Abstract: A simple and flexible over-air protocol for use with a mobile telephone system, having hand-held telephones in a microcell or other type of cellular communication system. A method in which user stations communicate with one or more base stations to place and receive telephone calls, in which the user stations are provided a secure voice or data link and have the ability to handoff calls between base stations while such calls are in progress. Each base station has a set of “air channels” to which it transmits in sequence. The air channels supported by each base station are called that base station's “polling loop”. A user station receives general polling information on an unoccupied air channel, transmits responsive information to the base station, and awaits acknowledgment from the base station. Each base station may therefore simultaneously maintain communication with as many user stations as there are air channels in its polling loop.

Abstract: A spread spectrum transmitter adapted for transmitting input data streams from a DECT (Digital European Cordless Telecommunication System) MAC (medium-access control) layer, where the data streams conform to a DECT physical layer packet structure. A related spread spectrum receiver is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying signals between a communications card and a signal utilization device or network. In one form (FIGS. 1,2), structures are provided for receiving one or more RJ series plugs and for making electrical connection with at the contacts on the plug and conveying any signals on the contacts to a communications device such as a telephone, facsimile machine, modem, or a local area network adapter. A body (102) includes one or more recesses (106) which receive the plug. An expandable and stretchable membrane (114) isolates the contacts in the plug from electrical contact with an object in a surrounding environment such that passage of current from one or more of the electrical contacts to an object present in the surrounding environment is prevented. Also provided (FIGS. 7, 14) is a replaceable direct access arrangement (151, 258) which is replaceably held within the communications device (150, 250).

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying signals between a communications card and a signal utilization device or network. In one form (FIGS. 1,2), structures are provided for receiving one or more RJ series plugs and for making electrical connection with at the contacts on the plug and conveying any signals on the contacts to a communications device such as a telephone, facsimile machine, modem, or a local area network adapter. A body (102) includes one or more recesses (106) which receive the plug. An expandable and stretchable membrane (114) isolates the contacts in the plug from electrical contact with an object in a surrounding environment such that passage of current from one or more of the electrical contacts to an object present in the surrounding environment is prevented. Also provided (FIGS. 7, 14) is a replaceable direct access arrangement (151, 258) which is replaceably held within the communications device (150, 250).

Abstract: A device for dispersing gas into molten metal includes an impeller and a shaft having a first end and a second end. The second end of the shaft is connected to the impeller and the first end is connected to the drive source that rotates the shaft and impeller. The impeller includes a bottom surface, one or more cavities open to the bottom surface, one or more gas-release openings and a connector. The shaft has a gas-transfer passage therein. A gas source is connected to the first end of the shaft. Gas is transferred through the gas-transfer passage and exits through the gas-release opening(s). At least some of the gas enters the cavities where it is mixed with the molten metal being displaced by the impeller. The configuration of the impeller causes the gas and metal to mix efficiently throughout the molten metal bath. Also disclosed are dual-flow and tri-flow impellers that can be used to practice the invention.

Abstract: A formation collision avoidance system includes a Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) having a passive mode and an active mode. The passive mode enables several members of an aircraft formation to fly without actively interrogating using TCAS while only one or few formation members are actively interrogating. Formation members in passive mode maintain awareness of current air and ground traffic conditions using networked surveillance information provided over a communications link between formation members in active mode and formation members in passive mode. The networked surveillance information includes positional and intent information of current air/ground traffic obtained from ADS-B broadcasts and replies to the actively interrogating members of the formation. The communications link utilizes Station Keeping Equipment (SKE) already existing on certain aircraft.

Abstract: An aircraft system and method for determining when to attempt acquisition of an intruder for active tracking. A link reliability score associated with the intruder is adjusted based upon the signal strength of transmissions, the frequency of the transmissions, and the number of previous attempts to acquire the intruder for active tracking.

Abstract: A unit of furniture, useful as a computer such as a desk, cabinet, or armoire, includes a pullout unit that extends from the unit of furniture. The pullout unit includes a tray for supporting a computer keyboard and mouse. The tray may be covered by a movable lid that provides a first writing surface over the tray when covering the tray and a second writing surface when moved to a position for supporting copy referenced while using the keyboard. The pullout unit may also include an extension unit mounted adjacent to the tray and extendable to provide additional writing surface. The extension unit may include a drawer that extends toward the tray. The pullout unit may include a lid stop to cooperate with the unit of furniture to maintain the pullout unit in a stable extended position.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making vascular prostheses from ePTFE said prostheses having a diameter which is larger, and a wall thickness which is smaller than previously achievable using ram extrusion techniques. The method consists of extruding a PTFE tube, finish processing the tube into an ePTFE tube, laterally dilating it by expansion in incremental steps, calendering the tube after each dilating step, while the tube is being maintained at an elevated temperature. Once the tube is dilated it can be sintered with another tube to form a laminate. Alternatively, a wire stent may be joined with one or more tubes, thereby biasing the laminate to a cylindrical configuration.

Abstract: A holder for personal articles such as eyeglasses and sunglasses and the like includes: (i) a clamping body with a transparent window for displaying provided inserts, and (ii) a clip portion attached to the clamping body for attaching the holder to clothing, accessories, automobile visors and other areas.

Abstract: A process of fabricating a composite vessel includes the steps of: A) fabricating a thermoplastic liner for the vessel; B) overlaying a layer comprising fiber and a thermoplastic material (preferably by winding commingled filaments, rovings or yarns) onto the thermoplastic liner to obtain a composite intermediate structure (the fiber and thermoplastic material can be heated if desired during the overlaying, e.g. winding, step); C) heating the composite intermediate structure in a mold while applying at least one force thereto tending to urge the composite intermediate structure against and into the shape of the interior walls of the mold; D) continuing step C) until the thermoplastic liner and the overlaid layer consolidate to form a composite vessel; E) cooling the mold and composite vessel until the composite vessel is solidified; and F) removing the formed composite vessel from the mold.

Abstract: A process, and the product thereof, for making a composite vessel having at least one closed end, the process including the steps of: fabricating a thermoplastic liner for the vessel; overlaying onto the liner a layer of commingled fiber and thermoplastic material to obtain a composite intermediate structure; pressing and heating the composite intermediate structure to effect at least partial consolidation in apparatus which includes upper and lower silicon rubber bags, the bags having dimensions such that, during operation, their facing peripheral regions abut to encompass the composite intermediate structure; then placing the composite intermediate structure in a mold; heating the composite intermediate structure in the mold while applying a force, such as internal gas pressure, tending to urge the composite intermediate structure against and into the shape of the interior walls of the mold until the thermoplastic liner and the overlaid layer fully consolidate; cooling the mold and composite vessel until th

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making vascular prostheses from ePTFE said prostheses having a diameter which is larger, and a wall thickness which is smaller than previously achievable using ram extrusion techniques. The method consists of extruding a PTFE tube, finish processing the tube into an ePTFE tube, laterally dilating it by expansion in incremental steps, calendering the tube after each dilating step, while the tube is being maintained at an elevated temperature. Once the tube is dilated it can be sintered with another tube to form a laminate. Alternatively, a wire stent may be joined with one or more tubes, thereby biasing the laminate to a cylindrical configuration.

Abstract: An intraluminal device such as a stent graft is formed of a conformable ePTFE tube and preferably a compressed self-expanding stent affixed to the tube. The conformable tube is made by a special process which insures that the tube is radially deformable up to a predetermined diameter without exceeding the plastic deformation limit of the tube. The stent has a relaxed diameter larger than the diameter of the expanded tube after insertion so that the tube is biased to a cylindrical shape. The process for making the tube involves progressively dilating a small diameter extruded tube until a desired diameter is achieved. The tube is then contracted on a small diameter mandrel by heating.

Abstract: A device for pumping molten metal that eliminates rotor bearing members comprises a pump having a pump chamber including a first bearing surface, and a monolithic rotor having a second bearing surface that aligns with the first bearing surface. The second bearing surface is formed of and integral with the material forming the rotor. Preferably a rigid rotor shaft to motor shaft connection is utilized to rigidly center the rotor within the pump chamber and, hence, within the first bearing surface.

Abstract: A method of growing jaw bone and the related guided-tissue regeneration plate support and fixation system employed in the method where an isolated and protected space free from tissue impingement, occlusal loading, chewing forces or muscular pressure is created between the periosteum and the jaw bone. This space is created by first placing either a dental implant or a guided-tissue regeneration plate support and fixation system tenting-type support screw into the jaw bone. The plate portion of the guided-tissue regeneration plate support and fixation system, preferably made out of titanium, is a two-piece structure including a first support plate component having a peripheral region and a generally open central portion and a fine mesh screen juxtaposed over the central portion of the support plate and fixed to the peripheral region thereof.

Abstract: An adaptor kit for mounting a stock on a firearm receiver having any one of a plurality of different configurations. The kit includes one or both of a rear stock and a fore-stock and a set of front and/or rear adaptors that enable the rear and/or fore-stock to be interchangeably mounted on the differently configured firearm receivers so that the mounted stock and receiver meets predetermined design parameters including finger pull, shoulder pull and drop parameters.