Abstract: A wireless tractor-trailer point-to-point communication system which includes a coordinator and at least one node. The system may include a plurality of clusters, each of which comprises a plurality of devices such as sensors. One of the devices of each cluster is configured to receive information from the other devices in the cluster, and transmit information to the coordinator. The coordinator not only receives information about the network, but may also be configured to route the information to other networks. The network could be disposed on a tractor-trailer, wherein the devices comprise different sensors, such as pressure sensors, temperature sensors, voltage sensors and switch controls, all of which are located in areas relatively close to each other.

Abstract: A rotating internal support for a large hollow structure can include a rigid central truss and two or more annular disks coupled to the truss by support arms. The annular disks can be axially spaced along the longitudinal centerline of the truss, and can be coupled to the support arms by guide rollers that allow the annular disks to rotate about a central axis. The internal support can also include support rods with contact pads that extend axially around the annular disks to contact and support the inner surface of the large hollow structure.

Abstract: A rotating internal support for a large hollow structure can include a rigid central truss and two or more annular disks coupled to the truss by support arms. The annular disks can be axially spaced along the longitudinal centerline of the truss, and can be coupled to the support arms by guide rollers that allow the annular disks to rotate about a central axis. The internal support can also include support rods with contact pads that extend axially around the annular disks to contact and support the inner surface of the large hollow structure.

Abstract: A compact folding high chair has a foldable frame assembly with a front frame section and a rear frame section pivotally coupled to one another at their respective upper ends. The frame assembly is movable to a folded configuration where the front and rear frame sections are spaced a close distance relative to one another. A front and a rear toe surface are provided on the respective lower ends of the front and rear frame sections. The front and rear toe surfaces are spaced a stabilizing distance from one another in the folded configuration. The stabilizing distance is greater than the close distance of the frame sections. The folded high chair can stand upright on the toe surfaces and remain relatively stable even though the frame sections are close to one another when folded.

Abstract: A production system for manufacturing a workpiece comprises an index system including a plurality of index devices removably mounted on the workpiece at known longitudinally spaced locations therealong, and a longitudinally extending index member releasably engaged with at least two of the index devices such that a position and orientation of the index member are fixed relative to the workpiece by the index devices, the index member having position-indicating features distributed therealong. The production system further comprises a machine module mounted for longitudinal movement along the index member and operable to perform an operation, the machine module being operable to detect the position-indicating features on the index member and thereby determine a position of the machine module relative to the workpiece.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include various exemplary embodiments of systems and methods relating to composite lamination using one or more arrays of parallel material dispensing heads. In one embodiment, a method of fabricating a high aspect ratio composite article generally includes applying a first strip material to a work surface datum at a first angle with a first material dispenser, and applying a plurality of second strip materials to a work surface datum each at a second angle with a plurality of rotatable parallel material dispensers. The method also includes advancing the first material dispenser and the rotatable parallel material dispensers as a unit the width of the second strip material and continuing application of the first strip material by the first material dispenser and a plurality of second strip materials by the rotatable parallel material dispensers until a desired length is reached.

Abstract: This invention provides a baffle isolation system for isolating a baffle from a housing in a loudspeaker mounting system. The isolation system may include an isolation mechanism that insulates the baffle from the speaker housing. The isolation mechanism may include a bumper member coupled to a hollow shaft. In another embodiment, the bumper member may also include at least two resistant members located on either side of the bumper and coupled to the hollow shaft. These resistant members act to acoustically reduce sound penetration through the isolation system. Radial isolation may be achieved by the bumper acting to reduce the transmission of vibrations from the baffle to the housing, while longitudinal isolation may be achieved by the resistant members. Ideally, the bumper and the resistant members may be manufactured out of an elastomeric material and may be designed as separate members or as one unitary member.

Abstract: A bicycle seat is disclosed which includes a shell (12) to which a mounting rail (16) is attached. The mounting rail (16) is connected by a mounting plate for securing one end of the rail and amounting hole for securing the other end of the rail. The mounting plate and securing hole allow the shell (12) to rock relative to the rail (16) in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of the shell (12). The shell (12) also has a rib structure to reinforce the shell.

Abstract: Purification of poly-amino acid-tagged recombinant proteins has been improved by the use of a carboxymethylated aspartate ligand complexed with a third-block transition metal having an oxidation state of 2+ and a coordination number of 6. A method for synthesizing the metal ion-CM-Asp complex is also described. Further, the metal ion-CM-Asp complex can be used for screening protein function.

Abstract: A high chair features various modes of adjustability and enhanced utility. The height of the chair can be adjusted using a single hand that engages a rear handle. The height of a seat platform of the chair can be adjusted separately relative to the tray. The tray itself is ergonomically designed for the benefit of the caregiver. A removable tray liner facilitates after-meal clean-up. Wheels on the underside of the tray ease fore/aft adjustment. A pivoting back rest of the chair minimizes rearward shift of the center of gravity of the occupied chair, thus requiring a smaller chair footprint. Further, an accessory bar pivoted to a seat back portion of the chair provides readily accessible entertainment.

Abstract: A repeater for re-transmitting signals between first and second wireless devices. The repeater comprises a first antenna array for receiving a forward channel signal transmitted from the first wireless device and a second antenna array for receiving a reverse channel signal transmitted from the second wireless device. The repeater also comprises a first transceiver chain for down-converting the received forward channel signal, processing the down-converted forward channel signal, and up-converting the processed forward channel signal to thereby produce an outgoing forward channel signal. The repeater also comprises a second transceiver chain for down-converting the received reverse channel signal, processing the down-converted reverse channel signal, and up-converting the processed reverse channel signal to thereby produce an outgoing reverse channel signal.

Abstract: A repeater for re-transmitting an incoming RF signal comprising: a first antenna array for receiving the incoming RF signal; a second antenna array for transmitting an outgoing RF signal; and a transceiver for down-converting the incoming RF signal to a down-converted signal, processing the down-converted signal, and up-converting the processed signal to produce the outgoing RF signal. The first antenna array is cross-polarized with respect to the second antenna array. The repeater also comprises an echo processor for attenuating in the down-converted signal an echo signal associated with the outgoing RF signal. The echo processor delays transmission of the outgoing RF signal in order to minimize the echo signal.

Abstract: A software-defined repeater for use in a wireless network. The software-defined repeater comprises: 1) a first software-defined transceiver that receives forward channel signals transmitted by a base station and transmits reverse channel signals to the base station according to a first air interface standard; and 2) a second software-defined transceiver that receives reverse channel signals transmitted by mobile stations and transmits forward channel signals to the mobile stations according to a second air interface standard.

Abstract: The present invention relates to device and methods for fabricating a composite article having a plurality of material dispensers, which can increase productivity. In one embodiment, a device includes a structure defining a work surface datum, and material dispensers movable relative to the structure. Each material dispenser applies strip material to the work surface datum along a predetermined axis. The predetermined axes are generally parallel to one another. The strip material applied to the work surface datum forms a layer of the composite article.

Abstract: A redundant communication system contains a principal transceiver and a back-up transceiver to be controllably substituted for the principal transceiver. A monitor protection switch, which controls swapping the two transceivers, has an RF loopback test circuit that is switchably coupled to whichever transceiver is the back-up. The RF loopback test circuit monitors the operational capability of the back-up transceiver, and provides an indication of its functionality. If the back-up transceiver is defective, corrective action can be taken in advance of a potential operational failure of the principal transceiver. As long as the RF loopback test circuit indicates proper operational capability of the back-up transceiver, the redundant transceiver can be immediately switched in place of the principal transceiver.

Abstract: A bicycle seat is disclosed which includes a shell (12) to which a mounting rail (16) is attached. The mounting rail (16) is connected by a mounting plate for securing one end of the rail and amounting hole for securing the other end of the rail. The mounting plate and securing hole allow the shell (12) to rock relative to the rail (16) in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of the shell (12). The shell (12) also has a rib structure to reinforce the shell.

Abstract: An RF loopback test circuit is adapted to be coupled to an antenna port of a digital radio, to determine whether the radio is functioning properly. A frequency generator outputs an auxiliary frequency corresponding to the sum or difference between the radio's transmit and receive frequencies. The auxiliary frequency is coupled to a Schottky diode mixer, which is also coupled to the input/output port. If the radio's transceiver section is operating properly, the sum or difference frequency output of the Schottky diode mixer will be passed by only the diplexer's narrowband receive path filter to the radio's receiver section. The mixer's sum frequency is blocked by the diplexer's narrowband filters. Therefore, if the receiver section provides an indication that it is receiving a sufficient signal level from the RF loopback test circuit, it can also be inferred that each of the transmitter and receiver sections is operating properly.

Abstract: A base station node is provided that includes a radio frequency (RF) monitor and at least one signal processor. The RF monitor is operable to monitor traffic associated with a plurality of wireless communication devices to determine at least one requested load having a corresponding air interface standard. The signal processor is coupled to the RF monitor and is operable to be dynamically reconfigured to support the air interface standard corresponding to the requested load.

Abstract: A production system for manufacturing a workpiece comprises an index system including a plurality of index devices removably mounted on the workpiece at known longitudinally spaced locations therealong, and a longitudinally extending index member releasably engaged with at least two of the index devices such that a position and orientation of the index member are fixed relative to the workpiece by the index devices, the index member having position-indicating features distributed therealong. The production system further comprises a machine module mounted for longitudinal movement along the index member and operable to perform an operation, the machine module being operable to detect the position-indicating features on the index member and thereby determine a position of the machine module relative to the workpiece.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing wings includes a fixture that holds wing panels for drilling and edge trimming by accurate numerically controlled machine tools using original numerical part definition records, utilizing spatial relationships between key features of detail parts or subassemblies as represented by coordination features machined into the parts and subassemblies, thereby making the parts and subassemblies intrinsically determinant of the dimensions and contour of the wing. Spars are attached to the wing panel using the coordination holes to locate the spars accurately on the panel in accordance with the original engineering design, and in-spar ribs are attached to rib posts on the spar using accurately drilled coordination holes in the ends of the rib and in the rib post. The wing contour is determined by the configuration of the spars and ribs rather than by any conventional hard tooling which determines the wing contour in conventional processes.