Abstract: An apparatus and a method of clearing an accumulation of matter from a surface is provided. The apparatus includes a collecting section, a casting section, and a shifting section. The shifting section is at least one of a diverting section, a sweeping section, and an air blowing section. The collecting section includes a blade and is in matter communication with the casting section. The diverting section includes an auxiliary blade oriented at an angle about an axis transverse to a direction of travel. The sweeping section includes a rotatable broom with bristles. The air blowing section is configured to blow air in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A vehicle for removing an accumulation of particles comprises a vehicle body, a system configured to remove the particles in bulk, and an arm coupled to and extending from the vehicle body. The arm comprises a first sweeping element and a second sweeping element. Each sweeping element includes a shaft member rotatable about a longitudinal axis, and a set of bristles projecting away from the axis along the shaft member. The first and second longitudinal axes are a distance apart, and the sweeping elements define a concerted sweeping area. The arm may be movably coupled to the vehicle body and may be configured to move the sweeping element around the vehicle body by rotating the arm about a horizontal axis. When a sweeping element rotates in proximity to the ground, the longitudinal axis is substantially vertical. The vehicle may further include a computer system for tracking the location of an object.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining a predicted vehicle braking operation is provided. The apparatus includes a test tire, a brake associated with the test tire, and an actuator operably connected to the test tire and configured to selectively apply a representative vehicle force to the test tire. The apparatus further includes a controller operably connected to the brake and configured to apply a representative vehicle braking algorithm to the brake. The apparatus also includes a sensor associated with the test tire and configured to provide feedback for determining a predicted vehicle braking operation. Aspects of the invention further include methods of using the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining a predicted vehicle braking operation is provided. The apparatus includes a test tire, a brake associated with the test tire, and an actuator operably connected to the test tire and configured to selectively apply a representative vehicle force to the test tire. The apparatus further includes a controller operably connected to the brake and configured to apply a representative vehicle braking algorithm to the brake. The apparatus also includes a sensor associated with the test tire and configured to provide feedback for determining a predicted vehicle braking operation. Aspects of the invention further include methods of using the apparatus.

Abstract: A vehicle for removing an accumulation of particles comprises a vehicle body, a system configured to remove the particles in bulk, and an arm coupled to and extending from the vehicle body. The arm comprises a first sweeping element and a second sweeping element. Each sweeping element includes a shaft member rotatable about a longitudinal axis, and a set of bristles projecting away from the axis along the shaft member. The first and second longitudinal axes are a distance apart, and the sweeping elements define a concerted sweeping area. The arm may be movably coupled to the vehicle body and may be configured to move the sweeping element around the vehicle body by rotating the arm about a horizontal axis. When a sweeping element rotates in proximity to the ground, the longitudinal axis is substantially vertical. The vehicle may further include a computer system for tracking the location of an object.

Abstract: A device for transforming an alternating motion of a piston into a circular motion of a shaft is provided. The device includes an assembly of two pistons connected by two racks alternatively in mesh with a toothed cam set on a shaft. Movement in one direction of the assembly formed by piston and racks, following an explosion in one of the cylinders, causes one of the racks to mesh with the toothed sector and to rotate the shaft. At the end of this meshing period, the cam cooperates with a roller of one of the pistons so as to ensure continuity of the drive. Then, the explosion occurs in the other cylinder causing movement of the assembly in an opposite direction and so meshing of the other rack with toothed cam set, continuing the transformation of power to the shaft.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting, monitoring, and identifying objects within an area having at least one surveillance system and one position locating system for independently detecting and monitoring objects located within an area. The surveillance system information and the position locating system information is provided to the system, and the system compares the information to determine if they are the same object and if the object is authorized to be in the area. The system also notifies the system operator if the object is not authorized to be in the area or if the object is not being detected by all the surveillance and position locating systems.

Abstract: System for monitoring vehicle operating conditions and parameters and issuing warnings to the operator when a predetermined vehicle status is present. The predetermined vehicle status includes a variety of unsafe driving conditions and is responsive to a changing center of gravity. The warnings include visual, audible and tactile feedback. By way of the tactile feedback, the system can affect the operator's operation of the vehicle to prevent vehicle instability, rollover, loss of vehicle control or other unsafe driving conditions from occurring.

Abstract: A device for transforming an alternating motion of a piston into a circular motion of a shaft is provided. The device includes an assembly of two pistons connected by two racks alternatively in mesh with a toothed cam set on a shaft. Movement in one direction of the assembly formed by piston and racks, following an explosion in one of the cylinders, causes one of the racks to mesh with the toothed sector and to rotate the shaft. At the end of this meshing period, the cam cooperates with a roller of one of the pistons so as to ensure continuity of the drive. Then, the explosion occurs in the other cylinder causing movement of the assembly in an opposite direction and so meshing of the other rack with toothed cam set, continuing the transformation of power to the shaft.