Abstract: Functional components of a computer graphics network are separated from one another across a network. Each of these four components—a computer graphics application, user input functionality for the application, a graphics renderer, and a display for a rendered image—is allocated to its own network component, separate from the other components. This allows, for example, a user in one location to provide input to a desired computer graphics application that may be executing elsewhere. The computer graphics application may then have rendering performed by a renderer that is located at yet another location, e.g., centrally to the network. The display may be in still another location, e.g., a distant conference room or a classroom.

Abstract: A reconfigurable payload for a satellite having a flexible antenna system, a variable downconverter technology and a filter technology that all work in combination to allow the payload of a satellite to be reconfigured in orbit.

Abstract: Input RF signals to a transponder, such as a communications satellite, are down converted to a lower intermediate frequency (IF) that is common for each different channel. The channel signals are all processed at the common IF, and then up converted to different respective transmission frequencies. This allows for a down conversion/signal processing/up conversion unit design that is the same for each channel (except for frequency and gain values), and facilitates the use of inexpensive available standard components as well as low bandwidth channel filters. An improved phase noise cancellation phase lock loop (PLL) is preferably used to generate tuning signals used in the up and down conversion processes. The PLL includes two loop mixers, with the down and up conversion mixing signals taken respectively from the inputs to the first and second loop mixers. The first and second loop mixers receive mixing signals at frequencies (T-R) and (T-IF-N.multidot.

Abstract: A fly trap gun is provided with a fly trap carried on the end of a firing rod mounted for longitudinal movement within a barrel. The fly trap defines a trap chamber provided with a sticky area throughout a substantial portion thereof for catching flies or the like trapped therein. An actuating means causes the firing rod and the fly trap mounted thereon to move rapidly from a loaded position to a fired position for trapping a flying insect in the trap chamber and for subsequently catching the trapped insect on the sticky surface.