Abstract: An autonomous Hardwired Tracking Loop (HWTL) ASIC comprising a HWTL coprocessor provided for implementing most of the receiver processing function for data acquisition and tracking functions of a radio receiver system in dedicated hardware. With the expanded functionality provided by an HWTL coprocessor in the autonomous HWTL ASIC, the interruption of CPU performing the navigation processing is significantly reduced to thereby maximize throughput and minimize power burden on the microprocessor. In the preferred embodiment, the HWTL ASIC also comprises the CPU and a correlator, wherein the correlator provides the high rate greater than approximately 1 KHz signal processing operations, the HWTL coprocessor providing the data acquisition and tracking (medium frequency signal processing) operations, and the CPU thereby freed to provide more bandwidth for lower frequency processing, i.e.

Abstract: This invention provides a charge pump biasing circuit that varies the bias when the phase lock loop changes frequency to improve the settling time of the phase lock loop. During a frequency change, the charge pump output current taper off as the phase lock loop approaches the desired frequency. The charge pump biasing circuit allows the phase lock loop to change frequencies faster and minimizes spurious sideband noise once the loop has settled.

Abstract: A computer system and method for providing digital video and data capitalizes on a bus, or broadcast backplane, created by circuitry contained within the central office. The broadcast backplane enables a plurality of video program data to be available to each end user, and allows a plurality of end users access to a plurality of video programming content without the necessity of delivering the entire program content to each end user. A user requests a particular program and, if authorized, receives at least that program over the communication channel. Simultaneous with the digital video content supplied on the channel is both bi-directional data service (such as for example, Internet data) and POTS (plain old telephone service). In this manner, a communication channel that is presently available to a large percentage of the population may be used to deliver digital video content, bi-directional data and POTS simultaneously.

Abstract: A resonant micro-compass for detecting the Earth's magnetic field while requiring minimal power is disclosed Generally, the micro-compass comprises a resonant structure that is driven at its resonant frequency, which requires minimal power. The resonant frequency of the resonant structure is then measured and the resonant structure is caused to oscillate. A magnet is located on the resonant structure such that introduction of the Earth's magnetic field to the oscillating resonant structure causes a reaction by the magnet which, in turn, changes the resonant frequency of the resonant structure to shift. This shift of resonant frequency is then measured, thereby allowing the micro-compass to detect the direction of the magnetic field with extreme accuracy.

Abstract: A system and method for communication allows a V.90 modem located at a customer premises to appear as a “central site” modem to a V.90 “end-point” modem located remotely from the customer premises “central site” V.90 modem. The customer premises includes a communication device that provides a four wire digital connection to the customer premises V.90 modem co-located with the communication device at the customer premises. Because the V.90 modem located at the customer premises has a four wire digital connection to a public switched network, it appears to a remote “end-point” V.90 modem that the customer premises V.90 modem is a “central site” modem.

Abstract: A barbecue grill cart including a right and a left leg frame assembly, each of the leg frame assemblies having a lower frame assembly and an upper frame assembly. Each of the upper leg frame assemblies also includes a support member configured to receive a barbecue grill. The right and left lower frame assemblies telescopically engage the right and left upper frame assemblies, respectively, thereby forming the right and left leg frame assemblies. As such, each of the front and rear legs has an overlapping region. A front panel and a rear panel, both having flange means at each end configured to receive a corresponding leg, are included. Securing means are passed through the flange means of the front and rear panels, as well as through the corresponding legs on opposing ends of said overlapping region, thereby creating a secure barbecue grill cart structure.

Abstract: A system and method for extending the range of a base unit is disclosed. The system can include repeaters and/or network decoders, each of which is housed in a network module. The network module includes a first portion for insertion into a powered outlet. The first portion receives power from the powered outlet. The network module further includes a second portion for receiving a powered device, and an electronic housing that is coupled to the first and second portions. The electronic housing encloses an electronic unit for receiving power from the first portion and selectively providing power to the second portion. The electronic unit can also include a repeater for receiving commands and re-broadcasting the commands, and/or an active network device for receiving commands, decoding the commands, and controlling at least one device based on the command. The electronic unit can receive signals and transmit signals via a wired connection or a wireless link.

Abstract: A multiband phone capable of transmitting a signal within a plurality of distinct frequency bands having a single wide frequency range power detecting device capable of measuring the power of the transmitted signal over all of the plurality of frequency bands. The multiband phone includes multiple power amplifiers, where each power amplifier amplifies the power of a signal transmitted within a different frequency band. A power amplifier controller is provided for controlling the amount of amplification performed by the power amplifiers, where a switching device switches the connection of the power amplifier controller to a selected power amplifier. The single wide frequency range power detecting device is connected to the output of the all of the power amplifiers through a switching device, where the switching device connects the power detecting device to the particular power amplifier selected for transmission.

Abstract: The winding testing unit provides a system and method for determining a characteristic signature of a winding residing in a device, such as a transformer or generator. A pulse/signal generator applies a suitable number of non-precise and non-identical pulses to the winding. A sensor detects output pulses after each applied input pulse has propagated through the winding. Data corresponding to the applied input and the detected output pulses are stored as data pairs in a memory. The processor executes logic to compute the auto-spectral density (Gxx) and the cross-spectral density (Gxy) for the data pairs. The logic then computes the characteristic signature, H(f), for the winding such that H(f) equals the average of Gxy divided by the average of Gxx for the data pairs. Comparison of the characteristic signatures over a period of time indicates winding deformation or displacement during the time period.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for disinfecting an endoscope with a disinfecting solution, and that minimizes the surface area and air exposure of the disinfecting solution. In architecture, the endoscope disinfecting apparatus includes a disinfecting basin, an endoscope body section, an insertion tube section and a basin lid. The disinfecting basin is for disinfecting the air/water and light tube of the endoscope. The endoscope body section is for disinfecting a body and eye piece of the endoscope, and is connected to the disinfecting basin. The insertion tube section is connected to the endoscope body section and is for disinfecting a insertion tube of the endoscope. A basin lid connects to the disinfecting basin and provides a watertight seal over the disinfecting basin.

Abstract: A modular earth retaining wall system comprising a plurality of similarly configured wall blocks that have lock channels and lock flanges that provide a locking mechanism for resisting leaning or toppling of the blocks. A positive retaining mechanism is also provided for attaching reinforcement fabrics to the retaining wall in between mating courses of wall blocks. This mechanism secures the reinforcement fabrics in place and permits the fabrics to extend along the entire contact area between adjacent stacked wall blocks to avoid an aggregate leaning effect. The retaining mechanism includes a retaining bar that is placed on top of the reinforcement fabric within the lock channel. The retaining bar holds the fabric against a wall of the lock channel in response to tensile loads applied to the fabric to prevent it from being pulled out of the retaining wall.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a flash memory provides a substrate having a tunnel oxide layer, a first conductive layer and a first material layer thereon. A conductive spacer is formed on the sidewalls of the first conductive layer and the first material layer. A second material layer is formed on the substrate. A portion of the second material layer is removed, until a part of the conductive spacer has been exposed. The remaining portion of the second and first material layers are removed, to expose the first conductive layer and the conductive spacer. The first conductive layer and the conductive spacer, together then form a floating gate. A dielectric film layer is then formed on the substrate, and a second conductive layer is subsequently formed above the dielectric film layer.

Abstract: A complex filter minimizing mismatch error by averaging the mismatch error by integrating the real and imaginary input signals using the same integrator. A further advantage is that, as compared to known devices, the complex filter uses fewer number of components thereby reducing the consumed power. The complex filter may be used in a complex bandpass sigma-delta modulator, thereby increasing the performance of the sigma-delta modulator. The complex filter used in a sigma-delta modulator analog to digital converter increases performance of the analog to digital conversion since the mismatch noise is minimized. The complex bandpass sigma-delta modulator analog to digital converter include any number of complex filter stages.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wall block for use in a segmental retaining wall system. The wall block comprises an interior face for forming an interior surface of a segmental retaining wall, an exterior face for forming an exterior surface of the segmental retaining wall, first and second sides that extend from the exterior face to the interior face, and a top surface and a bottom surface. Further provided in the wall block is a channel defined by a front wall, a rear wall, and an arcuate bottom surface. The channel extends across one of the faces and surfaces.

Abstract: A frequency dependent synthetic termination system varies a simulated impedance of a communications device as a function of signals received by the communications device. A feedback mechanism receives signals from a transmission line and attenuates the signals when the signals have a frequency within a predefined frequency range. The feedback mechanism then transmits the signals to a current source which drives the transmission line, thus simulating a termination impedance of the communications device based on the signals transmitted from the feedback mechanism. By varying the impedance of the communications device, the communications device can be designed to support communications of various frequencies over the transmission line.

Abstract: An advance notification system and method notifies passengers of the impending arrival of a transportation vehicle, for example, a school bus, at a particular vehicle stop. The system generally includes an on-board vehicle control unit (VCU) for each vehicle and a base station control unit (BSCU) for making telephone calls to passengers in order to inform the passengers when the vehicle is a certain predefined time period and/or distance away from the vehicle stop. Significantly, the telephone call to advise of the impending arrival preferably exhibits a distinctive ring so that the call recipient need not answer the telephone in order to receive the message. The VCU compares elapsed time and/or travelled distance to the programmed scheduled time and/or travelled distance to determine if the vehicle is on schedule. If the vehicle is behind or ahead of schedule, the VCU calls the BSCU, which then adjusts its calling schedule accordingly.

Abstract: A system and method for the detection of permanent virtual circuit failures in a communication network determines and classifies failures based upon physical or logical criteria. Upon detection of a physical failure or a logical failure the virtual circuit backup logic will establish an alternate path in order to selectively reroute information avoiding the failed primary path. Once the primary path is again available, the logic of the present invention will restore the communication from the alternate path to the primary path. The virtual circuit backup logic will selectively provide an alternate path for communication traffic on a per data link connection identifier (DLCI) basis, thus enabling a single link to be backed up over multiple links.