Abstract: In some examples, a controller includes at least one processor configured to receive information regarding a condition associated with a cargo transportation unit (CTU), the received information regarding the condition including information of an environment around the CTU at a location of the CTU, and adjust an adjustable mechanical element of the CTU in response to the received information.

Abstract: In some examples, a controller directs transport of a cargo transportation unit (CTU) to a plurality of pickup locations or a plurality of destination locations in response to requests of a plurality of requesters. The controller controls access to a plurality of compartments in the CTU, wherein controlling the access comprises selecting respective compartments of the plurality of compartments in which to place cargo items for the requests, the selecting based on characteristics of the cargo items and characteristics of the respective compartments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microbial inoculants, fertiliser compositions, growth mediums and methods for enhancing plant growth. In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of increasing plant growth, plant productivity, seed germination or soil quality for a dicotyledonous plant or a monocotyledonous plant, the method comprising the step of: applying to the plant a treatment agent comprising at least one plant-beneficial Burkholderia-like species.

Abstract: A system and method for minimizing shift cycling for low speed engine operation with a vehicle cruise control. A vehicle control system operating in a cruise control mode determines a deficiency in vehicle speed between a measured vehicle speed and a cruise set speed. The deficiency is determined by comparing the vehicle speed to the cruise set speed, and includes using the compared value to find a cruise speed margin, which is continuously updated. While the cruise control system is active, the control system logic determines the time at which a transmission upshift occurs based on the cruise speed margin. The vehicle speed, at which the upshift is made, is determined as a function of the updated cruise speed margin. An upshift is not made, if a likely drop in vehicle speed would result in the event a downshift would occur once the upshift is made.

Abstract: A system and method for minimizing shift cycling for low speed engine operation with a vehicle cruise control. A vehicle control system operating in a cruise control mode determines a deficiency in vehicle speed between a measured vehicle speed and a cruise set speed. The deficiency is determined by comparing the vehicle speed to the cruise set speed, and includes using the compared valued to find a cruise speed margin, which is continuously updated. While the cruise control system is active, the control system logic determines the time at which a transmission upshift occurs based on the cruise speed margin. The vehicle speed, at which the upshift is made, is determined as a function of the updated cruise speed margin. An upshift is not made, if a likely drop in vehicle speed would result in the event a downshift would occur once the upshift is made.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling the operation of a transmission using fuel consumption data. The system and method includes controlling the operation of a vehicle transmission which is operatively connected to an engine and to a transmission control module having access to a memory. Fuel consumption data for a plurality of engines is converted to engine efficiency loss data representative of the each of the engines' operation. The plurality of patterns, each representative of the operating characteristics of one of plurality of engines, is stored in the memory. Engine operating characteristics are recorded during operation of the vehicle. One of the pluralities of patterns is selected based on the recorded operating characteristics to operate the vehicle in a fuel efficient manner.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling the operation of a transmission using fuel consumption data. The system and method includes controlling the operation of a vehicle transmission which is operatively connected to an engine and to a transmission control module having access to a memory. Fuel consumption data for a plurality of engines is converted to engine efficiency loss data representative of the each of the engines' operation. The plurality of patterns, each representative of the operating characteristics of one of plurality of engines, is stored in the memory. Engine operating characteristics are recorded during operation of the vehicle. One of the pluralities of patterns is selected based on the recorded operating characteristics to operate the vehicle in a fuel efficient manner.

Abstract: An anchor for a safety line for use in roofing construction and maintenance activities. The anchor includes a hooked body having a shank and a point. A safety line is coupleable between a free end of the shank and a user. An anchor plate is rotatably and pivotably coupled to the point via a joint disposed therebetween. The anchor is disposable over a peak of a roof with the anchor plate on a first side of the roof and the body extending over the peak toward a second side. A user tethered to the anchor may work on the second side of the roof; pivotal and rotational movement of the body relative to the anchor plate enabled by the joint aids to maintain the body generally in line with the safety line while the anchor plate remains frictionally engaged with the first side of the roof.

Abstract: A system and method for minimizing shift cycling for low speed engine operation with a vehicle cruise control. A vehicle control system operating in a cruise control mode determines a deficiency in vehicle speed between a measured vehicle speed and a cruise set speed. The deficiency is determined by comparing the vehicle speed to the cruise set speed, and includes using the compared valued to find a cruise speed margin, which is continuously updated. While the cruise control system is active, the control system logic determines the time at which a transmission upshift occurs based on the cruise speed margin. The vehicle speed, at which the upshift is made, is determined as a function of the updated cruise speed margin. An upshift is not made, if a likely drop in vehicle speed would result in the event a downshift would occur once the upshift is made.

Abstract: An anchor for a safety line for use in roofing construction and maintenance activities. The anchor includes a hooked body having a shank and a point. A safety line is coupleable between a free end of the shank and a user. An anchor plate is rotatably and pivotably coupled to the point via a joint disposed therebetween. The anchor is disposable over a peak of a roof with the anchor plate on a first side of the roof and the body extending over the peak toward a second side. A user tethered to the anchor may work on the second side of the roof; pivotal and rotational movement of the body relative to the anchor plate enabled by the joint aids to maintain the body generally in line with the safety line while the anchor plate remains frictionally engaged with the first side of the roof.

Abstract: An endoscopic tissue grasper device includes a flexible tubular member, a flexible shaft extending through the tubular member, a proximal handle for moving the shaft and tubular member relative to each other, and a distal helical coil having a sharpened end for engaging tissue. The helical coil has a proximal close wound portion, a distal open wound portion, and an intermediate transition portion between the proximal and distal portions. The flexible shaft extends into the proximal and intermediate portions and is secured thereto, which prevents tissue engaged by the helical coil from becoming wedged in the transition portion and thereby facilitates release of the coil from engaged tissue. In addition, a bearing sheath is provided between the shaft and tubular member to prevent the shaft from binding during operation.

Abstract: An endoscope overtube includes a flexible tubular member and a hub assembly provided at the proximal end of the tubular member. The hub assembly includes an elastic sleeve seal cuff extending about the inner surface of a body member of the hub. The ends of seal cuff are coupled to the body member. An inflation line extends into the body member in communication with the outer surface of the seal cuff. When fluid is pressurized through the inflation line, the cuff is distended inward to reduce the size of the opening through the port such that the cuff forms a seal about an endoscope received through the hub. The body member is preferably coupled to each of the flexible tubular member and to the elastic seal cuff using a snap-fit engagement of parts such that no fasteners, welds, glues, etc. are necessary for securing the hub assembly together.

Abstract: A foundation-piering system for lifting and supporting a foundation or structure. The system provides a bracket that includes a seat plate and a pier guide. The seat plate extends horizontally below the foundation to engage the bottom surface thereof. A pad is disposed between the seat plate and the foundation to resist lateral movement of the bracket when under load. The pier guide is provided at a non-vertical angle to enable driving a pier from an initial position laterally adjacent to the foundation to a position that is vertically below the foundation. To install the bracket a face is formed along a bottom edge of the foundation and at an angle corresponding to the angle of the pier guide. The pier guide is abutted against the face when installed to minimize rotational forces encountered by the bracket. The bracket requires no fasteners or other coupling with the foundation.

Abstract: A foundation-piering system for lifting and supporting a foundation or structure. The system provides a bracket that includes a seat plate and a pier guide. The seat plate extends horizontally below the foundation to engage the bottom surface thereof. A pad is disposed between the seat plate and the foundation to resist lateral movement of the bracket when under load. The pier guide is provided at a non-vertical angle to enable driving a pier from an initial position laterally adjacent to the foundation to a position that is vertically below the foundation. To install the bracket a face is formed along a bottom edge of the foundation and at an angle corresponding to the angle of the pier guide. The pier guide is abutted against the face when installed to minimize rotational forces encountered by the bracket. The bracket requires no fasteners or other coupling with the foundation.

Abstract: A protective covering for a helmet. The protective covering includes a cushioning layer with a plurality of overlapping scales disposed on an exterior surface thereof. The covering overlies an outer surface of a substantially rigid shell of a helmet and provides additional padding via the cushioning layer to absorb impact forces received by the helmet. The scales are deflectable relative to one another to compress the cushioning layer when an impact force is received and are configured to reduce the coefficient of friction between the covering and an impacting body to thereby increase deflection of the impacting force and the impacting body. The protective covering can be applied to existing helmets or can be integrated into helmets during manufacture thereof.

Abstract: A protective covering for a helmet. The protective covering includes a cushioning layer with a plurality of scales disposed on an exterior surface thereof. The covering overlies an outer surface of a substantially rigid shell of a helmet and provides additional padding via the cushioning layer to absorb impact forces received by the helmet. The scales are deflectable relative to one another to compress the cushioning layer when an impact force is received and are configured to reduce the coefficient of friction between the covering and an impacting body to thereby increase deflection of the impacting force and the impacting body. The protective covering can be applied to existing helmets or can be integrated into helmets during manufacture thereof.

Abstract: An endoscope overtube includes a flexible tubular member and a hub assembly provided at the proximal end of the tubular member. The hub assembly includes an elastic sleeve seal cuff extending about the inner surface of a body member of the hub. The ends of seal cuff are coupled to the body member. An inflation line extends into the body member in communication with the outer surface of the seal cuff. When fluid is pressurized through the inflation line, the cuff is distended inward to reduce the size of the opening through the port such that the cuff forms a seal about an endoscope received through the hub. The body member is preferably coupled to each of the flexible tubular member and to the elastic seal cuff using a snap-fit engagement of parts such that no fasteners, welds, glues, etc. are necessary for securing the hub assembly together.

Abstract: An endoscopic tissue grasper device includes a flexible tubular member, a flexible shaft extending through the tubular member, a proximal handle for moving the shaft and tubular member relative to each other, and a distal helical coil having a sharpened end for engaging tissue. The helical coil has a proximal close wound portion, a distal open wound portion, and an intermediate transition portion between the proximal and distal portions. The flexible shaft extends into the proximal and intermediate portions and is secured thereto, which prevents tissue engaged by the helical coil from becoming wedged in the transition portion and thereby facilitates release of the coil from engaged tissue. In addition, a bearing sheath is provided between the shaft and tubular member to prevent the shaft from binding during operation.

Abstract: An endoscopic tissue grasper device includes a flexible tubular member, a flexible shaft extending through the tubular member, a proximal handle for moving the shaft and tubular member relative to each other, and a distal helical coil having a sharpened end for engaging tissue. The tissue grasper is advanced through a working channel of an endoscope, engaged relative to tissue, and retracted to pull tissue into a path of a movable needle coupled at a distal end of the endoscope so that the needle can be passed through the tissue. The needle is preferably provided with a suture so that as the needle is passed through the tissue a stitch is formed.

Abstract: A method of determining the sequence of a target nucleic acid is provided. The method can include the steps of (a) performing a defined number of incremental extension cycles to produce a population of nucleic acid fragments having different portions of the target nucleic acid wherein the individual nucleic acid fragments in the population have a defined length that is correlated with the number of incremental extension cycles; (b) determining the sequence of the first end of individual nucleic acid fragments in the population, thereby providing first end sequences; (c) determining the sequence of the second end of individual nucleic acid fragments in the population, thereby providing second end sequences; and (d) determining the sequence of the target nucleic acid based on the first end sequences, the second end sequences and the defined length.