Abstract: A system to monitor performance may include at least one probe to collect data related to performance of an associated domain. The system may also include at least one base station to receive data from associated ones of the at least one probe.

Abstract: An apparatus to evaluate an illuminated panel comprises a camera to acquire a real-time digital color image of the illuminated panel and a stored digital color image of a standard illuminated panel. A monitor is provided to alternately display the real-time image and the stored image to detect any differences in the illuminated panel.

Abstract: A power management system and method of operation is disclosed. The power management system may include a controller associated with each load or subsystem of a plurality of loads or subsystems to determine a lowest operational voltage based on an operating point of the associated load or subsystem. The power management system may further include a voltage link to supply a highest voltage of the lowest operational voltages.

Abstract: A system to manage energy may include a plurality of energy storage modules. Each energy storage module may include a power converter couplable to a link and a power converter controller to control operation of the power converter. Each energy storage module may also include at least one energy storage unit connected only to the power converter. The system may also include a power management controller to control power delivery from each of the plurality of energy storage modules to the link and to control power delivery to each of the plurality of energy storage modules.

Abstract: A printer cartridge and method of making or refurbishing a printer cartridge are disclosed. The printer cartridge may include a first cartridge subassembly attached to a second cartridge subassembly. The first cartridge subassembly may include a first conductive terminal and the second cartridge subassembly may include a second conductive terminal that is normally in electrical contact with the first conductive terminal when the first and second subassemblies are assembled. A compressible toner seal may be disposed between the first and second cartridge subassemblies. A compressible, electrically conductive extension may be attached to the first conductive terminal to compensate for variations in thickness of the compressible toner seal or relative movement of the first cartridge subassembly relative to the second cartridge subassembly when the first and second subassemblies are attached to one another to form the printer cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus to substantially minimize low-cycle fatigue of at least one electrical connection between a first component and a second component includes at least one thermoelectric device to thermally contact at least the first component and includes at least one sensor that is coupled to at least one of the first component or the second component. A controller is provided and coupled to the at least one thermoelectric device and to the at least one sensor. The controller controls operation of the thermoelectric device to substantially minimize low-cycle fatigue by transferring heat from at least the first component in response to signals from the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A printer cartridge and method of making or refurbishing a printer cartridge are disclosed. The printer cartridge may include a first cartridge subassembly attached to a second cartridge subassembly. The first cartridge subassembly may include a first conductive terminal and the second cartridge subassembly may include a second conductive terminal that is normally in electrical contact with the first conductive terminal when the first and second subassemblies are assembled. An external access may be provided to the first conductive terminal in the event the first conductive terminal is inaccessible after assembling the printer cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for over the air activation of a multiple mode/band radio telephone. The method includes the steps generating at least one message containing instructions and predetermined activation information for a first mode/band of operations and at least one second mode/band of operation; sending the at least one message over the air from a communication network to the handset to activate the handset for operation in the first mode/band of operation and in the at least one second mode/band of operation; and storing the activation information in at least one selected memory area. The present invention further includes a multiple mode/band radio telephone handset programmed to carry out the preceding process steps in conjunction with a communications system programmed for over the air activation.

Abstract: A device and method for receiving and reconstructing signals with improved perceived signal quality in a digital communications system is disclosed. The device and method utilize side information defining the quality or accuracy of recovered digital symbols representing an information signal and also utilizing past frame erasure information to determine whether to erase or use a frame to reconstruct the original information signal even though an error detection mechanism indicates that no error exists in the recovered digital symbols of the frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a battery-powered radio transceiver for transmitting and receiving digital signals and method of operation for reducing electrical power consumption and thereby improving battery life between recharges. The radio transceiver includes an operator interface and a transmitter, electrically connected to a microphone in the operator interface, to convert speech signals into digital radio frequency (RF) signals for transmission. A receiver is electrically connected to a speaker in the operator interface to receive digital RF signals and to convert the RF signals into audio signals from the speaker. A microprocessor electrically connected to the operator interface, the transmitter and the receiver controls the operation of these components in processing telephone calls. An electrical storage battery is electrically connected to the microprocessor to supply electrical power to the microprocessor, the operator interface, the transmitter and the receiver via the microprocessor.

Abstract: A method of mass producing printed circuit antennas is disclosed including the steps of providing a substrate of dielectric material having a first side and a second side, removing portions of the substrate to produce an array of interconnected segments of desired size, fabricating a main radiating element on the first side of each substrate segment, overmolding each substrate segment with a protective dielectric material, and separating each substrate segment from the dielectric substrate to form a plurality of individual printed circuit antennas. Preferably, each of the foregoing steps are able to be performed on each substrate segment substantially simultaneously. The method may also include the steps of freeing one end of the substrate segments, attaching an electrical connector to each substrate segment, and overmolding the electrical connector for each of the substrate segments prior to the separating step.

Abstract: A RF site link for communicating between a centralized switching system and a plurality of mobile communications RF base stations is disclosed. The RF site link includes a plurality of RF link devices connected to centralized switching equipment. The RF link devices transmit signals to and receive signals from the remote base stations over the same working channels that the base stations use to communicate with the mobile or portable radios within each of the base stations' areas of operation. A RF control link is provided to control the assignment of the working channels between the centralized switching equipment and each of the base stations within the system.

Abstract: A retractable key assembly comprising a key top and an externally extending pivot arm. The pivot arm allows arcuate movement of the key top about a pivot axis such that the key top can be used in an upper, active keying position or stored in a lower, inactive position. The use of a pivot arm enables a lower profile keyboard when the keyboard is in the retracted, inactive position. Displacement of the internal actuation assembly allows the keytop to actually rest on the keyboard base. A translatable base member is useful to raise or retract the key assembly. The disclosed key assembly provides an aesthetic appearance and improved keying accuracy, relative to conventional keyboard arrangements.

Abstract: An impact resistant switch mechanism is disclosed which includes a switch disposed within a housing of a device, such as a communication device or the like. The housing has an opening formed therein through which the switch may be operated from outside the housing. An extension of material extends from the housing about the housing opening, and a shaft extending through the extension of material and the housing opening is coupled at one end to the switch for operation thereof. A knob is attached to an opposite end of the shaft and is disposed over the housing extension. The knob is rotatable about the extension and will come into contact with the extension if a force is applied to the knob before transmission of the force into the switch, which could result in possible damage to the switch.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a composite material comprises the steps of furnishing a layer of a matrix material, forming a groove in the matrix-material layer using a laser to remove material from the layer of matrix material in the form of a groove, and placing a reinforcement into the groove. Preferably, the surface of the layer of matrix material is smoothed with a laser beam prior to formation of the groove. In most instances, more than one layer is desired, and the steps of furnishing, forming, and placing are repeated, using the same or different materials, to build up a multilayer composite material. Cylindrical, flat, or curved panel composite materials can be readily prepared, using metal, intermetallic, or ceramic materials for the matrix.

Abstract: A combustor liner segment includes a panel having four sidewalls forming a rectangular outer perimeter. A plurality of integral supporting lugs are disposed substantially perpendicularly to the panel and extend from respective ones of the four sidewalls. A plurality of integral bosses are disposed substantially perpendicularly to the panel and extend from respective ones of the four sidewalls, with the bosses being shorter than the lugs. In one embodiment, the lugs extend through supporting holes in an annular frame for mounting the liner segments thereto, with the bosses abutting the frame for maintaining a predetermined spacing therefrom.

Abstract: A light weight hand held ultrasonic scanner for ultrasonic flaw detection systems utilizes an omnidirectional rolling ball element which drive optical encoders for X-Y coordinate position location of flaws. The rolling ball element is mounted in a body for rolling contact with a surface to be inspected. An ultrasonic transducer is mounted at one end of a second hollow body attached to the first body. An ultrasound reflector is provided in the hollow body to reflect an ultrasound beam transversely out of the second body.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine combustor includes radially spaced outer and inner liners disposed coaxially about an engine longitudinal centerline axis with each liner having forward and aft ends. An annular dome is fixedly joined to the forward ends of the outer and inner liners. The outer liner has a substantially uniform thickness and is arcuate in a longitudinal plane from the forward to aft ends for providing buckling resistance of the outer liner.

Abstract: A reversing marine drive utilizing a gas generator prime mover provided with first and second counter-rotating power turbines. The first turbine is connectable by a differential gear set and a pinion and reduction gear assembly to the ship's shaft to drive the shaft and the screw thereon in the forward thrust direction. The second turbine is connectable by the differential gear set and the pinion and reduction gear assembly to the ship's shaft to drive it and the screw thereon in the reverse thrust direction. A brake assembly is provided in association with each of the first and second power turbines so that when one of the power turbines is driving the screw, the other power turbine is stopped. A master computer may be provided to control the reversing marine drive.