Abstract: Location determination signals are received and a location of interest is determined from the location determination signals. A communication service with a known, valid base station via a first communication channel is established and synchronized. A first rate of rise of a signal strength indicator associated with the first communication channel is monitored and a second rate of rise of a signal quality indicator associated with the first communication channel is also monitored. When at least one of the first rate rises at a rate greater than a first predetermined threshold rate and the second rate rises at a rate greater than a second predetermined threshold rate, a warning message is transmitted to the known, valid base station before synchronization of the communication service is lost with the known, valid base station.

Abstract: The jamming of a radio frequency (RF) transmission after the vehicle is parked is detected. When the jamming is detected, an emergency message is broadcast on a first random access channel (RACH) associated with the vehicle according to a last known broadcast channel (BCH). When the jamming is detected, at least one last known neighbor serving cell from a stored data structure is determined, and the emergency message is broadcast on one or more second RACHs associated with each of the at least one last known neighbor serving cells.

Abstract: A cellular communications system end-user transceiver (303) automatically determines (101) at least one received signal strength metric as corresponds to both a presently-utilized base station (307) and at least one presently un-utilized base station (309) to provide one or more corresponding received signal strength values. This transceiver then determines (102) whether to purposefully alter this received signal strength value(s). When deciding to make the alteration, the transceiver automatically alters (104) the received signal strength value(s) to provide one or more corresponding altered signal strength values. The transceiver then transmits (105) the latter in order to influence a handover decision in favor of handing over the transceiver from the presently-utilized base station to the presently un-utilized base station.

Abstract: Measurement of circulating ST2 and/or IL-33 concentrations is useful for the prognostic evaluation of subjects, in particular for the prediction of adverse clinical outcomes, e.g., mortality, and the detection of severe disease.

Abstract: A multi-band communication device with a front end antenna switch module having a reduced number of control inputs is disclosed. Control over an antenna switch modules occurs via control inputs from a controller or processor to enable operation over multiple bands or under numerous different standards. In one embodiment an input/output port is configured to connect to an antenna and a diplexer is connected to the input/output port. In this embodiment, the diplexer is configured to pass outgoing signals to the antenna and direct incoming signal from the antenna to one of two or more paths. One or more switches are connected to the diplexer such that the one or more switches are responsive to two or fewer control signals. The switch are configured to selectively enable operation of the antenna switch module into transmit or receive mode. A filter bank may also be provided as part of the module.

Abstract: An adaptive band-pass filter for a wireless receiver comprises a band-pass filter associated with the receiver, the band-pass filter configured to selectively filter the received signal, and a switch responsive to a control signal, the switch configured to control the band-pass filter based on a level of the received signal.

Abstract: A power control loop for a power amplifier is disclosed. Embodiments of the power control loop include deriving a secondary control signal. The secondary control signal may be used to control a gain applied to the power signal in the power control loop and to control a supply current or voltage delivered to a power amplifier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of transdermal drug delivery. More specifically, the present invention relates to drug reservoir materials for use in transdermal drug delivery devices. The drug reservoirs of the present invention comprise a polyurethane polymer which can be processed at temperatures below those which cause degradation of temperature sensitive drugs and/or excipients. The present invention is also directed to tailoring the release characteristics of the polyurethane material to accommodate a range of suitable drugs to be delivered from the transdermal drug delivery device and/or provide a range of delivery rates for a particular drug.

Abstract: An articulated athletic goal can be raised to a high position and/or a low position relative to the game position, for safety and security. The crossbar and uprights are supported on the end of a boom pivoted on a vertical column and powered by a hydraulic actuator, which may be operated remotely. Through either a parallel linkage or a separate hydraulic actuator, the uprights are held in a substantially vertical orientation throughout the pivoting motion. In a preferred embodiment, the boom is mounted on a single pivot and articulation enables the boom to be oriented substantially vertically downward. The boom is provided with a second, smaller, actuator, for releasing the crossbar/upright assembly when it is near the field, completely separating the crossbar/upright assembly from the boom. The sacrificial crossbar/upright assembly may then be removed by spectators without the dangerous and destructive mob action previously associated with after-game celebrations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dual valve apparatus for controlling hydraulic flow of liquid under pressure in a pipeline and which closes off the flow of liquid in a manner which minimizes surge pressure in the pipeline. The dual valve apparatus comprises a check valve of the swing-flap type with a pressure relief valve mounted in the check valve member.

Abstract: A wet barrel hydrant check valve has a body containing a dash-pot assembly connected to a flapper valve, spring biased towards the closed condition. A sandwich flange fixed to the hydrant has a member holding the flapper out of the flow passageway, the flange being joined in a break-away connection to the valve body so that upon hydrant upset, as by vehicle impact, the hydrant and holding member are dismounted from the valve body, releasing the flapper into the flow path of escaping water for dash-pot controlled, gradual closure of the valve minimizing water hammer in the line.