Abstract: A balloon has an inflatable main body with a flexible extension. The extension is connected to the main body in such a manner that, when they are inflated, the extension forms a semirigid handle. The balloon therefore requires no separate holder. The balloon can be deflated for storage or shipment and reinflated when desirable or necessary.

Abstract: In a PLL device with a plurality of phase comparators, when one phase comparator has reached a locked state, this phase comparator is allowed to keep on delivering an output, while outputs of the other phase comparators are disabled. Accordingly, power consumption can be reduced. Furthermore, an error current output from a charge pump (109) connected to the phase comparators to output an error signal is reduced when lock approaches. Accordingly, lock failure can be avoided. Furthermore, a time constant of a low-pass filter (220) that receives the output of the charge pumps connected to the phase comparators is altered following alteration of the number of the phase comparators (212 to 219) that deliver their outputs. Accordingly, power consumption can be reduced, and also stability and converging speed are improved. Using distribution means (318) instead of frequency dividers provided for the phase comparators individually makes LSI implementation easy.

Abstract: A pseudolite for transmitting a global positioning system (GPS) signal having identification information for a GPS satellite that is currently out-of-view. The pseudolite mimics a global positioning system (GPS) signal by using a C/A pseudorandom (PRN) identification code for a GPS satellite that is allocated in the GPS system but is unreceivable in the local vicinity and location-determination information including ephemeris data corresponding to the geographical location of the pseudolite. In order to ensure that two of the GPS pseudolites in the same vicinity do not use the identification PRN code from the same out-of-view GPS satellite, the pseudolite listens first before transmitting to detect the identifications in the received GPS signals.

Abstract: A system for selection by a user and delivery to the user over an internetwork transmission channel of selected audio data files at a delivery rate of at least twice the delivery rate for normal, audibly perceptible playback of an audio data file. The user registers the user's selection of audio material with a central library of audio and/or text data files, and a digitized and optionally compressed omnibus file containing the user's selections is prepared and transmitted to the user at a high data transfer rate. The user receives downloads the selected data files to a personal computer or to a portable storage and playback unit (SPU) that may store and play back digitized text or audio data, using a docking station. The user carries this SPU until the user has an opportunity to audio process and play back the text or audio data files in audibly perceptible form.

Abstract: A touch counter for an exercise device has a base and a movable cover. A cavity is defined along the length of the base. At least one post extends upwards from the bottom of the cavity. The movable cover is pivotally mounted in the cavity and has a circuit board and at least one switch. The display is mounted under the movable cover. The circuit board is mounted under the display. The switches are located under the movable cover and correspond to the posts.

Abstract: An antenna comprises a signal radiator, a ground plane spaced apart from the radiator, and a dielectric separator between the radiator and the ground plane. The separator comprises at least two positions having different dielectric constants. In a preferred embodiment, it comprises a material such as FR-4 that has a dielectric constant and a loss tangent substantially higher than those of air and is formed with at least one void reducing the loss tangent of the separator. The antenna strikes an effective compromise between the dielectric constant and loss tangent and is well suited to transmit and receive GPS signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing multipath reflection effects in timing systems is disclosed in which a determination is made of whether a received signal is a reflected signal. A detector provides from an input signal a pair of signals representative of whether the input signal contained right-hand circularly polarized and left-hand circularly polarized components. The representative signals are separately processed in synchronized logic circuits to determine relative power levels. The power levels are compared to determine the nature of the dominant polarization of the input signal.

Abstract: A receiver for tracking sources of position system signals transmitted as split spectrum signals is disclosed. The receiver provides a digital tracker to track a portion of the split spectrum signal. Each digital tracker may have an independent tracking loop solely for tracking a respective portion of the split spectrum signal. Such an arrangement provides anti-jamming benefits. Alternatively, the tracking loops may be dependent by providing information ascertained by one digital tracker to another digital tracker, thereby to provide an increased signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract: A retainer for a ball grid array (BGA) fan is disclosed. The retainer has a pair of oppositely mated frame members each having a first flange, a second flange parallel to the first flange and extending from an inner face thereof and a space defined between the first and the second flanges for receiving the substrate therein; and means for engaging the fan with the mated frame members after the substrate is received between the opposite spaces.

Abstract: A flip-chip semiconductor device and a method for under filling the flip-chip semiconductor device are disclosed. The flip-chip semiconductor device is provided with a substrate and a die having a plurality of solder bumps for connecting to the substrate. Encapsulation material is under filled between the die and the substrate. The substrate has a non-mask area defied in a center portion thereof while the remaining surface area is covered by a solder mask. The non-mask area defines a hole in the center thereof so that the encapsulation material can be dispensed along all sides of the die to flow toward the non-mask area and stop when reaching the non-mask area whereby the encapsulation material does not block the hole and air between said die and the substrate is limited in a void formed around the hole and communicated with the atmosphere via the hole.

Abstract: A handle assembly includes a ring-shaped body which has three tapered passages defined radially therethrough, each passages having a large diameter opening defined in the inside of the handle and a smaller diameter opening defined in the outside of the handle. A resilient rope extends through at least one of the tapered passages. A locking device has a teardrop member and a shank extending from the teardrop member. The shank has a collar connected thereto, and the collar has a clamping member movably engaged therewith. The resilient rope in the tapered passage is securely held by the teardrop member. The resilient rope extends through the collar and is engaged by the clamping member.

Abstract: A bellows has a first portion that is formed with a hollow protrusion and can be actuated by pressing on it and a second portion formed with an annular wall defining an opening. The hollow protrusion fits within the opening. Actuation of the first portion causes a fluid to flow through the hollow protrusion and opening, and the fluid tends to force the protrusion against the annular wall. In another embodiment, the first and second portions are sealed along planer front and rear walls. A nut us provided having teeth for clamping the device to an air tube. The bellows can be used to control any device, including a pressure switch, valve or gauge, that is controlled by a change in fluid pressure applied thereto.

Abstract: A protective cap has a hollow tubular cable clamp, a spacer integrally formed with and extending from mid-portion of the tubular cable clamp, a "T" shaped extension integrally formed on the free end of the spacer and two tubular caps respectively integrally formed on the ends of the extension. A cutout is defined in the tubular cable clamp and the side faces defining the cutout are inclined with respect to each other, such that the user is able to insert the fiber optic cable into the tubular cable clamp with ease.

Abstract: A derailleur gear unit includes a ratchet wheel rotatably mounted around a pivot base and formed with a plurality of teeth. A retaining disk is fixedly mounted around the pivot base, and a shank extends from an outer periphery of the retaining disk and is formed with a catch. A first shifting lever includes a first end portion, a mediate portion rotatably mounted around the pivot base, and a second end portion. A pawl member is pivotally mounted on the first end portion of the first shifting lever and includes an arcuate guiding track slidably abutting on the catch, and a detent meshing with one of the teeth of the ratchet wheel. A second shifting lever includes a first end portion pivotally mounted around the pivot base and a second end portion. A pushing rod located radially opposite to the detent of the pawl member is mounted on the first end portion of the second shifting lever and meshes with one of the teeth of the ratchet wheel.

Abstract: A method for fast acquisition, in as little as 6-15 seconds, of signals from a satellite in a Satellite Positioning System (SATPS), such as GPS or GLONASS, that does not require permanent storage of satellite ephemeris information at an SATPS ground station. This SATPS signal acquisition method can be used whenever the “new” station initially powers up or has lost lock on one or more SATPS signals that must be (re)acquired. A reference SATPS station provides the new SATPS station with an estimated reference station location and ephemeris information for one or more identified SATPS satellites visible from the reference station. The new station receives and uses this information to establish carrier frequency ranges to search for the identified SATPS satellite, by limiting the search to a reduced frequency range based upon estimated Doppler shift of SATPS signals received from this satellite.