Abstract: An asset monitoring system receives a first multi-dimensional representation of an asset associated with an industrial process. The asset monitoring system generates a second multi-dimensional representation of the asset from the first multi-dimensional representation. The second multi-dimensional representation may be a two-dimensional vector graphic representation of the asset and may be configurable via a graphical user interface. In generating the second multi-dimensional representation, the asset monitoring system maps at least one operational parameter associated with the asset to the second multi-dimensional representation. The asset may include one or more devices of the asset monitoring system. The asset monitoring system may display, via a dashboard at the graphical user interface, the second multi-dimensional representation and status information associated with the asset.

Abstract: A vest includes a first panel including a first flap, a second panel including a second flap, a back panel extending from the first panel to the second panel, and a plurality of grips. The back panel defines a first and second arm accesses with first and second panels respectively, and portions of the first, second, and back panels disposed below first and second arm accesses define a body of the vest. The first flap is configured to overlap the second flap. The first flap includes a first front attachment segment configured to attach to a second front attachment segment of the second flap in a closed state of the vest. At least one embodiment or aspect may comprise at least one of the following features: at least one zipper expansion and retraction mechanism; and a leg attachment device for detachably securing a compression vest system to a user's leg.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly includes, among other things, a tailgate coupled to a vehicle body, and a step moveable from a stowed position where the step is held within a chamber of the tailgate to a step position where the step provides a step surface to a vehicle cargo bed. A method includes, among other things, moving a step from a stowed position where the step is held within a chamber of a tailgate to a step position where the step provides a step surface to a vehicle cargo bed.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing marketing campaigns is presented. Two marketing campaigns are received. Each is presented to a subset of users. The conversion rates of both marketing campaign are used to determine weighting of the two marketing campaigns. The weighting is determined using a range of conversion rates and maximizing the minimum expected value through the range of conversion rates. The process can be iteratively performed to converge upon an optimum weighting of the first and second conversion rates. More than two marketing campaigns can be used. The marketing campaign can be an email marketing campaign, a web marketing campaign, or an advertising keyword campaign. Other embodiments also are disclosed.

Abstract: A cargo management system includes a guideway and a panel displaceable between a plurality of operating positions along that guideway. The guideway includes opposed guide tracks. Each of the opposed guide tracks includes an inclined trunk and a plurality of branches extending from that inclined trunk. The panel includes opposed pivot pins received in the opposed guide tracks.

Abstract: A cargo management system includes a guideway and a panel displaceable between a plurality of operating positions along that guideway. The guideway includes opposed guide tracks. Each of the opposed guide tracks includes an inclined trunk and a plurality of branches extending from that inclined trunk. The panel includes opposed pivot pins received in the opposed guide tracks.

Abstract: A flotation system includes a crotch support and a vest. The crotch support includes a central body, a first pad, a second pad, and first and second elastic bands extending from the first pad. The vest includes a lower torso support and an upper torso stabilization system. The lower torso support can include a flexible body, and first and second flanks extending from the flexible body. The stabilization system can include first and second arms, each having a proximal end extending from the lower torso support, and a distal end. An extension may extend from each distal end to engage the first or second flank. Each of the central body, pads, flexible body, and arms can include a buoyant body. The elastic bands can wrap around the lower torso support such that a compressive force is applied along a circumference defined by a torso of a user.

Abstract: A flotation system includes a crotch support and a vest. The crotch support includes a central body, a first pad, a second pad, and first and second elastic bands extending from the first pad. The vest includes a lower torso support and an upper torso stabilization system. The lower torso support can include a flexible body, first and second flanks extending from the flexible body, and torso grip attached to one of the first and second flanks. The stabilization system can include first and second arms, each having a proximal end extending from the lower torso support, and a distal end. A male or female component of linking system is attached to the lower torso support proximate to the torso grip, and a female or male component is attached to the crotch support. Each of the central body, pads, flexible body, and arms can include a buoyant body.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly includes, among other things, a tailgate coupled to a vehicle body, and a step moveable from a stowed position where the step is held within a chamber of the tailgate to a step position where the step provides a step surface to a vehicle cargo bed. A method includes, among other things, moving a step from a stowed position where the step is held within a chamber of a tailgate to a step position where the step provides a step surface to a vehicle cargo bed.

Abstract: A vest includes a first panel including a first flap, a second panel including a second flap, a back panel extending from the first panel to the second panel, and a plurality of grips. The back panel defines a first and second arm accesses with the first and second panels respectively, and portions of the first, second, and back panels disposed below the first and second arm accesses define a body of the vest. The first flap is configured to overlap the second flap such that the first and second flaps define a closure, and the first and second panels define a collar. The first flap includes a first front attachment segment configured to attach to a second front attachment segment of the second flap in a closed state of the vest, and an area of an attachment configuration between the first and second front attachment segments is equal to at least ? of an area having a length equal to a length of the body and a width equal to ¼ of a maximum width of the body.

Abstract: An exemplary tailgate assembly includes, among other things, a first gate pivotably coupled to a vehicle body, and a second gate pivotably coupled to the first gate. The second gate has an inner surface that faces a vehicle cargo bed when the second gate is in a closed position. The first and second gates are moveable to a step position where the inner surface is a step surface to the vehicle cargo bed. An exemplary method includes, among other things, pivoting a first and a second gate to a step position where an inner surface of the second gate is a step surface to a vehicle cargo bed. The inner surface faces the vehicle cargo bed when the second gate is in a closed position.

Abstract: An exemplary tailgate assembly includes, among other things, a first gate pivotably coupled to a vehicle body, and a second gate pivotably coupled to the first gate. The second gate has an inner surface that faces a vehicle cargo bed when the second gate is in a closed position. The first and second gates are moveable to a step position where the inner surface is a step surface to the vehicle cargo bed. An exemplary method includes, among other things, pivoting a first and a second gate to a step position where an inner surface of the second gate is a step surface to a vehicle cargo bed. The inner surface faces the vehicle cargo bed when the second gate is in a closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a rail assembly supported by a vehicle body, a tailgate coupled to the rail assembly and configured to slide on rails to an extended position relative to the vehicle body, and a pivot associated with the rails to allow the tailgate to pivot downwardly from the extended position to provide a step. A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, sliding a tailgate to an extended position relative to a vehicle body and selectively pivoting the tailgate between a closed position, a tailgate deployed position, and a step position.

Abstract: An extended-range sun visor assembly includes a rail and a sun visor panel. The sun visor panel is releasably mounted to the rail at an inboard sun visor panel end and slidably mounted to the rail at an outboard sun visor panel end. The rail may be fixed at opposite ends thereof to a vehicle roof panel and/or headliner. The sun visor panel is releasably mounted at the inboard end by a snap fit retainer, and slidably mounted at the outboard end by a shaft coupler configured to slide along a longitudinal axis of the rail. The shaft coupler pivots or swivels around a shaft coupler vertical axis.

Abstract: An extended-range sun visor assembly includes a rail and a sun visor panel. The sun visor panel is releasably mounted to the rail at an inboard sun visor panel end and slidably mounted to the rail at an outboard sun visor panel end. The rail may be fixed at opposite ends thereof to a vehicle roof panel and/or headliner. The sun visor panel is releasably mounted at the inboard end by a snap fit retainer, and slidably mounted at the outboard end by a shaft coupler configured to slide along a longitudinal axis of the rail. The shaft coupler pivots or swivels around a shaft coupler vertical axis.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing marketing campaigns is presented. Two marketing campaigns are received. Each is presented to a subset of users. The conversion rates of both marketing campaign are used to determine weighting of the two marketing campaigns. The weighting is determined using a range of conversion rates and maximizing the minimum expected value through the range of conversion rates. The process can be iteratively performed to converge upon an optimum weighting of the first and second conversion rates. More than two marketing campaigns can be used. The marketing campaign can be an email marketing campaign, a web marketing campaign, or an advertising keyword campaign. Other embodiments also are disclosed.

Abstract: Star Engine is a four stroke internal combustion engine, which converts the eccentric motion of the center of the rotor directly to a rotary motion of a main shaft. This engine is formed by the principle a small circle rolling inside a larger one (FIG. 1). The star shape of both the rotor and stator are formed by the ratio between them (FIG. 2).

Abstract: A distributed method and apparatus for assigning a unique identifier number to devices connected in a sequential fashion and determining a total device count is presented. Additionally, a method and apparatus for enabling the support of a variable number and type of time slots within a time division multiplexed serial protocol is presented.

Abstract: A method of controlling bias supply sources for magneto-resistive transducer (MR) heads to provide essentially the same predetermined lifetime for the MR heads, by determining dependence of head lifetime on bias supply level and on head stripe temperature, and setting a bias supply level for each head based on said dependence of lifetime on bias supply level and on head temperature, to provide essentially the same predetermined lifetime for the heads.