Abstract: A test device (101) for use in a trunked radio system (102) employs a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) detector (120) to analyze transmission parameters. The test device (101 ) includes a transceiver (118) for transmitting and receiving radio signals, and a channel controller (116). The test device further includes memory (117) for storing (403) data, and test control means (116) for causing the transceiver to receive (303, 406) outbound signals on active communication channels. The test device (101) then processes (303-305, 402-404) the power levels for the outbound signals, and either re-transmits (305, 307) the results, or stores (407) them in memory.

Abstract: A method and means of automatically accessing several types of radio systems is described. The present invention allows a subscriber unit, which is normally operative in a operator selected radio system, to establish communication with an alternate system if a operator selected system cannot be found. The alternate system may be a conventional single channel mobile relay system or trunked radio system in which the subscriber is authorized to operate. Once communications are established with an alternate communication system, the present invention will periodically attempt to establish communication with the operator selected system while simultaneously attempting to be assigned a higher priority channel in the alternate communication systems according to a priority scan list. Further, the present invention will automatically ignore certain channels which are dedicated for car-to-car use.

Abstract: A method and means of automatically accessing several types of radio systems is described. The present invention allows a subscriber unit, which is normally operative in a operator selected radio system, to establish communication with an alternate system if a operator selected system cannot be found. The alternate system may be a conventional single channel mobile relay system or trunked radio system in which the subscriber is authorized to operate. Once communications are established with an alternate communication system, the present invention will periodically attempt to establish communication with the operator selected system while simultaneously attempting to be assigned a higher priority channel in the alternate communication systems according to a priority scan list. Further, the present invention will automatically ignore certain channels which are dedicated for car-to-car use.

Abstract: In a network of communication systems that comprises a plurality of communication systems, the following discloses a method that allows a communication unit that is seeking a communication system to monitor to verify the integrity of both the transmit communication path and the receive communication path. The first step is for the communication unit to acquire synchronization with the communication system. Having acquired synchronization with the communication system, the communication unit receives transmission parameters of the communication system. Based on the transmission parameters, the communication unit calculates a talk-out gain of the transmit communication path and a talk-in gain of the receive communication path and then calculates a transmit communication path loss and a receive communication path loss.

Abstract: A trunked radio system range extender extends the range of a trunked radio system by having a second repeater station monitor the control channel for the trunked radio system detect and decode control information and rebroadcast it on to a second control resource. Communications resources from the first trunked radio system are similarly mapped into a second set of communications resources for subsequent broadcast throughout an extended geographic range. The extending repeater station uses the control resource from the first repeater station.

Abstract: A method of configuring directional antennas to more fully radiate a geographic region serviced by a simulcast radio system can reduce the number of omni-directional antennas used by prior art methods. Directional antennas having significant differences between frontal and rearward radiated signal levels are used to provide large signal amplitude differences when signal phase differences in the simulcast coverage area become appreciable.

Abstract: An improved deoiling process is provided for removing substantial amounts of oil from spent catalyst withdrawn from resid hydrotreating units. In the process, a slurry of spent catalyst and oil is spirally conveyed at an upward angle of inclination in a spiral classifier. Oil is drained from the upwardly spiraling slurry to substantially separate the oil from the spent catalyst. The deoiled catalyst is discharged into a catalyst bin. Preferably, the bin is continuously weighed as the deoiled catalyst is discharged into the bin. The flow of deoiled catalyst into the bin is stopped when the weight of the catalyst-laden bin has reached a preselected weight.

Abstract: Film extrusion-fibrillation and film extrusion-narrow slitting processes for preparing fibrillated or narrow-width thermoplastic tape. The process is characterized by conducting the extrusion-orientation stage and the slitting or fibrillation stage as separate operations, thereby minimizing process disruptions caused by film defects and breakage, and further characterized by certain film shrinkage and heat treatment modifications which facilitate such separate stage operation. The fibrillated tapes can be twisted into cordage products. The narrow-width tapes are used to make carpet backing and indoor-outdoor carpet.