Abstract: A symbol synchronizer (100) is provided for a software-defined communications system (10). The symbol synchronizer (100), when integrated into either a pre- or post-detection diversity signal combiner (108, 208), enables highly accurate signal synchronization with minimal added system complexity. The symbol synchronizer (100) includes a single complex sliding window matched filter (102) for filtering an input digital signal with a match filtering function based on predetermined signal transfer function characteristics to average out receiver noise from the signal. A signal delay bank (84) includes a plurality of delay blocks each for delaying the digital signal filtered by the single matched filter for a predetermined number of samples. A complex correlator (88) correlates the digital signal filtered by the single complex sliding window matched filter (102) and delayed by the complex correlator (88) with a correlator reference signal, and selects an index of a path having a peak correlator value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel biodegradable block for models, which has excellent workability and machinability and has mechanical properties suitable for models, while surely ensuring its biodegradability. The block is made of a biodegradable plastic material comprising a biodegradable polymer as the base polymer. The biodegradable polymer is a mixture comprising an esterified starch having a degree of substitution (DS) of about 0.4 or more and an esterified cellulose having a DS of about 0.4 or more, in ratio by weight, the former/the latter, of being from 10/0 to 1/9. The plastic material may further contain any of ester plasticizer and organic or inorganic fillers to make the block have desired physical properties.

Abstract: A signal calibrator (14) for a software-defined communications device (10) that enables device communications signals to be transmitted in a manner that maximally decouples the calibrator (14) from the device hardware (40), and that simplifies the design and reduces the cost of the communications device (10). The calibrator (14) includes a software modulator (16) for generating a nonstop stream of samples including zero valued samples and non-zero valued waveform bursts, and a software demodulator (18) connected to the software modulator (16) via a closed loop feedback path (20) that receives a nonstop stream of samples. The non-zero valued samples create radio emissions. The software demodulator (18) is for determining a timing error of the transmission sample and for transmitting a timing error correction value to the software modulator (16) via the closed loop feedback path (20).

Abstract: An active signal suppression system utilizes multi-rate recombinant transmultiplexer (56) to suppress or cancel an undesired signal (46) from a wideband composite signal (40) to be applied to an analog to digital converter (20). The transmultiplexer (56) includes a first demultiplexer (88,90), multiplier (100), switch (120), and multiplexer (128,130). The demultiplexer and multiplexer each have a poly phase filter and Fast Fourier Transform pair which permit channelization and facilitate the generation of a cancellation signal (145) for suppression of the undesired signal. Signal cancellation circuit (60) receives the composite signal (40) at one input (70) and the cancellation signal (145) at another input (76). A minimum mean square estimation circuit (MMSE) (158) and a second demultiplexer (145, 146) are included in a feedback circuit to provide error correction.

Abstract: A watercraft of the jet propulsion type comprising a steering mechanism, a throttle control mechanism, a thrust mechanism, a throttle regulator and a controlled thrust steering system. The steering mechanism has a straight-ahead position. The steering mechanism is able to rotate in a clockwise direction from the straight-ahead position to a clockwise position and in a counter-clockwise direction from the straight-ahead position to a counter-clockwise position. The throttle control mechanism is biased toward an idle position. The thrust mechanism provides jet propulsion thrust for the watercraft. The throttle regulator regulates thrust provided by the thrust mechanism. The controlled thrust steering system causes the throttle regulator to increase thrust upon the steering mechanism rotating from the straight-ahead position to the clockwise position or the counter-clockwise position.

Abstract: A mechanical end face seal comprising two relatively rotatable seal rings, a resilient bellows for providing a secondary seal between one seal ring and either a housing or a rotating shaft and a finger spring element nested in the bellows. The resilient bellows comprises an elastomeric material, such as molded rubber, and has a single convolution having a general cross-sectional shape of an inverted “Omega.” The finger spring member comprises a plurality of generally “U” shaped spring fingers which provide the axial biasing force to urge the ring faces in sealing relation. In a preferred embodiment, the spring includes ferrules for providing radially inward force on a flange portion of each end of the bellows to maintain the secondary seal.

Abstract: A vented closure for a fluid container which will not freely pour includes a cap movable between open and closed positions relative to an annular base collar. The movable cap can be slidable to form a push-pull type closure, or can be rotatable to form a flip-type closure. In an open position, a primary liquid passageway extends through the closure to a dispensing opening. One or more air vents of small size are located in the base collar at positions spaced within a predetermined range of offsets from the dispensing opening. A divider is located to create a secondary liquid passageway to convey liquid directly into contact with the air vents which self-seal by surface tension of the liquid. The vent aperture can be protected by overlapping portions of the movable cap.

Abstract: A first optical fiber, a second optical fiber, and a prism are used to turn light through 180° in a small space. The prism can be a discrete microprism or a custom prism specially made using precision molding techniques or by specially machining a section of coreless optical fiber using precision machining techniques. A precision holder or substrate can be used to facilitate molding of a prism and/or assembly of the overall apparatus.

Abstract: A baffle assembly for an air control device that eliminates the accumulation of ice by utilizing the heat generated by solenoid coils during normal operation. The invention employs one or two solenoid coils attached to a fixed plate, or mounted in a frame that is attached to a fixed plate. An armature, located inside the solenoid coils, is connected to a movable plate, which rests on top of the fixed plate. Energizing a solenoid coil moves the armature, which moves the movable plate relative to the fixed plate. Apertures in the plates are provided to control air flow through the plates. The armature and one or both of the plates are constructed of thermoconductive material, resulting in the conduction of heat generated by the solenoid coils to the plates in order to melt any accumulated ice.

Abstract: A direct conversion receiver includes a differential mode mixer with first and second DC coupled amplifier chains, the first and second amplifier chains are connected to the mixer for amplifying differential signals. A common mode offset correction circuit is coupled to the first and second amplifier chains so as to feedback correction signals that cause common mode DC offsets in the first and second amplifier chains to be equal and opposite. A differential mode offset correction circuit is coupled to the first and second amplifier chains so as to feedback correction signals that cause differential mode DC offsets in the first and second amplifier chains to be equal. The only solution for the two correction circuits is zero DC offset.

Abstract: A hardware resource manager (18) dynamically allocates hardware resources in a software-defined communications system. The hardware resource manager (18) creates a specification of required hardware resources (300) necessary for executing a system application. The hardware resource manager (18) then creates a list of candidate hardware resources (306) from the plurality of available hardware resources in response to an application creating its own abstract resource specification (78) of required hardware resources. The hardware resource manager (18) then maps each required hardware resource on the specification of required hardware resources to a least functional and most available candidate hardware resource on the list of candidate hardware resources in a manner that maximally preserves most functional and least available candidate hardware resources on the list of candidate hardware resources (316-326).

Abstract: An apparatus and corresponding method for contouring a container bottom to form carton legs from a standard carton blank through the use of a seal plate and a mandrel pad. The carton legs provide improved free standing stability of the carton.

Abstract: A system of conditioning elements is described for supply of conditioned seal gas to the seal chamber of a rotary machine employing gas lubricated, non-contacting seals. It includes elements to remove particulate solid and liquid and volatile components from the gas and to heat the gas to a predetermined level. It also includes an element to amplify the pressure of the gas. The pressure amplifier is operative in response to a condition of the gas to be supplied to the seal chamber, to ensure that an adequate supply of seal gas is available. The system of conditioning elements may be assembled onto a single skid.

Abstract: A composite body of silicon carbide having binderless, allotropic carbon granules distributed throughout is produced. The nominal size of the binderless allotropic carbon granules can range from 5 to 500 micrometers. The concentration of the binderless allotropic carbon particles can vary from 1.0 to 35.0 weight percent. The process to produce such a composite body is to sinter silicon carbide with binderless, carbon-yielding precursor granules. The composite body is utilized in tribological applications. The dense, impervious silicon carbide-binderless carbon composite exhibits excellent physical and tribological characteristics when used as a mechanical face seal, a sliding bearing arrangement, or some other rubbing component.

Abstract: A touch switch apparatus for detecting the presence of an object such as a human appendage, the apparatus having a touch pad and a local control circuit connected to the touch pad and to a controlled device. The touch pad preferable includes a first electrode and a second electrode spaced from and surrounding the first electrode. The control circuit is preferably in integrated circuit form. A signal is provided to the touch pad to generate an electric field thereabout. Introduction of a stimulus near the touch pad disturbs the electric field. The control circuit detects the electric field disturbance in and generates a control signal in response.

Abstract: Detecting attempted intrusions in a telecommunications signaling network and assessing the vulnerability of the network to attempted intrusions. Intrusion rules are applied to received messages in the network in real-time, using a known protocol for the network, in order to detect anomalies tending to indicate an attempted intrusion. In order to assess the vulnerability of the network, vulnerability rules are applied to rankings of particular parameters relating to elements in the network. The rankings provide an indication of susceptibility of a network element to an attempted intrusion relative to other network elements.

Abstract: A transmitter (400) offsets the transmission time and frequency of a burst transmission such that uncertainties in reception time and reception frequency are reduced. The transmitter includes an ephemeris store (454) that includes ephemeris data for one or more possible intended receivers (130). Orbits of possible intended receivers are propagated, and an intended receiver is selected. Transmission time offsets are generated as a function of transmitter location and intended receiver location. Transmission frequency offsets are substantially equal to a Doppler frequency derived from the transmitter velocity and the intended receiver velocity. Guard times and guard bands are reduced in size, resulting in greater available communications bandwidth and simpler receiver designs.

Abstract: An apparatus for multiply bundling stacks of cut reams which is comprised of multiple band stock wrapping devices, placed side by side, a move away device for individualizing the rows of cut stacks towards the band stock wrapping devices, and an upstream feeder pusher device. All devices are located on an alignment table for receiving a ream of cuts to be individualized and wrapped with band stock, with each ream of cuts consisting of multiple rows and stacks of cuts, where the depths and number of rows in each ream of cuts is variable.

Abstract: A fitting assembly for fluid and vapor connection comprising a first tube, a second tube and a thin strip of polymeric material. A male member is formed at the end of the first tube. A hollow female body is formed at end of the second tube. The male member is received in the female body. The strip of polymeric material has a layer of adhesive applied to one surface of the strip. The strip is bonded to the male member and unbonded to the female body. The strip is compressed between the male member and the female body.

Abstract: A game material set is provided for playing a game of chance for monetary prizes and includes a plurality of individual playing cards each having one or more groups of game symbols printed thereon and selectively concealed under break-open windows. The game symbol groups provide a first level of game play whereby players with winning game symbol groups can receive instant prize awards. A master game card is provided which includes a sign-up area for players having contingent money-match bonus prize qualifier symbols printed on their individual play cards. A master card window selectively conceals a winning bonus prize symbol list comprising a subset of the contingent money-match bonus prize qualifier symbols. Opening the master game card window to expose the winning bonus prize symbol list identifies the players who receive prizes in the bonus level of play.