Abstract: A pipe gap assembly including an insert sleeve and an adjustment sleeve. The insert sleeve includes a first side large diameter section, a small diameter section and a second side large diameter section, with the insert sleeve having an insert sleeve enlarged lip at the second side thereof. The adjustment sleeve has a first side, a second side and a cylinder having an outer surface, with the outer surface of cylinder of the adjustment sleeve being smaller than an inner surface of the insert sleeve to allow the first end of the adjustment sleeve to be able to be slid within the insert sleeve. The adjustment sleeve further includes a ring seal surrounding the outer surface thereof. The ring seal is not fixed in position on the outer surface of the adjustment sleeve such that the ring seal is able to roll on the outer surface of the adjustment sleeve.

Abstract: A multiple phase state near-field electromagnetic location and communication system includes a multiple phase state near-field transmitter, and a near-field locator receiver. The near-field transmitter is capable of operation in at least two states and each of these at least two states generates a state characteristic difference detected at the near-field locator receiver. The state characteristic difference may be employed for location determination, communication or both. The present invention is particularly well-suited for use in conjunction with a near-field electromagnetic ranging system.

Abstract: A multiple phase state near-field electromagnetic location and communication system includes a multiple phase state near-field transmitter, and a near-field locator receiver. The near-field transmitter is capable of operation in at least two states and each of these at least two states generates a state characteristic difference detected at the near-field locator receiver. The state characteristic difference may be employed for location determination, communication or both. The present invention is particularly well-suited for use in conjunction with a near-field electromagnetic ranging system.

Abstract: A space efficient magnetic antenna is disclosed for use in tracking, positioning and other applications. In a preferred embodiment, a space efficient magnetic antenna system comprises a first magnetic antenna with a first null axis aligned within a predetermined plane and a second magnetic antenna having a second null axis aligned substantially orthogonal to a first null axis. A second magnetic antenna system lies in a minimal coupling orientation with respect to a first magnetic antenna system. Additionally, a first magnetic antenna may further comprise a plurality of interconnected magnetic antenna elements. A space efficient magnetic antenna system may include an RF module. An RF module may alternately utilize a first magnetic antenna and a second magnetic antenna, or an RF module may drive a second magnetic antenna in phase quadrature with respect to a first magnetic antenna.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for low frequency asset tracking includes a low frequency transmitter tag associated with a cargo container or other high value commodity, a plurality of receivers that detect low frequency signals, and a microprocessor that uses algorithms and/or data pertaining to the propagation characteristics of the signal to locate the position of the container or high value commodity. The tag may include sensors to monitor container properties or conditions, such as temperature, motion, intrusion, RF fields, or other properties of interest. Sensor data may be modulated on the low frequency transmitter signal.

Abstract: Near field signal properties are used to determine a location by utilizing two magnetic antennas arranged so that the null axes are perpendicular and lie in a plane of interest, such as the horizontal plane. The two antennas may be used as transmitting antennas or receiving antennas. The antennas may be driven so as to produce an equivalent of an omnidirectional pattern in the plane of interest by driving the antennas in an orthogonal manner. The orthogonal drive may be time orthogonal or phase orthogonal. A location is determined based on near field response which may include propagation properties, which may include amplitude, phase, relative amplitude, or phase, or other properties. In one embodiment, multiple transmitters are utilized to determine the location of a single receiver. In another embodiment, multiple receivers are utilized to determine the location of a single transmitter. A space efficient magnetic antenna is disclosed.

Abstract: An end cone construction and related method for catalytic converters includes first and second inner and outer cone members, each with a small end, a large end and a continuous imperforate sidewall therebetween. The large ends of the first inner and outer cone members are connected with the small ends of the second inner and outer cone members respectively to create airtight seals, and define inner and outer cone assemblies which are positioned concentrically to define an insulating space therebetween. The small ends of the inner and outer cone assemblies are connected with an exhaust pipe, and the large ends of the inner and outer cone assemblies are connected with a catalytic converter can. A vacuum may be drawn in the insulating space to insulate the inner and outer cone assemblies.