Abstract: A system that automatically captures one or more local news program broadcasts and separates the broadcasts into the individual news stories or segments. The system then compares the stories to historical data concerning the competitive characteristics of the stories for each station and determines the topic (local, national, crime, etc.), talent (newscaster 1, newscaster 2, etc.) and production (live, studio, voice-over-tape, etc.) characteristics of the stories. Other characteristics that affect the popularity and therefor the competitive characteristics of the broadcasts can also be displayed, such as pacing, average story length, news-to-advertisement ratio, broadcast ordering (news then weather then news then sports, etc.), etc.

Abstract: A beam steering control for a mobile satellite communications antenna, includes an antenna having a steering mechanism; a dynamic rate sensor for producing a signal related to the rate of change of position of a vehicle to which the antenna is mounted; and a control system for controlling the steering mechanism, the control system including a satellite tracking loop, an inertial stabilization loop, a calibration algorithm for dynamically calibrating the rate sensor, and a satellite acquisition algorithm for determining a azimuth angle of the antenna relative to an inertial reference.

Abstract: A high power amplifier (10) includes intelligent independent fault tolerant amplifying modules (11). Each of the modules (11) includes a power amplifier (17) having a plurality of silicon carbide transistor circuits (27-30) coupled in parallel and driven by a silicon carbide transistor circuit (26). The module (11) also includes a dedicated hybrid controller (18) that monitors the operational conditions of the power amplifier (17) and optimizes these operational conditions in order to provide fault isolation and to avoid unwanted failure of the module (11) as a whole.

Abstract: A preamplifier system (10) is provided which amplifies and conditions an input electromagnetic signal for insertion into a high power amplifier. The preamplifier system (10) includes a plurality of cascaded amplifying stages (100a-100d) for incrementally amplifying the input electromagnetic signal, as well as bias control circuitry coupled to the amplifying stages (100a-100d) to electrically bias at least one of those stages into a Class A operational mode and an adjustable phase shift unit (300) coupled to at least one of the amplifying stages (100a-100d) for reversibly shifting the phase of the input electromagnetic signal in accordance with the given high power amplifier's configuration. Each amplifying stage (100a-100d) includes at least one transistor assembly device (110a-110d) having integrally formed therein a plurality of silicon carbide cells coupled one to the other.

Abstract: A hybrid system (18) for control and monitoring of an amplifier (330) is provided. The hybrid control system (18) includes an analog control subsystem (81) and a digital control subsystem (82). The analog control system provides an automatic gain control loop for maintaining the gain of amplifier (330) at a predetermined level. The digital control subsystem (82) monitors a plurality of operating characteristics of amplifier (330) and commands the analog control subsystem (81) to reduce the gain of amplifier (330) responsive to certain predetermined fault conditions. The digital control subsystem (82) shuts down amplifier (330) responsive to other predetermined fault conditions. The digital control subsystem (82) also controls the power-on sequence and power-down sequence for amplifier (330), insuring that the gate bias voltage is first applied or maintained before the drain voltage is applied or removed.

Abstract: An integrated head assembly for a nuclear reactor pressure vessel includes a closure head with CRDM assemblies extending upwardly from the head. A CRDM seismic support disposed above the closure head provides lateral support for the CRDM assemblies. The seismic support also has air flow holes which communicate with the interior of a shroud enclosing the CRDMs and extending upwardly from the closure head to the seismic support. The shroud has an air port in direct air flow communication with the surrounding atmosphere so that the closure head, shroud and seismic support define an air flow passageway directly communicating with the surrounding atmosphere via the air port and without the extensive ductwork and, therefore, with substantially less power. A missile shield disposed above and in air flow communication with the seismic support provides a lightweight, compact physical barrier for removing energy from dislocated objects such as CRDM drive rods.

Abstract: A pilger die assembly in which the die has an annular body with an opening extending from a central, through bore to the peripheral surface. The opening subtends a circumferential angle at the through bore of less than 180.degree.. The cylindrical arbor has a section of reduced cross-sectional dimension, preferably formed by a flat. The die is positioned with the opening aligned with the flat, slid into coaxial registration with the arbor, rotated to a captured position in which the opening is no longer aligned with flat on the arbor and then pushed axially to engage a key on the arbor in a keyway extending axially from one side face of the die. A stop screw threaded into the arbor adjacent the other side face of the die locks it in place.

Abstract: A Supervisory Sequential Controller Interface (SSCI) provides for automatic and manual sequencing of the sequential steps of multiple procedures simultaneously in a complex process facility while preserving operator supervisory control over each procedure. The SSCI includes an Executive Interface which gives the operator global control over all of the procedures and a Procedure Interface which is arranged such that the operator may ascertain the relevant information about a particular procedure, including the mode (auto/manual), the current step being executed and the relevant states of plant components and parameters for the current step. Multiple Procedure Interface screens may be displayed to monitor/execute multiple procedures running simultaneously.