Abstract: The method for identification of a set of satellites, arranged on GEO orbit, consists of receiving satellite signals; determining antenna beams strength; detecting beams that are local maximums according to the antenna structure, defined by the number of beams and their coordinates in the antenna plane; and approximating the GEO orbit using the strength of the received signals, wherein the satellites' identification is carried out through the local maximums situated on or in a defined range of the approximated GEO curve, according to the information for the geographic position of each satellite and the antenna orientation. Projection probability coefficients of a given satellite in a given area of the antenna plane are used for satellites' identifications. The information about the geographic position of each satellite may be corrected by azimuth, elevation and roll angles, according to the inaccuracy of the antenna installation.

Abstract: A method for scanning of antenna array, wherein on output signals from radiating elements are applied phases offset in order to obtain signals with approximately equal phases. The obtained signals are subsequently summated. The method is characterized in that before application of phase control the output signals from radiating elements are grouped by means of summation of the signals with approximately equal phases in order to form equivalent group signal. Subsequently the phase offset is applied on all group signals and subsequently all group signals are summated.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle for use in a string of holiday lighting that has a removable, replaceable, on-board power control board. The control board taps into normal alternating current delivered to the receptacle from a pair of wires running from an electrical plug and uses it to deliver electrical power through a fuse to a third wire that supplies current to a set of lights carried by the third wire as it runs from the receptacle back to the plug. The control board may also rectify the current to the third wire so that the lights operate on direct current rather than alternating current. However the receptacle delivers alternating current to subsequent load plugged into it. The control board is also capable, with suitable choices of components carried by it, of other modifications of the electrical current it delivers to the third wire.

Abstract: A trailer system that includes a main chassis assembly including a detachable, trailer tongue assembly that is assembled from multiple trailer tongue assembly parts; a pair of detachable ramp members each detachably connectable to the main chassis assembly; multiple fasteners; and a multi-panel enclosure assembly attachable to the main chassis assembly. The fasteners are used to secure the multiple trailer tongue assembly parts together, the multi-panel enclosure assembly together and the assembled trailer tongue assembly and the assembled multi-panel enclosure assembly to the main chassis assembly.

Abstract: A cable array robotic system and apparatus for applications such as cargo handling at sea and pallet handling in manufacturing, based on a multi-cable robotic control system is disclosed. The cables are deployed from three or more folding, telescoping masts at the corners of a work area. The cables attach to an end-effector (e.g. a spreader mechanism) that grips an object (e.g. a container) and affects desired movements as directed by an operator through a computer controlled graphical user interface using pointing directives such as “put that there”. Various sensors and cameras enable a high degree of control over the end-effector (e.g. spreader or pallet) as it is moved from place to place. Sufficient control is possible so that the present cargo handling system may unload, without pendulation, the deck and hold of a ship onto a sea-going lighter during sea state three conditions in a container handling application at sea.

Abstract: A steer wheel control system having a centering unit for resisting off-center movement of the steered wheels of a vehicle and returning them to a selected center position after each such movement, and a trim unit for remotely varying the selected center position. A resistance force and a return force may also be varied remotely. A plurality of passages and check valves make the trim unit operable by a single solenoid valve mounted internally on an intermediate head between the trim unit and the centering unit.

Abstract: The torsion generator includes casing (1), in which at least one canal (2) is formed, whose inlet is located near to the casing (1) periphery. The longitudinal axis of the canal (2) passes on the logarithmical curve, wherein the mathematical sequence of the construction of the coordinates is different for each section of the curve. The outlet of the canal (2) communicates with the camera (3), formed inside the casing (1) and is connected with an outgoing pipeline (4). The inlet of the canal (2) is located tangentially, and the outlet—axially to the casing (1).

Abstract: A method of making an assembly for repelling birds from a selected area, including forming fins and vents on a rotor and rotatably mounting the rotor on the distal end of a support member, the proximate end of which is adjusted to be fixed within the selected area. The fins and vents on the rotor arc responsive to wind currents to rotate the rotor and generate bird repelling noises and visual effects. The fins may include light reflective and/or other design indicia to enhance the visual effects. An electrical sound producing device may be mounted on the rotor for emitting the sound of a bird predator.

Abstract: A hand-held probe (10) for measuring a tire tread profile comprises a housing (20) with a slit (64) formed parallel to its major axis, a range finder (70) mounted inside the housing (20) in such a way that it can traverse much of the length of the tube while directing light from a laser through a window (60) and onto a tire surface, a bracket (50) that is carried by the proximal end of the tube to enable the user to hold the probe (10) in position against the tire, a serial port (32) for connection with a computer (40), and a handle (30) that houses the batteries for operation and an IR or RF transmitter. The IR or RF transmitter is for transmitting the tire tread profile wirelessly to a computer suitably equipped to receive IR or RF transmissions.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus that provides both a protective and a decorative covering, or sleeving, for rafters. Generally, the apparatus is a U-shaped sleeve that has upper and lower horizontal flanges that run the entire longitudinal length of the member. The upper flange provides a means for securely attaching the invention to roofing materials such as roof sheathing, and together with the bottom flange forms an external channel that can be used to carry soffit material between the rafters. Furthermore, to complete the coverage and, therefore, the protection afforded the exposed rafter by the present invention, an endcap is attached to the outer end of the U-shaped sleeve member. Additionally, to further enhance the appearance of the building, the rafter sleeving is designed to easily and securely carry decorative trim and/or molding pieces.

Abstract: A light socket with a terminal cover and lamp lock is disclosed. This single, molded piece is resiliently attached to the top lip of the socket and is held, cantilevered, over the central terminal. Screwing the lamp into the socket, displaces the cover and lock into a gap formed in the socket threads. Pressure of the resilient lock laterally against the lamp base helps to hold the lamp in place. Contacts that electrically connect the central terminal and line wire conductor and the lamp base and the neutral wire are both formed with lower portions shaped like inverted “Vs” that slice perpendicularly into the insulation to capture their respective conductors in the crotch of the V to assure good contact regardless of whether the conductors are centered in their insulation.

Abstract: A multi-fusable electrical receptacle includes a power section telescopically received within a fuse section. The receptacle may receive fuses of different sizes and ratings for different applications such as for use with a string of holiday lights and as part of an extension cord. The power section holds two wires at the bottoms of two channels. The fuse section includes two fuse holders in separate channels, each with a spring contact. When the power section and fuse section are slid together, two fuses or a single fuse and a buss bar held by the fuse holders run from the channels of the fuse section to the channels of the power section thereby forming two separate electrical paths from wires to the spring contacts. A cavity formed in the power section is dimensioned to receive the two wires folded double for better pull strength. The cavity is covered by a locking lid so that the entire receptacle housing, when the fuse section is secured to the power section, is water-tight.

Abstract: An improvement to the usable lifetime of a lamp includes the use of a primary filament, a backup filament, and a means to switch portions of the backup filament into the current flow path after a portion of the primary filament open circuits. Using bypass shunts, which do not become electrically conductive until a portion of the primary filament open circuits, an open circuited portion of the primary filament can be electrically replaced with an associated backup filament portion to keep the lamp lit. The shunts in one embodiment are made of oxidized wire and are wrapped around the primary and backup filaments, in a spaced-apart relation, forming filament pairs consisting of a primary filament segment and its associated backup filament segment. In another embodiment, support brackets are used to not only support the primary and backup filaments, but are also used to provide the bypass shunt function as well.

Abstract: An apparatus used in the basting of foods, including a rack supporting a basting pan, a grill, and a rotisserie having a rotating spit. The rack is dimensioned to fit between the surface of the grill and the rotisserie and includes a grid and a frame. The basting pan is supported by the rack at an elevation so that when the pan is filled with basting fluid, the surface of the basting fluid comes in contact with the food on the rotisserie. The rack is adjustable to accommodate various sized pans and grills. A heating element is also provided that is located in the rear of the grill in relation to the rotisserie.

Abstract: A bipod for a light-weight machine gun is disclosed. The bipod has tubular telescoping legs that may be extended and retracted to discreet locking positions. The bipod has a spring-based system that allows a user to fold the bipod either towards or away from the barrel muzzle with one hand, thus giving 180 degrees of travel. The spring system also provides a detent to retain the bipod in the folded or deployed position without additional fasteners or catches. The bipod is attachable to a machine gun with a round yoke that allows the user to pivot the direction of fire and rotate the barrel of the machine gun radially while keeping the bipod firmly planted.

Abstract: The present invention is a projectile launching system having an independently operable gas powered less-lethal launcher, which is capable of firing projectiles containing either incapacitating, debilitating, or marking agents for use during those situations when lethal force would be an inappropriate response. The gas powered launcher is ergonomically designed and comprises a receiver housing and receiver that are detachable from a stand-alone stock so that it can be attached to a mounting bracket located underneath the barrel of a rifle and, therefore, integrated with such rifle in order to provide both a lethal and a less-lethal capability for the user. One of the ergonomic features of the receiver is that it is designed to releasably carry a compressed gas container in a way that presents a favorable profile and a convenient and efficient trigger location, even after attachment of the receiver to the barrel of a rifle.

Abstract: The present invention is a voltage detector that is capable of measuring AC voltages, especially the high voltages encountered by electric utility linemen, with improved accuracy. To obtain these improvements in accuracy the present invention includes a novel circuit, which can be incorporated into a standard digital voltage detector. This circuit is able to accurately determine the magnitude of external capacitive reactance, which allows the voltage detector to compensate for variances in the external capacitive reactance that, if uncompensated, could adversely affect the voltage measurement; consequently, this invention provides the user with an AC voltage detector having improved accuracy characteristics.

Abstract: A personal hunting blind that comprises a long sheet carrying a camouflage layer and having a head slit and two sleeves is disclosed. When the user's head passes though the head slit and the blind is carried in the shoulders, the sleeves conceal the user's arms. A head cover made of the same fabric provides concealment for the user's head. The blind is dimensioned to be long enough in the front to be draped over the ground and other surfaces proximate to the user to conceal the shape of the user. Alternatively, the blind may be tied to a tree using grommets along its back edge and provide concealment without being worn by the user.

Abstract: An authorization system for a firearm includes a personal device worn by the authorized user, modifications to the firearm's fire control system, and an authorization control circuit carried in the backstrap of the firearm handle. The authorization control circuit controls the fire control system and communicates with the personal device. In particular, the authorization control circuit will send a first coded signal to the personal device via an ultrasonic transponder and wait for a coded response. If the personal device is worn by a user and is within range, properly oriented and has received a correct code, it will respond to the signal by sending a coded response. If the correct coded response is not received, the authorization control circuit signals a brake solenoid located near the trigger bar to move to a locked position where it will cam the trigger bar out of engagement with the sear as the trigger is pulled. Consequently, the trigger bar will not move the sear and the firearm will not fire.