Abstract: A phased array antenna system in accordance with the present invention is configured to transfer signal energy between an antenna array and a source/target via multiple subbeams respectively carried in different frequency channels. Each antenna array element can thus receive a composite signal which can be band pass filtered to separate the different frequency channel signal components. By separating the signal components, a different phase taper can be applied to each signal component thereby enabling coherent signal energy to be derived from each antenna element. The derived signal energy can then be combined to produce an antenna input/output signal.

Abstract: An altimeter (24) of the aneroid type having a correctable digitizer 26 is shown. When the pilot sets the altimeter to the local barometric pressure, the correctable digitizer is also set to the local barometric pressure. An input device (58) connected between the barometric pressure correction control (66) and the digitizer (62) generates a barometric pressure correction signal (67) which is routed to digitizer (62). Barometric pressure correction signal (67) modifies the aircraft altitude output value of digitizer (62) to a corrected aircraft altitude output value (68) which is routed to one or more external navigation systems (70).

Abstract: An automatic pool cleaning system employing a unitary body configured to move through a pool to collect debris from adjacent to the pool containment wall surface and/or the pool water surface and more particularly to such systems which utilize electric power for propulsion and/or cleaning in combination with water suction power for cleaning and/or propulsion and/or electric generation.

Abstract: A conduit assembly including a flexible elongate conduit for delivering operating power to a pool cleaner body which assembly includes multiple substantially rigid elongate buoyancy (positive or negative) members attached to the conduit for situating the conduit at a level between the pool water surface and floor surface to avoid obstructing the cleaner's movement along its travel path, whether at the water surface or at the floor surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the preparation of in-situ formation of a series of glass-ceramic composites by the Self-propagating High temperature Synthesis (SHS) technique with advantages of processing simplicity as well as the potential of cost savings. The materials produced by the technique contain crystalline TiB2 phase and have either a pure glassy matrix or a glass matrix with partial devitrification based on the Al2O3—CaO system. The materials can potentially be used for infrared light transmission and for other high temperature applications. These materials can also be produced with relatively high porosity.

Abstract: A release binding is shown for releasably attaching a ski boot to a telemark or cross-country ski having a load spool with a circumferential groove and a substantially elliptical holding portion attached perpendicular to the bottom of a toe plate. A release plate having a load spring with two sides is attached to the ski. To assemble the boot on the ski, a lever is moved to an unlocked position placing the minor axis of the ellipse of the load spool perpendicular to the two sides of the spring. After the boot is assembled to the ski, the lever is moved to a locked position which moves the major axis of the ellipse of the spool until it is perpendicular to the sides of the spring.

Abstract: An electric inside corner planer (20) with a cylindrical cutter assembly (30) has a housing (21) and front shoe (22) constructed with a side angled along a line (46) determined by the front outside of the cutter (30) and the front outside of the bearing (41) holding the cutter. The angled side of the planer puts the cutter assembly as close as possible to the interfering structure in the corner. Right angled (20), left angled (70), and combined right and left angled (120) planer embodiments are shown.

Abstract: A system which allows multiple senders to asynchronously transmit identification codes via a common communication channel (e.g., RF) to enable a central monitor to identify the presence (or absence) of each sender within the monitor's detection zone. Each sender is configured to repeatedly transmit a uniquely encoded identification frame. A frame, in accordance with the invention, is comprised of pulses spaced to minimize pulse collisions and configured to tolerate occasional collisions without impairing the monitor's ability to separately identify each transmitting sender. Each sender is configured to repeatedly transmit a unique identification frame characterized by a pulse pattern comprised of active intervals spaced by inactive (or “quiet”) intervals. The inactive intervals have variable length durations which are preferably pseudorandomly selected so that each sender defines a unique sequence of inactive interval durations.

Abstract: A holder for attaching articles to the belt of a user includes at least one aperture though which the belt is threaded. The belt goes between the front side of the holder and the back side of a pants belt loop. An article strap which is connected to an article such as a tool is then threaded in front of the top of the holder, behind the belt, and again in front of the bottom of holder. In this fashion, the pants belt loop and the article strap serve to retain the holder in place with respect to the pants belt loop.

Abstract: The invention includes a brazed ceramic ring that separates the positive and negative ends of the battery while still providing a leak-tight seal. The ceramic is aluminum oxide or zirconium oxide or zirconium oxide with 3% yttrium. The invention includes a brazing material that is greater than 50% gold. The invention includes a titanium alloy case (Ti-6Al-4V) which is titanium with 6% aluminum and 4% vanadium as its major alloying elements. The case has the desirable properties of titanium such as high strength for a relatively low weight; and the case has the requisite ability and electro-activity to be used as a positive current carrying element where the battery's positive electrode exhibits more than 3.5 V vs. Li/Li+.

Abstract: A lithium ion battery configured to yield a high energy density output by minimizing head space, i.e., wasted interior volume, within the battery case and/or by reducing electrical energy losses internal to the battery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for digitally driving an addressable pixel display by modulating each pixel e.g., on or off, in short time pulses. A preferred embodiment responds to N-bit pixel words derived from a source digital file at a rate F1 for producing M-bit data streams at a rate F2 where N>M and F1<F2. Each data stream is preferably produced by an oversampling data modulator employing a delta-sigma implementation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for containing heat generated by a battery to reduce the amplitude of a temperature excursion to enhance safety in temperature critical applications, such as in implantable medical devices. The apparatus employs a heat absorber closely thermally coupled to the battery. The heat absorber includes heat absorbing material preferably exhibiting an endothermic phase change at a temperature T1 below that produced by the battery.