Abstract: A phased array antenna structure capable of operation at millimeter-wave frequencies and having multiple ring slot radiator elements (10). The RF feed structure for each radiator element includes a feed via (28) extending part-way through a multi-layer structure (FIG. 3) on which the radiator elements (10) are formed and a strip line feed probe (30) extending from the via (28) toward the radiator element. A key feature facilitating high-frequency operation is the inclusion of multiple mode suppressors (32) surrounding the via (28) and providing a smooth transition from a coaxial mode of RF transmission to a strip line mode of RF transmission. The feed probe (30) is tailored to provide either a narrow-band or a wideband frequency characteristic.

Abstract: Sensor arrays utilizing standard 1×2 couplers reduce the differences in the returned optical power levels by appropriate selection of the coupling ratios. Preferred embodiments are described that comprise 6 distribution fiber lines and 16 return fiber lines. One embodiment includes 16 sensor groups in which each sensor group has a dedicated return line. In another embodiment, 8 sensor groups are configured so that no two adjacent sensors have either a common distribution fiber line or a common return fiber line.

Abstract: An exemplary radar system includes a waveform generator that generates a control waveform. An in-phase and quadrature modulator receives the control waveform from the waveform generator and in turn generates a waveform output that is amplified by a power amplifier before being transmitted from an antenna.

Abstract: A phase error and/or amplitude error of a global positioning system carrier signal is estimated through employment of an optimal minimum variance of the global positioning system carrier signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for administering a dose in brachytherapy procedures having a handheld housing containing a dose of radioactive seeds adapted for use in a brachytherapy treatment and a display for observing information about the dose and viewing the dose or components of the dose.

Abstract: A sensor array employs a parameter to induce a time-varying phase angle on an optical signal that comprises a phase generated carrier with a demodulation phase offset. An output signal from the sensor array is filtered to create a filtered signal. The phase angle is calculated independently of the demodulation phase offset through employment of the filtered signal.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example comprises a wafer portion that comprises a conduction layer. Upon exposure of the conduction layer during a etch of the wafer portion, the conduction layer serves to dissipate a portion of a charge buildup on the wafer portion during an etch of the wafer portion.

Abstract: A double heterojunction bipolar transistor structure having desirable properties of a low base-emitter turn-on voltage and no electron blocking discontinuities in the base-collector junction. These properties are achieved by selecting base, emitter and collector materials to provide a bandgap profile that exhibits abrupt transitions at the heterojunctions, such that both abrupt transitions are due to transitions in the valence band edge of the bandgap, but not in the conductive band edge of the bandgap.

Abstract: A communications system (10) which utilizes an M-ary QAM signal constellation suitable for non-linear applications. The communications system includes a modulator (18) for utilizing the M-ary constellation to implement the modulation. The M-ary constellation is a circular constellation which provides a simplified amplitude predistortion by utilizing the subject M-ary constellations, enabling more efficient communications can then be achieved through a peak-power-limited non-linear channel (16). Such non-linear channels (16) are more power efficient at creating RF energy from DC energy.

Abstract: A sensor array employs a parameter to induce a time-varying phase angle ? on an optical signal that comprises a phase generated carrier with a demodulation phase offset ?. The phase angle ? is calculated independently of the demodulation phase offset ?.

Abstract: A light beam on a single optic fiber carries time division multiplexed information originating from multiple sensors driven from a single light source. An optical switch apparatus coupled in series between the source and the sensors switches the light beam of the source between ON and OFF states. The switch apparatus includes an electro-optic switch and an acousto-optic switch coupled in series with the electro-optic switch. A controller and drivers for the electro-optic and acousto-optic switches produce in an appropriate time sequence control signals resulting in a desired ON and OFF time of the light beam being switched.

Abstract: A sensor array employs a parameter to induce a time-varying phase angle ? on an optical signal that comprises a phase generated carrier. The phase angle ? is calculated through employment of only four samples, where all the four samples are based on the optical signal.

Abstract: An originating host (101) splits a software agent into a code unit (103) and a data unit (105) and forwards the data unit (105) to a destination host (107). Once the destination host (107) receives the data unit (105) from the originating host (101), the data unit (105) is combined with a code unit (109), associated with the data unit (105) but not sourced by the originating host (101), forming a destination agent. The destination agent is executed.

Abstract: Constellations (22) arranged in a concentric circle pattern provide simplified control of modulated communication. A plurality of concentric circles (26, 28, 30) with defined points (24) include convolutionally coded and uncoded bits. Constellation patterns having three or four concentric circles (26, 28, 30) are provided. A magnitude error for each of the points (24) allows for deviations during communication. The constellations (22) provide efficient communication using non-linear channels.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example includes a compliant component for supporting an electrical interface component that serves to electrically and mechanically couple a die with a separate layer. In one example, the compliant component, upon relative movement between the die and the separate layer, serves to promote a decrease in stress in one or more of the die and the separate layer. The apparatus in another example includes a compliant component for supporting an electrical interface component that serves to create an electrical connection between a die and a separate layer. The compliant component, upon relative movement between the die and the separate layer, serves to promote maintenance of the electrical connection.

Abstract: A luggage case is provided with straps or handles for carrying the case and a wheel and an extendable handle assembly for dragging or pulling the case. The wheel and extendable handle assembly is removably attachable to the case, such that it need not be carried when the case is carried by the straps or handles. The wheel and handle assembly are formed as a shell to snugly surround the luggage case. In the preferred embodiment, the case and the shell are joined by mating zippers at the bottom front and top rear edges of the assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example includes a die with at least first and second portions, the first portion of the die mechanically and electrically connectable with a circuit board. The apparatus includes an integrated circuit component mechanically and electrically connected with the second portion of the die. Upon operation the die serves to generate one or more electrical signals that are passed to the integrated circuit component.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example comprises a radiation shielding container for one or more radioactive sources. One or more of the one or more radioactive sources are containable within one or more cartridges. The radiation shielding container comprises a support component that restrains movement within the radiation shielding container of one or more of the one or more cartridges. The radiation shielding container comprises one or more vents for movement of a sterilant therethrough.

Abstract: A component of a system receives a first instruction at a server to execute a target program that is unsupported by a server application. The server application is located on the server. A component of the system employs a second instruction in the supported program to cause execution of the target program. The second instruction is based on the first instruction. The supported program is supported by the server application.

Abstract: In one example, the voids 208 comprise one or more gas (e.g., air) bubbles in the solid material 206. In another example, the voids 208 comprise a structure that preserves a space in the solid material 206. In a further example, the voids 208 comprise hollow elastomeric bubbles, for example, hollow elastomeric microspheres. The hollow elastomeric microspheres comprise microballoons with tin walls that encapsulate a gas to allow for easy compression. For example, the walls of the hollow elastomeric microspheres are strong enough to avoid breakage under pressure, but thin enough to easily compress. In a further example, once cured in the solid material 206, the hollow elastomeric microspheres comprise substantially similar compressibility characteristics as gas bubbles. The voids 208 in one example are added to a resin of the solid material 206 in a substantially uniform distribution. For example, the hollow elastomeric microspheres are stirred into the resin of the solid material 206.