Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for ground-based beamforming of a satellite communications payload (200) within a satellite communications network (100). An embodiment of the invention comprises a satellite (11) communicatively coupled to at least one gateway (12) via a feeder link (13) and a plurality of user terminals (16), each communicatively coupled with the satellite by a user link (17) where a ground based beam forming system (400) receives, via feeder link (13), return path signals (452) traveling from the user terminals (16) via the satellite (11) to the at least one gateway (12) and forward path signals (457) traveling from the at least one gateway (12) via the satellite (11) to the user terminals (16), and measures and corrects amplitude and phase errors of the return path signals (452) and the forward path signals (457).

Abstract: A wind turbine system for safe and reliable installation in a building. The Wind Turbine System generally includes of a tower pole having an upper end and a lower end. The upper end of the tower pole includes a wind turbine which extends through the roof through a hole. The lower end of the tower pole includes a tower base which is installed underground in the base of a building. The tower base may be anchored in the ground with a concrete footing. The tower pole is connected to a building support member by a clamp member. An anti-vibration ring surrounds the tower pole at its interface with the building support member to dampen vibrations. A tower-roof seal surrounds the interface between tower pole and roof at the hole. In this manner, wind power can be provided to a building without the use of guyed wires and without damaging the structure of the building.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for ground-based beamforming of a satellite communications payload (200) within a satellite communications network (100). An embodiment of the invention comprises a satellite (11) communicatively coupled to at least one gateway (12) via a feeder link (13) and a plurality of user terminals (16), each communicatively coupled with the satellite by a user link (17) where a ground based beam forming system (400) receives, via feeder link (13), return path signals (452) traveling from the user terminals (16) via the satellite (11) to the at least one gateway (12) and forward path signals (457) traveling from the at least one gateway (12) via the satellite (11) to the user terminals (16), and measures and corrects amplitude and phase errors of the return path signals (452) and the forward path signals (457).

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for ground-based beamforming of a satellite communications payload (200) within a satellite communications network (100). An embodiment of the invention comprises a satellite (11) communicatively coupled to at least one gateway (12) via a feeder link (13) and further coupled to a plurality of user terminals (16), each communicatively coupled with the satellite by a user link (17). A ground based beam forming system (400) measures and corrects amplitude and phase errors of a plurality of return path signals (452) traveling from the user terminals (16) via the satellite (11) to the at least one gateway (12), and measures and corrects amplitude and phase errors of a plurality of forward path signals (457) traveling from the at least one gateway (12) via the satellite (11) to the user terminals (16).

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for ground-based beamforming of a satellite communications payload (200) within a satellite communications network (100). An embodiment of the invention comprises a satellite (11) communicatively coupled to at least one gateway (12) via a feeder link (13) and further coupled to a plurality of user terminals (16), each communicatively coupled with the satellite by a user link (17). A ground based beam forming system (400) measures and corrects amplitude and phase errors of a plurality of return path signals (452) traveling from the user terminals (16) via the satellite (11) to the at least one gateway (12), and measures and corrects amplitude and phase errors of a plurality of forward path signals (457) traveling from the at least one gateway (12) via the satellite (11) to the user terminals (16).

Abstract: A drive apparatus is provided to transmit force from a source of power to a driven assembly, such as a pump, in an aircraft. The drive apparatus can be operated from a disengaged condition back to an engaged condition when the aircraft is on the ground. The drive apparatus includes a first annular array of teeth which is connected with an input member and a second annular array of teeth which is connected with an output member. A plurality of disengagement levers extend outward from the output member. A retaining member is connected with outer end portions of the disengagement levers. An actuator member or yoke is movable to move the retaining member and the outer ends of the engagement levers to disengage the drive apparatus.

Abstract: A drive apparatus is provided to transmit force from a source of power to a driven assembly, such as a pump, in an aircraft. The drive apparatus can be operated from a disengaged condition back to an engaged condition when the aircraft is on the ground. The drive apparatus includes a first annular array of teeth which is connected with an input member and a second annular array of teeth which is connected with an output member. A plurality of disengagement levers extend outward from the output member. A retaining member is connected with outer end portions of the disengagement levers. An actuator member or yoke is movable to move the retaining member and the outer ends of the engagement levers to disengage the drive apparatus.

Abstract: A method for performing exploration of the vadose soil zone first obtains samples of the surface vegetation from a region, next the samples are analyzed to determine if a contaminant is present in any of the analyzed samples, and, finally, a determination is made if a vadose soil zone at that region is contaminated based on the analyzed samples. As a result of the contamination determination, further, more-detailed site characterization can be performed at only those regions that are contaminated.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant includes a pair of spaced apart end caps which are interconnected by a plurality of elongated flexible members. Each end cap includes an aperture formed therethrough for the use of a trochanteric guide wire for piloting the implant during trial insertion and final insertion into an intramedullary canal. At least one of the end caps includes a rounded end to enhance insertion. Preferably, the flexible members are bowed outwardly to provide a “birdcage” configuration.