A retarder is a device used to augment or replace some of the functions of primary friction-based braking systems, usually on heavy vehicles. Retarders serve to slow vehicles, or maintain a steady speed on declines, and help prevent the vehicle from running away by accelerating down the decline. They are not usually capable of bringing vehicles to a standstill, as their effectiveness diminishes as vehicle speed lowers.
Al Seib / Los Angeles Times. Passengers at the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX use the new automated passport-control kiosks that can read passports and customs declarations to expedite entry.(Al Seib / Los Angeles Times).he kiosks, which cost $36,000 each, process passport information and items purchased abroad that would have to be declared to customs officials on written forms filled out by passengers. It's very nice, Manteca resident Pam Shelton said Wednesday as she arrived at LAX from Australia.
LAX Unveils New Tom Bradley International Terminal. The $1.6 billion terminal opened Wednesday as part of LAX Capital Improvements Program and holds 18 new gates, plus a 150,000-square-foot pavilion with 60 dining and luxury retail shops.