Abstract: A satellite-based communications network employing at least one satellite and a plurality of user terminals adapted for use with the communications network. The network includes a transmitter for transmitting data to the plurality of user terminals, where the data includes a plurality of broadcast modes and/or services. The transmitter transmits data in a packetized format in which a predetermined number of data packets are transmitted in a frame, where the frame is defined as a predetermined period of time. Further, the transmitter transmits each of the plurality of broadcast modes utilizing a single carrier frequency. Each of the plurality of user terminals includes a receiver for receiving the transmitted data and for regenerating the data so that the data is made available to a device coupled to the user terminal.

Abstract: An inline bitumen froth steam heater system is comprised of steam injection and static mixing devices. The steam heater system heats and de-aerates an input bitumen froth without creating downstream processing problems with the bitumen froth such as emulsification or live steam entrainment. The inline bitumen froth steam heater is a multistage unit that injects and thoroughly mixes the steam with bitumen resulting in an output bitumen material having a homogenous temperature of about 190° F. The heating system conditions a superheated steam supply to obtain saturated steam at about 300° F. The saturated steam is contacted with a bitumen froth flow and mixed in a static mixer stage. The static mixers provide a surface area and rotating action that allows the injected steam to condense and transfer its heat to the bitumen froth. The mixing action and the increase in temperature of the bitumen froth results in reduction in bitumen viscosity and also allows the release of entrapped air from the bitumen froth.

Abstract: Improved intraocular irrigating solutions are described. The solutions have enhanced viscosities that reduce the risk of damage to intraocular tissues during intraocular surgical procedures by reducing the turbulence of the solutions and dampening the movement of tissue fragments and air bubbles. The solutions preferably also have modified surface tensions that more closely resemble the surface tension of the aqueous humor.

Abstract: A method for coating vehicular radiators with an ozone depleting manganese oxide catalyst in slurry form utilizes a robotic arm with multiple spray heads for spraying the face of the radiator. Each head is in fluid communication with its own dedicated peristaltic pump. The pumps are independently valved into and out of fluid communication with select heads as a function of the spray pattern effected by robotic arm movement.

Abstract: A method for coating vehicular radiators with an ozone depleting manganese oxide catalyst in slurry form utilizes a robotic arm with multiple spray heads for spraying the face of the radiator. Each head is in fluid communication with its own dedicated peristaltic pump. The pumps are independently valved into and out of fluid communication with select heads as a function of the spray pattern effected by robotic arm movement.

Abstract: An apparatus for housing a submergible optical sensor is provided. The apparatus comprises a sensor body having a sensor opening. The sensor body is operable to protect a sensor when submerged in a fluid. A shutter is disposed above the sensor opening. A motor couples to the shutter and can rotate the shutter. A controller couples to the motor and is operable to cause the motor to rotate the shutter such that the sensor opening is exposed when the sensor takes a measurement. The controller is further operable to cause the motor to rotate the shutter such that the shutter covers the sensor opening when the sensor is not taking a measurement.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring concentration of a dissolved substance are disclosed. In accordance with the method, measurements are made with two instruments having different permeability characteristics to obtain two readings, and these readings are corrected in accordance with a pre-determined relationship. The apparatus provides an electrochemical cell wherein a common anode is surrounded by closely-spaced cathodes. The cathodes are in at least two groups, wherein the first group has a first response characteristic to the dissolved substance and the second group has a second response characteristic. In the preferred embodiment, the two characterisitcs are produced by providing different distances between a substance-selective membrane and respective cathodes. In one embodiment, the cathodes are annular and surround the anode at different radii, while in another embodiment the cathodes are discrete and are spaced from the anode by equal distances.