Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a method includes selecting a cemented carbide substrate from a plurality of cemented carbide substrates in a substrate inventory. Each of the plurality of cemented carbide substrates have a substantially planar top surface. The method also includes emitting a plurality of laser pulses from a laser towards at least the substantially planar top surface of the cemented carbide substrate to ablate selected regions of the cemented carbide substrate thereby forming the cemented carbide substrate into a selected shape.

Abstract: Disclosed is a retrofitting seatbelt system for a motor coach, the system including: a base plate, the base plate configured to connect to a floor rail of the motor coach; a longitudinal post configured to support a belt, the longitudinal post defines a longitudinal post inner end connected to the base plate, wherein the longitudinal post extends away from the base plate in a longitudinal direction to a longitudinal post outer end, wherein the longitudinal post defines a forward-side that faces a forward direction, and an aft-side that faces an aft direction, wherein the forward direction and the aft direction are disposed along a forward-aft axis; and a first motion damper connected to the longitudinal post near the longitudinal post outer end, the first motion damper extends in the aft direction, beyond the aft-side of the longitudinal post.

Abstract: Disclosed is a retrofitting seatbelt system for a motor coach, the system including: a base plate, the base plate configured to connect to a floor rail of the motor coach; a longitudinal post configured to support a belt, the longitudinal post defines a longitudinal post inner end connected to the base plate, wherein the longitudinal post extends away from the base plate in a longitudinal direction to a longitudinal post outer end, wherein the longitudinal post defines a forward-side that faces a forward direction, and an aft-side that faces an aft direction, wherein the forward direction and the aft direction are disposed along a forward-aft axis; and a first motion damper connected to the longitudinal post near the longitudinal post outer end, the first motion damper extends in the aft direction, beyond the aft-side of the longitudinal post.

Abstract: Systems and methods for installing retrofit seat belt systems with structural support for the lap and shoulder belts, while at the same time providing a low cost solution. In particular, some, or all of the loads, as required, are shared by an added support structure connected rigidly to a structural base, e.g., of a bus or other vehicle, via a base plate. As such the present teachings achieve compartmentalization around passengers in the event of a crash. Furthermore, unlike prior retrofit seat belt designs, the systems and methods of the present teachings uniquely facilitate a seamless transition for the different seat configurations and do not require complete replacement of the seats.

Abstract: Systems and methods for installing retrofit seat belt systems with structural support for the lap and shoulder belts, while at the same time providing a low cost solution. In particular, some, or all of the loads, as required, are shared by an added support structure connected rigidly to a structural base, e.g., of a bus or other vehicle, via a base plate. As such the present teachings achieve compartmentalization around passengers in the event of a crash. Furthermore, unlike prior retrofit seat belt designs, the systems and methods of the present teachings uniquely facilitate a seamless transition for the different seat configurations and do not require complete replacement of the seats.

Abstract: An interface for a system and method for evaluating the effectiveness of a person to perform a task based on his/her preceding or predicted sleep pattern is provided. The interface allows a user to use actual sleep data or predicted sleep data to produce predictions of the task effectiveness of a person to perform a particular task. The predictions may be in tabular, graphical, or tabular and graphical format. The interface may also represent the effectiveness of a user based on the actual or predicted sleep data in conjunction with an actual or predicted work schedule or pattern. The results can be correlated to sunlight in the user's location, and can also account for changes in the users location (transmeridian shifts), sunlight during the user's sleep cycle (shift work), and other schedule modifying events.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the effectiveness of a person to perform a task based on his/her previous or predicted sleep activity is provided. The method can be used to predict changes in task effectiveness at any time of day, based upon numerous patterns of sleep and activity, either experienced or planned for the future. The method takes into account progressive increases in sleep deprivation, the effects of the time of day on performance, and changes in the time when a person sleeps and works. The method also accounts for the quality of a sleep interval and a person's sleep inertia, the temporary slowing of performance immediately after awakening. The method is homeostatic. Gradual decreases in sleep debt decrease sleep intensity. Progressive increases in sleep debt produced by extended periods of less than optimal levels of sleep lead to increased sleep intensity.

Abstract: An interface for a system and method for evaluating the effectiveness of a person to perform a task based on his/her preceding or predicted sleep pattern is provided. The interface allows a user to use actual sleep data or predicted sleep data to produce predictions of the task effectiveness of a person to perform a particular task. The predictions may be in tabular, graphical, or tabular and graphical format. The interface may also represent the effectiveness of a user based on the actual or predicted sleep data in conjunction with an actual or predicted work schedule or pattern. The results can be correlated to sunlight in the user's location, and can also account for changes in the users location (transmeridian shifts), sunlight during the user's sleep cycle (shift work), and other schedule modifying events.