Abstract: A vehicle includes a generator for supplying power to a load; and one or more controllers, programmed to responsive to detecting a fuel level reaching a predefined critical value, stop the generator and instruct a second vehicle to start to generate power, the vehicle serving as a pass-through conduit between the load and the second vehicle.

Abstract: In general, the invention relates to a method for programming a network device to perform routing of data packets between and/or within networks. More specifically, the method provides a more efficient process for updating the forwarding equivalence class (FEC) table with minimal impacting of the mappings in the forward information base (FIB) of the network device.

Abstract: In general, the invention relates to a method for managing a real network system. The method includes configuring, using Network Device State Information (NDSI) for at least a portion of the real network system, simulated network devices for a simulated network system. The method further includes obtaining simulation conditions for the simulated network system, simulating, using the simulation conditions, operation of the simulated network system to obtain a simulation result, and initiating an update of at least a portion of the real network system corresponding to the simulated network system.

Abstract: A method and system for maintaining persistent network policies for a virtual machine (VM) that includes determining a name of the VM executing on a first host connected to a first network device; binding the name of the VM to a network policy for the VM on the first network device; acquiring from VM management software, using the name of the VM, a universally unique identifier (UUID) of the VM; associating the UUID to the network policy on the first network device; applying the network policy for the VM on the first network device; subscribing to receive notifications from the VM management software of changes to the configuration of the VM corresponding to the UUID; receiving notification from the VM management software of a configuration change made to the VM corresponding to the UUID; and updating the network policy of the VM to reflect the configuration change of the VM.

Abstract: A railroad freight car coupling system utilizing purely mechanical cushioning assemblies at opposed ends of the car. Each cushioning assembly includes an elongated draft gear assembly including two individually operable and axially spaced assemblies for absorbing both buff and draft forces. Each draft gear assembly includes an axially elongated and hollow metal housing with a first open end and a second open end disposed in longitudinally spaced relation relative to each other. The draft gear assembly is provided with first and second spring biased assemblies at opposed open ends of the housing for absorbing, storing and returning energy directed against a railroad freight car with which the draft gear assembly is arranged in operable combination.

Abstract: A drone control method is provided. The method may be responsive to drone recharge energy cost being greater than a predefined threshold and include commanding a processor of the drone to execute actions that preclude the drone from recharging. The method may also be responsive to drone charge level falling below a charge threshold selected only while the drone recharge energy cost exceeds the predefined threshold and include commanding the processor to execute actions to recharge the drone.

Abstract: A method for processing state information updates. The method includes receiving, by a coordination point, a plurality of state information from a plurality of network elements; processing at least one of the plurality of state information to generate a result; and applying the result to at least one of the plurality of network elements in order to modify an operation of the at least one of the plurality of network elements.

Abstract: A razor blade including: a substrate having a tip portion including a tip region, a blade body including a base, and first and second outer sides disposed opposite a split line of the substrate that converge at a tip; and first and second coatings disposed substantially on the first and second outer sides, respectively. Also provided is a method of coating the razor blade, including: applying a first coating to at least a portion of the first outer side; and applying a second coating to at least a portion of the second outer side. The first and second coatings each extend from the tip region toward the base and are substantially different, as compared to each other.

Abstract: A razor blade including: a substrate having a tip portion including a tip region, a blade body including a base, and first and second outer sides disposed opposite a split line of the substrate, in which the first and second outer sides converge at a tip, the first outer side comprises a first coating disposed substantially thereon and extending from the tip region toward the base, and a first portion of the second outer side is substantially free of any coating, the first portion extending from the tip region toward the base or being spaced apart from the tip region and the base. Also provided is a method of coating the razor blade.

Abstract: A razor blade including: a substrate having a tip portion including a tip region, a blade body including a base, and first and second outer sides disposed opposite a split line of the substrate that converge at a tip; and first and second coatings disposed substantially on the first and second outer sides, respectively. Also provided is a method of coating the razor blade, including: applying a first coating to at least a portion of the first outer side; and applying a second coating to at least a portion of the second outer side. The first and second coatings each extend from the tip region toward the base and are substantially different, as compared to each other. One or both of the first and second coatings comprise a plurality of layers of material.

Abstract: A razor cartridge is provided comprising: a housing and a blade assembly mounted to the housing. The blade assembly may comprise at least one razor blade defined by a substrate comprising a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may comprise first and second outer surfaces. The second portion may comprise first and second sections separated by a split line. The first section may comprise a first facet and an end facet. The second section may comprise an end facet. The end facets of the first and second sections may converge at a tip to define a cutting edge. A shoulder may be positioned between the first facet and the end facet of the first section and define a skin-contacting surface.

Abstract: A razor blade is provided comprising a substrate comprising a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may comprise first and second generally parallel outer surfaces. The second portion may comprise first and second sections separated by a split line. The first section may comprise a first facet extending directly from the first outer surface of the first portion and an end facet extending directly from the first facet. The second section may comprise an end facet. The end facets of the first and second sections may converge at a tip to define a cutting edge. The split line may pass through the tip and is generally parallel with and extends between the first and second outer surfaces of the first portion.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to wirelessly receive data indicating vehicle-feature usage for an individual vehicle. The processor is also configured to aggregate received data to form a feature-usage customer profile defining feature preferences. The processor is further configured to select vehicles associated with a customer-classification, including predefined feature-usage characteristics, the customer-classification determined based on a correlation between the predefined feature-usage characteristics and the aggregated data in the feature-usage profile defining feature preferences. The processor is also configured to compare the aggregated data to the selected vehicles to determine a vehicle having features preferred by a customer as indicated by the aggregated data in the feature-usage profile and recommend the determined vehicle to the customer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to charge electric vehicles are disclosed. An example method includes monitoring, via a processor, a battery charge level of an electric vehicle receiving a battery charge from a mobile charging unit. The example method includes determining, via the processor, a remaining trip distance of the electric vehicle from a location of the battery charge to a trip destination. The example method further includes determining, via the processor, a target charge level for the battery charge. The target charge level corresponds to when the battery charge level provides a first probability that the electric vehicle will reach the trip destination without an additional battery charge. The example method also includes generating, via the processor, a signal to stop the battery charge when the battery charge level reaches the target charge level.

Abstract: A system may include a number of records in a database associated with a number of activities to be performed by a first user. The system may also include a processor that may receive a request comprising information regarding a second user and an activity to be performed by the first user, identify a plurality of pre-defined message templates based on the request, and receive a selection of one of the plurality of pre-defined message templates. The processor may then generate message text incorporating the one of the plurality of pre-defined message templates for review and display via an electronic display, such that the message text is electronically stored in a dialogue window. The processor may display the message text in the dialogue in response to receiving an approval of the message.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to charge electric vehicles are disclosed. An example method includes receiving, at a processor, a request for a mobile charging unit to meet an electric vehicle to provide a battery charge to the electric vehicle. The request is generated by the electric vehicle when a ratio of a remaining trip distance of the electric vehicle to a remaining expected range of the electric vehicle exceeds a threshold. The example method further includes identifying, via the processor, a location for the battery charge based on input from a user of the electric vehicle regarding a plurality of possible locations for the battery charge.

Abstract: Various examples are directed to systems and methods for operating a vehicle comprising a tractor and a trailer attached for pulling behind the tractor. A center-of-mass system may determine a mass of the trailer and a tractor understeer. The center-of-mass system may determine the tractor understeer using steering input data describing a steering angle of the tractor and yaw data describing a yaw of the tractor. The center-of-mass system may determine a load center of mass using the tractor understeer and a mass of the trailer. The center-of-mass system may further determine that the load center of mass transgresses a center-of-mass threshold and send an alert message indicating that the load transgresses the load center-of-mass threshold.

Abstract: Example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture for mobile charging of an electric vehicle are described herein. An example method disclosed herein includes determining whether a mobile charge vehicle is within a target distance from an electric vehicle, switching the electric vehicle into an autonomous driving mode when the mobile charge vehicle is determined to be within the target distance, and receiving energy from the mobile charge vehicle to charge a battery of the electric vehicle.

Abstract: A bio-reactive container and filter assembly to improve flow rates and mass transfer without increased pressure. An inlet filter membrane secured to the container defines a container chamber in combination with the container. An inlet filter membrane element may also be secured to the container to provide structural support to the membrane. An outlet membrane secured to the container defines a container chamber in combination with the container. An outlet filter membrane element may also be secured to the container to provide structural support to the outlet membrane. Inlet and/or outlet filters and/or filter elements are constructed to significantly increase surface area available for fluid and/or gas ingress and/or egress. Single and double layer membranes with mixtures of hydrophobic and hydrophilic characteristics are used to maximize perfusion and gasification/degasification of bio-reactive containers.

Abstract: Example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture for mobile charging of an electric vehicle are described herein. An example electric vehicle includes a battery and a first charge interface for the battery disposed on an exterior surface of the electric vehicle. The first charge interface is configured to be engaged with a second charge interface on an articulating arm of a mobile charge vehicle to transfer energy from an energy source of the mobile charge vehicle to the battery while the electric vehicle is in motion.