Abstract: A method of determining information relating to the occupancy of a space that includes receiving first data relating to the occupancy of the space over a time period, receiving second data indicative of either times of decrementing events or times of incrementing events affecting the occupancy of the space during the time period, and either, for each decrementing event time, using the first data to obtain an estimated incrementing event time, or, for each incrementing event time, using the first data to obtain an estimated decrementing event time. The method has particular application in the determination of waiting times, for example in the context of queue monitoring.

Abstract: A dual crank mechanism is introduced for controlling and optimizing asymmetry in the motion profile of at least one piston of an opposed piston internal combustion (OPIC) engine piston pair. The dual crank mechanism produces a substantially asymmetrical non-sinusoidal, but periodic, reciprocating motion profile of the right-hand piston. A single crank mechanism is also introduced for controlling non-sinusoidal, but mostly symmetric, piston motion profile for one or both pistons of an opposed piston pair.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and methods for generating staffing schedules. Some systems may be configured to generate staffing schedules including a flexible staffing recommendation indicative of a number and a time in which to schedule multi-skilled staff. In some examples, such staffing schedules can be generated based on a demand model generated based on historical demand data and scheduling thresholds.

Abstract: A high thermal efficiency reciprocating hydrogen-fueled engine for ultra-high altitude long endurance flight and its method of operation are described. The engine is based on an opposed piston barrel design where long cylinders are employed to accommodate extraordinarily large compression and expansion strokes where the corresponding ratios are over 50:1, taking advantage of the very low ambient air pressures and temperatures at 60,000 ft and higher to reduce the overall weight and strength requirements of the inventive engine that would be a factor for operation at lower altitudes. The engine is designed to obtain more than 70% indicated thermal efficiency when operated at ultra-high altitudes of 60,000 ft and greater. A combination of large compression ratios combustion temperature optimization and management, instantaneous and complete combustion at TDC, followed by a rapid and long expansion stroke using tailored control of piston movement provide the means to achieve such high efficiencies.

Abstract: A method of determining information relating to the occupancy of a space that includes receiving first data relating to the occupancy of the space over a time period, receiving second data indicative of either times of decrementing events or times of incrementing events affecting the occupancy of the space during the time period, and either, for each decrementing event time, using the first data to obtain an estimated incrementing event time, or, for each incrementing event time, using the first data to obtain an estimated decrementing event time. The method has particular application in the determination of waiting times, for example in the context of queue monitoring.

Abstract: A high thermal efficiency reciprocating hydrogen-fueled engine for ultra-high altitude long endurance flight and its method of operation are described. The engine is based on an opposed piston barrel design where long cylinders are employed to accommodate extraordinarily large compression and expansion strokes where the corresponding ratios are over 50:1, taking advantage of the very low ambient air pressures and temperatures at 60,000 ft and higher to reduce the overall weight and strength requirements of the inventive engine that would be a factor for operation at lower altitudes. The engine is designed to obtain more than 70% indicated thermal efficiency when operated at ultra-high altitudes of 60,000 ft and greater. A combination of large compression ratios combustion temperature optimization and management, instantaneous and complete combustion at TDC, followed by a rapid and long expansion stroke using tailored control of piston movement provide the means to achieve such high efficiencies.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for the development and use of a vaccine that includes one or more FusM antigens in a carrier adapted to trigger a FusM-specific immune response in the human blood stream.

Abstract: A passenger side airbag installation for an automotive vehicle has a passenger airbag module mounted in a vehicle compartment in front of an instrument panel. The airbag module has an airbag adapted to deploy in a rearward direction. A door formed integrally with the panel has a crease, which, when severed, allows the door to swing open and create an opening in the panel. The crease is adapted to be severed and the door swung open by the force of the airbag when the airbag deploys to permit the airbag to project through the opening. The door may be bowed forwardly by an accidental impact caused by a passenger or object within the vehicle being thrown against the door if the vehicle is stopped too suddenly. A reinforcing bar limits forward bowing to protect the crease from rupturing.

Abstract: A chute for receipt of a deploying air bag includes a compartment having first and second sidewalls extending laterally outwardly from a rear bag receiving aperture toward a front cover panel. The expanding volume of the chute enables a deploying air bag to outwardly expand at least partially parallel to a frangible seam in the front cover panel before the bag contacts the seam and ruptures it. As a result, the force of the bag is dispersed evenly along the seam to reduce maximum bag force exerted against the portion of the front cover panel located directly in front, or in the center, of the bag.

Abstract: A satellite video on demand system and method provide videos or other files on demand using a satellite in earth orbit. The satellite includes at least one uplink and multiple downlinks to multiple cells distributed over a geographic region. Multiple requests for video files from multiple users in multiple cells in the geographic region are received at a control station. The requests may include multiple requests from users in multiple cells for a first video file, and multiple other requests for one or more other video files from other users. The requests for the first video file are accumulated over a time period, and at least portions of the other video files are transmitted to the other users via the satellite during the time period. After the time period, the first video file is transmitted to the users who requested it with simultaneous transmissions over the satellite.

Abstract: A broadcast/narrowcast dual mode satellite is capable of selectively providing narrowcast operations or broadcast operations. The dual-mode satellite includes a broadcast/narrowcast dual-mode receiving system that receives from one or more terrestrial transmitting stations one or more communication uplink signals that selectively correspond to one or more narrowcast communication signals or one or more broadcast communication signals. Narrowcast communication signals are typically distinct from each other and are directed to one or more narrowcast geographic cells. Broadcast communication signals are directed to one or more broadcast regions, each of which encompasses plural narrowcast geographic cells. The dual-mode satellite also includes a broadcast/narrowcast dual-mode transmitting system that transmits one or more communication downlink signals that selectively correspond to broadcast communication signals and narrowcast communication signals received by the receiving system.