Abstract: To provide sub-meter accuracy in a local positioning system, ranging signals with a high modulation rate of code, such as 30 MHz, or more are transmitted. Code phase measurements may be used to obtain the accuracy without requiring relative motion or real time kinematic processing. The ISM or X-band is used for the carrier of the code to provide sufficient bandwidth within available spectrums. The length of codes used is less than or about a longest length across the region of operation, such as less than 15 kilometers in an open pit mine. The spread spectrum codes from different land-based transmitters are transmitted in time slots pursuant to a time division multiple access scheme for an increase in dynamic range. To avoid overlapping of code from different transmitters, each time slot includes or is separated by a blanking period. The blanking period is selected to allow the transmitted signal to traverse a region of operation.

Abstract: In a local positioning system, the land-based transmitters include free running oscillators or oscillators free of clock synchronization with any remote oscillator. A reference receiver receives the ranging signals from different transmitters and generates timing offset information, such as code phase measurements. The timing offset information is then communicated back to transmitters. The temporal offset information indicates relative timing or phasing of the different transmitted ranging signals to the reference receiver. The transmitters then transmit the temporal offset information with the ranging signals, such as modulating the transmitted code by the timing offset information. A mobile receiver is operable to receive the ranging signals and timing offset information in a same communications path, such as on a same carrier. Position is determined with the temporal offset information and the ranging signals.

Abstract: In a local positioning system, a receiver is adapted for receiving signals from a land-based transmitter. The receiver includes an analog decorrelator for decorrelating the transmitted spread spectrum signals. A down converter connected with an antenna may be spaced away from other portions of the receiver. The down converter down converts received ranging signals and provides them to the remotely spaced receiver portions. A signal line connecting the down converter to the receiver may be operable to transmit any two or more of a reference signal provided to the down converter, the down converted intermediate frequency signals provided to the receiver, and power provided to the down converter. The receiver may be positioned adjacent to or as part of a land-based transmitter. By determining positions of two or more antennas, the location of the associated transmitter is determined.

Abstract: A satellite navigation system using multiple antennas for providing the position of multiple fiduciary points on an object even when fewer than four satellites are visible to some or all the antennas. Satellite signals from the multiple antennas are fed into at least one receiver. The receiver or receivers utilize constraint information, which is independent of the satellite signals. These external constraints are used to augment the signals received from the satellites, to obtain the position solution for each antenna. In a preferred embodiment, a common reference clock is used to provide an external constraint. Examples of other external constraints that can be used in the current invention are distance between the antennas, inertial measurement of attitude, rotational or linear position sensors, etc.

Abstract: A low-cost, solid-state position sensor system suitable for making precise code and carrier phase measurements in the L1 and L2 bands of GPS uses an ordinary, low-cost OEM card single-frequency carrier phase tracking C/A code receiver and includes low-cost hardware for sensing the L1 and L2 components of GPS carrier phase. Such measurements are suitable for general use in a variety of fields, including surveying. They are also of sufficient quality to be used in controlling heavy machinery, such as aircraft, farm tractors, and construction and mining equipment. A C/A code continuous tracking GPS receiver is used to produce GPS positioning fixes and real-time L1 carrier phase measurements. This C/A code receiver generates timing and reference information for a digital sampling component. This sampling component processes the L1 and L2 signals from the GPS signals in view.

Abstract: A low-cost, solid-state position sensor system suitable for making precise code and carrier phase measurements in the L1 and L2 bands of GPS uses an ordinary, low-cost OEM card single-frequency carrier phase tracking C/A code receiver and includes low-cost hardware for sensing the L1 and L2 components of GPS carrier phase. Such measurements are suitable for general use in a variety of fields, including surveying. They are also of sufficient quality to be used in controlling heavy machinery, such as aircraft, farm tractors, and construction and mining equipment. A C/A code continuous tracking GPS receiver is used to produce GPS positioning fixes and real-time L1 carrier phase measurements. This C/A code receiver generates timing and reference information for a digital sampling component. This sampling component processes the L1 and L2 signals from the GPS signals in view.

Abstract: A low-cost, solid-state position sensor system suitable for making precise code and carrier phase measurements in the L1 and L2 bands of GPS uses an ordinary, low-cost OEM card single-frequency carrier phase tracking C/A code receiver and includes low-cost hardware for sensing the L1 and L2 components of GPS carrier phase. Such measurements are suitable for general use in a variety of fields, including surveying. They are also of sufficient quality to be used in controlling heavy machinery, such as aircraft, farm tractors, and construction and mining equipment. A C/A code continuous tracking GPS receiver is used to produce GPS positioning fixes and real-time L1 carrier phase measurements. This C/A code receiver generates timing and reference information for a digital sampling component. This sampling component processes the L1 and L2 signals from the GPS signals in view.

Abstract: A communication system and improved method of communication using communication devices are provided. The system is preferably conducted over Internet, wireless, or similar networks. The communication system involves exchanging words, text, and static or moving pictures. The system includes a voice recognition system, a database of text and symbols, a translation system, and transmission system.

Abstract: A low-cost, solid-state position sensor system suitable for making precise code and carrier phase measurements in the L1 and L2 bands of GPS uses an ordinary, low-cost OEM card single-frequency carrier phase tracking C/A code receiver and includes low-cost hardware for sensing the L1 and L2 components of GPS carrier phase. Such measurements are suitable for general use in a variety of fields, including surveying. They are also of sufficient quality to be used in controlling heavy machinery, such as aircraft, farm tractors, and construction and mining equipment. A C/A code continuous tracking GPS receiver is used to produce GPS positioning fixes and real-time L1 carrier phase measurements. This C/A code receiver generates timing and reference information for a digital sampling component. This sampling component processes the L1 and L2 signals from the GPS signals in view.

Abstract: A vaginal tampon contains living lactic acid bacteria (lacto-bacteria) and/or auxiliary substances for treating or regenerating the vaginal flora. The lacto-bacteria and auxiliary substances are enclosed in an air- and water-tight manner between thin layers, which are at least partially dissolved only when the tampon is used. The vaginal tampon releases the lacto-bacteria and/or auxiliary substances.

Abstract: Antenna mounting bracket assembly having a spine, an upper bracket, a lower bracket and a cam bracket for mounting an antenna on a support structure, such as a vertical pole and for providing adjustment of the antenna's downwards tilt position. The spine provides for the proper spacing and rotational alignment between the upper and lower ends of the accompanying antenna. The cam bracket can allow either analog or digital adjustment of the downwards tilt position of the antenna. The assembly can allow for the installation of the antenna upon the support structure by a single technician.

Abstract: Varying the azimuth and elevation beam patterns for an antenna. For a horn-type antenna implemented by a parallel-plate waveguide structure, an input port can accept an electromagnetic signal and an output slot can transmit the electromagnetic signal. An azimuth lens can be placed proximate to the output slot for adjusting the antenna beam pattern within the azimuth plane. The azimuth lens comprises two or more lens elements, each typically having a cylindrical shape and comprising a dielectric material, which support the generation of discrete beams in the azimuth plane in response to the electromagnetic signal output by the output slot. These discrete beams can sum in-phase to form a composite beam having a shape or pattern generally defined by the characteristics of the azimuth lens elements. Specifically, this composite beam has a pattern within the azimuth plane defined by the size and shape of the azimuth lens elements and the spacing between these elements.

Abstract: A digital computer system for displaying a computer generated terrain representing a 3-dimensional depiction of the real world terrain surrounding a vehicle in real-time while the vehicle is in motion. This 3-D (3-Dimensional) image is rendered in real time while the vehicle is in motion and uses Global Positioning System (GPS) or differential GPS (dGPS) data available from a GPS unit and translates that data into virtual space within an Image Generation Processing block of the digital computer system. The digital computer system generates a virtual world 3-D image representing the eye-point position of the vehicle and directional vector into a terrain database.

Abstract: An improved spherical gradient lens and a method of fabricating same. A uniform sphere of a material such as high density irradiated polystyrene or a methylpentene copolymer in the polyolefin family having a uniform relative dielectric constant is provided. A plurality of radially extending holes are formed therein, for example by drilling, the holes having a predetermined cross sectional geometry along axes extending radially from the center of the sphere. The geometry of holes is selected to control the resultant local density of material, and thus the relative dielectric constant as a function of distance from the center of the sphere. Hole diameters are chosen so as to be small compared to the shortest wavelength of interest with which the lens will be used.

Abstract: A low cost, light weight, high performance phase shifter mounting structure which allows high density packaging of phase control modules for phased array antennas. The mounting structure is a bimetallic sandwich design in the shape of an I-beam having a top flange for mating to radiating elements, a bottom flange for mating to a feed network, and a center web for mounting phase control modules. The I-beam is formed from a single piece of laminated stock comprising an outer layer of aluminum and a core layer of titanium forming an anisotropic thermal expansion composite material. The titanium center web matches the coefficient of thermal expansion of the typical ferrite, MIC, or MMIC phase shifter and driver circuits. The aluminum flange material allows easy machining of microwave transitions at each end of the I-beam and matches the expansion of typical radiating element structure and feed networks.

Abstract: The housing (2) retains six permanent magnets (3-8) which are curved and rest on the inner wall (9) of the housing (2). They are fixed and held in the circumferential position by holder parts (13; 14; 47) located by guide protrusions (11, 12) in the housing (2). The holder parts have yielding holder sections (15; 25; 49) with circumferentially extending axially springy flaps (21; 22; 29, 30) or bridge elements (48) to hold the permanent magnets (3-8) and yet permit compensation for tolerances while being resistant to vibratrion. For axial positioning, the holder parts have a spacer (23; 32) resting on the bearing cap (39).