Abstract: A mixer is described having a Gilbert cell structure including a first input and a second input for inputting an RF signal, a third input and a fourth input for inputting a local oscillator signal, a first output and a second output for outputting an IF signal, a plurality of switches for converting the RF signal to an IF signal, and a dynamic bleed circuit for dynamically reducing the dc-current of the switches at the switching-point. As the dc-current of the switches is reduced at the point of commutation, the 1/f-noise is also strongly reduced without degrading the linearity. The switching happens at twice the local oscillator frequency. The mixer also includes a common mode feedback circuit that feeds the common mode signal, optionally amplified, to a common mode feedback control device that is in series between the dynamic bleed circuit and the supply voltage.

Abstract: A process is provided for increasing the production of PHA in a mixed culture biomass. In a first stage of the process, organic material associated with a substrate is converted to volatile fatty acids. In the case of a wastewater treatment process, if the wastewater includes sufficient volatile fatty acids (VFAs) to support the process, then it is unnecessary to convert organic material to VFAs. In a second stage of the process, an anaerobic-aerobic selection process is utilized to select glycogen accumulating organisms that cause these organisms to proliferate and dominate the open mixed culture biomass. By providing relatively high organic loading in the form of VFAs in the anaerobic treatment phase of the selection process, glycogen accumulating organisms having a relatively high level of stored glycogen are produced. In a third stage, the PHA accumulation process is practiced where the glycogen rich organisms are fed VFAs under anaerobic or aerobic conditions or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Inter-carrier interference (ICI) cancellation in an OFDMA receiving signals from two transmitters is performed by identifying the transmitted sub-carriers that cause the largest ICI to sub-carriers received from other transmitters, and removing the ICI contribution from these sub-carriers. This may be accomplished by calculating the ICI terms only based on the interfering sub-carrier and the frequency offset. Alternatively, the transmissions causing the ICI are demodulated, the ICI on other signals is then determined and subtracted, and other signals are then demodulated. Which transmissions cause the largest ICI on others depends on the relative strength of the corresponding sub-carriers and how much orthogonality is lost. The latter might be due to frequency error, Doppler spread, or a combination of both.

Abstract: A fabric gift bag is constructed from elongated fabric made up of two panels that are matching and which are secured by a perimeter seam. This multi-panel composite includes first and second end portions and an intermediate portion. The first end portion is narrower than the second end portion and the intermediate portion is wider than the first and second end portions. The multi-panel composite is reversed to form a modified composite panel. The second end portion of the composite is opened by spreading the two panels and the first end portion is inserted into the second end portion and secured to form the fabric gift bag with an open top and a surrounding wall structure made up of two panel portions disposed in side-by-side relationship. A retainer is extended around an intermediate portion of the fabric gift bag causing an upper portion of the formed bag to flare outwardly.

Abstract: A hand-held accessory for a camera-equipped device comprises a short-range transceiver to transmit signals to and receive signals from the camera-equipped device. A controller and a display are operatively connected to the short-range transceiver. The controller generates control signals responsive to user input, and conveys the control signals to the short-range transceiver for transmission to the camera-equipped device. The control signals control the camera functionality on the camera-equipped device. Images captured by the camera-equipped device may be displayed on the accessory display.

Abstract: This disclosure sets out a soldering wand control system. With a wand having a heated tip, a heater element and a thermostat for measuring tip temperature, an output signal of tip temperature is provided. Using an analog to digital converter, tip temperature is transmitted to a CPU along with a set point temperature. The CPU also connects with a binary switch which is toggled to input an operator generated signal for changing tip temperature. In the preferred form, the binary switch is a reed switch which is physically mounted for easy operation by an operator moved magnet. This enables easy input of a binary signal for changing the circuit and its operation. In one form, the binary switch is a reed switch mounted on a printed circuit board within the cabinet and is magnetically sensitive by virtue of an external magnet which causes operation.

Abstract: A scrub brush includes a bristle block having an array of bristles depending therefrom. Disposed over the bristle block and spaced therefrom is a handle that is supported by a pair of spaced apart handle supports that extend between the bristle block and the handle. Disposed on the bristle block is a relatively soft foam knuckle protector for engaging the knuckles of the hand of a user while the scrub brush is moved over a cleaning area or when the hand slips with respect to the handle. Also, in one embodiment, the knuckle protector assumes the form of a removable pad that can be used for scrubbing, cleaning or sponging.