Abstract: A system for bi-directional data content transfer between a plurality of mobile platforms, such as aircraft or cruise ships, and a ground-based control segment. The system includes the ground-based control segment, a space segment and a mobile system disposed on each mobile platform. The ground-based control segment includes an antenna which is used to transmit encoded RF signals representative of data content to the space segment. The space segment includes a plurality of satellite transponders, with one of the transponders being designated by the ground-based control segment to transpond the encoded RF signals to the mobile system. The mobile system includes steerable receive and transmit antennas. The receive antenna receives the encoded RF signals from the satellite transponder, which are thereafter decoded, demodulated, D/A converted by a communications subsystem and transmitted to a server. The server filters off that data content not requested by any occupants on the mobile system.

Abstract: A system for bi-directional data content transfer between a plurality of mobile platforms, such as aircraft or cruise ships, and a ground-based control segment. The system includes the ground-based control segment, a space segment and a mobile system disposed on each mobile platform. The ground-based control segment includes an antenna which is used to transmit encoded RF signals representative of data content to the space segment. The space segment includes a plurality of satellite transponders, with one of the transponders being designated by the ground-based control segment to transpond the encoded RF signals to the mobile system. The mobile system includes steerable receive and transmit antennas. The receive antenna receives the encoded RF signals from the satellite transponder, which are thereafter decoded, demodulated, D/A converted by a communications subsystem and transmitted to a server. The server filters off that data content not requested by any occupants on the mobile system.

Abstract: A system for bi-directional data content transfer between a plurality of mobile platforms, such as aircraft or cruise ships, and a ground-based control segment. The system includes the ground-based control segment, a space segment and a mobile system disposed on each mobile platform. The ground-based control segment includes an antenna which is used to transmit encoded RF signals representative of data content to the space segment. The space segment includes a plurality of satellite transponders, with one of the transponders being designated by the ground-based control segment to transpond the encoded RF signals to the mobile system. The mobile system includes steerable receive and transmit antennas. The receive antenna receives the encoded RF signals from the satellite transponder, which are thereafter decoded, demodulated, D/A converted by a communications subsystem and transmitted to a server. The server filters off that data content not requested by any occupants on the mobile system.

Abstract: A system for bi-directional data content transfer between a plurality of mobile platforms, such as aircraft or cruise ships, and a ground-based control segment. The system includes the ground-based control segment, a space segment and a mobile system disposed on each mobile platform. The ground-based control segment includes an antenna which is used to transmit encoded RF signals representative of data content to the space segment. The space segment includes a plurality of satellite transponders, with one of the transponders being designated by the ground-based control segment to transpond the encoded RF signals to the mobile system. The mobile system includes steerable receive and transmit antennas. The receive antenna receives the encoded RF signals from the satellite transponder, which are thereafter decoded, demodulated, D/A converted by a communications subsystem and transmitted to a server. The server filters off that data content not requested by any occupants on the mobile system.

Abstract: A system for bi-directional data content transfer between a plurality of mobile platforms, such as aircraft or cruise ships, and a ground-based control segment. The system includes the ground-based control segment, a space segment and a mobile system disposed on each mobile platform. The ground-based control segment includes an antenna which is used to transmit encoded RF signals representative of data content to the space segment. The space segment includes a plurality of satellite transponders, with one of the transponders being designated by the ground-based control segment to transpond the encoded RF signals to the mobile system. The mobile system includes steerable receive and transmit antennas. The receive antenna receives the encoded RF signals from the satellite transponder, which are thereafter decoded, demodulated, D/A converted by a communications subsystem and transmitted to a server. The server filters off that data content not requested by any occupants on the mobile system.

Abstract: A controller coupled with a user interface together enable a user temporarily to elevate the power curve of motor operation in electric vehicles that utilize pulse width modulation controllers to regulate mechanical power supplied by commutator type direct current motors. The user interface comprises a switch which, in its normal state, allows the controller to operate the motor along a standard power curve that may be optimized to conserve electrical charge. When the user sets the switch out of its normal state, the controller elevates the current limit applied to vehicle operation, thereby enabling the motor to operate along an elevated power curve, permitting enhanced vehicle performance. In preferred embodiments, the user interface is fashioned so that standard operation is the preferred, default mode of operation of the vehicle and enhanced operation will be selected only temporarily and as needed.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting short circuit condition in a MOSFET power transistor in a pulse width modulation controller for a commutator type direct current motor detects whether current is flowing through the channel of the transistor by monitoring current through a normally closed override means. The apparatus further monitors the control signal to the transistor gate, determining when the control signal should have cut off current through the transistor channel. An error condition is indicated when the invention detects current through the channel at a time when the control signal to the transistor gate should have cut off current through the channel. Responsive to detection of an error condition, embodiments open the override means, thereby cutting off current supplied to the motor. Embodiments further provide an alarm signal to indicate MOSFET failure.

Abstract: A system for bi-directional data content transfer between a plurality of mobile platforms, such as aircraft or cruise ships, and a ground-based control segment. The system includes the ground-based control segment, a space segment and a mobile system disposed on each mobile platform. The ground-based control segment includes an antenna which is used to transmit encoded RF signals representative of data content to the space segment. The space segment includes a plurality of satellite transponders, with one of the transponders being designated by the ground-based control segment to transpond the encoded RF signals to the mobile system. The mobile system includes steerable receive and transmit antennas. The receive antenna receives the encoded RF signals from the satellite transponder, which are thereafter decoded by a communications subsystem and transmitted to a server. The server filters off that data content not requested by any occupants on the mobile system.

Abstract: In a system for launching RF energy as a traveling surface wave onto a single wire transmission line and causing such energy to be radiated away from the line at a downstream location, a series of window radiators of annular shape are spaced along the line, coaxial therewith, each for radiating a portion of the surface wave energy. Each radiator has a conductive component that causes decoupling and radiation of a portion of the RF energy, and a dielectric window that allows the remaining portion of RF energy to pass therethrough and continue, as an attached surface wave, downstream to a succeeding, similarly formed radiator where the decoupling and partial radiation occurs again. Thus, from the same surface wave transmission line system, it is possible to radiate RF energy from two or more discrete locations along the line.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surface signal launcher for coupling RF signals between a coaxial cable in a single-wire surface wave transmission line. The signal launcher includes a shell-like, electrically conductive launcher horn that is installed at the juncture of the coaxial cable and the surface wave transmission line with the launcher horn concentrically surrunding the portion of the surface wave transmission line that is immediately adjacent the coaxial cable. The coaxial cable outer conductor is electrically connected to the forward end of the launcher horn with the center conductor of the coaxial cable being connected to one end of the surface wave transmission line. To prevent signal reflection at the interface between the coaxial cable and the launcher horn, the diameter of the launcher horn forward end is established to provide an impedance that is equal to the characteristic impedance of the coaxial cable.