Abstract: A method is provided of determining the coverage of at least one optical sensor in a three dimensional (3-D) area. The 3-D area is divided into cells. The field of view of the sensor in the 3-D area is determined and rays are projected from the sensor into the 3-D area within sensor's field of view. The intersections between the rays and the cells are determined and a visual display of the 3-D area is generated showing the coverage of the sensor, based on the intersections.

Abstract: A compliant plate seal arrangement manufacturing method is provided. A compliant plate seal manufacturing method includes assembling a plurality of t-shims and a plurality of spacer shims into a straight weld fixture, thereby forming a shim pack having a front and rear end and sides, welding the sides of the shim pack to a top plate, removing a portion of the weld fixture, removing the plurality of spacer shims, shaping the shim pack into a target diameter, and applying a radial flow plate to the leaf pack.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a brush seal assembly comprising, bending a first plate member to a helical shape, bending a second plate member to a helical shape, securing the first plate member to a drum, winding a wire material around the drum and the first plate member, securing the second plate member to the drum, attaching the second plate member and the first plate member to the wire, and cutting the wire to define a bristle length.

Abstract: A compliant plate seal manufacturing method is provided. The method includes assembling a plurality of compliant plates and a plurality of spacer shims into a weld fixture, thereby forming a leaf pack having a front and rear end and sides and a curvature, welding the sides of the leaf pack to hook plates on the weld fixture, removing a portion of the weld fixture, removing a portion of the hook plates and applying a radial flow plate to the leaf pack.

Abstract: A method and computer program product for providing paperless customs documentation associated with an international parcel shipment. In various embodiments, the method comprises storing shipping data associated with a parcel shipment, the shipping data designating a destination country and including invoice data, verifying that the destination country accepts electronic customs documentation, and creating an electronic invoice from the shipping data. In various embodiments, the electronic invoice may be easily accessed, such as being transmitted over a network or stored in an RFID transponder associated with the parcel shipment. As a result, the present invention reduces the costs and shipping times associated with preparing, processing, and receiving international shipments by determining whether a country accepts paperless customs documentation and, if so, providing a variety of functions that streamline the international shipping process.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for facilitating international return of dutiable goods. A typical application involves a purchaser buying goods on-line, resulting in shipping the goods internationally to the purchaser. After receipt of the goods, the purchaser determines that return of the goods is necessary. The purchaser contacts the merchant selling the goods to request returning the goods. The merchant, in turn, communicates to the carrier delivering the goods that an international return is requested. The merchant provides certain information to the carrier allowing the carrier to make available the necessary documentation required by the customer to return the goods to the merchant. The documentation includes a properly completed commercial invoice that is made available to the consignee. The consignee can then sign and use the documentation for returning the item. The documentation may be variously provided to the customer either by the merchant or the carrier.