Abstract: An approach to improving system availability. Availability data for individual resources may be obtained from configuration templates and stored in an Availability Graph. The graph is traversed to calculate availability statistics at a grouped component and at an overall architecture level and grouping components level. Revisions may be made to enhance overall availability levels, and the revised Availability Graph can also be exported as an implementable configuration file. As a result, this solution provides a structured way to detect and resolve availability bottlenecks.

Abstract: An approach to improving system availability. Availability data for individual resources may be obtained from configuration templates and stored in an Availability Graph. The graph is traversed to calculate availability statistics at a grouped component and at an overall architecture level and grouping components level. Revisions may be made to enhance overall availability levels, and the revised Availability Graph can also be exported as an implementable configuration file. As a result, this solution provides a structured way to detect and resolve availability bottlenecks.

Abstract: A method of loading an implant inserter with an implant tab and an intramedullary orthopedic implant includes placing the intramedullary orthopedic implant engaged with the implant tab in an implant tab press tool. The implant tab press tool closes the implant tab, which is then moved to a locked position. The implant press tool opens, and the implant tab coupled with the intramedullary orthopedic implant is removed therefrom. The implant tab coupled with the intramedullary orthopedic implant and the implant inserter are placed in an inserter press tool. The inserter press tool closes the implant inserter, which is then moved to a locked position. The inserter press tool opens, and the implant inserter loaded with the implant tab and the intramedullary orthopedic implant coupled therewith is removed from the inserter press tool.

Abstract: A method of loading an implant inserter with an implant tab and an intramedullary orthopedic implant includes placing the intramedullary orthopedic implant engaged with the implant tab in an implant tab press tool. The implant tab press tool closes the implant tab, which is then moved to a locked position. The implant press tool opens, and the implant tab coupled with the intramedullary orthopedic implant is removed therefrom. The implant tab coupled with the intramedullary orthopedic implant and the implant inserter are placed in an inserter press tool. The inserter press tool closes the implant inserter, which is then moved to a locked position. The inserter press tool opens, and the implant inserter loaded with the implant tab and the intramedullary orthopedic implant coupled therewith is removed from the inserter press tool.

Abstract: A trailer is provided with various parametric sensors. Trailer operating characteristics obtained from the sensors are conveyed to an attached tow vehicle. The tow vehicle is configured to respond to trailer operating conditions or characteristics and/or warn the tow vehicle operator of trailer conditions. The tow vehicle's operation can also be changed responsive to an attached trailer.

Abstract: An enhanced emergency notification system comprising a vehicle location device located in a vehicle, an emergency notification device located in the vehicle, a receiving/transmitting device, and an emergency responder receiving device. The vehicle location device is configured to provide data regarding a current location of the vehicle. The emergency notification device is configured to send a first signal upon a specified event, wherein the first signal includes information on the location of the vehicle obtained from the vehicle location device. The receiving/transmitting device is configured to directly receive the first signal from the emergency notification device and transmit a second signal within a range, wherein the second signal includes at least the same information as the first signal. The emergency responder receiving device is configured to directly receive the second signal from the receiving/transmitting device when within the range.

Abstract: An apparatus and method by which a rear-facing, ceiling-mounted entertainment display for a vehicle can be made transparent or virtually transparent to a vehicle's driver uses a camera and a second, forward-facing display panel on which an image what the entertainment display blocks from the driver's view. The camera is attached to the entertainment display and captures image-forming light blocked to the driver's rear-view mirror by the downwardly extending entertainment display. The second display panel projects forwardly, i.e., toward the rear-view mirror, what the camera sees looking rearwardly.

Abstract: A camera that is movable is provided for a vehicle. It can be placed at the rear of a vehicle or at the rear of a towed trailer to capture images that might not be within the driver's field of view. Captured images are modulated onto a radio frequency signal, which is broadcast and picked up by a mating radio frequency receiver, typically located inside the towing vehicle. Captured-picture information on the radio frequency signal is recovered and used to generate an image on a display device that can be seen by the driver. An attaching device is provided to the camera to allow the camera to be attached to the vehicle or a trailer and its location changed as needed. The camera thus provides a method and apparatus for wirelessly conveying to the driver, images in an otherwise obstructed field of view.

Abstract: A trailer is provided with various parametric sensors. Trailer operating characteristics obtained from the sensors are conveyed to an attached tow vehicle. The tow vehicle is configured to respond to trailer operating conditions or characteristics and/or warn the tow vehicle operator of trailer conditions. The tow vehicle's operation can also be changed responsive to an attached trailer.

Abstract: An enhanced emergency notification system comprising a vehicle location device located in a vehicle, an emergency notification device located in the vehicle, a receiving/transmitting device, and an emergency responder receiving device. The vehicle location device is configured to provide data regarding a current location of the vehicle. The emergency notification device is configured to send a first signal upon a specified event, wherein the first signal includes information on the location of the vehicle obtained from the vehicle location device. The receiving/transmitting device is configured to directly receive the first signal from the emergency notification device and transmit a second signal within a range, wherein the second signal includes at least the same information as the first signal. The emergency responder receiving device is configured to directly receive the second signal from the receiving/transmitting device when within the range.

Abstract: An apparatus for triggering a flash in a gas discharge lamp includes a power supply; a current limiter operatively connected between the power supply and the lamp to limit the current flowing through the lamp to a first preselected level; and a shunt path operatively connected between the power supply and the lamp to selectively increase the current flow through the lamp to a second level higher than the first level to produce a flash of increased brightness. Independently or in conjunction with the flash circuit, magnetic fields can be applied to the gas discharge lamp to increase electron path length in the plasma, increasing the optical output of the lamp.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting PET into polyester polyols including a reactor vessel having an interior volume, a stirring member rotatably mounted inside the reactor vessel and adapted to stir contents of the reactor vessel, a rotation device connected to the stirring member and adapted to rotate the stirring member in the reactor vessel, and a heater interactive with the interior of the reactor vessel so as to elevate the temperature of the interior volume of the reactor vessel to at least 175.degree. C. The reactor vessel has an inner wall and an outer wall with a space therebetween. The heater passes a heated fluid into the space between the inner wall and the outer wall. The stirring member includes a tubular member extending through the interior volume of the reactor vessel and a plurality of stirring arms extending radially outwardly of the tubular member. The heater serves to pass heated fluid through the interior of the tubular member and into the interior passageway of the stirring arms.

Abstract: A 3-D graphics accelerator for performing lighting operations using operands within a given fixed point numeric range. The 3-D graphics accelerator includes a first computational unit which is configured to compute a value of an attenuation factor usable for performing said lighting operation for local lights. The attenuation factor is represented in floating point format. The first computational unit is also configured to represent the attenuation factor in an intermediate format including a first intermediate value (a scaled attenuation factor value within the given fixed point numeric range), and a second intermediate value (a shift count usable to convert the scaled attenuation factor value back to the original attenuation factor value). The 3-D graphics accelerator further includes a lighting unit coupled to said first computational unit. The first computational unit is further configured to convey the intermediate representation of the attenuation factor to the lighting unit.