Abstract: A method and apparatus for routing signals through a system (10) which has multiple destination nodes (12, 14) assigns one or more unique carrier frequencies to each destination node (12, 14). When a signal is received (502) by a transceiver (12), the transceiver (12) evaluates (504) the carrier frequency of the signal, and determines (506) to which destination node (12, 14) that carrier frequency is assigned. The determination (506) is made using a table (200) which associates carrier frequencies to destination nodes (12, 14). The table (200) is created (304) and updated by a control facility (20) which distributes (306) the table (200) to the transceivers (12). Once the transceiver (12) determines (506) the destination node (12, 14), the transceiver (12) can route the signal toward that destination node (12, 14).

Abstract: In a dynamic communication system (90) wherein communication parameters vary appreciably between transmissions, subscriber units (200) are susceptible to link blockages resulting in a loss of successive feedback instructing subscriber units (200) of adjustments to communication parameters to be employed in a subsequent transmission on a communication link (105). A method and system are employed to predict subsequent communication parameters and employ these predictions during link blockages in an attempt to reestablish communications and upon the removal of a link blockage, a subscriber unit (200) employs the predicted communication parameters in resuming communications without requiring complex reallocation of an additional communication link.

Abstract: In a communication system (10) having at least one control center (24) and multiple satellites (12), the satellites (12) operate according to tables (80), wherein each satellites table becomes obsolete at a known time referred to as the exhaustion time. The earliest exhaustion time of all satellites (12) is determined and sent to the satellites (12) in the form of a message or a time-tagged update table (150). When the earliest exhaustion time is reached without updating the satellite (12), the satellites (12) enter default operation at that earliest exhaustion time. The satellites (12) continue default operations until otherwise instructed by the control center (24).

Abstract: Natural skin care composition containing selected hydroxylated vitamin D compounds or their glycosides, which are derived from plant sources (phytovitamins D). The plant extracts must contain a critical minimum concentration of the phytovitamin D (measured in equivalents of 1,25-(OH).sub.2 D in order to induce cell differentiation. In the alternative, phytovitamin D, especially phytovitamin D glycoside, is employed in conjunction with a plant-derived glycosidase.

Abstract: A constellation (12) of satellites (14) distributed around the earth supports satellite-based communication system (10) involved in global communication of subscriber units (24). Subscriber units (24) may potentially transmit from any location on earth. Some locations such as radio astronomy sites (28) may be interfered with by nearby transmissions from subscriber units (24) or transmissions from satellites (14). Subscriber units (24) located within a potentially interfering proximity to radio astronomy sites are prohibited from transmitting potentially interfering signals by reception of a non-interfering control signal transmitted by a radio astronomy special equipment located at radio astronomy sites. A radio astronomy special equipment (44) repeatedly transmits to a subscriber unit (24) a control signal synchronous with a control signal of a servicing satellite. The radio astronomy special equipment control signal (46), (48), and (54) is compatible with a subscriber unit's communication receiver.

Abstract: A method for a radio frequency communication unit (110) (CU) to hand off from a losing node (120) to a gaining node (122) estimates a gaining node uplink time (210) and a gaining node uplink frequency (212), which the gaining node uplink signal comprises. During handoff, the CU (110) ceases communications with the losing node (120) and immediately begins communications with the gaining node (122) using the uplink time and uplink frequency. A CU apparatus (300) uses a processor (302) for carrying out calculations necessary for estimating the gaining node uplink time and frequency. Information necessary for the calculations, such as a downlink signal time-of-arrival and Doppler offset, are collected by a CU receiver (306). The CU receiver (306) and a CU transmitter (304) are used to support downlink signals (142) and uplink signals (140), respectively, between the CU (110) and a node (120, 122).

Abstract: A communication system (10), having dynamic nodes such as satellites (12), require narrow-tolerance communication parameters such as timing and frequency. A voice subscriber unit (26) establishes a traffic channel (17) by negotiating communication parameters. A user of voice subscriber unit (26) generates inherent voice pauses in communications. A data subscriber unit (31) possess a datagram for delivery through communication system (10). Instead of negotiating a dedicated traffic channel for delivery of the datagram, data subscriber unit (31) monitors an active voice subscriber unit (26) and determines if the communication parameters used by voice subscriber unit (26) are compatible for data subscriber unit (31). Data subscriber unit (31), upon detecting a voice pause by voice subscriber unit (26), transmits the datagram to satellite (12) using the negotiated communication parameters of voice subscriber unit (26).

Abstract: In a satellite communication system (10), a subscriber unit (26) is assigned a communication channel (17). The channel is used in the present cell (54) as well as subsequent cells (54) as the cells move relative to the earth. The channel is assigned using a cost function which includes a distance factor and an isolation factor. The distance factor which is based on a geographic distance between the nearest use of an interfering channel and the subscriber unit's cell. The isolation factor includes an interference potential between two channels. As a result of this channel assignment process, channels become associated with the geographic location of the subscriber unit. Accordingly, subscriber unit communications on the same satellite are handed-off between cells using the same channel making hand-offs invisible to the subscriber unit (26). When a hand-off is needed to another satellite, the same channel may also be used, or a new channel assigned using the cost function.

Abstract: A satellite-based, world-wide cellular messaging system (5) transmits paging messages to pagers (2) via multiple beams. A pager (2) monitors multiple beams, recording the schedules for each beam, and by combining the schedules for multiple beams, ultimately determines which frames in the message groups to monitor for messages. As propagation characteristics degrade, an adaptive method refines the criteria for including frames into a monitoring schedule.

Abstract: A satellite cellular communication system includes satellites in motion that project cells upon the surface of the Earth. These cells are in motion and pass over individual subscriber units (26) engaged in communications, thus requiring individual subscriber units (26) to perform handoffs as an active current cell (300) currently servicing them advances. Selection of a subsequent servicing cell requires evaluation of active neighboring cells. A pre-computation of candidate cells is performed in advance according to a cell activation schedule. Active neighboring cells of an active current cell (300) are evaluated and prioritized in advance of individual subscriber unit's need for them. A candidate handoff cell list is then delivered to a satellite (12). A candidate handoff cell list is broadcast to all individual subscriber units (26) located within active current cell (300) for use in handoff decisions.

Abstract: The invention provides a continuous process for the preparation of polyamides, equipment in which the polymerization process can be conducted, and process control methods for said polymerization process.

Abstract: A subscriber unit (30) operates in a synchronous communication system having dynamic nodes such as satellites (12). Satellites (12) employ a strict transmit and receive time window and all transmissions directed to satellites (12) must fall within the receive window to be recognized. In a dynamic communication system where low earth orbit satellites (12) continuously orbit, propagation timing between a satellite (12) and a subscriber unit (30) vary rapidly over a wide range. Subscriber unit (30) must approximate a transmit timing advance for use in inaugurating a transmission to satellite (12). Subscriber unit (30) utilizes a valid geolocation position when available but when a position is unavailable or stale, relies on configuration characteristics of the constellation for generating an initial approximation of propagation delay.

Abstract: A watering system for use in a greenhouse has a hose carrier that is supported entirely on a single track, the track having a rectangular cross-section. The hose carrier is connected by a cable that winds through a series of pulleys to a drive system so that the carrier moves at one-half the speed of the drive system as the drive system moves along the track in either direction. The water supply and electrical supply are connected at the approximate mid-point of the track and the hose carrier distributes the hose and electrical conductor among support brackets located along the track so that neither the hose nor the conductor become tangled. The tension on the hose and conductor is minimal as each support bracket has rollers thereon and the hose and/or conductor are not used to apply force to the hose carrier to move it along the track.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of molding a plastics material comprising the steps of placing the material with a quantity of an appropriate catalyst in granular (including powdered) form into a hollow mold shell; suspending the mold in a mounting system enabling rotation in a plurality of directions whereby the powdered material, together with the catalyst, is able to flow over all the interior surfaces; containing the mold and mounting system within an oven and heating the mold therein while rotating the same; cooling the mold and subsequently withdrawing the molded article therefrom.