Abstract: A method and apparatus for steering beams modulated from a mobile platform in a manner that reduces overall platform payload processing, and therefore payload weight and power requirements. According to the present invention, a beam steering data calculator (64) generates a table of beam steering data sets (60a, 60b), with each data set corresponding to a specific beam-pointing angle mapped to a corresponding cell on the surface of the earth. A data set that corresponds to a received downlink cell address (22a-22e) is read out from the table and mapped to the downlink address, and an output angle of a modulated vehicle beam (16a-16e) that transmits a data packet to the cell address is corrected to correspond to the beam-pointing angle of the read-out data set.

Abstract: There is provided a radiation detection apparatus having a hand-held radiation detection probe with a switch assembly removably mounted thereon. The switch assembly having first and second switches, one to initiate transmission of electrical signals representing scintillations detected over a set time period to a remotely located control unit for counting and averaging, and the other to direct the control unit to download and preferably record the counted and averaged scintillation values for further use. The switch assembly has an insulating member for electrically insulating the switches from the probe, and spaced gripping members that releasably grip the probe. A movable stand is provided preferably with a holder for holding the probe. The probe can have a protective cover thereon with a switch assembly mounted onto the probe over the cover.

Abstract: A radiation detection apparatus includes a hand-held probe with a switch assembly removably mounted thereon. The switch assembly having first and second switches, one to initiate transmission of electrical signals representing scintillations detected over a set time period to a remotely located control unit for counting and averaging, and the other to direct the control unit to download and preferably record the counted and averaged scintillation values for further use. The switch assembly has an insulating member for electrically insulating the switches from the probe, and spaced gripping members that releasably grip the probe. A movable stand is provided preferably with a holder for holding the probe. The probe can have a protective cover thereon with a switch assembly mounted onto the probe over the cover.

Abstract: A data processing system (20) schedules the allocation of a common bus (26), used by multiple service requesters (32). The system (20) creates a plurality of service request levels (44) and assigns each service requester (32) to one of the plurality of request levels (44). Services of the common bus (26) are provided to all service requesters (32) assigned to a first service request level (44) for each instance of providing service to one of the service requesters (32) assigned to a second service request level (44). The method then again provides services of the common bus (26) to all service requesters (32) assigned to the first service request level (44) for a single instance of providing service to one of the second level requesters (32).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for accurately determining a target distance in adverse weather conditions utilizing both LASER and RADAR is disclosed. The radar signals are used to determine an approximate range which is then used as a gating window for the determination of which laser reflection is from the actual target as opposed to a reflection from the atmospheric interference. The method basically comprises the steps of initiating a radar pulse in the direction of a target and receiving a reflection, transmitting a laser signal and receiving a plurality of reflections, determining an approximate range based on the radar signals, and using this approximate range to ascertain which of the laser reflections is from the target. This determination is preferably made by generating a gating signal and gate width from the radar signals and passing the set of laser range signals through the gate to eliminate the false signals and select the signal that survives the gate as the accurate target range.

Abstract: A natural fiber chewing stick including a plurality of strips of treated natural fibers bonded together, said strips including flavor and other compositions added during processing. Typically, the individual strips used are of jute, but other natural fibers may be used.

Abstract: A light-weight, hand-held range finding apparatus of the present invention includes signal emitting circuitry and lens for emitting signals, and signal receiving circuitry and lens for receiving reflected signals, which are positioned within a chamber of a housing. The housing includes an upper section to which a sighting device is attached, a front end through which the emitted signals are emitted and the reflected signals are received, a back panel having a display device attached to said housing for displaying operational selections and range findings. An actuator is mounted adjacent the upper section and is operably connected to the signal emitting circuitry. The actuator is used to select desired operational selections displayed on the display device and actuating the signal emitting circuitry.

Abstract: A computer implemented process which includes furnishing data indicating the actual strengths of all signals to be transmitted by a plurality of cells each positioned at an individual physical position in a mobile communications system and to be received by a mobile unit at a plurality of points of an entire mobile communications system, relating data indicating the actual strengths of all signals to the physical positions from which the signals are to be transmitted, identifying cells transmitting signals likely to serve each point of the plurality of points, and comparing planned frequencies to be used at any position serving a point with planned frequencies to be used at other positions to identify cells transmitting signals which might interfere with signals transmitted by cells serving a point.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for accurately determining a target distance in adverse weather conditions utilizing both LASER and RADAR is disclosed. The radar signals are used to determine an approximate range which is then used as a gating window for the determination of which laser reflection is from the actual target as opposed to a reflection from the atmospheric interference. The method basically comprises the steps of initiating a radar pulse in the direction of a target and receiving a reflection, transmitting a laser signal and receiving a plurality of reflections, determining an approximate range based on the radar signals, and using this approximate range to ascertain which of the laser reflections is from the target. This determination is preferably made by generating a gating signal and gate width from the radar signals and passing the set of laser range signals through the gate to eliminate the false signals and select the signal that survives the gate as the accurate target range.

Abstract: A communication network (10) includes packet switching nodes (18) in which packets from high speed data links (20, 22) are switched onto a multiplicity of low speed data links (26). Each node (18) includes a bulk RAM (30) which has a section (32) dedicated to implementing a multiplicity of logically independent FIFO buffers. A routing controller (46) controls DMA transfers of packets into and out from appropriate FIFO buffers. Packets are transferred into respective FIFO buffers consecutively and transferred out from respective FIFO buffers interleaved together.

Abstract: An engine oil regulating device may monitor and regulate a fluid level for stationary engines or compressors for gravity feed and pressurized oil applications. Oil may be received in a float chamber that may have a safety shutdown float and an oil level regulating float. The engine oil regulating device may also include a safety shutdown mechanism to actuate an alarm and/or a shutdown switch such as an ignition cut-off switch. The safety shutdown mechanism may be configured as a single switch or a plurality of switches. A two switch safety shutdown mechanism may utilize a side-by-side layout or a stacked layout. The safety shutdown mechanism may include a high-low level shutdown, low level shutdown only, or high level shutdown only. A testing mechanism such as a rotatable test knob assembly may be provided to test the safety shutdown mechanism. An engine oil level adjusting mechanism such as an adjustable threaded thumb valve orifice member may also be provided.

Abstract: A surgical suture demonstration portfolio for demonstrating the use of various surgical sutures is provided. Suture packages and suture manipulating tools are provided in conjunction with an area having materials which facilitate demonstrating the sutures.

Abstract: A display panel system includes a peripheral frame surrounding a translucent panel and an apparatus for backlighting the translucent panel. The backlighting apparatus includes a support arm hingedly connected to a light source. The support arm includes a gripping member, for securing the support arm to the peripheral frame for positioning the light source to radiate light through the translucent panel. In some embodiments, the backlighting apparatus further includes a reflector for reflecting stray light toward the translucent panel. The support arm is foldable against the light source to facilitate packing and shipping of the backlighting apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bearing having at least two bearing surfaces provided with a clearance therebetween, the clearance being filled with a fluid mixture which provides a heavily damped viscous-drag on the bearing surfaces during slow relative movement of the surfaces and a substantially free-slipping movement of the surfaces upon a suddenly increased force being applied to the surfaces.

Abstract: A clamping component for a camera tripod top, said component comprising:- a clamping member, handle means for locking the component to said top, and means connected to and between said clamping member and said handle means permitting relative rotational movement there between, said handle means being adapted for threaded engagement with means connected to an opposing clamping member.