Abstract: A route planning algorithm for a vehicle takes into account the aspect angle which the vehicle presents to threats in the environment. A flag is set in each map grid cell for which intervisibility with a threat exists. For each cell in which the flag is set, an aspect angle pointer points to a mathematical function which represents the cost value function attributable to the type of vehicle, the type of threat, and the aspect angle of the path segment. A determination is made as to whether an auxiliary function representing the probability of the threat is associated with the cell under consideration, and if so the auxiliary function is evaluated. If the result of the auxiliary function is nonzero, the aspect angle function is evaluated, and added to the map cost function to form a total cost. If not, the route planning algorithm continues without taking aspect angle into account. If so, the route planner uses the total cost.

Abstract: A processor-based system performs overwatch location and routing determinations for plural independent entities acting as a team. The system accepts data representing a “map” and uses that portion including the objective location or direction, together with data about known features of the environment and the capabilities of the team entities. An initial coarse route is inputted. The data is processed by designation of one of the team members as the overwatcher, and the other as the bounder. The procedure includes the steps of determination of an area to which bounding is permitted, and pruning out those grid cells in that area which cannot be seen from the first overview location. For the remaining grid cells of the pruned set, a cost function is determined for each remaining grid location.

Abstract: An installation method for installing machines of different heights at an installation site includes provision of a flexible power cord of particular length, affixed to an upper region of each machine. The power cord is terminated in a power-rated male connector. At the intended installation location, the power cord origination location is identified, which is the location at which the power cord will originate after installation. An interface box having a NEMA female connector is installed at a location such that the female connector is at a radius from the power cord origination location which is less than the length of the flexible power cord. The interface box is installed, connected to a power source, and tested, before physical installation of the machine. At the time of physical installation of the machine, there is no delay attributable to hard-wiring of the power connections to the machine, and it is connected with the flexible power cord.

Abstract: A Vehicle Information and Safety System (VISC) includes a main computer at a vehicle fleet headquarters (HQ) with access over a CDPD data network to a computerized sensor system mounted in each vehicle of the fleet. Sensors which may be used include load sensors coupled to the axles, accelerometers and temperature sensors coupled to the cargo bay, infrared andor pressure sensors monitoring the operator, cameras viewing the cargo bay, cab andor environment, and GPS data. The sensor data are processed by in-vehicle andor HQ computers, to monitor the state of the vehicle and operator, and the security status of the vehicle. PSAP (911) calls can be transmitted from the vehicle under remote control from the HQ for those cases in which the operator is unavailable or unresponsive, and the transmission can be tagged with GPS data. Speech signals from the operator are converted to text, and may be used for control of various functions, or may be data-compressed for transmission over the data network to HQ.

Abstract: A mail-handling tower (10) is associated with a mail container conveyor (12, 312). AC line power is supplied to the tower, which in turn supplies power at low voltage to power the associated conveyor directly by way of two ports (20a, 20b) and indirectly by way of a third, higher-voltage port (20c). A power cut-off switch (8) allows emergency shut-down of the mechanical portions of the tower, and also cuts power from the conveyor (12) powered from the tower ports. The power available at the conveyor energizing ports (20a, 20b, and 20c) allows a maximum run of conveyor. When the conveyor must be run for a greater distance than that which can be powered from the tower, an additional conveyor section (312) is coupled to the remote end (12re) of the first conveyor (12), and a line power source (314) is transformed (320) to a lower voltage, and applied to a power port (240.sub.1, 260.sub.1) of the additional conveyor (312).