Abstract: The present invention provides an antenna array which includes a structure in the form of a hexagonal pyramid with a flat top surface/facet. According to preferred aspects, the pedestal support of the present invention preferably further includes six side facets which are preferably disposed 60 degrees from each other. Preferably, each side facet preferably supports a patch antenna and the top facet supports a top/zenith antenna. According to a preferred embodiment, the azimuth antennas may be offset from the ground plane by an angle between 20 and 60 degrees. The zenith antenna is preferably substantially parallel to the ground plane.

Abstract: The present invention preferably includes a monitoring device which is able to monitor both signals from the cab and the contents of a trailer/container. According to a preferred embodiment, the monitoring device may transmit monitoring signals (i.e., RF, ultra-sonic, IR) within the trailer/container and receive responsive signals/feedback indicating the status of the container interior. According to preferred embodiments, the monitoring device of the present invention may preferably receive data/signals from sensors internal to the container.

Abstract: A dual role antenna assembly operable for use with GEO and LEO/MEO satellites has at least two curled inverted-F substantially omnidirectional antennas mounted on a ground plane. The antennas have asymmetrical gain patterns favoring certain sectors and are oriented such that the favored sectors of the different antenna face different directions. A controller selects the antenna for connection to an RF front-end in accordance with predetermined performance criteria.

Abstract: A dual role antenna assembly operable for use with GEO and LEO/MEO satellites has at least two curled inverted-F substantially omnidirectional antennas mounted on a ground plane. The antennas have asymmetrical gain patterns favoring certain sectors and are oriented such that the favored sectors of the different antenna face different directions. A controller selects the antenna for connection to an RF front-end in accordance with predetermined performance criteria.

Abstract: A quadrifilar helix antenna system with a finite ground plane has a pair of bifilar helical elements extending upwardly from the finite ground plane. A symmetrical array of monopole elements surrounds the lower portion of the pair of bifilar helical elements in the near field so as to load the lower portion and thereby raise the phase center of the antenna to improve the circularly polarized far-field radiation at low elevation angles.

Abstract: A quadrifilar helix antenna system with a finite ground plane has a pair of bifilar helical elements extending upwardly from the finite ground plane. A symmetrical array of monopole elements surrounds the lower portion of the pair of bifilar helical elements in the near field so as to load the lower portion and thereby raise the phase center of the antenna to improve the circularly polarized far-field radiation at low elevation angles.

Abstract: A method for supplying power from a battery pack includes monitoring an output voltage of a battery pack, where the battery pack comprises a number of fractions and determining whether the output voltage is below a predetermined threshold. The method further includes adding at least one fraction of the number of fractions to the output voltage, when the output voltage is below the predetermined threshold and removing the at least one fraction, if previously added, when the output voltage is no longer below the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method for supplying power from a battery pack includes monitoring an output voltage of a battery pack, where the battery pack comprises a number of fractions and determining whether the output voltage is below a predetermined threshold. The method further includes adding at least one fraction of the number of fractions to the output voltage, when the output voltage is below the predetermined threshold and removing the at least one fraction, if previously added, when the output voltage is no longer below the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method for improving long-term blockage recovery of a communications signal is disclosed. The method includes monitoring a blockage source using at least one application specific-sensor. Time spent in the blockage source is ascertained. Information obtained from the application-specific sensor may be combined with the ascertained time spent in the blockage source to predict a likely blockage recovery time interval.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to flush residual used oil from the lubrication system of an engine during an oil change. The method includes draining used oil from a tank of the lubrication system and then adding fresh oil to the tank. An adaptor or fitting is used to provide an outlet in the lubrication system to flush any residual used oil that may not have been drained along with used oil in the oil tank. The engine may be started such that a scavenging pump of a lubrication system pumps residual used oil out of the system through the outlet. Once a user observes that residual used oil has been substantially flushed from the system, the engine is stopped to terminate the flushing process.

Abstract: A circularly polarized patch antenna for wireless communication devices is disclosed. The circularly polarized patch antenna includes a conductive ground plane positioned parallel to a multi-layer resonator with both disposed in a dielectric substrate. The multi-layer resonator may include top and middle conductive layers with meandering between layers. A plurality of slots may be interposed intermittently spanning the top and middle conductive layers. The meandering may be integrated with the slots. The circularly polarized patch antenna may be realized as a multi-layer printed circuit board.

Abstract: A method for improving long-term blockage recovery of a communications signal is disclosed. The method includes monitoring a blockage source using at least one application specific-sensor. Time spent in the blockage source is ascertained. Information obtained from the application-specific sensor may be combined with the ascertained time spent in the blockage source to predict a likely blockage recovery time interval.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for minimizing image interference using a very low intermediate frequency image rejection receiver is disclosed. Image interference detection and avoidance by frequency plan adjustment within the very low intermediate frequency receiver image rejection receiver minimizes rejection requirements for an image reject mixer. Image rejection can be measured by switching between in-phase and out-of-phase image reject mixer output ports. Rejection may also be measured by creating a tri-mode image reject mixer. A set of linear equations allows rejection to be measured without requiring control of input signals and additional mixers.

Abstract: A circularly polarized patch antenna for wireless communication devices is disclosed. The circularly polarized patch antenna includes a conductive ground plane positioned parallel to a multi-layer resonator with both disposed in a dielectric substrate. The multi-layer resonator may include top and middle conductive layers with meandering between layers. A plurality of slots may be interposed intermittently spanning the top and middle conductive layers. The meandering may be integrated with the slots. The circularly polarized patch antenna may be realized as a multi-layer printed circuit board.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to flush residual used oil from the lubrication system of an engine during an oil change. The method includes draining used oil from a tank of the lubrication system and then adding fresh oil to the tank. An adaptor or fitting is used to provide an outlet in the lubrication system to flush any residual used oil that may not have been drained along with used oil in the oil tank. The engine may be started such that a scavenging pump of a lubrication system pumps residual used oil out of the system through the outlet. Once a user observes that residual used oil has been substantially flushed from the system, the engine is stopped to terminate the flushing process.