Abstract: A mobile transmitter transmits a transmission signal from a vehicle to beacons. An estimator determines elapsed times for corresponding propagation paths between the vehicle and the beacons. Each propagation path includes at least one of a first propagation duration of a transmission signal and a second propagation duration of a return signal. A compensator compensates for noise or measurement error associated with a corresponding propagation path by invoking a linear fit scheme. The linear fit scheme applies a generally linear fit over fixed intervals of noisy measurements such that the noisy position measurements generally conform to a linear portion of a path plan of a vehicle. A data processor estimates a position of a vehicle at a confluence or intersection of the position curves or temporal curves based on elapsed times for the propagation paths.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described that may be used to provide decoupled rotation of structures about different pivot points. The apparatus may include one or more fixed blades mounted to a frame or substrate, one or more movable blades mounted to each structure to be moved, and flexures on which the structures are suspended. Separate movable blades may be provided for each degree of freedom. When voltage is applied between the fixed and movable blades, the electrostatic attraction generates a force attracting movable blades toward blades that are fixed relative to the moveable blades, causing a structure to rotate about the flexures. The angle of rotation that results may be related to the size, number and spacing of the blades, the stiffness of the flexures and the magnitude of the voltage difference applied to the blades. The blades are fabricated using deep silicon etching.

Abstract: An interconnect for attaching a module such as a PCB or a multi-chip module to a circuit substrate comprises a member elongated in a longitudinal direction. The member has at least a first elongated side and a second opposed and generally parallel elongated side. The first and second sides extend in the longitudinal direction. Each of the first and second sides have at least one portion formed by a series of depressions in the respective first and second sides. The depressions extend inwardly from a first outer surface of the first side and a second outer surface of the second side. The depressions are metallized to form leads. A circuit assembly is also provided comprising a multi-chip module having a plurality of electronic elements; a circuit substrate supporting thereon a conductive circuit pattern adapted for connection to the multi-chip module and at least one the interconnects for attaching the multi-chip module to the circuit pattern on the circuit substrate.

Abstract: A primary transceiver of a primary vehicle transmits a first transmission signal to a first transponder and a second transponder associated with a secondary vehicle. A first transponder antenna and a second transponder antenna are associated with secondary vehicular reference points. Upon receipt of the first transmission signal, the first transponder transmits a second transmission signal to a first beacon of the primary vehicle and the primary transceiver. A transmitter antenna and the first beacon antenna are associated with primary vehicle reference points. Upon receipt of the first transmission signal, the second transponder transmits a third transmission signal to the first beacon and the primary transceiver. A data processor or estimator determines propagation times associated with the first transmission signal, the second transmission signal, and the third transmission signal.

Abstract: A method for configuring a local positioning system comprises orienting a survey antenna coextensively with a primary beacon associated with a work area. A transmitter or transceiver transmits a first transmission signal from the survey antenna. A receiver or transceiver receives the first transmission at one or more secondary beacons associated with the work area. A data processor determines first elapsed times from the transmission time of the first transmission signal to at least the arrival time at respective corresponding secondary beacons. Each of the first elapsed times falls within a filtering time window, or satisfies an edge timing criteria of the coded signal, or both to reduce multi-path error. The first elapsed times are converted into a first position in at least two spatial dimensions for the primary beacon.

Abstract: A pneumatic lockout device is disclosed. The device includes a first disc having a first slot and a first tab, and a second disc having a second slot and a second tab. The first disc is secured to the second disc. The device further includes a pneumatic fitting having a fitting groove positionable within the first slot and the second slot. The pneumatic lockout device is movable from an unlocked position to a locked position, while the fitting groove is positioned within the first slot and the second slot.

Abstract: A method of steering a fluid drilling head in an underground borehole drilling situation is provided by rotating the flexible hose through which high pressure is provided to the drilling head and providing a biasing force on the drilling head. The hose can be rotated from a remote surface mounted situation by rotating the entire surface rig (13) in a horizontal plane about a turntable (24) causing the vertically orientated portion of the hose (11) to rotate about its longitudinal axis. The biasing force can be provided in a number of different ways but typically results from the use of an asymmetrical gauging ring on the fluid drilling head.

Abstract: A modular cab/sleeper/roof structural assembly for a truck-tractor vehicle according to the present invention provides greater manufacturing flexibility and unrestricted access between a cab/sleeper unit. The structural assembly includes a top-free cab unit having a front wall, opposing side walls, and a bottom portion. A top-free sleeper unit positioned behind the cab unit has a rear wall, opposing side walls, and a bottom portion. Fasteners couple the cab unit and the sleeper unit such that an upwardly opened carriage assembly is formed. A unitary roof member fixedly encloses the opened carriage assembly and forms an integral modular unit. The unitary roof member has a front portion connected to the front wall of the cab unit, a rear portion connected to the rear wall of the sleeper unit, and opposing side portions connected to the opposing side walls of the cab and sleeper units.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding a 30 kD Brachyspira hyodysenteriae lipoprotein and to parts of such nucleic acid sequences that encode an immunogenic fragment of such lipoproteins, and to DNA fragments, recombinant DNA molecules, live recombinant carriers and host cells comprising such nucleic acid sequences or such parts thereof. The invention also relates to a 30 kD Brachyspira hyodysenteriae lipoprotein and immunogenic parts thereof encoded by such sequences. Furthermore, the present invention relates to vaccines comprising such nucleic acid sequences and parts thereof, DNA fragments, recombinant DNA molecules, live recombinant carriers and host. Cells comprising such nucleic acid sequences or such parts thereof, lipoproteins or immunogenic parts thereof and antibodies against such lipoproteins or immunogenic parts thereof. Also, the invention relates to the use of said lipoproteins in vaccines and for the manufacture of vaccines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described that may be used to provide decoupled rotation of structures about different pivot points. The apparatus may include one or more fixed blades mounted to a frame or substrate, one or more movable blades mounted to each structure to be moved, and flexures on which the structures are suspended. Separate movable blades may be provided for each degree of freedom. When voltage is applied between the fixed and movable blades, the electrostatic attraction generates a force attracting movable blades toward blades that are fixed relative to the moveable blades, causing a structure to rotate about the flexures. The angle of rotation that results may be related to the size, number and spacing of the blades, the stiffness of the flexures and the magnitude of the voltage difference applied to the blades. The blades are fabricated using deep silicon etching.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described that may be used to provide decoupled rotation of structures about different pivot points. The apparatus may include one or more fixed blades mounted to a frame or substrate, one or more movable blades mounted to each structure to be moved, and flexures on which the structures are suspended. Separate movable blades may be provided for each degree of freedom. When voltage is applied between the fixed and movable blades, the electrostatic attraction generates a force attracting movable blades toward blades that are fixed relative to the moveable blades, causing a structure to rotate about the flexures. The angle of rotation that results may be related to the size, number and spacing of the blades, the stiffness of the flexures and the magnitude of the voltage difference applied to the blades. The blades are fabricated using deep silicon etching.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a method of providing an executable program from an executable program provider to a customer for use in a controller of a three dimensional coordinate measurement system. The method includes receiving a request to create an executable program from a customer and obtaining information related to the executable program. The executable program is developed which guides an operator through a number of measurement steps to be performed with the three dimensional coordinate measuring system. The executable program is delivered to the customer over a network.

Abstract: A presently-preferred interconnect device for electrically coupling a test instrument and a circuit board having a first portion of a ball grid array connector mounted thereon comprises a pin header and a second portion of the ball grid array. The second portion is mounted on the pin support member and comprises a plurality of electrically conductive contact members each being electrically coupled to a respective terminal pin of the pin header. The interconnect device further comprises a circuit substrate having a plurality of electrical connection points formed on a surface thereof and being adapted to be electrically coupled to the test instrument, and a socket receptacle mounted on the circuit substrate. The socket receptacle comprises a plurality of pin receptacles adapted to removably receive a respective one of the terminal pins and being electrically coupled to a respective electrical connection point.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described that may be used to provide decoupled rotation of structures about different pivot points. The apparatus may include one or more fixed blades mounted to a frame or substrate, one or more movable blades mounted to each structure to be moved, and flexures on which the structures are suspended. Separate movable blades may be provided for each degree of freedom. When voltage is applied between the fixed and movable blades, the electrostatic attraction generates a force attracting movable blades toward blades that are fixed relative to the moveable blades, causing a structure to rotate about the flexures. The angle of rotation that results may be related to the size, number and spacing of the blades, the stiffness of the flexures and the magnitude of the voltage difference applied to the blades. The blades are fabricated using deep silicon etching.

Abstract: A system and method of keypad entries on a numeric keypad as letters of a Latin alphabet. In one aspect, the method comprises the steps of receiving at least one key entry within a fixed time period, the key entry corresponding to a letter character and being an association of a projection of the letter character on the keypad; and translating said key entry to a text character. The method may include receiving at least a first key entry and a second key entry wherein said first key entry represents a first point in a character, and said second key represents a second point in the character, the first and second points being chosen to represent points on a projection of the character on the keypad.

Abstract: A conversion kit assembly for converting a sleeper truck cab with a modular sleeper/cab into a day cab includes a sleeper truck cab including a rear sill, two laterally spaced walls, and a roof, with each of the walls having a B-pillar assembly at a rearward end of the sleeper truck cab. The B-pillar assemblies are coupled together at their upper ends by the roof, and at their lower ends by a lower member such as a lower panel or a rear sill such that the rearward end of the sleeper truck cab is substantially square. The sleeper truck cab further has a plurality of attachment points at the rearward end for attaching the modular sleeper. A first plurality of fasteners, which connect the modular sleeper to the sleeper truck cab, are removed. The modular sleeper is removed from the sleeper truck cab thereby creating a rearward opening at rearward end of modular truck cab.

Abstract: A conversion kit assembly for converting a sleeper truck cab with a modular sleeper/cab into a day cab includes a sleeper truck cab including a rear sill, two laterally spaced walls, and a roof, with each of the walls having a B-pillar assembly at a rearward end of the sleeper truck cab. The B-pillar assemblies are coupled together at their upper ends by the roof, and at their lower ends by a lower member such as a lower panel or a rear sill such that the rearward end of the sleeper truck cab is substantially square. The sleeper truck cab further has a plurality of attachment points at the rearward end for attaching the modular sleeper. A first plurality of fasteners, which connect the modular sleeper to the sleeper truck cab, are removed. The modular sleeper is removed from the sleeper truck cab thereby creating a rearward opening at rearward end of modular truck cab.

Abstract: A presently-preferred interconnect device for electrically coupling a test instrument and a circuit board having a first portion of a ball grid array connector mounted thereon comprises a pin header and a second portion of the ball grid array. The second portion is mounted on the pin support member and comprises a plurality of electrically conductive contact members each being electrically coupled to a respective terminal pin of the pin header. The interconnect device further comprises a circuit substrate having a plurality of electrical connection points formed on a surface thereof and being adapted to be electrically coupled to the test instrument, and a socket receptacle mounted on the circuit substrate. The socket receptacle comprises a plurality of pin receptacles adapted to removably receive a respective one of the terminal pins and being electrically coupled to a respective electrical connection point.

Abstract: An interconnect for attaching a module such as a PCB or a multi-chip module to a circuit substrate comprises a member elongated in a longitudinal direction. The member has at least a first elongated side and a second opposed and generally parallel elongated side. The first and second sides extend in the longitudinal direction. Each of the first and second sides have at least one portion formed by a series of depressions in the respective first and second sides. The depressions extend inwardly from a first outer surface of the first side and a second outer surface of the second side. The depressions are metallized to form leads. A circuit assembly is also provided comprising a multi-chip module having a plurality of electronic elements; a circuit substrate supporting thereon a conductive circuit pattern adapted for connection to the multi-chip module and at least one the interconnects for attaching the multi-chip module to the circuit pattern on the circuit substrate.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a method of providing an executable program from an executable program provider to a customer for use in a controller of a three dimensional coordinate measurement system. The method includes receiving a request to create an executable program from a customer and obtaining information related to the executable program. The executable program is developed which guides an operator through a number of measurement steps to be performed with the three dimensional coordinate measuring system. The executable program is delivered to the customer over a network.