Abstract: Provided are a method of, and system for, generating agricultural field maps. Latitude and longitude of a GPS receiver carried by a vehicle are determined at predetermined time intervals or positions within the field and are recorded in first and second data channels. First and second characteristics of the field are sensed using first and second agricultural sensor types. The values of the first and second sensed characteristics at different field locations are recorded in third and fourth data channels. At least one of the third and fourth data channels are selected for use in field map generation and the field map is generated as a function of the information recorded in the first and second data channels and as a function of the information recorded in the selected ones of the third and fourth data channels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for modulating a frequency synthesizer with an adjusted frequency control word determined by adjusting a carrier frequency control word based upon a bit content of a unsigned modulation control word. The method includes the steps of inverting a most significant bit of the unsigned modulation control word to produce an adjusted modulation control word and replicating the inverted most significant bit and appending the replicated bits to a most significant bit side of the adjusted modulation control word to increase a width of the adjusted modulation control word to a width of the carrier frequency control word. The method further includes the step of adjusting the carrier frequency control word by adding the replicated bits and the adjusted modulation control word to corresponding bits of the carrier frequency control word.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for calibrating and detecting faults in a receiver having a multi-element antenna. The method includes the steps of selecting an antenna element of the multi-element antenna and transmitting a signal through the selected element. The method further includes the steps of detecting the transmitted signal through at least one antenna element of a remaining set of elements of the multi-element antenna and calculating a phase shift for the at least one antenna element of the remaining set of elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for Doppler compensation in a satellite communications system such as Inmarsat's SATCOM network are disclosed. An aircraft terminal provides satellite communications services in one of several user-selectable modes including a circuit-mode services only mode and other modes providing some data packet services. The terminal includes multiple channel units coupled to a processing circuit. The channel units communicate radio signals via data or circuit channels between the aircraft and a satellite. Each channel unit can receive a channel input transmitted at a known frequency, and measure its frequency. Each channel unit can also transmit a channel output at an adjustable frequency. Each channel unit is operated as a circuit channel when circuit-mode services only is selected. Doppler shift is measured using the difference between the measured and known transmitted frequencies of at least one channel input.

Abstract: An impedance measurement system rapidly determines impedance of a sinusoidal signal at a known frequency. The sinusoidal signal can represent a forward voltage, a reflected voltage, a voltage, or a current on a transmission line. The impedance calculation is made by receiving two samples of a signal representing forward voltage and reflected voltage or two samples each of current and voltage. The samples are used to determine an amplitude value and a phase value for the signal. The amplitude and phase value are utilized to calculate the impedance.

Abstract: An improved flow sensor is disclosed for use with a crop harvesting device to determine flow volume of a crop yield product. The improved flow sensor is of the type which uses a strain gauge and includes an improved probe coupled to the strain gauge and adapted to cooperate with the strain gauge to produce a signal indicative of pressure being applied to the probe by the crop yield product. The improved probe includes first and second connection members adapted to couple the probe to the strain gauge. A probe middle portion is coupled to each of the first and second connection members and extends from a location between the first and second connection members into a middle portion of the flow path of the crop yield product. First and second probe legs are coupled to and extend from first and second sides of the probe middle portion into first and second sides of the flow of crop yield product.

Abstract: A system of utilizing a single radio receiver with continuously broadcast GPS signals in order to determine precise relative positioning between two arbitrary positions or to determine current position. The invention includes utilizing changes in the carrier signal as detected by the GPS receiver occurring as a result of the movement from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: An FMS with the capability of automatically adjusting the view of the flight path as the flight progresses while maintaining a set viewing direction. The vertical dimension of the flight path display chosen to fill the display and provide increased readability.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a moving receiver station capable of receiving broadcast entertainment signals from a first geostationary satellite associated with a first program provider, or from a second geostationary satellite associated with a second program provider. The receiver station is part of an aircraft and includes a tracking antenna and switching and control system that locks the tracking antenna on either the first or second satellite. The switching and control system receives position information, program attribute information and satellite coverage area information to determine when the aircraft is leaving one coverage area and entering another. The switching and control system switches the antenna to the second satellite when the aircraft enters the second coverage area, and limits the availability of received programming based on whether the aircraft is leaving the first coverage area or entering the second coverage area.

Abstract: A lightning protection element is incorporated into the portion of an aircraft signal distribution system which connects an antenna to flight critical equipment. The lightning protection element rejects surge currents associated with direct lightning strikes on the antenna, or its surrounding radome, while passing communication signals without significant interference with those signals. In a preferred embodiment, the lightning protection element comprises an optical fiber isolator element. A segment of optical fiber in the isolator prevents surge currents associated with the lightning strikes from reaching the equipment while passing communications signals transmitted on the signal distribution system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correlating outputs of a plurality of environmental sensor signals to determine a situation. The method includes the steps of dividing a coherent light beam across a diameter of the light beam into a plurality of information transmission zones and modulating a portion of the light beam within at least some of the information transmission zones with a corresponding number of signals of the plurality of environmental sensor signals. The method further includes the steps of deflecting the modulated light beams of the at least some information transmission zones within a holographic memory to provide at least some correlated outputs among the plurality of environmental sensor signals and determining the situation based upon the at least some correlated outputs of the holographic memory.

Abstract: Disclosed are global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers, including digital spatial nulling arrays, and a method of providing antenna pattern outputs using the same. The digital spatial nulling array receives multiple antenna element inputs. A fast Fourier transform (FFT) is applied to the multiple antenna element inputs to obtain frequency domain representations of the multiple antenna element inputs. The antenna pattern outputs are provided by the spatial nulling array as a function of the frequency domain representations of the multiple antenna element inputs.

Abstract: A global positioning system (GPS) and auxiliary receiver receive limited range position signals broadcasted from telemetry transmitters when in an urban canyon environment. The limited range receivers preferably are implemented as part of the lighting infrastructure of the environment. The limited range receivers derive power from light from the lighting infrastructure. The receivers can also include a transmitter for retransmitting the receive position data and an ID code to a central processing center.

Abstract: A programmable divider or prescaler divides an input signal by a divisor of two raised to the m.sup.th -power plus one, (2.sup.m +1), where m is an integer, and n is a value between zero and two raised to the m.sup.th -power minus one, (2.sup.m -1). When m is equal to 3, the duty cycle is between 44% and 56%. The divider can be utilized in communication applications for providing radio frequency source signals. The duty cycle is maintained around 50% for use with balanced mixers.

Abstract: An infinitely adjustable position sensor is provided. The position sensor can be used as a head position switch which generates an output indicative of a position of a harvesting head of a harvesting vehicle, or in similar applications with other types of equipment. The sensor includes a body attachment mechanism for coupling the sensor to the body of the vehicle or other equipment, and a head attachment mechanism for coupling the sensor to the feeder house which supports the harvesting head. For adjustment of the sensor, particularly prior to operation, visual feedback is provided by an LED ring in order to inform the operator of the state or position of the sensor.

Abstract: A novel dielectric heater including a RF source having a first impedance, a parallel plate mold having a second impedance, and an impedance network, matching the first impedance to the second impedance, connected to the RF source and the parallel plate mold. The impedance network may be connected in series with the RF source and the parallel plate mold. The RF source may include a RF terminal and a common terminal, the impedance network may include a first terminal, connected to the RF terminal, and a second terminal, and the parallel plate mold may include a first plate, connected to the second terminal of the impedance network, and a second plate, connected to the common terminal of the RF source. In an alternative embodiment the novel dielectric heater includes parallel plates divided into a number of series-connected cells. The series cells lower the capacitive component, and may be configured such that an impedance of the parallel plate mold approximates an impedance of the RF source.

Abstract: A display apparatus adapted for viewing by a person wearing linearly polarized lenses, such as sunglasses, is disclosed. The display apparatus includes a display device, such as an LCD or a filtered TFEL display, which displays information by providing as an output linearly polarized light travelling toward the person viewing the display apparatus. A quarter-wave plate is positioned between the display device and the linearly polarized lenses of the sunglasses. The quarter-wave plate receives the linearly polarized light from the display device as an input and provides as an output circularly polarized light which passes through the linearly polarized lenses of the sunglasses substantially without attenuation.

Abstract: A global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver for use in an aircraft is disclosed. The GNSS receiver includes receiver circuitry for receiving satellite signals containing satellite data from a multiple GNSS satellites. The receiver circuitry generates a first navigation solution for the aircraft as function of the satellite data. A first GNSS receiver output couples to an inertial reference system (IRS) and provides the satellite data to the IRS. The IRS generates a second navigation solution for the aircraft as a function of the satellite data and as a function of IRS position data. A first GNSS receiver input couples to the IRS and receives the second navigation solution from the IRS. The GNSS receiver provides at a second output aircraft position information as a function of the second navigation solution.

Abstract: A selector assembly for use in avionic multifunctional displays to perform quadrature and push button functions is described herein. The selector assembly utilizes two sensors and a cylindrical band with an encoder pattern having three distinct zones to sense either direction of rotation (quadrature) of a knob or its push motion. The pattern can include regions that are absorptive and reflective to infrared (IR) energy. The selector assembly uses the two sensors to sense a pattern rotation or a push motion of the pattern, thereby reducing the number of mechanical and sensing components and simplifying the wiring associated with the assembly. The encoder pattern is molded either directly on the inside of the knob or on a label that is adhered to the interior surface of the knob. The physical components and the sensors of the encoder mechanism are also placed within the knob of the selector assembly, thereby optimizing the useable glass surface area available for avionic displays.

Abstract: A programmable data port interface adapter for a mobile data terminal is disclosed which provides selectable configuration of an external device data port connector for accommodating multiple types of data port devices. An RS-232 type data port may be configured to a J1708 type data port such that the mobile data terminal may communicate with RS-232 type devices in addition to J1708 type devices. Data port configuration and control is implemented by software thereby eliminating the need to upgrade of modify data port hardware to accommodate multiple data port type devices. Multiple data port connectors may be utilized in a multiple programmable combinations and configurations. Configuration information may be received by the mobile data terminal or through remote communications such as an RF or cellular network.