Abstract: An energy conserving tracking tag for receiving a radio frequency location data signal from a global positioning satellite and for communicating with a tracking system. The tag includes a receiver circuit for receiving the location data signal from the global positioning satellite, a customer ID module for generating a unique tag identification signal, a transponder circuit for receiving command signals from the tracking system, and a power circuit electrically engageable with a battery power supply and an external power source. The tag also includes a programmable microprocessor in electrical communication with the power circuit, receiver circuit, customer ID module, and transponder circuit. The microprocessor is operative to collect the location data signal, the identification signal, and the command signals, and subsequently produce an composite output signal. The transponder is further operative to transmit the composite output signal to the tracking system by radio carrier wave.

Abstract: An RFID system using encoded digital information utilizing pulsed linear frequency modulation (LFM). The LFM waveform is sent from an24 aircraft or satellite and is received by a transponder. The LFM waveform is demodulated using both, an AM and an FM receiver. The demodulated data is compared to preprogrammed criteria tables, and after validation is decoded and utilized. Algorithms in the transponder are used to determine the frequency deviation and for calculating the direction of the slope of the LFM input signal. The valid RF signal is stored in a delay element, encoded with the transponder data using phase modulation (PM), and frequency modulation (FM). The tag transmission is synchronized to the input LFM waveform. The transmit/receive chopping signal prevents unwanted oscillations and is capable of randomization.

Abstract: An RFID system using encoded digital information utilizing pulsed linear frequency modulation (LFM). The LFM waveform is sent from an aircraft or satellite and is received by a transponder. The LFM waveform is demodulated using both, an AM and an FM receiver. The demodulated data is compared to preprogrammed criteria tables, and after validation is decoded and utilized. Algorithms in the transponder are used to determine the frequency deviation and for calculating the direction of the slope of the LFM input signal. The valid RF signal is stored in a delay element, encoded with the transponder data using phase modulation (PM), and frequency modulation (FM). The tag transmission is synchronized to the input LFM waveform. The transmit/receive chopping signal prevents unwanted oscillations and is capable of randomization.

Abstract: An energy conserving tracking tag for receiving a radio frequency location data signal from a global positioning satellite and for communicating with a tracking system. The tag includes a receiver circuit for receiving the location data signal from the global positioning satellite, a customer ID module for generating a unique tag identification signal, a transponder circuit for receiving command signals from the tracking system, and a power circuit electrically engageable with a battery power supply and an external power source. The tag also includes a programmable microprocessor in electrical communication with the power circuit, receiver circuit, customer ID module, and transponder circuit. The microprocessor is operative to collect the location data signal, the identification signal, and the command signals, and subsequently produce an composite output signal. The transponder is further operative to transmit the composite output signal to the tracking system by radio carrier wave.

Abstract: The cooking chamber is defined at least in part by at least two pairs of oppositely disposed first and second wall structures, each of the wall structures including at least one slot opening for the passage of air therethrough. The rotating valve is in heated air distributing communication with the first wall structure and in return air communication with the second wall structure of only one of the two pairs of oppositely disposed first and second wall structures at a selected point in time such that heated air is passed through the slot opening in the first wall structure into the cooking chamber and return air from the cooking chamber is passed through the slot opening in the oppositely disposed second wall structure and to the rotating valve for return to the heat source.

Abstract: Oven assemblies and related methods for the cooking of food products are provided wherein a rotating valve is in both heated air receiving communication and return air communication with both a heat source and a specifically constructed cooking chamber. The cooking chamber is defined at least in part by at least two pairs of oppositely disposed first and second wall structures, each of the wall structures including at least one slot opening for the passage of air therethrough.

Abstract: A method of communicating to a RF tag having a low power mode and a scan mode with a radar and an interrogator. The method comprises the steps of alternating the RF tag between the low power mode and the scan mode and then transmitting a wake-up call to the RF tag with the radar. Next, the wake-up call is received from the radar by the RF tag when the RF tag is in the scan mode. Once the wake-up call has been received, the radar will transmit a downlink message to the RF tag. Upon receipt of the downlink message, the RF tag will send an uplinked message to the radar. After the uplink message has been sent to the radar, the RF tag will return to the low power mode. By alternating the RF tag between the low power mode and the scan mode, the power consumption of the RF tag is greatly reduced thereby increasing the battery life thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooking food having a multi-layer cooking plate including a stainless steel sheet layer having a top surface and a bottom surface and a high thermal conductivity material layer metallurgically bonded to the bottom surface of the stainless steel sheet layer so as to provide intimate contact between the entire bottom surface of the stainless steel sheet layer and the high thermal conductivity material layer. Heat to the multi-layer cooking plate is provided by a fuel-fired burner disposed beneath the multi-layer cooking plate.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes laterally opposing members, an end effector having opposing jaws movable with respect to each other, a resilient member operably biasing the laterally opposing members away from each other, and an improved ratchet locking device. The ratchet locking device includes a first toothed plate mounted on one of the laterally opposing members, and a second toothed plate pivotally mounted on the other laterally opposing member. The second toothed member is pivotable between a first position in which the plates are engaged and a second position in which the plates are disengaged. A spring member is used for biasing the plates into engagement. A release member is provided for retaining the toothed plates in a disengaged position. The release member is mounted on one of the laterally opposing members and includes a cam surface engagable with a follower on one of the toothed plates.

Abstract: A single antenna poly-frequency Continuous Wave (CW) Doppler radar system having leakage cancellation. The system provides for transmitting a plurality of carrier frequency signals and receiving the return signals by means of a single antenna coupled to an antenna interface through which a portion of the transmitted signal may leak. The signal appearing on an output port of the antenna interface is then down-converted to an intermediate frequency (IF) signal by a stable mixing signal. The IF signal is coupled to an adder which in turn is coupled to an output. The IF signal is further split into a pair of cancellation loops for each carrier frequency signal.

Abstract: A collision avoidance system for a vehicle has a vehicle steering sensor for sensing a direction in which the vehicle is being steered, a source of radiation, an articulated reflector for directing radiation from the source in a desired direction, an articulation mechanism for effecting articulation of the articulate reflector, and a close loop control circuit responsive to the vehicle steering sensor for controlling the articulation mechanism so as to cause the articulated reflector to direct radiation in a direction which is generally the same as that direction in which the vehicle is turning.

Abstract: A simultaneous signal detector includes components for scaling, by the total signal strength, the difference signal resulting when signals having different frequencies are simultaneously received. As a result, only those inputs which meet both frequency and amplitude difference criteria result in an active SS indication, thereby reducing the number of false active and inactive indications.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for in situ ultrasonic inspection of the core spray T-box to thermal sleeve attachment weld and the core spray T-box to cover plate attachment weld in BWRs. The apparatus incorporates a stationary clamping mechanism and sliding and rotational mechanisms which are operated remotely to scan the transducer over the T-box welds and heat-affected zones thereof.

Abstract: A device which increases the rate of reduction of spurious output signals includes a path capable of carrying a signal from an input to an output. A plurality of storage elements and a plurality of interspaced switches are serially positioned in the path. Isolation elements are positioned in the path between each storage element and each switch. Multiple reflections from the primary signal are capable of reducing in strength when rebounding between the isolation elements and the switches.

Abstract: An ultrasonic method of inspecting repaired stub tubes in a boiling water reactor. The top and bottom ends of each stub tube are respectively welded to the corresponding control rod drive housing and to the bottom head of the reactor pressure vessel. Under certain conditions, a crack can form in the heat-affected zone of the stub tube adjacent to the upper weld, necessitating repair by installing a mechanical seal. A probe inserted in the control rod drive housing has transducers which transmit pulsed ultrasonic energy toward a machined surface-air gap interface disposed to reflect the pulse trains generally axially through the stub tube. The radial and azimuthal dimensions of a radial crack in the stub tube are determined in dependence on which pulsed trains are reflected back to the probe by the crack via the interface.

Abstract: A cable system for use in completing or logging wells in association with a rig disposed at the surface, comprising:a pressure control device for counterbalancing the fluid pressure from the well; anda high pressure chamber through which the cable passes; anda cable sheave wheel incorporating the chamber.

Abstract: An automated system for examining incore housing welds in a nuclear reactor from above is disclosed. The probe uses both ultrasonic and eddy current non-destructive inspection coils to examine the weld for indications, or flaws. It is inserted into the incore housing tube from above because of the high radiation exposure workers experienced using the prior method of inserting a probe into the incore housing from below. This is conveniently done when the incore flux monitors are removed during standard maintenance, and is performed from the refueling bridge.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for ultrasonic inspection of materials through barriers such as gaps in manufactured parts is disclosed. The improvement herein is directed to enabling such ultrasonic testing to bridge ambient gaps such as intentionally formed gaps in composite structures having a first structure for originally receiving and transmitting sound separated by the gap from another structure to be inspected. Preferably, the gap is flooded with a gas having a predictable and optimum speed of sound relative to the material of the first and second structures. Sound is propagated to the first structure in a wave packet that is transmitted through the couplant fluid. The sound is generated in a wave packet having a spatial width at least twice the dimension of the gap to be bridged. The wave packet has a contained frequency having a wavelength (relative to the speed of sound of the gas flooding the gap) to create a constructively interfering standing wave node within the gap.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the remote inspection for stress corrosion cracking of welded shut boiling water reactor shroud access cover plates is disclosed. The apparatus consists of a streamline housing having a top side with lugs for the attachment of lowering lines on either end of the housing. Medially of the streamline housing and projecting downwardly from the bottom of the streamline housing, there is provided a central rotating pedestal with a rubber base. The rotating pedestal and rubber base enable the entire housing to rest on and rotate relative to the pedestal and rubber base. A first motor interior of the housing rotates the housing at a bevel gear rigidly mounted to the central pedestal. A second motor rotates a threaded shaft driving a ball screw with an attached mount for an ultrasound transducer. The mount and transducer responsive to rotation of the ball screw traverse along the elongate dimension of the housing over an opening through the bottom of the housing.