Abstract: A transmitting unit (10) transmits a video digital signal. The transmitting unit (10) is the delivery system associated with a source that can provide digital video signals, including but not necessarily limited to a satellite television system, a local television station or a cable television provider. A receiving unit (100) receives the broadcasted signal and demultiplexes the signal into a multicasting segment (52) and a baseline video bitstream (54). A portion of the multicasting segment (52) is stored in memory until such time that it is displayed on a television monitor (110). The baseline video bitstream (54) usually comprises a television show which is displayed on the television monitor (110) unless the multicasting segment (52) (e.g., commercial) is being displayed.

Abstract: A transmitter system (18) which transmits a communication signal (14) through a phased-array antenna (10) uses a signal processor (26) and a multiplicity of direct modulators (30). Each direct modulator (30) drives a single element (12) of the antenna (10). Each direct modulator (30) receives a digital baseband phase point data signal (62) from a digital data stream (28). The digital data stream (28) also conveys digital beam formation data (60). Each direct modulator (30) digitally combines the baseband phase point data (62) with the beam formation data (60) to produce digital streams that modulate an RF carrier signal (34). The digital data stream (28) is generated by a phased-array signal processor (26) which processes user data bits (86) received from any number of input signals (22) and processes beam signals (24). In one embodiment, the signal processor (26) calculates phase point data (62) representative of all input signals (22).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for combining and separating groups of signals starts by a transmitter (500) receiving a number of CDMA-encoded signals from data sources (510). The CDMA-encoded signals are sorted (502) based on their intended destinations. Those CDMA-encoded signals which are intended for a common destination are multiplexed (504) together into a group. The group is further CDMA encoded (506) using a group code and the encoded group is transmitted (508) to an intermediate transceiver (600) or a destination transceiver (700). The intermediate or destination transceiver decodes (604, 704) the group using the appropriate group code and routes the resulting group of signals accordingly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the quality and transmission rates of speech is presented. Upon connection of a call with a receiving terminal, a communication unit (12, 26, 28, 42, 57, 54, 60) reads a dynamic user-specific speech characteristics model (SCM) table and user-specific input stimulus table and sends them to an appropriate point in the connection path with the receiving terminal. As normal voice conversation begins, the user's speech is collected into speech frames. The speech frames are compared to input stimuli entries in the user-specific input stimulus table, and are used to calculate SCMs which are compared to dynamic user-specific SCM table entries in the dynamic user-specific SCM table to generate an encoded bit stream. Simultaneously, speech characteristics statistics are collected and analyzed in view of multiple available generic SCMs to update and improve the dynamic user-specific SCM table during the progress of the call to closely track changes in the user's voice.

Abstract: A nestable tray for holding food and a beverage glass at social gatherings, wherein the tray has an aperture and a slot continuous with the aperture and extending to the exterior of the tray for receiving the stem of a stemmed glass.

Abstract: A sidewall for a cargo container is provided having at least one pair of composite panels and means for joining the panels. Each composite panel includes a uniform facing member; a non-uniform facing member having major, minor and inclined portions; and a core member sandwiched between and bonded to the uniform facing member and the major portion of the non-uniform facing member. The uniform member is planar and has outer and inner surfaces. The non-uniform member has a planar major portion and a parallel minor portion which has outer and inner surfaces. The inner surface of the minor portion of the non-uniform member abuts the inner surface of the uniform member. The non-uniform member also has an inclined portion which connects the major and minor portions and which is angled with respect to the major and minor portions.

Abstract: A vacuum sealed apparatus for storing foodstuffs is disclosed which comprises a battery powered vacuum pump integral with the container, for portable use in the preservation of foods. More particularly, the invention is a rigid container fitted with a battery operated vacuum pump in its base, and a lid for admitting food to be stored in partial vacuum.

Abstract: A rotisserie cooking appliance includes a base and attached wall in the form of a vertically bisected cylinder. The base contains a centrally-located spindle for the attachment thereon of a drip pan and a spit and basket assembly. The spit and basket assembly includes a circular wire basket for containing the food item to be cooked, with a spit attached to the center thereof, the spit having an integral handle at the top to facilitate the insertion and removal of the spit and basket assembly from the rotisserie. A electric heating element is provided which is located to the rear of the rotisserie, which emits more thermal radiation near the bottom of the cooking chamber than at the top thereof. A removable aluminum reflective element is configured behind the heating element to further direct thermal radiation towards the spit and basket assembly. A single door configured as a vertically bisected cylinder made of a transparent heat resistant plastic material is provided.

Abstract: A voice encoding method ?and apparatus initialize! initializes (160) transmit and receive vocoders operated within communication units (12, 42) with a user-unique speech characteristic model (SCM) table (320) and an input stimulus table (340). The SCM table (320) and input stimulus table (340) are created during a training task (120) and stored (144) in a user information card (360), within a communication unit (60), or at a control facility (90). During call setup, the tables are exchanged (180) between the transmit and receive vocoders and the user's speech is encoded (200) using the SCM table (320) and input stimulus table (340). During encoding (200), either compressed table entries that most closely match the input speech, or indexes that identify the closest table entries are sent (220) in a bitstream to the receive vocoder. The SCM table (320) and input stimulus table (340) can be updated (240) during or after the call.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention uses DSI with a TDMA/FDMA communication protocol. For each speech frame detected by a speech detector (110), a communication unit (CU) (108) sends (440) a speech detected indicator (SDI) (208) to a switching facility (SF) (138). In response, the SF (138) allocates an uplink reuse unit (260) which identifies a carrier frequency (301-360) and timeslot (190-193) which the CU (108) should use to transmit a traffic burst containing a compressed speech frame. The SF (138) allocates (506) the uplink reuse unit (260) from a pool of available uplink reuse units and, if necessary, allocates a downlink reuse unit (262) from a pool of available downlink reuse units. A message (220) describing the reuse units (260, 262) is transmitted (508) to the CU (108) which then transmits (450) and receives (480) traffic bursts during the allocated reuse units (260, 262).

Abstract: A frameless container of a predetermined length includes a floor having floor supports, a roof, a pair of opposing sidewalls and a pair of opposing end walls. One end wall includes an access door. The sidewalls are respectively connected to the floor supports and the roof. The upper portion of each of the opposing sidewalls has at least a first and second lap-jointed panels. Each panel has predetermined dimensions for the height, width and thickness. The lower portion of each sidewall includes a scuff plate. The bottom of the scuff plate is connected to the floor supports. The top of the scuff plate extends up from the floor by a predetermined distance defining a "scuff zone." The scuff zone has a projection-free surface exposed to the interior of the container. Fasteners attach the scuff plate to the lap-jointed upper wall portion and are arranged into a horizontal row located above the scuff zone. The fasteners have low profile heads which project only slightly from the inner surface of the scuff plate.