Abstract: A software-defined radio (12) includes a transmitter (20) having any number of upstream modules (30) and any number of downstream modules (34). The upstream modules (30) perform signal processing on input signals (28), and the downstream modules (34) provide an RF interface for processed signals (58). The upstream modules (30) and downstream modules (34) couple to a common intra-transmitter signal transporter (32), which may be implemented as a bus. Programmable transmission parameters (60) which program the downstream modules (34) to generate a communication signal (18) exhibiting desired attributes such as frequency and keying are mingled with the processed input signal (58) in upstream modules (30) to preserve timing. The programmable transmission parameters (60) are extracted in downstream modules (34), and applied to the communication signal (18) at the timing specified by position relative to the processed input signal (58).

Abstract: A constrained-envelope digital communications transmitter (10) places constraints on the envelope of spectrally constrained, digitally modulated communication signals (46) converted into diverse frequency channels (54) and combined into a composite signal (58). The envelope constraints achieve lower peak-to-average power ratio without allowing significant spectral regrowth. The composite signal (58) is applied to a plurality of cascade-coupled constrained-envelope generators (64). Each constrained-envelope generator (64) detects overpeak events (66) and configures corrective impulses (68) for the overpeak events (66). The corrective impulses (68) are distributed to the respective frequency channels (54) in accordance with a predetermined distribution profile (102) and are filtered into allocated shaped pulses (120) that exhibit a constrained spectrum.

Abstract: A fail-safe electrical control system in the form of a sensor loop (24) is provided. The sensor loop (24) includes any number of sensor units (22) coupled in series. Each sensor unit (22) includes a local power source (26), a local sensor (14), and a local indicator controller (30). The local power source (26), local sensor (14), and local indicator controller (30) are coupled in series within the sensor unit (22) and the sensor loop (24) to form a closed circuit (40) that does not require a central controller or the performance of loop configuration activities. The local power sources (26) distributed throughout the sensor loop (24) within the sensor units (22) are all isolated from the earth. In one preferred embodiment, the sensor loop (24) controls the movement of solar collectors (12) into wind stow positions when high wind (16) conditions occur.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for establishing a call to a wireless directory number (982) which is either a non-geographic directory number or a non-dialable directory number. A call is initiated from a wireless telephone (155) to a geographic-based local access directory number (994, 996). An originating switching node (810) recognizes the local access directory number (994, 996) as an AIN trigger, and thereafter identifies a signaling node (820) that is associated with the dialed local access DN (994, 996). The signaling node (820) sends a location request that includes the local access DN (994, 996) to an HLR (130). The HLR (130) obtains the wireless DN (982) from an internal database (990) in which the wireless DN (982) is associated with the local access DN (994, 996). The HLR (130) utilizes the wireless DN (982) to receive a temporary local directory number (TLDN) from visitor location register (140).

Abstract: A DC-DC converter has an output bus coupled to power a load. A voltage transient compensation circuit has a first switch between a voltage input bus and the output bus, and a second switch between the output bus and a flyback transformer coupled to a reference voltage terminal. When the voltage on the output bus drops below a first threshold, the first switch couples and thereby transfers energy from the voltage input bus to the voltage output bus and the load. When the voltage on the output bus exceeds a second threshold, the second switch is closed, transferring energy from the output bus to an input winding of the flyback transformer. When the voltage on the output bus drops back in a range between the two thresholds, the second switch is opened, and the flyback transformer transfers stored energy back to the voltage input bus.

Abstract: A system for encouraging an understanding of visual art includes a set of collectible cards (20, 36, 38, 40, 42). Each of the cards (20, 36, 38, 40, 42) includes an image (26) of an artwork on a first side (22) of the card. Information pertaining to the artwork is provided on a second side (24) of the card. The information is in the form of stylized brushstrokes (30), color codes (52), text, and icons. Through the use of the stylized brushstrokes (30), color codes (52), text, and icons, a method is thus provided for collecting and organizing the images.

Abstract: A reactor core (104) includes fuel assemblies (202) arranged in a loading pattern (1100) in response to corresponding power levels of the fuel assemblies (202). A crud deposition model (412) is used to predict crud deposition on the fuel assemblies (202) and fuel pins (300) within the fuel assemblies (202). The prediction of crud deposition enables generation of the loading pattern (1100) and design of lattice structures (1600) for the fuel assemblies (202) that results in the reduction of total crud deposition in the reactor core (104) and causes a substantially uniform crud deposition on the fuel assemblies (202) of the reactor core (104).

Abstract: A protective cover (20) for a wheelchair (60) includes a first cover section (22) and a second cover section (24). The first and second cover sections (22, 24) form a contiguous unit having a first surface (34) and a second surface (36). The protective cover (20) wraps around either a seat (64) or back (66) of the wheelchair (60) so that the first and second cover sections (22, 24) reside on opposite sides of the seat (64) or the back (66). Fastening elements (38, 42) detachably couple a fourth edge (32) of the second cover section (24) with a first edge (26) of a first cover section (22) to form a closed loop around the seat (64) or the back (66). The protective cover (20) may optionally include cushions (52) for occupant comfort, and storage pockets (44) for occupant convenience.

Abstract: A flange (62) includes a first flange section (64) configured for coupling with a first tube (102), and a second flange section (66) configured for coupling with a second tube (104). A first mating portion (70) of the first flange section (64) connects to a second mating portion (74) of the second flange section (66) to form the flange (62) for retaining the first tube (102) beside the second tube (104). The flange (62), first tube (102), and second tube (104) form a subassembly (100). The subassembly (100) is subsequently assembled so that a third tube (112) is retained in fluid communication with the first tube (102) and a fourth tube (114) is retained in fluid communication with the second tube (104) to form a tube joint assembly (110) for roughly parallel sets of tubes.

Abstract: An atomizing nozzle (20) for use in a misting system and a process (200) for manufacturing the atomizing nozzle (20) are provided. The atomizing nozzle (20) is made up of a nozzle body (24), a metallic orifice insert (26), and a non-metallic impeller. The nozzle body (24) has an inlet end (30), has an outlet end (32), has an insert recess (36) proximate the outlet end (32), and encompasses a first chamber (42). The metallic orifice insert (26) is affixed to the nozzle body (24) within the insert recess (36) and encompasses a second chamber (66). The non-metallic impeller (28) is configured to reside within the first and second chambers (42,66) between the metallic orifice insert (26) and the nozzle inlet end (30).

Abstract: A pole bridle (20) for facilitating the manipulation of a pole (22) by a hoist includes plates (24) configured for placement in spaced-relation about the pole (22). Retaining members (26) are coupled to an outer surface (28) of the plates (24). The retaining members (26) are configured to retain a flexible member (62) of the hoist in encircling-relation about the pole (22). An upward force (72) imposed on the flexible member (62) creates a transverse force (74) on the plates (24) to direct the plates (24) against the pole (22). The transverse force (74) largely prevents the plates (24) from slipping along the pole (22) as the upward force (72) incrementally extracts the pole (22) from a fixed, upright position in the ground (60).

Abstract: An apparatus (22) for applying a therapeutic signal (31) to the scalp (32) of a subject (20) includes a first electrode (26) for massaging the scalp (32) and second electrode (30) in contact with the subject (20) and located remote from the first electrode (26). The therapeutic signal (31), passing between the first and second electrodes (26, 30) through the scalp (32), serves to loosen connective tissue and improve blood circulation in the scalp. The apparatus (22) includes digital waveform generators (54) for generating harmonically non-related resultant signals (96). The resultant signals (96) are combined to form the therapeutic signal (31) exhibiting a pseudorandom signal characteristic.

Abstract: Methods for modeling costs of wireless network infrastructure are described. More specifically, the cost contribution models for modeling radioports are described. Various radioport architectures include a constant channel capacity model (48) and a constant offered load model (82). Under constraints imposed by a class of dense user networks, such as wireless metropolitan area networks, cost models are shown to exhibit convex cost functions having minimums. Processes for analyzing these cost models are described for determining which radioport architecture, provides a least-cost radioport cost segment to the overall network cost.

Abstract: A method for applying a therapeutic signal (24) to a body portion (34) of a subject (20) to encourage hair growth utilizes an apparatus (22) that includes a first electrode (28) and a second electrode (32). The first electrode (28) is secured in contact with the skin surface of the subject (20) remote from the body portion (34), and the second electrode (32) is positioned at the body portion (34). The therapeutic signal (24) is provided at a conductive pod (114) of the second electrode (32). The second electrode (32) is manipulated by an operator to apply a circular motion (134) to the body portion (34) underlying the conductive pod (114). The circular motion (134) is repetitively applied as the conductive pod (114) is moved across the body portion (34) to loosen connective tissue at the body portion (34).

Abstract: An interference attenuating remote audience survey system (42) is configured to identify radio stations (84) to which tuners (26) are tuned, the tuners (26) having local oscillator (LO) signals (30) emitted therefrom. The system (42) includes a first antenna (34) for sensing a first signal (52) at a selected LO frequency (88), the first signal (52) including one of the LO signals (30) and an interference signal (96). A second antenna (44) receives a second signal (54) at the selected LO frequency (88), the second signal (54) including an interference signal (100). A shield element (48) shields the second antenna (44) from receiving the one of the LO signals (30). The first and second signals (52, 54) are subtractively combined to produce a third signal (77), the interference signal (96) being attenuated from the third signal (77).

Abstract: A bilboquet toy (20) is provided. The toy (20) incorporates a handheld radio (26), such as a cellular telephone or other handheld electronic device, to which is attached a coupler (22). A bille (24), in the form of a stylized ring or cup, is coupled to the coupler (22) by a tether (32). In play, the bille (24) is tossed upward and caught as it falls upon an antenna (28) of the radio (26). The bille (24) may assume any of a plurality of shapes to allow different forms and levels of play. The coupler (22) may be removable, such as an O-ring pressed over the antenna (28), semi-removable, as a two-part hook-and-loop fastener, or permanent. Either the coupler (22) or the bille (24) may display advertising copy (46). The coupler (22), the bille (24), and the tether (32) are fabricated of non-conducting materials to avoid interference with communicative use of the handheld radio (26).

Abstract: An apparatus (20) and method (22) for transparently accessing and interpolating data are provided. Consecutive data values (24) of a function are generated and indexed. Even-indexed data values (24) are stored in an even-indexed table (30) and odd-indexed data values (24) are stored in an odd-indexed table (32). Adjacent-indexed data values (24) are acquired substantially simultaneously from even- and odd-indexed tables (30,32) with the first-indexed value (Gn) extracted from the even-indexed table (30) when an integral portion (A[N]) of a memory address (A[N+F]) is even and from the odd-indexed table (32) when the integral portion (A[N]) is odd. A fractional portion (A[F]) of the memory address (A[N+F]) is converted into an incremental value (&Dgr;).

Abstract: A galvanic cell system (50) in fluid communication with a dewatering system (40) of an inhibited oxidation scrubber (20) removes an oxidation catalyst, i.e., solution phase iron (98), from the process liquor (42) produced by the dewatering system (40) and replaces the iron (98) with magnesium (104) in an oxidation-reduction reaction. An electrolytic cell system (154) in fluid communication with a dewatering system (144) of a forced oxidation scrubber (128) removes an oxidation inhibitor, i.e., solution phase aluminum (174), from the process liquor (146) produced by the dewatering system (144) and replaces the aluminum (174) with iron (170) in an oxidation-reduction reaction. The process liquor (42, 146) is subsequently returned to the scrubber (20, 128) with the solution phase metal (98, 174) selectively removed, thereby enhancing the scrubbing efficiency of the scrubber (20, 128).

Abstract: A celestial tracking apparatus (20) has a support (26), a tracking assembly (28) coupled to the support (26) by an azimuth pivot (36), a collector assembly (30) coupled to the tracking assembly (28) by an elevation pivot (38), a wind-speed sensor (172), and a controller (150) coupled to the azimuth and elevation pivots (36,38) and configured to cause the collector assembly (30) to assume a wind-stow position (66) when the sensor (172) detects a wind having a speed greater than a predetermined speed, upon failure of a component of the apparatus (20), or upon receipt of a wind-stow command. The collector assembly (30) has a solar collector (22) with a substantially flat surface (24), a center of gravity (52), and a target axis (54) substantially perpendicular to the substantially flat surface (24) and passing through the center of gravity (52).