Abstract: An N-element rotational-symmetric array antenna can generate N fixed pencil-beams simultaneously with an omnidirectional beam. An N×N Butler matrix can be used to feed the array antenna, using fewer than N input ports of the Butler matrix to produce the pencil-beams. One or more of the modes generated by the Butler matrix can be individually accessed to produce one or more corresponding omnidirectional beams. The N×N Butler matrix can be driven by a feed network that provides both power dividing and beam-steering, which permits simultaneous generation of the N pencil-beams.

Abstract: A peripheral power hub (PPH) (44) providing power to a plurality of outputs (46). The PPH provides multiple predetermined DC voltages which may be converted by an associated voltage converter circuit (28) to provide the power requirements to an associated mobile device (72). Alternatively, the voltage converter circuits (28) may be internal to the PPH. A programmable Ac/Dc converter (42) may provide a DC voltage to the PPH, which may be configured as an an accessory while powering another mobile device, such as a laptop computer (50). The voltage converter circuits (28) may be buck circuits or boost circuits depending on the application.

Abstract: A power converter capable of receiving either an AC input voltage or a DC input voltage and generating a programmable DC output voltage. The converter comprises a first circuit that converts an AC input voltage to a predetermined DC first output voltage, and a second circuit that converts a DC input voltage to a predetermined second DC output voltage. The converter also comprise a third circuit which is adapted to receive the first and second DC voltages from first and second circuits to generate a selectable output DC voltage. In selected embodiments, the first and second DC output voltages provided by the first and second circuits, respectively, are generally the same value and are coupled to a common node that feeds the input terminal of the third circuit. Moreover, the third circuit is adapted to provide a selectable output DC voltage which may be set higher or lower than its DC input voltage.

Abstract: A fast mechanical shutter for a laser has a reflective flag which either blocks or unblocks the laser output. In the blocking position, the flag reflects the light onto a laser output absorber. The flag is rapidly moved by an electric actuator into which shaped current pulses are forced to determine the velocity, acceleration, deceleration and position of the flag. Absent a current pulse, the flag remains in its extant position. Sensors detect and produce an error signal if (i) the flag is in a selected position or (ii) if the actuator or the laser overheat. The error signal moves the flag to its blocking position, terminates laser operation and produces an alarm. Exemplary actuators include rotary actuators, such as solenoids and AC or DC motors that can be rapidly operated by shaped current pulses. A computer may direct the operation of the shutter and the laser.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device, system, and method for detecting and measuring the bi-directional flow of a fluid through a fluid meter, such as a household or business water meter. In one device embodiment the invention comprises a logical switch collar (12) disposed over an analog fluid meter (14) having a sweep-hand (18) with a magnet (16) coupled thereto. In operation, the logical switch collar (12) consists of at least two magnetic switches that are triggered to open or close in response to the rotational movement of the sweep-hand (18) as fluid flows through a fluid meter (14) in both the forward and reverse directions. These switching events are detected and recording by an electronic module (19). Advantageously, the present invention accurately monitors and records fluid consumption at predetermined intervals when the fluid flows through the meter in either direction (14).

Abstract: A dual input battery assisted power converter (10) which provides a continuous, regulated DC voltage output to a user-connected mobile device, such as, a lap top computer or a cell phone, for example. The power converter (10) comprises a power supply circuit (12) and a separate, detachable power storage circuit comprising a battery pack (14) having a re-chargeable battery (36). The power supply (12) is adapted to deliver a pair of regulated DC output voltages, of opposite voltage potentials, to a pair of respective output terminals. Preferably these output voltages are derived from two external input voltages: an AC input voltage and a DC input voltage. Advantageously, if both of the external input voltages are temporarily removed, the battery pack (14) will advantageously serve as a substitute DC input power source, thereby allowing the power supply (12) to deliver the same regulated DC output voltage to the user-connected mobile device without interruption.

Abstract: An integrated recoiling tape measure with an integral marker secured thereto by a marker holder. The marker holder is uniquely designed to be attached to the side of the tape measure, and is angled in a first direction such that the pencil tip extends forward to the tape holder, and is also angled laterally inward toward the tape itself and proximate the graduations thereof for easy and convenient marking of the material proximate the tape graduations. The present invention achieves technical advantages by allowing a workman to measure and mark and a material with one hand, thus freeing the other hand for holding the material or other tools.

Abstract: The invention provides systems, methods, and devices that automatically create and maintain a wireless connection to a remote computer network. In one embodiment, the method creates and maintains a persistent modem connection by searching for an unconnected modem, detecting an unconnected modem; and initiating a dial-up to a computer network.

Abstract: An antenna (10) having a plurality of unitary dipole antennas (12) formed by folding a stamped piece of sheet metal. Each of the unitary dipole antennas (12) are fed by two stripline feed systems (20, 22). Each of these feed systems are separated above and extend over a groundplane (14) and are separated by an air dielectric to minimize intermodulation (IM). Phase shifters (40, 42, 44) in combination with a downtilt control lever (52) are slidably adjusted beneath the respective dividing portions of the stripline feed system to adjust signal phase and achieve a uniform beam tilt having uniform and balanced side lobes. These stripline feed systems can also be formed from stamped sheet metal and which have distal ends bent 90° upward to couple to the respective dipole antennas (12).

Abstract: A bridge accessible by a host processor can expand access over a first bus to a second bus. The first bus and the second bus are each adapted to separately connect to respective ones of a plurality of bus-compatible devices. Allowable ones of the devices include memory devices and input/output devices. The bridge has a link, together with a first and a second interface. The first interface is coupled between the first bus and the link. The second interface is coupled between the second bus and the link.

Abstract: A radio frequency automated meter reading (AMR) device for determining quantities of a consumed utility product including electric, gas and water service. The present invention intermittently transmits utility product consumption as a modulated RF signal, and does not require complex polling and bi-directional communication. Data is obtained and formatted for transmission and is adapted to be received by a remote receiving device having an RF receiver. The present invention is adaptable to water meters, gas meters and electric meters, and has an IR programming module facilitating remote programming and diagnostic procedures. In the case of water and gas meters, an internal lithium battery provides an operational life of up to ten years. In the case of the electric meter, power is tapped directly from the electric service.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for modifying a belt conveyor for enabling use of varying belt widths. The apparatus includes a pair of first mounting feet having slots and coupled by a cross member, wherein the first mounting feet are coupled to the cross member enabling the slots to mate with holes disposed on the frame, the apparatus further has second mounting feet having slots and adapted to couple to a first upper idler and a first lower idler, the apparatus further having supports coupled to opposite ends of the cross member, wherein a first end of the supports is coupled to the cross member and a second end is coupled to the second mounting feet. The apparatus is further characterized in that the cross member has a selectable length such that a second upper idler having a width greater than the first upper idler and a second lower idler having a width greater than the first lower idler can be coupled to the conveyor frame.

Abstract: A dual input AC/DC power converter (10) having dual inputs (12, 14) adapted to receive both an AC and DC input and provide a selectable DC voltage output (16) and a second DC output (18). The dual input AC/DC power converter (10) comprises a power converter circuit (20) having an AC-to-DC converter (22), a DC-to-DC booster converter (24), a feedback circuit (26), a filter circuit (25) and a DC-to-DC buck converter (28). Advantageously, the power converter (10) resolves many of system management problems associated with carrying all of the different interface components necessary to power a wide variety of mobile products from either an AC or DC power supply. In addition, the power converter (10) also advantageously includes dual output voltage terminals (16/18) to allow for multiple mobile devices of varying power requirements to be powered, simultaneously, by a single converter.

Abstract: An antenna (10) having a plurality of unitary dipole antennas (12) formed by folding a stamped piece of sheet metal. Each of the unitary dipole antennas (12) are fed by two stripline feed systems (20, 22). Each of these feed systems are separated above and extend over a groundplane (14) and are separated by an air dielectric to minimize intermodulation (IM). Phase shifters (40, 42, 44) in combination with a downtilt control lever (52) are slidably adjusted beneath the respective dividing portions of the stripline feed system to adjust signal phase and achieve a uniform beam tilt having uniform and balanced side lobes. These stripline feed systems can also be formed from stamped sheet metal and which have distal ends bent 90° upward to couple to the respective dipole antennas (12).

Abstract: A system for subterranean termite detection, measuring, concentration, collection, marking, tracking and suppression is provided by deploying a family of devices in the soil peripheral to objects subject to termite infestation. Each device is fitted with a signal port in its dorsal surface for inspectors to examine, and lateral ingress/egress ports for termites to enter. Subterranean termites are attracted to the devices, which are constructed of a termite food material. When entering termites seal the signal port they produce a distinctive visual change that is observable by an inspector from a distance. This alerts the inspector to the presence of termite activity within the device. The signal port may have an interior reflector for reflecting light directed thereat to indicate that the signal port has been sealed by termites. The signal port may also have a mesh disposed thereacross to prevent unwanted obstruction thereof.

Abstract: A dual input AC/DC power converter (10) having dual inputs (12,14) adapted to receive both an AC and DC input and provide a selectable DC voltage output (16) and a second DC output (18). The dual input AC/DC power converter (10) comprises a power converter circuit (20) having an AC-to-DC converter (22), a DC-to-DC booster converter (24), a feedback circuit (26), a filter circuit (25) and a DC-to-DC buck converter (28). Advantageously, the power converter (10) resolves many of the system management problems associated with carrying all of the different interface components necessary to power a wide variety of mobile products from either an AC or DC power supply. In addition, the feedback circuit (26) comprises single feedback loop having stacked photocouplers, one (PH1) controlling the AC-to-DC converter (22) and the other (PH3) controlling the DC-to-DC booster converter (24), to select the overall DC output voltage.

Abstract: A power converter capable of receiving either an AC input voltage or a DC input voltage and generating a programmable DC output voltage. The converter comprises a first circuit that converts an AC input voltage to a predetermined DC first output voltage, and a second circuit that converts a DC input voltage to a predetermined second DC output voltage. The converter also comprise a third circuit which is adapted to receive the first and second DC voltages from first and second circuits to generate a selectable output DC voltage. In selected embodiments, the first and second DC output voltages provided by the first and second circuits, respectively, are generally the same value and are coupled to a common node that feeds the input terminal of the third circuit. Moreover, the third circuit is adapted to provide a selectable output DC voltage which may be set higher or lower than its DC input voltage.

Abstract: An antenna (10) having a plurality of unitary dipole antennas (12) formed by folding a stamped piece of sheet metal. Each of the unitary dipole antennas (12) are fed by two stripline feed systems (20, 22). Each of these feed systems are separated above and extend over a groundplane (14) and are separated by an air dielectric to minimize intermodulation (IM). Phase shifters (40, 42, 44) in combination with a downtilt control lever (52) are slidably adjusted beneath the respective dividing portions of the stripline feed system to adjust signal phase and achieve a uniform beam tilt having uniform and balanced side lobes. These stripline feed systems can also be formed from stamped sheet metal and which have distal ends bent 90° upward to couple to the respective dipole antennas (12).

Abstract: A solid state light apparatus ideally suited for use in traffic control signals provided with optical feedback to achieve a constant light output, preferably by detecting back-scattered light from a diffuser centered above an LED array. The control logic allows for the LEDs to be individually driven, and having their drive characteristics changed over time to ensure a uniform beam of light is generated at an intensity meeting DOT standards, across the life of the device. The optical feedback also establishes the uniform beam intensity level as a function of sensed ambient light to discern day and night operation.