Abstract: A ferrite layer formation process that may be performed at a lower temperature than conventional ferrite formation processes. The formation process may produce highly anisotropic structures. A ferrite layer is deposited on a substrate while the substrate is exposed to a magnetic field. An intermediate layer may be positioned between the substrate and the ferrite to promote bonding of the ferrite to the substrate. The process may be performed at temperatures less than 300° C. Ferrite film anisotropy may be achieved by embodiments of the invention in the range of about 1000 dyn-cm/cm3 to about 2×106 dyn-cm/cm3.

Abstract: An optical receiver system for processing signals output from a polarization diversity detector that includes a plurality of photodetector cells. Each cell provides an signal that includes a phase generated carrier signal having a modulation frequency &ohgr; and a sensor signal that has an in-phase component I and a quadrature phase component Q superimposed on the phase generated carrier signal. A plurality of variable gain amplifiers are arranged to produce a plurality of amplified signals. A feedback circuit is connected to the plurality of variable gain amplifiers for controlling the gains thereof. A plurality of demodulator circuits are arranged to receive the amplified signals. The demodulator circuits are arranged to provide for each photodetector cell an I signal output that indicates an amplitude of the in-phase component I and a Q signal output that indicates an amplitude of the quadrature phase component Q.

Abstract: Radar Pulse detection and radar signal length detection are used to detect and provide information for identifying radar signals. Pulse detection estimates a radar pulse size when it is too short for meaningful measurement. Pulse detection identifies a radar by identification of an in-band pulse without a communication or data packet encoded therein, or a communication error is detected with the in-band pulse. Signal length detection counts the length of a received signal after the received signal exceeds a radar threshold. The count identifies the received signal length upon drop of the power. The signal is identified as a radar when the power drops before a PHY error occurs, or when the power drop occurs after a PHY error and a delay time equivalent to the shortest radar signal. A radar signal is also identified upon a timeout wait for a power drop after a PHY error.

Abstract: A dual band radio is constructed using a primary and secondary transceiver. The primary transceiver is a complete radio that is operational in a stand alone configuration. The secondary transceiver is a not a complete radio and is configured to re-use components such as fine gain control and fine frequency stepping of the primary transceiver to produce operational frequencies of the secondary transceiver. The primary transceiver acts like an intermediate frequency device for the secondary transceiver. Switches are utilized to divert signals to/from the primary transceiver from/to the secondary transceiver. The switches are also configured to act as gain control devices. Antennas are selected using either wideband or narrowband antenna switches that are configured as a diode bridge having high impedance at operational frequencies on control lines that bias the diodes.

Abstract: Radar Pulse detection and radar signal length detection are used to detect and provide information for identifying radar signals. Pulse detection estimates a radar pulse size when it is too short for meaningful measurement. Pulse detection identifies a radar by identification of an in-band pulse without a communication or data packet encoded therein, or a communication error is detected with the in-band pulse. Signal length detection counts the length of a received signal after the received signal exceeds a radar threshold. The count identifies the received signal length upon drop of the power. The signal is identified as a radar when the power drops before a PHY error occurs, or when the power drop occurs after a PHY error and a delay time equivalent to the shortest radar signal. A radar signal is also identified upon a timeout wait for a power drop after a PHY error.

Abstract: A method for detecting a false detection of a packet. The method includes generating a frequency domain representation of a signal, the frequency domain representation including a plurality of complex values each of which is associated with a subcarrier. The method also includes determining an angle for each of the subcarriers, and determining for each pair of adjacent subcarriers an angle difference. The method then includes accumulating the angle differences to produce an accumulated angle, and detecting the false detection based upon the accumulated angle.

Abstract: A method for maintaining an accurate channel estimate. The method includes providing a reference channel estimate based on at least one long training symbol, and generating a frequency domain representation of a first data symbol including a plurality of pilots. The method then includes tracking phase change in the plurality of pilots of the first data symbol relative to pilots of the at least one long training symbol to produce correction factors, and adjusting the reference channel estimate based upon the correction factors.

Abstract: A method for correcting influence of frequency offset between a receiver and a transmitter by evaluating training symbols received during a preamble period. The method includes producing, based on at least one long training symbol, a first vector whose first vector angle is indicative of a fine offset between the receiver and the transmitter, producing a fine offset estimate based on the first vector angle, and multiplying, with a signal having a frequency based upon the fine offset estimate, data symbols that are received after the at least one long training symbol is received.

Abstract: An antenna structure including at least one planar antenna element. In place of a balun, the antenna structure further includes a slotline for coupling the planar antenna element with an unbalanced load.

Abstract: A ferrite layer formation process that may be performed at a lower temperature than conventional ferrite formation processes. The formation process may produce highly anisotropic structures. A ferrite layer is deposited on a substrate while the substrate is exposed to a magnetic field. An intermediate layer may be positioned between the substrate and the ferrite to promote bonding of the ferrite to the substrate. The process may be performed at temperatures less than 300° C. Ferrite film anisotropy may be achieved by embodiments of the invention in the range of about 1000 dyn-cm/cm3 to about 2×106 dyn-cm/cm3.

Abstract: An insulator capable of supporting the conductor of an electric fence including at least one retaining portion capable of retaining at least one fixing element to the insulator prior to the insulator being fixed to a support structure with the fixing element.

Abstract: An antenna structure including at least one planar antenna element. In place of a balun, the antenna structure further includes a slotline for coupling the planar antenna element with an unbalanced load.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and crystals of a hepatitis C virus protease in complex with its viral cofactor. This invention also relates to methods of using the structure coordinates of hepatitis C virus protease in complex with a synthetic NS4A to solve the structure of similar or homologous proteins or protein complexes.

Abstract: The specification describes a phase shifting microstrip device in which the ground plane electrode is formed on a substrate surface and a film of ferroelectric material with a thickness less than 200 &mgr;m is formed over the ground plane electrode. The microstrip electrode is formed over the film of ferroelectric material to produce a microstrip device with an operating voltage of less than 200 volts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and crystals of a hepatitis C virus protease in complex with its viral cofactor. This invention also relates to methods of using the structure coordinates of hepatitis C virus protease in complex with a synthetic NS4A to solve the structure of similar or homologous proteins or protein complexes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and crystals of a hepatitis C virus protease in complex with its viral cofactor. This invention also relates to methods of using the structure coordinates of hepatitis C virus protease in complex with a synthetic NS4A to solve the structure of similar or homologous proteins or protein complexes.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved process for fabricating devices containing metallized magnetic ceramic material, such as inductors, transformers, and magnetic substrates. In particular, the unique vias utilized in the process of the invention allow fabrication of devices from multiple unfired ferrite layers with only a single via-coating step, thereby avoiding the need numerous punching steps. Moreover, there is no need for expanding the dimensions of the vias and thus no need for internal metallization. The invention therefore provides for green tape-type fabrication of devices such as inductors, transformers, and magnetic substrates in a manner faster, less complex, and more reliable than current methods. The invention also relates to use of an improved conductive material in such a process, the conductive material containing silver/palladium particles, ferrite particles, a cellulose-based or other organic binder, and a solvent.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a structure 10 including an elongate section 11 connected to chassis sections 12,13 at its ends. Each chassis section 12,13 carries two steerable drive wheels 18,20. Two engines 16 are provided, one carried by each chassis section 12, 13 to drive the wheels 18,20 of that chassis section 12,13. The vehicle can be driven transverse to or longitudinally of the elongate section 11. The elongate section 11 is offset in relation to the chassis sections 12,13. Each wheel 18,20 is mounted by an arm 22, each arm 22, being connected to each respective wheel 18,20 within the height of the wheel and at each side of the vehicle. On each chassis section 12,13 one arm 22 is connected to one side of its respective wheel 18,20 and the other arm 22 is connected to the other side of its respective wheel 18, 20. Each arm 22 is connected to two pivot points within the wheel 18,20 on the upright diametrical axis of the wheel.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved process for fabricating devices containing metallized magnetic ceramic material, such as inductors, transformers, and magnetic substrates. In particular, the unique vias utilized in the process of the invention allow fabrication of devices from multiple unfired ferrite layers with only a single via-coating step, thereby avoiding the need numerous punching steps. Moreover, there is no need for expanding the dimensions of the vias and thus no need for internal metallization. The invention therefore provides for green tape-type fabrication of devices such as inductors, transformers, and magnetic substrates in a manner faster, less complex, and more reliable than current methods. The invention also relates to use of an improved conductive material in such a process, the conductive material containing silver/palladium particles, ferrite particles, a cellulose-based or other organic binder, and a solvent.

Abstract: Cracking in thin sheets of sol-gel-produced material is avoided by use of a support liquid during gelation and drying. Silica glass, as well as other glass and ceramic bodies, is contemplated.