Abstract: A LIDAR device includes an array of lasers and an array of corresponding receivers. The spatial distribution of the lasers corresponds to that of the receivers. The array of lasers creates an array of beamlets and correlated receiver fields of view for dense three-dimensional point cloud mapping with precise angular spacing defined by lithographically grown transmitter and receiver arrays. A transmitter lens may be provided that maximizes optical throughput in a coaxial LIDAR by crossing the transmitter beamlets at the focus of the transmitter lens, where a transmit and receive combiner is also located. A single transmitter lens may be used to both collimate and steer the transmitter beamlets to generate a desired spot pattern in angle space. Control circuitry for the lasers may include a drive transistor with a power source coupled to a source terminal and an isolated gate driver coupled to a gate terminal.

Abstract: The algorithm disclosed here is a method for a mobile station device to select a network for wireless communications in a way that takes advantage of the most favorable roaming agreements between operators. The exemplary algorithm provides the flexibility to select between 3GPP2 (1×RTT and EVDO) technologies and 3GPP (LTE/GSM/UMTS) technologies as well as specific operators' networks for domestic and international roaming. The proposed algorithm allows the operator to optimize roaming agreements in different markets and maximize revenue from roaming.

Abstract: A method of radio frequency (RF) welding of a flexible PVC sheet to a rigid copolyester carrier by holding a flexible PVC sheet and a rigid copolymer carrier together between heated RF dies. A predetermined temperature differential is maintained between the RF dies, with the flexible sheet side at a higher temperature than the rigid carrier side and adjusted so that a weld plane is established along the interface between the PVC and the copolyester. An RF weld signal is passed through the first and second RF dies and the PVC and copolyester therebetween, so that the flexible PVC sheet and the copolyester rigid carrier partially melt and become welded together at the weld plane.

Abstract: A fluid infusion pump includes a disposable cassette having an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid chamber between the inlet and the outlet. There is a fixed wall of the fluid chamber and a movable wall of the fluid chamber. A pump body receives the cassette in a fixed operating relationship such that an actuator in the pump body is activatable for reciprocal advancement and retraction with respect to the cassette and is adapted to confront the movable diaphragm when the cassette is received in the pump body. There is a detachable coupling between the actuator mounted in the pump body and the movable wall so that fluid is expelled from the fluid chamber on advancement of the actuator and positively drawn into the fluid chamber upon retraction of the actuator.

Abstract: A connector manipulating apparatus use a positioning mechanism to position a connector in a predefined location and orientation. A programmable positioning device or robot retrieves a connector from a first location using a locating tool, and places the connector in the positioning mechanism. After the positioning mechanism places the connector in a predefined location and orientation, the programmable positioning device moves the connector to a work location where conductors are attached to the connector.

Abstract: A coiled cable handling apparatus uses a platform with retractable fingers to maintain the coiled configuration of a coiled cable. The coiled cable having a coiled portion, a first end thereof terminating in a connector and a second end. The reactable fingers contact the inner circumference of the coiled cable, a centrally located nest or clamp secures one end of the cable and a clip secures the other end of the cable. A cable transport mechanism places the coiled cable on the platform or removes it from the platform. The transport mechanism comprises coil pickup clamps to grasp the coiled section of the cable, a clamp to grasp the end of the cable secured by the platform's centrally located clamp, and a clamp to grasp the other end of the cable.

Abstract: A cable handling apparatus uses a reeling mechanism to reel a cable into a coiled configuration by securing one end of the cable to the reeling mechanism. A capture mechanism is used to locate the other end of the cable by using a channel to guide the cable as it is reeled, and a detector to detect the end of the cable as it enters the channel.

Abstract: A conductor handling apparatus uses a rotating disk to move a single conductor to a first position on a path where a conductor identifier is located. The conductor identifier identifies the conductor by completing a circuit used to detect a signal on the conductor. A controller rotates the disk in a direction based on the identity of the conductor, and a conductor unloader moves the conductor from the rotating disk. A conductor transfer mechanism moves the conductor from the unloader to a predetermined position where the conductor is inserted into a contact of a connector.

Abstract: A fluid infusion pump includes a disposable cassette having an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid chamber between the inlet and the outlet. There is a fixed wall of the fluid chamber and a movable wall of the fluid chamber. A pump body receives the cassette in a fixed operating relationship such that an actuator in the pump body is activatable for reciprocal advancement and retraction with respect to the cassette and is adapted to confront the movable diaphragm when the cassette is received in the pump body. There is a detachable coupling between the actuator mounted in the pump body and the movable wall so that fluid is expelled from the fluid chamber on advancement of the actuator and positively drawn into the fluid chamber upon retraction of the actuator.

Abstract: A bi-directional noise-cancelling microphone comprising a detector for detecting acoustical signals centrally positioned within a tubular member that has flared entries. The microphone provides a bi-polar response pattern, and effectively cancels unwanted noise incident upon the microphone at the sides of the tubular member, as well as noise above a particular frequency dictated by the length of the tubular member. By providing flared entries to the tube, the maximum peak response frequency of the microphone is extended up to 40% higher than that achieved with a similar tubular member with non-flared entries. An embodiment of the tubular bi-directional microphone with flared entries is disclosed wherein the microphone is provided with a two-stage pop filter system. The pop filter system includes a first screen covering the front entry of the microphone housing. A second screen is constructed so as to vent the first screen, thereby preventing pop signals from being produced.

Abstract: A new architecture for a cellular radio telephone system groups all of the critical cellular functions within a single circuit package in order to provide enhanced versatility to accommodate changes in requirements, including processing means and channel changes in the cellular system by changing or replacing just the particular module itself.

Abstract: A compact wire straightener module having a plurality of curved tubes for simultaneously straightening a large number of wires. Each tube bends its wire in a first plane and then bends the wire in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane. The wires are not pulled through the wire straightener module; but rather, after one end the wires has been secured, the wire straightener module moves in a horizontal direction along the wires to perform the straightening operation. This movement of the wire straightener module allows for use in a compact automatic cable assembly by eliminating the need for a separate mechanism to pull the wires through the wire straightener module. Further, each tube is a continuous assembly so that threading wire through the module is simple and fast.

Abstract: A hopper tray for receiving a bulk array for articles, all the same oblong shape and size, is disposed on one side of an elongated conveyer. The tray is angularly movable between an up position at which articles on the tray are discharged onto the conveyer and a down position. The articles are transported one at a time, to a zone at which they are stopped by their contact with a stop plate and their arrival is indicated by a signal fed from a photodetector to a controller. A failure of an article to timely arrive at the zone indicates a probable jamming upstream of articles, and the controller responds to cause a temporary reverse movement of the conveyer tending to relieve the jam. The article stopped by the plate is, if at an angle, reoriented to bear flush against the plate, either lengthwise or widthwise to the conveyer, by the force exerted on the articles by the continuing movement of the conveyer. A probe senses whether the articles have been oriented lengthwise or widthwise.

Abstract: A speaker assembly is disclosed for use on a desk or tabletop, in conjunction with a telecommunication or teleconferencing system. The assembly includes a speaker supported above a generally conical and circular base having one or more acoustically reflective surfaces angled away from the speaker. A cover or cabinet is mounted around the rear of the speaker, and the speaker is attached to the assembly by a support plate mounted within the cover. The height of the interior of the cover is approximately the same as the height of the speaker. A plurality of bushings connect the support plate to the base. Sound exits from the assembly at substantially the level of the surface upon which the assembly rests. In the prefered embodiment, the conical base has a truncated upper portion, preferably formed as an inverted conical cavity coencentric with the circular base.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for inserting leads of an electric circuit component into correspondingly arranged holes in a printed wiring board by (a) holding the component by a robotic arm adjacent the board so that its leads contact the board under pressure and are in nominal registration in the X and Y directions, and (b) subjecting the board to the combined effect of two vibrating motions which are respectively directed in these two directions, and of which one is superimposed on the other. These two motions are each controlled in frequency and amplitude and differ from each other in a motion characteristic whereby the leads sweep in two-dimensional patterns over board areas respective to their corresponding holes and centrally including them until the leads substantially exactly register with the holes to become inserted therein by the pressure on the leads.

Abstract: An attachment for a phonograph pickup cartridge capable of removing static and stabilizing vibration of the cartridge body. A brush comprising bristles capable of engaging the inside of the grooves of a disc-type phonograph record is coupled to the cartridge body through a bearing which provides a mechanical resistance capable of damping both vertical and lateral vibrations. The brush is made from an electrical conductor, such as carbon, and is connected to the shield of the cartridge to remove static electricity from the surface and grooves of the record.