Abstract: Driver current in digital retinal image transfer is significantly reduced for retinal cameras for reducing heat-induced dark current and resultant haze. In one embodiment line drivers are used whose current draw does not depend on data rate or frequency to eliminate the problem of high data rates creating high driver current draw. In a second embodiment the 14-MHz clock driver is inhibited by interrupting its free-running clock pulse input until such time as one wishes to output a picture from the retinal camera, at which time the clock driver draws only a quick burst of current. The result is much lower overall clock driver current draw, less heat, less dark current and less haze.

Abstract: An Internet based method for assisting in the rapid delivery of medical information direct to the site at which emergency assistance is being performed uses a global database for warehousing patient history information, which is fetched over the Internet on demand. In one embodiment, medical providers use an access code carried by the injured party and without which access is denied. The access code may be carried as a barcode and as an imprinted number on a bracelet or on a card carried by the individual. Patient information is transmitted over a network, either wireline or wireless, the Internet or wide area network, to a computer or personal digital assistant available to emergency personnel. In one embodiment, patient history information access is determined through the use of an access code reader, by entering the patient access code manually or by entering the patient's name as a last resort. Additionally insurance information can be made available to shorten emergency room admission procedures.

Abstract: Multiple RFID integrated circuit microradio chips are located at the feed point of an RFID tag antenna for greater reliability, elimination of testing and to take advantage of coherent microradio operation for increased gain and power, better signal-to-noise ratios, improved range and low bit error rates.

Abstract: A method of operating a higher conductivity broadband loaded meander line antenna (10) is provided wherein the meander line is positioned on a sheet of a lower conductivity material (22) having a conductivity of from about 0.01 siemens/m to about 0.10 siemens/m; and allowing a first electrical current to flow in a first current path in the meander line. An electrical field is formed in the vicinity of the lower conductivity material and a second current flows in a second current path in the lower conductivity material, whereby anti-resonance in the meander line loaded antenna is diminished so that a broadband response can be achieved over bandwidths of 5:1 or more. An assembly for carrying out this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A miniature volumetric spherical geometry with multiple symmetric feeds is spaced from the surface of the vehicle or platform, with the antenna exhibiting both circular polarization that is orientation-independent or angle of arrival independent, while at the same time covering a broad band of frequencies from 243-318 MHz in one embodiment.

Abstract: A specialized tool is provided for the removal of components in a microwave module in which a fixed tool having a channeled tip is positioned adjacent the component to be removed, with hot gas from the channeled tip melting the epoxy or solder and with the module forced against the fixed tool to remove it.

Abstract: An expert system is provided for answering questions provided by a potential purchaser of goods or services using a neutral sales consultant in which a question sentence entered by the purchaser is understood using specialized library tables developed to understand both the subject and form of the question sentence. Thereafter an appropriate or relevant answer to the question is automatically given relating to sale of the product or service. The result is that questions are more easily understood by the system and more relevant answers can be given because both relate to specialized fingerprint parameters and the use of neutral experts.

Abstract: In a communications or jamming system, accurate timing for the control of the frequency, amplitude, modulation type, pulse repetition rate or other transmit characteristics is achieved for the transmission of digitally processed packetized signals through the use of standard non-realtime off-the-shelf components for the digital processing and a realtime interface which reads transmit chain headers and, with the assistance of a precise time reference, assures that the transmit chain is configured in time to transmit the packets. Note that the realtime interface assures nanosecond timing accuracy regardless of timing errors introduced by the off-the-shelf components used in upstream digital processing.

Abstract: In a communications or jamming system, accurate timing of the transmission of digitally processed signals is accomplished through the use of standard off-the-shelf components. In order to eliminate the need for high-cost, difficult to develop, specific digital hardware or realtime synchronous software not available from the standard off-the-shelf components, the output from the non-real time components is coupled to a realtime interface that assures nanosecond timing accuracy regardless of timing errors introduced by the off-the-shelf components. In one embodiment, the signals to be transmitted are digitized and then packetized, with the data to be transmitted reconstructed using non-real time digital processing.

Abstract: In the invention, a four-port junction (10) has a port (12) connected to an RF signal source (14). The four-port junction (10) also has an antenna port (16) coupled to a combined transmit/receive antenna (18). Two ports (20, 22) of the four-port junction (10) develop output power that is applied to an analogue-to-digital converter (24), that is in turn coupled to a central processor (26), that is in turn coupled to a user interface (28).

Abstract: A wide bandwidth microwave balun utilizes frequency band splitting and two conventional baluns operating in a high frequency band and a low frequency band, which when combined offer a full bandwidth output, thus to offer wide bandwidth impedance matching and second-harmonic rejection.

Abstract: A reconfigurable distributed signal processing system uses an object-oriented component-framework architecture in which the system permits large-scale software reuse. This is accomplished by the use of a framework and a number of reusable, reconfigurable software components that are hardware independent.

Abstract: In an aircraft-mounted Doppler radar clutter rejection system, a flexible, sharp band pass filter uses Taylor weighting, an FFT and a module for selecting which of the Doppler cells are to be activated, thus to control the band pass characteristic and set the clutter line to the speed of the aircraft.

Abstract: A plurality of multi-tone CW radars are used to generate a swath of ranges to a moving object or individual behind a wall or building structure in which the overlap of the range swaths from spaced-apart radars determines the location of the moving object or individual. A histogram of the swath overlaps is used to generate a display of the path of the moving object or individual.

Abstract: An ultra-strong tear resistant, cut resistant, puncture resistant bag having a high shear strength or modulus is provided by weaving ribbons of flat polypropylene sheet into a bag. The bag is formed by weaving a cylindrically shaped object, cutting the object transversely and sealing up one end to form the bag. The physical properties of the ribbon-woven bag easily accommodate holding refuse including bricks, wood with nails, glass and other refuse in a lightweight disposable bag. In an alternative embodiment, the ribbon-woven bag is overlain with sheets laminated to the exterior of the bag to provide a fluid-tight container.

Abstract: A lightweight, small, high-voltage power supply for a xenon flash lamp or strobe permits rapid and reliable strobing for retinal imaging. In one embodiment the power supply can develop 500 volts at 720 watt seconds to permit firing the xenon strobe at full power one pulse per second. The power supply, rather than using heavy, bulky transformers, uses a hybrid high-voltage multiplier that involves an AC coupling circuit and a half-wave rectifier, the outputs of which are coupled in series to a capacitor bank to achieve a 500-volt charging source for the capacitor bank. This permits the capacitor bank to be charged with a continuous high voltage so that it can deliver a controlled, reliable high voltage to the xenon strobe.

Abstract: An ad hoc emergency interoperability communication network is established by providing universal temporary incident area network modules that communicate with each other on an open network, with the network being established when vehicles containing the temporary incident area network modules are within range of each other.

Abstract: A transceiver system allows for simultaneous operation of transmit and receive modes, even in shared path configurations, by temporarily making the receiver insensitive to transmitter energy and by modifying standard readout technology to rapidly dissipate any transmitter energy deposited onto the receiver's detector elements. The entirely electronic technique alerts the receiver to the imminent emission of each transmitter pulse. This alert opens a gate voltage switch in the readout and prevents energy that is present on the detector from being passed to the readout integrator. As soon as the transmitter pulse has passed and any charges it generated on the detector have been dissipated, the switch is automatically closed and the receiver is again fully active. Since this on/off switching happens automatically and rapidly it can operate independently from, and have very little impact on the receiver. Furthermore, it levies absolutely no limitations whatsoever on the operation of the transmitter.

Abstract: An IR detector for use in an array of detectors is provided with better thermal resolution resulting in increased range and increased contrast for a standard 30 frame per second frame rate includes a support structure for the detector made from thermoelectric material supports which transports heat away from the detecting material during each readout cycle just after the instantaneous reading has been made. By removing heat thermoelectrically from the detector, detector sensitivity is improved, higher frame rates are achievable and an improved fill factor is the result of being able to more closely pack the detector elements.

Abstract: A fixturing system and microscope/video camera setup enables an operator to manipulate a photodiode into position optically using known good targets for the X and Y location and using microscope focus/defocus/refocus for locating the active area of the avalanche photodiode exactly at the focal point of the lens.