Abstract: A satellite communication system has a first deployment of a plurality of satellites deployed in a medium earth orbit and two later deployments of a plurality of satellites deployed in the medium earth orbit. The first deployment is, spaced so that the second deployment may be easily deployed and interleaved into the first deployment. A ground terminal is used for communicating with the satellites in the first and second deployments.

Abstract: A drive for a carrier tape used in conjunction with a pick and place module of a machine for inspecting and handling advances the carrier tape to its desired position in two steps. Using the number of sprocket holes between compartments in the tape (n holes), the first step is n−1 sprocket holes. The second step takes the carrier tape the remaining distance to complete the advance to the distance equal to n sprocket holes. The tape is driven by friction rollers not by means of the sprocket holes. The presence of a device in a compartment and its proper positioning in the compartment is also inspected.

Abstract: A satellite communication system has a first deployment of a plurality of satellites deployed in a medium earth orbit and two later deployments of a plurality of satellites deployed in the medium earth orbit. The first deployment is spaced so that the second deployment may be easily deployed and interleaved into the first deployment. A ground terminal is used for communicating with the satellites in the first and second deployments.

Abstract: A carrier tape drive used in conjunction with a pick and place module. The drive advances carrier tape to a desired position in two steps. The first step includes substantially stopping a carrier tape compartment short of a loading position, and the second step includes moving the compartment into the loading position.

Abstract: A satellite communication system has a first deployment of a plurality of satellites deployed in a medium earth orbit and two later deployments of a plurality of satellites deployed in the medium earth orbit. The first deployment is spaced so that the second deployment may be easily deployed and interleaved into the first deployment. A ground terminal is used for communicating with the satellites in the first and second deployments.

Abstract: A method, system and kit for detecting the presence of an analyte includes placing a solution containing the analyte in a microcapillary tube and placing the microcapillary tube in contact with a layer of sorbent material so that the solution is withdrawn from the microcapillary tube by capillary action. The sorbent material and solvent for the solution are selected so that the solvent is absorbed into the sorbent material and the analyte is adsorbed by the sorbent material and concentrated at the spot where the microcapillary tube contacts the sorbent material. A detector reagent is applied to the sorbent material to indicate the presence of the analyte.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for screening chemical samples to detect the presence of chemical warfare agents, chemical warfare agent precursors and degradation products formed therefrom. Particular applications include detection of the presence of a cholinesterase inhibitor derived from alkyloxy methylphosphonic acids, methylphosphonic acid, and methylphosphonofluoridic acid.

Abstract: A satellite communication system has a first deployment of a plurality of satellites deployed in a medium earth orbit and two later deployments of a plurality of satellites deployed in the medium earth orbit. The first deployment is spaced so that the second deployment may be easily deployed and interleaved into the first deployment. A ground terminal is used for communicating with the satellites in the first and second deployments.

Abstract: A satellite communication system has a first deployment of a plurality of satellites deployed in a medium earth orbit and two later deployments of a plurality of satellites deployed in the medium earth orbit. The first deployment is spaced so that the second deployment may be easily deployed and interleaved into the first deployment. A ground terminal is used for communicating with the satellites in the first and second deployments.

Abstract: A satellite communication system has a first deployment of a plurality of satellites deployed in a medium earth orbit and two later deployments of a plurality of satellites deployed in the medium earth orbit. The first deployment is spaced so that the second deployment may be easily deployed and interleaved into the first deployment. A ground terminal is used for communicating with the satellites in the first and second deployments.

Abstract: A satellite communication system has a first deployment of a plurality of satellites deployed in a medium earth orbit and two later deployments of a plurality of satellites deployed in the medium earth orbit. The first deployment is spaced so that the second deployment may be easily deployed and interleaved into the first deployment. A ground terminal is used for communicating with the satellites in the first and second deployments.

Abstract: Container handling apparatus includes container speed adjusting apparatus which cooperates with drive apparatus to sequentially deliver a plurality of containers into contact with the container speed adjusting apparatus. The container speed adjusting apparatus has one or more resiliently compressible components which facilitate alteration of the translational speed of the container, as well as alteration of the rotation thereof. Among the preferred approaches to providing such resiliently compressible means are to have endless belts supported and driven by primary pulleys with secondary resiliently compressible pulleys in engagement with said belt and disposed between the primary pulleys. The endless belts may be provided with specifically configurated resiliently deformable portions, such as weakened portions in the belt, openings in the belt, or radially outwardly projecting elements.

Abstract: Container handling apparatus includes container speed adjusting apparatus which cooperates with drive apparatus to sequentially deliver a plurality of containers into contact with the container speed adjusting apparatus. The container speed adjusting apparatus has one or more resiliently compressible components which facilitate alteration of the translational speed of the container, as well as alteration of the rotation thereof. Among the preferred approaches to providing such resiliently compressible means are to have endless belts supported and driven by primary pulleys with secondary resiliently compressible pulleys in engagement with the belt and disposed between the primary pulleys. The endless belts may be provided with specifically configurated resiliently deformable portions, such as weakened portions in the belt, openings in the belt, or radially outwardly projecting elements.

Abstract: Container handling apparatus includes container speed adjusting apparatus which cooperates with drive apparatus to sequentially deliver a plurality of containers into contact with the container speed adjusting apparatus. The container speed adjusting apparatus has one or more resiliently compressible components which facilitate alteration of the translational speed of the container, as well as alteration of the rotation thereof. Among the preferred approaches to providing such resiliently compressible components are to have endless belts supported and driven by primary pulleys with secondary resiliently compressible pulleys in engagement with the belt and disposed between the primary pulleys. The endless belts may be provided with specifically configurated resiliently deformable portions, such as weakened portions in the belt, openings in the belt, or radially outwardly projecting elements.

Abstract: An auxiliary pressure clamp is provided for a bar clamp structure on an internally threaded sleeve for adjustably engaging an elongated bar of the bar clamp at a right angle thereto. A force-applying screw is threaded into the sleeve and has a handle at another end to rotate the force applying screw within the sleeve. A head will engage with a work place at a right angle to the clamping action of the bar clamp to apply pressure thereto, especially when various parts of the work piece are being glued together, or a veneer is being glued to a surface of a work piece.

Abstract: A system for safely, efficiently and effectively spacing and holding a removable container of a truck above its chassis to readily facilitate servicing and repair of the container. The system features a plurality of container repair spacer assemblies which separate the container from its chassis. Each container repair spacer assembly has a base with an opening that engagably receives one of chassis' twist locks and a collar which abuts against and supports the container frame. Upright walls connect the base and collar and provide the desired amount of spacing between the container and its chassis. A locking member, such as a twist lock, extends above the collar to interlockingly engage an opening in the frame of the container to detachably secure the container frame to the container repair spacer assembly. Controls, such as a handle operatively connected an upright shaft, are provided to selectively pivot the twist lock from an insertion or removal position to a locking position.

Abstract: A plug for an electrical receptacle outlet having an improved ground prong. The ground prong is supported in the plug body for axial shifting. The end of the prong extending through the plug body is threaded to engage a turn knob and the other end of the ground prong extending from the plug body for insertion in the receptacle is adapted to carry spring filaments which are supported to radially arch by the axial movement of the ground prong in response to the rotation of the knob and thereby secure the plug connected to the receptacle.