Abstract: A multi-mode rolling element clutch assembly including first and second race members and a plurality of rolling elements. The first race member defines a first race surface having a ratchet surface portion. The second race member defines a second race surface. The first second race surfaces define a raceway therebetween. A plurality of rolling elements are disposed in the raceway. The ratchet surface portion has a multi-mode ratchet mechanism for providing first and second ratchet configurations. When the multi-mode ratchet mechanism is in the first ratchet configuration, the rolling elements may provide rolling support between the first and second race members when the first race member moves in a first direction relative to the second race member, and one of the rolling elements may engage the first ratchet surface portion when the first race member moves in a second direction relative to the second race member, thereby providing load transmission capability.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a hose to a fluid handling device having a first bore defining a fluid path and a second bore. The connector comprises a connector housing and a retaining mechanism. The connector housing has a first bore, a second bore and a third bore. The first bore has an entrance and a terminal end. The second bore has an entrance and a terminal end. The third bore has an entrance. The terminal end of the first bore intersects the terminal end of the second bore. The entrance of the first bore communicates with the hose. The entrance of the second bore communicates with the fluid path within the first bore of the fluid handling system. The third bore of the connector housing is parallel to the second bore and the entrance of the third bore of the connector housing is located longitudinally between the entrance of the first bore and the entrance of the second bore. The retaining mechanism retains the connector housing to the fluid handling device.

Abstract: A differential touch sensor apparatus for detecting the presence of an object such as a human appendage, the apparatus having a first electrode, a second electrode positioned proximate to the first electrode, a differential circuit connected to the first and second electrodes, and a pulse or other signal source connected to provide electrical signals that generate an electric field between the first and second electrodes. Introduction of an object near the first electrode affects the electric field between the first and second electrodes, thereby affecting the voltage difference between them. A differential circuit provides an output signal responsive to the difference in voltage between the first and second electrodes. In an alternative embodiment, a strobe electrode is provided proximate to both said first and second electrodes and the pulses or other signals are provided to the strobe electrode to induce an electric field between the strobe electrode and each of the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: Non-planar propellers or windmill blade assemblys are proposed which have tips that are curved to point in the same direction as the axis of rotation of the propeller. This non-conventional design results in a stronger, stiffer, and more efficient propeller or windmill.

Abstract: The presence of interfering continuous-wave signals are automatically detected in the demodulated output of a quadrature amplitude modulation data communications receiver. The transmitter is re-tuned in order to avoid the detected interferer. Statistical information concerning the received signal is accumulated at a receiver and is analyzed to determine whether a reduction in the received bit-error-rate is due to the presence of an interferer. If an inteferer is determined to be present within the signal transmission bandwidth, then the potentially available transmission band is spectrum analyzed to find a new portion of that band in which the signal can be transmitted free of the interferer. The results of the statistical analysis and the spectral analysis are conveyed back to the transmitter which then readjusts the transmission parameters and forwards the new parameters to the receiver.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for processing voice data for secure transmission and secure receipt over a network, such as the Internet. The systems and methods include the processing of analog voice and digital information, including conversion of a voice signal into digital information (or of digital information into a voice signal) and transmission of digital information representing voice data over a network. The analog-to-digital conversion (and digital-to-analog conversion) includes coding and decoding digital information according to voice coding techniques and encrypting and decrypting digital information according to encryption techniques. The transmission of the digital information includes creation of a secure voice frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for adaptively predistorting a signal before it is transmitted by a transmitter in order to compensate for nonlinearities which are introduced. Statistical information regarding the received signal is accumulated at a receiver, and is preferably transmitted back to the transmitter for processing. The processing includes a constellation analysis to determine the distortion characteristics of the signal, which may include bias, gain imbalance, lock and quad angle errors, and nonlinear distortions including AM-AM and AM-PM conversion effects, with all of these phenomena occurring anywhere in the transmitter-channel-receiverchain. From analysis of the statistics of the distortions in the received signal constellation, adjustments are made in the transmitter and/or receiver parameters.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the computerized solution of the intersection of polygons where the product polygon and subtracting polygon are represented by vertices in a product polygon linked list and a subtracting polygon linked list, respectively. In one aspect, the vertices in the product polygon linked list and the vertices in the subtracting polygon linked list have a different orientation.