Abstract: Optical heat-generating apparatus and methods that rapidly, controllably deliver energy (heat) to heat shrink tubing disposed over wires or other components and that may be used to fuse insulated wires together, and solder and unsolder packaged IC chips. In general, the apparatus comprises a housing having one or more reflective cavities that each comprise a linear elliptical reflective surface having first and second focal lines, and into which the heatable component is inserted and disposed along the first focal line. One or more optical heat-generating elements are disposed along the second focal line of each respective linear elliptical reflective surface that emit energy that is focused by the one or more linear elliptical reflective surfaces onto the heatable component disposed along the first focal line. A number of different embodiments of the apparatus have been developed. Lengths of heat shrink tubing may be readily shrunk using various embodiments of the present invention in less than one second.

Abstract: A cache system and caching methods that are used to improve data delivery service provided by a data distribution system. The present invention uses a master cache in which predictive harvesting of content is performed based upon probability distributions of individual caches satisfying requests from users. Content in the master cache is distributed to user sites by way of the data distribution system, and local caches at user sites are automatically loaded with incoming content.

Abstract: A shaped reflector antenna system for use on a communication satellite that comprises a plurality of shaped reflector antenna configurations. In an exemplary system, a first one of the antenna configurations is a diverged shaped reflector antenna and a second one of the antenna configurations is a converged shaped reflector antenna. Each of the shaped reflector antennas comprise a main reflector, a subreflector, and a feed horn. The feed horn illuminates the subreflector with RF energy in the shape of a feed cone that is reflected to the main reflector. The direction of RF energy propagation emitted by each of the shaped reflector antennas is in a direction that is different from a direction defined by a vector between a predetermined vertex and focal point associated with the respective shaped reflector antenna.

Abstract: Systems and methods that improve data transmission over a wavelength division multiplexed optical link. First and second wavelength division multiplexed modulators modulate data for transmission onto a microwave carrier signal to produce first and second carrier signals having a first carrier frequency. A downconverter downconverts the first carrier signal to a lower carrier frequency. A combiner combines the downconverted and second carrier signals to provide a composite microwave signal. A wavelength division multiplexed transmitter transmits the composite microwave signal on a wavelength division multiplexed channel over an optical fiber. A wavelength division multiplexed receiver reproduces the composite microwave signal transmitted over the optical fiber. A splitter and filters separate out the downconverted and second carrier signals from the composite microwave signal. An upconverter upconverts the downconverted carrier signal from the lower carrier frequency to the first carrier frequency.

Abstract: Dynamic resource management systems that improve communication over a satellite communication link. The system comprises one or more personal computers coupled by way of a network to a local area network edge device. The local area network edge device communicates by way of a non-processing satellite with a gateway that interfaces to an internet service provider or corporate network. The non-processing satellite implements a bent pipe communications link between the local area network edge device and the gateway. The non-processing (bent pipe) satellite provides a fixed connectivity to an aggregation point on the ground (the gateway). The networking protocol supported by the local area network edge device is an Internet protocol (IP), such as 802.3 Ethernet, universal system bus (USB), or 802.11 Ethernet protocols, for example. Signaling in the system is based on non-asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) protocols.

Abstract: A system and method that introduces intentional errors into a compression scheme for images. The intentionally introduced errors along with error correction processing enable improved low entropy encoding of the images. The errors transmitted over a communication channel are reduced by adding an error correction code to the transmitted data. In an exemplary system and method, an image is blocked to create a plurality of pixel blocks. The blocked image is transform coded and quantized to quantize transform coefficients. The image is low entropy coded. The image is error correction coded to improve communication through a communication channel that introduces errors. The entropy coded coefficients are truncated to introduce intentional errors into the image that is communicated over a communication channel. Upon reception, blocks of the received image are expanded to produce entropy coded coefficients, which are error correction decoded.

Abstract: Array fed multiple beam antenna systems and methods for use on an orbiting spacecraft carrying a communication system. The antenna systems include a reflector and a relatively small array feed compared to the reflector. The array feed has feeds (radiators) that illuminate the reflector and that are disposed in a focal plane of the reflector. A power division network excites the radiators of the feeds. The antenna system is capable of very wide scan angle operation and may be used to provide multiple spot beam coverage over the surface of the Earth viewed from a synchronous orbit spacecraft. Phase aberration normally associated with scanning is corrected by adjusting excitation coefficients of each array feed. The spot beams are scanned across a field of regard by controlling the position of each feed in the focal plane and using the appropriate amplitude and phase distribution associated with a particular spot beam (array feed). The amplitude and phase distributions may be fixed or varied during operation.

Abstract: A number of eye shades having a headband coupled to a transparent visor are disclosed. The visor extends downward from the headband so that it is positioned in front of a wearer's eyes when worn. The visor may have a resilient protective nosepiece attached thereto. The headband may be made of a flexible material that wraps around a top edge of the visor and is affixed thereto, such as by sewing or adhesive. The eye shade may be foldable including a foldable headband and vented end members that are attached to and fold behind the visor. The headband and visor may be attached to an interior surface of a hat to provide an item of headgear.

Abstract: Communication architectures and methods that implement random phase shift keying. A transmitter and a receiver are coupled by way of a communications channel. The transmitter uses a data source and a mapper that produces an amplitude phase keyed (APK) waveform having a plurality of symbol phases. A transmitter multiplier multiplies random phase signals with the APK waveform to produce a random phase keyed output signal. A vector modulator modulates the random phase keyed output signal. A transmitter mixer mixes the random phase keyed output signal with a local oscillator signal from a transmit local oscillator to produce a modulated carrier signal that is transmitted over the communication channel. The receiver has a demodulator including a receiver mixer that receives and mixes the received modulated carrier signal with a local oscillator signal derived from a receive local oscillator to produce an estimate of the random phase keyed signal. The estimated random phase keyed signal is synchronously sampled.

Abstract: A medical self-screening system and method that allows rapid triage of patient medical problems. An exemplary system includes a computer having a selection device, a display, and an optional printer. A storage device containing one or more databases is coupled to the computer. Triage software runs on the computer that generates and displays a symptom screen display comprising a pictorial image of the body containing selectable regions that may be affected by patient symptoms. The patient selects a generally affected area or region on the displayed anatomical picture of the body using the selection device. Then the triage software displays a subsequent anatomical picture which is an enlarged more detailed view of the affected area. The patient selects a more specific region of the affected area shown in the enlarged view. The triage software then displays symptom selection screens that permit comparison of groups of symptoms experienced by the patient.

Abstract: A control system and method that keeps solar arrays on a satellite pointing toward the sun. Exemplary control systems and methods are implemented as follows. An orbit propagator computes satellite orbital location data and computes a sun vector referenced to an inertial reference frame. A coordinate transformation processor processes the sun vector in the inertial reference frame and a sensed satellite attitude signal to generate a sun vector referenced to a satellite body reference frame. A solar array position processor processes a step count derived from a solar array pointing control system and sensed solar array position to generate an estimate of the position of the solar array. A summing device sums the solar array position estimate output, the body frame gun vector, and a bias signal derived from a ground command, to produce a solar array position error signal. A filter filters the solar array position error signal.

Abstract: A broadcast and interactive data distribution system that distributes broadcast and interactive data transmitted by way of a geostationary satellite, and optionally by way of a cable system, to personal computers. The system comprises a modular digital data communication cyberstation that is a modular computer and server that is external to the personal computers to which data is to be distributed. The cyberstation receives, optionally stores, and distributes the broadcast and interactive data to the personal computers. The cyberstation has wireless and optional wired interfaces for communicating with the personal computers. An optional cable modem may be used to directly communicate with the cable system. A satellite receiver is employed to communicate with the geostationary satellite, and a low-earth-orbit satellite transceiver is employed to communicate with low-earth-orbit satellites used to support information requests, data billing and status/diagnostic reporting to a service provider.

Abstract: An improved thermal harness or thermal heat strap that comprises carbon based (graphite) fiber heat conducting elements coupled to graphite, composite, polymer, or metal end attachment brackets. An outer casing comprising a tubular braided sleeve surrounds the heat conducting elements and eliminates possible contamination caused by the graphite fibers. The thermal harness may be advantageously used in electronic applications to dissipate heat from high temperature components.

Abstract: An architecture for a self-selective multi-rate transmitter that processes variable input rate data using a plurality of single input, multiple output interleavers. The transmitter, using a multitude of modulation formats, transmits the data at a constant symbol rate without a priori knowledge of the input rate. The transmitter employs a modulator that automatically selects between a multitude of signal constellations, depending on the rate of the source data to be transmitted. The modulator transmits data from various sources, each with an independent data rate. The modulator performs data formatting, forward error correction encoding, modulation onto an intermediate frequency, frequency conversion to a transmit radio frequency, and amplification with automatic gain control.

Abstract: Deployable antenna systems for use on a spacecraft that is moveable from a stowed position to a deployed position. Two embodiments are disclosed that include one or two sets of main reflector assembly (and optional adjustment mechanism) and subreflectors. The antenna systems include a feed horn assembly fixedly attached to the spacecraft and a rotatable hinge attached to the spacecraft. A substantially rigid reflector support structure is attached to the hinge and rotates about a hinge axis. The main reflector assembly (and optional adjustment mechanism) is attached to a lower portion of the support structure and the subreflector is attached to an upper portion of the support structure. The subreflector has a fixed relation relative to the main reflector assembly and has a fixed relation relative to the feed horn assembly when the antenna system is in the deployed position so that the antenna systems generate predetermined beam coverage patterns.

Abstract: Compact disk labeling systems for use in applying a compact disk label to a compact disk. One embodiment includes a compact disk case with a base and a rotatable lid that rotates about a hinge. A central spindle protrudes from a surface of the base that holds the compact disk by means of its central hole. A label hub protrudes from a surface of the lid. A flexible foam disk may be attached to an interior surface of the lid that is disposed around the label hub. Another embodiment includes a base having a generally flat upper surface. A central spindle protrudes slightly above the upper surface of the base that holds the compact disk by means of its central hole. A rotatable lid is attached to the base by means of a hinge and has a generally flat surface 23 with an inner tab section and an outer section that flex relative to each other. A cylindrically-shaped compact disk label hub protrudes from the inner tab section to hold the adhesive label.

Abstract: A system and method for providing remote viewing of satellite transponder plots. The system and method piovides for remote viewing of transponder plots derived from transponders located on a satellite that communicate with ground terminals having an antenna. The system comprises an antenna switch for receiving transponder signals from the antenna. A spectrum analyzer is coupled to the antenna switch for generating transponder plots. An equipment control computer is coupled to the antenna switch and the spectrum analyzer that selectively routes signals from the antenna switch to the spectrum analyzer and routes transponder plots generated by the spectrum analyzer. A server computer is coupled to the equipment control computer that stores the transponder plots generated by the spectrum analyzer that are routed by the equipment control computer.

Abstract: Systems and methods employing higher order modulation techniques to transmit information on passbands of a dispersion-limited fiber optic communication link. The present invention transmits data on previously unused passbands of the dispersion-limited optic link, thus increasing the total capacity of the link. Higher order modulated carrier frequencies (M-ary ASK, PSK, QAM, etc.) centered within the higher passbands are transmitted using the present invention. Thus, the present invention combines a multiplicity of encoded carriers into a composite microwave spectrum that is tailored to the passbands of the optical link.

Abstract: An electromagnetic cavity filter is formed by at least two cavities having electrically conductive walls. Each cavity is the equivalent of two filter poles because two orthogonal modes of electromagnetic radiation can resonate within each cavity. Characterizing vector tuning elements are coupled to each of the cavities that are each aligned along respective axes. The tuning elements are used to provoke derivative orthogonal modes and determine the degree of coupling between orthogonal modes. One or more intercavity couplers interconnect the cavities and are rotated at arbitrary angles that are different from the axes of the characterizing vector tuning elements. Electrically adjacent and nonadjacent modes of proximate cavities can be coupled, permitting elliptic filter functions. Electrically nonadjacent modes are coupled by means of an iris interconnecting the two cavities. Electrically adjacent modes are coupled by means of an electrically conductive probe penetrating each of the cavities.

Abstract: A compact disk labeling system for use in applying an adhesive label to a surface of a compact disk. The system comprises a side wall with a shape that substantially matches the exterior shape of the compact disk and which registers the compact disk. A flat shelf is formed a predetermined distance below an upper edge of the side wall that forms an upper cavity. The shelf has a central opening with a plurality of slots extending outward therefrom toward the side wall. A hub is formed on the shelf that comprises a plurality of tabs that extend away from a top surface of the shelf. The hub is sized to allow a central hole in the adhesive label to register thereto. The central opening and slots in the shelf allow the hub to flex.