Abstract: A communications link for a cellular communications system (10) includes a first airplane (35) for flying in a first pattern (86) and including a first antenna for transmitting RF beams (92) to form a first footprint (96) on a first target geographic area (98) to provide cellular phone users (18) within the footprint with a first communications link. A second airplane (35?) flies in a second pattern (86) and includes a second antenna for transmitting RF beams (92) to form a second footprint (96) on a second target geographic area (98) to provide cellular phone users (18) within the second footprint with a second communications link. The first and second airplanes each fly at an altitude that is below a high altitude level and that is varied to enable continuous uninterrupted coverage to be provided to a service area below in a weather pattern-independent and geographic feature-independent manner.

Abstract: Protective shield tent (100, 300, 400) provides a portable and repeatable method for protecting assemblies during various stages of a manufacturing process. Protective shield tent (100, 300, 400) is light weight and can be deployed manually. Protective shield tent (100, 300, 400) is simple to use and shortens the time required for a manufacturing process. The invention provides a simple, accurate, low-cost, and repeatable method for using a portable EMI shielding apparatus for protecting a component or large subassembly during various stages of a manufacturing process. A portable collapsible frame is provided along with a removable protective covering which is mounted over the collapsible frame to create an EMI shield around the component or subassembly. Protective shield tent (100, 300, 400) can easily be moved from one location to another facilitating re-use.

Abstract: Multiple satellites are densely packed in modern multi-satellite launch vehicles. Stocking of a subsequent satellite (20) in the presence of adjacent satellites (12) subjects both satellites to damage due to mishandling and human error during craning operations. An alignment mechanism (30) attaches to subsequent satellite (20) and operates in conjunction with a craning tether (26) to stock a launch vehicle dispenser (10) with subsequent satellite (20). An alignment mechanism (30) restricts lateral motion of subsequent satellite (20) during stocking while keeping subsequent satellite (20) centrally located in a vacant position on a launch vehicle dispenser (10).