Abstract: A method for processing positioning signals in a ranging receiver in a stand-alone mode is provided. The method includes collecting pseudorange samples from positioning signals received at the ranging receiver from a plurality of satellites. The pseudorange samples comprise message data modulation. Each satellite has an associated Gold code. A previously determined carrier frequency offset (CFO) is selected from a plurality of directly extracted CFOs. The pseudorange samples are compensated for the selected CFO. The message data modulation is removed from the pseudorange samples. The pseudorange samples are stacked for each satellite. The Gold code associated with each satellite is correlated to generate a pseudorange time sequence for the satellite. A determination is made regarding whether an adequate correlation peak exists in each pseudorange time sequence.

Abstract: A hoist includes is removably attachable to a vehicle hitch and includes a connector member and a first locking plate for adjustably connecting a base member to the connector member. The locking plate allows the connector portion to be selectively rotated in a first plane. The hoist further includes a boom pivotally connected to the connector member for allowing the boom to be pivoted in a second plane substantially perpendicular to the first plane. The hoist further includes a winch for pivoting the boom along the second plane. Alternately, a piston may pivot the boom along the second plane. A lifting member is removably connectable to the boom and for transporting an object from a first location to a second location. In an alternate embodiment, the hoist may include a manually or hydraulically operated winch for controlling the lifting member.

Abstract: A sterilizer for small items which sterilizes items using ultraviolet light in the UV-C range. The sterilizer features a housing which encloses a removable basket or other receptacle made of a material or structure which is ‘transparent’ to UV-C radiation for enclosing items to be sterilized, a motor or other means for turning the receptacle inside the housing, a source of UV light, a door to seal the housing and prevent the leakage of UV light and means for moving the receptacle inside the housing and to activate the UV source. The UV light is directed through the basket and onto the items to be sterilized. As the basket is moved along a rotational axis, the items to be cleaned are continuously moved, insuring that UV light hits all surfaces of each item to be sterilized. The UV light destroys microorganisms on the surfaces of the items to be sterilized. The items are removed from the device in a sterilized state.

Abstract: A sterilizer and storage container for kitchen tools, knives and cutting boards which sterilizes such items using ultraviolet light in the UV-C range. The sterilizer features a housing which encloses a receptacle made of a material or structure “transparent” to UV radiation for enclosing items to be sterilized, means for lifting and lowering utensils in said receptacle for ease of filling and emptying said receptacle, a source of UV light, a cover to seal the housing and prevent the leakage of UV light and a starter button to activate the UV light source. When the starter button is activated, UV light is directed through the receptacle and onto the items to be sterilized. The UV light destroys microorganisms on the surfaces of the items to be sterilized. The items are removed from the device in a sterilized state.

Abstract: A method for processing positioning signals in a ranging receiver in a geometric mode is provided. The method includes receiving timing information from a first set of satellites in a satellite constellation at the ranging receiver. The satellite constellation includes a plurality of satellites. A time of day is determined based on the received timing information. Approximate location data for the ranging receiver is determined. A frequency bias for the ranging receiver is determined. Ephemeris data is received from a second set of satellites in the satellite constellation. Superframe data for the satellite constellation is received from a third set of satellites in the satellite constellation at the ranging receiver. A pseudorange estimate is determined in the ranging receiver based on the time of day, the approximate location data, the frequency bias, the ephemeris data, and the superframe data.

Abstract: A method for processing positioning signals in a ranging receiver in a stand-alone mode is provided. The method includes collecting pseudorange samples from positioning signals received at the ranging receiver from a plurality of satellites. The pseudorange samples comprise message data modulation. Each satellite has an associated Gold code. A previously determined carrier frequency offset (CFO) is selected from a plurality of directly extracted CFOs. The pseudorange samples are compensated for the selected CFO. The message data modulation is removed from the pseudorange samples. The pseudorange samples are stacked for each satellite. The Gold code associated with each satellite is correlated to generate a pseudorange time sequence for the satellite. A determination is made regarding whether an adequate correlation peak exists in each pseudorange time sequence.

Abstract: A method for processing positioning signals in a ranging receiver in a geometric mode is provided. The method includes receiving timing information from a first set of satellites in a satellite constellation at the ranging receiver. The satellite constellation includes a plurality of satellites. A time of day is determined based on the received timing information. Approximate location data for the ranging receiver is determined. A frequency bias for the ranging receiver is determined. Ephemeris data is received from a second set of satellites in the satellite constellation. Superframe data for the satellite constellation is received from a third set of satellites in the satellite constellation at the ranging receiver. A pseudorange estimate is determined in the ranging receiver based on the time of day, the approximate location data, the frequency bias, the ephemeris data, and the superframe data.

Abstract: A method for directly extracting carrier frequency offsets (CFOs) from positioning signals received at a ranging receiver is provided. The positioning signals comprise a plurality of samples. The method includes, for each of a previously determined number of decimated samples, accumulating a specified number of samples into the decimated sample. A determination is made regarding whether to apply rate correction to the decimated samples. A particular number of rate corrections are applied to each decimated sample to generate a set of results when rate correction is to be applied. Each set of results is stored. A determination is made regarding whether a minimum number of significant carriers exists in the sets of stored results. The CFOs are determined based on the significant carriers when the minimum number of significant carriers exists in the sets of stored results.

Abstract: A method for processing positioning signals in a ranging receiver in a geometric mode is provided. The method includes receiving timing information from a first set of satellites in a satellite constellation at the ranging receiver. The satellite constellation includes a plurality of satellites. A time of day is determined based on the received timing information. Approximate location data for the ranging receiver is determined. A frequency bias for the ranging receiver is determined. Ephemeris data is received from a second set of satellites in the satellite constellation. Superframe data for the satellite constellation is received from a third set of satellites in the satellite constellation at the ranging receiver. A pseudorange estimate is determined in the ranging receiver based on the time of day, the approximate location data, the frequency bias, the ephemeris data, and the superframe data.

Abstract: A method for processing positioning signals in a ranging receiver in a geometric mode is provided. The method includes receiving timing information from a first set of satellites in a satellite constellation at the ranging receiver. The satellite constellation includes a plurality of satellites. A time of day is determined based on the received timing information. Approximate location data for the ranging receiver is determined. A frequency bias for the ranging receiver is determined. Ephemeris data is received from a second set of satellites in the satellite constellation. Superframe data for the satellite constellation is received from a third set of satellites in the satellite constellation at the ranging receiver. A pseudorange estimate is determined in the ranging receiver based on the time of day, the approximate location data, the frequency bias, the ephemeris data, and the superframe data.