Abstract: A dispatch system (10) uses satellites (40) to broadcast simultaneously to an individual remote unit (30), to a select group of remote units (30) or to all the remote units (30). The dispatch system (10) may assign a remote unit (30) to a unique channel if there are enough available channels, or may assign the remote units (30) to a shared channel when the number of available channels is limited. The remote units (30) are given a unique control code or a shared control code. Based on the channel and the control code, the remote unit (30) will be able to listen to the broadcast or ignore it.

Abstract: A distributed bandwidth metering system (200) uses trusted elements throughout the system to collect and process usage data. The trusted elements in the distributed bandwidth metering system include subscriber units (210), at least one network controller (230), and at least one billing center (250). When subscriber unit (210) requests and obtains bandwidth from the system, subscriber unit (210) monitors its own usage and sends usage data to a network controller (230) in a predetermined manner. Network controller (230) assembles the data for a particular session and sends the data to a billing center. The billing center generates the billing and invoicing data using the session data.

Abstract: A conflict resolution center (130 FIG. 1) is used to manage and resolve resource allocation conflicts in communications system (100) including a number of semi-autonomous communications nodes (SACNs). SACN (110) operates semi-autonomously because SACNs cannot independently allocate and de-allocate resources but rather operate within the confines of at least one local neighborhood. SACNs (110) allocate and de-allocate resources locally based on local neighborhood information. A conflict occurs when at least two SACNs try to allocate the same resource. Conflict resolution center (130) resolves conflicts using a number of different procedures. When a conflict can be resolved, conflict resolution center (130) provides resource reallocation data to at least one SACN (110). When a conflict cannot be resolved, conflict resolution center (130) notifies a system administrator.

Abstract: Waveguide phase shifter (200, FIG. 2 and 300, FIG. 3) uses piezoelectric ceramics to implement a voltage variable actuator (270, 370) for moving at least one dielectric vane (255, 355) relative to a reference surface (206, 306) in a waveguide cavity (285, 385). In this manner, the phase shift in waveguide phase shifters (200, 300) is controlled. In one embodiment, actuator (270) comprises first piezoelectric wafer (210), second piezoelectric wafer (220), first metallic layer (230), second metallic layer (240), third metallic layer (250), mating surface (272) and spacer (265). Actuator (270) uses a stack of piezoelectric materials to establish a lever arm mechanism to establish vertical movement (294) and move dielectric vane (255). Actuator (370) uses a stack of piezoelectric materials to establish vertical movement (394) and move dielectric vane (355). Waveguide phase shifters (200, 300) are used in phased array antenna (400) operating at microwave frequencies.

Abstract: A partial discharge method for operating a field emission display (100) having an anode (125), a spacer (106), and a plurality of electron emitters (116) includes the steps of causing electron emitters (116) to emit electrons (130), applying a scanning mode anode voltage to the anode (125), where the scanning mode anode voltage is selected to cause electrons (130) to be attracted toward anode (125), and, thereafter, applying a partial discharge voltage to anode (125). The partial discharge voltage is equal to about a maximum discharge voltage, where the maximum discharge voltage is defined as the maximum voltage that can be applied to anode (125) during the discharge mode of operation while maintaining invisibility of spacer (106).

Abstract: Mutual coupling between radiative elements (210, FIG. 2) in a phased array antenna (110, FIG. 1) is employed to extend the effective aperture dimension of a radiative element. Mutual coupling is used to force selected modal resonances to occur in the radiative elements (210). The forced modal resonances create zeroes of transmission which are employed to improve the roll-off characteristics of the radiative element's radiation pattern.

Abstract: A field emission display (100) includes a cathode plate (110) having a plurality of electron emitters (119), an anode plate (120) having a plurality of phosphors (126), and a spacer (130) having a rough surface (140). The roughness of rough surface (140) is selected to improve the charging and discharging characteristics of field emission display (100). Preferably, rough surface (140) is characterized by a peak-to-valley number within a range of 0.5-6 micrometers.

Abstract: A system for encrypting and verifying a data packet includes an encryptor (20), a decryptor (30), an error detector (40), and switch (65). A data packet with embedded error detection codes is encrypted by the encryptor (20), decrypted by the decryptor (30), and then the error detector (40) examines the embedded error detection codes to determine if the data packet has had errors introduced during the encryption/decryption process. When errors are detected, the switch (65) is opened to keep erroneous data from being transmitted.

Abstract: A system for increasing call-handling capacity employs a multi-tier satellite network which includes one or more geosynchronous (GEO) satellites (12) and non-geosynchronous satellites (14). The GEO satellites (12) transfer non delay-sensitive data through the system, while the non-geosynchronous satellites (14) predominantly transfer delay-sensitive data through the system. In a preferred embodiment, a non-geosynchronous satellite (14) receives (102) a data packet, determines (112) whether or not the data packet is delay-sensitive, routes (114) a delay-sensitive data packet through the LEO network, and routes (116) a non delay-sensitive data packet to a GEO satellite (12).

Abstract: A zero-drift constellation (200 FIG. 2) is used to simplify the tracking and hand-off requirements of terrestrial-based user terminals (110 FIG. 1). Each satellite (120 FIG. 1) traces out a common ground track which has a number of southbound segments and an equal number of adjacent northbound segments. This allows user terminals (110) to employ antennas with only one degree of freedom to track satellites (120) in zero-drift constellation (200). User terminals (110) perform hand-offs with satellites (120) that are within a limited field of view with respect to user terminal (110). User terminal (110) tracks a first satellite until a crossover point is reached and then performs a hand-off to a second satellite traveling in the opposite direction along an adjacent segment. User terminal (110) tracks the second satellite until another crossover point is reached and then performs a hand-off to a third satellite traveling in the same direction as the first satellite along an adjacent segment.

Abstract: An improved method and system for training and classifying using a low complexity and high accuracy multiresolutional polynomial classifier (412) is presented. A method of training an multiresolutional polynomial classifier which reduces the complexity of existing classifiers allows models representing subgroups of classes to easily be created. The models which represent subgroups of classes are applied to an unidentified input to produce a coarse classification of the unidentified input using a low order classifier. Once a coarse classification of the unidentified input is performed, a more detailed classification is performed using another low complexity classifier.

Abstract: A message processing center (140) is used in a global message delivery system. Message processing center (140) uses at least one GEO satellite (130) and at least one Non-GEO satellite (120) to delivers messages (pages) to a number of ground stations (110) located at various locations on the surface of the earth. Message processing center (140) determines loading for at least one GEO satellite (130) and at least one Non-GEO satellite (120). Message processing center (140) determines available capacity for at least one GEO satellite (130) and at least one Non-GEO satellite (120). Message processing center (140) uses a number of criteria to optimize the delivery of the message data.

Abstract: Variable delay module (100) includes a clock generator (110), input A/D converter (120), buffering circuit (190), and output D/A converter (160). Clock generator (110) varies the output sampling rate of output D/A converter (160) relative to the input sampling rate of input A/D converter (120). Variable delay module (100) also uses a linear digital delay buffering circuit (190) to create a continuous delay of an analog signal through the module. Separate clocks (112, 114) are used to control the input and output stages of variable delay module (100). The second clock is asynchronous and continuously varying relative to the first clock. The second clock is generated using the coherent difference between the first clock and an autonomously generated reference phase (time) delay.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing global message monitoring in a paging system includes a message origination and delivery device (MODD) (20). The MODD (20) includes a data structure (100) which identifies certain users as message monitoring users. Message monitoring users receive monitored page messages (300), which are duplicates of pages sent to users being monitored. The MODD (20) sends pages to a pager in the possession of the message monitoring user.

Abstract: A transmitting unit (10) transmits a video digital signal. The transmitting unit (10) is the delivery system associated with a source that can provide digital video signals, including but not necessarily limited to a satellite television system, a local television station or a cable television provider. A receiving unit (100) receives the broadcasted signal and demultiplexes the signal into a multicasting segment (52) and a baseline video bitstream (54). A portion of the multicasting segment (52) is stored in memory until such time that it is displayed on a television monitor (110). The baseline video bitstream (54) usually comprises a television show which is displayed on the television monitor (110) unless the multicasting segment (52) (e.g., commercial) is being displayed.

Abstract: A satellite (110 FIG. 1) is used to make channel allocations for SUs (120) in communications system (100). Satellite (110) operate within the confines of at least one subset of satellites. Satellites (110) allocate channels using a maximum cost list that is based on a cost function methodology. A list of potentially interfering antennas is determined using a cost function analysis. A list of active channels on each one the potentially interfering antennas is also established. Another list that includes a set of potentially interfering channels for each active channel is established. Cost functions are computed for each pair of active channels and its potentially interfering channels. These cost functions establish interference potentials for the available channels in the maximum cost list (400). Channels are allocated using the maximum cost list and interference potential thresholds. Cost functions are based on spatial isolation, spectral isolation, and temporal isolation.

Abstract: Private Secondary Service Paths (PSSPs) between compatible or non-compatible communication terminals (110, 120) are established using terrestrial stations (130) within a satellite communication system (100). Each PSSP provides to its users the ability to establish communication paths between compatible or non-compatible terminals. A PSSP is established using terrestrial stations (130) which establish and maintain terrestrial-based links (115, 125) and satellite communication links (135). Terrestrial stations also perform frequency translating and data reformatting to allow non-compatible terminals to communicate with each other. All data can be sent between terminals over satellites (140), or user data can be sent via terrestrial connections (150) while overhead data is sent via satellites (140).

Abstract: A high speed packet switch (100) is provided which uses a fabric size of 128.times.128 and operates at a 2.5 Gbps rate. Parallel data transport techniques are used to obtain the 2.5 Gbps data rate while operating internal switches (160) at slower rates. The packet switch fabric is fabricated on a single ASIC using high speed CMOS.

Abstract: A system for encapsulating ATM cells into larger data packets to be transmitted through a broadband communications system includes an ATM cell receiver (410), a data packet formatter (430), a buffer (434), and a data packet formatter controller (438). The ATM cell receiver (410) receives ATM cells and sends them to the buffer (434) which is included within the data packet formatter (430). Data packet formatter controller (438) controls the insertion of ATM cells into the buffer (434), and also optionally compresses the ATM cells to increase the apparent bandwidth of the system.

Abstract: Protective shield tent (100, 300, 400) provides a portable and repeatable method for protecting assemblies during various stages of a manufacturing process. Protective shield tent (100, 300, 400) is light weight and can be deployed manually. Protective shield tent (100, 300, 400) is simple to use and shortens the time required for a manufacturing process. The invention provides a simple, accurate, low-cost, and repeatable method for using a portable EMI shielding apparatus for protecting a component or large subassembly during various stages of a manufacturing process. A portable collapsible frame is provided along with a removable protective covering which is mounted over the collapsible frame to create an EMI shield around the component or subassembly. Protective shield tent (100, 300, 400) can easily be moved from one location to another facilitating re-use.