Abstract: A method 1100 and apparatus 1200 utilizing unbalanced modulation for providing users in a communication system with different amounts of effective communication energy according to their individual communication environments. A user's communication energy needs are determined based on conditions such as weather, signal-to-noise ratio, and cell location. Signals destined for a user are modulated according to the determined needs of the user. A signal destined for a user operating in a relatively friendly communication environment is modulated with less effective energy than a signal destined for a user operating in a relatively hostile communication environment.

Abstract: An adaptive transceiver architecture which reallocates communications resources in real time based on the amount of bandwidth being used in communications channels in the system. The transceiver receives communications signals from a plurality of communications beam spots. Each communications beam spot has a predefined bandwidth divided into non-overlapping subbands. The transceiver further comprises a plurality of front end signal conditioners for receiving communications signals from an equal plurality of communications beam spots. A predetermined number of the conditioned signals are then combined by an interconnect. The interconnect receives composite signals from the front end signal conditioners, and it combines at least first and second communications signals from first and second respective composite signals to form an output processing signal.

Abstract: A dual phased array payload (100) for use onboard a communications satellite is disclosed. The payload includes one or more phased array receive antennas (102-108) including numerous individual receiving elements distributed in a predetermined configuration. Each of the individual radiating elements is selectively adjustable in amplitude and phase to achieve scanning beams for receiving information transmitted from the ground in an uplink beam. The payload includes a packet switch (114) connected to the phased array receive antennas (102-108). The packet switch (114) includes a set of inputs and a set of outputs. The set of inputs are selectively connectable to the set of outputs. The payload (100) includes one or more phased array transmit antennas (120-126) connected to the packet switch (114). The phased array transmit antennas (120-126) include numerous individual radiating elements distributed in a predetermined configuration.

Abstract: A method for multi-mode autonomous selection demodulation is disclosed. The method includes the step of providing a receiver with demodulation circuitry (110-112) capable of demodulating a plurality of waveform modulation techniques. The method also includes the step of receiving a modulated information waveform and a preamble associated with the modulated information waveform. The method also includes the steps of matching the preamble against a predefined set of patterns corresponding to a plurality of modulation techniques at the receiver and identifying a corresponding demodulation technique. Additionally, the method configures the demodulation circuitry (110-112) to apply the corresponding demodulation technique to the modulated information waveform.

Abstract: An axial flow tube ultrasonic atomizer in which the front horn section and axial flow section are of unitary construction. The device further comprises five sealing rings and two grooves cut into the unitary flow tube structure for receipt of the sealing rings. This structure results in better sealing and facilitates assembly.

Abstract: An ultrasonic atomizing transducer assembly includes cylindrical front atomizing and rear dummy sections clamped to a sandwich of an annular electrode between two annular piezoelectric disks by a central tubular bolt. Liquid to be atomized enters the rear of the transducer assembly through a feed tube forming a rearward extension of the central bolt and flows through an axial passage to exit onto an atomizing surface on the tip of an amplifying probe extending from the front end of the front cylindrical section. An annular sealing member disposed between a sealing surface at the front end of the bolt and the passage prevents liquid flowing through the passage from contacting the inner surfaces of the piezoelectric disks. To protect the outer surfaces of the piezoelectric disks, an enclosed shell surrounds and supports the transducer via O-rings loaded purely in radial compression.

Abstract: An ultrasonic liquid atomizer particularly for high volume flow rates is disclosed. An enlarged tip with a plurality of orifices is provided to increase the flow rate. A gradual transition to the enlarged atomizer tip is provided to enhance performance. The atomizer provides a substantially cylindrical or slightly conical spray pattern and is particularly suited for use in a vertical orientation with the tip facing upwardly or in horizontal orientations. Titanium alloy bolts are used to clamp the front and rear sections of the atomizer together resulting in significant energy reduction and essentially eliminating bolt shearing.

Abstract: An ultrasonic liquid atomizer particularly for high volume flow rates is disclosed. An enlarged tip with a plurality of orifices is provided to increase the flow rate. A gradual transition to the enlarged atomizer tip can also be provided to enhance performance. A barrier disposed adjacent the atomizing surface of the atomizer tip enhances proper atomization of liquid, particularly when the enlarged atomizer tip is used, and particularly when such an atomizer is vertically oriented with the tip facing downwardly. A lip extending about the atomizer surface prevents unatomized liquid from leaving the atomizing surface in radial directions.

Abstract: An ultrasonic liquid atomizer is disclosed in which the liquid feed to the atomizing surface extends axially through the atomizer. This arrangement enables improved and simplified coupling of the liquid supply tube to the atomizer. In a disclosed embodiment, rear and front horn sections sandwich a driver, and an atomizing section is coupled to the front horn section. A passage axially extends through the rear section, the driver, the front section and the atomizing section to an atomizing surface. The driver includes piezoelectric elements of annular configuration. A tubular member or a liquid supply tube itself is received in the passage. In a preferred embodiment, the tubular member of the liquid supply tube includes a decoupling sleeve section and a stepped portion adapted to engage a stepped portion in the rear section upon coupling the tubular member or liquid supply tube to the atomizer to draw the front and rear sections together.

Abstract: An ultrasonic atomizer having a stepped amplifying section with a flanged atomizing tip. The face of the flange is frusto-conical for providing a cone-shaped spray pattern. The lengths of the amplifying section and flange tip portions are interrelated to provide optimum results.

Abstract: A transducer assembly includes a first half wavelength double-dummy section having a pair of quarter wavelength ultrasonic horns and a driving element sandwiched therebetween. A second half wavelength stepped amplifying section extends from one end of the first section and has a theoretical resonant frequency equal to the actual resonant frequency of the first section. When used as a liquid atomizer, the small diameter portion of the stepped amplifying section has a flanged tip to provide an atomizing surface of increased area. To maintain efficiency, the length of the small diameter portion of the second section with a flange should be less than its length without a flange. A decoupling sleeve within an axial liquid passageway eliminates premature atomization of the liquid before reaching the atomizing surface. In a fuel burner incorporating the atomizer, ignition electrode life is increased by locating the electrodes outside the normal flame envelope.

Abstract: A transducer assembly includes a first half wavelength double-dummy section having a pair of quarter wavelength ultrasonic horns and a driving element sandwiched therebetween. A second half wavelength stepped amplifying section extends from one end of the first section and has a theoretical resonant frequency equal to the actual resonant frequency of the first section. When used as a liquid atomizer, the small diameter portion of the stepped amplifying section has a flanged tip to provide an atomizing surface of increased area. To maintain efficiency, the length of the small diameter portion of the second section with a flange should be less than its length without a flange. A decoupling sleeve within an axial liquid passageway eliminates premature atomization of the liquid before reaching the atomizing surface. In a fuel burner incorporating the atomizer, ignition electrode life is increased by locating the electrodes outside the normal flame envelope.