Abstract: A noise estimator for threshold correction of a receiver includes a low pass filter to remove wideband noise from an input signal that includes a signal component and a noise component. The output of the wideband filter is applied to a square-law power detector having an output applied to an envelope detector. The output of the envelope detector is the instantaneous envelope of the input signal and is applied to a low pass filter to perform time averaging and is also applied to a differential network. The output of the low pass filter is a signal representing a time averaged statistical envelope representing the statistical mean of the instantaneous envelope of the input signal. This signal is also applied to the differential network that generates a signal representing the difference in the instantaneous envelope of the input signal and the time averaged statistical envelope signal. This difference signal is applied to a square-law power detector and then to a low pass filter for time averaging.

Abstract: A noise estimator for threshold correction of a receiver includes a low pass filter to remove wideband noise from an input signal that includes a signal component and a noise component. The output of the wideband filter is applied to a square-law power detector having an output applied to an envelope detector. The output of the envelope detector is the instantaneous envelope of the input signal and is applied to a low pass filter to perform time averaging and is also applied to a differential network. The output of the low pass filter is a signal representing a time averaged statistical envelope representing the statistical mean of the instantaneous envelope of the input signal. This signal is also applied to the differential network that generates a signal representing the difference in the instantaneous envelope of the input signal and the time averaged statistical envelope signal. This difference signal is applied to a square-law power detector and then to a low pass filter for time averaging.

Abstract: Embodiments of a fence clip installing tool and methods of using it are described. The preferred tool uses a stack of connected fence clips which are loaded in advance for semi-automatic multiple clip installations. Upon actuation, the tool places the simple, pre-shaped clip partially around the fence post, and then bends the clip ends around the wire that runs through the tool and laterally past the fence post. Thus, the clip extends around the back and two sides of the post and surrounds and grips the wire tightly on either side of the post to hold it securely against the front side of the post. The tool quickens the process of clip installation, lessens handling of clips, and results in more uniform installation, with the two clip ends extending in parallel vertical planes around the wire on either side of the post.

Abstract: A receiver carrier synchronization apparatus and method for carrier synchronization with a received signal having a known data pattern preamble uses a "punctured" preamble for making carrier synchronization estimates thereby reducing the number of receivers required. The known data pattern preamble of the received signal is processed with a local reference signal and a differentiated replica of the known data pattern preamble to generate an error signal. The error signal is selectively sampled in the time domain in accordance with a puncture scheme, and the sampled error signal is used to generate the local reference signal in a closed loop. The received signal is processed with the local reference signal and a replica of the known data pattern preamble to generate a synchronization estimate signal.

Abstract: A noise estimator for threshold correction of a receiver includes a low pass filter to remove wideband noise from an input signal that includes a signal component and a noise component. The output of the wideband filter is applied to a square-law power detector having an output applied to an envelope detector. The output of the envelope detector is the instantaneous envelope of the input signal and is applied to a low pass filter to perform time averaging and is also applied to a differential network. The output of the low pass filter is a signal representing a time averaged statistical envelope representing the statistical mean of the instantaneous envelope of the input signal. This signal is also applied to the differential network that generates a signal representing the difference in the instantaneous envelope of the input signal and the time averaged statistical envelope signal. This difference signal is applied to a square-law power detector and then to a low pass filter for time averaging.

Abstract: A receiver carrier synchronization apparatus and method for carrier synchronization with a received signal having a known data pattern preamble uses a "punctured" preamble for making carrier synchronization estimates thereby reducing the number of receivers required. The known data pattern preamble of the received signal is processed with a local reference signal and a differentiated replica of the known data pattern preamble to generate an error signal. The error signal is selectively sampled in the time domain in accordance with a puncture scheme, and the sampled error signal is used to generate the local reference signal in a closed loop. The received signal is processed with the local reference signal and a replica of the known data pattern preamble to generate a synchronization estimate signal.

Abstract: A receiver carrier synchronization apparatus and method for carrier synchronization with a received signal having a known data pattern preamble uses a "punctured" preamble for making carrier synchronization estimates thereby reducing the number of receivers required. The known data pattern preamble of the received signal is processed with a local reference signal and a differentiated replica of the known data pattern preamble to generate an error signal. The error signal is selectively sampled in the time domain in accordance with a puncture scheme, and the sampled error signal is used to generate the local reference signal in a closed loop. The received signal is processed with the local reference signal and a replica of the known data pattern preamble to generate a synchronization estimate signal.

Abstract: A chub cartridge has a tubular chamber containing a water-bearing blasting agent, and a longitudinal tunnel adjacent to the tubular chamber and integral therewith. Preferably, the tunnel is full-length and continuous and has holes for threading a detonating cord therethrough and for holding a cord firmly against the tubular chamber for the cord-priming of the cartridges. In primer assemblies, the tunnel also can be used to hold a cap/booster in place, and for lacing cap wires or a low-energy detonating cord. A preferred cartridge is made continuously in a series by wrapping a web of film having a row of holes along one edge so as to form a tube and an outer flap containing the holes, and sealing the tube and the flap so as to form a tunnel containing the holes in its outer portion, the wrapping being performed so that either the inner or outer portion of the tunnel is circumferentially longer than the other.