Abstract: A method and communication system for selecting a mode for encoding data for transmission in a wireless communication channel between a transmit unit and a receive unit. The data is initially transmitted in an initial mode and the selection of the subsequent mode is based on a selection of first-order and second-order statistical parameters of short-term and long-term quality parameters. Suitable short-term quality parameters include signal-to-interference and noise ratio (SINR), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), power level and suitable long-term quality parameters include error rates such as bit error rate (BER) and packet error rate (PER). The method of the invention can be employed in Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO), Multiple Input Single Output (MISO), Single Input Single Output (SISO) and Single Input Multiple Output (SIMO) communication systems to make subsequent mode selection faster and more efficient.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for implementing spatial multiplexing in conjunction with the one or more multiple access protocols during the broadcast of information in a wireless network. A subscriber unit for use in a cellular system is disclosed. The subscriber unit includes a plurality of spatially separate antennas and a transmitter for transmitting a plurality of substreams of a datastream on an assigned channel or slot of a multiple access protocol. The transmitter is arranged to apply each substream to an associated one of the spatially separate antennas.

Abstract: Crude oil tank cleaning apparatus includes a gimbal having a substantially straight passageway extending therethough. A mounting bracket sealingly and rotatably mounts the gimbal in a wall of the tank so that the gimbal has an interior side exposed to the interior of the tank and an exterior side exposed to the exterior of the tank. A straight pipe is sealingly mounted in the gimbal passageway. The pipe has an inlet end on the exterior side of the gimbal for connecting the pipe to a high pressure fluid source and an outlet end on the interior side of the gimbal such that the inlet and outlet ends define a linear flow passageway through the pipe for discharging the fluid in fluid jet into the tank. An actuator, mounted on the exterior of the tank, has a first end connected to a rotatable portion of the gimbal and a second end connected to a stationary portion of the tank or the mounting bracket for reciprocating the gimbal and pipe between selected positions.

Abstract: A material in powder or wire form on a nickel basis for the production of a coating with a high level of resistance to corrosion and wear by means of a thermal coating process is of the following composition (in percent by weight): C 0.005-1.0;  Cr 10.0-26.0; Mo  8.0-20.0; Fe  0.1-10.0; Si 3.0-7.0; B 1.0-4.0; Cu 0.1-5.0; Ni Balance. The material in powder form can be alloyed and sprayed out of the melt or agglomerated out of different alloyed and non-alloyed metal powders. The coating material can also be used in the form of a filling wire or an alloyed and cast bar material.