Abstract: A method and corresponding apparatus for encoding and decoding additional status bits into an existing frame status byte transmitted as part of a packet of information in a communication network. The described scheme provides for the encoding and decoding of two additional status bits, without having to modify the packet format. In the disclosed embodiment of the invention, the additional status bits are used to convey information to a node processor concerning decryption processing of a received information packets.

Abstract: A monolithic microwave integrated circuit having multiple, vetically stacked components wherein at least three metal layers isolated from each other by layers of non-conducting material are formed on a semi-insulating substrate, generally comprised of gallium arsenide. Vertically stacked capacitors, inductors and various combinations thereof may be fabricated using the present invention. Further, the vetrically stacked components may be formed on active devices such as FETs and diodies.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes an ultrasonic transducer for outputting an ultrasonic beam and converting the echo of the ultrasonic beam into an echo signal, a transmitter section for supplying a drive signal to the ultrasonic transducer, a receiver section for receiving the echo signal output from the ultrasonic transducer and converting the echo signal into an image signal, and a coaxial cable for coupling the ultrasonic transducer to the transmitter and receiver sections. The ultrasonic transducer is constituted by a two-layer ultrasonic transducer having an impedance smaller than an impedance of the coaxial cable.

Abstract: A range dispersion sensor operative to detect objects of a preselected height "h" operates on quarterwave interference principles. Electromagnetic energy is modulated at a first frequency f.sub.1 such that objects of the preselected height h disposed upon a background create a quarter-wave length reflector. A beam of electromagnetic energy reflected from an object of height h and its proximate background interferes destructively to create a null signal. Effects of non-uniform reflectivity are normalized by modulating the beam at a second frequency f.sub.2 selected to not create constructive or destructive interference effects with objects of the preselected height. The ratio of the two signals is taken thereby normalizing the effects of non-uniform reflectivity, and the resultant ratio is indicative of the height of the objects.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for initializing acquisition apparatus including the use of coded infrared rays for transmitting data and a control case, the initialization being provided by modulating a light beam in amplitude by means of a carrier signal, this latter being modulated both in frequency and in phase and the modulation depending on the initialization signals. A programmable processing unit delivers the digital data to an infrared ray transmitter, the light signals received in return from the acquisition cases provided with similar transmission means being received by an infrared receiver, decoded and reshaped before being applied to the processing unit.

Abstract: The totally passive object identification system and method involves the use of a radiometer to produce a signal corresponding to the radiation pattern generated by an object of interest in the frequency band to which the radiometer is sensitive, and involves comparing the produced signal with a signal corresponding to a given class of objects. The comparator produces a signal indicative of correspondence or a lack of correspondence between the object of interest and the given class of objects.

Abstract: In a VSP survey, the subsurface coverage of the bounce points of primary reflections is limited to one-half the offset between a borehole and a seismic-source point. The subsurface coverage may be extended by use of selected multiply-reflected wavefield arrivals.