Abstract: A bioreactor, including at least one rotating drum, a substrate on the drum whereon a biofilm may grow, a rotational device rotating the drum and substrate, and a harvesting device.

Abstract: A method and system for using power and timing estimates to acquire frame acquisition of a reverse CDMA carrier signal. The method includes providing at least one remote transceiver device acquiring a forward CDMA carrier signal, and the one remote transceiver device transmitting a reverse CDMA carrier signal modified to include a frequency associated with the forward CDMA carrier signal. A transceiver base station, in response to determining if the reverse CDMA carrier signal exceeds a reverse CDMA carrier signal threshold (RCCST), uses the frequency embedded in the modified reverse CDMA carrier signal to acquire phase of the reverse CDMA carrier signal. Achieving acquisition the transceiver base station signals a mode change to the remote transceiver. Otherwise, the transceiver base station signals the remote transceiver device to slip the reverse CDMA carrier signal a predetermined number of chips; and/or transmit the reverse CDMA carrier signal at a second power level.

Abstract: A block polyphase filter is constructed of a set of filter blocks having different filter functions, and being arranged for parallel processing of portions of an input sequence of signals. Signals of the input sequence are divided among the blocks by a demultiplexer for processing at a clock frequency lower than a clock frequency of the input signal sequence. The filter blocks are arranged in groups, wherein output signals of the blocks in any one group are summed to produce an output signal of the filtered group. Output signals of all of the filter groups are multiplexed to provide an output signal sequence wherein the repetition frequency of the signals may be higher, lower, or equal to the repetition frequency of the input signal sequence depending upon the ratio of the number of filter groups to the number of filter blocks in the set of filter blocks.

Abstract: A method and system for diagnosing data problems in a database. The system provides a test program for running simultaneously a series of tests on the database. In the test program, a set of queries corresponding to the series of tests are defined. Then these queries are refined as fields of a larger query, such that the test results appear merely as small tables. This technique can be implemented using SQL commands “WITH” and “LEFT OUTER JOIN.” The test program is configured to display automatically all the results from the tests in one table. By simply running the test program and viewing the table showing all the test results, an operator is able to diagnose easily the nature and location of the data problem(s) in the database.

Abstract: A demodulator, suitable for use in a communication system and in a modem, has a block polyphase circuit with circuit blocks for different signal processing functions, particularly filtering, delay, and frequency conversion. The circuit blocks are arranged for parallel processing of different portions of an input sequence of signals. Signals of the input sequence to be filtered are divided among the blocks by a demultiplexer for processing at a clock frequency lower than a clock frequency of the input signal sequence. Signals outputted by groups of the circuit blocks are summed to produce an output signal of the group. Frequency and timing reference signals, as well as fractional delay interpolation, are produced also by parallel-channel circuitry. Output signals of all of the groups are multiplexed to provide an output signal sequence such that the repetition frequency of the outputted signals may be higher, lower, or equal to that of the input signal sequence.

Abstract: A VTOL aircraft includes a wing, a propulsion system, and an air dam. The propulsion system is located in a central void formed in the wing to cause air flow from an outer perimeter of the wing over the wing and down through the void to generate lift. The air dam is located over the central void to promote flow of air over the wing. The aircraft also may utilize sub-atmospheric pressure gas to reduce the relative weight of the aircraft.

Abstract: A method and system for diagnosing data problems in a database. The system provides a test program for running simultaneously a series of tests on the database. In the test program, a set of queries corresponding to the series of tests are defined. Then these queries are refined as fields of a larger query, such that the test results appear merely as small tables. This technique can be implemented using SQL commands “WITH” and “LEFT OUTER JOIN.” The test program is configured to display automatically all the results from the tests in one table. By simply running the test program and viewing the table showing all the test results, an operator is able to diagnose easily the nature and location of the data problem(s) in the database.

Abstract: A header conduit assembly for a sediment collecting apparatus includes a tubular member having a plurality of mutually spaced (suction) orifices disposed in a linear array extending parallel to an axis of the tubular member. The conduit assembly further includes at least one elongate deflector member mounted to the tubular member in effective proximity to at least some of the orifices to guide sediment toward the orifices during a sediment evacuation process. Preferably, the deflector member extends parallel to the axis of the tubular member. Inasmuch as the tubular conduit member extends perpendicularly to a direction of movement of the conduit assembly on the floor of a clarification basin or tank, the deflector is oriented orthogonally to the path of the conduit assembly.