Abstract: An angular positioning apparatus that includes a wedge assembly and a rod assembly positioned generally within the wedge assembly. The wedge assembly can include a plurality of serially connected wedges, each separately rotatable and when rotated rotating the wedge or wedges, if any, above it. The rod assembly can be connected to the wedge assembly such that a distal end of the rod assembly has an operative pointing direction for a payload (an antenna, a camera, a laser or other angular sensitive device) mountable to a distal end of the apparatus) that is controllably movable by the wedge assembly and such that the rod assembly does not twist about a longitudinal axis thereof as the wedges are rotated. The rod assembly can form a hollow tube for wires and cables, or it can form a solid shaft.

Abstract: Receiver systems and methods are provided for processing transmit signals Str that are received over a receive channel Crcv which is formed by a plurality of receive paths. Method embodiments comprise the steps of a) receiving the transmit signals Str with a plurality of spatially separated antennas to form respective receive signals Srcv, and b) spatially and temporally processing the receive signals Srcv to form a combined corrected signal Scrctcmb that reduces errors in at least one signal parameter. Exemplary signal parameters include signal preambles, codes, spreading codes and modulations.

Abstract: A receiver for a digital beamforming radar system includes a plurality of antenna elements, low-noise block converters, one or more analog-to-digital converters, and a processor. The antenna elements receive a radar signal and output a received signal. The low-noise block converters are modified commercially available components used in satellite television systems, respond to the received signal from a corresponding antenna element, and output an intermediate frequency signal. The low-noise block converters include at least one amplifier, a mixer, and a local oscillator input. The local oscillator input enables an external local oscillator signal to be inputted to the mixer. The analog-to-digital converters are responsive to the intermediate frequency signal of a corresponding low-noise block converter. The processor is responsive to the digital signals output by the analog-to-digital converters.

Abstract: A receiver for a digital beamforming radar system includes a plurality of antenna elements, low-noise block converters, one or more analog-to-digital converters, and a processor. The antenna elements receive a radar signal and output a received signal. The low-noise block converters are modified commercially available components used in satellite television systems, respond to the received signal from a corresponding antenna element, and output an intermediate frequency signal. The low-noise block converters include at least one amplifier, a mixer, and a local oscillator input The local oscillator input enables an external local oscillator signal to be inputted to the mixer. The analog-to-digital converters are responsive to the intermediate frequency signal of a corresponding low-noise block converter. The processor is responsive to the digital signals output by the analog-to-digital converters.

Abstract: Receiver systems and methods are provided for processing transmit signals Str that are received over a receive channel Crcv which is formed by a plurality of receive paths. Method embodiments comprise the steps of a) receiving the transmit signals Str with a plurality of spatially separated antennas to form respective receive signals Srcv, and b) spatially and temporally processing the receive signals Srcv to form a combined corrected signal Scrctcmb that reduces errors in at least one signal parameter. Exemplary signal parameters include signal preambles, codes, spreading codes and modulations.

Abstract: A music distribution system is divided into a plurality of regional networks each including a plurality of users. Each of the regional networks includes a distribution center to which the users of that region are connected. Each distribution center is provided with a library in which is stored a plurality of music titles. A user sends a request to the distribution center via an existing telephone network or cable network. Upon receiving the user's request, the distribution center locates and retrieves the requested data file stored in the regional library, and then transmits the requested file to the user via the existing cable service. At the user's destination, electronic equipment such as a television or a stereo receiver system may provide an audio/visual output of the requested data track.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing an antenna control system. The antenna control system having an antenna control unit electrically coupled to an antenna pedestal. The present invention simulates the operational environment of the antenna control system and records the systems responses to the simulation. The responses are then analyzed and the antenna control system is adjusted to correct errors.

Abstract: A digital cathode current control circuit for controlling the cathode current of a traveling wave tube (TWT) amplifier is disclosed. The cathode current control circuit includes circuitry for providing a comparison signal indicative of the occurrence and amplitude of TWT cathode current pulses; clocking circuitry responsive to the comparison signal for providing a clock signal delayed relative the occurrence of a cathode current pulse; comparison circuitry for comparing the comparison signal with predetermined reference signals indicative of a predetermined cathode current level, and for providing adjustment signals indicative of the adjustment of the TWT cathode current necessary to tend to achieve the predetermined cathode current; and counter circuitry clocked by the delayed clock signal for providing an output count in response to the adjustment signals.