Abstract: A communication system includes a data manager unit, a private interface, and an open interface. The data manager unit is configured to be disposed onboard a vehicle and to manage a transmission of data from a control system of the vehicle to a plurality of applications. The private interface is configured to communicably couple the data manager unit to the control system of the vehicle, and to limit communication with the control system via a connection protocol, wherein the connection protocol is configured to prevent direct communication between the data manager unit and an application that does not use the connection protocol. The open interface is configured to communicably couple the data manager unit and the plurality of applications.

Abstract: A communication system includes a data manager unit, a private interface, and an open interface. The data manager unit is configured to be disposed onboard a vehicle and to manage a transmission of data from a control system of the vehicle to a plurality of applications. The private interface is configured to communicably couple the data manager unit to the control system of the vehicle, and to limit communication with the control system via a connection protocol, wherein the connection protocol is configured to prevent direct communication between the data manager unit and an application that does not use the connection protocol. The open interface is configured to communicably couple the data manager unit and the plurality of applications.

Abstract: A communication system includes a data manager unit, a private interface, and an open interface. The data manager unit is configured to be disposed onboard a vehicle and to manage a transmission of data from a control system of the vehicle to a plurality of applications. The private interface is configured to communicably couple the data manager unit to the control system of the vehicle, and to limit communication with the control system via a connection protocol, wherein the connection protocol is configured to prevent direct communication between the data manager unit and an application that does not use the connection protocol. The open interface is configured to communicably couple the data manager unit and the plurality of applications.

Abstract: A communication system includes a data manager unit, a private interface, and an open interface. The data manager unit is configured to be disposed onboard a vehicle and to manage a transmission of data from a control system of the vehicle to a plurality of applications. The private interface is configured to communicably couple the data manager unit to the control system of the vehicle, and to limit communication with the control system via a connection protocol, wherein the connection protocol is configured to prevent direct communication between the data manager unit and an application that does not use the connection protocol. The open interface is configured to communicably couple the data manager unit and the plurality of applications.

Abstract: A communication system includes a data manager unit, a private interface, and an open interface. The data manager unit is configured to be disposed onboard a vehicle and to manage a transmission of data from a control system of the vehicle to a plurality of applications. The private interface is configured to communicably couple the data manager unit to the control system of the vehicle, and to limit communication with the control system via a connection protocol, wherein the connection protocol is configured to prevent direct communication between the data manager unit and an application that does not use the connection protocol. The open interface is configured to communicably couple the data manager unit and the plurality of applications.

Abstract: Described are methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products for maintaining computer systems in compliance with best practices. A configuration data set is received specifying a plurality of operational parameters, and, for each operational parameter, a target setting for the operational parameter. For each operational parameter of the plurality of operational parameters: a computer system is queried for a current setting of the operational parameter on the computer system; it is determined whether the current setting of the operational parameter complies with the target setting for the operational parameter; and a command is sent to the computer system to change the current setting of the operational parameter on the computer system to conform with the target setting for the operational parameter.

Abstract: Improved techniques involve expressing the best practices for installing a product into a machine-readable language. In particular, a vendor generates code representing best practices procedures for installing a product in the machine-readable language. The vendor makes the expression of this code available in a best-practices script to its customers. When a customer is ready for installation of the product, the customer issues a request and receives the script. The customer has software available on an installation device that runs the script and provides a wizard that automates the installation process.

Abstract: A communication system includes a data manager unit, a private interface, and an open interface. The data manager unit is configured to be disposed onboard a vehicle and to manage a transmission of data from a control system of the vehicle to a plurality of applications. The private interface is configured to communicably couple the data manager unit to the control system of the vehicle, and to limit communication with the control system via a connection protocol, wherein the connection protocol is configured to prevent direct communication between the data manager unit and an application that does not use the connection protocol. The open interface is configured to communicably couple the data manager unit and the plurality of applications.

Abstract: A communication system for controlling sharing of data across a plurality of subsystems on a locomotive, the communication system including an open defined interface unit configured so that a plurality of applications may access locomotive control system data in a common defined manner with predictable results.

Abstract: A method is used in managing initialization of file systems. Activity of file systems is monitored. The file systems include a first and second set of file systems. Based on activity of the file systems, the first set of file systems is associated with a first section of a boot configuration file and the second set of file systems is associated with a second section of the boot configuration file. The first and second sets of file systems are initialized for providing access to the first and second sets of file systems. Access to the first set of file systems is provided before initializing the second set of file systems.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a sand reservoir includes: (a) a sand reservoir carried on an off-highway vehicle; and (b) at least one sand level indicator carried by the sand reservoir which provides a visual display external to the sand reservoir indicative of the quantity of sand within the sand reservoir.

Abstract: A communication system for controlling sharing of data across a plurality of subsystems on a locomotive, the communication system including an open defined interface unit configured so that a plurality of applications may access locomotive control system data in a common defined manner with predictable results.

Abstract: A communication system for controlling sharing of data across a plurality of subsystems on a locomotive, the communication system including an open defined interface unit configured so that a plurality of applications may access locomotive control system data in a common defined manner with predictable results.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a sand reservoir includes: (a) a sand reservoir carried on an off-highway vehicle; and (b) at least one sand level indicator carried by the sand reservoir which provides a visual display external to the sand reservoir indicative of the quantity of sand within the sand reservoir.

Abstract: A one-piece composite mirror sail is disclosed for an associated vehicle that eliminates use of metal brackets. The sail includes a glass run that extends from beneath a belt line of a vehicle door window opening and extends above the associated belt line. A first portion of the glass run is an extruded EPDM first portion that extends from beneath the associated belt line. A second portion of the glass run is located above the belt line and is molded thermoplastic only. The first and second portions of the glass run are integrally joined, preferably along a fusion bonding interface. A coating is preferably provided on a base and seal lips of the extruded portion. An angled leg extends from the glass run second portion. The angled leg includes a retaining portion. The angled leg and retaining portion are molded thermoplastic only.