Abstract: A modular time piece including a time keeping mechanism, a time indicating casing and a band secured to the time indicating casing. The time keeping mechanism is easily engageable and disengageable to the time indicating casing to permit the time indicating casing and band to be selectively interchanged. The modular time piece farther includes a time setting stem and a retractable tab extending from the back of the time keeping mechanism. The retractable tab permits finger rotation of the time keeping mechanism relative to the time indicating casing during engagement and disengagement therebetween.

Abstract: Methods for operating a wireless communications system provided for reducing the use of the system by unauthorized users by establishing the geographical location of selected user, comparing this location with the known locations of authorized users and denying service to the selected user if the selected user's location does not correspond to the known location of authorized users. Seamless hand-over of a user between nodes of the communication system is effected by periodically recomputing a algorithm which determines a preferred node for communication with the user. When the algorithm indicates that another node is preferred, a call initiation handshake is established between the user and the preferred node, while still maintaining communication with the original node. Communication between the user and the first node is not interrupted until the user establishes a communication "lock" with the second node.

Abstract: A cellular communications system is provided have both satellite nodes and surface nodes for providing mobile cellular communications services for a plurality of mobile user units. The surface and satellite nodes are fully integrated by a network controller for providing service over large areas. In the alternative, each user unit includes link control means permitting the user unit to designate the mode of communications, either satellite node communications or ground node communications. In addition, multiple beam, relatively high gain antennas are disposed in the satellite nodes to establish satellite cells having enough gain in the satellite part of the system such that a user unit need only comprise a small, mobile handset with a non-directional antenna for communications with both ground nodes and satellite nodes.

Abstract: The present invention addresses problems of dealing with video formats in both 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios by providing an image display system having an aspect ratio between the 4:3 aspect ratio of the standard National Television System Committee (NTSC) and the soon to be implemented 16:9 aspect ratio of High Definition TV (HDTV). In a first embodiment, the apparatus utilizes a video screen having a substantially rectangular configuration having an aspect ratio being between 1.4:1 and 1.7:1. In a more preferred embodiment, the image display system includes a video screen having an aspect ratio being between 1.5:1 and 1.6:1. In an even more preferred embodiment, the video screen of the image display system optimally has an aspect ratio of (square root of 64/27):1.0.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube pacifier is provided. The endotracheal tube pacifier includes a nipple portion, bite portion and flange portion. A slot is formed longitudinally along the length of the nipple portion, bite portion and flange portion of the endotracheal tube pacifier. The slot is configured to detachably receive the sidewalls of an endotracheal tube even when an extremity of the endotracheal tube has already been received within a patient's mouth. The endotracheal tube pacifier is intended to reduce the physical anomalies associated with prolonged endotracheal tube intubation and to promote the natural sucking and swallowing reflexes of an infant undergoing endotracheal intubation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for performing satellite proximity operations such as inspection recovery and life extension of a target satellite through operation of a "Satellite Inspection Recovery and Extension" (SIRE) spacecraft which can be operated in the following modes (teleoperated, automatic, and autonomous). The SIRE concept further consists of those methods and techniques used to perform certain (on-orbit) operations including, but not limited to, the inspection, servicing, recovery, and lifetime extension of satellites, spacecraft, space systems, space platforms, and other vehicles and objects in space, collectively defined as "target satellites." The three basic types of SIRE proximity missions are defined as "Lifetime Extension", "Recovery", and "Utility." A remote cockpit system is provide to permit human control of the SIRE spacecraft during proximity operations.

Abstract: The life of a target satellite is modified, i.e., extended or terminated by docking an extension spacecraft with the target satellite to form a docked satellite-spacecraft combination. The extension spacecraft is docked with and mechanically connected to the target satellite and includes guidance, navigation, and control systems for performing the rendezvous and docking maneuvers and for controlling the position of the docked spacecraft-satellite combination. The extension spacecraft also includes an onboard propellant supply for accomplishing the rendezvous and docking of the spacecraft with the satellite and for controlling the position of the docked spacecraft-satellite combination. A remote cockpit system is provided to permit human control of the extension spacecraft during proximity operations.

Abstract: The present invention is a vehicular audio/cellular telephone system including a vehicular audio system and cellular telephone. In a first embodiment, the vehicular audio system including an AM/FM radio, cassette player, CD player, or combinations of these, integrates a detachable cellular telephone including a transceiver, rechargeable battery, and small non-directional antenna. When integrated into the vehicular audio system, the cellular telephone uses the vehicle's power source and external antenna.

Abstract: An ergonomic control apparatus is provided for producing signals in response to human feedback to control aircraft, land vehicles, computers, video games and the like. The ergonomic control apparatus includes a control stick interconnected to a slidable attachment means, pivotal attachment means and rotatable collar. The slidable attachment means includes first and second signal means for producing first and second signals in response to forward and rearward movement of the control stick from a neutral stick position. The pivotal attachment means includes third and fourth signal means for producing third and fourth sets of signals in response to forward and rearward inclination of the control stick. The rotatable collar may be manually rotated about the longitudinal axis of the control stick in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions from a neutral collar position.

Abstract: Obtaining an early indication of the quality of meat such as defective meat comprising the steps of taking a sample of muscle tissue, disrupting and incubating the sample in order to activate and progress the conversion of glycogen to lactic acid so that the conversion proceeds at a rapid rate by comparison to normal conversion rate in muscle tissue processed and stored normally in meat processing operations and providing an indication of the pH to determine if in range that indicates the meat is defective. A sampling tool (111) usable to sample a muscle tissue having a conical tool head (112) with a leading point (121) to aid insertion into an animal and rearwardly facing cutting edge (123) that takes a sample of tissue when the tool is being withdrawn. A sample removing means (127) having a front convex surface (128) able to force the sample out of a concave base (120) of the tool head (112).

Abstract: This invention relates to a device realizing 3-D picture. A device corresponding to the invention shuts a left or a right eye alternately according to horizontal or vertical synchronizing signal and maximally overlaps a closing delay time and an opening delay time, which are generated out of the shutting response characteristic of shutters, with vertical blank or horizontal blank. Therefore, the invention enhances the quality of 3-D picture by preventing a little loss in a frame of picture and by removing, in the sequential scanning mode, the flicking effect.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for ergonomically controlling video or computer functions or the like. A vertical control stick provides means for producing and transmitting signals to a computer. A first signal means is interconnected with the control stick such that movement of the stick forward from a neutral stick position causes a first set of signals to be transmitted to a computer. Similarly, a second signal means is interconnected with the stick such that movement of the control stick rearward from the neutral stick position causes a second set of signals to be transmitted to a computer. A rotatable collar is annularly disposed on the outer surface of the stick such that the collar may be manually rotated about the longitudinal axis of the stick in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions from a neutral collar position. Clockwise rotation of the collar away from the neutral collar position causes a third set of signals to be transmitted to a computer.

Abstract: A helicopter rotor seal for gas-driven helicopters wherein the rotor is rotatably driven by a compressed air jets at the tips of the rotors directed rearwardly with respect to rotor rotation. A non-rotatable mast extends vertically from the helicopter fuselage including a concentric bore for communication of compressed air therethrough. Positioned at the upper extremity of the mast, above the rotor blades, is a rotatable plenum for distributing compressed gas to the helicopter's respective rotor blades.

Abstract: An illuminated bougie in which the elongate bougie body is formed of flexible light-transmitting material. A socket for detachably attaching the light-transmitting end of a fiber optic bundle is formed in the proximal end of the bougie.

Abstract: In an integrated telescoping mast-payload assembly, the payload forms the top telescoping section.

Abstract: A cellular communications system is provided having both surface and satellite nodes which are fully integrated for providing service over large areas. Position means are included for determining the position of a selected user unit within the cells by providing a timing signal to the selected user unit from at least one node, providing a timing response signal from the selected user unit in response to each timing signal, receiving the timing response signal by at least one node, measuring the response time of the user unit to the timing signal based on receipt of the timing response signal, and determining the position of the user unit based on the round trip time of transmission of the timing signal and receipt of the timing response signal. Preferably, the invention provides position determination in a cellular communications system using code division multiple access (CDMA) employing forward error correction coding (FECC) and spread spectrum waveforms.

Abstract: A telescoping multi-sectional mast in which the upper sections are extended and retracted in a controlled predetermined sequence and in which each section, when fully extended, is automatically and positively locked to the next lower section.The improved locking system includes a lock projection-lock engagement pair, one of the pair being carried on the outer surface of each of the upper sections of the mast and the other of the pair being carried on the upper ends of each of the intermediate sections. A lock actuator stud is carried on the upper end of each of the intermediate and bottom sections. This pair cooperates to operatively lock together in response to disengagement with the actuator stud carried on the next lower mast section, to restrain relative vertical movement between an upper section which is fully extended from the next lower section. The pair unlocks in response to engagement with the actuator stud carried by the next lower section.

Abstract: A protective covering for a lesion comprises a frame for adhering to the skin of a patient and for surrounding a lesion. The frame has a central opening and a generally L-shaped cross section including a wall, and a base that surrounds the lesion and attaches to the patient's skin with an adhesive. One end of the wall extends perpendicularly from the base, extending around the central opening. The free end of the wall includes a peripheral recess wherein a rim of a cover is received. The cover aligns with the opening and the rim extends fully around the cover so that when the frame base is attached to the patient's skin surrounding a lesion, and the rim of the cover is sealingly received in the recess of the wall, a sealed space is provided enclosing the lesion to protect it from the water. The cover may be put on and taken off the frame many times while the adhesive connection between the frame and skin remains intact.

Abstract: The life of a target satellite is modified, i.e., extended or terminated by docking an extension spacecraft with the target satellite to form a docked satellite-spacecraft combination. The extension spacecraft is docked with and mechanically connected to the target satellite and includes guidance, navigation, and control systems for performing the rendezvous and docking maneuvers and for controlling the position of the docked spacecraft-satellite combination. The extension spacecraft also includes an onboard propellant supply for accomplishing the rendezvous and docking of the spacecraft with the satellite and for controlling the position of the docked spacecraft-satellite combination.

Abstract: A mobile communications system provides communications with mobile users in the interference zones of communications services having priority of use of the frequency band in which the mobile user operates. The frequency band has been previously allocated for use by the other services, such as fixed microwave service (FMS); however, by means of the invention, the mobile user is able to conduct communications operations on a subband or subbands in that frequency band. A position locating system determines the position of the mobile user and if the user is within an interference zone, the mobile user is assigned subbands for operation in the previously allocated frequency band that are outside the subbands of operation of the FMS. A memory accessible by the processor selecting the frequency band of operation of the mobile user includes descriptions of the transmit and receive interference zones of each FMS.