Abstract: This disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for optimizing a travel route of a hybrid-electric vehicle inside an emissions-free zone. In one exemplary embodiment, a travel route optimization system can be used to determine a charge level of a battery in the hybrid-electric vehicle and to locate charging stations inside and/or outside the emissions-free zone. The charge level provides an indication of a distance that the hybrid-electric vehicle can travel before a gasoline engine is started. The system can use factors such as the location of the charging stations and the charge level of the battery to generate an optimized travel route for the hybrid-electric vehicle that eliminates starting of the gasoline engine inside the emissions-free zone. The optimized travel route may be updated in real-time so as to allow recharging of the battery on an as-needed basis at a charging station inside or outside the emissions-free zone.

Abstract: This disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for optimizing a travel route of a hybrid-electric vehicle inside an emissions-free zone. In one exemplary embodiment, a travel route optimization system can be used to determine a charge level of a battery in the hybrid-electric vehicle and to locate charging stations inside and/or outside the emissions-free zone. The charge level provides an indication of a distance that the hybrid-electric vehicle can travel before a gasoline engine is started. The system can use factors such as the location of the charging stations and the charge level of the battery to generate an optimized travel route for the hybrid-electric vehicle that eliminates starting of the gasoline engine inside the emissions-free zone. The optimized travel route may be updated in real-time so as to allow recharging of the battery on an as-needed basis at a charging station inside or outside the emissions-free zone.

Abstract: A pedestal support seat apparatus and method of use is disclosed that has disassembled and assembled states positioned adjacent to a surface includes a planar element having a lengthwise axis, a lengthwise side edge portion, and an oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portion that define a planar element width. The planar element also has an end edge portion and an opposing end edge portion that define a planar element length. The planar element being substantially flexible between the oppositely disposed end edge portions and relatively substantially inflexible between the oppositely disposed lengthwise side edge portions. Also included is an end member that is sized and configured to removably engage the lengthwise side edge portion in the assembled state to form a substantially cylindrically shaped structure of the planar element defining an interior separate from an exterior environment, with the opposing lengthwise side edge portion adjacent to the surface.

Abstract: Locking means for a deformable plastic container having a top and bottom, such as foamed plastic food containers, which provides a positive closure but which does not interfere with stacking of empty containers, said means comprising on one part (generally the top) a protruding edge or lip which can engage an opening in the second member (generally the bottom), said opening being located in an inwardly protruding surface in a sidewall.