Abstract: An amplifier and bypass switch circuit includes a circuit input, a circuit output, an amplifier and a switching circuit. The amplifier has an amplifier control input, and a first amplifier output. The amplifier control input is connected to the circuit input. The amplifier output is connected to the circuit output. The switching circuit includes a control input, a switch input, a switch output and a phase matching network. The switch output is connected to the circuit output. The switch input is connected to the circuit input. The phase matching network preserves phase information when the amplifier and bypass switch circuit switches between an amplifier mode and a bypass mode.

Abstract: An adaptive predistorter system receives and predistorts an input signal so as to linearize the output signal of a nonlinear high power amplifier amplifying the predistorted input signal using closed-loop feedback of the output signal in complex form at baseband so as to adaptively change the amount of the predistortion of the input signal in the presence of high power amplifier changing characteristics.

Abstract: An amplifier system (120, 820) for radio frequency signals comprises a phase and gain adjuster (122) which receives an input signal and a control vector (C) for producing a distortion-adjusted input signal. The distortion-adjusted input signal is applied to a main amplifier (126) which generates an amplified output signal. A control loop generates a control vector (P) indicative of distortion of the main amplifier. A modified pre-distortion vector generator (199, 899) generates a modified pre-distortion vector (P′) which is combined with the control vector to produce a composite control vector (Comp). The composite control vector is applied to the phase and gain adjuster, thereby enabling the phase and gain adjuster to produce the distortion-adjusted input signal.

Abstract: A biasing scheme for a MOSFET that mitigates the MOSFET body effect. The biasing scheme can be realized replicating the voltage at the source terminal of a MOSFET and applying this replicated voltage to the body terminal. In this manner, the effect of the body transconductance, at high frequencies, becomes a function of the ratio of the well-to-substrate capacitance of the MOSFET to the sum of the well-to-substrate capacitance and the source-to-body capacitance of the transistor. At high frequencies, the biasing scheme mitigates the reduction in gain of a source follower caused by the body effect of a driven MOSFET within the source follower, improves the stability of a feedback network established by a gain boosting amplifier and the driven MOSFET by contributing a negative half plane zero to the transfer function of the feedback network, and reduces the power consumed by the gain boosting amplifier.

Abstract: A current mirror for providing a large current ratio and a high output impedance even in radio frequency operation and a differential amplifier including the same are provided. The current mirror includes a current source for supplying a reference current, a reference transistor, an output transistor, and a proportional-to-absolute temperature (PTAT) voltage generator. The current source has a first terminal connected to a first reference voltage and a second terminal. The reference transistor has a control electrode, a first current carrying electrode connected to the second terminal of the current source, and a second current carrying electrode connected to a second reference voltage. The output transistor has a control electrode, a first current carrying electrode connected to an output terminal to which a mirrored current flows, and a second current carrying electrode connected to the second reference voltage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to controlling load impedance during wireless communications to maintain amplifier linearity for transmissions, such as voice and high-speed data, having significantly different peak-to-average power ratios. At a desired output power, a first load impedance is selected for transmissions having a first peak-to-average power ratio and a second load impedance is selected for transmissions having a second peak-to-average power ratio, in order to ensure that appropriate amplifier linearity is achieved for both voice and high-speed data transmissions. Preferably, amplifier efficiency is optimized for transmissions having the first and second peak-to-average power ratios. Changing the effective load impedance may be effected by providing a first impedance network and switching a second impedance network in association with the first impedance network.

Abstract: A system provided for controlling an output frequency of a voltage controlled oscillator relative to a reference frequency. A method includes the steps of detecting a phase error between a divided output of the voltage controlled oscillator and the reference frequency, pumping a frequency control input of the voltage controlled oscillator with the phase error and adjusting a pumping gain based upon a magnitude of the frequency control input to the voltage controlled oscillator. This apparatus includes a phase detector adapted to detect the phase error between the divided output of the voltage controlled oscilator and the reference frequency and a charge pump adapted to pump the frequency control input of the voltage controlled oscillator with the phase error. The apparatus also includes a gain controller adapted to adjust the pumping gain based upon the magnitude of the frequency control input to the voltage controlled oscillator.

Abstract: A phase locked loop (10) for generating a variable output frequency signal. The phase locked loop (10) includes a controlled oscillator (14) to generate the variable output frequency signal in response to a tune signal. A phase detector (18) is activable in response to a gating signal (20) to generate an error signal representing a difference between a reference frequency signal and the variable output frequency signal. A loop filter (12) having a filter characteristic, filters the error signal and generates the tune signal. An offset cancellation circuit (22) is coupled to the loop filter (12). In response to an error signal representing phase offset of the phase locked loop (10), the offset cancellation circuit (22) supplies a compensating signal to reduce the phase offset.

Abstract: A novel circuit topology which provides for the digital automatic gain control of a VCO is disclosed. The topology of the VCO is based on the negative transconductance oscillator due to its intrinsically simple biasing scheme. A system parameter sensitive to the performance level of the VCO is firstly measured. A digital control signal is then generated in response to the measured system parameter. The biasing current provided by the tail circuit of the VCO is adjusted based on the value of the digital control signal. In this way, the biasing current of the VCO may be adjusted to an optimal value for all frequencies of operation. The automatic control aspects of the present invention is useful in monolithic implementations since it automatically compensates for variations in load resistance, process parameters and component tolerances without requiring expensive manual adjustments at the board level.

Abstract: An adjustable oscillating frequency function generator. The oscillating frequency of the function generator can be adjusted externally. The oscillation frequency is independent of the magnitude of the voltage source. Therefore, a pulse signal that withstands the voltage source signal can be provided.

Abstract: A cross-coupled voltage controlled oscillator having reduced phase noise. A pair of bipolar transistors having common emitter connections are coupled to reduce that oscillation frequency which is determined from a tuning circuit connected across the collectors of transistors. First and second varactor diodes provide analog tuning of the circuit, and a digitally controlled capacitor provides for a selection of a band of frequencies to be tuned by the varactor diodes. A current source provides the current to the emitter connections of the bipolar transistors. Second harmonic signals generated at the emitter of the transistors are significantly suppressed by a tuned filtered trap connected to the common emitter connections. By reducing the second harmonic signals, the phase noise or the voltage controlled oscillator can be significantly improved.

Abstract: A modulation circuit includes a band restriction filter 2, an attenuator 3, a modulator 4, a reference voltage generator 8, a comparing reference voltage generator 9, a voltage comparator 10 and an attenuator controller 7. The band restriction filter 2 receives modulation data. The attenuator 3 is connected to the band restriction filter 2 for adjusting its attenuation in response to an attenuator control signal. The reference voltage generator 8 is connected to the attenuator 3 for providing a reference voltage independent of a temperature and a power supply voltage to the attenuator. The comparing reference voltage generator 9 is connected to the reference voltage generator 8 for providing a comparing reference voltage independent of the temperature and the power supply voltage. The modulator 4 is connected to the attenuator 3.

Abstract: In an interconnect system for providing access to a common I/O terminal for multiple circuit devices such as drivers, receivers and electrostatic protection devices implemented on an IC, each such device is provided with a separate contact pad within the IC. The contact pads are linked to one another and to the IC I/O terminal though inductive conductors such as bond wires, metalization layer traces in the IC, or legs of a forked, lithographically-defined spring contact formed on the IC. The conductor inductance isolates the capacitance of the circuit devices from one another, thereby improving characteristics of the frequency response of the interconnect system. The inductances of the conductors and various capacitances of the interconnect system are also appropriately adjusted to optimize desired interconnect system frequency response characteristics.

Abstract: Several MEMS-based methods and architectures which utilize vibrating micromechanical resonators in circuits to implement filtering, mixing, frequency reference and amplifying functions are provided. For example, a method and apparatus for selecting at least one desired channel in an RF receiver subsystem is shown. One of the primary benefits of the use of such architectures is a savings in power consumption by trading power for high selectivity (i.e., high Q). Consequently, the present invention relies on the use of a large number of micromechanical links in SSI to VLSI networks to implement signal processing functions with basically zero DC power consumption.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dielectric resonator, a dielectric filter, a dielectric duplexer capable of reducing leakage of electromagnetic waves and capable of being miniaturized, and a communication apparatus incorporating the same. In each of the dielectric resonator and filter, inside a dielectric block, there is formed a L-shaped inner-conductor-formed hole having a bend at some point of the hole in a manner extending from an outer surface of the dielectric block to a surface perpendicular to the outer surface. An inner conductor is formed on the inner surface of the inner-conductor-formed hole. On the substantially entire outer surfaces of the dielectric block, there is disposed an outer conductor, with one end of the inner-conductor-formed hole open-circuited and the remaining end of the hole short-circuited. Around the edge of the open-circuited end there is formed an outer coupling electrode.

Abstract: In a magnet arrangement (M, D, P1, . . . , Pn) having a magnet coil system (M) with at least one current-carrying superconducting magnet coil, with an additional current-carrying coil system (D) which can be fed by an external current source to produce a magnetic field in the working volume which differs substantially from zero, and optionally with additional superconductingly closed current paths (P1, . . . , Pn), wherein the magnetic fields in the z direction, generated by the additional current paths (P1, . . . , Pn) due to currents induced during operation and the field of the additional current-carrying coil system (D) do not exceed 0.1 Tesla in the working volume, the additional coil system (D) is designed such that its field contribution to the working volume is determined taking into account the diamagnetism of the superconductor in the main coil system. This permits as large as possible an effective field efficiency of the additional coil system (D).

Abstract: A permanent magnet structure for maximizing the flux density per weight of magnetic material comprising a hollow body flux source for generating a magnetic field in the central gap of the hollow body, the magnetic field having a flux density greater than the residual flux density of the hollow body flux source. The hollow body flux source has a generally elliptic-shape, defined by unequal major and minor axis. These elliptic-shaped permanent magnet structures exhibit a higher flux density at the center gap while minimizing the amount of magnetic material used. Inserts of soft magnetic material proximate the central gap, and a shell of soft magnetic material surrounding the hollow body can further increase the strength of the magnetic field in the central gap by reducing the magnetic flux leakage and focusing the flux density lines in the central gap.

Abstract: A ferrite core structure and manufacturing method therefor comprise a ferrite core having gaps at both ends and located on fastening terminals, which are formed symmetrically, at both ends of the conductive bracket, and a pair of insulating seats being shaped at each end of the ferrite core column via the transfer molding technology, a conductive coil being wound on the portion of the ferrite core column which is not enclosed by the insulating seats while both ends of the coil is soldered. In this way, a coil type inductor element applied to a surface-mounted device (SMD) is got. According to the process of the present invention, not only the complicated process steps of commonly arts are simplified but also mass production is easier. Meanwhile, when the present invention is used, the configuration of space is more flexible.

Abstract: In a three-phase current transformer, a plate adaptor includes first to third coil insertion slots and is a magnetic shield. First to third Rogowskii coils are arranged in the first to third coil insertion slots. The metal adaptor is fixed with a phase-to-phase magnetic shield and an outer peripheral magnetic shield. An end magnetic shield is fixed to an end portion of the phase-to-phase magnetic shield.

Abstract: A coil assembly includes a spool having a wire wound therearound to establish a coil. A spool terminal extends from the spool and the end of the wire is wound around the spool terminal. A connector housing is coupled to the spool and a connector terminal extends therefrom. A portion of the connector terminal is adjacent to a portion of the spool terminal. Thus, the connector terminal can be relatively easily resistance welded or soldered to the spool terminal.

Abstract: An electrical conductor winding (70) comprises a plurality of laminates of electrical insulation (72). Each laminate of electrical insulation (72) has a slot (78) on one surface (76). Each laminate of electrical insulation (70) has an electrical conductor (82) arranged in the slot (78). An electrical connector (84) connects the electrical conductor (82) in one laminate of electrical insulation (78) with the electrical conductor (82) in an adjacent laminate of electrical insulation (72). The laminates of electrical insulation (72) are arranged such that the surface (74) of one laminate of electrical insulation (72) abuts and is bonded to the surface (76) of an adjacent laminate of electrical insulation (12). The laminates of electrical insulation (12) comprise a glass-ceramic material. The electrical conductor windings allow active magnetic bearings, electric motors and electric generators to be used at temperatures up to 500° C. for example in gas turbine engines.

Abstract: A fast heat rise resistor comprising a substrate, a foil bridge on the surface of the substrate, the foil bridge having an elevated portion and a contact portion, the elevated portion above the substrate, the contact portion in contact with the substrate, a conductive layer attached to the contact portion of said foil bridge. The activation energy and/or response time is reduced as the foil bridge is suspended over the substrate. Another aspect of the invention include a method of manufacturing the foil bridge and application to autoignition vehicle airbags.

Abstract: A remotely releasable security system for securing a barrier across a window opening to prevent unauthorized access to the interior of a building via a window, and to permit removal of the barrier for escape in an emergency or for maintenance. The security system includes a security barrier, a locking mechanism for securing the barrier to a window frame, a radiant energy receiver operably connected to the locking mechanism, and a radiant energy remote control transmitter for signaling the receiver to release the locking mechanism so that the barrier may be removed.

Abstract: This invention provides an on-vehicle electronic apparatus for making an automobile reach its destination in a relatively short time and preventing its driver from getting bored. A central processing unit statistically determines positional information obtained from the map information read from a mass storage unit and the information obtained from a GPS antenna for example and notifies the driver of the resultant information through a speaker or a image display unit. The novel constitution can change the planned routes to a destination and the timings of navigation to a planned route.

Abstract: A fire detection device luminance data over a time period longer than a repetition period of movement of a flame, to generate resampled data, and a device that calculates an average value of N (natural number equal to or larger than 2) items of the resampled data, and determines that the input image is an image of a flame, by comparing a count of sampled data items larger than the average value, or a count of sampled data items smaller than the average value, with a predetermined value.

Abstract: A monitoring and information system for a vehicle's brakes and tires. The system includes one or more position sensors and/or temperature sensors that are used to measure parameters of the vehicles brakes and tires. The measured parameters are compared to known threshold parameters with one or more comparators. When one of the measured parameters is outside the limits of one of the threshold parameters, the system provides a signal indicating that an undesirable condition exists on one of the vehicles brakes or tires and provides information about the undesirable condition.

Abstract: A remote control for an operating system such as a fireplace, includes a remote transmitter and a receiver. The remote transmitter communicates signals to the receiver to control the operating system. The remote transmitter includes a child safety switch which, when activated, prevents activation of the receiver by the remote transmitter.

Abstract: A travel information system broadcasts a stream of traffic event information relative to a given road network and a information collecting devices carried in vehicles travelling within the road network each filter among the stream of traffic event information to display only those traffic events relative to a selected travel route of the host vehicle. Each stored travel route is defined by placing the information device in a learn mode to collect a sequence of current vehicle position values during travel along the route. The information device need not include a costly and difficult to maintain large scale database representing the road network. The device thereby constructs and maintains a collection of frequent travel routes specific to the vehicle carrying the device and need not be updated to reflect changes in the road network, but rather allows the user to simply redefine the stored travel routes in light of current road usage and route selection.

Abstract: A system and method for alerting a user of an item on a to-do list if the user is detected to be close to the item's performance location. Each to-do list item is entered to a mobile user terminal such as one that might be supported in an automobile. The mobile terminal includes a GPS interface that allows an automatic detection of the mobile terminal when the automobile is in motion. Using the GPS interface, the mobile terminal periodically compares the position of the user with various to-do list item locations to determine whether the user will pass within a pre-defined proximity metric of the listed item. Whenever a particular criteria is satisfied, the system provides a notification to the user of a potential to-do list item. In response to the notification, the user indicates that the user has accepted the notification by transmitting a “confirmed” status, or has completed the item by transmitting a “completed” status.

Abstract: Printed boards 31 and 38 are disposed in two layers inside a casing 1, and a selector cursor key and fixer keypad 21 is provided on the cover 2. Selector cursor key switches 34 are provided on the first printed board 31 on the keypad 21 side while a fixer key switch 39 is provided on the second printed board 38. A protrusion portion 21a of the keypad 21 is made to penetrate a through hole 33 of the first printed board 31 so as to face the fixer key switch 39. The selector cursor key switches 34 and the fixer key switch 39 are arranged adjacently to each other in planar view so as to be able to be pushed and operated through one selector cursor key and fixer keypad 21.

Abstract: An input device with a user-selectable key that includes a proximity detector associated with the key. The proximity detector detects the proximity or touch of a user's finger and provides user feedback related to the function of the key, without actually activating the function of the key. This allows a user to determine what a particular key on a keyboard or other device will do by simply hovering the user's finger near the top of the key, or lightly touching the key without depressing it.

Abstract: A key switch signal recognition circuit including a plurality of key switch buttons, a plurality of key switch signal output lines, and a plurality of key switch button contact areas is disclosed. Each of the key switch contact areas includes a first wire set and a second wire set. The first wire set has at least one wire, and each wire of the first wire set has one end connected to a common line and an opposite end forming an open end. The second wire set has at least one wire respectively disposed in parallel to and electrically insulated from the wire of the first wire set. The wire of the second wire set is respectively connected to a key switch signal output line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrically converting a NRZ signal into a RZ signal. A NRZ signal is summed with a phase-aligned clock signal. The resultant summed signal is then passed through a biased PHEMT transistor which has highly non-linear characteristics. The transistor is biased such that portions of the summed signal below a predetermined level are clipped resulting in an inverted RZ format signal equivalent to the received NRZ signal.

Abstract: A method for converting an analog signal into a digital signal with automatic gain control includes inputting an analog signal into an analog-to-digital converter of a delta-sigma type having an output sampling frequency. The automatic gain control is performed in the analog-to-digital converter downstream of a delta-sigma modulator on an intermediate digital signal sampled at an intermediate sampling frequency greater than an output sampling frequency.

Abstract: A transmitter for driving a transmission medium employs pre-distortion to predistort the signals leaving the driver so that they will have an acceptable shape when they reach their destination and have been distorted by imperfections in the transmission medium. The change to pulse height is accomplished by means of a current steering unit that directs a controllable amount of current into the line for each pulse while maintaining the total sum of current that is generated constant in order to reduce noise. Control coefficients for the current steering unit are manipulated in an nxm register that automatically maintains the total number of bits constant while bits are moved from a location that controls a first current driver to a location that controls a second current driver with different properties.

Abstract: A remote terminal includes a receiver stage for receiving a transmitted signal and for delivering an analog signal. The remote terminal further includes an analog/digital converter for converting the analog signal to a digital signal, and a processing stage for processing the digital signal. The analog/digital converter is a delta-sigma converter having adjustable parameters, and the processing stage includes a tuning circuit for adjusting these parameters on the fly as a function of the transmission standard, of the actual rate of transmission of the useful data, and of the actual conditions of reception.

Abstract: A small sized digital Nyquist filter having a high processing speed is provided. A delay in a delay element in the digital Nyquist filter is synchronized with a symbol rate of an input signal, and filtering coefficients at respective taps in the filer are sequentially selected synchronously with a sampling clock in accordance with a predetermined procedure, thereby reducing the number of taps to 1/oversampling number.

Abstract: A data reproduction device includes an A/D converter quantizing a reproduction signal read from data recorded on a recording medium to produce quantized data based on a sampling clock; a reproduction signal determination unit determining rising and falling parts of the reproduction signal based on the quantized data, and outputting a gate signal corresponding to a result of determining the rising and falling parts; a leading-edge clock generation unit generating a leading-edge clock signal synchronous to a leading edge indicating a rising part of the reproduction signal; a trailing-edge clock generation unit generating a trailing-edge clock signal synchronous to a trailing edge indicating a falling part of the reproduction signal; a signal switch unit generating the sampling clock by selecting one of the leading-edge clock signal and the trailing-edge clock signal based on a value of the gate signal; and a signal supply unit supplying the sampling clock to the A/D converter, wherein the data reproduction devi

Abstract: A chopper type analog-to-digital converter has a comparator. The comparator includes an inverter circuit, a capacitor connected to an input terminal of the inverter circuit, a first switch and a second switch for alternately supplying the capacitor with a reference voltage and an analog input voltage, and a switch (inverter switch) for short-circuiting the input terminal and output terminal of the inverter circuit, and produces an output signal from the inverter circuit by controlling these switches in predetermined timing. To bring the comparator into the power saving mode, selectors supply the comparator with a power supply voltage and a ground potential as the reference voltage and analog input voltage, and a controller halts control of the first switch and second switch and the inverter switch when the output signal of the inverter circuit is placed at the ground potential. The chopper type A/D converter can reduce the power consumption and prevent the degradation in the accuracy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the detection of radioactive material in an area is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a transmitter operatively arranged to transmit electromagnetic radiation, a receiver operatively arranged to measure an intensity of the electromagnetic radiation, and processing means operatively arranged to determine the presence of radioactive material based on the intensity measurement. Two receiver configurations are possible. In the first, the receiver measures the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation reflected by ion tracks in the air proximate to the area scanned for radioactive material. Alternatively, the receiver measures the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation transmitted by the air proximate to the area scanned for radioactive material.

Abstract: A method to determine a target azimuth with a radar. The radar sends out a wave of N-pulse bursts. The method includes in one burst: splitting up a N-pulse burst into two half bursts, of a front burst and a rear burst; filtering the front and rear bursts 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; and obtaining the target azimuth Az at a value corresponding to a maximum of a Gaussian curve passing through points having components (&thgr;1, A1) and (&thgr;2, A2).

Abstract: A measuring system and method of detecting an object distance by transmission media with different wave velocities are described. The measuring system has a computer, a primary detector and a secondary detector. The primary detector is connected to the computer through bus communication and the secondary detector connected to the primary one through two different transmission media. The primary detector is able to receive separately a first signal and a second signal emitted simultaneously from the secondary detector through the transmission media. Moreover, the first signal has light-speed and the second signal has sound-speed. To calculate the distance between the objects which the primary and the secondary detector are attached respectively. The delay time of second signal and the wave velocity of the supersonic media are multiplied.

Abstract: An object type of a 3-D object sensed by a remote sensor for detecting objects to a side of a transportation vehicle is classified according to whether the object is a stationary object or a moving vehicle. The transportation vehicle moves along a front-to-rear directional axis. The remote sensor is mounted at a predetermined reference point on the transportation vehicle. A set of detection points is identified substantially to the side of the transportation vehicle using the remote sensor. A closest one of the detection points to the remote sensor is identified. If the closest one of the detection points is at a substantially perpendicular direction from the remote sensor, then a size of the object is determined in response to an area defined by locations of the set of detection points. The size of the object is compared with a size threshold. If the size is greater than the size threshold then the object is classified as a stationary object.

Abstract: A radar level gauge for measuring a level of a surface of a product in a tank having a two-wire process control loop, output circuitry coupled to the two-wire process control loop for setting in the loop a desired value of a loop current (Iloop) corresponding to the product level, a power supply circuitry coupled to the two-wire process control loop for receiving power from the loop and being a source of power for a microwave source, a microwave receiver, a measurement circuitry and the output circuitry and including a converter for transferring power from the loop to said power supply circuitry by means of feeding a first current (IDC/DC) from the loop to the power supply circuitry, a current generator included in said output circuitry for generating in parallel to said first current a second current (Ish) in the loop for maintaining said loop current at a value corresponding to said product level and a sensing circuit for determining the value of said second current and having an output indicative of the va

Abstract: A phase processor is disclosed which is configured to receive processed radar return data from a left radar channel, a right radar channel, and an ambiguous radar channel. The phase processor comprises a plurality of phase detectors each with an input and a reference input. The phase detectors are configured to determine a phase difference between radar return data received at the input and radar return data received at the reference input.

Abstract: A continuous wave radar system includes a transmitter circuit for generating radar transmitting signals, a transmit/receive antenna, coupled to the transmitter circuit by way of a circulator, and a receiver circuit, which is coupled to the transmit/receive antenna by way of the circulator and which is intended to process radar echo signals of a target object. The radar echo signals are received at the transmit/receive antenna, wherein the circulator serves to pass the transmitting signals, generated by the transmitter circuit, to the transmit/receive antenna and to divert the target object's echo signals, which are received by the transmit/receive antenna, to the input of the receiver circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed to track the position of the sun and direct an object to the direction of the sun, regardless of weather conditions or geographical location, among other disruptive or interrupting factors. The object may include a solar collector, solar cell, or test panel, among other possible devices or applications requiring near continuous exposure to rays of the sun. The apparatus uses a GPS device to determine the position of the object on the earth. The apparatus includes a controller operatively coupling to the GPS device. The controller calculates the relative position of the sun with respect to the object. The controller operatively couples to a positioning system. The positioning system includes a first drive and a second drive coupled to the object. Commands from the controller operate the positioning system to articulate the object and automatically direct it towards the relative position of the sun.

Abstract: A vehicle information system which includes an in-vehicle system 105 and a centralized server system 120. The in-vehicle system communicates with the server system using a wireless communication link 110, such as over a cellular telephone system. A position system, such as a set of GPS satellites 140, provides positioning signals that are used by the in-vehicle systems, and optionally by the centralized server system to increase the accuracy of position estimates. In one version of the system, an operator specifies a destination to an in-vehicle system which validates the destination. The in-vehicle system transmits specification of the destination to a server system 125 at the centralized server. The server system computes a route to the destination and transmits the computed route to the in-vehicle system. The in-vehicle system guides the operator along the route.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods, apparatuses, and systems for eliminating auto- and cross-correlation in weak signal CDMA systems, such as GPS systems. The invention uses parallel data paths that allow standard correlation of signals in parallel with verification of the lock signal to determine whether the system has locked onto the proper signal within the scanned signal window. The invention can be made with multiple CPUs, a single CPU with dual input modes, on multiple IC chips, or as a single IC chip solution for small, low cost reception, downconversion, correlation, and verification systems.

Abstract: A satellite system includes a signal source located on a surface of the earth, a surface of water, or in air; an orbiting satellite for measuring a position of the signal source, having a GPS receiver which receives a GPS signal from a GPS satellite system to measure the position of the orbiting satellite, a frequency measuring device for receiving the radio wave signal emitted from the signal source to measure the frequency thereof, a memory for storing frequency data and position data, and a transmitting device for transmitting the data stored in the memory toward the earth; and a ground station, having a signal receiving device for receiving the data transmitted from the orbiting satellite, including a computer for calculating the position of the signal source based on the data received by the signal receiving device.