Abstract: A method of early detection of scaling on internal surfaces of conduits of water processing equipment, is provided herein. The method includes: transmitting ultrasonic signals through the wall of the conduits; deriving data samples from received ultrasonic signals or reflections thereof; calculating a moving average of the scatter of the ultrasonic signals, over time, based on the data samples; applying a statistical operand to the moving average, to yield a statistical distribution metric; determining a dynamic window defined by: (i) an upper boundary being the moving average plus at least a fraction of the statistical distribution metric and (ii) a lower boundary being the moving average minus the at least a fraction of the statistical distribution metric; generating a trend line being a smooth fitting of the derived samples; and monitoring the trend line within the window to detect a crossover of the trend line at either of the boundaries.

Abstract: A fishing or hunting wader having an outer shell made of breathable fabric and also having a layer of insulation and a waterproof lining such that the wader is waterproof, insulated and breathable, the wader further comprises an attached boot

Abstract: An athletic instruction apparatus including a head positioner adapted to be disposed under a user's chin, a strap adapted to secure the head positioner to the user, and a fastener to removably fasten the strap to the head positioner, and a system and method of use thereof.

Abstract: A tonneau cover assembly includes a flexible cover, a rigid cross member connected with the cover, and a tensioning and/or latching mechanism connected with the cross member. The flexible cover includes a first end and a second end. The first end is disposed adjacent a cab of a vehicle to which the tonneau covers assembly is configured to attach. The second end is disposed adjacent a tailgate of the vehicle. The rigid cross member connects with the cover such that the cross member moves with the cover as the cover is rolled or folded toward the first end. The tensioning and/or latching mechanism connects with the cross member such that the tensioning and/or latching mechanism moves along with the cover as the cover is rolled or folded toward the first end.

Abstract: A plastic insert is configured to provide support of thin wafers in wafer carriers configured to provide peripheral wafer support. The invention includes the insert, the insert in combination with a wafer carrier, and the methods of supporting the thin wafers as provided by the insert and the wafer carrier. The inserts, in preferred embodiments, utilize tabs that fit into the side wall recesses and have an interference fit in said recesses to secure the insert in place. In preferred embodiments the inserts have a top surface with a plurality of ribs positioned inwardly from the wafer periphery for supporting the wafers with minimal contact. In preferred embodiments the insert has a lower surface having strengthening structure providing rigidity to the insert.

Abstract: A tonneau cover storage system for a vehicle includes a cargo compartment having a first sidewall and a cargo opening. A cavity is formed in the first sidewall. A container is pivotably attached to the first sidewall proximate the cavity at a first pivot point, and has a container opening sized and shaped to selectably fit into the cavity. A lid to selectably close off the container opening is also pivotably attached to the first pivot point and is pivotable independently of the container. A flexible tonneau cover is selectably configurable between a stowed condition within the container and a deployed condition closing off the cargo opening. The container is movable to a position within the cavity when the tonneau cover is in the stowed condition, and is further movable to a position outside the cavity when the tonneau cover is in the deployed condition.

Abstract: A method for controlling a mechanically commutated electric motor, wherein the rotational angle of the output of said motor is determined by means of detection of the change in back electromotive force, when the electric motor commutates, and wherein the power supply to the electric motor is halted after a predetermined number of detected commutations.

Abstract: A tonneau cover assembly includes a flexible cover, a rigid cross member connected with the cover, and a tensioning and/or latching mechanism connected with the cross member. The flexible cover includes a first end and a second end. The first end is disposed adjacent a cab of a vehicle to which the tonneau covers assembly is configured to attach. The second end is disposed adjacent a tailgate of the vehicle. The rigid cross member connects with the cover such that the cross member moves with the cover as the cover is rolled or folded toward the first end. The tensioning and/or latching mechanism connects with the cross member such that the tensioning and/or latching mechanism moves along with the cover as the cover is rolled or folded toward the first end.

Abstract: A tonneau cover storage system for a vehicle includes a cargo compartment having a first sidewall and a cargo opening. A cavity is formed in the first sidewall. A container is pivotably attached to the first sidewall proximate the cavity at a first pivot point, and has a container opening sized and shaped to selectably fit into the cavity. A lid to selectably close off the container opening is also pivotably attached to the first pivot point and is pivotable independently of the container. A flexible tonneau cover is selectably configurable between a stowed condition within the container and a deployed condition closing off the cargo opening. The container is movable to a position within the cavity when the tonneau cover is in the stowed condition, and is further movable to a position outside the cavity when the tonneau cover is in the deployed condition.

Abstract: A system for processing electronic transactions according to policies is disclosed. The system includes a user module configured to store computer-readable information related to a user, and a policy module configured to store a plurality of policies for electronic transactions. Each policy for an electronic transaction includes a permission to access a physical space or item by a user. The system also includes a processor configured to receive a request to complete an electronic transaction by the user, and configured to dynamically apply, upon receipt of the request by the processor, the plurality of policies to the user based on the request to complete the electronic transaction. Methods and machine-readable mediums are also disclosed.

Abstract: Software, at a networked central computer or at a wireless mobile user device, uses GPS coordinates of a mobile user device's current location to determine a polygon in which the GPS coordinates lie. Upon determining the polygon that surrounds the current location, the software can perform a task related to the polygon. Examples of tasks include: determining traffic camera images to display on the mobile user device based on the location, speed, and heading of the user device. The images can include advertisements that pertain to the general vicinity, or demographics of those typically in the vicinity, of the cameras' coverage area. Another task includes associating performance data from a vehicle, and stored in a table, for a given location with a corresponding polygon that surrounds the location; processing the data; and assigning a risk value to the polygon based on the corresponding performance data.

Abstract: A method may include calculating a cost for software testing for a first software test cycle. The software testing is for producing a first software product. The method may also include calculating an income for the first software product. Additionally, the method may include calculating an effectiveness rating for the first software test cycle utilizing the cost of software testing and the income generated by the first software product.

Abstract: A telematics method and system facilitates customizing a plurality of vehicle content files, parameters, and features based on edits and selections from a user interface. A telematics provider maintains a database comprising a table, or tables that associate(s) user identification information with a vehicle VIN and equipment/features/content installed in/on vehicle devices associated with the VIN. Database updates may occur automatically, or upon a user instruction, when a TCU wirelessly transmits current equipment, content, and feature configuration information to a TOC coupled with the database. The telematics provider's server may provide the interface that facilitates the user logging in and editing features, content, and operational and performance parameters currently configured/installed in/on the vehicle' equipment and devices.

Abstract: A telematics unit monitors location information and a vehicle information bus for diagnostic and other vehicle information and a request for services command initiated with hardware coupled to the telematics unit, remotely from another device, or automatically upon the occurrence of a vehicle trigger. The telematics unit composes a request message that includes vehicle location information and an indicator of a type of services requested, and transmits the message to a telematics server. The server performs a table lookup to find entries containing information of requested services available within a predetermined range of the vehicle. The server transmits a response message to the telematics unit, or other device, for presentation of the requested information. The response message may include a file containing promotional information relative to the service provider(s). The TCU may transmit a message that includes metrics relative to how a user played the promotional information file.

Abstract: A sod-laying machine having a low center of gravity and a seated operator position adjacent the roll of sod being placed. The superior visibility available to the operator makes it possible to place the sod more accurately and with less need for subsequent adjustment than has been possible previously. The machine has sod roll lifting arms that can be spaced apart to lift and place rolls having any of the common large sod roll widths. The machine can be configured to lay sod that is rolled with either the grass side or the dirt side outermost. Propulsion, roll lifting and roll width adjustment is hydraulic with continuously variable speed drive. Turf scuffing is minimized by trailing caster wheels and independently controllable drive wheels mounted close to the location of the sod roll.

Abstract: A seat for a vehicle includes a cushion, a base and a tab. The base supports the cushion and defines a chamber having an opening. The chamber is configured to provide a storage location for a manual and the opening is configured to accommodate passage of a manual to and from the chamber. The tab is provided adjacent to the opening and is moveable between a first position in which the tab blocks a manual from passing through the opening, and a second position in which the tab allows a manual to pass through the opening. A receptacle facilitates storage of a manual beneath the seat of a vehicle. A vehicle includes a seat, a chamber and a tab.

Abstract: A seat for a vehicle includes a cushion, a base and a tab. The base supports the cushion and defines a chamber having an opening. The chamber is configured to provide a storage location for a manual and the opening is configured to accommodate passage of a manual to and from the chamber. The tab is provided adjacent to the opening and is moveable between a first position in which the tab blocks a manual from passing through the opening, and a second position in which the tab allows a manual to pass through the opening. A receptacle facilitates storage of a manual beneath the seat of a vehicle. A vehicle includes a seat, a chamber and a tab.

Abstract: The invention comprises an autonomous off-road vehicle capable of traveling at high speeds. Preferred embodiments of the invention comprise a system for sensory instrument stabilization comprises three axis assemblies movable about three orthogonal axes. The invention also comprises novel methods for generating a high accuracy route for a robotically controlled vehicle. Other aspects of the invention include drive time, perception-based path adjustments to steer a robotic vehicle within an intended corridor. Another embodiment of the invention comprises the consideration of vehicular dynamics in generating a high accuracy route and in steering a robotic vehicle within an intended corridor.

Abstract: A fuel overflow prevention device for minimizing or eliminating fuel spillage during fuel storage container filling. The device may also minimize or eliminate some types of fuel spillage after filling. The device includes an overflow prevention chamber for receiving therein fluid from a fuel storage container vent tube. The overflow prevention chamber also includes a space for removably receiving and retaining therein the spout of an automatic shutoff fuel nozzle including a sensor port. A flow restriction interface is established between an interior portion of the overflow prevention chamber and the exit port of the spout. Fluid received from the vent tube into the overflow prevention chamber fills the space until covering the sensor port to a level sufficient to trigger automatic nozzle shutoff. The device optionally includes a vent tube extension to aid in regulating the fuel level within the container at which nozzle shutoff is triggered.

Abstract: Filtered storage containers for hazardous waste, such as radioactive waste, more particularly plutonium in the form of oxides and salts, are made of stainless steel and include lids which are retained by retaining rings that utilize bayonet or ratchet closures that cooperate with rims that are integral with cans to hold the lids in place. Sealing arrangements are provided that each include an O-ring of a circular cross section which seals radially between the lid and rim, as well as a seal of cruciform cross section, which seal provides compression sealing between the lid and an annular shelf within the rim upon locking the retaining ring to the rim with the bayonet or ratchet fitting.