Abstract: Systems and methods that use thermal energy transfer devices to reduce thermal energy within environments are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method includes using a cool sink to transfer thermal energy from an environment. The method also includes using a thermal energy transfer device to transfer the thermal energy to liquid within a conduit. Further, the method includes transporting the liquid containing the transferred thermal energy away from the environment such that the thermal energy within the environment is reduced.

Abstract: Systems and methods that use thermal energy transfer devices to reduce thermal energy within environments are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method includes using a cool sink to transfer thermal energy from an environment. The method also includes using a thermal energy transfer device to transfer the thermal energy to liquid within a conduit. Further, the method includes transporting the liquid containing the transferred thermal energy away from the environment such that the thermal energy within the environment is reduced.

Abstract: A door checker assembly includes a checker housing secured to the door. An elongated checker arm is dimensioned for and slidingly received through the checker housing so that a first end is received in the door and a second end is pivotally mounted to a body of the vehicle. An elongated cover is received in the door that overlies and extends along substantially an entire length of the checker arm for blocking water from falling thereon. The cover has a mounting portion at one end that is fastened between the checker housing and an inner face of the door with the same fasteners that secure the checker housing. The cover is preferably a stamped metal structure.

Abstract: A door checker assembly includes a checker housing secured to the door. An elongated checker arm is dimensioned for and slidingly received through the checker housing so that a first end is received in the door and a second end is pivotally mounted to a body of the vehicle. An elongated cover is received in the door that overlies and extends along substantially an entire length of the checker arm for blocking water from falling thereon. The cover has a mounting portion at one end that is fastened between the checker housing and an inner face of the door with the same fasteners that secure the checker housing. The cover is preferably a stamped metal structure.

Abstract: Dynamic management of one or more portfolios of securities, in particular, portfolios of Periodic Auction Reset Securities (PARS) is disclosed. The dynamic management for the specification of rules for investor accounts by which optimization of this type of portfolio may occur and allows financial institutions or other wealth management entities to easily maintain and invest in PARS holdings for multiple accounts. For example, the dynamic management systems and methods can provide for the maintenance of a large number of separate accounts that contain PARS, centralize the maintenance of PARS positions, allow management of central PARS accounts in line with guidelines specified in one or more account profiles, allow sales traders to specify additional guidelines, and/or automate account analysis, trade generation and/or participation in the auction process.

Abstract: A vehicle door assembly includes an outer handle assembly, a latch mechanism, a rod, and a contact surface. The outer handle assembly includes a moveable handle. The latch mechanism includes a latch for engaging a striker and an outer handle lever operably connected to the latch. The rod connects the outer handle assembly to the latch mechanism. The contact surface is associated with the vehicle door and is inwardly offset from the rod. The contact surface is positioned with respect to the rod such that inward lateral movement of the handle during an outer handle intrusion event results in the rod moving laterally inward and impacting the contact surface. Impact with the contact surface by the rod inhibits the rod from moving the outer handle lever in an unlatching direction.

Abstract: Dynamic management of one or more portfolios of securities, in particular, portfolios of Periodic Auction Reset Securities (PARS) is disclosed. The dynamic management for the specification of rules for investor accounts by which optimization of this type of portfolio may occur and allows financial institutions or other wealth management entities to easily maintain and invest in PARS holdings for multiple accounts. For example, the dynamic management systems and methods can provide for the maintenance of a large number of separate accounts that contain PARS, centralize the maintenance of PARS positions, allow management of central PARS accounts in line with guidelines specified in one or more account profiles, allow sales traders to specify additional guidelines, and/or automate account analysis, trade generation and/or participation in the auction process.

Abstract: A vehicle door assembly includes an outer handle assembly, a latch mechanism, a rod, and a contact surface. The outer handle assembly includes a moveable handle. The latch mechanism includes a latch for engaging a striker and an outer handle lever operably connected to the latch. The rod connects the outer handle assembly to the latch mechanism. The contact surface is associated with the vehicle door and is inwardly offset from the rod. The contact surface is positioned with respect to the rod such that inward lateral movement of the handle during an outer handle intrusion event results in the rod moving laterally inward and impacting the contact surface. Impact with the contact surface by the rod inhibits the rod from moving the outer handle lever in an unlatching direction.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a method and apparatus for autonomous object tracking. In one embodiment, a method for tracking a moving object across at least a portion of a video signal made up of a plurality of image frames includes stabilizing the video signal by processing selected portions of selected image frames, detecting at least one movement in the stabilized video signal, and computing a location of the detected movement(s).

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a method and apparatus for autonomous object tracking. In one embodiment, a method for tracking a moving object across at least a portion of a video signal made up of a plurality of image frames includes stabilizing the video signal by processing selected portions of selected image frames, detecting at least one movement in the stabilized video signal, and computing a location of the detected movement(s).