Abstract: A system and method include a controller configured to obtain or receive a predicted weather event along a route during a current or upcoming trip based on weather data. The controller determines a weather fitness of a first vehicle for traveling on the route during the trip based on the predicted weather event and equipment characteristics of equipment disposed onboard the first vehicle. The controller assigns one of the first vehicle or a different, second vehicle to complete the trip based at least in part on the weather fitness of the first vehicle.

Abstract: Provided are handling systems and methods for sample processing. The systems can include a sample container and a probe. A system can be convertible between a loading state in which a user loads sample into the sample container, a sampling state in which relative motion between the sample container and the probe places the probe and sample container into fluid communication with one another so that the probe can aspirate sample from the sample container, and a washing state in which rinse fluid is expressed through the probe so as to remove unwanted material from within the probe, with the rinse fluid being collected by a wash manifold.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes a sensor arrangement for monitoring first and second adjacent members that are displaceable with respect to one another, The sensor includes a magnet securable to the first adjacent member and an analog magnetic transducer securable to the second adjacent member in sufficient proximity of the permanent magnet to sense a magnetic field therefrom. An analog subsystem supplies electrical power to the magnetic transducer and receives an electrical signal generated by the transducer in response to a change in the magnetic field detected by the magnetic transducer. The analog subsystem including a comparator for comparing the detected change in the magnetic field to a predefined threshold change in magnetic field and an electronic memory for storing the predefined threshold change in magnetic field.

Abstract: A smart connector is provided by a jack that is removably engagable with a respective mateable plug to establish a power path between an external power supply and a circuit in an electronic device when the jack and mateable plug are mateably engaged. In an illustrative example, the jack functions as the DC power jack for the electronic device and the mateable plug is disposed in the power adapter plug of an AC-DC power adapter. A voltage sensor coupled to the jack compares the voltage supplied by the power supply against a reference that defines a power level that will operate the electronic device without causing damage. A power controller, coupled to the voltage sensor, controls the flow of power to the circuit in response to a control signal generated by the voltage sensor. In various illustrative embodiments, the power controller includes current limiting, voltage clamping and/or switching functions.

Abstract: Systems are provided for managing and soliciting donations made during checkout of a plurality of online purchases at a plurality of online retailers by a plurality of online shoppers. In one embodiment, the system includes a processor for receiving, over a communications network, data regarding a plurality of amounts for donation and a plurality of selected organizations made during checkout of the plurality of online purchases at the plurality of online retailers by the plurality of online shoppers, and collecting a plurality of payments for the plurality of amounts for donation and distributing the plurality of payments among the plurality of organizations based on the data. The system may include the online shoppers being asked at the time of checkout if they would like to round-up their total purchase price to the nearest dollar and select a charity/nonprofit organization to donate the spare change.

Abstract: A method for managing solicitation of donations includes receiving, over a communications network, data regarding a plurality of amounts for donation and a plurality of selected organizations made during checkout of a plurality of online purchases at a plurality of online retailers by a plurality of online shoppers, collecting a plurality of payments for the amounts of the donations, and distributing the plurality of payments among the plurality of organizations based on the data. For example, the method may include the online shoppers being asked at the time of checkout if they would like to round-up their total purchase price to the nearest dollar and select a charity/nonprofit organization to donate the spare change.