Abstract: The system and methods described herein allow users to apply for a purchase of a good from multiple providers using provider specific methodologies for generating offers for the product. For example, the system described herein may include a multi-layer architecture that includes interactive micro-services that communicate together in a bi-directional manner to create a normalized process for the purchase of a good, such as commercial goods/products (e.g. a vehicle) or real property. The micro-services may assess prequalification for a loan or financing for a good, followed by determining eligibility of the good for financing, and further followed by calculating pricing details for loans (e.g. for financing purchase of the good) that would be offered for a consumer's particular financial credentials, for each of a plurality of lenders. Prequalification and pricing may be performed on a good by good basis, or for a plurality of goods near or substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to read an analog dial utility meter including a plurality of analog dials, where each dial includes a rotating dial indicator is provided. The apparatus is configured to analyze a digital image of the analog dial utility meter to determine a value of each dial of the utility meter. The method comprises receiving a digital image of the analog dial utility meter, and performing one or more processing and analysis steps to determine a meter reading of the utility meter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to read an analog dial utility meter including a plurality of analog dials, where each dial includes a rotating dial indicator is provided. The apparatus is configured to analyze a digital image of the analog dial utility meter to determine a value of each dial of the utility meter. The method comprises receiving a digital image of the analog dial utility meter, and performing one or more processing and analysis steps to determine a meter reading of the utility meter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to read an analog dial utility meter including a plurality of analog dials, where each dial includes a rotating dial indicator is provided. The apparatus is configured to analyze a digital image of the analog dial utility meter to determine a value of each dial of the utility meter. The method comprises receiving a digital image of the analog dial utility meter, and performing one or more processing and analysis steps to determine a meter reading of the utility meter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to read an analog dial utility meter including a plurality of analog dials, where each dial includes a rotating dial indicator is provided. The apparatus is configured to analyze a digital image of the analog dial utility meter to determine a value of each dial of the utility meter. The method comprises receiving a digital image of the analog dial utility meter, and performing one or more processing and analysis steps to determine a meter reading of the utility meter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to read an analog dial utility meter including a plurality of analog dials, where each dial includes a rotating dial indicator is provided. The apparatus is configured to analyze a digital image of the analog dial utility meter to determine a value of each dial of the utility meter. The method comprises receiving a digital image of the analog dial utility meter, and performing one or more processing and analysis steps to determine a meter reading of the utility meter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to read an analog dial utility meter including a plurality of analog dials, where each dial includes a rotating dial indicator is provided. The apparatus is configured to analyze a digital image of the analog dial utility meter to determine a value of each dial of the utility meter. The method comprises receiving a digital image of the analog dial utility meter, and performing one or more processing and analysis steps to determine a meter reading of the utility meter.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method to operate an internal combustion engine equipped with an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) with memory, an exhaust system including a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC), a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), upstream of a Selective Catalyst Reducer (SCR). A doser is in the DPF and actuated by commands from the ECU. The method includes sensors at the DPF and SCR electronically connected to the ECU to transmit data signals indicative of operating conditions at the DPF and SCR. The method includes sensing the temperature at an outlet of the DPF and an inlet at the SCR, determining whether that temperature is at least a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time, and introducing heat to the SCR to raise its temperature to a predetermined level for a predetermined period of time, such as light off temperature, to operate more efficiently. Heat may be introduced in the exhaust stream by engine thermal management strategies as well.

Abstract: A method to operate an electronically controlled internal combustion engine that recognizes when thermal management mode of operation is being applied to an engine but is not attaining desired exhaust temperature for aftertreatment. When the Engine Control System (ECS) recognizes that the engine in operating in thermal management mode in a futile effort, the ECS aborts thermal management mode and returns to normal operating mode.

Abstract: A method for cold start white smoke protection of a hydrocarbon after treatment device, and method of engine operation to effect the same. The method comprises a) determining the temperature of the hydrocarbon after-treatment device during cold start conditions; b) determining hydrocarbon emissions in the hydrocarbon after-treatment device; and c) modifying engine operating conditions to raise the hydrocarbon after-treatment temperature at a pre-determined rate to a temperature sufficient to permit controlled oxidation of the hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon after treatment device.

Abstract: A method to detect drive cycles of a vehicle and modify engine operation according to the detected drive cycles to effect regeneration of exhaust components, particularly the Diesel Particulate Filter.

Abstract: A method to operate and electronic controlled internal combustion engine, and particularly a heavy duty diesel engine, to effect vane cleaning of a variable geometry turbocharger.

Abstract: A method and system for regenerating particulate filters, catalyzed soot filters, and NOx adsorber catalysts for a vehicle having a compression ignition engine.

Abstract: An apparatus for peeling and scrubbing produce, such as fruits and vegetables, has a housing enclosing a chamber configured to receive the produce. The apparatus is sized and configured to be used on a counter or table top and easily moved. Abrasive rollers are rotatably and removably disposed in the chamber and configured to peel or scrub the skin or outer layer of the produce. In one embodiment, an electric motor drives a belt drive system having a plurality of pulleys. A fluid spray system delivers fluid to the chamber to wash the produce. A fluid container in the fluid line can store and deliver cleaning fluids. A discharge opening allows the produce refuse to discharge from the apparatus. In one configuration, the rollers have a plurality of outwardly extending bristles. A controller mechanism controls the operation of the motor. A removable basket can be used for small sized produce.

Abstract: Electrically conductive and abrasion resistant polymeric compositions, methods of fabrication thereof and uses thereof are described. Admixtures of abrasion resistant materials and electrically conductive polymeric materials are formed. Many of these admixtures arc light transmitting and can be used as an abrasion resistant light transmitting electrostatic discharge layers. The light transmitting discharge layer is useful as a surface coating for visual displays such as CRT screens to avoid electrostatic accumulation of dust and scratching.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an internal combustion engine monitor exhaust back pressure and take remedial action when the exhaust back pressure exceeds a corresponding threshold. The system and method respond to increased exhaust back pressures attributable to various causes to alert the vehicle operator and/or engage engine protection mechanisms depending on the back pressure severity level in an effort to avoid engine/component damage. Fault timers are provided for tracking time fault conditions are present and time that faults are active, with active faults being latched for the current ignition cycle. Available engine torque may be reduced in response to excessive exhaust back pressure. Anti-tampering logic is provided to detect attempts to defeat the protection feature.

Abstract: Servo control circuitry 300 includes a digital to analog converter 402 for converting digital servo control data into a pulse width modulated signal. A first conductor transmits the pulse width modulated signal to an external device 409. A second conductor transmits a reference signal derived from the clock signal to external device 409, external device 409 differentially receiving the pulse width modulated signal with respect to the reference signal.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an internal combustion engine monitor exhaust back pressure and take remedial action when the exhaust back pressure exceeds a corresponding threshold. The system and method respond to increased exhaust back pressures attributable to various causes to alert the vehicle operator and/or engage engine protection mechanisms depending on the back pressure severity level in an effort to avoid engine/component damage. Fault timers are provided for tracking time fault conditions are present and time that faults are active, with active faults being latched for the current ignition cycle. Available engine torque may be reduced in response to excessive exhaust back pressure. Anti-tampering logic is provided to detect attempts to defeat the protection feature.

Abstract: A cellular communication system which eliminates high costs and difficulties associated with providing electrical power to the access points. The cellular communication system includes a remote power source which obviates the need to install an AC power outlet in close proximity to each access point. The remote power source transforms AC power to DC power at a central remote location, and provides as its output one or more low voltage DC power lines. By performing the AC/DC power transformation at a central location, only the low voltage DC power lines need to be fed to each access point. The remote power source also includes a backup power supply feature and an alarm to draw attention to system malfunctions.

Abstract: An exercise device for use in exercising the abdominal muscles by performing sit-ups, which device protects the neck and upper back while the user performs such exercises.