Abstract: A method of doing business is disclosed which allows transactions in goods or services to be conducted in real time, with automatic changes as needed to comply with local rules or regulations. The method comprises storing, in a computer, at least one flag code associated with at least one of a locator code associated with locations having laws or rules which affect transactions within that geographic area and a transaction code associated with goods and services impacted by the laws or rules, confirming at the point of sale and at the time of sale if the transaction has a flag associated with it, collecting prior to, or at the time of sale, information from a consumer about their preferences for dealing with a transaction which is impacted by the local rule or regulation, and cross referencing flagged transactions with consumer preferences. The price, payment method or some other term of the transaction is adjusted as needed to comply with the local law or regulation.

Abstract: A pneumatic pressure control arrangement for controlling the brakes of railway vehicles. A manual brake command controller converts a selected brake position into a corresponding electrical signal. An application magnet valve is connectable to a source of air pressure and to a storage device. A release magnet valve is connectable to atmosphere and to the storage device. An electropneumatic transducer senses the pressure in the storage device and provides a feedback signal. A microprocessor receives and compares the electrical signal with the feedback signal to develop an error signal which initially energizes the application magnet valve and the release magnet valve upon request of braking effort, and which subsequently pulses the application magnet valve when the pressure in the storage device is within a preselected control range, and which finally deenergizes the application magnet valve when the pressure in the storage device is within a preselected deadband range to cause a lap condition.

Abstract: A pulse train presence detector for a system having a number of interruptible devices, consists of a pulse generator, interface device which receives a periodic trigger signal and outputs a pulse train signal in response thereto, the pulse train signal is communicated to an NPN transistor and operates the transistor to alternating "on" and "off" states. A first current path is established during the transistor "off" state through which a first current flows and charges a first capacitor. A second current path branches off from the first current path, wherein a second current flows when the transistor is "on". A forward-biased diode in the first current path and an adjacent reverse-biased diode in the second current path block cross-flowing of currents between the respective paths. A second capacitor in the second current path is charged when the transistor is "on".