Abstract: A container to receive a parcel for shipment to an intended recipient comprises a pouch having a pouch interior and a mouth, a closure movable between open and closed positions, and a protective insert structure removably disposed in the pouch interior to substantially envelop the parcel and reduce risk of damage to it during shipment. In another embodiment, the container comprises a container body, a closure and a air bladder disposed in the container body for receiving and substantially enveloping the items to reduce damage thereto during shipment. Methodologies are also provided for shipping a parcel from a shipper located at an origin address location to an intended recipient located at a destination address location.

Abstract: A point-of-care computer system includes a display positioned in a point-of-care location, a computer coupled to the display, and a network coupled to the computer to enable the computer to access information stored in a remote location.

Abstract: A medication tracking and/or medical assistance device comprises an RFID tag coder for reading from and/or writing to an RFID tag. A processor and a memory process information read from an RFID tag to provide a reminder message based thereon by a visual and/or an audible reminder message.

Abstract: A method and system for the automatic detection of a sleeping person and for adjusting electrical power supplied to a number of electronic devices; it includes a unit for observing the behavior of a person in a predetermined area under surveillance and a unit for analyzing output data from the observing unit to determine whether the observed behavior is associated with predefined sleeping behaviors. Upon recognition that the observed behavior indicates the sleeping state of a person, the electrical power supplied to the plurality of electronic devices is selectively adjusted according to predetermined criteria.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating information between a utility metering device, such as a water meter, and a remote location, such as inside a residence or a service provider.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the service life of a filter (1) in a filter system equipped with a fan, in particular a filter (1) in an air conditioning system of a motor vehicle, the instantaneous air speed (21) preferably being measured on each startup of the system using a sensor (2, 20) downstream from the filter (1), compared to the reference air speed (R) from the unloaded filter (1), and transmitted to a service computer and/or indicated on a display, and the need to replace the filter being signaled when this value falls below a predetermined threshold or threshold range of the instantaneous air flow rate (21).

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable gas alarm device easy to be fabricated as a small-sized one handy to carry and high in convenience for use. The portable gas alarm device comprises a gas alarm device body having a casing flat in whole and a fitting member provided on the casing to fit it to the human body. The gas alarm device body has a control circuit board extending to the direction of the flat plane of the casing, a display mechanism is arranged in a central area on the front surface side of the control circuit board, a gas sensor and an alarm buzzer are arranged on the right and left sides of the display mechanism, and a battery fitting chamber is provided on the back surface side of the circuit board. A vibration generator for alarm may be provided in the gas alarm device body. The fitting member may be one suitable for use in fitting the gas alarm device body to a person's wrist or a person's wear.

Abstract: A motion detection apparatus and method for securing a detector, transducer or accelerometer. The detector is securely positioned in a location corresponding to a portion of the body such as the head, stomach, heart, sternum, or other portion. The mounting apparatus includes a base section to which the detector is secured and support members. Support members can have a fixed-length or be extendable. The support members are adjusted if necessary to position the mounting apparatus and detector to the predetermined position.

Abstract: A remote control device is configured to select predetermined content prior to providing the remote control device to a media consumer, and provided to the media consumer such that the media consumer associates the remote control device with the predetermined content. In one embodiment, the remote control device is configured to select at least one predetermined content and has a form that identifies the predetermined content for the media consumer.

Abstract: Proposed is a method for measuring distance, which improves the resolution and the selectivity in an echo method, using propagation-time measurement. In this context, a received signal is sampled without first having to smooth the signal.

Abstract: System for controlling vehicles in a traffic network. The vehicles (4) comprise communication means (5), for communication, via a communication network (2), with a service mediator system (1), linking the vehicle's communication means to various servers (9a . . . i). The vehicle may comprise means (6) for exchanging data between the vehicles' software or hardware, while at least one of said servers comprises means for processing said data related to the vehicles' software or hardware, like fuel consumption and the vehicles' maintenance state. The vehicle's communication means may comprise location means, enabled for exchanging data relative to the vehicles' location to be used for planning and scheduling the use of the vehicles, route planning, billing vehicle related tax or insurance. One or more servers may be enabled to process requests for vehicle parking or for hiring alternative transportation room or means. One server may be enabled for automatic processing vehicle accidents.

Abstract: A speed trap detection and warning system for a vehicle (9) comprises a GPS or mobile telephone signal receiver and processor which calculates the location of the vehicle (9), the speed thereof and the direction of travel thereof, a memory storing data defining the location of a number of speed traps (5, 6) and alerts the driver if the vehicle is within a predetermined distance of a speed trap and the vehicle's speed is greater than the road speed limit. Also disclosed is a system for calculating the location and speed of a vehicle (9), comparing the calculated data with stored data defining the locations of roads and the speed limits therefor, and alerting the driver if the vehicle's speed exceeds the speed limit for the road on which it is travelling. A further system is disclosed for displaying to the driver the speed limit for the road on which the vehicle is travelling.

Abstract: An airplane anti-hijacking system includes components on board an airplane for producing informational signals reflecting conditions on board the airplane. Communications equipment on board the airplane that can be activated by onboard airplane personnel (e.g., during a hijack attempt or other emergency), automatically sends the informational signals to a ground station or other remote station to provide real-time information to the remote station. One embodiment sends audio, video, and sensor information along with the cockpit audio and flight recorder information already being recorded by an onboard black box system, and the communications equipment can be activated by cockpit personnel, predetermined senior flight attendants, and onboard security personnel.

Abstract: The security system has means (3) to detect specific physical characteristics, in particular the weight of the pilot. Moreover, means (11-14) are present to prevent activation of manual flight operation or to switch from manual to automatic flight operation or to deactivate manual flight operation, if the physical characteristics detected by the detection means (3) do not match predefined physical characteristics. In this manner it is possible to prevent aircraft hijackers from taking control of the aircraft and approaching a target of their own selection.

Abstract: An aircraft on-board system for communicating with a ground-based radio transmitter forming a part of a Local Area Augmentation System for aiding in the navigation and landing of the aircraft, comprising a radio receiver adapted to receive signals, including identification signals identifying the Local Area Augmentation System, from the ground-based radio transmitter, a controller coupled to the radio receiver having an entry device for entering the channel number of a desired ground-based radio station and for tuning the on-board radio receiver to a desired frequency and further receiving from the radio signals, including the identification signals, and further having a signaling mechanism for providing to an operator of the aircraft on-board system a message including the identification of the ground-based radio station.

Abstract: ASCII gateway to in-vehicle system provides bi-directional translation between multiplexed motor vehicle networks and industrial control and monitoring devices. Integrated hardware and software components provide data communications between motor vehicle electronic control module networks and RS-232 serial ASCII-text capable device, for industrial control and/or industrial automation application in manufacturing or assembly operations. Communications networks (CAN, SAE or ISO protocols) implemented inside motor vehicles pass data between electronic control modules that control operation of important vehicle components like engine, transmission and brake systems, have their messages converted to RS-232 serial ASCII-text; and from RS-232 serial ASCII-text converted to motor vehicle communications network by the system. Messages to monitor and/or control vehicle networks are generated by a serial ASCII-test capable device. Multiple vehicle protocols are supported by the system.

Abstract: Numerous embodiments for a method of performing Huffman decoding are disclosed.

Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter circuit including an analog-to-digital converter and calibrating circuit, preferably in the form of a digital logic, for the auto-calibration of the analog-to-digital converter. This configuration produces a very high quality analog-to-digital converter with a very low surface area requirement. The calibrating circuit corrects any errors of the analog-to-digital converter outside or inside of the analog-to-digital converter.

Abstract: A method for selectively and sequentially converting digital video data signals in three formats, namely, standard definition, progressive scan and high definition formats to analogue form such that the same analogue reconstruction filter can be used for filtering the analogue forms of the signals after conversion. The digital signals prior to being converted are over-sampled at respective over-sampling frequencies for displacing image frequencies to frequencies sufficiently spaced apart from the widest band width signal so that the analogue reconstruction filter can be provided for filtering the widest band width signal as well as the other band width signals and also can be provided with a relatively low roll-off rate of attenuation.

Abstract: A method for converting multi-bit digital video data signals to analogue form wherein the video data signals are in three formats, namely, standard definition, progressive scan and high definition formats, which permits a relatively low order analogue reconstruction filter to be used for filtering the analogue form of the signal. The three formats of the digital video data signals are over-sampled at relatively low over-sampling rates, the standard definition video signals being over-sampled at eight times the nyquist sampling frequency, the progressive scan format signals being over-sampled at four times the nyquist sampling frequency, while the high definition format signals are over-sampled at twice the nyquist sampling frequency.

Abstract: A low power, sigma-delta analog-to-digital converter having an improved reference multiplexer that eliminates noise in a reference voltage signal. The sigma-delta analog-to-digital converter includes a passive filter circuit connected to receive a differential reference voltage input. The improved differential multiplexer couples to the passive filter circuit to receive the reference voltage signal. This differential multiplexer includes three modes of operation: (1) direct coupling of its differential input to its differential output, (2) cross-coupling of its differential input to its differential output, and (3) setting of the differential output to a fixed voltage to discharge the parasitic capacitance associated its differential output every clock cycle. This last mode of operation eliminates the noise of the reference voltage signal and ultimately the sigma-delta ADC. A sigma-delta integrator receives the differential output from the differential multiplexer.

Abstract: An apparatus for canceling noise in a PC environment includes a receiver positioned inside the computer case that inputs noise inside the computer case, a processor coupled to the receiver and having a waveform generation device that generates a cancellation waveform that is inverse to the waveform of the input noise, and a speaker coupled to the processor for broadcasting the cancellation waveform. A method for canceling noise in a PC environment includes inputting a noise, determining a cyclical waveform that is representative of the noise, generating a cancellation waveform that is the reverse of the cyclical waveform, and mixing the sound from the cancellation waveform with the noise.

Abstract: Described is a method and an apparatus of directly digitizing microwave signals reflected at a filling product surface of a filling product present in a receptacle, in which method the microwave signals reflected at the filling product surface are sampled unmodified in their frequency, and the therefrom resulting analog values are converted into digital values, with successive digital values being stored in various intermediate memories, and the intermediately stored digital values are read out from the intermediate memories and are stored in a terminal memory unit, to which accesses an evaluation arrangement which determines the filling level height.

Abstract: An A/D converter for converting an analog input into a binary-encoded word includes a bit-weight memory storing bit weights that include maximum, mimimum, and medium weights. During a conversion step, first and second registers store lower and upper weights, and a D/A converter converts one of the upper and lower weights into an analog bit-weighting signal. A comparison device provides a comparison result indicative of a comparison between the analog input and the analog bit-weighting signal and stores the result in a third register. A multiplexer selects the upper weight when the analog input exceeds the analog bit-weighting signal and the lower weight otherwise. A subtractor subtracts, from the bit weight of a preceding conversion step, a smaller weight that is smaller than, but closest, to the previous bit weight. An adder adds the new lower weight to the smaller weight to get a new upper bit weight.

Abstract: A device to conceal a radar or any other system for the transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves represents, for example, a pattern in relief. The device comprises at least one front part transparent to electromagnetic and optical waves, one rear part transparent to electromagnetic waves facing transmission and/or reception means and a form representing the manufacturer's logo placed between the parts. This form has an cellular structure with RF characteristics close to those of air. That device can be applied especially in radars equipping vehicles.

Abstract: Radar method and apparatus for detecting small, slow moving targets in the presence of high background clutter that includes a balanced bridge structure to achieve a null balance with the target and background clutter. Radar return signals from background objects as well as the targets are viewed by the radar as a composite single signature return. The invention uses a phase shifter to achieve a null balance even though the background clutter is consists of many components at varying distances from the radar.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method to determine target azimuth by the use of a radar, especially of the ASR type. The radar sends out a wave of detections by N-pulse bursts. The method comprises at least the following steps in one burst: a step in which the burst is split up into two half bursts, one front burst and one rear burst; a step for the filtering of the half burst to associate an azimuth value &thgr;1 and an amplitude value A1 with the front burst, and an azimuth value &thgr;2 and an amplitude value A2 with the rear burst; a step to obtain the target azimuth Az at a value corresponding to the maximum of a Gaussian curve passing through the points having components (&thgr;1, A1), (&thgr;2, A2). The invention can be applied especially to surveillance radars used, for example, in air traffic management applications.

Abstract: An FMCW radar is provided which may be employed in automotive anti-collision or radar cruise control systems. In a distance measuring mode, only one of channels is used to sample a beat signal continuously, thereby allowing a sampling frequency to be increased up to Nc times that in an azimuth measuring mode and a sweep time in which a transmit signal sweeps in frequency upward and downward cyclically to be minimized. This causes half the sampling frequency to be higher than a frequency component arising sufficiently from a distant target present outside a preset radar range, thereby eliminating an error in detecting the distant target as being located inside the preset radar range.

Abstract: To measure the absolute speed of a body 100 moving relative to the ground 33 using an onboard speed sensor 1, a radar wave is transmitted towards the ground by an antenna with a wide aperture angle. The wave reflected by a reflecting obstacle on the ground and the transmitted wave are mixed and the frequency content of the low frequency signal obtained is determined. The speed of the moving object and the height of the transmitter and receiver antennas above the ground can then be measured by adjusting a theoretical curve to the time-varying evolution of the Doppler frequency corresponding to the reflecting obstacle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for acquiring a remote position. The present invention allows a user to locate a remote paging device located on a person or piece of property to determine its physical position. A user contacts a position service provider, identifies a device or devices to be located and provides a password. A message is then generated to locate the remote device over a communications network. In one embodiment, a paging communications network is used. Another embodiment uses a Bluetooth communications network to contact the remote device. The position of the remote device is determined by a GPS transceiver and is sent to the position service provider. The position of the remote device is then displayed on a map for the user. The remote device can also be used to send a distress signal which will provide the position of the sender and automatically be forwarded to emergency services.

Abstract: A system for providing distance information to the pilot of an aircraft utilizing a GPS Landing System (GLS) Local Area Augmentation System (LAAS) as a navigation and landing aid for the aircraft is provided, which includes a radio receiver adapted to receive signals from a ground-based radio transmitter associated with the LAAS, the signals including signals representing the location of the LAAS. A Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver adapted to receive position signals from GPS satellites and for producing signal representing the location of the aircraft is also provided, as is a controller coupled to the radio receiver and to the GPS receiver for receiving the signals representing the locations of the LAAS and of the aircraft, respectively, and for calculating the distance of the aircraft from the LAAS. A signaling mechanism coupled to the controller provides to the pilot of the aircraft with information representing the distance of the aircraft to the end of the runway.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for computing GPS receiver position without using absolute time information transmitted by the satellite or by an alternative source of timing available at the GPS receiver. The GPS receiver is contained in an integrated receiver that also includes a wireless communication transceiver, but does not have access to an accurate source of absolute time information. The wireless transceiver communicates through a wireless network to a server. The GPS receiver measures satellite pseudoranges and uses the wireless communication transceiver to send the pseudoranges to the server. The server fits the pseudoranges to a mathematical model in which the GPS receiver position and the absolute time are unknown parameters. The server then computes a position and absolute time that best fit the model, thus yielding the correct position for the GPS receiver, and the absolute time at which the pseudorange measurements were made.

Abstract: An approach to antenna design optimizes gain, beam pattern, polarization response, and other qualities through self-replicating patterns based upon iterative transformations and candidate geometric shapes. In the preferred embodiment Hausdorff structures are used to realize &lgr;n-arbitrary different radiation patterns, including patterns optimized for multiple frequencies. The most preferred approach applies a sequence of different Hutchinson operators to different geometric subsets, thereby achieving patterns which are not only arbitrary in terms of wavelength/frequency, but also permit variable radiation patterns and variable polarization other desirable criteria. In addition to the use of variable scaling, geometric patterns, and the like, multiple structures may be placed within the same spatial footprint to permit reception over more bands.

Abstract: A means and method to increase the beam traffic capacity, especially in high user density regions, of a multi-beam antenna communication system with multiple signals at any frequency transmitted (received) when in a transmit (receive) mode by canceling interference with neighboring signals. An interference cancellation network is provided for canceling the interference caused by the sidelobe(s) of at least one signal with one or more of the other signals in the network. Each power divider divides its input signal into one reference fractional signal and at least one non-reference fractional signal. Phase shifters/attenuators shift the phase and attenuate the amplitude of at least one of the non-reference fractional signals. Each power combiner combines its input reference fractional signal with at least one non-reference fractional signal into a composite signal emerging from the combiner. The phase/attenuation settings are selected to optimize the signal to interference ratio for each communications link.

Abstract: Method and device to carry out space-time estimation of several transmitters in an antenna network, consisting of determining the various arrival angles &thgr;mi of the multipaths pm transmitted by each transmitter.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for calibrating a wireless location system (WLS) to enable the system to make highly accurate differential measurements such as time difference of arrival (TDOA) and frequency difference of arrival (FDOA). Calibration is accomplished by transmitting a signal from an unknown location and measuring at each of two receivers the parameter to be calibrated from that part of the received signal reflected or refracted from an object at a known location in the area. A differential measurement error is determined by comparing the expected difference in the parameter measurements with the actual difference in the parameter measurements. The expected difference is known, a priori, based on the locations of the receivers and the location of the object.

Abstract: A computer program product, apparatus, and method for determining the position of a user terminal. It includes receiving at the user terminal a plurality of digital television (DTV) broadcast signals from a plurality of DTV transmitters, determining a pseudo-range between the user terminal and each DTV transmitter based on the DTV broadcast signals, and determining a position of the user terminal based on the pseudo-ranges and a location of each of the DTV transmitters.

Abstract: Apparatus for and method of locating a subject being monitored as to whereabouts. A beacon having a radio frequency transmitter and receiver is attached to the subject. At least three scanning platforms each having a radio receiver and transmitter and, optionally, an onboard microprocessor and an atomic clock, issue signals which will evoke response signals from the beacon. A central station having a microprocessor, radio receiver and transmitter, and preferably, a display or other output for annunciating location of the sought subject, manages the search. At least one scanning platform is a miniature, unmanned, remotely piloted vehicle, preferably an aircraft, which passes over a predetermined search area. Response signals from the beacon, when received at a scanning platform, are processed to enable determination of location of the beacon and hence the sought subject by triangulation. Time and location data are acquired by interaction with the global positioning system by the scanning platforms.

Abstract: A radio antenna including a first shorted patch having a first resonance frequency (GSM1800), a second shorted patch having a second resonance frequency (E-GSM) connected to the first shorted patch for sharing a feed point, and a third shorted patch having a third resonance frequency (GSM1900) located adjacent to the second shorted patch. The second shorted patch has an extended portion surrounding at least two sides of the first shorted patch, leaving a gap therebetween. The third shorted patch serves as a parasitic patch to increase the bandwidth of the second shorted patch. Part of the extended portion of the second shorted patch is extended beyond the top edge of the ground plane to which the patches are grounded.

Abstract: A spatial null steering microstrip antenna array comprising two concentric microstrip patch antenna elements. An inner circular antenna is used as an auxiliary element in nulling interference received by an outer annular ring antenna disposed around the inner antenna. The outer annular antenna is resonant in a higher order mode but forced to generate a right hand circularly polarized lower order (TM11) far field radiation pattern, thereby allowing co-modal phase tracking between the two antenna elements for adaptive cancellation. Each antenna element is appropriately excited by symmetrically spaced probes. Other applications of the antenna array include GPS multipath suppression, simultaneous satellite and terrestrial communications, and co-site interference suppression. Dual frequency band applications are achieved by stacked array configurations.

Abstract: An antenna having a plurality of conductive layers formed on a dielectric substrate. A ground plate and a feed plate are oriented in substantially parallel relation on two opposing sides of the dielectric substrate. A top plate, which is electrically connected to the ground plate and electrically insulated from the feed plate, is disposed on a third surface of the dielectric substrate perpendicular to the first and the second surfaces. One or more conductive layers are also disposed within the interior of the dielectric substrate parallel to the first and the second surfaces. One or more conductive vias extend between the feed plate and the ground plate through the interior of the dielectric substrate. In various embodiments these conductive vias are connected to one or more of the feed plate, the ground plate, and the interior conductive surfaces.

Abstract: A ground pattern 8 has a portion thereof removed in an area 13 where an inverted-F plate antenna 1 is mounted. This gives the inverted-F plate antenna 1 almost non-directional directive patterns as distinct from those obtained with an ordinary inverted-F antenna, and helps achieve a higher degree of gain isotropy.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated antenna array comprising a plurality of interleaved sub-arrays separately controllable and responding to either the same or separate frequency bands. Both arrays operate with substantially the same phase center and substantially within the same effective aperture. The first sub-array of array comprises of spaced linear radiating elements such as dipoles, log-periodic, Yagi, slotted-waveguide, patch, or array consisting of the same or different elements as used in the first sub-array, either on the same or an entirely different frequency band. Independent beam shaping systems are shown for independent operation of the two arrays.

Abstract: A reflector for use under a radome disposed on a mobile platform such as an aircraft for reflecting a portion of the electromagnetic energy radiated by an antenna disposed under the radome such that the reflected portion of energy impinges the radome at an angle normal thereto, thereby reducing or eliminating further reflections of the reflected portion of energy within the radome toward the mobile platform on which the radome is mounted. In one preferred embodiment the radome includes a base portion which is covered with a cover of radar absorbing material (RAM). In another embodiment the radome includes a curved base portion which is adapted to match the curvature of the surface of the mobile platform on which the reflector is mounted.

Abstract: An antenna for linearly polarized wave is accommodated in a case in which a heat sink is provided. By rotating the case depending on the vertically polarized wave or the horizontally polarized wave, wireless communication or broadcasting using the vertically polarized wave or the horizontally polarized wave can be selectively realized with high precision.

Abstract: A hog-horn antenna for producing two orthogonally polarized signals. The elevation plane pattern of each signal can be made to have virtually any shape, but is typically of a substantially cosecant-squared shape. In providing for the dual-polarization capability, the hog-horn antenna is designed to produce substantially equal gains for orthogonal polarizations, either simultaneously or separately. Two techniques to substantially equate the elevation plane radiation patterns of the two polarizations include corrugating or absorber-lining the surfaces of portions of the hog-horn antenna. Azimuthal pattern control may be achieved by corrugated/absorber lined flanges.

Abstract: A signal sensing module senses an RF signal and produces one or more secondary signals representative of the RF signal. An impedance matching control module generates a control signal, based on the one or more secondary signals, which is indicative of an impedance mismatch between a load and a communications device. The control signal is then applied to at least one variable impedance device to adjust the impedance of an impedance matching network and thereby reduce the impedance mismatch between the load and the communications device. In an embodiment, the at least one variable impedance device is a barium strontium titanate, thin film, parallel plate capacitor. In other embodiments, other variable impedance devices such as other types of thin film capacitors or varactor diodes are be used to adjust the impedance of the impedance matching network.

Abstract: A low radar cross section radome including a lower inwardly diverging cone portion; an intermediate outwardly diverging cone portion on the lower inwardly diverging cone portion; and a curved top portion on the intermediate outwardly diverging cone portion.

Abstract: An antenna system for receiving both circularly polarized electromagnetic signals and linearly polarized electromagnetic signals, the circularly polarize signals arriving at the antenna system from a direction normal or oblique to a major surface of the antenna system and the linearly polarized signals arriving at the planar antenna system from a direction acute to said major surface. The antenna system includes a high impedance surface and a plurality of antenna elements disposed on said high impedance surface, the plurality antenna elements arranged in a pattern on said surface such first selected ones of said antenna elements are responsive to circular polarization and second selected ones of said antenna elements are responsive to linear polarization.

Abstract: A method of presenting information to an audience. The method includes the step of determining the specific information which the presenter desires to convey to an audience. The presenter determines an organizational framework on which to divide the information. The information is then chunked into groupings based on the organizational framework. Each grouping is then displayed on a specific, separate display for dissemination to the audience based on the determined organizational framework. Preferably, the information is displayed on three displays. Each grouping of information and its associated position on a display is explained to the audience for maximum effect.