Abstract: A satellite communications system includes a satellite configured to communicate with terminals, a station configured to communicate signals intended for the terminals to the satellite via a plurality of feeder links and a beamformer including an input multi-port hybrid matrix (MPHM) and a complementary output MPHM in a signal path with the plurality of feeder links. The output MPHM is positioned at the satellite and coupled to the input MPHM via the plurality of feeder links. For example, the input MPHM may be positioned at a ground-based satellite gateway. The input and output MPHMs may be configured to implement fully populated signal transformation matrices that collectively provide a substantially diagonal signal transformation matrix.

Abstract: A method and system for deciphering answer sheets for standardized tests and surveys using multiple-choice answer sheets. Multiple-choice answer sheets are typically scanned by automatic scanning machines, where the answers are deciphered and the information is gathered. An improved answer sheet includes a character, such as a symbol, a letter or a number in each bubble-type space on an answer sheet. A device, which may be a hand-held device, scans the marked-up answer sheet. Bubbles that are filled in may sometimes be hard to distinguish from un-marked spaces. The device that scans the answer sheets is equipped with optical mark recognition (OMR) software to detect marks. The device is also equipped with optical character recognition (OCR) software. If a bubble is not marked, the OCR software detects the character and correctly interprets the bubble as not marked. This allows for correct counting of the number of answers marked per sheet.

Abstract: A portable sled and litter is easily and quickly assembled and disassembled, and when disassembled it can fit into a bag or container to be carried by a single person. Further, the portable sled and litter takes the form of a rigid litter (as compared to a non-rigid litter), and includes a plurality of rigid, interlocking panels that cooperate with a frame assembly. An inelastic cord extends through at least several frame assembly members and when tensioned causes the frame assembly members to engage with one another to form the frame assembly or at least a section of the frame assembly. The portable sled and litter may have adjustable and static couplings for tensioning the inelastic cord.

Abstract: N-(phenylethyl)succinamic acid or its salts is applied as a seed treatment or applied directly on or near the root zone of the seedling or growing plant to protect plant growth in the presence of selected herbicides.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating altitude related illnesses and/or injuries are provided. Example embodiments provide a hyperbaric therapy device (“HTD”) which includes a chamber constructed substantially from a light weight, high strength, substantially air impermeable material, such as a flexible composite laminate material, such that the chamber can maintain an internal air pressure that is higher than ambient air pressure. In some embodiments, an opening in the chamber of the HTD may be sealed by way of a roll-down, dry bag style closure. The chamber of the HTD may also include multiple inflation valves, to support multiple pump systems for efficient inflation and pressure maintenance. The HTD may also include a storage bag that doubles as a pump for inputting air into the chamber of the HTD.

Abstract: Method embodiments including providing control information to a memory device is provided. The control information includes a first code which specifies that a write operation be initiated in the memory device. A signal is provided that indicates when the memory device is to begin sampling write data that is stored in the memory core during the write operation. A first bit of the write data is provided to the memory device during an even phase of a clock signal. A second bit of the write data is provided to the memory device during an odd phase of the clock signal.

Abstract: A satellite communications system includes a satellite configured to communicate with terminals, a station configured to communicate signals intended for the terminals to the satellite via a plurality of feeder links and a beamformer including an input multi-port hybrid matrix (MPHM) and a complementary output MPHM in a signal path with the plurality of feeder links. The output MPHM is positioned at the satellite and coupled to the input MPHM via the plurality of feeder links. For example, the input MPHM may be positioned at a ground-based satellite gateway. The input and output MPHMs may be configured to implement fully populated signal transformation matrices that collectively provide a substantially diagonal signal transformation matrix.

Abstract: An output driver circuit and current control technique to facilitate high-speed buses with low noise is used to interface with high-speed dynamic RAMs (DRAMs). The architecture includes the following components: an input isolation block (120), an analog voltage divider (104), an input comparator (125), a sampling latch (130), a current control counter (115), and a bitwise output driver (output driver A 107 and output driver B 111).

Abstract: A kitchenware baking pan that retains accessibility to its handles 30 after the pan has been inverted to remove a baked good using handles found on opposite sidewalls 20 and located an accessibility distance 40 from the pan upper bakeware rim 10, providing full handle access after the pan has been inverted on a flat surface and is resting on its upper bakeware rim to remove a baked good.

Abstract: The device includes an aluminum base member, a durable plastic puck and a stainless steel bolt, each of the foregoing having a hollow channel through the center. The base member is mounted to the motorcycle frame. Using the hollow bolt, the puck member is mounted to the exposed end of the base member. By removing the hollow bolt, the puck member can be replaced easily.

Abstract: A method is described for providing a memory with a serial sequence of write enable signals that are offset in time with respect to respective data received by a plurality of data inputs of the memory. A memory is also described with an array for data storage, a plurality of data input pins, and a separate pin for receiving either additional data or a serial sequence of write enable signals applicable to data received by the plurality of data input pins. The additional data that the separate pin can receive includes, for example, error detection and correction (EDC) information. A method is also described for multiplexing write enable information and error detection and correction information.

Abstract: The device includes an aluminum base member, a durable plastic puck and a stainless steel bolt, each of the foregoing having a hollow channel through the center. The base member is mounted to the motorcycle frame. Using the hollow bolt, the puck member is mounted to the exposed end of the base member. By removing the hollow bolt, the puck member can be replaced easily.