Abstract: An advanced multiple-beam GPS receiving system is achieved that is capable of simultaneously tracking multiple GPS satellites independently, detecting multiple interference signals individually, and suppressing directional gain in the antenna pattern of each beam in the interference directions. The GPS receiving system can be used for both planar and non-planar receiving arrays, including arrays that are conformally applied to the surface of a platform such as an aircraft. The GPS receiver combines spatial filtering and acquisition code correlation for enhanced rejection of interfering sources. Enhanced gain in the direction of GPS satellites and the ability to shape the beam patterns to suppress gain in the direction of interfering sources make the GPS receiving system largely insensitive to interfering and jamming signals that plague conventional GPS receivers.

Abstract: A current sensor is provided that employs a primary winding that carries the current to be measured, and a secondary winding that controls the flux inside the magnetic core, provides a sample of the primary current, and also helps to control the flux at small primary currents and to saturate the transformer. An auxiliary winding is optionally used to control the flux in order to simplify control of the sensor. By periodically applying a certain voltage at the secondary winding, the transformer core is forced out of saturation, and a sample of the primary current is taken by a sensing circuit that may include a sample-and-hold circuit and an analog-to-digital converter. A control circuit is employed to control the currents flowing in the secondary winding and optional auxiliary winding and to manage the sensing circuit.

Abstract: A mobile key includes an RFID tag associated with a memory. The memory holds a secure access code. An authorization status for a person or item associated with the mobile key is determined by interrogating the mobile key using an RFID interrogation field. Security information, such as a secure identifier or access code, physical measurement data, or biometric data may be provided by the mobile key. The key may also comprise a wireless communication device, such as a cellular telephone. Security information, such as an access code, may be provided to the key using the wireless communication device or other communications network.

Abstract: Methods for using blood pumps to treat heart failure are disclosed. The pump is mounted on an interior of a stent, and the stent is releasably mounted on a distal end of a catheter. The distal end of the catheter is inserted into a peripheral artery and advanced to position at a region of interest within the descending aorta, the ascending aorta, or the left ventricle. The stent and the pump are released from the catheter, and the pump is activated to increase blood flow downstream of the pump. The pump can also be positioned in the vena cava or used to treat right-sided heart failure following the insertion of an LVAD, or to improve venous return in patients with varicose veins. Non-stent pumps are described for insertion between the pulmonary vein and aorta, and between the vena cava and pulmonary artery designed for use during cardiac surgery.

Abstract: The invention provides therapeutic antimicrobial compositions and methods for their use based on natural organic phenolic compounds combined with pharmacological agents. The antimicrobial activities of each carvacrol and thymol are believed to be enhanced, while the pharmacological properties of procaine and related compounds are added to provide their unique properties to facilitate usefulness and effectiveness in humans. The therapeutic compositions are active against bacterial, fungal, and protozoan infections. The forms of the invention are intended to treat various internal infections through parenteral, subcutaneous, intradermal, intravenous, and intramuscular injections. They are also intended as useful agents to treat microbial infections that have become resistant to conventional anitibiotics as well as secondary opportunistic infections.

Abstract: An improved radio frequency transponder has a reflector to increase its operative range. A system of one or more reflectors is operatively associated with a transponder and may be formed out of any sort of radio frequency reflective material. The reflector system can enhance reception or transmission of radio waves by or from the transponder. The reflector system may also be used to provide for selective coupling of the radio frequency transponder with a base station, user- or vehicle-supported reader, or the like based on relative orientation. In addition, the reflector system may be used to selectively reflect particular radio waves.

Abstract: A process for treating balding spots and a composition which when applied to areas of thinning or balding hair increases the width and visibility of the hairs within the thinning or balding area and thus obscures visibility of the scalp or skin underlying the hairs. A bonding agent helps make the spray more efficient in application, decreases undesirable overspray, and increases formula adherence to hair shafts.

Abstract: A buffing pad assembly is provided for buffing, polishing or otherwise finishing a painted surface. The buffing pad assembly includes a rigid backing mount, a back-up pad affixed to the backing mount, and a buffing pad removably attached to the back-up pad by way of fastening material provided on the back-up pad and the buffing pad. The buffing pad has a number of channels extending completely through the pad to facilitate dissipation of heat generated by friction during use of the buffing pad. The back-up pad and the fastening material are designed to accommodate the heat dissipation channels in the buffing pad so that the channels are substantially unobstructed. Additionally, a centering system is provided on the buffing pad assembly to facilitate alignment of the buffing pad during use.

Abstract: A zero loss bias “T” is provided for use in an RF receiver front end in order to bias a received RF signal with a DC current. The zero loss bias “T” permits a DC current to be introduced into an RF signal path of a filter having filter characteristics sufficient to pass frequencies only in a desired passband without associated losses to the RF signal. The filter may be provided by an LC filter having a ground coupling point. DC current is coupled to the RF signal path of the filter via the ground coupling point.