Abstract: Systems and methods that may be used to determine the distance between an orbiting satellite and a ground station. A master clock divider circuit generates clock signals derived from a master clock. A transmit code generation circuit generates pseudo-random number codes and processes the pseudo-random number codes to produce a composite signal having positive and negative correlation peaks that is transmitted to the satellite as an analog signal. A digitizing circuit receives the analog signal transmitted from the satellite, and digitizes the analog signal. A frequency domain matched filter match filters the digitized analog signal to produce correlation peaks contained in the digitized analog signal.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for analysing a signal is disclosed, the method comprising producing a model of the signal and comparing the model to a predetermined model of a signal due to a phenomenon, thereby to determine whether the model represents a signal due to that phenomenon. A method of and apparatus for detecting the presence of a sample in a larger sample which is not known to contain the sample is also disclosed, the method comprising detecting a signal comprising a response from the sample, producing a model of the signal, and comparing the model to a predetermined model of a response from the sample, thereby to determine whether the sample is present. The techniques have particular application in Magnetic Resonance and Quadrupole Resonance.

Abstract: Systems and methods that may be used to determine the distance between an orbiting satellite and a ground station. A master clock divider circuit generates clock signals derived from a master clock. A transmit code generation circuit generates pseudo-random number codes and processes the pseudo-random number codes to produce a composite signal having positive and negative correlation peaks that is transmitted to the satellite as an analog signal. A digitizing circuit receives the analog signal transmitted from the satellite, and digitizes the analog signal. A frequency domain matched filter match filters the digitized analog signal to produce correlation peaks contained in the digitized analog signal.

Abstract: A device and method are provided device for generating a test pattern on a video display unit having a first quantity of raster scan lines, in which there is a logic processor and a memory. The memory is electrically connected to the logic processor. The memory stores test pattern data corresponding to a second quantity of raster scan lines in which the second quantity of raster scan lines is less than the first quantity of raster scan lines. The memory provides a digital video signal output.

Abstract: A baseband signal converter device for an impulse radio receiver combines multiple converter circuits and an RF amplifier in a single integrated circuit package. Each converter circuit includes an integrator circuit that integrates a portion of each RF pulse during a sampling period triggered by a timing pulse generator. The integrator capacitor is isolated by a pair of Schottky diodes connected to a pair of load resistors. A current equalizer circuit equalizes the current flowing through the load resistors when the integrator is not sampling. Current steering logic transfers load current between the diodes and a constant bias circuit depending on whether a sampling pulse is present.

Abstract: A pump has meshing inner and outer rotors mounted eccentrically in a housing. The pump also has an inlet and a main outlet. The main outlet communicates via a control gap with a secondary outlet. The control gap provides a filtering action for some of the fluid pumped.

Abstract: A baseband signal converter device for an impulse radio receiver combines multiple converter circuits and an RF amplifier in a single integrated circuit package. Each converter circuit includes an integrator circuit that integrates a portion of each RF pulse during a sampling period triggered by a timing pulse generator. The integrator capacitor is isolated by a pair of Schottky diodes connected to a pair of load resistors. A current equalizer circuit equalizes the current flowing through the load resistors when the integrator is not sampling. Current steering logic transfers load current between the diodes and a constant bias circuit depending on whether a sampling pulse is present.

Abstract: A frame reference signal is produced as a function of a clock signal. A first timing generator generates a coarse timing signal having a nominal period and a transition occurring at a precise temporal position with respect to the nominal period. The nominal period is a function of the frame reference signal. The temporal position is a function of a first input timing command and the clock signal. A second timing generator generates at least one fine timing transition as a function of a second input timing command and the clock signal. A combiner circuit uses the coarse timing signal to select one of the at least one fine timing transitions to output a precise timing signal, wherein the precise timing signal has a high temporal precision with respect to the frame reference signal.

Abstract: A precision timing generator includes a combiner that provides a timing signal by combining a coarse timing signal and a fine timing signal derived from a phase-shifted sinusoidal signal that has a desired phase shift. The coarse timing generator generates the coarse timing signal from a clock signal and a timing command input. The fine timing generator includes a sinusoidal-signal generator that receives the clock signal and generates a sinusoidal signal. The fine timing generator also includes a phase shifter that receives the sinusoidal signal and the timing command input and shifts the phase of the sinusoidal signal based on the timing input to generate the phase shifted sinusoidal signal.

Abstract: A frame reference signal is produced as a function of a clock signal. A first timing generator generates a coarse timing signal having a nominal period and a transition occurring at a precise temporal position with respect to the nominal period. The nominal period is a function of the frame reference signal. The temporal position is a function of a first input timing command and the clock signal. A second timing generator generates at least one fine timing transition as a function of a second input timing command and the clock signal. A combiner circuit uses the coarse timing signal to select one of the at least one fine timing transitions to output a precise timing signal, wherein the precise timing signal has a high temporal precision with respect to the frame reference signal.

Abstract: A method of Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance testing a sample containing a given species of quadrupolar nucleus, the sample being subjected to an inhomogeneous distribution of an extrinsic parameter having a variation over the sample over a particular range, comprises applying excitation to the sample at a plurality of different excitation frequencies to excite nuclear quadrupole resonance, such frequencies falling within the resonance frequency range for the nucleus corresponding to the range of the extrinsic parameter, and detecting the resonance response signal.

Abstract: The invention features a bacterial cell containing an extra-chromosomal vector that includes an inducible rcd gene, wherein the cell, when placed in broth culture, enters quiescence on expression of the rod gene.

Abstract: Apparatus for Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance testing a remote sample containing a given species of quadrupolar nucleus includes at least one probe (112) having a given maximum cross-sectional dimension; a device (102) for applying excitation to the probe or at least one of the probes to excite nuclear quadruple resonance for a selected range of distance of the sample from each such probe, the selected range being at least one tenth of the given maximum dimension of the probe, the apparatus being adapted to produce a non-uniform field over the selected range; and a device (106) for detecting the resonance response signal from the sample via the probe or at least one of the probes; the excitation being such as would generate non-zero resonance signals at all distances within the selected range.

Abstract: A method of Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance testing a sample containing a given species of quadrupolar nucleus, the sample being subjected to an inhomogeneous distribution of an extrinsic parameter having a variation over the sample over a particular range, comprises applying excitation to the sample at a plurality of different excitation frequencies to excite nuclear quadrupole resonance, such frequencies falling within the resonance frequency range for the nucleus corresponding to the range of the extrinsic parameter, and detecting the resonance response signal.

Abstract: A silencer assembly primarily for the passage therethrough of exhaust gases from an adsorption dryer tower comprises a silencer element to one end of which pressurized gas is directed from an outlet, a control valve downstream of the silencer element, and means for restricting the flow of pressurized gas from the outlet to atmosphere through the silencer element, the arrangement being such that, when the pressure of the gas from the outlet exceeds a predetermined value, the control valve is closed and gas flows from the outlet into and through the silencer element to atmosphere, and, when the pressure of gas from the outlet falls to said predetermined value, the control valve opens and the gas flows from the outlet through the control valve to atmosphere, by-passing the silencer element.

Abstract: An in vivo model for human bone metabolism. Human marrow stromal fibroblasts are isolated, expanded in culture, combined with ceramic powder (hydroxyapatite) delivery vehicles with or without fibrin glue and implanted into a mammal. This protocol results in the formation of self-maintained human bone which supports hematopoiesis. This model system can be used to screen compounds which inhibit or stimulate bone formation. The marrow stromal fibroblast delivery vehicles can be implanted into humans to augment bone implants or to repair bone defects.

Abstract: A superconducting gyroscope of the present invention includes a circuit which produces a magnetic field which is synchronous with the rate of rotation experienced by the gyroscope, a sensing circuit for converting the synchronous magnetic field into an electric signal, a first shield made of superconducting material for performing shielding of external stray fields, and a second shield disposed inside the first shield and made of superconducting material for expelling trapped residual magnetic flux. The synchronous magnetic field producing circuit includes a magnetic core shaped in a toroid with an air gap. The magnetic core may alternatively be formed in meandering shape by a plurality of separate magnetic core members with a plurality of air gaps therebetween. The sensing circuit includes at least one SQUID which can be directly coupled to the magnetic core.

Abstract: A multilayered integrated circuit chip carrier has a top layer, a signal line layer, a ground layer, a power conductor layer, and a bottom layer with a separating layer between adjacent layers. Each layer has coplanar conductive and dielectric portions, the separating layers being primarily dielectric. The top layer supports an integrated circuit chip and signal launcher pads on the bottom layer couple signal and power lines of a printed circuit board to spaced points about the bottom layer periphery and substantially constant signal line impedance is achieved. The signal line layer is separated from the power conductor layer by a ground plane layer. Conductive via through pads are placed in the separating layers to form a plurality of separate conductive paths from each of the bottom and top layers to each of the signal line and power conductor layers.

Abstract: Coaxial cables each having a cylindrical electrically conductive outer shield and a central conductive wire insulated from the shield are conductively coupled through a connector to coplanar conductors on a dielectric substrate. The conductors converge toward an opening in the substrate. The coplanar conductors alternately are ground and signal conductors. Each coaxial cable shield is conductively coupled to two ground conductors and the cable wire is conductively coupled to the signal conductor between the two ground conductors. At the substrate opening the ground and signal conductors are conductively coupled to planar stripline waveguide ground and signal blades, respectively. Ground blades between the signal blades are a factor in controlling the signal blade impedance and provide isolation between the signal blades. Each blade is perpendicular to the substrate and has a pitch angle such that the blade extends through the opening below the substrate.

Abstract: An inexpensive machine which pitches plastic baseballs. The machine is actuated by the user pulling, and then releasing a cord, as he brings his bat into a hitting position. The machine consists of a frame and two legs which form a tripod base, a ball rack containing a number of balls, a shaft attached to the frame, a torsion spring and a pitching arm are mounted on the shaft. A cord is attached to the pitching arm, and passes in the path of the balls restricting their movement until such time as the batter pulls this cord, causing a ball to roll into the arm and also spring loading the pitching arm. Release of this cord causes the machine to pitch the ball.