Abstract: A variable Z0 impedance method (“Variable Z0”) for designing and/or optimizing antenna systems. The method provides that the value of an antenna's feed system characteristic impedance or apparatus internal impedance (Z0) changes as a true variable quantity during the antenna system design or optimization methodology. The value is allowed to be determined by the methodology, because different values of Z0 result in different antenna system performance. It is applied to any set of performance objectives on any antenna system wherein apparatus internal or transmission line characteristic impedance is an explicit or implicit parameter. Variable Z0 is applied to any design or optimization methodology. Structures include Yagi-Uda arrays, Meander Monopoles, and transmission line Multi-Stub Matching Networks, and can incorporate Central Force Optimization or Biogeography Based Optimization or other optimization algorithms.

Abstract: A variable Z0 impedance method (“Variable Z0”) for designing and/or optimizing antenna systems. The method provides that the value of an antenna's feed system characteristic impedance or apparatus internal impedance (Z0) changes as a true variable quantity during the antenna system design or optimization methodology. The value is allowed to be determined by the methodology, because different values of Z0 result in different antenna system performance. It is applied to any set of performance objectives on any antenna system wherein apparatus internal or transmission line characteristic impedance is an explicit or implicit parameter. Variable Z0 is applied to any design or optimization methodology. Structures include Yagi-Uda arrays, Meander Monopoles, and transmission line Multi-Stub Matching Networks, and can incorporate Central Force Optimization or Biogeography Based Optimization or other optimization algorithms.

Abstract: A variable Z0 impedance method (“Variable Z0”) for designing and/or optimizing antenna systems. The method provides that the value of an antenna's feed system characteristic impedance or apparatus internal impedance (Z0) changes as a true variable quantity during the antenna system design or optimization methodology. The value is allowed to be determined by the methodology, because different values of Z0 result in different antenna system performance. It is applied to any set of performance objectives on any antenna system wherein apparatus internal or transmission line characteristic impedance is an explicit or implicit parameter. Variable Z0 is applied to any design or optimization methodology. Structures include Yagi-Uda arrays, Meander Monopoles, and transmission line Multi-Stub Matching Networks, and can incorporate Central Force Optimization or Biogeography Based Optimization or other optimization algorithms.

Abstract: An ignition system for a multi-cylinder engine having a distributor shaft for timing the ignition, a plurality of spark plugs and a means of producing a high voltage signal for firing the spark plugs, including: a discharge device interconnected between the means for producing a high voltage signal and each spark plug and incapable of conducting in response only to a high voltage signal; and means, operated by the distributor shaft, for selectively, sequentially energizing each discharge device to enable it to conduct and deliver the high voltage signal to the associated spark plug in time with engine operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for measuring the velocity of a moving dielectric material including establishing an electric field within the dielectric material to polarize the material; establishing a magnetic field within the dielectric material to induce a velocity-dependent torque on the electric dipole moments tending to align the electric dipole moments perpendicular to both the direction of motion of the dielectric material and to the direction of the magnetic field; detecting the change in the polarization of the moving dielectric material induced by the magnetic field; and determining the velocity of the moving dielectric material in response to the detected change in polarization.