Abstract: A method is provided for charging a user for parking a vehicle in a chargeable parking facility. Signals are received from at least one signal source at a receiver disposed within the vehicle. Using the received signals, an approximate path of travel of the vehicle is identified and it is determined whether the vehicle's approximate path of travel crosses a geofence associated with at least one boundary region of the chargeable parking facility. If the vehicle's approximate path of travel crosses the geofence, it is determined, with a degree of certainty, whether a park point approximating a location where the vehicle has come to rest lies inside the chargeable parking facility. If the park point is determined to lie inside the chargeable parking facility, the park point is associated with a charge, and the charge is assessed to the user.

Abstract: A method using a capstan device and different bonding methods for minimizing undesirable time-dependent effects that occur in sensing devices that use optical fibers placed in tension.

Abstract: A cognitive wireless system that enables a mobile node to operate dynamically with heterogeneous networks by taking into account real-time contextual information about the mobile node and system-wide health information.

Abstract: A cognitive mobile wireless system is disclosed that enhances connectivity of a mobile device moving among heterogeneous networks, by selecting advantageous links.

Abstract: An apparatus for compacting a divided material is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a chamber. The chamber includes an opening at one end. A valve is positioned proximate the opening. The apparatus further includes a container capable of dispensing a divided material into the chamber. A plunger is configured to compact the material into the chamber when the valve is closed. The plunger is also capable of pushing the compacted material through the opening and out of the chamber when the valve is open. A process and system for metering a material are also disclosed.

Abstract: A refrigeration device for compostable materials, comprising, a recycling bin adapted to receive compostable materials, a liner element adapted to receive the recycling bin; and refrigeration means adapted for cooling the liner element wherein when compostable materials are positioned within the recycling bin and the recycling bin is positioned within the liner element, the refrigeration means cools the liner element, the recycling bin and the compostable materials positioned therein.

Abstract: A system includes an optical source. The system further includes a reflective sensor remotely deployed from the optical source. The system further includes an optical processor. The system further includes a forward optical waveguide spanning the distance from, and transmitting light from, the optical source to the reflective sensor. The system further includes a return optical waveguide spanning the distance from, and transmitting light from, the reflective sensor to the optical processor. The forward optical waveguide follows substantially the same path as, but is completely separate from, the return optical waveguide.

Abstract: A method and system to characterize the wearer of at least one item of footwear having a sensor means which, while the item is being worn, collects from the wearer current pedobarometric data that is characteristic of the wearer, and the current pedobarometric data is compared with corresponding reference data for a specified wearer, preferably previously collected via the same or a similar item of footwear while worn by the specified wearer under controlled conditions, the results of the comparison being used to characterize the present wearer according to prescribed criteria.

Abstract: A cognitive mobile wireless system is disclosed that enhances connectivity of a mobile device moving among heterogeneous networks, by selecting advantangeous links.

Abstract: A refrigeration device for compostable materials, comprising, a recycling bin adapted to receive compostable materials, a liner element adapted to receive the recycling bin; and refrigeration means adapted for cooling the liner element wherein when compostable materials are positioned within the recycling bin and the recycling bin is positioned within the liner element, the refrigeration means cools the liner element, the recycling bin and the compostable materials positioned therein.

Abstract: A ride-on snow blower is described that includes a cab for housing and protecting a rider of the snow blower from the elements, a seat, a door, cab windows, a front frame section, an adjustable snow chute operable for flexible snow disposal, a motor, a motor powered auger for transporting snow to the snow chute, rear wheels located generally under the seat, front wheels located in general proximity to the motor, rear wheel steering mechanisms, drive mechanisms for locomotion of the snow blower in a desired direction, and a power source to power electrical components of the snow blower.

Abstract: A rotary vane vacuum pump includes a drive unit, such as an electric motor, and a pump unit, preferably constructed as a cartridge pump unit. The drive unit may take any suitable form, but the cartridge unit includes one or more pumping stages plus a pumping stage of small dimension to lower pressure and increase outgassing of the lubricant. The rotors of the rotary vane pump unit are shaftless, that is they together form an axis of rotation without a separate axial shaft and are thus simplified in construction. All of the requirements of oiling, outgassing and gas ballast are fulfilled in the additional stage.