Abstract: An RF interface is configured as a laminate structure having a core layer of a ferromagnetic ceramic material, such as barium strontium titanate, whose permitivity is electrically controllable to modify the behavior of impinging electromagnetic energy, as one of minimally attenuated transmission, maximally attenuated absorption, and highly unattenuated reflection. Opposite surfaces of the ceramic core are coated with an electrically lossy material, such as indium tin oxide, to which a differential DC voltage is applied, and thereby imparting a DC electric field to the core layer. For an antenna application, during transmit/receive mode, the differential voltage has a magnitude that renders the laminate's core highly conductive, and thereby reflective to the RF wavelength being sourced from or received by an associated feed horn. During other times, the differential voltage renders the laminate effectively transparent to RF wavelengths in a prescribed band of interest (e.g.

Abstract: An array antenna includes a dielectric substrate layer having opposing sides. A ground plane conductor is positioned on one side of the dielectric substrate layer. A plurality of antenna elements, such as slots, are formed within the ground plane conductor. The antenna elements are arranged to form an array. A plurality of signal tracks, such as striplines, extend along the side of the dielectric substrate layer opposing the ground plane conductor. The respective striplines extend under each antenna element. A plug-in card slot is operatively connected to the plurality of striplines and adapted for receiving a plug-in card and connecting to a plurality of striplines within the plug-in card to have a desired phase shift to scan the beam to a desired location.

Abstract: A multiband, shaped ring focus antenna architecture employs only a single or common main reflector, that is shaped such that it can be shared by each of a pair of interchangeable, diversely shaped close proximity-coupled, subreflector-feed pairs designed for operation at respectively different spectral bands. The operational band of the antenna is changed by swapping out the subreflector-feed pairs. Placement of the shaped subreflector in close proximity to the feed horn reduces the diameter of the main shaped reflector relative to a conventional ring focus structure, so as to facilitate installation within a constrained space facility, such as a shipboard-mounted satellite communication system.

Abstract: An electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield for a handheld cellular phone that is particularly useful for shielding a hearing aid against EMI from the phone's antenna. The device includes a base and a flap laminated with a metallic shielding. The base attaches to the receiver end of the cellular phone and the flap rests over the base when the phone is not in use. In operation, the flap extends away from the base forming an enclosure about the user's ear for shielding the hearing aid from EMI when the phone is in use.

Abstract: A system and method of remotely recording a telephone message at a selected recording device connected to a telephone receiver by an RF link may include a base station having an RF transmitter connected to a telephone receiver, and plural paging/recording devices, each with an RF receiver and a message recorder. The paging/recording devices may be contained within suitable children's toys. A caller calls the telephone receiver and when the telephone connection has been made provides a first code signal to the telephone receiver to gain access to the RF transmitter, and then provides a second code signal to identify a particular paging/recording device that is to receive and record the message.

Abstract: A system and method of remotely recording a telephone message at a selected recording device connected to a telephone receiver by an RF link may include a base station having an RF transmitter connected to a telephone receiver, and plural paging/recording devices, each with an RF receiver and a message recorder. The paging/recording devices may be contained within suitable children's toys, or within pager-like packages. A caller calls the telephone receiver and when the telephone connection has been made provides a first code signal to the telephone receiver to gain access to the RF transmitter, and then provides a second code signal to identify a particular paging/recording device that is to receive and record the message.

Abstract: A self-contained downhole apparatus for being lowered into an oil or gas well to internally record samples of at least one environmental condition comprises three body sections linearly and releasably interconnected. One of the body sections is a selected one of a plurality of transducer housing sections. The selected transducer housing section is mechanically and electrically connected to a second body section containing microcomputer-operated signal processing circuitry. The third body section contains a power supply.

Abstract: A self-contained multiple channel pressure recorder comprises a single, compact, portable housing containing two quartz pressure transducers and electrical circuits for sensing two pressures communicated into the housing to the pressure transducers, for sensing ambient temperature, and for converting the sensed pressures into electrical signals representing absolute pressure magnitudes compensated both for temperature and calibration effects. The resulting data can be locally displayed through a display mounted on the housing, or the data can be remotely transmitted through an electrical coupling mounted on the housing.

Abstract: A plurality of first accelerometers are positioned forward of the passenger compartment and interconnected between vehicular ground and an airbag ignitor. At least one second accelerometer is positioned with the passenger compartment and electrically connected in series between the airbag ignitor and a reserve source of electrical power thereby providing a first firing path. Electronic circuitry positioned within the passenger compartment and connected to the airbag ignitor provides a second firing path through the ignitor to a passenger compartment ground independent of the vehicular ground which the first accelerometers are connected. This second conductive path is provided for a predetermined or dwell time in response to actuation by any of the first accelerometers. The electrical circuitry also includes prefiltering circuitry.

Abstract: A remote sensing apparatus for conducting (spaceborne) measurements of ocean geophysical parameters integrates a radar altimeter subsystem with a radiometer subsystem through the use of a shared antenna feed horn that permits each subsystem to have the same viewing aperture, so that each subsystem sees the same location on the ocean. The horn is a multiport, multifrequency horn having a throat and a tapered sidewall portion extending from the throat to the outer edge of the horn. A first sidewall port is coupled to the transmit/receive channel of the radar altimeter. A second sidewall port is coupled to a first receive channel of the radiometer, and a third sidewall port is coupled to a second receive channel of the radiometer. A throat port is coupled to a third receive channel of the radiometer.

Abstract: A self-contained memory gauge includes either semiconductor or magnetic core memory for retaining downhole information related to sampled parameters, such as borehole temperature and pressure. A microprocessor-based computer manages the power utilization by independently and selectably energizing and de-energizing different sections of the gauge. The magnetic core memory is tested for operability, and the addressing of the magnetic core memory is adjusted in accordance with any inoperable memory locations. Samples of the monitored environmental conditions can be taken at variable rates dependent upon software monitoring of the condition, the remaining battery life and the remaining memory capacity and in response to hardware monitored pressure changes. Each sample can be taken to a selectable resolution. A watchdog circuit monitors the microprocessor to insure that it is operating within a preselected time limit.

Abstract: A pressure control apparatus suitable for controlling pressures in autoclaves permits a plurality of autoclaves to be selectably pressurized from a single pressurizing circuit. The apparatus can be externally controlled to more efficiently multiplex autoclaves to the pressurizing circuit and to more efficiently implement different pressure schedules for the autoclaves. Once a pressure has been set for an autoclave maintained in communication with the main pressurizing circuit, the apparatus automatically monitors the position of the pump piston and resets it from either of its extreme limits of movement to maintain pressure at a desired set point. Corresponding methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hard confection containing Palatinit (hydrogenated isomaltulose) and a medicinally active ingredient. Such a formulation has been found to dissolve more slowly than similar formulations based on sugar rendering them suitable for dispensing the active ingredient over an extended period of time.

Abstract: In an oil well instrumentation system, the downhole sensor system is controlled by a computer which is powered-on only during sampling movement. An independent circuit, continuously powered, detects significant sensor rate-of-change values whereby the computer-sampling equipment is powered-on. A self-contained memory gauge includes either semiconductor or magnetic core memory for retaining downhole information related to sampled parameters, such as borehole temperature and pressure. A microprocessor-based computer manages the power utilization by independently and selectably energizing and deenergizing different sections of the gauge. The magnetic core memory is tested for operability, and the addressing of the magnetic core memory is adjusted in accordance with any inoperable memory locations.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the operation of a railroad train includes two on-board units which collect and utilize data for ultimate transfer to a portable unit which can be carried onto and off of the railroad train. One of these on-board units operates under microcomputer control to compute speed, acceleration/deceleration, and distance traveled data and to store such computred data for subsequent transfer to the portable unit. The other on-board unit acquires additional data under separate microcomputer control. This data acquisition retrieves either binary or analog data, or both, and stores it in the acquiring on-board unit for later transfer to a separate memory in the other on-board unit for subsequent transfer to the portable unit. Power failure detection circuits are also implemented to insure the microcomputers are initiated in respective determinate states.

Abstract: A respective microcomputer-based dynamic braking proportioning unit is disposed on each locomotive of a group of locomotives of a train consist. Each unit is connected to the brake setup and brake control wires of a trainline communicating with all of the locomotives, and each unit is connected to the dynamic braking equipment of its respective locomotive. Each unit includes two data entry mechanisms, such as switches, by which the respective microcomputer is advised of the total number of locomotives and of a unique number identifying the respective locomotive within the group. From the two signals from the trainline and the total locomotive and unique locomotive identification data, the respective microcomputer determines and outputs appropriate dynamic brake equipment control signals for the respective locomotive.

Abstract: The power-conversing apparatus includes a plurality of independently energizable electrical circuits used in receiving electrical signals from a transducer which senses an environmental condition, in processing the electrical signals, and in storing information related to the detected environmental condition. The apparatus further includes a power control circuit for continuously providing electrical power to at least one of the electrical circuits and for independently switchably providing electrical power to selectable ones of at least two others of the separately energizable circuits.

Abstract: An analog-to-digital conversion technique utilizes an oscillator which provides a primary oscillating signal that drives a counter and that generates a derived signal having a frequency less than the primary signal. The derived signal is integrated for use in comparing against the threshold voltage defining the analog signal to be converted. The comparison of the integrated and the threshold signals provides a pulse width modulated signal which is related to the primary signal. The pulse width modulated signal gates the counter for generating a count at the rate established by the primary signal. This output can be communicated to a microcomputer or other device.