Abstract: A breast support garment. The garment comprises a right fabric panel for overlying the woman's right breast when worn, a left fabric panel for overlying the woman's left breast when worn, the right and the left panels having a relatively flat configuration when the garment is not worn, a first variable-length material strip attached to the right panel beginning at a region between the breasts and extending along a lower region of the right breast when the support garment is worn, a second variable-length material strip attached to the left panel beginning at the region between the breasts and extending along a lower region of the left breast when the garment is worn and the first and second material strips expanding when the garment is worn to allow the wearer's breasts to be received within cups formed in the right and left panels and further for providing lifting and upwardly directed forces on the right and left breasts as the first and second material strips attempt to return to their relaxed state.

Abstract: A convertible system is provided for controlling automatic starts and automatic stops of a locomotive engine. The convertible system is switchable between a yard mode and a road mode based upon respectively using the locomotive in one of a yard region and road region. The convertible system includes a pressure sensor to sense pressure supplied to a brake system. More particularly, the convertible system includes a microprocessor coupled to the pressure sensor. The microprocessor causes one of an automatic start and automatic stop by sending a respective start up signal or a shut down signal to the locomotive engine, based on comparing the pressure supplied to the brake system with a stored pressure threshold for each of the yard mode and road mode.

Abstract: A scanner system. The system includes a mirror assembly having multiple reflective surfaces arranged to form one polygonal shape about an axis. A plurality of the multiple surfaces are each positionable to reflect radiation propagating from the source at a reflective angle and a position on the reflective surface to direct the radiation along a transmit path. When one reflective surface is so positioned, another surface is positioned to receive and reflect radiation along a detector signal path for processing. According to a related method for acquiring image data a mirror assembly is provided with multiple reflective surfaces sequentially arranged to form a polygonal shape about an axis. A beam of radiation is reflected from a first of the reflective surfaces and along a path in a first direction to a target region and a return signal propagates along the path in a second direction away from the target region.

Abstract: Power system and method for providing electrical power are provided. The system includes a traction system and auxiliary equipment coupled to a power bus. The traction system includes one or more electromotive machines having a first type of stator winding that provides protection relative to voltage spikes expected at the traction stator under a first voltage level appropriate for the traction system. The auxiliary equipment includes one or more electromotive machines having a second type of stator winding that provides protection relative to spikes expected at the auxiliary stator under a second voltage level lower than the first voltage level. Inverter circuitry is coupled to drive the auxiliary equipment, and signal-conditioning circuitry is provided to attenuate voltage spikes produced by the inverter circuitry. The power bus is operated at the first voltage level, and the voltage spike attenuation is sufficient to protect the auxiliary stator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a direct digital frequency synthesizer using a variable sine wave-weighted digital to analog converter with improved size and efficiency and a synthesizing method thereof. The direct digital frequency synthesizer and the synthesizing method thereof are capable of simplifying a configuration for matching output data of a phase accumulator to sine wave amplitude without increase in complexity of a DAC by applying a nonlinear DAC for directly generating a current corresponding to base points with sine weights and a variable sine wave-weighted DAC for generating fine currents to be combined with variable weights based on the base points. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a high quality output, reduce a size and power consumption, and increase a speed.

Abstract: A system for reducing wheel sliding on a locomotive is provided for a locomotive including a plurality of axles. The system includes one or more speed inferring systems coupled to each axle to detect rotation of each axle and generate detection signals based upon detecting rotation of each axle. The detection signals include one of speed signals indicative of locomotive speed and non-rotating signals indicative of a non-rotating axle. More particularly, a main controller is coupled to each speed inferring system and is responsive to each detection signal. The main controller identifies non-rotating signals of the detection signals to initiate one or more alert signals of one or more respective non-rotating axles of the plurality of axles. Additionally, the main controller is coupled to an operator panel to alert a locomotive operator of an applied status of a locomotive parking brake in response to the alert signal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a power transfer system and method for utilizing the electrical power generated by a powered vehicle, such as a locomotive. The power transfer system comprises an electromotive machine configured to generate electrical energy on the powered vehicle and an electrical system located outboard from the powered vehicle, which is configured to receive electrical energy. Interface equipment is provided, which is electrically coupled to the electromotive machine and the electrical system, to transfer electrical energy from the electromotive machine to the electrical system.

Abstract: A system is provided for pacing a powered system traveling along a route separated into a plurality of block regions. Each block region has a respective signal. The system includes a controller configured to receive a status of the signal in an adjacent block region to a current block region of the powered system. The controller is configured to determine a time duration between a change in the status of the signal in an adjacent block region. The controller is further configured to determine an expected status of the signal to be experienced by the powered system in the plurality of block regions, based upon the time duration and a route parameter of the plulality of block regions.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing and illuminating a balloon includes a housing for sealing insertion into a neck of a balloon. A flow path within the housing conducts an inflation gas from an inlet to an outlet of the housing, and a flow control system disposed in the flow path allows the inflation gas to flow from the inlet to the outlet. The apparatus includes a light source mounted in conjunction with the housing and a power source disposed within the housing providing power for the light source. A switch mounted in conjunction with the housing is operable to selectively connect the power source to the light source by completing a circuit between the power source and the light source. The apparatus also includes a switch activating member annularly disposable around the housing to operate the switch.

Abstract: A system is provided for removing particulate matter from a diesel particulate filter. The system includes an engine controller coupled to the diesel engine, and to a locomotive controller. The locomotive controller includes an algorithm to create a trip plan to optimize the performance of the locomotive along a route in accordance with a power setting of the diesel engine at each location along the route. Each sensor is configured to output a first alert signal to the engine controller once the trapped particulate matter exceeds a predetermined threshold. Upon receiving the first alert signal, the engine controller communicates with the locomotive controller to determine a time region or distance region within the trip plan when the power setting exceeds a power threshold. The engine controller increases the temperature of the diesel exhaust gas entering the diesel particulate filter during the time region or distance region.

Abstract: A system is provided for cooling an energy storage system of a hybrid electric vehicle. The energy storage system includes at least one energy storage device, including a maximum temperature storage device with a maximum temperature and a minimum temperature storage device with a minimum temperature. The system includes a cooling fluid duct in flow communication with an inlet and the at least one energy storage device, and a blower positioned within the cooling fluid duct to draw cooling fluid into the inlet and through the cooling fluid duct. The system further includes a controller coupled with the at least one energy storage device to increase the temperature of the at least one energy storage device having a temperature below the maximum temperature reduced by at least a predetermined threshold. The cooling fluid duct and blower are coupled to form a common cooling system for the at least one energy storage system.

Abstract: A communication method, system, and apparatus are provided that transmits supplementary communications combined with standard television or other visual media (e.g., cable, satellite, video, pre-recorded video, IPTV, Internet, print media) to a viewer/reader. The invention permits a standard television system or other visual media system to transmit supplementary digital data to the viewers along with the normal visual image to provide interactivity. The invention includes an electronic device that optically receives the transmitted supplementary digital data sent along with the visual image. Using the method described, a transmitting facility is able to transmit supplementary data to the device without interfering with its regular programming. The supplementary data can provide a means for added interactivity (e.g., by providing supplemental data for marketing, promotions games, entertainment, education, coupons, and the like).

Abstract: A system for controlling a plurality of generators of a powered system, the system includes a controller configured to provide a command to energize at least a first generator and a second generator depending on an operational condition of the powered system, a switching device configured to connect the first generator and/or the second generator to the controller, and a rectifier connected between the controller and the switching device. The switch position of the switching device determines whether the first generator and/or the second generator is energized, depending on the operational condition of the powered system. A method and a computer software code for controlling a plurality of generators of a powered system are also provided.

Abstract: A heat extractor for attachment to an air-cooled engine. A cooling fan extends from the engine and is rotated by action of the engine. The heat extractor comprises a first thermally conductive surface for attachment to the engine, a plurality of flaps extending from the first surface, wherein when the heat extractor is attached to the engine the flaps extend away from the engine, a flared end region formed in the first surface, the flared end region nearest the cooling fan when the heat extractor is attached to the engine and wherein rotation of the cooling fan causes air to be drawn across the first surface, the plurality of flaps and the flared end region.

Abstract: A conductor assembly and method for constructing an assembly of the type which, when conducting current, generates a magnetic field or which, in the presence of a changing magnetic field, induces a voltage. In one embodiment the method includes providing a first insulative layer having a curved surface along which a conductor segment may be positioned, and forming a channel in the insulative layer, which defines a first conductor path. The channel includes first and second opposing channel surfaces each extending from the surface of the insulative layer into the insulative layer and a third channel surface extending between the first and second channel surfaces. Each of the first and second channel surfaces includes a substantially flat surface portion with the surface portion of the first channel surface parallel with the surface portion of the second channel surface. A first segment of conductor is placed in the channel.

Abstract: A system is provided for aligning a railroad signal. The system includes at least one tilt device and at least one directional device to measure the respective tilt and direction of the railroad signal, and at least one controller coupled to the tilt device and the directional device. The controller is switchable between a calibration mode and a monitoring mode. Upon switching to the calibration mode, a correct tilt and correct direction of the railroad signal in a proper alignment is respectively measured and recorded in a memory of the controller. More particularly, upon recording the correct tilt and correct direction, the controller switches into the monitoring mode to determine if one of a measured tilt and a measured direction of the railroad signal exceeds a respective tilt threshold and direction threshold stored in the memory of the controller.

Abstract: A conductor assembly of the type which, when conducting current, generates a magnetic field or in which, in the presence of a changing magnetic field, a voltage is induced. In one series of embodiments a plurality of coil rows comprise conductor in a helical wiring pattern formed about an axis. One of the coil rows is positioned a radial distance R from the axis. For each of the coil rows the helical pattern comprises conductor loops each exhibiting a tilt in the same direction with respect to a plane transverse to the axis, the assembly capable of generating an axial field component and a transverse field component.

Abstract: A composite truss includes a pair of spaced apart concrete panels and a plurality of substantially vertical members spanning between the pair of spaced apart concrete panels, a first end portion of each vertical member embedded in one of the pair, and a second end portion of each vertical member embedded in an opposite one of the pair. The truss also includes a diagonal member spanning between the first end of a first vertical member and the second end of a second vertical member linearly adjacent to the first vertical member and non-structurally engaging the first end portion of the first vertical member and the second end portion of the second vertical member during an assembly of the truss. The diagonal member also includes a first development length portion embedded in the first concrete panel and a second development length portion embedded in the second concrete panel.

Abstract: A conductor assembly of the type which, when conducting current, generates a magnetic field or in which, in the presence of a changing magnetic field, a voltage is induced. According to an exemplary embodiment a conductor is positioned along a path of variable direction relative to a reference axis. The conductor has a width measurable along an outer surface thereof and along a series of different planes transverse to the path direction. The measured conductor width varies among the different planes. In one example, the conductor path is helical, positioned about the axis between turns of helical spaces, and the conductor width varies as a function of the azimuth angle.