Abstract: A method and apparatus for doubling the capacity of a satellite communication system providing interactive two-way communications with a single one-way communication channel where two parties are utilizing earth stations located within a single satellite beam. Since in voice, facsimile and other types of communications only one user is usually transmitting at a time, a single one-way communication channel can be alternated between two or more users. Multiple users can thus share a single one-way channel since both earth stations are located within a single satellite beam, and therefore are effectively at both ends of the one-way channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for doubling the capacity of a satellite communication system providing interactive two-way communications with a single one-way communication channel where two parties are utilizing earth stations located within a single satellite beam. Since in voice, facsimile and other types of communications only one user is usually transmitting at a time, a single one-way communication channel can be alternated between two or more users. Multiple users can thus share a single one-way channel since both earth stations are located within a single satellite beam, and therefore are effectively at both ends of the one-way channel.

Abstract: A smart card having a planar surface is provided. A plurality of sectors extend over the planar surface. Each sector includes a set of transaction processing electronics for performing account transactions in a manner independently operable from every other sector. The transaction processing electronics typically include a processor and memory for processing and storing data, a power coupler for transmitting power to the processor and memory, and a data coupler for transmitting data between the processor and memory and a smart card reader. The smart card serves as a substitute for a plurality of single-application cards. In one particular example, the smart card maintains up to four individual accounts, where each account is associated with a different quadrant of the card. The user simply selects the appropriate account by properly orienting the card upon inserting it into a smart card reader.

Abstract: A communication system includes satellites and satellite phones communicating through the satellites directly. The satellite phone forms a highly directed beam toward a satellite of the communications system and adaptively maintains a beam to track the satellite as the satellite phone and/or the satellite moves relative to each other. The satellite phone contains sensors which provide steering information for directing the satellite phone's antenna beam. The communication system links a satellite phone with either another satellite phone and/or a ground based communication system connected to conventional telephone stations. The satellite phone also includes a database that contains the positional information of all potential communication satellites. The communication system coordinates satellite phone beams with a satellite network to facilitate high quality handoffs. Satellite phones can access several satellite networks based upon stored parameters or actively downloaded satellite information.

Abstract: A portable satellite phone is integrated into a communication system. The portable satellite phone forms a highly directed beam toward a satellite and adaptively maintains a beam to track the satellite as the portable satellite phone and/or the satellite moves relative to each other. A communication system based on the portable satellite phones may link a portable satellite phone with either another portable satellite phone or a ground based communication system connected to conventional telephone stations. The portable satellite phone includes a steering information detector or both a steering information detector and a proximity detector. The steering information detector has a bearing sensor, an attitude sensor and GPS signal receivers for position detection. The portable satellite phone also includes a database that contains the positional information of all potential communication satellites. The proximity detector detects objects that may interfere with the antenna beam.

Abstract: A fixed terminal forms a highly directed beam toward a satellite and adaptively maintains a beam to track the satellite as the satellite moves relative to the fixed terminal. The fixed terminal includes a database that contains the positional information of all potential communication satellites. The fixed terminal antenna system provides for both simple auto-steering on installation for ease of use and terminal access to multiple satellite services. The proximity detector detects objects that may interfere with the antenna beam. The proximity detector includes infrared sensors, sonar detectors, motion detectors and optical devices to determine a range and bearing of objects that may interfere with the antenna beam. When an object may be harmed or interfere with the antenna beam, an alarm may be activated to warn the user and/or the object of potential harm from the electromagnetic energy transmitted by the directed antenna.

Abstract: A proximity detector detects objects which may interfere with a wireless antenna beam. The proximity detector includes infrared sensors, sonar detectors, motion detectors and optical devices to determine a range and bearing of objects that may interfere with the antenna beam.When an object may be harmed or interfere with the antenna beam, an alarm may be activated to warn the user and/or the object of potential harm from the electro-magnetic energy transmitted by the directed antenna. Also, based on the proximity detector's outputs, an antenna beam pattern may be changed to reduce the power at the object or the transmitted power may be reduced to prevent harm to the object.

Abstract: Meshing radially serrated annular pads projecting from the meeting surfaces of two members of a belt drive tensioning device to provide locked incremental angular adjustment of the members are formed by depressing an annular indentation in each member in the side thereof opposite its meeting side so as to cold flow metal to the meeting side thereof and in coining a serrated annulus in the metal thus transferred.