Abstract: A method for determining the switching frequency of a DC-to-DC power supply for a portable radio transceiver (300) includes determining a first group of switching frequencies (301) and then determining the switching harmonics based on that group of switching frequencies (305). These switching harmonics are then compared to a group of desired radio channels (311) where it is then determined if the switching frequencies interfere with the group of desired radio channels (313). Based on these results, a second group of switching frequencies is selected if the first set of switching frequencies provides an undesired level of interference (317, 319, 321).

Abstract: A mail delivery indicator assembly (100) for a mailbox (102) with a door (105) includes a signal holder bracket (101) attached to a mailbox door (105). A signal ball (108) is attached by a tether (110) to the signal holder bracket (101) for indicating when the mailbox door is opened. The signal holder bracket (101) attaches within a holder receptacle (109) attached to the mailbox door (105) which allows the signal holder bracket (101) to be removed. The signal holder bracket (101) may further include an offset section (103) for allowing the bracket to be attached to a recessed door. Additionally, the signal holder bracket may include one or more guards (112, 114) which prevent snow other debris from inadvertently removing the signal ball (108) from the ring section (107).

Abstract: A voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) for use in a personal area network synthesizer includes a delay cell (100), a first current amplifier (201, 203) for amplifying an input current, a resister capacitor (RC) tuning network (207, 209, 211) for varying the amount of amplification and delay of an output of the first current amplifier. A second current amplifier (213, 215) is then used for amplifying an output current from the RC tuning network. The invention includes a unique composite voltage variable capacitor (CVVC) (300) for precisely tuning the amount of delay presented by the delay cell. The unique topology of the delay cell (100) allows it to be readily used in voltage controlled oscillators (VCOs) operable at frequencies above 1 GHz.

Abstract: A resistor capacitor (RC) tracking loop includes a parasitic insensitive integrator (211) charged by a buffer (207) with offset compensation. The integrator (211) operates to provide an accurate ramped voltage proportional to a measured RC time constant. A single comparator (213) is used for sensing the voltage ramp rate by detecting two multiplexed reference voltages (VREFLO VREFHI). A timer within controller (201) is triggered by the VREFLO crossing at comparator (213). The timer counts the number of precision reference clock periods (FREF) that occur between the VREFLO and VREFHI crossings and adjusts an accumulator within controller (201) to a value (M). This value (M) is directly used to adjust a resistor and/or capacitor array used in a continuous time filter whose bandwidth and corner frequency can be precisely tuned.

Abstract: An adaptive analog-to-digital converter (ADC) system (100) includes an automatic gain control (AGC) controller (101) for receiving both in-band and out-of-band signals from a radio frequency (RF) receiver and producing an AGC control signal therefrom. A digital signal processor (DSP) (103) is then used for interpreting the AGC control signal and providing an adjustment signal to an ADC (105). The ADC (105) uses the adjustment signal to dynamically control efficiency of the ADC system 100 by adjusting bit resolution, reference capacitance and bias based upon the RF signal received and desired protocol requirements presented to the AGC controller (101).

Abstract: A seal adapter for reducing the escape of exhaust gases between an outboard motor and a propeller includes a substantially hollow cylindrical connecting member (71) having a shoulder (84) for dividing the connecting member (70) into a plurality of sections. A seal ring (80) is associated with one of the sections for engaging with an annular recess (76) located within the propeller hub (74) to provide a substantially tight seal.

Abstract: A file cabinet providing access to files from substantially all sides, and having one or more rotatable tiers, each tier containing a plurality of file containers. Each tier includes a central carrousel support having a plurality of radially extending arms. Mounted to the outer terminus of each arm is a file support assembly, each configured to rotate about a vertical axis between a retracted position and an extended position. Each file support assembly is adapted to suspend a file container thereon to provide detachable storage. The detachable file containers each include a box having an upper frame which suspends the container from the file support assemblies. A top may provided to close each container in a secure manner to protect the container's contents.

Abstract: A vocoder (125) is initialized, prior to processing an initial batch of audio data, from parameters extracted from the first frame of audio data (308, 310, 320, 330, 332). In the instant embodiment, parameters affecting voice encoding, which are based on estimates of direct current bias, are used to program a high pass filter (253) incorporated in the vocoder (125).

Abstract: A system for coarsely tuning at least one voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) (211) in a phase locked loop (PLL) synthesizer (200) that includes a phase-frequency detector (PFD) for determining a phase difference between a VCO frequency and a reference frequency and providing an error signal if the VCO frequency and reference frequency are at least 2&pgr; radians out of phase. A monitor (215) is then used for tracking the number of error signals produced by the PFD. The free running frequency of the VCO may be coarsely tuned in the event the monitor circuit reaches some predetermined level. The invention offers great advantage in enabling a PLL to be coarsely tuned to enable the PLL's VCO to remain with an operational range despite operational factors that effect circuit operation.

Abstract: A mounting support (100, 200) for a marine vessel inboard drive propulsion system used in connection with a precision driveline includes a substantially cylindrical housing (107), one or more bearing assemblies (113) positioned within the cylindrical housing (107) for promoting rotation of a drive shaft (103) and one or more seals (119) typically located at both ends of the housing (107) for preventing water from contacting one or more of the bearing assemblies (113).

Abstract: A digital data system (100) provides 1-D, 2-D and 3-D capability and multi-band channel capability. Improved filter banks are created by generating a filter bank having an analysis portion and synthesis portion and obtaining wavelet coefficients (302) for each portion. The wavelet coefficients are expressed in a format capable of canonical signed digit (CSD) representation, such as integers (302). The canonical signed digit (CSD) representation is controlled by a value, N, selected to control resolution of the CSD coding. Optimized CSD-coded wavelet coefficients are used as filters for data signals (318).

Abstract: A coping saw is provided having two spaced-apart rotary actuators supported by a frame. Two saw-blade sections extend between the two rotary actuators and are intended to singularly engage a work piece. The saw is adapted to contain a drive mechanism which is coupled to a first of the two rotary actuators for causing the saw-blade sections to move in at least one direction. At least one guide roller assembly is disposed each of the two saw-blade sections for providing stability and retaining said two-saw blade sections between said two rotary actuators.

Abstract: A dynamic range on demand radio frequency (RF) receiver (300) includes a wideband detector (303), off-channel detector (313) and on-channel detector (327) supplying input to an automatic gain control (307) for adjusting a dynamic control stage to control dynamic range and resolution of digital baseband signals (329, 331).

Abstract: An encoder (300) selects (702, 1302, 1304, 1306, 1308) one or more subsets of spatially or temporally correlated transformed data coefficients, on the basis of the significance of each subset in representing the data. The encoder (300) and a complementary decoder (400) may be applied to wavelet transform encoded images (500). The encoder (300) may be implemented on a wireless to Internet gateway server (108), in order to reduce byte size of encoded images (500) sent through a wireless network (112), and reduce the amount of processing that must be performed by a wireless device (118) to decode an image or other data. The decoder (400) and/or encoder (300) may be implemented on the wireless device (118).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for simulating an open flame in a hand-held device. The method and the device resulting therefrom includes attaching a lamp to an electrical circuit contained within a housing, the circuit adapted to randomly vary at least one of a voltage, a current, and a resistance of a direct current supplied to said lamp by at least one battery, and transmitting the light from the lamp in at least a hemispherical pattern through a faceted cap surrounding said lamp.

Abstract: Ligularia dentata ‘Britt-Marie Crawford’ is a new and distinct cultivar of Ragwort with very dark purple brown foliage that remains effective throughout the growing season, and effective as a potted plant or landscape specimen or mass for the bold foliage effect and colorful yellow-orange glower display.