Multi-Mode Patch Antenna System and Method of Forming and Steering a Spatial Null, US6252553, 06/26/2001

A hand-held antenna specifically for GPS applications is provided which includes a microstrip patch antenna having a ground board, a single radiating patch spaced from the ground board and a resonant cavity defined between the ground board and the single radiating patch. Feed points are provided, one in the geometrical center of the radiating patch, and one, two, or four equidistantly spaced from the central feed point and disposed at 90 degree angular intervals. A feed network couples fundamental modes of excitation to the side feed points on the patch and a higher mode of excitation to the central feed point. Amplitude and phase controllers are provided in the feed network for amplitude and phase shifting between the fundamental and higher order modes of excitation in order to steer a spatial null in azimuth and elevation.

Method of Dynamically Generating Navigation Route Data, US6246957, 06/27/2001

There is provided a method and system for automatically generating navigation route data for a vehicle. The method and system provide for storing in computer readable form at least one path object having a predetermined path object type which corresponds to a distinct predefined path type; and, for selectively reading and executing at least one such path object to generate a composite navigation route for guiding the given vehicle's travel. The composite navigation route may be formed by one or more path components defined by the path object. Each path object includes a plurality of defining parameters for geometrically configuring each path object's corresponding path type to form at least one specific path component. Each path object also includes a predetermined set of instructions for geometrically rendering its path component in accordance with the defining parameters.

Robotic Manipulation System Utilizing Patterned granular Motion

A system and apparatus for robotic manipulation of objects is provided wherein particulates are agitated by the transfer of energy there to establish patterned granular motion of the particulates, which then form standing waves. The objects align themselves the standing waves and thus are dynamically arranged in a configuration established by the location of the standing waves. The location of the standing waves can be predetermined by controlling the waveform of the signals applied to the energy application system. The predetermined waveforms are suppllied from the signal source to the energy application system.