Abstract: An RF antenna assembly may be positioned within a wellbore in a subterranean formation for hydrocarbon resource recovery. The RF antenna assembly includes first and second tubular conductors and a feed structure therebetween defining a dipole antenna to be positioned within the wellbore, and an RF transmission line extending within one of the tubular conductors. The feed structure includes a dielectric tube, a first connector coupling the RF transmission line to the first tubular conductor, and a second connector coupling the RF transmission line to the second tubular conductor.

Abstract: An aspect of at least one embodiment of the present invention is a device for cracking heavy hydrocarbons. A linear applicator is positioned within heavy oil containing aromatic molecules. A radio frequency electrical current source is electrically connected to the applicator at a first connection point and a second connection point to create a closed electrical loop. The radio frequency source is configured to apply a signal to the applicator that is sufficient to create a magnetic field and an electric field relative to the axis of the linear applicator. The device also includes a chamber positioned around the applicator generally between the first connection point and the second connection point to concentrate the magnetic field within a region surrounding the applicator and containing the heavy hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A communications device may include a wireless receiver, and a processor coupled to the wireless receiver. The processor may be configured to receive a spread OFDM signal having narrowband interference associated with the same, the spread OFDM signal having subcarriers with data distributed among the subcarriers. The processor may be configured to excise the narrowband interference from the spread OFDM signal, and despread the spread OFDM signal after excising and based upon the excising to recover the data.

Abstract: System for positioning a reflector includes a base (112), yoke (104) and a reflector in the form of a lens mirror assembly (10). A motor (120) is mounted and remains substantially stationary with respect to rotation about a first axis while the yoke rotates about the first axis. A connecting rod (152) actuated for movement by the motor is mechanically coupled to the reflector so that movement of the connecting rod in relation to the yoke imparts rotation to the reflector about the second axis when the reflector is supported by the yoke. A mechanical drive system couples an output shaft of the motor to the connecting rod. The mechanical drive system is arranged so that it varies an angular position of the reflector at a rate which is linearly related to the rotation of the output shaft.

Abstract: A wireless engine monitoring system (WEMS) includes an engine monitoring module that is mounted directly on an aircraft engine and records, stores, encrypts and transmits full flight engine data. The system preferably interfaces to the Full Authority Digital Engine Controller/Engine Control Unit (FADEC/ECU) and can record hundreds of engine parameters with a preferred sampling frequency of about one second. The engine monitoring module is preferably formed as a miniaturized module directly mounted on the aircraft engine within its cowling and has a conformal antenna. The engine monitoring module can also upload data for onboard processing.

Abstract: The wireless communications device has a transmit signal path including a digital-to-analog converter and associated circuitry, a receive signal path including an analog-to-digital converter, and a magnitude detector sampling the transmit signal path and providing output to a signal controller. The signal controller is configured to determine amplitude distortion and determine phase distortion based upon information from the magnitude detector, and generate an equalization filter (e.g. during power-up of the wireless communication device), based upon the determined amplitude distortion and phase distortion, for pre-distortion of regular traffic output through the transmit signal path. The approach provides compensation for both amplitude and phase based upon the sampling of an output of a magnitude detector in Radio Frequency (RF) signal paths.

Abstract: Systems (100) and methods (300) for synchronizing operations of processors (102, 104). The methods involve: receiving by an electronic circuit (106) a first request (250) from a first processor for writing first data (262) to or reading first data from a first address (260) in a first data store (122), and subsequently a second request (252) from a second processor for writing second data (266) to or reading second data from a second address (264) in a second data store (124); comparing values of the first and second addresses to each other and values of the first and second data to each other; and concurrently communicating an asynchronous ready signal (254) from the electronic circuit to the processors when the values of the addresses and data respectively match each other. The asynchronous ready signal causes operations of the processors to be synchronized in time with each other.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing distributed network solutions to end user customers by acting as a neutral demarcation point between the last mile and the long haul portion of a telecommunications network. A network provisioning platform evaluates transport alternatives to identify routes and networks having the highest reliability metrics. Access circuits are aggregated to the optical level at the earliest possible point in the network. Service to on-net networks are provisioned rapidly.

Abstract: A mount system (10) for a portable radio. The mount system (10) includes a base member (20) which defines a support surface (22) with a given perimeter and a skirt depending from the support surface (22) over at least a portion of the given perimeter. At least one connecting mechanism is defined by the base member. A cover member (50) including a plate member (52) is interconnected to the base member such that a radio receiving space is defined between the plate member (52) and the support surface (22).

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a Portable Satellite Communication (“PSC”) antenna. The PSC antenna (100) comprises: a Parabolic Segmented Antenna (“PSA”) reflector (102) with a plurality of identical and interchangeable panels (106) that can be stowed in a nested stacked arrangement; a plurality of interchangeable feedhorn assemblies (104) that can be coupled to a center hub (110) via a quick-connect mechanism (112); an adjustment mechanism (2512, 2602, 2604) for adjusting an angular orientation of the feedhorn assemblies relative to the center hub; a transceiver (202) that can be coupled to a convex side of the PSA reflector; a base panel (120) which is coupled to a tripod positioning structure (118) such that reflector wind moment loads can be transferred through a base panel to the tripod positioning structure; and a tripod positioning structure with folding legs (3102, 3104) and hard stops (3306) against which the folding legs can be preloaded.

Abstract: System and method for operating a robotic exoskeleton involves using a control system (107) to monitor an output one or more electrical activity sensors (202) disposed on a human operator. The control system determines if an output of the electrical activity sensors corresponds to a predetermined neural or neuromuscular condition of the user. Based on the determining step, the control system automatically chooses an operating mode from among a plurality of different operating modes. The operating mode selected determines the response the control system will have to control inputs from the human operator.

Abstract: Method for communicating in a computer network from a first node (101, 102, 103) in the network to a second node (136, 138), not in the network. A virtual identity is selected for the first node. The virtual identity is comprised of one or more session identity parameters used for representing the first node during a static communication session with the second node. The session identity parameters used during the static communication session are excluded from a coordinated variation of identity parameters for nodes within the network. In response to determining an occurrence of at least one communication security threat with respect to the static communication session, the method further involves adaptively modifying the virtual identity assigned to the first node by changing at least one of the session identity parameters.

Abstract: A switching circuit may include a first series diode, a second series diode, a first shunt diode coupled to the first series diode at a first control node, and a second shunt diode coupled to the second series diode at a second control node. A high voltage supply may generate a high voltage signal to be selectively applied to either the first or second control node. A dc-dc converter may cooperate with the high voltage supply to generate an intermediate bias voltage on the first and second shunt diodes so that the first series diode is reversed biased and the first shunt diode is forward biased when the high voltage control signal is applied to the first control node, and so that the second series diode is reversed biased and the second shunt diode is forward biased when the high voltage control signal is applied to the second control node.

Abstract: A method for heating hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation may include positioning a tubular conductor within a wellbore in the subterranean formation and slidably positioning a radio frequency (RF) transmission line within the tubular conductor so that a distal end of the transmission line is electrically coupled to the tubular conductor. The method may also include supplying RF power, via the RF transmission line, to the tubular conductor so that the tubular conductor serves as an RF antenna to heat the hydrocarbon resources in the subterranean formation.

Abstract: Portable communication device (100) generates a telephony audio stream and at least a second audio stream. Responsive to the occurrence of a telephony session, the second audio stream is re-routed from a loudspeaker (234) to a handset speaker (230) in the PCD (100) having a low capacity audio output capability. Upon termination of the telephony session, the second audio stream is re-routed from the handset speaker (230) to the loudspeaker (234). Subsequent to such re-routing, an audio output drive level of the second audio stream is caused to gradually increase over a period of time in accordance with a predetermined ramp function. A series of warning tones are reproduced to warn the user of the potential for high volume audio.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are directed to heating materials by application of radio frequency (“RF”) energy. The materials to be heated may include petroleum ore, such as bitumen, oil sands, oil shale, tar sands, or heavy oil. Petroleum ore is mixed with a substance that includes mini-dipole susceptors such as carbon strands. A source is provided which applies RF energy to the mixture of a power and frequency sufficient to heat the mini-dipole susceptors. The RF energy is applied for a sufficient time to allow the mini-dipole susceptors to heat the mixture to an average temperature greater than about 212° F. (100° C.). Optionally, the mini-dipole susceptors can be removed after the desired average temperature has been achieved. The susceptors may provide advantages for the RF heating of hydrocarbons, such as higher temperatures (sufficient for distillation or pyrolysis), anhydrous processing, and greater speed or efficiency.

Abstract: Reflector systems (10) comprising a reflector (11) formed from rigid panels (14) mounted on a centrally-located hub (12) are provided. The panels (14) can be stowed in a relatively compact manner in which the panels (14) overlap. The panels (14) can translate with a combination of rotational and linear motion so that the panels (14) become disposed in a side by side relationship, thereby deploying the reflector (11) so that the reflector (11) can focus electromagnetic energy incident thereupon.

Abstract: A radio frequency applicator and method for heating a geological formation is disclosed. A radio frequency source configured to apply a differential mode signal is connected to a coaxial conductor including an outer conductor pipe and an inner conductor. The inner conductor is coupled to a second conductor pipe through one or more metal jumpers. One or more current chokes, such as a common mode choke or antenna balun, are installed around the outer conductor pipe and the second conductor pipe to concentrate electromagnetic radiation within a hydrocarbon formation. The outer conductor pipe and the second conductor pipe can be traditional well pipes for extracting hydrocarbons, such as a steam pipe and an extraction pipe of a steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) system. An apparatus and method for installing a current choke are also disclosed.

Abstract: An RF antenna assembly is positioned within a wellbore in a subterranean formation for hydrocarbon resource recovery. The RF antenna assembly includes first and second tubular conductors and a dielectric isolator therebetween. The dielectric isolator includes a dielectric tube having opposing first and second open ends, a first tubular connector having a first slotted recess receiving therein the first open end of the dielectric tube, and a second tubular connector having a second slotted recess receiving therein the second open end of the dielectric tube.

Abstract: A method for hydrocarbon resource recovery in a subterranean formation includes forming a laterally extending injector well in the subterranean formation and forming a laterally extending producer well spaced below the injector well. The method may also include radio frequency (RF) heating the subterranean formation to establish hydraulic communication between the injector well and the producer well. The method may further include injecting heated liquid water into the injector well to recover hydrocarbon resources from the producer well based upon the hydraulic communication therebetween.