Abstract: A premises (20) is equipped with a plurality of containers (26) in which are stored bulk products (56) that are dispensed from the containers (26) for individual transactions. The containers (26) are equipped with asset tags (48) that monitor the dispensation of products (56). Event records (96) are electronically communicated from the asset tags (48) to a host (46) for processing. A tag event process (198) evaluates the event records (96) and calculates actual dispensation rates (224) that self-calibrate for a number of potential dispensation variances. The tag event process (198) detects when a container (26) becomes empty (68) and then performs a reconciliation (266) for the container (26). The process (198) also detects when inventory usage data is incomplete, whether by failure to receive communications or from missing a single event record (96), and causes a warning to be presented so that an audit may be performed.

Abstract: An RF transmitter (30) includes an RF power amplifier (32) for which the power input bias voltage (40) and signal input bias voltage (80) are controlled within feedback loops. A peak detector (44) generates a lowered-spectrum, peak-tracking signal (34) that follows the largest amplitude peaks of a wide bandwidth communication signal (16) but exhibits a lower bandwidth. This signal (34) is scaled in response to the operation of a drain bias tracking loop (146) then used to control a switching power supply (36) that generates the power input bias voltage. The tracking loop (146) is responsive to out-of-band power detected in a portion of the amplified RF communication signal (16?). A ratio of out-of-band power (128) to in-band power (126) is manipulated in the tracking loop (146) so that the power input bias voltage is modulated in a way that holds the out-of-band power at a desired predetermined level.

Abstract: An RF receiver (12) includes a channel estimator (52). The channel estimator (52) includes a channel estimation filter (82), error signal generator (84), and normalized Least-Mean-Square (NLMS) filter-definition generator 86. The filter (82), error generator (84) and NLMS filter-definition generator (86) function together as an adaptive estimator. An error signal (90) is formed with a received signal (48). The filter (82) filters an estimated transmit signal (74) constructed from lower confidence decision data (66) and higher confidence known preamble data (30?). An adaptive filter definition (94) is formed in a feedback, loop which minimizes correlation between the estimated transmit signal (74) and the error signal (90). A convergence signal (122) is modulated in synchronism with the changes between lower and higher confidence data in the estimated transmit signal (74).

Abstract: In a communication network (20), a video encoder/decoder system (114) and an encoding method (150) facilitate transmission of video frames (116) over multiple low-data-rate channels (46). Frame data (204) is generated for each video frame (116). The frame data (204) is transformed (172) to obtain transform coefficients (212), which are assembled (174) into quadtrees (216) and separately coded (178). In addition, motion vectors (166) are split into coding blocks (188) and separately coded (190). The quadtrees (126) and the motion vectors (166) are independently distributed among the multiple channels (46) for transmission. A decoding method (360) facilitates error resilient reception of transform coefficient packets (222) and motion vector packets (244) so that lost transform coefficients (374) and/or lost motion vectors (384) can be estimated at a receiving video encoder/decoder system (114) to reconstruct a received video frames 144.

Abstract: A system (46) for adjusting an end effector (48) of an apparatus (44) includes a linear actuator (58) attachable with an arm (52) of the apparatus (44). The system (46) further includes a first link member (64) having a first segment (68) operatively coupled with the linear actuator (58), and a second link member (66) maintained in parallel alignment with a second segment (70) of the first link member (64). The first and second link members (64, 66) pivotally attach to the end effector (48), and movement of the first segment (68) powered by the actuator (58) causes the first and second link members (64, 66) to pivot producing movement of the end effector (48) relative to a workpiece (26). A force transducer (76) interposed between the actuator (58) and the first link member (64) is utilized to control a pressure of the end effector (48) against the workpiece (26).

Abstract: An RF transmitter (10) is configured to transmit either wideband multichannel modulations or narrowband multichannel modulations in a variety of licensed frequency bands (70) using a single set of hardware. For narrowband modulations, a digital IF upconversion stage is performed so that, after upconversion to RF, image signals 74 are sufficiently displaced from the licensed frequency band (70) so as to be filtered off. For wideband modulations, no IF modulation stage occurs, and a direct upconversion takes place from baseband to RF. LO leakage is cancelled using a negative feedback loop that combines a digital DC signal with a communication signal (26, 52) prior to a direct or final analog upconversion stage (62).

Abstract: A zero liquid discharge (ZLD) power plant (20) includes an advanced oxidation system (72) for reducing contaminants in source water (70) to form feed water (40) for a boiler (24). The system (72) includes an ozonation module (86) for applying high concentration ozone to the source water (70) to form a mixed stream (104), an ozone reactor (92) in which the mixed stream is retained (104) under pressure, an ultraviolet reactor (98) downstream from the ozone reactor (92) for enhanced contaminant reduction, and a retention tank (103) downstream from the reactor (98). In one configuration, the source water (70) is evaporator distillate from an evaporator (52) that recycles cooling tower blowdown 30. The system (72) achieves organic contaminant reduction at total organic carbon (TOC) levels of less than three hundred parts per billion.

Abstract: A beverage dispense valve having a valve body; a female taper member inside the valve body and defining an internal chamber; the internal diameter of the chamber increasing in a downstream direction away from the inlet port, a male taper member having a taper portion receivable in said internal chamber, the external diameter of the taper portion increasing in a downstream direction so as to be at least partially complementary to the female taper member, and having a hollow outlet portion downstream of the taper portion, one taper member being slidable relative to the other so that a flow passageway can be formed in an annular gap between them, the flow passageway providing a restrictive diffusing flow path and the two taper members forming a flow regulator; a valve closure arrangement, and an actuating mechanism outside the valve body to operate both the flow regulator and the valve closure arrangement.

Abstract: A wireless network (100) includes a number of definable radio systems (102) in communication with one another via a wideband backbone (108). Each of the systems (102) includes a first software programmable transceiver (200) for extra-network communication using a narrowband channel defined by a radio frequency capability (106). Each of the radios (102) further includes a second transceiver for intra-network communication using wideband backbone (108). Methods for operating the network (100) enable the radios (102) to engage in communication over narrowband channels to carry a signal between multiple radios (102) and an extra-network location, and for communicating the signal as distinct bitstreams between the radios (102) and another of the radios (102) using the wideband backbone (108).

Abstract: In an embodiment, an article includes a primary surface, and a pattern of spaced dissimilar materials, on the primary surface. The pattern is to spontaneously produce electrical surface currents when brought into contact with an electrically conducting solution.

Abstract: A toilet training kit (20) includes a case (22) and a plurality of urine indicators (34) housed in the case (22). The kit (20) can also include a mixture (36) of a sugar with a color additive powder dispersed therein. Portions of the urine indicators (34) and the mixture (36) are stored in a plurality of single-use packets (26). Prior to a potty training episode, an entire content of one of the packets (26) is placed in a dry training toilet (38), and the child is positioned on the toilet (38). Urine (42) produced by the child causes the urine indicators (34) to expand and the mixture (36) to dissolve and change the color of the urine to a vivid color, thereby providing amusement to the child. The child's toilet training progress is recorded on a learning graphic (28) provided in the kit (20).

Abstract: A digital communications transmitter (100) includes a digital linear-and-nonlinear predistortion section (200) to compensate for linear and nonlinear distortion introduced by transmitter-analog components (120). A direct-digital-downconversion section (300) generates a complex digital return-data stream (254) from the analog components (120) without introducing quadrature imbalance. A relatively low resolution exhibited by the return-data stream (254) is effectively increased through arithmetic processing. Linear distortion is first compensated using adaptive techniques with an equalizer (246) positioned in the forward-data stream (112). Nonlinear distortion is then compensated using adaptive techniques with a plurality of equalizers (226) that filter a plurality of orthogonal, higher-ordered-basis functions (214) generated from the forward-data stream (112). The filtered-basis functions are combined together and subtracted from the forward-data stream (112).

Abstract: A digital communications transmitter (100) includes a digital linear-and-nonlinear predistortion section (200, 1800) to compensate for linear and nonlinear distortion introduced by transmitter-analog components (120). A direct-digital-downconversion section (300) generates a complex digital return-data stream (254) from the analog components (120) without introducing quadrature imbalance. A relatively low resolution exhibited by the return-data stream (254) is effectively increased through arithmetic processing. Distortion introduced by an analog-to-digital converter (304) may be compensated using a variety of adaptive techniques. Linear distortion is compensated using adaptive techniques with an equalizer (246) positioned in the forward-data stream (112). Nonlinear distortion is then compensated using adaptive techniques with a plurality of equalizers (226) that filter a plurality of orthogonal, higher-ordered-basis functions (214) generated from the forward-data stream (112).

Abstract: A multi-carrier communication system (400) groups subchannels (802) into different quality-of-signal (QoS) regions (804). An unconstrained optimization process (1200) is performed independently for the subchannels (802) of the different QoS regions (804) to allocate bit rates and power to the individual subchannels (802) so that the indicated QoS will result. Coders (504, 508, 512, 516, 1700) partition and error-correction encode source information using encoding schemes matched to the different QoS regions (804). A set (1100) of only a few directed QoS partition vectors (1102) direct the unconstrained optimization process (1200) to attempt bit-rate and power allocations on only a few promising groupings of subchannels (802) and QoS regions (804). An iterative process may take place between bit-rate and power allocation on one side and source information coding on the other for different directed QoS partition vectors (1102) to identify the best solution.

Abstract: In a wireless communication system (20) configured for default communication of subsectional signals of a first transmit signal (72/73) over multiple wireless channels (46), a signal selector (82) and method (138) detect an intent to convey a voice signal (86) over one of the wireless channels (46) from a handset (58). The signal selector (82) and method (138) prevent communication of one of the subsectional signals (72A) over the wireless channel (46) for a predetermined interval, and enable a transmission attempt of the voice signal (86). When a complete dialed digits sequence is detected within the time interval, the handset (58) is enabled to utilize the wireless channel. However, when a transmission attempt of the voice signal (86) is unsuccessful or when transmission of the voice signal (86) terminates, the signal selector (82) and method (138) restore default communication of subsectional signals of the first transmit signal (72/73).

Abstract: The present invention relates to Card Payment Systems for use in a multi-currency environment. In particular, the present invention provides a system and method for identifying an appropriate currency for individual transactions conducted using a card payment system, using the steps of identifying (50) an identifier code (60(1-n)) from a payment card, and determining (52) from the identifier code (60(1-n)) a suitable currency (61(1-n)) for association with said payment card transaction. The identifier code is preferably a portion of the card number of the payment card. The transaction may be processed (54) in the suitable currency or the transaction amounts may be displayed in the suitable currency for information purposes.

Abstract: A multi-carrier communication system (400) groups subchannels (802) into different quality-of-signal (QoS) regions (804). An unconstrained optimization process (1200) is performed independently for the subchannels (802) of the different QoS regions (804) to allocate bit rates and power to the individual subchannels (802) so that the indicated QoS will result. Coders (504, 508, 512, 516) partition and error-correction encode source information using encoding schemes matched to the different QoS regions (804). A set (1100) of only a few directed QoS partition vectors (1102) direct the unconstrained optimization process (1200) to attempt bit-rate and power allocations on only a few promising groupings of subchannels (802) and QoS regions (804). An iterative process may take place between bit-rate and power allocation on one side and source information coding on the other for different directed QoS partition vectors (1102) to identify the best solution.

Abstract: A programmable electronic device (10) stores a number of cipher-text software modules (14) to which access is granted after evaluating a user's token (55, 80, 82), a software-restriction class (58) for a requested software module (14), and/or a currently active access-control model (60). Access-control models (60) span a range from uncontrolled to highly restrictive. Models (60) become automatically activated and deactivated as users are added to and deleted from the device (10). A virtual internal user proxy that does not require users to provide tokens (80, 82) is used to enable access to modules (16) classified in a global software-restriction class (62) or when an uncontrolled-access-control model (68) is active. Both licensed modules (76) and unlicensed modules (18,78) may be loaded in the device (10). However, no keys are provided to enable decryption of unlicensed modules (18,78).

Abstract: A multiphase sliding-mode switching power supply (24) and a method of operating the power supply (24) are provided. A switch (30) for each phase (28) is coupled to a bipolar power source (22), with each switch (30) effecting one phase (28). An inductance (32) is coupled to each switch (30), and a capacitance (36) is coupled to the inductances (32). A load (26) is coupled across the capacitance (36). A sliding-surface generator (78) is coupled to the monitor circuit (38) and generates a single sliding surface (?) for all phases (28). A translation circuit (102) is coupled to the sliding-surface generator (78) and configured to translate the sliding surface (?) into a stream of switching pulses (86). A transient control (52) is coupled to the translation circuit (102) and configured to adjust said stream of switching pulses upon detection of an out-of-range transient.