit includes at least one button having a button sidewall and button bottom, the button sidewall and the button bottom having a button sidewall geometry and a button bottom geometry, respectively. The rock drilling bit further comprises a bit body having at least one button-receiving hole having a hole sidewall and a hole bottom, the hole sidewall and the hole bottom having a hole sidewall geometry complementary to the button sidewall geometry and a hole bottom geometry, and a deformable seat compressed between the buttom bottom and the hole bottom so that the seat conforms to a hole bottom geometry and the button bottom geometry. The seat comprises tin.

Abstract: A down-the-hole hammer includes a casing and a piston movable in the casing between a lowermost operating position and an uppermost operating position. A recess is provided between the piston and the casing so that the piston and the casing define an intermediate chamber between a top end of the piston and a bottom end of the piston. A passageway is provided between a source of pressurized fluid and the intermediate chamber such that, at all positions of the piston between the lowermost and the uppermost operating positions, the source of pressurized fluid is in flow communication with the intermediate chamber through the passageway. An opening in the piston at least partially defines the passageway.

Abstract: A method of determining effectiveness of television and on-line marketing communications is disclosed. A method for determining when transference occurs between different marketing vehicles is also disclosed. The method uses a modular system for determining effectiveness of marketing communications which provides an efficient and timely process for measuring the effectiveness of marketing activities. The system is modular so that certain functions may be selectively added based upon the type of marketing communications for which return on investment is to be tracked. Additionally, certain functions may be added to the system based upon the type of information and the level of detail of the information that the system provides regarding the effectiveness of marketing activities.

Abstract: A down-the-hole percussive hammer includes a cylindrical casing adapted to carry a drill bit, and a piston mounted in the casing for reciprocal movement to repeatedly strike the drill bit. A top sub is mounted at a rear portion of the casing, the top sub including a front face facing the piston. A feed tube is mounted to the top sub and extends forwardly along a center axis of the casing and defines an air-conducting passage. The piston includes an axial through-hole which slidably receives the feed tube. The front face and the feed tube together define a recess opening toward the piston. A removable volume-changer is insertable into the recess to vary a volume of a space in which the piston slides, and thus control a pressure at which the piston operates.