Abstract: A satellite communication system for providing communications between user terminals and gateways constituted with m primary satellites. In one embodiment, n back up satellites are also provided. Further, each satellite, primary or back-up, is equipped to project N/m beams onto and across an area in a loosely-packed array manner. M of the m primary and n back-up satellites collectively create N beam spots to cover the area. Moreover, each sub-area is covered by a beam spot separated from another sub-area covered by another beam spot by one beam width. Each satellite is also equipped to facilitate communication over 1 of m band of frequencies on one beam. AS a result, any of the m primary satellites may be efficiently replaced on demand by a selected one of the n back-up satellites. The gateways and user terminals are configured to communicate signals through or with both or either the primary and back-up satellites.

Abstract: A method of receiving product pricing errors within a store including multiple food product scales is provided. The method includes (a) providing a store scale communications network. At step (b), a primary food product scale is provided in the store including memory for storing product pricing data. At step (c), a secondary food product scale is provided in the store including memory for storing product pricing data. At step (d), food product pricing data is communicated to the primary food product scale via the communications network and the food product pricing data is stored in memory of the primary food product scale. At step (e), the secondary food product scale identifies a potential internal product pricing data error condition and responsively requests accurate product pricing data from the primary food product scale. At step (f), after step (e), at least some of the product pricing data is sent from the primary food product scale to the secondary food product scale.

Abstract: A method of tracking food product status using a food product scale, the scale including a weighing station including an associated mechanism for producing weight indicative signals, and an operator interface screen including a display, is provided. The method includes entering product identification information of a food product into a food product scale using an operator interface of the food product scale. The food product scale identifies the food product based on the product information. A shelf life label is printed that includes shelf life information associated with the food product. A shelf life record is created that is saved in memory. The shelf life record includes the product identification information and an expiration date of the food product.

Abstract: A satellite communication system for providing communications between user terminals and gateways constituted with m primary satellites. In one embodiment, n back up satellites are also provided. Further, each satellite, primary or back-up, is equipped to project N/m beams onto and across an area in a loosely-packed array manner. M of the m primary and n back-up satellites collectively create N beam spots to cover the area. Moreover, each sub-area is covered by a beam spot separated from another sub-area covered by another beam spot by one beam width. Each satellite is also equipped to facilitate communication over 1 of m band of frequencies on one beam. As a result, any of the m primary satellites may be efficiently replaced on demand by a selected one of the n back-up satellites. The gateways and user terminals are configured to communicate signals through or with both or either the primary and back-up satellites.

Abstract: A method for reducing the number of required frequency and time hypotheses to acquire an access transmission in a satellite communication system. By reducing the number of required hypotheses, the amount of hardware required to acquire the access transmission is reduced. The method of the present invention reduces the number of required hypotheses by reducing the range of possible frequency and timing values of the access transmission. The range of possible frequency and timing values is reduced by determining the frequency and time uncertainties over individual satellite beams rather than over an entire satellite footprint.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a laundry retaining device comprising a strap and a bag. The strap is suitable for retaining larger articles of clothing that have openings to pass the strap through, such as shirts and shorts. The bag, preferably a mesh bag, retains smaller articles of clothing or articles that do not have openings to pass the strap through. The device allows for the washing and drying of a set or several sets of clothes at once without having to sort and recreate each set of laundered clothes.

Abstract: A variable rate transmission system where a packet of variable rate data is transmitted on a traffic channel if the capacity of the traffic channel is greater than or equal to the data rate of the packet. When the rate of the packet of variable rate data exceeds the capacity of the traffic channel, the packet is transmitted on a traffic channel and at least one overflow channel. Also described is a receiving system for receiving and reassembling the data transmitted on the traffic channel and at least one additional overflow channel.

Abstract: A stabilizing device for securing an intravenous catheter to a patient's body is described having a main body with a cut out to allow passage of the catheter. The main body includes a front portion connected to a rear portion by a pair of side portions. At least one of the side portions has a slit to enable the cut out to be placed around a previously installed catheter. A plurality of straps are provided to wrap around the affected body portion of a patient. Tabs in various configurations are used to secure catheter tubing to the main body and to prevent unwanted removal of the catheter.

Abstract: Apparatus for Doppler correction in a wireless communications system, including a first frequency synthesizer for generating a carrier signal oscillating at a rate responsive to a first input, a counter coupled to the first input for generating a Doppler compensation signal, the counter having a clock input, and a second frequency synthesizer coupled to the clock input for generating a clock signal oscillating at a rate responsive to a rate input. The rate input is adjusted over time according to a predetermined sequence so that the Doppler compensation signal compensates for the Doppler effect experienced by, for example, ground-to-satellite communications in a satellite communications system.

Abstract: A quality measure, such as a signal-to-noise ratio, of a signal arriving at a gateway for a return link is used to adjust a data rate for the link. The return link is transferred from a terminal to the gateway through a satellite, and shared by a number of user terminals at any given time, including the terminal for which the data rate is adjusted. The terminals sharing the link have a certain interference relationship. Adjusting a data rate for a message sent from one or more terminals through the return link in the presence of signal degradation or power loss does not appreciably change the interference relationship among the plurality of terminals.

Abstract: A technique for realizing code synchronism to enable the application of modulation codes needed for implementing orthogonal CDMA modulation for reverse link communications. In a satellite communications system using orthogonal CDMA in the reverse link, a ground station transmits a first pilot signal in the forward link direction, which is acquired and tracked by a terminal or remote station, and used in recovering carrier phase and modulation chip clock timing. The terminal then derives a transmission carrier frequency and chip clock timing to be used, from the recovered forward pilot carrier frequency and chip clock timing. The terminal transmits a second pilot signal in the reverse link direction which, after being received and retransmitted by a satellite, is detected at the ground station. Terminals have the ability to advance or retard the timing of their signals for transmission relative to the timing derived from the forward link pilot signal.

Abstract: A satellite communication system for providing communications between user terminals and gateways constituted with m primary satellites. In one embodiment, n back up satellites are also provided. Further, each satellite, primary or back-up, is equipped to project N/m beams onto and across an area in a loosely-packed array manner. M of the m primary and n back-up satellites collectively create N beam spots to cover the area. Moreover, each sub-area is covered by a beam spot separated from another sub-area covered by another beam spot by one beam width. Each satellite is also equipped to facilitate communication over 1 of m band of frequencies on one beam. As a result, any of the m primary satellites may be efficiently replaced on demand by a selected one of the n back-up satellites. The gateways and user terminals are configured to communicate signals through or with both or either the primary and back-up satellites.

Abstract: An electronic intermediary electronically connects with a tax data provider and collects electronically tax data from the tax data provider. The electronic intermediary processes the tax data collected electronically, and prepares an electronic tax return using the processed tax data.

Abstract: A handoff technique in which system users detect transitions in service between a current service area and an adjacent service area, and request a forward link channel in the new service area when a detected signal strength for the new service area exceeds predetermined threshold levels. The forward communications link in the current service area is maintained until the strength of the new service area signal reaches a certain level and appropriate channel quality is confirmed, as based on various known criteria. Typically, service area transitions are detected using the signal strength of pilot or paging signals associated with service areas, which are used to determine a relative signal strength of new service area signals. Pilot signal level adjustments used to counter roll-off effects are detected and compensated for in comparing signal levels.

Abstract: A new signal processing architecture for base stations and gateways (124, 126) used in spread spectrum communication systems (100) that simplifies data transfer, reduces required bus capacity, and does not require special synchronization of signals that are to be combined. A series of transmission modules (5081-508M) are used to transfer data to corresponding ones of a series of analog transmitters (4121-412M) used to form communication circuits for each system user. Each transmission module (5081-508M) employs a series of encoders (502MR) and modulators (504MS) to form spread communication signals, using appropriate PN spreading codes. Spread spectrum communication signals from each module (508) for each system user (D), are summed together (5101-510M) and transferred to a single analog transmitter (412) associated with that module. The signals being combined are automatically synchronized by common timing signals used for elements within each module.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a laundry retaining device comprising a strap and a bag. The strap is suitable for retaining larger articles of clothing that have openings to pass the strap through, such as shirts and shorts. The bag, preferably a mesh bag, retains smaller articles of clothing or articles that do not have openings to pass the strap through. The device allows for the washing and drying of a set or several sets of clothes at once without having to sort and recreate each set of laundered clothes.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a laundry retaining device comprising a strap and a bag. The strap is suitable for retaining larger articles of clothing that have openings to pass the strap through, such as shirts and shorts. The bag, preferably a mesh bag, retains smaller articles of clothing or articles that do not have openings to pass the strap through. The device allows for the washing and drying of a set or several sets of clothes at once without having to sort and recreate each set of laundered clothes.

Abstract: A method for reducing the number of required frequency and time hypotheses to acquire an access transmission in a satellite communication system. By reducing the number of required hypotheses, the amount of hardware required to acquire the access transmission is reduced. The method of the present invention reduces the number of required hypotheses by reducing the range of possible frequency and timing values of the access transmission. The range of possible frequency and timing values is reduced by determining the frequency and time uncertainties over individual satellite beams rather than over an entire satellite footprint.

Abstract: A stabilizing device for securing an intravenous catheter to a patient's body is disclosed having a main body with a cut out to allow passage of the catheter. The main body includes a front portion connected to a rear portion by a pair of side portions. At least one of the side portions has a slit to enable the cut out to be placed around a previously installed catheter. A plurality of straps are provided to wrap around the affected body portion of a patient. Tabs in various configurations are used to secure catheter tubing to the main body and to prevent unwanted removal of the catheter.

Abstract: A method for reducing the number of required frequency and time hypotheses to acquire an access transmission in a satellite communication system. By reducing the number of required hypotheses, the amount of hardware required to acquire the access transmission is reduced. The method of the present invention reduces the number of required hypotheses by reducing the range of possible frequency and timing values of the access transmission. The range of possible frequency and timing values is reduced by determining the frequency and time uncertainties over individual satellite beams rather than over an entire satellite footprint.