Abstract: A signal accessory for a molded case circuit breaker, with the circuit breaker (10) having an operating mechanism (40) with a cradle pin (41b), a cross bar (55) and a trip bar (54) and a main breaker cover (20). The signal accessory (300) comprises a signal accessory mounting (301) having a bottom mount (308) and a top mount (306) coupled to the bottom mount (308) with the top mount configured to receive a switch (302, 304) and engage the breaker cover (20) in an accessory socket (22). A switch member (311) is rotably mounted on the bottom mount (308) with the switch member (311) having an actuator lever (322) in contact with the operating mechanism (40) of the circuit breaker (10) and an actuator pad (314) in contact with a switch mounted on the top mount (306).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an alloy type thermal fuse and a fuse element which are particularly useful as a thermoprotector for a battery. It is an object of the invention to provide an alloy type thermal fuse in which a ternary In—Sn—Bi alloy or an alloy in which Ag or Cu is added to the ternary alloy is used as a fuse element, or the fuse element wherein dispersion of the operating temperature can be satisfactorily suppressed, the operating temperature can be set to about 100° C. or lower, and the specific resistance and the mechanical strength of the fuse element can be sufficiently ensured. A low-melting fusible alloy serving as the fuse element has an alloy composition of 50 to 55% In, 25 to 40% Sn, and balance Bi. In a preferable range of the composition, In is 51 to 53%, Sn is 32 to 36%, and a balance is Bi.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a base housing comprising a contact cavity therein, first and second terminals at least partially located within said contact cavity, and a thermal trigger element fixedly coupled to said first terminal and in electrical contact with said second terminal in normal operation is provided. The thermal element is configured to activate and break electrical contact with said second terminal upon a predetermined current condition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for identifying objects within a set of objects, the method comprising the steps of transmitting a signal toward a region of interest, receiving energy reflected from said region of interest, establishing a baseline field strength for said received reflected energy, determining at least one frequency at which said field strength substantially differs from said baseline field strength for said received reflected energy, and identifying at least one object within said region of interest based upon said determined at least one frequency.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for activating a fire-alarm pull station. The pull stations includes a non-contact switch located within a housing, a movable actuation device linked to the non-contact switch wherein the device moves between an activation and non-activation position and an actuator protector linked to the non-contact switch to aid in preventing improper activation of the non-contact switch.

Abstract: A Moving Vehicle Comfort, Security and Safety Signaling System is disclosed. The system may be available as a kit for installation on a conventional vehicle, or it may be integrated into the vehicle (e.g. within a bicycle frame). The system further includes an improved lighted indicator assembly to provide other vehicles and pedestrians with additional information regarding the driver/rider's intentions. The system may be voice-activated or activated by manual switches, or both. The system may further include an anti-theft device for detecting if the vehicle is jostled. Furthermore, the system, when configured for a bicycle, may include a water misting system for dispensing fine water spray onto the rider's face area. A kit for installation on existing bicycles utilizes flat circuit tape for interconnecting the electrical components.

Abstract: An indicating instrument intended to be fitted in a vehicle and serve for vehicle speed indication (in km/h). The instrument has an instrument panel with a seed scale and a needle pointer which indicates the speed of the vehicle fitted with the instrument panel also incorporates an illuminable indicating area which is composed of firable/extinguishable light emitting means and which varies in extent depending on at least two different speed values, one of which is a speed relating to the vehicle fitted with the instrument and other is a speed pertaining to another vehicle. The indicating area has at least two separate demarcating edges which form indicating delineations with respect to the speed scale on the instrument panel.

Abstract: A guard enhancing multiple site, readily scalable security system combines human-based security personnel with a diverse array of fixed and movable electronic security enhancing components, and numerous modes of communications between said components, including hard wired and wireless applications. The security related components include event sensors, identification tracking for people and things, access control devices, security guard wearable computers and hand held computers as well as embedded data processing control and communications systems, with all sensors and sites capable of being monitored by a designated headquarters through checkpoint data processing components and base station components.

Abstract: A computer implemented communications method and protocol is provided which utilizes an XML based communications protocol for security monitoring purposes. The XML based communications protocol consists of numerous modules which receive and convert data messages from varying security devices and sensors, standardize and send converted messages, and encrypt and decrypt said data messages as necessary. With a security system core application (SCA) running on various integrated checkpoint, base station and headquarter based computers and/or other data processing units, the data messages are filtered and transmitted from checkpoint computers to base station computers, then received by a headquarters data processing unit. The SCA running on base station and/or headquarters computers analyzes, reports and logs environmental as well as security events within one or more subject sites.

Abstract: This new and unique system will revolutionize the way people answer their doors. It allows people to answer the door without having to physically go to it, from any room inside the home, or even from outside of the home.

Abstract: A control apparatus, including a memory device for storing a limitation or a restriction for allowing or prohibiting an operation regarding a vehicle or a premises. The first control device is located remote from the vehicle or premises and receives a first control signal from a second control device. The first control signal contains information regarding an operation regarding a vehicle or a premises. The first control device determines if the operation is allowed or disallowed, and if allowed, the at least one of generates a second control signal and transmits a second control signal to a third control device located at the vehicle or premises. The third control device generates a third control signal which at least one of activates, deactivates, enables, disables, and controls, the vehicle or premises, or a system, an equipment system, equipment, a component, a device, and an accessory, of the vehicle or premises.

Abstract: An open window security lock, subject of this petition for letters patent, consists of a staff having means for attachment of the staff to the window. Attachment means may comprise one or more suction cups. The suction cup is connected to the staff and attached by suction to a window. Typically the staff is mounted on the vertical surface of a window pane with one staff end touching an immobile portion of the window frame or touching an upper sash which moves independently of the sash containing the glass on which the suction cup is attached. The other staff end may be free or may be touching a mobile portion of the window frame at its maximum user selected safe protection open value. The user selected safe protection open value is of sufficiently small opening to protect the window interior space from entry by an intruder from the exterior space. The staff prevents forcing the partially open window any further open to gain access to an area.

Abstract: The invention is for a vandal resistant latch/starter-interlock assembly for a bus door. In the assembly of the invention, the alarm and the starter-interlock are part of the same assembly. The assembly includes box through which a modified latch bolt extends laterally. The latch bolt is locked by a vandal lock. When unlocked, the latch bolt slides or moves to allow the door to be opened. The alarm and starter-interlock are activated after unlocking the vandal lock. Typically, the alarm is activated when the latch bolt is moved, usually by moving a door latch. While the starter-interlock can also be activated by moving the latch bolt, it is preferably activated by unlocking the vandal lock.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, the optical security system consists of a first laser beam generation and feedback signal receiving station on one end of the security zone and a second laser beam receiving and feedback signal transmitting station on the other end of the security zone. The first station consists of a laser source that generates a modulated low-divergence laser beam and a first optical signal receiver. The second station consists of a second optical signal receiver that receives the aforementioned modulated low-divergence laser beam emitted from the laser source and a feedback optical signal transmitter which is connected to the aforementioned second optical signal receiver via a signal processing unit which codes the received signal and forms it into a feedback signal to be sent to the first optical signal receiver of the first station from the transmitter of the second station. In the system of the second embodiment the feedback signals are in the form of IR, MW, or RF signals.

Abstract: An alarm interface for a merchandise security system is coupled to an alarm system of the merchandise security system. The alarm interface includes one or more wireless interface transmitters and receivers. One or more output devices are connected to at least one of the one or more wireless receivers. In one aspect, the alarm system includes a controller for sensing alarm events, one or more hubs connected to the controllers, and a plurality of sensors capable of attachment to a plurality of objects to be secured. A set of sensors within the plurality of sensors is attached to a corresponding hub, and each sensor or hub generates an alarm event when separated from the controller or object to be secured. The wireless interface transmitters wirelessly transmit one or more alarm signals from the alarm system. The wireless interface receivers are adapted to receive at least one of these alarm signals transmitted from one or more of the wireless interface transmitters.

Abstract: Antenna shelf tape is disclosed for use with items having radio frequency identification elements or tags associated with items of interest.

Abstract: An electronic article surveillance marker assembly comprises a housing containing an EAS marker and a strap member having a detent structure at one end thereof and a tail extending from the detent structure to a free end, one side of the tail defining ratchet structure retainable by the detent structure, the detent structure being retained interiorly of the housing, the tail extending outwardly of the housing through a passage formed in a first wall of the housing, the housing defining an opening in a second wall of the housing in registry with the detent structure, the tail free end being movable through the second wall opening into the detent structure to be retained in the housing.

Abstract: A detection device for detecting existence of urine or excrement in a diaper includes a sensor mounted on a diaper, and a receiver mounted on a care-taker. When the sensing line of the sensor detects that the variation of moisture of the diaper exceeds a determined value during a period time, the sensor may emit a wireless signal that may be received by the receiver mounted on the body of the care-taker. At the same time, the wireless signal received by the receiver may be converted into a warning signal in the form of sound or vibration, so as to inform the care-taker to replace the diaper.

Abstract: A low pressure alarm assembly where a switch for activating a low pressure alarm is operably associated with a link assembly which is operably actuable in response to the movement of a pressure responsive element. In one embodiment, the link assembly incorporates a pointer which is adapted to sweep across the plate of a pressure gauge into contact with the switch to close the switch and activate the low pressure alarm.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes at least one partial discharge (PD) sensor. The PD sensor is configured to monitor a component of an aircraft wiring system and to acquire a monitoring signal. A method embodiment for monitoring an aircraft wiring system includes acquiring a number of monitoring signals for a number of components of the aircraft wiring system using a number of partial discharge PD sensors. The method further includes conveying the monitoring signals from at least one of the PD sensors to a data acquisition system.

Abstract: A system that detects cellular telephone and other electronic use within an unauthorized locations. The location can be detected by GPS or triangulation, and once detected can automatically produce certain operations.

Abstract: In a method of controlling keyboard to indicate incoming e-mail, a specific driver is designed to repeatedly detect any new incoming e-mail received on a computer and any unread incoming e-mail in an inbox of the computer. A user is informed of the unread incoming e-mail via existing indicators on the keyboard connected to the computer. It does not need to add any new key to the keyboard or to modify settings and/or circuit elements for a controller of the keyboard to indicate the incoming e-mail via the keyboard.

Abstract: An instrumentation device for controlling one or more instruments, wherein the instrumentation device having an interface which accepts at least three sets of inputs and transmits at least three sets of outputs, the interface capable of transmitting signals of different voltage between the individual inputs and individual outputs of the interface and wherein the interface is capable of accepting, translating and transmitting as one of the at least three sets of outputs, input from more than one set of the at least sets of three inputs.

Abstract: A process for determining the location of entities carrying transmitters (TXs) that transmit TX ID messages to at least one receiver (RX) connected to a computer, in a network of computers. Each RX sends data messages to its associated computer which includes an identifier identifying the TX transmitting the TX ID message, the signal strength of the received TX ID message, and a RX identifier. Each RX computer generates badge hit messages from each data message, and provides them to a centralized computer of the network. The centralized computer generates a badge hit table having a separate entry for each badge hit message, which has fields including the information received in the badge hit message and a hit time indicating the time the entry was added to the table. The badge hit table data is used to determining the location of the TXs, and so the entities.

Abstract: A medical monitoring system includes a central station adapted to receive vital signs data concerning a plurality of patients, and one or more transmitter/receivers associated with the central station. At least one patient monitor is configured to monitor a particular one of the plurality of patients by collecting vital signs data from the particular patient, and configured to establish communications with the central station and communicate the collected vital signs data to the central station via the one or more transmitter/receivers. The at least one patient monitor is operable by a user to identify the particular patient from the plurality of patients, and to inform the central station of the identity of the particular patient. The central station is configured to associate the vital signs data received from the at least one patient monitor with the particular patient. The system, transmitter/receivers and at least one patient monitor may be wireless or wired.

Abstract: A vehicle parking network comprises a transmitter-responder device (TRD) for each subscriber and a complementary box which can be coupled to the TRD and only to it, and permits it to communicate with a central computer. The complementary box is provided with identification marks that can be scanned from the outside and includes a microcontroller, memory means and timing means. Once the vehicle is parked, the TRD is used to obtain from the computer a parking authorization and an allowed parking time. Then a legitimate parking sign is displayed and the parking time is downcounted until the allowed time has been completed or until the vehicle leaves the parking space. If communication with the computer cannot be established, the complementary box carries out an assumed parking procedure, stores its data in a buffer memory, and later transmits them to the computer for verification and registration. The computer communicates the data of each parking to the Public Authority charged with collecting the parking fees.

Abstract: A sensor including a housing having a bottom surface defining a plane and an impact surface comprising a leading edge and a trailing edge. The leading edge is spaced from the plane at a first height while the trailing edge is spaced from the plane at a second height. Preferably, the second height is greater than the first height. The plane and the impact surface define tangents to a first arc having a first radius at a first location on the impact surface. The plane and the impact surface define tangents to a second arc having a second radius at a second location on the impact surface. Preferably, the second radius is greater than first radius. In one preferred embodiment, the first and second radii are between about 10 inches and about 26 inches. A system for monitoring traffic conditions is also provided, along with a method therefor.

Abstract: A method and system compares combinations of vehicle or aircraft state variables against known combinations of potentially dangerous states. Alarms and error messages are selectively generated based on such comparisons. In one embodiment, pairs of aircraft state variables are selected and compared to known undesirable pairs of state combinations that indicate an error or a condition that a crew should monitor closely. The combinations and error messages are provided by the database. The comparisons are conducted on a periodic basis monitoring real time states of the parameters collected from various sensors and commands. Experts considering a matrix that provides an exhaustive pairwise comparison of potentially important state variables initially identify undesirable state combinations. Error messages and identification of potential alarms are generated based on both knowledge of actual accidents, and on use of expert knowledge to predict potentially dangerous states.

Abstract: The present invention provides several apparatus, methods, and computer program products for generating a terrain clearance floor envelope for use in a ground proximity warning system. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a processor that defines a terrain clearance floor envelope having at least two boundaries. In this embodiment, the processor defines at least one of the boundaries based on a runway position quality factor, an altitude data quality factor, and an aircraft position quality factor. Using these factors, the processor of the present invention can more precisely define the boundaries of the envelope about the selected runway. Further, the processor of the present invention does not unnecessarily increase the region between the envelope and runway where no ground proximity alarms are generated.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for delivering a time-efficient mobile vehicle route that encompasses multiple limited-duration events. A plurality of limited-duration events is selected from an events database. The events database is incorporated into a communication services database associated with a call center. Events are selected through the call center or through a Web site. A driving route is generated. The route is delivered to the subscriber within a vehicle by a synthesized voice interface.

Abstract: A computer keyboard which can generate additional symbols not presently available from keyboards including the trademark and service mark symbols. A computer keyboard having additional symbol keys. A computer keyboard having symbol characters shared on keys of the numeric keypad.

Abstract: A system and method is directed to filtering an entry associated with a Far East language character. A potential keystroke is determined for each entry in a database, contact list, text file, and the like. In one embodiment, the entry is a Unicode associated with the Far East language character. An index is determined from the Unicode based in part on the Far East language character. The index is employed to determine the potential keystroke associated with the Far East language character. If the potential keystroke approximately matches a received keystroke, the entry associated with the Far East language character is selected. In one embodiment, the Far East language character associated with the selected entry is provided to a display device. The Far East language character may include a Korean, Japanese, and Chinese language character.

Abstract: A zero stripper (10) accepts individual bit sequences, encoded either in ASCII or a similar such code as to text, or in any of the several methods of expressing numerical data in binary code (e.g., ordinary binary, BCD, hexadecimal, etc.). Zero stripper (10) also treats a plurality of such bit sequences within a bit stream, each bit sequence being marked off by a break code.

Abstract: We present a method and apparatus for performing adaptive data compression. An alphabet and vocabulary in the encoder and decoder is built adaptively and stored in a dictionary as symbols are to be encoded and decoded. Each time an unknown symbol is to be encoded by the encoder, the encoder adds the symbol to the dictionary and transmits it in plain in the encoded string. The code words transmitted by the encoder include symbols and indexes. The state of a prefix bit preceding the code word indicates whether the code word is a plain symbol or an index of a symbol or string of symbols stored in the dictionary. The decoder examines the prefix bit of each code word as it is received to determine if the code word stores a symbol in plain or in index. If the code word stores a symbol in plain, the decoder learns the symbol by adding a sequence of symbols resulting from the concatenation of previously decoded symbols and the first symbol of the currently decoded symbol and by adding the symbol to its dictionary.

Abstract: A wireless communication device of the present invention is provided with a binarizing circuit which precisely carries out binarization even if a level of an input signal is kept substantially consistent for a long period. The binarizing circuit includes: a comparator which outputs a data slicer output by comparing a generated signal generated from a demodulated signal with 0 level; a feedback circuit which detects a direct current level of the generated signal, thereby outputting an inversion signal of the direct current level; and an adder circuit which outputs the generated signal by adding the inversion signal to the demodulated signal. Since an offset canceller of the feedback circuit outputs 0 to an integration circuit when the generated signal falls within a predetermined range, the generated signal does not follow the demodulated signal even if the demodulated signal is kept at a substantially consistent level, thereby preventing the errors.

Abstract: A system and device suitable for use in performing a DC parametric test on an external load is provided. The device may be configured to apply a desired voltage or current to the external load. The circuit device receives a forcing parameter signal at an input and releases at an output a signal approximating the forcing parameter signal to the external load. The circuit device includes a first circuit segment between the input and the output having a search unit, an intermediate voltage point and an internal load between the intermediate voltage point and the output. A second circuit segment connected in a feedback arrangement with the first circuit segment provides the search unit with the voltage at the output. The search unit is adapted for generating a second voltage signal on the basis of the forcing parameter signal and the first voltage signal received and to apply the second voltage signal to the intermediate voltage point.

Abstract: A remote control locator that consists of a transmitter and a universal remote control as one unit. The transmitter sends a signal to a universal remote control that has a locator sensor within the confines of the remote control that has a beeper like sound as well as a light that is activated when the transmitter is used to locate the remote control. A clear colorful acrylic housing that allows the remote to have a glowing affect when activated surrounds the entire remote control. The transmitter is intended to be built within the confines of manufacturers products such as TV, VCR, stereo equipment, cable network and satellite control box.

Abstract: A method (100) for coherent change subtraction of mission and reference synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data (20′,20″) is provided. The method (100) forms (102) mission and reference images (22′,22″) from the mission and reference SAR data (20′,20″), registers (122) the mission and reference images (22′,22″) on a common plane to form registered mission and reference images (24′,24″), and forms (124) the registered mission and reference images (24′,24″) into at least one patch (26) containing mission and reference data (28′,28″). The method (100) then processes (126) each patch (26) by removing (130) linear phase terms (34) from the mission data (28′), trimming (142) non-overlapping spectra of the mission and reference data (28′,28″), and balancing (144) phases and amplitudes of the mission data (28′).

Abstract: Radar Pulse detection and radar signal length detection are used to detect and provide information for identifying radar signals. Pulse detection estimates a radar pulse size when it is too short for meaningful measurement. Pulse detection identifies a radar by identification of an in-band pulse without a communication or data packet encoded therein, or a communication error is detected with the in-band pulse. Signal length detection counts the length of a received signal after the received signal exceeds a radar threshold. The count identifies the received signal length upon drop of the power. The signal is identified as a radar when the power drops before a PHY error occurs, or when the power drop occurs after a PHY error and a delay time equivalent to the shortest radar signal. A radar signal is also identified upon a timeout wait for a power drop after a PHY error.

Abstract: A short-range radar system includes short-range radar sensor means and means (41) for HF-impulse generator for the sensor means. The means for HF-impulse generation are embodied for emitting impulses with adjustable pulse duration (51, 53).

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and apparatus for cascaded processing of signals in a phased array antenna system in which a plurality of antenna elements are configured as a plurality of sub-arrays. A weighting factor is applied to each of the antenna elements to form a plurality of sub-array beams, each pointed in a selected direction. For each sub-array, an output from each the antenna elements in the sub-array can be combined to produce a sub-array output signal. The sub-array output signals are selectively weighted and combined in a fully adaptive process. Subsequently, the system can estimate an angle-of-arrival direction for a signal-of-interest (“SOI”) and at least one signal-not-of-interest (“SNOI”). Based on this estimating step, the system calculates a new set of weighting factors for controlling one or more of the sub-array beams to improve the signal-to-noise plus interference ratio obtained for the SOI in the array output signal.

Abstract: A method and system for generating and processing object identifiers in an e-commerce environment. The system comprises a database for holding objects; at least one identification system for providing unique identifiers for objects, wherein the identification system obtains location and time information from a global positioning system (GPS) and encodes the location and time information into each unique identifier; and an application for processing the objects, wherein the application includes a system for processing the unique identifier.

Abstract: A partially deployed antenna array system that provides many beams per array and also reduces the amount of expensive advanced high density packaging that is required. The beamforming circuitry is located on the spacecraft bus, while the frequency converters, amplifiers, and antenna elements are deployed. The antenna array system for a spacecraft comprises a deployed antenna comprising a plurality of antenna elements operable to transmit or receive a radio frequency signal, a beamformer mounted in the body of the spacecraft operable to process a radio frequency signal or an intermediate frequency signal, and a transmission medium operable to communicate the radio frequency signal or the intermediate frequency signal between the beamformer and the deployed antenna. The transmission medium may comprise a fiber-optic link or alternatively may comprise a coaxial cable. The deployed antenna may comprise a plurality of antenna tiles.

Abstract: This specification discloses a circuit-board antenna. The standing wave resonance is utilized to extend the radiation end of a dipole antenna as its radiation length, e.g. (n+¼) times the wavelength. Half the wavelength in the radiation direction of the dipole antenna is designed to be twisted, the radiation from which cancels with itself, resulting in a radiation gain in the radiation direction. The invention uses a circuit board to make such a dipole antenna. It can conveniently achieve the goal of self-cancellation for radiation from the twisty part. The invention can adjust the radiation orientation of the antenna to be upward or downward by modifying the extension length between the radiation end and the ground end of the dipole antenna.

Abstract: An inverted-F antenna is disclosed. Due to the limited space in notebook computers, the invention utilizes the design of an inverted-F antenna to compute the path length of a dual-band or triple-band antenna open end, thereby designing a dual-band inverted-F antenna. The path length from the open end to the signal feed end is exactly ¼ of the wavelength of the waves that the antenna emits. For antennas of different frequencies, the path lengths also vary.

Abstract: This patent application is for Tim Hunter for the sole purpose of attaining a patent for the antenna described in this document.

Abstract: A parasitic antenna includes a loop antenna and a metallic inductor, which is positioned on a side of the loop antenna and is isolated from the loop antenna. Upon receiving a signal, the loop antenna produces an electric field. The electrical field produced by the loop antenna radiates energy to the metallic conductor, causing the metallic conductor to produce an induced electric current, thereby generating an electrical field radiating outward. Because the direction of the electrical field produced by the metallic conductor is the same as that of the loop antenna, the radiating performance of the loop antenna is enhanced.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining an instrument boresight azimuth heading is disclosed. A typical apparatus comprises a gyro having a first input and a first output and a rocking angle generator having a second output, wherein the second output is communicatively coupled to the first input of the gyro, producing a demodulated signal at the first output. A signal multiplier is communicatively coupled to the second output and the demodulated signal for multiplying the second output and the demodulated signal and producing a multiplied signal and a filter communicatively coupled to the multiplied signal for producing a filtered output.

Abstract: An integrated dual antenna system for Global Positioning System (GPS), Local Area Augmentation System (LAAS), ground based subsystem surface mounted (pole/tower/platform/other) and coaxially stacked (over and under). The dual antenna and receiver system is specifically designed and tuned to receive only the direct GPS satellite ranging signals while highly rejecting the ground multipath (indirect) signals. The upper antenna is a Right Hand Circularly Polarized (RHCP) omni-directional High Zenith Antenna (HZA) with dual obstruction lights and dual air terminals. The lower antenna is an electrically long vertically polarized omni-directional linear phased array having a very sharp horizon cut off and is a Multipath Limiting Antenna (MLA). When the two antennas (MLA and HZA) are mounted together they become the Integrated Multipath Limiting Antenna (IMLA). Interoperability is assured by high RF isolation between antennas.

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 used to adjust the impedance of the impedance matching network.