  Totally asymmetric simple exclusion processes (TASEP) with particles which
occupy more than one lattice site and with a local inhomogeneity far away from
the boundaries are investigated. These non-equilibrium processes are relevant
for the understanding of many biological and chemical phenomena. The
steady-state phase diagrams, currents, and bulk densities are calculated using
a simple approximate theory and extensive Monte Carlo computer simulations. It
is found that the phase diagram for TASEP with a local inhomogeneity is
qualitatively similar to homogeneous models, although the phase boundaries are
significantly shifted. The complex dynamics is discussed in terms of
domain-wall theory for driven lattice systems.
