Abstract: A dispenser cartridge receptacle is disclosed comprising: a body having a rear face, a front face, a top and a bottom; a tab member disposed opposite said front face and attached thereto by a tab offset member; and two side extensions, each having a top and a bottom, extending outwardly from said front face; wherein said front face and two side extensions define a cavity therebetween for receiving dispenser cartridges therein.

Abstract: A wrap-around place mat adaptable for use on a table-like surface for covering a portion of the eating or play surface in front of a child, the place mat including a first table top portion, a second wrap-around securement portion adaptable for wrapping around an edge surface associated with the table-like surface and being positionable on at least a portion of the side portion thereof, and an attachment mechanism associated with at least the second portion for securing the place mat to the table-like surface and at least its associated side portion. In some embodiments, the wrap-around portion is likewise attachable to at least a portion of the underneath portion of the table-like surface and may include a pocket member. The present place mat may likewise include indicia or other ornamentation associated with the table top portion for occupying the attention of a child.

Abstract: A dual compartment storage container including an upper body member pivotally attached to a lower body member, an upper compartment and a lower compartment, the two segregated compartments being accessible through separate openings. The upper compartment is designed to contain wet items such as baby wipes, and the lower compartment is designed to contain dry items such as facial tissues. The upper compartment is accessible through an access opening, while the lower compartment is accessible by pivotally moving the upper body member relative to the lower body member. As a result, one compartment may be accessed while the other remains closed and vice versa. In another embodiment, the divider member may be removed to create one large compartment accessible via two separate openings.

Abstract: A crayon with a plurality of longitudinally extending color zones. The crayon has generally planar exterior side surfaces on the tip and shank forming vertices therebetween. A color zone bridges a vertex providing the same color of marking material on opposite sides of a respective vertex.

Abstract: A protective placemat and covering includes an integrated removable bib with back portion and front portion. The integrated removable bib is attached to placemat and covering by means of a perforation.

Abstract: A method and device to further remove snow left by a locomotive snowplow while enhancing traction and control of a locomotive or powered car. The snow removal enhancement method and device typically include a flap arranged to extend beyond a bottom edge of a locomotive snowplow over each rail. The flap loosens and removes residual snow, as well as other debris, left by the snowplow. The device handily removes snow while being constructed of the thinnest material possible.

Abstract: An energy tender vehicle for use in connection with a hybrid energy locomotive system having an energy storage and regeneration system. The energy storage and regeneration system captures dynamic braking energy, excess motor energy, and externally supplied energy in one or more energy storage subsystems, including a flywheel, a battery, an ultra-capacitor, or a combination of such subsystems. In one form, the energy storage and regeneration system is located in the energy tender vehicle. The energy tender vehicle is optionally equipped with traction motors. In one form, the energy tender is configured to operate without any power connections to the locomotive. An energy management system is responsive to power storage and power transfer parameters, including data indicative of present and future track profile information, to determine present and future electrical energy storage and supply requirements. The energy management system controls the storage and regeneration of energy accordingly.

Abstract: An energy tender vehicle for use in connection with a hybrid energy locomotive system having an energy storage and regeneration system. The energy storage and regeneration system captures dynamic braking energy, excess motor energy, and externally supplied energy in one or more energy storage subsystems, including a flywheel, a battery, an ultra-capacitor, or a combination of such subsystems. In one form, the energy storage and regeneration system is located in the energy tender vehicle. The energy tender vehicle is optionally equipped with traction motors. In one form, the energy tender is configured to operate without any power connections to the locomotive. An energy management system is responsive to power storage and power transfer parameters, including data indicative of present and future track profile information, to determine present and future electrical energy storage and supply requirements. The energy management system controls the storage and regeneration of energy accordingly.

Abstract: A method and device to further remove snow left by a locomotive snowplow while enhancing traction and control of a locomotive or powered car. The snow removal enhancement method and device typically include a flap arranged to extend beyond a bottom edge of a locomotive snowplow over each rail. The flap loosens and removes residual snow, as well as other debris, left by the snowplow. The device handily removes snow while being constructed of the thinnest material possible.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for clearing a railroad track of contaminants, such as snow, including a control system for providing control signals to a compressed air system mounted on a locomotive based on a plurality of predetermined conditions. A learning system evaluates the effects of railroad track clearing and provides input for activating the railroad track clearing system.

Abstract: A system and method for evaluating the effectiveness of a tractive effort maximizing control system in a wheeled vehicle utilizes a process of operating the vehicle by applying controlled power to at least some wheels of the vehicle to enable motion of the vehicle, disabling the tractive effort maximizing control system, and varying creep speed between a minimum value and a selected maximum value while monitoring the tractive effort to identify a maximum available tractive effort. Thereafter, the tractive effort maximizing control system is enabled and the resulting tractive effort developed by the vehicle measured. Comparing the resulting tractive effort to the maximum available tractive effort produces a measure of effectiveness of the tractive effort maximizing control system.