Abstract: A method of collecting vehicle parking data includes preprocessing images of a parking area, identifying a vehicle in a parking spot shown in one or more of the images, and detecting a vehicle change in the parking spot in the images collected at different times.

Abstract: A system for flare combustion control includes a sound speed measurement device for measuring sound speed in a flare vent gas, and a flare combustion controller including a memory and a processor. The processor is configured to receive the measured sound speed and determine, based on the measured sound speed, a molecular weight of the flare vent gas. The processor is further configured to determine, based on the determined molecular weight, a net heating value of the flare vent gas, and adjust the net heating value of the flare vent gas by regulating an amount of a supplemental fuel gas in the flare vent gas.

Abstract: A method of generating a sequence of commands to gather information using a directed tree graph includes providing a plurality of goals, each goal having a weighting, and a set of commands that lead to completion of the goals. A directed tree graph is constructed comprising a root node, respective leaf nodes associated with the goals, and one or more parent nodes. Each node is associated with one command, the command having the potential to complete any goals associated with the node and all the goals associated with any subordinate nodes. The priority of each command is determined, based on the sum of the goal weightings of leaf nodes subordinate to the node associated with the command. One or more commands is executed, a command having a higher priority being executed before a command having a lower priority.

Abstract: Embodiments of the systems and methods disclosed herein provide a prescriptive analytics platform and polarity analysis engine in which a user can identify a target objective and use the system to find out whether the user's objectives are being met, what predictive factors are positively or negatively affecting the targeted objectives, as well as what recommended changes the user can make to better meet the objectives. The systems and methods may include a polarity analysis engine configured to determine the polarity of terms in free-text input in view of the target objective and the predictive factors and use the polarity to generate the recommended changes.

Abstract: The system includes automated methods for managing risk associated with investment products. A logic engine executes portfolio realignment and contract benefit calculations according to timing rules or event-based triggers. The investment product may provide a guaranteed withdrawal benefit option that allows for a variety of investment, payment, withdrawal, fee and termination options.

Abstract: A system for flare combustion control includes a sound speed measurement device for measuring sound speed in a flare vent gas, and a flare combustion controller including a memory and a processor. The processor is configured to receive the measured sound speed and determine, based on the measured sound speed, a molecular weight of the flare vent gas. The processor is further configured to determine, based on the determined molecular weight, a net heating value of the flare vent gas, and adjust the net heating value of the flare vent gas by regulating an amount of a supplemental fuel gas in the flare vent gas.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes iteratively waiting for a time interval; sending a keep-alive message from a first computing device to a second computing device; and incrementing a current value of the time interval when the first computing device receives from the second computing device a response to a current keep-alive message sent during the current iteration, until the first computing device does not receive from the second computing device any responses to the current keep-alive message sent during the current iteration; and setting the current value of the time interval to a previous value of the time interval from an immediately-previous iteration.

Abstract: A fluid powered circuit for a gearbox and a method for protecting a gearbox are disclosed. The fluid powered circuit includes a control circuit operatively connected to a clutch engagement circuit. The fluid powered circuit is selectively operable to either flow a fluid from a fluid supply source to the clutch or vent the fluid to the atmosphere. The method for protecting the gearbox includes flowing the fluid from the fluid supply source to the fluid powered circuit, measuring the speed of the shaft, measuring the pressure of the fluid entering the clutch engagement circuit, and flowing the fluid from the fluid powered circuit to the clutch upon detecting one or more conditions.

Abstract: A structural reinforcement device for a skateboard of the type including a deck having a bottom surface having a first bolt pattern and a truck including a baseplate having a second bolt pattern. The reinforcement device includes a rigid insert having a third bolt pattern aligned with the first and second bolt patterns and disposed between the baseplate and the bottom surface of the deck. The baseplate is characterized by a leading edge, and the rigid insert extends forward of the leading edge to effectively increase the surface area of contact between the baseplate and deck, thereby reducing stress concentrations near the fastening bolts.

Abstract: A structural reinforcement device for a skateboard of the type including a deck having a bottom surface having a first bolt pattern and a truck including a baseplate having a second bolt pattern. The reinforcement device includes a rigid insert having a third bolt pattern aligned with the first and second bolt patterns and disposed between the baseplate and the bottom surface of the deck. The baseplate is characterized by a leading edge, and the rigid insert extends forward of the leading edge to effectively increase the surface area of contact between the baseplate and deck, thereby reducing stress concentrations near the fastening bolts.

Abstract: Automated methods for managing risk associated with investment products is disclosed. A logic engine executes portfolio realignment and contract benefit calculations according to timing rules or event-based triggers. The investment product may provide a guaranteed withdrawal benefit option that allows for a variety of investment, payment, withdrawal, fee and termination options.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes iteratively waiting for a time interval; sending a keep-alive message from a first computing device to a second computing device; and incrementing a current value of the time interval when the first computing device receives from the second computing device a response to a current keep-alive message sent during the current iteration, until the first computing device does not receive from the second computing device any responses to the current keep-alive message sent during the current iteration; and setting the current value of the time interval to a previous value of the time interval from an immediately-previous iteration.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment is directed to a finger for use in a rail plate inserter machine workhead and for positioning a rail plate predisposed on a rail tie under a rail, having a planar body having an upper arm with a hook-shaped end and including an opening for accommodating a spring, the end being configured for being contacted by a bar operatively associated with a finger lift assembly; a lower arm having a depending tip; and a middle portion joining the upper and lower arms to define an obtuse angle.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment is directed to a finger for use in a rail plate inserter machine workhead and for positioning a rail plate predisposed on a rail tie under a rail, having a planar body having an upper arm with a hook-shaped end and including an opening for accommodating a spring, the end being configured for being contacted by a bar operatively associated with a finger lift assembly; a lower arm having a depending tip; and a middle portion joining the upper and lower arms to define an obtuse angle.

Abstract: A workhead assembly for use with a rail maintenance machine having a workhead assembly for use with a rail maintenance machine having a rail lifter and configured for movement relative to a railroad track having a pair of rails, the workhead assembly constructed and arranged for positioning a tie plate predisposed on a rail tie, including a workhead body connected to the machine; a centering apparatus on the body constructed and arranged for centering the workhead over the rail tie; a squaring apparatus on the body constructed and arranged for squaring the tie plate on the rail tie; and a pusher assembly on the body for positioning the tie plate under a selected one of the rails being lifted by the rail lifter, and including at least one plate engaging finger constructed and arranged for engaging the tie plate.

Abstract: Automated methods for managing risk associated with investment products is disclosed. A logic engine executes portfolio realignment and contract benefit calculations according to timing rules or event-based triggers. The investment product may provide a guaranteed withdrawal benefit option that allows for a variety of investment, payment, withdrawal, fee and termination options.

Abstract: A landscape lightpost that provides a substantially enclosed wire compartment. The lightpost includes a main post, a cap, a separator plate, and structure for positioning the separator plate between the main post and cap, to form the substantially enclosed wire compartment.

Abstract: A landscape lightpost that provides a substantially enclosed wire compartment. The lightpost includes a main post, a cap, a separator plate, and structure for positioning the separator plate between the main post and cap, to form the substantially enclosed wire compartment.