Abstract: A method and apparatus for distinguishing between two or more signals, each associated with a particular remote user terminal, in a shared-channel wireless communication system. A communication device, for example, a base station, causes an offset (e.g., a time and/or a frequency offset) between the transmission of first and second uplink signals that simultaneously occupy the same channel and that are transmitted by first and second remote user terminals, respectively. According to one aspect of the invention, the offset is relatively small enough such that the first and second uplink signals remain within the same channel, but relatively large enough such that based on the offset, the communication device may identify that the first uplink signal is associated with the first remote user terminal.

Abstract: A method for generating a reference signal from a modulated signal transmitted to a communications station that includes an array of antenna elements and spatial processing means including: separating from the signals received at the antenna elements a copy signal corresponding to the signal transmitted by a particular remote station using an initial spatial weight vector corresponding to the particular remote station; determining from the terminal copy signal a reference signal having substantially the same frequency offset and time alignment as the received antenna signals; and computing a new spatial weight vector by optimizing a cost function, the cost function using the received antenna signals and the reference signal. For demodulation, the method further includes extracting the symbols of the modulated signal.

Abstract: A method for generating a reference signal from a modulated signal transmitted to a communications station that includes an array of antenna elements and spatial processing means including: separating from the signals received at the antenna elements a copy signal corresponding to the signal transmitted by a particular remote station using an initial spatial weight vector corresponding to the particular remote station; determining from the terminal copy signal a reference signal having substantially the same frequency offset and time alignment as the received antenna signals; and computing a new spatial weight vector by optimizing a cost function, the cost function using the received antenna signals and the reference signal. For demodulation, the method further includes extracting the symbols of the modulated signal.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for transmitting a downlink signal from a communication station to one or more subscriber units to achieve a desired radiation level over a desired sector (e.g., everywhere), the communication station including an array of antenna elements and one or more signal processors programmed (in the case of programmable signal processors) to weight the downlink signal according to one of a sequence of complex valued weight vectors. The method includes sequentially repeating transmitting the downlink signal, each repetition with a different weight vector from the sequence until all weight vectors in the sequence have been transmitted with. The sequence is designed for achieving the desired radiation level during at least one of the repetitions. In this way, every user in the desired region is transmitted to in the time period.

Abstract: A method operating in a communications station for calibrating the communications station, the communications station including an antenna array of antenna elements, each having associated with it and included in a transmit apparatus chain and a receiver apparatus chain. The method comprises transmitting a prescribed signal from each antenna element using the transmit apparatus chain associated with the antenna element while receiving the transmitted signal in receiver apparatus chains not associated with the antenna. Calibration factors for each antenna element are determined as dependent on the associated transmit apparatus chain and receiver apparatus chain transfer functions using the prescribed signal and each of the signals received during transmissions.

Abstract: An RF-signal combiner-splitter comprises a microwave cavity that is intended to mix together radio signals in the 2.0 GHz spectrum. A hollow cylindrical metal tube with a volume of a few cubic feet to a few cubic yards is closed at one end and open at the other. Many RF-ports into the microwave cavity are provided at random positions that penetrate the hollow cylindrical metal tube. For example BNC-type bulkhead connectors with 10 dB attenuator pads are used with a 2 to 3 inch whip antenna inside the cavity volume. The attenuator pads brute-force an impedance match between the radio equipment under test and their corresponding RF-ports. The open end of the hollow cylindrical metal tube allows for the quick decay of RF-reflections that reverberate inside the cavity volume. Such open end is preferably directed toward nadir because interfering signals are generally minimum from that direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating the parameters of a wireless communication system which includes at least one base station and at least one remote terminal, each of the base stations having m antenna elements, the parameters being one or more of: the time alignment; the frequency offset; and the weight vector for spatial processing. At any stage, some of the parameters may already be estimated. A signal of known characteristics is transmitted and received as m received signals at the antenna elements. A cost function that is related to the at least one or more parameters of the second set is determined using a copy signal determined from samples of the received signals, estimates of one or more parameters, if available, known characteristics of transmitted first signal. The estimate of the parameters to be determined is obtained by minimizing the cost function.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a reference signal for use in an alternating projection loop which is part of demodulation in a base station of a wireless communication system, the reference signal relaxed to minimize the effects of frequency offset and amplitude variations, the base station including an array of antennas. The alternating projection loop demodulates in the presence of co-channel interference and includes correction for time alignment and/or frequency offset.

Abstract: A wireless system includes a network of base stations for receiving uplink signals transmitted from a plurality of remote terminals and for transmitting downlink signals to said plurality of remote terminals using a plurality of channels. A plurality of antenna elements at each base station receives uplink signals, and a plurality of antenna elements at each base station for transmits downlink signals. A signal processor at each base station is connected to the receiving antenna elements and to the transmitting antenna elements for determining spatio-temporal signatures. Spatio-temporal multiplexing and demultiplexing functions are provided for each remote terminal antennae for each channel, and a multiple base station network controller optimizies network performance, whereby communication between the base stations and the plurality of remote terminals in each of the channels can occur simultaneously.

Abstract: A wireless system comprising a network of base stations for receiving uplink signals transmitted from a plurality of remote terminals and for transmitting downlink signals to the plurality of remote terminals using a plurality of conventional channels including a plurality of antenna elements at each base station for receiving uplink signals, a plurality of antenna elements at each base station for transmitting downlink signals, a signal processor at each base station connected to the receiving antenna elements and to the transmitting antenna elements for determining spatial signatures and multiplexing and demultiplexing functions for each remote terminal antenna for each conventional channel, and a multiple base station network controller for optimizing network performance, whereby communication between the base stations and a plurality of remote terminals in each of the conventional channels can occur simultaneously.

Abstract: A laminate having enhanced surface properties is prepared by coating a fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) part with a sprayable, high solids, low volatiles coating. The coating comprises a first filler/glazing component formed from a mixture of a resin, a filler, a mixture of thixotropic clays, activated fumed silica, a phosphosilicate, and an organic solvent. The coating has a second catalyst component. The coating as applied to the FRP part has a thickness of up to 9 mils without sagging, running or cracking.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating antenna array systems comprising of a portable transponder (118) and a calibration processor (124). Calibration processor (124) generates calibration transmit signals which it transmits using transmit signal processor (104) and antenna array (111). Transponder (118) echoes these signals back and they are acquired by calibration processor (124) through antenna array (111) and receive signal processor (106). Calibration processor (124) processes the received signals to calculate antenna calibration vector (102).

Abstract: A determined amount of at least C.sub.8 dicarboxylic functional unsaturated anhydride or acid, excluding polymeric anhydrides and acids, is incorporated in an unsaturated polyester resin which comprises (1) a condensation polymer which is the reaction product of: (a) dicarboxylic acid, at least a portion of which contains ethylenic unsaturation, with (b) dihydric alcohols; and (2) an alpha-beta-ethylenically unsaturated copolymerizable monomer, to provide modified polyester resins for curable polyester resin systems having improved cohesive and adhesive strengths of the cured resin and improvement in adhesion of such systems to a wide range of substrates, especially substrates considered extremely difficult to bond to, viz., hot dipped galvanized steel, stainless steel, copper, bronze, tin, aluminum, solder, brass and glass (silicon oxide), while also reducing or effectively eliminating retardation of cure by the presence of galvanized (zinc) coated steel or the like.

Abstract: A sprayable, high solids, low-volatiles filler composition is provided which may be used as a coating on a variety of substrates. The sprayable filler composition comprises a first filler/glazing component formed from a mixture of a resin, a filler, a mixture of thixotropic clays, activated fumed silica, hollow glass microspheres, and a ketone solvent. The sprayable filler composition has a second catalyst component. The glazing/filler component is blended with the catalyst component, preferably either internally or externally of the spray nozzle, and the resultant sprayable filler composition is sprayed onto a substrate. The resulting cured coating provides a sandable surface which is corrosion resistant.

Abstract: A sprayable, high solids, low-volatiles filler composition is provided which may be used as a coating on a variety of substrates. The sprayable filler composition comprises a first filler/glazing component formed from a mixture of a resin, a filler, a mixture of thixotropic clays, activated fumed silica, hollow glass microspheres, and a ketone solvent. The sprayable filler composition has a second catalyst component. The glazing/filler component is blended with the catalyst component, preferably either internally or externally of the spray nozzle, and the resultant sprayable filler composition is sprayed onto a substrate. The resulting cured coating provides a sandable surface which is corrosion resistant.

Abstract: A sprayable, high solids, low-volatiles filler composition is provided which may be used as a coating on a variety of substrates. The sprayable filler composition comprises a first filler/glazing component formed from a mixture of a resin, a filler, a mixture of thixotropic clays, activated fumed silica, hollow glass microspheres, and a ketone solvent. The sprayable filler composition has a second catalyst component. The glazing/filler component is blended with the catalyst component, preferably either internally or externally of the spray nozzle, and the resultant sprayable filler composition is sprayed onto a substrate. The resulting cured coating provides a sandable surface which is corrosion resistant.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method imposes void planes on tissue to be imaged, which may form a grid pattern of lines which, when later imaged, produces a reference void in the image. This is especially useful in studies of the heart where the contraction and relaxation of the heart can thus be measured. Also for static tissue the method is useful for radiation therapy port planning. The grid reference or void planes are formed by a simple use of an RF pulse in conjunction with the use of a slice select gradient which provides sufficient power so that those protons in the grid are saturated so that in the later imaging step there will be significant spin echo signal difference between the grid imposed areas and the remaining regions of the tissue.

Abstract: Quadrature coils for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI apparatus) are in the form of loops constructed of foil bands of conductive material with their respective axes forming an angle with each other to provide the quadrature phase signals. Trapezoidal cutouts are in each loop to allow for entry of the head of a human being or other large specimen. The angle between the coils is adjusted to compensate for the cutouts to provide and maintain the quadrature phase signals. Inductive coupling between the coils is minimized by three rectangular trim foils which are parallel to the main magnetic field and placed adjacent to the coils.

Abstract: A pickup coil for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) includes a single thin metal copper sheet which is covered with cloth-like material with the interior of the two ends of the coil being covered with VELCRO-type connective material so that they adhere together. Thus, this provides a conforming fit to various specimens of varying diameters and configurations. The two ends of the coil are held by and inserted in a capacitive tuning unit which compensates for the resistive loading caused by the specimen and also for implementing the needed resonance condition.

Abstract: In an improved NMR imaging method, where three-nominally orthogonal gradient fields are generated, the quantization error of the phase encode gradient is reduced without the necessity of a digital to analog converter of higher bit capacity. This is accomplished in one embodiment by providing a second smaller gradient waveform which is relatively narrow compared to the primary gradient waveform, the ratio of the waveforms being proportional to the improved resolution. The second waveform can occur either before or after the 180.degree. excitation pulse used to produce a spin-echo signal. In another embodiment pulse width modulation is used to vary the area of the phase encode waveform in discrete increments.