Abstract: A constrained-envelope digital-communications transmitter circuit (22) in which a binary data source (32) provides an input signal stream (34), a phase mapper (44) maps the input signal stream (34) into a quadrature phase-point signal stream (50) having a predetermined number of symbols per unit baud interval (64) and defining a phase point (54) in a phase-point constellation (46), a pulse-spreading filter (76) filters the phase-point signal stream (50) into a filtered signal stream (74), a constrained-envelope generator (106) generates a constrained-bandwidth error signal stream (108) from the filtered signal stream (74), a delay element (138) delays the filtered signal stream (74) into a delayed signal stream (140) synchronized with the constrained-bandwidth error signal stream (108), a complex summing circuit (110) sums the delayed signal stream (140) and the constrained-bandwidth error signal stream (108) into a constrained-envelope signal stream (112), and a substantially linear amplifier (146) amplifies

Abstract: A portable automatic misting device (20) uses a misting device assembly (38) to automatically disperses a mist (36). The misting assembly (38) includes a hollow cylinder (40) that forms a liquid reservoir (50) that is in fluid communication with a one-way valve (76) that permits liquid flow into the reservoir (50). The reservoir (50) has fluid communication with a misting nozzle (34) through a hollow plunger rod (28). A plunger (42), a spring (48) and a portion of the hollow plunger rod (28) are located inside the hollow cylinder (40). The spring (48) is biased to move the plunger (42) and the hollow plunger rod (28) to automatically shrink the liquid reservoir (50).

Abstract: A bias compensating remote audience survey system (34) is configured to identify radio stations (162) to which tuners (24) are tuned. The tuners (24) have predetermined signals (26) emitted therefrom. The survey system (34) employs a method (152) of compensating for a station bias, or preference, toward or against one or more of radio stations (162). The method (152) includes measuring durations (62) over which the predetermined signals (26) are received by the survey system (34). The durations (62) are then combined by averaging to form a station average detection length (ADL) value (74) specific to one of the radio stations (162). The station ADL value (74) is compared to a multi-station ADL parameter (86). A sensitivity level (146) for the one radio stations (162) is adjusted in response to the comparison to compensate for station bias.

Abstract: A device (20) for the retrieval of a ferromagnetic object (22) from a remote area is provided. The device (20) contains a retractable tape measure (24) and a magnetic gripping head (26). The tape measure (24) has a blade (30) with a first end (64), an opposing second end (66), a longitudinal axis (68) extending between the first and second ends (64, 66), and a zero hook (32) coupled to the first end (64). The gripping head (26) has a housing with a gripping opening (40) in a face (42) thereof and a coupling opening (62) in another face (70) thereof. The gripping head (26) also has a magnet (38) within the housing (34). The housing (34) and magnet (38) are configured so that a portion of the magnet (38) protrudes through the gripping opening (40) to effect magnetic engagement with the ferromagnetic object (22) during retrieval.

Abstract: A vibration isolation system (20) reduces vibrations produced by an operating electric motor (22). A motor retainer ring (24) fits into a motor retaining ring isolator (40) which is placed into a mounting surface opening (52) such that protrusions (48) contact a mounting surface (50). An upper motor cover (54) and a lower motor cover (60) are positioned to surround motor (22) while protruding ridges (62) space the interior surface away from motor (22). Fasteners (32) fit through retainer mounting holes (30) and attach to threaded holes (38) such that protrusions (58) of the upper motor cover (54) contact the mounting surface (50).

Abstract: A method (30) is provided for the detection and analysis of anomalies (32) in a road surface (36). An image (34) of the road surface (36) is obtained (82) wherein traffic control markings (76) are masked (88). The image (34) is filtered (90) and a pixel map (92) is produced (98). The pixel map (92) is partitioned (112) into a multiplicity of subimages (108). For each subimage (108), anomaly parameters are identified (120) and a status characteristic is determined (124) and assigned (136). A subimage map (138) is produced (142) depicting the subimages (108) and their status characteristics. A determination (156) is made as to which subimages (108) contain anomalies (32). Anomaly-containing subimages (108) are grouped (158) into anomalous objects (152). For each anomalous object (152), an object type (162) is determined (160) and assigned (164). An object map (154) is then produced (166) depicting the anomalous objects (152).

Abstract: A vibration isolation system (20) reduces vibrations produced by an operating electric motor (22). A motor retainer ring (24) fits into a motor retaining ring isolator (40) which is placed into a mounting surface opening (52) such that protrusions (48) contact a mounting surface (50). An upper motor cover (54) and a lower motor cover (60) are positioned to surround motor (22) while protruding ridges (62) space the interior surface away from motor (22). Fasteners (32) fit through retainer mounting holes (30) and attach to threaded holes (38) such that protrusions (58) of the upper motor cover (54) contact the mounting surface (50).

Abstract: A digital communication system (20) communicates using a polar amplitude phase shift keyed (P-APSK) phase point constellation (70, 70'). Pragmatic encoding and puncturing is accommodated. The pragmatic encoding uses the P-APSK constellation (70, 70') to simultaneously communicate both encoded and uncoded information bits. The P-APSK constellation (70, 70') has an even number of phase point rings (74, 76) and equal numbers of phase points (72) in pairs of the rings (74, 76). Encoded bits specify secondary modulation and uncoded bits specify primary modulation. The constellation (70, 70') is configured so that secondary modulation sub-constellations (78) include four phase points (72) arranged so that two of the four phase points (72) exhibit two phase angles at one magnitude and the other two of the four phase points exhibit phase angles that are at another magnitude. The difference between the phase angles at different magnitudes within a secondary sub-constellation (78) is constant.

Abstract: A system (10) controls the dispensing of valuable commodities, such as beers. The system (10) includes a controller (36), sensors (26, 34), and solenoid-activated valves (24). The dispensing of a commodity begins when an operator identifies himself or herself to the controller (36) after selecting a commodity and quantity. A record of this transaction is recorded in a memory (40) of the controller (36). The controller (36) continues dispensing the selected commodity, determines when the selected quantity has been dispensed, then automatically ceases dispensing the commodity. Reports (178) are generated summarizing dispensing transactions. A variety of operational parameters may be established by a manager. Parameters relevant to the preservation and flow of the commodity, such as temperature and pressure, are monitored, and warnings annunciated (164, 170) if out-of-range conditions are detected.

Abstract: A communication system (11) uses concatenated coding in which an inner code is configured to match the needs of an outer code. The inner code is implemented through a pragmatic trellis coded modulation encoder (18) and decoder (34). A parser (50) of the encoder (18) distributes fewer than one user information bit per unit interval (66) to a convolutional encoder (58) which generates at least two convolutionally encoded bits for each user information bit it processes. Exactly one of the convolutionally encoded bits is phase mapped (56) with at least two user information bits during each unit interval (66). The decoder (34) detects a frame sync pattern (48) inserted into the user information bits to resolve phase ambiguities. Phase estimates are convolutionally decoded (100) to provide decoded data estimates that are then used to selectively rotate the phase estimates prior to routing the phase estimates to a slice detector (118).

Abstract: A seating apparatus having a base, front and rear upright support members, and two horizontal transverse support members. The transverse members comprise the seating means. Extending from the rear upright support members are two horizontal supports holding two rear upright support members. Leg support members are rotatably mounted to the transverse support members. Coupled by ratchet devices to the rear of the seating means is a seat back. The seat back is composed of two main seat back members separated by horizontal seat back members. The ratchet allows the seat back to be 90 degrees from the seating means or to rearwardly pivot to parallel with said seating means. Legs formed at the top back of the seat back support the seat back against the ground when the seat back is fully reclined. Arm support members are pivotally coupled to the sides of seat back. Also disclosed are two pneumatic devices. The first pneumatically advances a horizontal armature. The second pneumatically advances a vertical armature.

Abstract: A base member and a fascia are assembled to form a hollow door section which is filled with insulative material. Adjacent sections are coupled along respective longitudinal edges for angular and spatial displacement. The base member is extended from a selected plastic with male and female coupling components extending continuously along respective longitudinal edges. A plurality of mounting members projecting from the lateral edges of the sections matingly and slidably engage the semi-cylindrical guide surface of a tract for reciprocal vertical movement of the door. The door may be partially raised for spatial displacement of the sections whereby flow-through ventilation openings are exposed. In a specific embodiment, a flexible drive screw is rotatably carried within the track for powered operation of the door. In alternate embodiments a generally tubular door track is either grasped by a door guide apparatus having a clip, or the guide is slit and a rounded guide rides within the track.

Abstract: A selectable demodulator (32) operates in the phase domain to implement a coherent demodulation path (40) and a differentially coherent demodulation path (42). The coherent path (40) includes a differential encoder circuit (46) to produce coherently demodulated differential data. Magnitude converters (62, 62') convert phase errors in each path into magnitude values. A comparison circuit (66) compares magnitude values from the two paths (40, 42) and selects the path encountering the least phase error. A selection circuit (60) provides data codes demodulated in accordance with the selection.

Abstract: A sun gear/planetary housing apparatus for use in a vehicle transfer case assembly is provided. The apparatus includes a planetary housing assembly having a body, a gear cavity formed within the body, a gear supporting ridge located within the gear cavity, a plurality of notches located on the gear supporting ridge, and a washer accepting groove located on the gear supporting ridge; a washer having a plurality of oil carrying channels and a plurality of tabs configured to engage with the notches; and a sun gear assembly having a gear end and a bearing surface located on the gear end. A method of assembling a sun gear/planetary housing apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A radiotelephone (10) simulates the call origination process performed by land-line telephones. Dial tone is generated (78) in response to an off-hook condition and removed when a first digit (54) is dialed. A timer process (84, 110) and a number analysis process (100) simultaneously evaluate dialed digits to detect the completion of dialing. The number analysis process (100) identifies seven, ten, and eleven digit, and indeterminate length phone number formats (64, 66, 52, 68). The ten digit format is recognized in response to remotely programmed (42) connected NPA codes. For most calls, the number analysis process (100) instantly detects a phone number's final digit (62). In a few cases the timer process (84, 110) detects the final digit through the absence of dialing activity for a predetermined duration. When the final digit (62) is detected, an origination message is transmitted to a cellular network.

Abstract: A battery pack is provided for use in applications where lightweight and flexibility are desired, such as for powering an illuminated clothing article. A battery pack is provided consisting of a first and second fabrics, each having conductive traces applied upon its inside. The fabrics are sealed together forming a battery pouch area to hold and electrically connect a battery that is placed within it. Because the pack is made of fabric, and requires no connecting wires or hard case, excess weight and bulk is eliminated, resulting in a comfortable clothing article within a natural drape.