Abstract: The present invention relates to radio communication antennas and in particular relates to multi-user detection for CDMA antenna array receivers. Here is provided a method of operating a FDD radio communications system wherein a base station has a constrained beamformer comprising at least two antennas with L channel taps and is operable to maximize diversity gain at the mobile. The total SNR of all the multipath components received at the mobile will be less than for the maximum SNR algorithm, but the diversity gain should outweigh this loss for (nearly) orthogonal channel taps. The performance of an uplink fixed weight beamformer is determined from the correlation matrix of the fadings of the uplink sampled impulse response. Computation techniques are simplified and processing time can be considerably reduced.

Abstract: A cart is disclosed for supporting and transporting a container. The cart includes a container carrier for removably receiving a container. The carrier defines a bottom support, a rear support and opposite side supports, for surrounding a bottom, a back and opposite sides of the container. Wheels are rotatably mounted to the container carrier for moving the container carrier over a ground surface. A handle is operatively associated with the container carrier for manually manipulating the container carrier over the ground surface.

Abstract: A paint tray is provide for applying paint evenly onto a commercial paint roller. The paint tray includes a centralized paint well and two opposing roller ramps. The ramps include a plurality of evenly spaced, upwardly extending spikes that engage the roller nap and aid in its rotation. The paint tray also has a plurality of roller end wipers located along a right and left side of the paint tray. The end wipers remove excess paint from the ends of the roller, which aids in eliminating drips and runs on the painted surface. The paint tray also has a four outboard legs that support the paint tray off of the ground and provide for increased stability and resistance to movement when applying paint to the roller.

Abstract: A Raman amplifier comprises first and second stages, in which a single pump source is used for both stages. The pump source output is coupled to one end of the second stage and unused pump power is tapped from the other end of the second stage. The unused pump power is then introduced into the first stage. The attenuation of the pump source signal in the second stage results in a lower power pump signal being applied to the first stage. The specific design of the amplifier stages enables the two pump power levels to be suitable for different fiber types so that the advantages of a multi-stage amplifier are maintained (with each stage being designed taking into account the signal powers in the different stages) whilst simplifying the pump source requirements.

Abstract: Stimulus signalling protocols and message protocols are methods for transferring information over a communications network. Stimulus signalling protocols (e.g. P-Phone) are typically used for connecting simple terminals to a more powerful host whereas message protocols (e.g. H.323 standard) are typically used to connect between such hosts. Equipment has typically been developed and manufactured for use with either but not both systems and this has led to the need for protocol conversion devices which are complex and time consuming to develop and maintain. Voice data is sent via an H.323 channel over a data network and associated P-Phone signalling data is sent via a T.120 channel as part of the H.323 call. This enables stimulus signalling protocol equipment (e.g. business telephony handsets) to be used in message protocol systems without the need for protocol conversion.

Abstract: Subscribers are given access to a series of events by a smart card acting as an electronic ticket, which operates automatic turnstile. A subscriber can cancel the card in respect of a particular event by telephoning a cancellation office and verbally communicating the identifying number of the subscriber's card. This number is entered into a stop list for the event. The stop list automatically controls the automatic turnstile to prevent access to the event by use of any card on the stop list for this event. Each subscriber has a hand-held reader device, for displaying a sequence number and authentication code from the card. At the cancellation office, the card is authenticated by generating a check code from the sequence number and comparing it with the authentication code communicated by the subscriber.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a hinged ceiling panel, which is pivotally attached to a suspended ceiling grid structure to provide for a hinged ceiling panel that pivots to allow access to the area above the grid. The hinged ceiling panel includes a hinge located on a first edge and grid-releasable flanges located on the remaining edges of the panel. The hinged ceiling panel is designed so that a single person can easily release the panel from the grid system and pivot it downwards whereby the hinge supports it. The hinged ceiling panel is also designed so that an individual can also reposition the panel within the grid structure without the aid of others.

Abstract: An automatic fluid soap dispensing apparatus and method comprising a dispensing spout, housing operatively connected to the dispensing spout and the housing adapted to removably receive and hold a fluid soap containing reservoir module in communication with the dispensing spout. The reservoir module has a central axis, and includes a pump mechanism and delivery tube mounted on the reservoir module in alignment with the central axis. The dispensing tube is adapted to move in the dispensing spout when the pump mechanism is actuated.

Abstract: A system which enables the position of each of a plurality of movable labelled objects to be determined in an environment having two or more isolated zones, wherein the objects carry transponders which, in response to encoded radio signals, transmit ultrasonic signals of which the transit times to a plurality of fixed receivers are determined, the transponders in the different zones being triggered in a common timeslot but in staggered relationship for one zone as compared to another, and an algorithm is applied to verify the consistency of the transit times having regard to the possible movements of objects from one zone to another.

Abstract: In a known method for regulating a delivery variable of a pump, which is driven by an electric motor operated with alternating current of variable frequency, especially via a converter, the input power of the motor is measured as the actual value for the delivery variable and is regulated by comparison with a desired value. To avoid the influence of the temperature of the motor on the delivery variable at constant input power, according to the invention upon a change in the temperature in the motor a corresponding compensating variable is taken into account in the control for the purposes of correcting the input power. As an alternative, associated values of the input power and the speed of the motor at a predetermined desired pressure value are determined empirically and stored as a table, and during operation a value of the input power belonging to a measured or approximately calculated speed of the motor is retrieved from the table as desired for regulating the input power.

Abstract: A high capacity document sheet processor combines significant speed and efficiency enhancing improvements in existing approaches to stack feeding particularly in the stack loading, feeding and singulating functions with novel operational arrangements adaptable to a universal paper handling and envelope inserting system.

Abstract: An optical amplifier comprises a pumped Thulium doped fiber amplifier and a Raman amplifier provided in series. The Thulium doped fiber amplifier provides gain over a first wavelength range, and is range is extended by the Raman amplifier by suitable pumping. The Thulium amplifier operates in the S band, but the wavelength range is extended to the C band by the Raman amplifier. The amplifier thus has increased bandwidth, thereby allowing it to be used in higher capacity optical communications systems.

Abstract: In a broad band network comprising a plurality of edge switches interconnected by a plurality of tandem switches, IP packet data is routed by determining from each packet whether that packet forms part of a flow of packets. Where a packet is determined to be part of a flow, it is segmented into minicells for transmission over a permanent virtual channel established across the network for that flow. Where a packet is not determined to be part of a flow, a destination edge switch is identified for that packet which is then transported to that edge switch via a default permanent virtual channel. Permanent virtual channels for new flows are established at the network periphery by defining a succession of nodes and virtual channels (VCs) to be used to reach the destination of that flow.

Abstract: A data processing method evaluates expressions, including temporally-scoped operands, to produce temporally-scoped results. Each of the temporally-scoped operands and results includes a sequence of one or more value instances, each value instance including a data item, a start time, and an end time, the start time and end time defining a time span in which the data item is valid. An expression involving a binary operator is evaluated by scanning each of the operands of the binary operator and generating a value instance in the result, in respect of each time span in which each operand has a constant value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for settling product in a servo-controlled vertical form, fill and seal machine where the product, when inserted into a partially-formed tubular bag, normally does not adequately settle without further action by the machine. The invention utilizes motion control of a servo motor to provide a settling action for product inside the partially-formed bag to introduce instability to cause settling in the bag at a very high frequency during continuous motion of the film and the film tube.

Abstract: A lubricant for a wire which is first insulated by means, of a lacquer coating, the wire being used for forming the stator windings of an electrical refrigerating compressor. The lubricant consists of one or more compounds of the formula CH3—Xn—R, wherein X is a linear or branched hydrocarbon group with n carbon atoms, wherein n is up to 22, and R may be hydrogen or a plurality of different radicals, either in a pure form or dissolved in a solvent. The lubricant is applied to the wire to reduce its coefficient of friction, and it is remarkable for its compatibility with the environmentally unharmful refrigerants, such as R134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane).

Abstract: A method of grinding the edge of a disc uses a grinding machine having mounted thereon a grooved grinding wheel, in which the groove is formed in situ using a forming wheel also mounted on the grinding machine. After a workpiece has been ground or after a succession of workpieces have been ground, re-engaging the grinding wheel and the forming wheel with the grinding wheel remaining in situ, to re-form the groove in the grinding wheel to correct for wear.

Abstract: A base station of a cellular communications system forms a plurality of adjacent overlapping beams in azimuth across a coverage area, and the position of the plurality of beams is varied in unison about a rest position whereby to provide a mean antenna gain in all azimuthal directions across the coverage area and to minimise cusping loss. The position of the beams can be varied by a movement in azimuth over one half, or multiples of one half, of the angular separation of the formed beams. Preferably there are a plurality of base stations in the system, each of whose plurality of beams are varied in position independently of the other base stations. The beams can be varied at a rate which is substantially equal to the rate of variation of one of the effects normally experienced by a terminal, and which the system operator incorporates a margin to accommodate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing knitted goods in general, hose in particular, with tridimensional effects or shaped goods, preferably fitted with at least one pocket automatically produced with the continuous motion of the needle cylinder. The usual knitted fabric production is modified by excluding, according to a preestablished order, sequences of needles (retaining the last loop or stitch) that are preferably alternated (1:1-2:2-3:1-etc.), even by groups. The knitted tube production goes on, even over several courses, with a differentiated growing, i.e. regions having full needles or ribs and regions having non-full needles or ribs, forming knitted layers or tubes (5, 6) concentric with the inner knitted tube folded upwardly and only partly interstitched or closed in the horizontal direction. The remaining part, which is open, corresponds to the two-layer pouch-like pocket, being the object of the invention.