Abstract: An approach is provided for supporting carrier synchronization in a digital broadcast and interactive system. A carrier synchronization module receives one or more signals representing a frame that includes one or more overhead fields (e.g., preamble and optional pilot blocks and one or multiple segments separated by pilot blocks). The module estimates carrier frequency and phase on a segment by segment basis and tracks frequency between segments. Carrier phase of the signal is estimated based upon the overhead field. Estimates carrier phase of random data field are determined based upon the estimated phase values from the overhead fields, and upon both the past and future data signals. Further, the frequency of the signal is estimated based upon the overhead fields and/or the random data field. The above arrangement is particularly suited to a digital satellite broadcast and interactive system.

Abstract: A method, apparatus for providing at least near continuous broadcast services to one or more terrestrial receiver stations is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of satellites, each satellite in an inclined, elliptical geosynchronous orbit, each satellite providing a portion of the at least near continuous broadcast service to the terrestrial receiver. In one embodiment, the system also comprises a receiver station having an legacy antenna modified so as to include a sensitivity pattern substantially matched to the track of the apparent position of the satellites actively broadcasting information to the receiver stations. The present invention is also embodied in a method for receiving at least near continuous broadcast service from at least one of a plurality of satellites at a time, each satellite in an inclined, elliptical, geosynchronous orbit.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a method for the wireless transmission of information from one or more antennas to one or more separate users. The method comprises processing information to produce transmission vectors that minimize simultaneous interference between separate user channels and adjusting the radiation patterns to minimize total system radiation power for users specified capacities. In another aspect, the present invention includes apparatus and methods for providing multiple users of a network with information in such a manner that only the user that the signals are intended for receives the information.

Abstract: A communication system has a high altitude communication device that has an antenna for directing beams to a fixed cell pattern with a polarity of cells. A specific pattern of cells having the same communication resource is provided. Preferably, cells having the same resource are separated. The antenna is shaped to suppress interference with locations having the same resource. The areas not having the same resource are not suppressed to allow the system to have maximum capacity and allow a smaller antenna aperture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system and apparatus for use in remotely and internally tapping a conduit. The method is performed, at least partially, by an automatic mechanism or robot configured to effectively perform the tasks and various steps of the method. The method includes the steps of: (a) lining a conduit with a liner; and (b) inserting an automatic mechanism into an internal portion of the liner, wherein the automatic mechanism (i) locates a service tap connection point; and (ii) at least partially engages a fitting device within an internal surface of the service tap entry portion, thereby providing fluid communication between a service tap internal passageway and an internal portion of the liner. An automatic mechanism, a fitting device and an insert element are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for measuring and adjusting tension in pliant tension members, including aircraft recovery lines, are disclosed herein. A tool for indicating tension in a pliant tension member in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, for example, can include a first support member releasably coupled to a flexible line suspended from a support structure. The first support member is positioned generally parallel to the flexible line. The tool can also include a second support member coupled to the first support member and positioned at an acute angle relative to the first support member. The second support member has a center of gravity at a selected distance from the flexible line. The second support member is generally horizontal when the tension in the flexible line is at a desired value.

Abstract: In a process for treating effluent water, a stream of effluent water is fed to a porous ceramic media filled reactor. Organic and inorganic impurities are absorbed and/or oxidized from the effluent water into the media and/or off-gases. The remainder of the effluent water stream is dispensed from the reactor in an outlet stream suitable for direct discharge to the sea or for recycling without incurring the disadvantages of generating a solid sludge. The reactor includes a chamber containing activated media, such as pellets of porous ceramic material. The pellets are stored in a vertical stacks of sub chambers defined by horizontal perforated trays and/or in a horizontal chains of sub chambers defined by vertical perforated baffles.

Abstract: The present invention is found in two embodiments of readily resealed unit dose systems with brush applicators. In the first embodiment, the applicator threadingly engages an interior chamber of a unit dose vial until a sealing surface of the applicator interfaces with a ledge within the chamber. The ledge and surface may be of any angle in relation to the chamber and applicator, so long as they fit together to seal the vial. The second embodiment utilizes an elastomeric diaphragm with an orifice slightly smaller than the applicator handle to secure and seal the system.

Abstract: A folding multipurpose tool including adjustable locking pliers with an over-center locking mechanism to retain the jaws in a gripping condition. The jaws of the locking pliers can be folded into the handles of the tool to produce a compact folded configuration. A latch mechanism in the tool handle retains a selected one of several folding tool bits or blades in an extended position for use and includes an abutment arrangement to prevent such a selected tool bit from being extended too far. A spring associated with a tool bit driving socket retains separate tool bits and resists inadvertent removal of an adjustment screw element of the locking pliers. Upon removal of the adjustment screw element, special bits, such as a corkscrew, can be screwed into the tool bit driving socket.

Abstract: A guide insert having a guide member having an arcuate portion for bending an optical fiber of a backplane, and a circuit board assembly comprising the backplane and a daughterboard wherein the daughterboard is operatively connected to the backplane via the guide insert.

Abstract: Methods and systems for mobile station location detection. A mobile station measures signal strength of each of a set of signals associated with the mobile station, then determines whether a number of signals in the set is less than a predetermined threshold. Based on the determination, the mobile station calculates a difference in power between a first and second signal associated with the mobile station. Thereafter, power on a channel corresponding to the mobile station is increased for a predetermined number of frames based on the calculation. The location of the mobile station is determined during the power increase.

Abstract: A radio signal relay device such as satellite is used to cover several relatively small geographical regions with relatively narrow beams as well as a relatively large geographical region with a single beam. This relatively wide beam permits legacy equipment to be used. A transmitting device in a beam transmits a signal to the relay device, which in turn retransmits the signal to a receiving device. The transmitting devices, relay device, and receiving devices synchronize communication by using a particular mode of communication which includes a band of carrier frequencies and a protocol. In addition to communicating like mode signals from a transmitter to a receiver, the relay device may be used in a dual mode communication system to translate signals from the one mode to another. A translator may direct a transmitter to modulate a signal on a different carrier frequency, convert one protocol into another protocol, or both.

Abstract: A combination of new hardware at the subscriber site, hardware and services at the satellite broadcasting center and new installation procedures provide a cost-effective approach for verifying “callback” functionality. The required test and monitoring hardware may be provided as an external test CAM and call progress monitor (CPM) or integrated into the IRD. The satellite broadcast center is provided with a call responder & data test system (CRDTS) that is set up to automatically receive and evaluate test calls over a back channel and a call recording system (CRS) that records the test results and notifies the billing center of a successful installation. The installer installs the dish and IRD, verifies “callback” functionality by placing a test call that is evaluated by the CRDTS, and then calls a customer service representative (CSR) to complete the service authorization process. The CSR checks the CRS to verify that the “callback” function is operational and authorizes payment to the installer.

Abstract: A streaming media application attempting to establish a streaming media connection first attempts to establish the connection directly using a format such as UDP. If no direct connection can be established, the media application attempts to establish a connection through a proxy server using proxy server information obtained from installed software components such as browsers that manage Internet connections. If necessary, an auto configuration web page is utilized to obtain the proxy server address. The invention also includes methods for blocking streaming media connections.

Abstract: A barrier actuating device is placed in close proximity to an authorization device. Electromagnetic enabling information that has been automatically sent from the authorization device is detected. Responsive to the detecting of the electromagnetic enabling information, an operation of the barrier actuating device is enabled so that the actuating device is operable to transmit a signal. The operation of the actuating device is disabled in the absence of the enabling information.

Abstract: A protocol adapter for transferring diagnostic messages between networks within a vehicle and a host computer. The protocol adapter operates as a voltage translator to support J1708 software. The protocol adapter also recognizes when the protocol adapter is connected to a host computer running the J1939 and/or J1708 protocols and automatically switches to that protocol.