Abstract: A hybrid circuit for coupling a modem to an external telephone line substantially compensates for and thereby cancels reflected echo. The hybrid includes a transformer coupled between the telephone line and the modem transceiver, which includes a transmitter and a receiver. A matching resistor connected between the transceiver transmitter and the transformer at a hybrid point presents a matching impedance to the telephone line impedance. A feedback network is implemented between the transceiver receiver and transmitter to feed back sufficient voltage into the receive line to cancel echo produced at the hybrid point.

Abstract: A micromachined rate sensor system includes plural sensing proof masses or plates coupled to multiple electrostatic combs. A comb drive amplifier induces a deflection of the sense plates along a plane defined by the configuration of the sense plates, such that the sensed rotational rate causes an out-of-plane force to act on the sense plates. The motor combs are driven at half NRF by coupling a comb drive amplifier to a half frequency motor oscillator comprising a digital "divide by 2" flip flop, a low pass filter, a multiplier, and a plurality of signal amplifiers. The half frequency oscillator provides the drive voltage at one-half the NRF. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention eliminate undesirable parasitic drive feedthrough at the motor frequency, thus providing for increased efficiency.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant safety system includes an image sensor and processor that provides a classification of the occupancy status of the passenger seat area to determine whether an airbag should be deployed. The image processing system includes a photodetector array sensor and lens assembly with image processing electronics to acquire a machine vision representation of the passenger seat area within a vehicle. The objects in the field of view are then discriminated to determine whether a rear-facing child carrier is located in the passenger seat, such that the passenger-side airbag can be disabled.

Abstract: An automobile is equipped with an inertial measuring unit, an RF GPS satellite navigation unit and a local area digitized street map system for precise electronic positioning and route guidance between departures and arrivals, is equipped with RF receivers to monitor updated traffic condition information for dynamic rerouting guidance with a resulting reduction in travel time, traffic congestion and pollution emissions, is also equipped with vehicular superceding controls substantially activated during unstable vehicular conditions sensed by the inertial measuring unit to improve the safe operation of the automobile so as to reduce vehicular accidents, and is further equipped with telecommunications through which emergency care providers are automatically notified of the precise location of the automobile in the case of an accident so as to improve the response time of road-side emergency care.

Abstract: A method for using a value of range rate observed by a receiver, such as a GPS receiver, at a particular location, along with other satellite information, to determine the coordinates of points on the surface of the earth from which this value of range rate would be observed. These coordinates are given in an earth-centered, earth-fixed (ECEF) coordinate system, and they form a locus of points of equal range rate. The coordinates of these points provide estimates of the location of the GPS receiver.

Abstract: A radar jamming detection system is suitable for recognizing and distinguishing the presence of jamming and, particularly, terrain bounce jamming. The radar system includes a transmitter and a receiver. The receiver receives true radar skin return signals, in addition to ground clutter signals and jamming signals. The true radar skin return signals and ground clutter signals are recognizable in accordance with a predetermined receiver passband. Estimated target location, velocity and frequency data, as provided by a cueing radar, is used to set up the receiver passband for the radar detection system. Ground clutter range and angle measurements are used to determine an estimated ground range at the jammer angle, which is then compared with the cue range to determine if the received signals are terrain bounce jamming signals.

Abstract: An improvement in rate-sensing tuning fork design includes a generally planar and H-shaped sensor frame of piezoelectric material. The frame includes a first pair of tines and a second pair of tines joined to an intermediate cross-piece. Connecting means is provided for connecting each of the second pair of tines to the other of said second pair at a location spaced from said intermediate cross-piece. The connecting means is preferably a connecting member formed of piezoelectric material, with the member being generally parallel to the intermediate cross-piece of the H-shaped frame and disposed between the second pair of tines. The connecting means prevents each of the tines of the second pair from vibrating directly toward or away from each other. A preferred method of use of the device is described.

Abstract: A high speed interface receiver/transmitter is particularly suitable for enhancing data throughput rates between a DTE and a DCE, such as a modem. The high speed interface includes a driver programmed with high speed processing software. The driver operates in conjunction with modem firmware programmed in a programmable memory within the DCE to implement special firmware handshake protocol which enables the DTE to transmit or receive data as fast as necessary to sustain the required data rate of a particular operating mode.