Abstract: A system for casual driver ride sharing includes an interface and processor. The interface is to receive a request for a ride from a user, wherein the request includes GPS information for the user. The processor is to determine compatibility between the typical route information and the request for the ride; determine a ranked list based at least in part on the compatibility; and provide a ride offer to a driver of the one or more casual drivers based at least in part on the ranked list.

Abstract: An article of clothing is provided for topically delivering a pharmaceutical composition to a wearer of the article of clothing. The clothing typically includes at least three layers, an optional outer surface layer, a middle layer, and an inner layer. A pharmaceutical composition is applied to the inner layer. The middle layer prevents the pharmaceutical composition from passing from the inner layer to the outer surface layer. A method for delivering a pharmaceutical is also disclosed, wherein a pharmaceutical composition is applied to the inner layer of an article of clothing and the clothing is worn by a person. A pharmaceutical preparation delivery kit is also provided, wherein the kit includes an article of clothing for topically delivering a pharmaceutical composition and a pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: A vehicle control system determines an upper non-zero limit on deceleration of a vehicle to prevent rollback of the vehicle down a grade being traveled up on by the vehicle. The upper non-zero limit on deceleration is determined by the controller based on a payload carried by the vehicle, a speed of the vehicle, and a grade of a route being traveled upon by the vehicle. The controller is configured to monitor the deceleration of the vehicle, and to automatically prevent the deceleration of the vehicle from exceeding the upper non-zero limit by controlling one or more of a brake or a motor of the vehicle. The controller also is configured to one or more of actuate the brake or supply current to the motor of the vehicle to prevent rollback of the vehicle while the vehicle is moving up the grade at a non-zero speed.

Abstract: A route inspection system includes one or more processors configured to identify a reference location in sensor data provided by one or more sensors onboard a vehicle system. The reference location is identified along a route being traveled by the vehicle system. The one or more processors also are configured to identify a location of interest in subsequent sensor data provided by the one or more sensors. The location of interest identified along the route being traveled by the vehicle system. The one or more processors also are configured to determine a degree of curvature in the route based on a difference between the reference location and the location of interest.

Abstract: A system includes a route examining system on a non-propulsion-generating vehicle at a trailing end of a leading vehicle system. The route examining system examines a route on which the leading vehicle system is moving to determine whether the route is damaged. The system also includes an off-board failsafe controller that communicates with the route examining system. The off-board failsafe controller sends a warning signal to the trailing vehicle system responsive to receiving a notification signal from the route examining system indicating detection of damage to the route. The off-board failsafe controller also sends the warning signal to the trailing vehicle system responsive to losing communication with the route examining system. The warning signal directs the trailing vehicle system to automatically change movement of the trailing vehicle system responsive to the detection of damage to the route and/or the off-board failsafe controller losing communication with the route examining system.

Abstract: A system for casual driver ride sharing includes an interface and processor. The interface is to receive a request for a ride from a user, wherein the request includes GPS information for the user. The processor is to determine compatibility between the typical route information and the request for the ride; determine a ranked list based at least in part on the compatibility; and provide a ride offer to a driver of the one or more casual drivers based at least in part on the ranked list.

Abstract: A method of method of managing media replenishment at a media terminal, the method comprising: receiving a media event from a media terminal; retrieving a next scheduled media replenishment event for that media terminal; evaluating if the next scheduled media replenishment event is scheduled to occur within an acceptable delay period; and initiating an unscheduled replenishment event only if the next scheduled media replenishment event is scheduled to occur after the acceptable delay period.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a dehydrogenation reactor for the dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons is provided wherein the dehydrogenation reactor comprises a potassium promoted iron oxide catalyst, the hydrocarbons being dehydrogenated in contact with the catalyst and carbon dioxide is introduced during a) start-up of the reactor, b) shut-down of the reactor, and c) steaming procedures, wherein the carbon dioxide is introduced in conjunction with steam in at least one method step.

Abstract: A bi-fold valve door and method for controlling aircraft cabin pressure are provided. The bi-fold valve door includes an aft door section and a forward door section, and only the forward door section is selectively rotated about one rotational axis to a position between a closed position and a full-open position, while the aft door section is maintained in its closed position. The forward door section is selectively rotated about the rotational axis to a full-open position to engage the aft door section, while the aft door section is maintained in its closed position. When the forward door section is in the full-open position, the aft door section and the forward door section are simultaneously rotated about another rotational axis.

Abstract: A method of method of managing media replenishment at a media terminal, the method comprising: receiving a media event from a media terminal; retrieving a next scheduled media replenishment event for that media terminal; evaluating if the next scheduled media replenishment event is scheduled to occur within an acceptable delay period; and initiating an unscheduled replenishment event only if the next scheduled media replenishment event is scheduled to occur after the acceptable delay period.

Abstract: A method of method of managing media replenishment at a media terminal, the method comprising: receiving a media event from a media terminal; retrieving a next scheduled media replenishment event for that media terminal; evaluating if the next scheduled media replenishment event is scheduled to occur within an acceptable delay period; and initiating an unscheduled replenishment event only if the next scheduled media replenishment event is scheduled to occur after the acceptable delay period.

Abstract: A temperature regulation system for a vehicle includes a drive system configured to be coupled to an engine of the vehicle. The drive system is configured to convert power produced by the engine into electrical power for use by at least one traction motor of the vehicle. The system further includes a control unit for controlling the engine and drive system. The control unit is configured to automatically regulate a temperature of a vehicle component in dependence upon a detected reference temperature.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes an electric drive system associated with a first set of wheels (e.g., rear wheels) of a vehicle and a drive system control unit configured to control the electric drive system to selectively provide electric motive power to the first set of wheels to propel the vehicle and electric retarding to slow the vehicle. The system further includes a friction brake system having a first friction brake unit associated with the first set of wheels and a second friction brake unit associated with a second set of wheels (e.g., front wheels) of the vehicle. The drive system control unit is further configured, in at least one mode of operation, to independently control the first and second friction brake units to concurrently apply different levels of friction braking to the first and second sets of wheels, to reduce wear unevenness.

Abstract: A braking system for a vehicle includes an electric drive system associated with a first set of wheels. The electric drive system is configured to selectively provide electric motive power to the first set of wheels of the vehicle to propel the vehicle and electric retarding to slow the vehicle. The system further includes a friction brake system associated with a second set of wheels of the vehicle, and a controller for selectively actuating the electric drive system to operate in an electric retarding mode and for selectively actuating the friction brake system. The controller is configured to transfer retarding force from the first set of wheels to the second set of wheels, and/or to determine wheel speed signal accuracies, in either case to mitigate vehicle/wheel sliding or slipping.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention include turbine nozzles and systems employing such nozzles. Various particular embodiments include a turbine nozzle having: an airfoil having: a suction side; a pressure side opposing the suction side; a leading edge spanning between the pressure side and the suction side; and a trailing edge opposing the leading edge and spanning between the pressure side and the suction side; and at least one endwall connected with the airfoil along the suction side, pressure side, trailing edge and the leading edge, the at least one endwall including a non-axisymmetric contour proximate a junction between the endwall and the leading edge of the airfoil.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for a turbine engine includes a first stationary component. Also included is a second stationary component, wherein the first stationary component and the second stationary component define a gap therebetween. Further included is a discourager seal in contact with at least one of the first stationary component and the second stationary component, the discourager seal having a lip portion disposed within the gap to reduce a fluid flow through the gap.

Abstract: A turbomachine includes a compressor portion, and a turbine portion operatively connected to the compressor portion. The turbine portion includes a compressor discharge portion, a hot gas path and a first stage nozzle arranged at the hot gas path. A combustor assembly is fluidically connected to the compressor portion. A transition piece has an inlet portion fluidically connected to the combustor assembly and an outlet portion fluidically connected to the turbine portion. A seal member is operatively connected relative to one of the transition piece and the first stage nozzle of the turbine portion. The seal member extends from a first end to a second, cantilevered end through an intermediate portion including one or more openings that provide a purge fluid flow path from the compressor discharge portion toward the hot gas path.

Abstract: A bed step device is provided for assisting a human or pet in climbing into and/or out of a bed. The device includes a base, at least one step attached to the base, and a retention member attached to the base. The retention member is configured to be disposed and retained between opposed surfaces of a bed, typically either the opposed surfaces of a mattress and a box spring or those of a box spring and a bed frame. The disposition of the retention member between the opposed surfaces results in a retention force, typically a friction force, to resist sliding movement of the device across a floor surface on which the device is supported. The retention member may be a rigid panel or a flexible sheet. The base and step or steps may comprise a folding staircase linkage or a rigid, unitary housing including a storage compartment.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes an electric drive system associated with a first set of wheels. The electric drive system is configured to selectively provide electric motive power to the first set of wheels to propel the vehicle and electric retarding to slow the vehicle. The system further includes a friction brake system associated with one of the first set of wheels or a second set of wheels, a drive system control unit, and a friction brake control unit in electrical communication with the drive system control unit. The drive system control unit is configured to communicate with the friction brake control unit to control an amount of friction brake application during vehicle stops and starts on grade.