Abstract: A Subscriber Information Service Center (SISC) in a wireless telecommunications network provides location and status information about identified mobile subscribers to a requesting subscriber. The requesting subscriber may access the SISC by e-mail. The SISC retrieves the location information from the mobile subscriber's HLR, and returns the requested information by e-mail or by posting the information on a Web site associated with the SISC. A SIP proxy in the SISC enables a second-generation mobile subscriber to request information for other mobile subscribers. The SISC may also retrieve status information from the MSC serving the mobile subscriber relating to any ongoing call by the mobile subscriber.

Abstract: Interrupted-Fan-Beam imaging is a method of producing back-scatter x-ray images from conventional line scan systems, such as those used for luggage and cargo inspection. Since back-scatter and transmission images are formed from different physical principles, the use of both images provides a more thorough security inspection. A mathematical relation relates the signal-to-noise ratio to the spatial resolution in an Interrupted-Fan-Beam image. When used in conjunction with typical operating values of x-ray systems, such as flux level and number of pixels, this relation provides the performance level of the Interrupted-Fan-Beam technique.

Abstract: A pencil beam of X-rays is scanned over the surfaces of the body of a person being examined as the person walks through the scanning apparatus. Specifically, a tracking assembly is employed to rotate the scanning plane through a tracking angle and in a direction progressing from the entrance to the exit of the portal, through which the person passes, in order to substantially track the person or body as it moves with respect to the system from the entrance to the exit X-rays that are scattered or reflected from the subject's body are detected by a detector assembly. The signal produced by this scattered X-ray detector in then used to modulate an image display device to produce an image of the subject and any concealed objects carried by the subject. The detector assembly is constructed in a configuration to automatically and uniformly enhance the image edges of low atomic number (low Z) concealed objects to facilitate their detection.

Abstract: A satellite communications system is disclosed. One of the embodiments of the present invention includes six to fourteen satellites (12) which operate in a single Equatorial orbit (14). These satellites (12) are capable of providing communications services to locations on the Earth (E) which are within thirty degrees of the Equator (16). Another embodiment of the invention utilizes both the single Equatorial orbit plane (14) in combination with other satellites (12) moving in polar or inclined orbits (60, 63, 210). The embodiment that combines satellites (12) in Equatorial (14), polar (60) and inclined (63, 210) orbits will provide a wide variety of data services to virtually any point on the globe. In the preferred embodiments, the satellites (12) are designed to operate in a circular low Earth orbit at an altitude of from 800 to 1852 kilometers.

Abstract: An oxygen delivery conduit for supplying oxygen continuously under pressure (above atmospheric pressure) to a patient wearing a nasal cannula that prevents occlusion or pinching of the oxygen tube sections supplying the oxygen to insure a continuous oxygen supply to the patient. First and second oxygen supply tube sections rotate relative to each other freely while sealed to prevent crimping, pinching or occlusion of the tubing. The rotatable coupling includes roller or ball bearings mounted in a sealed, non-lubricated bearing structure in a coupling housing.

Abstract: A method for displaying seismic data to provide direct indications of the presence of hydrocarbons. Seismic data is processed using conventional amplitude versus offset techniques to obtain zero offset reflectivity, or A, traces and the amplitude versus offset slope, or B, traces. AB cross plots of each trace are then generated. Each sample point on the cross plot is then assigned a value corresponding to its deviation from the regression line of the cross plotted AB points. The assigned values are then plotted in their corresponding time sample positions to generate a trace or display providing a direct indication of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a bull nose to adjacent dry wall panels, the apparatus comprising an elongated channel member having a bull nose application surface defined by a central, partially curved portion intersected by a pair of mutually perpendicular flat side portions, the channel member including a pair of transversely disposed slots proximal to one end thereof in which a pair of opposed crimping members are situated and pivotally attached to the channel member for rotation between a first, stored position and a second, crimping position, the crimping members each including a specially configured cutting surface defined by a curved planform having a compound curvature which tapers to a knife edge along symmetrical radii in, the apparatus further including a linkage mechanism attached tot he crimping members for reciprocating, the crimping members between the aforementioned first and second positions, respective, the linkage mechanism comprising a spring loaded anvil member which may be struck by a hammer

Abstract: A pencil beam of X-rays is scanned over the surface of the body of a person being examined. X-rays that are scattered or reflected from the subject's body are detected by a detector. The signal produced by this scattered X-ray detector in then used to modulate an image display device to produce an image of the subject and any concealed objects carried by the subject. The detector assembly is constructed in a configuration to automatically and uniformly enhance the image edges of low atomic number (low Z) concealed objects to facilitate their detection. A storage means is provided by which previously acquired images can be compared with the present image for analyzing variances in similarities with the present image, and provides means for creating a generic representation of the body being examined while suppressing anatomical features of the subject to minimize invasion of the subject's privacy.