Abstract: A time reference system for generating a time reference from signals produced by a global navigation satellite constellation has a satellite signal receiver to receive and down-convert code-modulated signals from a plurality of satellites and a correlator to track and decode the down-converted signals to provide signals containing partial pseudo-range measurements for respective satellites. A data processing arrangement receives assistance data from an external source and performs data-bit synchronization in which bit edges of a low frequency data bit stream carried by the received satellite signals are identified, to perform a preliminary position-velocity-time solution to provide an approximate time reference, and to perform auto-correlation of pre-selected data sequences in the data stream to resolve time ambiguities thereby to compute a precise time reference signal in weak received signal conditions.

Abstract: A device has a radio transmitter for a first radio link such as a Bluetooth link, having a coexistence controller arranged to communicate with a co-located other radio transmitter for another radio link, to enable both radio links to use potentially conflicting transmission frequencies. A link monitor monitors the first radio link, according to an output from the coexistence controller. By making the link monitor dependent on the coexistence controller, it can distinguish between transmission losses caused by the coexistence interface, and those caused by other effects, to reduce the risk of a data rate controller unnecessarily reducing a transmission rate if transmission losses caused by the coexistence control are misinterpreted as a drop in link quality.

Abstract: A modulation circuit for use in a radiofrequency transmitter includes a local oscillator circuit configured to generate one or more local oscillator signals at a desired frequency and with a duty cycle at or about twenty-five percent, and a modulator configured to generate one or more modulated signals responsive to the one or more local oscillator signals and one or more baseband information signals. In at least one embodiment, the modulation circuit includes a modulator comprising a combined mixing and transconductance circuit that includes a transistor circuit for each baseband information signal serving as a modulation input to the modulator. Each transistor circuit comprises a first transistor driven by the baseband information signal and coupling a modulator output node to a corresponding transconductance element, and a second transistor driven by one of the one or more local oscillator signals and coupling the corresponding transconductance element to a signal ground node.

Abstract: A speaker is integrally formed with a multi-layered printed circuit board. The printed circuit board includes a flexible membrane layer with a conductive pattern thereon. Positive and negative elements are disposed on opposing sides of the flexible membrane. A drive circuit connects to the flexible membrane layer and applies current to the flexible membrane layer responsive to an audio signal to generate audible sounds.

Abstract: A connector assembly for accurately projecting fasteners for connecting two building members together while permitting limited relative motion between the members. The assembly includes a plate having one or more longitudinal slots. The plate is secured to or a part of one of the building members. The plate is connected to the other building member by fasteners projected through breakaway washers formed in the slots. The breakaway washers each have an opening for guiding the fastener and centering the fastener on the slot. Centering the fastener on the slot prevents inadvertent clamping of the plate and the other building member together so that limited relative motion is permitted.

Abstract: A method of determining the tension in an elongated rod is described. The method includes impacting the rod and measuring the vibration response of the rod. Further, the method entails generating a theoretical vibration response of the rod based in part at least on the structural properties of the rod. Thereafter, the method entails adjusting the theoretical vibration response to cause the theoretical vibration response to conform with at least a portion of the measured vibration response. Based on the adjusted theoretical vibration response, the tension of the rod is determined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and devices for determining the position of a user equipment in a mobile radio communications system. According to the invention, the position is determined via a distortion in a radio signal transmitted to or from the user equipment, wherein the distortion is caused by a scatterer being positioned at a particular location and having time-dependent scattering properties such that the scattering of a radio signal gives rise to a distortion by which said scattering properties may be identified.

Abstract: Active transmitter leakage cancellation techniques are disclosed, for reducing transmitter leakage in a frequency-duplexing radio transceiver. Reducing transmitter leakage to the receiver path of a duplex transceiver eases the linearity requirements for low-noise amplifier and mixer circuits, potentially reducing transceiver cost as well as complexity. In an exemplary method, a radio-frequency (RF) cancellation signal is generated from a transmitter signal, and the RF cancellation signal is combined with a received RF signal to obtain a combined RF signal comprising a residual transmitter leakage component. The residual transmitter leakage component of the combined RF signal is converted, using, e.g., a frequency mixer, to obtain a down-converted signal at baseband or at an intermediate frequency.

Abstract: A method of providing packet data service is based on selectively switching packet data traffic for a mobile station operating in a boundary region between two service areas from a shared packet data channel to a dedicated packet data channel, or vice versa. For example, a source base station can be configured to switch packet data traffic for a mobile station from a shared packet data channel to a dedicated packet data channel as it approaches a shared channel service boundary. Additionally, the source base station can be configured to change the packet data service to the mobile station from a dedicated packet data channel to a shared packet data channel, such as when the mobile station moves back into the source base station's service area.

Abstract: A linearly adjustable multi resistance ratio exercise apparatus provides at least two linearly adjustable flexible connector ends which can be pressed or pulled for functional and strength training exercises. The flexible connector ends may be interconnected with resistance wherein the pressing or pulling of one flexible connector end will provide the user a different ratio of resistance than the pressing or pulling of an alternate flexible connector end. The user can select a flexible connector end which will provide less resistance and will provide more flexible connector travel for functional training exercises. The user can select a flexible connector end which will provide more resistance and will provide less flexible connector travel for strength training exercises. Some flexible connector ends may share the same swivel pulley assembly. One handle assembly may be attached to multiple flexible connector ends to obtain additional ratios of resistance.

Abstract: A collapsible support frame has a front frame, a rear frame, and a locking mechanism connected to the front and rear frames. The locking mechanism has a lever and a base member. In the locked position, the lever and the base member engage to pull the front and rear frames towards each other. This places tension on the front and rear frames and holds the frame structure in an open or unfolded position for use. In the unlocked position, the lever and the base member separate from each other. This releases the tension placed on the front and rear frames and allows the frame structure to collapse or fold in on itself for storage.

Abstract: A composite wood-metal structural member comprises a web and a pair of flanges. The web is at least partially made of metal and the flanges are at least partially made of wood. The web includes a pair of metal panels and each panel includes a central section and a pair of end sections. The end sections wrap around a part of the flanges and are attached thereto.

Abstract: A method (400) for use in a cellular system with at least one controlling node (110), eNodeB, which controls user terminals, UEs (130), in a cell (120). According to the method, a UE can be in one of at least two different states (410), an idle state, a DRX state, and an “on duration” state. A UE (130) can receive at least a first (420) and a second (425) type of traffic from its eNodeB (110). If (415) the first type of traffic is received by a UE during an on duration period, the UE assumes the idle (DRX) state at the end of the on duration period, and if (430) the second type of traffic is received by the UE during an on duration period, the UE prolongs the current on duration period by a certain amount of time.

Abstract: Power control methods and apparatus taught herein advantageously provide quick convergence to the signal quality target needed to achieve a given data error rate target, when changes in transport format use by a given transport channel require such convergence. Specifically, the methods and apparatus maintain a “baseline” signal quality target that stays current with changing signal propagation conditions because it is common to all transport formats used by the transport channel. The methods and apparatus then bias this baseline signal quality target with a target offset particularized for the transport format in use. This offset may be selected from memory or dynamically calculated, and, regardless, can often be applied after a single transmission time interval.

Abstract: A gang-type lawn mower system comprises a main frame and a plurality of mower decks secured to the main frame. Mounted on the frame is a power source such as an internal combustion engine. A drive train is interconnected between the power source and each of the mower decks. Thus, each mower deck is driven by the single power source. Further, the frame structure includes a tongue that is adapted to be connected to a tractor. Therefore, in cutting grass, the frame structure is pulled over the ground and each of the mower decks, driven by the power source, cuts grass or other vegetation that passes under the mower deck. Additionally, each mower deck is pivotally connected to the frame structure about at least one pivot axis.

Abstract: A multi-planar annuloplasty ring for implantation adjacent to the tricuspid valve with a gap adjacent to the apex of the triangle of Koch. The anterior part of the ring body extending from the highest point at the anteroseptal commissure down to a lower plane at the anteroposterior commissure. During this course it is curved upwards. The posterior part of the ring body extends downward towards the lowest point at the posteroseptal commissure in a relatively straight course. The septal part of the ring body extending from the lowest point at the posteroseptal commissure upwards towards the highest point at the anteroseptal commissure. During this course it is curved upward.

Abstract: A method of path protection for a connection-oriented packet switched communications network is described using a protection hub in communication with a worker hub via a core protection path. Both the worker hub and the protection hub communicate with at least one provider edge device via a respective worker and protection paths. The method detects a failure in the communications network, indicates the failure to the at least one of the provider edge device, the worker hub, and the protection hub. The method then employs the core protection path if a failure occurs along a worker path is detected, or a worker path and a protection path in parallel if a failure occurs along the core protection path.

Abstract: A cellular radio communications network includes a core network coupled to a radio access network (RAN) that has multiple RAN nodes for communication with mobile radio terminals. Each of the multiple RAN nodes serves one or more cells. At least one cell associated with a first RAN node is in a restricted or reserved access state in which access to the one cell is restricted for at least some mobile radio terminals. The first RAN node sends a message to a second RAN node to inform the second RAN node of that restricted access cell. The fact that the restricted status of the one cell has changed is detected. A global message tha is not related to a specific mobile terminal is generated that includes information that the restricted status of the one cell has changed. The first RAN node sends the global message to the second RAN node to inform the second RAN node of the change in the restricted status of the one cell.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing group delay and/or amplitude errors applied to a transmission signal by one or more transmission filters is described herein. The present invention characterizes the errors introduced by one or more transmission filters relative to a desired frequency response, e.g., the group delay and/or amplitude errors relative to a flat group delay and flat amplitude, respectively. Based on the errors, the present invention pre-compensates the digital frequency domain samples used to generate the transmission signal. In so doing, the present invention reduces the errors in the filtered transmission signal without placing limits on the design of the transmission filters.

Abstract: The systematic and parity bits of a symbol are tightly coupled to each other based on the way in which the symbol is encoded. The relationship between the systematic and parity bits can be exploited to improve the accuracy of soft bit estimation for both the systematic bits and parity bits. In one embodiment, a received symbol is processed by demodulating the received symbol to determine an initial soft estimate of each systematic bit and corresponding one or more parity bits in the sequence. The systematic bit sequence is iteratively decoded to revise the soft estimate of the systematic bit. The initial soft estimate of the one or more parity bits associated with each systematic bit is revised based on the revised soft estimate of each systematic bit. The received symbol can be decoded or regenerated based on the revised soft estimate of each systematic bit and corresponding one or more parity bits.