Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for reducing crossover coupling of two or more RF signals are described. In one case, a crossover structure is described where RF signals are routed through coplanar waveguides having a specific characteristic impedance and crossing at a central point of the crossover structure by way of a bridge. A ground shield having a geometry adapted to reduce the crossover coupling while minimally affecting capacitive coupling between the RF signals and the ground shield is introduced in-between a region comprising the central point. Further described is a multi-port rotary RF switch fitted with the crossover structure which allows substantially balanced electrical performance across all the operational states of the rotary RF switch at RF signal frequencies up to 40 GHz and beyond.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for reducing crossover coupling of two or more RF signals are described. In one case, a crossover structure is described where RF signals are routed through coplanar waveguides having a specific characteristic impedance and crossing at a central point of the crossover structure by way of a bridge. A ground shield having a geometry adapted to reduce the crossover coupling while minimally affecting capacitive coupling between the RF signals and the ground shield is introduced in-between a region comprising the central point. Further described is a multi-port rotary RF switch fitted with the crossover structure which allows substantially balanced electrical performance across all the operational states of the rotary RF switch at RF signal frequencies up to 40 GHz and beyond.

Abstract: A wrap preventing flag (44) apparatus including a rod (58) extending from the upper portion (22) of a flagpole (20) in a gravity plane (P) with an attachment (60, 62) securing the top edge (46) of a flag (44) to the rod (58). A rod support (84) inter-connects the rod (58) and the upper portion (22) of the flagpole (20) for preventing the rod (58) from rotating about the pole axis (A) while allowing free rotation of the rod (58) under the force of gravity only in the gravity plane (P). The rod support (84) includes a pair of stops (94) for limiting rotation of the rod (58) in or parallel to the gravity plane (P). In the first embodiment, the rod support (84) extends into an especially fabricated flagpole (20) whereas the rod support (84) of the second embodiment includes a first bracket (96) which is disposed about an existing flagpole (20) for securing the rod support (84) to the flagpole (20).

Abstract: Retractable protective screen devices and related systems comprising means for retention of a screen in an intended configuration under conditions of wind and/or other separating forces are disclosed. In some embodiments, a screen carries a plurality of spaced-apart rivets, each overlying a corresponding, spaced-apart substrate material, disposed approximately in-line and adjacent a margin or edge of the screen. A guide channel is configured to be affixed to a door, window, or other frame. The guide channel is further configured with a cavity and slot to provide passage of the rivets and screen, respectively, therethrough. With such configuration, the screen is constrained in its intended position against wind and/or other separating forces. Further advantageously, the screen is maintained in its preferred configuration throughout its entire range of travel, and is constrained throughout that range of travel against wind and/or other separating forces.

Abstract: A wrap preventing flag (44) apparatus including a rod (58) extending from the upper portion (22) of a flagpole (20) in a gravity plane (P) with an attachment (60, 62) securing the top edge (46) of a flag (44) to the rod (58). A rod support (84) inter-connects the rod (58) and the upper portion (22) of the flagpole (20) for preventing the rod (58) from rotating about the pole axis (A) while allowing free rotation of the rod (58) under the force of gravity only in the gravity plane (P). The rod support (84) includes a pair of stops (94) for limiting rotation of the rod (58) in or parallel to the gravity plane (P). In the first embodiment, the rod support (84) extends into an especially fabricated flagpole (20) whereas the rod support (84) of the second embodiment includes a first bracket (96) which is disposed about an existing flagpole (20) for securing the rod support (84) to the flagpole (20).

Abstract: A pull bar screen apparatus and system in which screen is mechanically attached directly to a pull bar. Weld-less friction-lock cold-joining of screen and pull bar provides an improved pull-bar screen apparatus used in retractable pull screens. The pull bar screen apparatus and system remove the need for attaching a vinyl strip to the screen. Instead, the screen is flattened to retain its form and structural integrity. On one elongated end of the screen, an upper and lower lock bar are placed on either side of the screen. Corrugated ridges in the lock bars pinch the screen and hold it in place. A lock bar casing is placed under pressure around the upper and lower lock bars which hold the lock bars in position and thereby retain the screen.

Abstract: A pull bar screen apparatus and system in which screen is mechanically attached directly to a pull bar. Weld-less friction-lock cold-joining of screen and pull bar provides an improved pull-bar screen apparatus used in retractable pull screens. The pull bar screen apparatus and system remove the need for attaching a vinyl strip to the screen. Instead, the screen is flattened to retain its form and structural integrity. On one elongated end of the screen, an upper and lower lock bar are placed on either side of the screen. Corrugated ridges in the lock bars pinch the screen and hold it in place. A lock bar casing is placed under pressure around the upper and lower lock bars which hold the lock bars in position and thereby retain the screen.

Abstract: A printing method and apparatus (100) for pre-exposing a digital watermark along a length of photosensitive medium at the time of manufacture is disclosed. The printing apparatus has an illumination source (60) for providing an exposure illumination, first and second LCD spatial light modulators (90a, 90b) for modulating the exposure illumination to form first and second exposure patterns according to image data, combining optics providing a single output path for directing both first and second exposure patterns onto the photosensitive medium and transport means for providing, during exposure, lengthwise displacement of the photosensitive medium with respect to the output path. The first and second exposure patterns form, lengthwise along the photosensitive medium, a latent image with modulated stripes having a predetermined intensity corresponding to the exposure patterns.

Abstract: An improved drive shoe is shown for installation on the penetrating end of a string of conductor pipe, for improving driving penetration through soil. The improved shoe has a reinforced cylindrical driving section. A symmetrical, toothed beveled penetration end improves penetration through loose and unconsolidated media, and minimizes displacement resistance by symmetrically displacing soil to both the inner bore of the conductor pipe and externally along the outer surface of the conductor pipe. A repeating pattern of straight exterior vertical bar segments breaks up the exterior soil, easing passage of the conductor pipe through the soil. A spiral inner bar section within the drive shoe breaks adhesion of the center soil plug to the bore of the conductor pipe by imparting a loosening and a twisting moment to the core plug.

Abstract: A method and technique for a deviated (non-vertical) emplacement of a conductor casing at a desired curver and orientation in order to facilitate directional drilling of a well in the substratum of an offshore well site. The method provides for the installation of a relatively short, offset portion of the conductor casing at only the bottom of the conductor pipe string and thereby utilizing this offset portion to force the conductor string in a desired direction and orientation by driving or forcing the conductor casing through a substratum in such a manner that the casing will assume the desired curvature and direction as it advances through the substratum. In addition to the offset or dog-leg segment at the bottom, key-way type guide bars can be added in the longitudinal direction to resist undesired rotation of the conductor pipe.

Abstract: A method and technique for a deviated (non-vertical) emplacement of a conductor casing at a desired .[.curver.]. .Iadd.curve .Iaddend.and orientation in order to facilitate directional drilling of a well in the substratum of an offshore well site. The method provides for the installation of a relatively short, offset portion of the conductor casing at only the bottom of the conductor pipe string and thereby utilizing this offset portion to force the conductor string in a desired direction and orientation by driving or forcing the conductor casing through a substratum in such a manner that the casing will assume the desired curvature and direction as it advances through the substratum. In addition to the offset or dog-leg segment at the bottom, key-way type guide bars can be added in the longitudinal direction to resist undesired rotation of the conductor pipe.