Abstract: In a delta-sigma type analog-to-digital converter, an offset varying during operation is removed, and a reduction in time required to generate a stable value after powering on the converter is achieved. A high pass filter is provided with a variable filter coefficient which can vary during operation. A filter coefficient controller supplies a coefficient control signal to the high pass filter to change the variable filter coefficient during operation, thereby altering the time constant of the high pass filter.

Abstract: An asset location system includes a pager, a control processor, a GPS receiver and a cell phone. During normal operation, the equipment on board the tracked asset is in a low power or sleep mode. Upon receiving a location quaere from a call center, a signal or control processor is powered up. If location information is to be obtained from a particular asset, a GPS receiver obtains latitude and longitude information. This latitude and longitude information is put in a transmittable form by a modem. A cellular telephone module then transmits this information to a remote monitoring or response center. If desired, data reporting on asset condition may also be sent the remote monitoring or response center along with the location information.

Abstract: A novel pager and paging system provides subscribers with astronomical and meteorological information. A service provider compiles a database of astronomical and meteorological information such as: current and forecast weather conditions; where and when celestial phenomena can be observed; horoscope information; and constellation configurations. Subscribers provide the service provider with a profile detailing what information the subscriber wishes to receive. The service provider will collect information, match the information to the subscriber's profile, and transmit the matching information to the subscriber.