Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for making precise velocity measurements of a spacecraft using a two-way noncoherent Doppler tracking system. By comparing the received uplink and transmitted downlink frequencies on-board the spacecraft, information is generated that is included in the downlink signal and used to cancel spacecraft oscillator drift rate effects in the two-way Doppler measurement made by the ground station. This data can also be used to characterize the drift rate of the spacecraft oscillator, thus permitting periods of accurate one-way Doppler tracking by the ground station.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable and expandable track or velodrome 10 for racing bicycles indoors and outdoors. The portable velodrome 10 includes a support structure network 18 that circumscribes an infield area 12 and a plurality of modular track surface sections 30 removably mounted on the support structure network 18 to form a banked track 22 having a racing surface. The modular track sections 30 are mounted on the support structure network 18 with track section mounting elements that do not interrupt the racing surface. The portable velodrome 10 further includes a substantially horizontal track section 28 extending from a bottom of the banked track 22 toward the infield area 12, and a transition surface between the banked track 22 and the horizontal track 28.

Abstract: A machine for removing book bindings from books so that the paper comprising the pages of the book can be recycled is provided. The machine includes a front and a rear deck, a pusher, a machine frame which extends above the decks and the pusher and a knife assembly (which includes a knife blade) swingably attached to the machine frame and having an up and a down position. The pusher slides back and forth between in and out positions. A book is placed on the front deck and the pusher slides to its in position, positioning the book under the knife assembly. When the book is properly positioned, the knife assembly swings from the up to the down position, cutting off the binding of the book. In some embodiments the invention includes a table frame upon which the front and rear decks are slidably mounted on railings supported by the table frame and have respective in and out positions.

Abstract: A heating apparatus is disclosed. The heating apparatus, adapted for use in the manufacture of a dental product, is formed by an enclosure having a heated zone and a control area. Layers of insulation enclose the heated zone. A conveyor is disposed in the heated zone for moving the dental product to be treated through a temperature gradient. An infinite switch within the control area is adjustable to vary the speed of the conveyor. Further controls within the area energize the apparatus and permit alarm functions.