Abstract: Determining alignment and clear line-of-sight (LOS) of a satellite antenna using sensor data from an LOS sensor of the satellite antenna. Described techniques include storing first sensor data captured by the LOS sensor at a first time, the first sensor data indicating a first LOS condition of the satellite antenna corresponding to the satellite antenna having a beam LOS with a satellite of the satellite communication system that is aligned and unobstructed. The techniques may include receiving second sensor data captured by the LOS sensor at a second time after the first time, the second sensor data indicating a second LOS condition of the satellite antenna. The techniques may include determining an LOS condition change for the satellite antenna between the first time and the second time based on a comparison of the second sensor data with the first sensor data.

Abstract: Determining alignment and clear line-of-sight (LOS) of a satellite antenna using sensor data from an LOS sensor of the satellite antenna. Described techniques include storing first sensor data captured by the LOS sensor at a first time, the first sensor data indicating a first LOS condition of the satellite antenna corresponding to the satellite antenna having a beam LOS with a satellite of the satellite communication system that is aligned and unobstructed. The techniques may include receiving second sensor data captured by the LOS sensor at a second time after the first time, the second sensor data indicating a second LOS condition of the satellite antenna. The techniques may include determining an LOS condition change for the satellite antenna between the first time and the second time based on a comparison of the second sensor data with the first sensor data.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for an antenna positioning apparatus, which includes a multiple-assembly positioner for adjusting a positioning angle about a positioning axis. The multiple-assembly positioner has two or more positioning assemblies that are coupled in series between a base structure and a positioning structure. Positioning assemblies can be individually selected based on various criteria, such as cost, complexity, angular range, and other performance, and be configured to work together to provide a desired range of adjustment to the positioning angle while simultaneously meeting precision requirements. In one example, a positioning assembly can include a shaft with an eccentric portion, which is rotated in order to provide the adjustment. A method is described where a first positioning assembly can be actuated to a first initial position, and then held, such that a second positioning assembly can be actuated to provide a selected antenna positioning angle.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for an antenna positioning apparatus, which includes a multiple-assembly positioner for adjusting a positioning angle about a positioning axis. The multiple-assembly positioner has two or more positioning assemblies that are coupled in series between a base structure and a positioning structure. Positioning assemblies can be individually selected based on various criteria, such as cost, complexity, angular range, and other performance, and be configured to work together to provide a desired range of adjustment to the positioning angle while simultaneously meeting precision requirements. In one example, a positioning assembly can include a shaft with an eccentric portion, which is rotated in order to provide the adjustment. A method is described where a first positioning assembly can be actuated to a first initial position, and then held, such that a second positioning assembly can be actuated to provide a selected antenna positioning angle.

Abstract: Determining movement for alignment of a satellite antenna using accelerometer data and gyroscope data of the satellite antenna. Described techniques include receiving accelerometer data for a first time period from an accelerometer mounted on the antenna and analyzing the accelerometer data to determine a movement time window for a movement event of the antenna. The techniques may include receiving gyroscope data for the first time period from a gyroscope mounted on the antenna and analyzing the gyroscope data during the movement time window to determine an amount of movement of the antenna due to the movement event.

Abstract: Determining movement for alignment of a satellite antenna using accelerometer data and gyroscope data of the satellite antenna. Described techniques include receiving accelerometer data for a first time period from an accelerometer mounted on the antenna and analyzing the accelerometer data to determine a movement time window for a movement event of the antenna. The techniques may include receiving gyroscope data for the first time period from a gyroscope mounted on the antenna and analyzing the gyroscope data during the movement time window to determine an amount of movement of the antenna due to the movement event.

Abstract: An antenna positioner, and methods of positioning using the antenna positioner, that may track a satellite are described. An antenna positioner may include a base and a mount rotatably coupled to the base to turn the mount about an azimuth axis. The mount may support an antenna element so that the antenna element can rotate about the elevation axis with respect to the mount. A center drive shaft for the elevation drive may pass through the hollow portion of the mount along the azimuth axis to drive a bevel gear set, a first gear of the set being coupled to the drive shaft and a second gear of the set being coupled to the antenna element, to rotate the antenna element about the elevation axis. Drive compensation is provided to counteract elevation rotation resulting from cross-coupling of the azimuth and elevation axes by the bevel gear set during azimuth rotation.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for an antenna positioning apparatus, which includes a multiple-assembly positioner for adjusting a positioning angle about a positioning axis. The multiple-assembly positioner has two or more positioning assemblies that are coupled in series between a base structure and a positioning structure. Positioning assemblies can be individually selected based on various criteria, such as cost, complexity, angular range, and other performance, and be configured to work together to provide a desired range of adjustment to the positioning angle while simultaneously meeting precision requirements. In one example, a positioning assembly can include a shaft with an eccentric portion, which is rotated in order to provide the adjustment. A method is described where a first positioning assembly can be actuated to a first initial position, and then held, such that a second positioning assembly can be actuated to provide a selected antenna positioning angle.

Abstract: Determining alignment and clear line-of-sight (LOS) of a satellite antenna using sensor data from an LOS sensor of the satellite antenna. Described techniques include storing first sensor data captured by the LOS sensor at a first time, the first sensor data indicating a first LOS condition of the satellite antenna corresponding to the satellite antenna having a beam LOS with a satellite of the satellite communication system that is aligned and unobstructed. The techniques may include receiving second sensor data captured by the LOS sensor at a second time after the first time, the second sensor data indicating a second LOS condition of the satellite antenna. The techniques may include determining an LOS condition change for the satellite antenna between the first time and the second time based on a comparison of the second sensor data with the first sensor data.

Abstract: An antenna positioner, and methods of positioning using the antenna positioner, that may track a satellite are described. An antenna positioner may include a base and a mount rotatably coupled to the base to turn the mount about an azimuth axis. The mount may support an antenna element so that the antenna element can rotate about the elevation axis with respect to the mount. A center drive shaft for the elevation drive may pass through the hollow portion of the mount along the azimuth axis to drive a bevel gear set, a first gear of the set being coupled to the drive shaft and a second gear of the set being coupled to the antenna element, to rotate the antenna element about the elevation axis. Drive compensation is provided to counteract elevation rotation resulting from cross-coupling of the azimuth and elevation axes by the bevel gear set during azimuth rotation.

Abstract: Determining movement for alignment of a satellite antenna using accelerometer data and gyroscope data of the satellite antenna. Described techniques include receiving accelerometer data for a first time period from an accelerometer mounted on the antenna and analyzing the accelerometer data to determine a movement time window for a movement event of the antenna. The techniques may include receiving gyroscope data for the first time period from a gyroscope mounted on the antenna and analyzing the gyroscope data during the movement time window to determine an amount of movement of the antenna due to the movement event.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a plan analysis server system with a computing device that couples to a back-end database server including current plan data, and calculates an eligible employee total by counting the number of employees records in the current plan data. The operations also include totaling a plan asset size by summing account balances for all eligible employees, determining employees with non-zero deferral from the current plan data, and calculating a current participation rate by calculating the percentage of eligible employees with non-zero deferral. The current plan is displayed in a primary window as selected by the user from user input. The processor optionally processes a scenario display utilizing the eligible employee data and administrator input. The at least one scenario display is displayed as one or more layers on the current plan data and displayed in the primary window as selected by the user from the user input.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a Portable Satellite Communication (“PSC”) antenna. The PSC antenna (100) comprises: a Parabolic Segmented Antenna (“PSA”) reflector (102) with a plurality of identical and interchangeable panels (106) that can be stowed in a nested stacked arrangement; a plurality of interchangeable feedhorn assemblies (104) that can be coupled to a center hub (110) via a quick-connect mechanism (112); an adjustment mechanism (2512, 2602, 2604) for adjusting an angular orientation of the feedhorn assemblies relative to the center hub; a transceiver (202) that can be coupled to a convex side of the PSA reflector; a base panel (120) which is coupled to a tripod positioning structure (118) such that reflector wind moment loads can be transferred through a base panel to the tripod positioning structure; and a tripod positioning structure with folding legs (3102, 3104) and hard stops (3306) against which the folding legs can be preloaded.

Abstract: Systems are provided for positioning passive reflectors, such a lens/mirror assemblies, and other types of reflectors that need to be pointed in a particular direction. The systems can effectuate control of both the elevation and azimuth angles of the reflector. The systems can be configured so that a mount can rotate so as to vary the azimuth angle of the reflector by 360° or more without a need to reverse the direction of rotation of the reflector, and without the use of slip rings, RF rotary joints, or electrical cable wraps.

Abstract: Systems are provided for positioning passive reflectors, such a lens/mirror assemblies, and other types of reflectors that need to be pointed in a particular direction. The systems can effectuate control of both the elevation and azimuth angles of the reflector. The systems can be configured so that a mount can rotate so as to vary the azimuth angle of the reflector by 360° or more without a need to reverse the direction of rotation of the reflector, and without the use of slip rings, RF rotary joints, or electrical cable wraps.

Abstract: Systems are provided for positioning passive reflectors, such a lens/mirror assemblies, and other types of reflectors that need to be pointed in a particular direction. The systems can effectuate control of both the elevation and azimuth angles of the reflector. The systems can be configured so that a mount can rotate so as to vary the azimuth angle of the reflector by 360° or more without a need to reverse the direction of rotation of the reflector, and without the use of slip rings, RF rotary joints, or electrical cable wraps.

Abstract: Systems are provided for positioning passive reflectors, such a lens/mirror assemblies, and other types of reflectors that need to be pointed in a particular direction. The systems can effectuate control of both the elevation and azimuth angles of the reflector. The systems can be configured so that a mount can rotate so as to vary the azimuth angle of the reflector by 360° or more without a need to reverse the direction of rotation of the reflector, and without the use of slip rings, RF rotary joints, or electrical cable wraps.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for transferring heat from a first substrate (140) rotatably mounted to a second substrate (150). The apparatus (100) is comprised of at least a first fin ring (145) disposed concentrically on a first side surface (141) of the first substrate (140). A plurality of heat generating devices (130) is disposed on a second side surface (142) of the first substrate (140). There is at least a second fin ring (155) disposed concentrically on a first side surface (151) of the second substrate (150). The first fin ring (145) interleaves with the second fin ring (155) while allowing the first substrate (140) to rotate unobstructed relative to the second substrate (150). The second substrate (150) has at least a first port (160) for introducing moving air into a gap (G) defined between the first fin ring (145) and the second fin ring (155) for improving heat convection there between.

Abstract: A thermally insulative label is provided. The label includes a first layer of material including an insulative coating, and a second layer of shrink material coupled to the first layer wherein the second layer includes graphics.

Abstract: A memorial object cast in a mold and formed of a concrete mix having up to about 50% sand, up to about 25% aggregate, up to about 25% cement, and water. In one embodiment of the invention cremation ash is incorporated in the mix up to about 60% of the mix, with the percentage of at least one of the other ingredients, preferably sand and/or aggregate, being reduced corresponding to the amount of cremation ash added. In another embodiment, a cavity is formed in the object for receiving and holding a separate container holding cremation ashes. Various additives can be added to the mix, either alone or in combination, including an accelerator, an air entrainer, a plasticizer, and glass fibers. One or more of a motion detector, voice-activated recording, water effects and/or an illumination device can be mounted in the object.