Abstract: A dual role antenna assembly operable for use with GEO and LEO/MEO satellites has at least two curled inverted-F substantially omnidirectional antennas mounted on a ground plane. The antennas have asymmetrical gain patterns favoring certain sectors and are oriented such that the favored sectors of the different antenna face different directions. A controller selects the antenna for connection to an RF front-end in accordance with predetermined performance criteria.

Abstract: A dual role antenna assembly operable for use with GEO and LEO/MEO satellites has at least two curled inverted-F substantially omnidirectional antennas mounted on a ground plane. The antennas have asymmetrical gain patterns favoring certain sectors and are oriented such that the favored sectors of the different antenna face different directions. A controller selects the antenna for connection to an RF front-end in accordance with predetermined performance criteria.

Abstract: A system and method that allows remote monitoring by satellite of cargo carried on a mobile conveyance. The system and method provide for a wireless information module (WIM) on the conveyance for transmitting and receiving data from a plurality of wireless devices on the conveyance over a short range wireless network. The WIM relays data to a remote monitoring facility via satellite. Other applications of the system and method include, but are not limited to, remotely controlling wireless devices on a conveyance such as door lock sensors and electronic seals, remotely upgrading the software loaded on the devices within the mobile conveyance, and creating an ad-hoc network of multiple WIMs to maintain satellite communication with all WIMs in the network when certain of the WIMs are unable to communicate directly with a satellite.

Abstract: A detector for detecting cargo in a container has a controller block, a transmitter for transmitting light into the field of view, a receiver for receiving reflected light, and a threshold comparator for determining whether the received light meets a threshold for cargo detection. The receiver includes a DC block for removing effects of ambient light. The detector performs detection multiple times and averages the results, which can be compared with a previously stored condition of cargo presence or absence to increase the detection accuracy further.

Abstract: A detector for detecting cargo in a container has a controller block, a transmitter for transmitting light into the field of view, a receiver for receiving reflected light, and a threshold comparator for determining whether the received light meets a threshold for cargo detection. The receiver includes a DC block for removing effects of ambient light. The detector performs detection multiple times and averages the results, which can be compared with a previously stored condition of cargo presence or absence to increase the detection accuracy further.

Abstract: A method for improving long-term blockage recovery of a communications signal is disclosed. The method includes monitoring a blockage source using at least one application specific-sensor. Time spent in the blockage source is ascertained. Information obtained from the application-specific sensor may be combined with the ascertained time spent in the blockage source to predict a likely blockage recovery time interval.

Abstract: The invention includes a marine telematics system comprising a satcom unit on a boat, a user interface for the satcom unit, a web-based user interface for the telematics system, and a land-based center of operations. The land-based center of operations receives signals from the satcom unit on the boat about the location of the boat and sensor responses to detectable events. The marine telematics system is customizable through a web-based interface, allowing boat owners to provide information and instructions to the land-based center of operations for handling particular situations that may arise while the boat is in use or at dock. The web-based interface further allows boat owners to plan voyages by setting series of waypoints, and the land-based center of operations may assist the boat owners by providing feedback during their voyages based on the waypoint information previously provided by the boat owners.

Abstract: A tunable resonant system includes an electric element, and a core having a controllable parameter that determines the resonant frequency of the system. In order to tune the resonant system to a desired frequency, a low power, narrowband signal is applied at a selected frequency to the electric element. The reflected or transmitted power is measured and the value of the controllable parameter adjusted to vary the resonant frequency of the system in a closed loop until the reflected power is at a minimum.

Abstract: A tunable resonant system includes an electric element, and a core having a controllable parameter that determines the resonant frequency of the system. In order to tune the resonant system to a desired frequency, a low power, narrowband signal is applied at a selected frequency to the electric element. The reflected or transmitted power is measured and the value of the controllable parameter adjusted to vary the resonant frequency of the system in a closed loop until the reflected power is at a minimum.

Abstract: A low profile antenna with high gain at low elevations suitable for satellite communications consists of a helical loop with turns tightly spaced to provide a strong coupling therebetween. The pitch is typically 1 to 2 degrees. The helical loop behaves like a travelling-wave loop antenna.

Abstract: An integrated dual-mode antenna including a quadrifilar antenna and a collocated monopole antenna. The integrated antenna is compact and unencumbered by signal blockage or isolation problems.

Abstract: An antenna array is disclosed wherein radiators are parasitically coupled to each other, forming an efficient feed network. Parasitic coupling of patches is arranged so that some patches are fed by a plurality of other patches which are parasitically coupled thereto. The resulting array is low profile and high gain. By positioning patches on different layers with different dimensions, a broadband design for the antenna array is achieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to surfactant containing, liquid compositions based on the magnesium salt of primary alcohol sulphates and provides and aqueous, liquid, cleaning composition having a pH from 6-8, comprising:a) 2-40% wt surfactant, said surfactant comprising primary alcohol sulphate (i) and nonionic surfactants (ii) wherein at least 50% wt of the surfactant present is primary alcohol sulphate, said surfactant comprising less than 1% on surfactant of nitrogen-containing surfactant speciesb) magnesium, at a Molar ratio of at least 0.3 moles Mg per mole primary alcohol sulphate.

Abstract: A liquid composition comprising a solubilized hydrophilic oil, a first surfactant which forms a calcium salt which is no more than sparingly soluble in an aqueous solution and a second surfactant which is foaming, different from the first surfactant and in weight excess over the first surfactant is described.