Abstract: A basketball backboard may include one or more weights disposed proximate the perimeter of the backboard in order to enhance the rebounding characteristics of the backboard. In particular, a first weight may be positioned proximate a first side of the backboard and a second weight may be positioned proximate a second side of the backboard in order to enhance the rebounding characteristics of the backboard. Advantageously, the weights may be positioned internally within the backboard or the weights may be positioned externally to the backboard. In addition, the weights may be selectively or permanently attached to the backboard, and the weights may also be sized and configured to increase the rigidity of the basketball backboard.

Abstract: A picnic table may include a table and one or more seat members disposed about the table. One end of each seat member is preferably pivotally attached to the table by a support structure so that the seat member may pivot or rotate between various positions relative to the table top. One or more feet may be connected to the support structures and the feet may be sized and configured to facilitate movement of the seat members relative to the table top. The picnic table may also include a frame and the frame may include a plurality of elongated support members with a first end and a second end. The elongated support members may be interconnected to form a generally polygon-shaped structure and an end of each support member may extend beyond the perimeter of the generally polygon-shaped structure.

Abstract: A transmitter is provided which includes a transmitting circuit that does not require a high-performance low noise VCO restricting cost reduction thereof and that can reduce the number of parts without requiring an RF filter. A direct conversion that does not require a transmission VCO is applied to the transmitting circuit. In order to achieve noise reduction in a receiving band, low-pass filters are provided a IQ input sections of a modulator that converts IQ signals into RF signals. In comparison with a conventional transmitter using offset PLL, an external VCO required in addition to an RF integrated circuit, a power amplifier, and a front end circuit is reduced. Even in current transistor performance, by using a filter having rapid waveform characteristics such as a SAW more inexpensive than the VCO, or the like, it is possible to provide a GSM/GSM 1800/GSM1900 triple band transmitter.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit device for communication is provided with a PLL circuit or the like formed therein, the PLL circuit which is capable of realizing the compensation of fluctuation due to temperature change, the inhibition of increase in the chip area and the ensurement of the performance margin, and which controls a VCO having multiple oscillation frequency bands. In the case where automatic calibration is performed by switching a switch to a side of a DC voltage source in the PLL circuit using a VCO having multiple oscillation bands, a tuning voltage (Vtune) of an RFVCO is fixed to a voltage value of a DC voltage source. However, since a temperature characteristic of canceling a VCO oscillation frequency is given to the DC voltage source, it is possible to minimize the influence on the band selection when a calibration table comes to no optimum one.

Abstract: A basketball goal system may include a backboard, an elongated support that positions the backboard above a playing surface, a backboard support assembly that connects the backboard to the elongated support, and a goal support assembly with a rim and a support member. Preferably the support member is attached to the backboard support assembly behind a plane that is generally aligned with the front surface of the backboard. In addition, the basketball goal system may include a resistance mechanism to create a breakaway type basketball rim. The resistance mechanism is also preferably positioned behind a plane that is generally aligned with the front surface of the backboard. Advantageously, the basketball goal system may be part of a portable basketball system and/or a basketball system in which the height of the backboard and rim is adjustable relative to the playing surface.

Abstract: A transmitter adopting a polar loop system including a phase control loop for controlling the phase of a carrier signal outputted from a transmitting oscillator and an amplitude control loop for controlling the amplitude of a transmitting output signal outputted from a power amplification circuit, and designed to be capable of performing transmission using a GMSK modulation mode and transmission using an 8-PSK modulation mode. In the transmitter, the phase control loop is shared as a phase control loop for use in the GMSK modulation mode and a phase control loop for use in the 8-PSK modulation mode. A component similar to any one of components constituting a loop filter is provided in parallel therewith so that the component can be connected or disconnected in accordance with the modulation mode, for example, by use of a switching element.

Abstract: A polar-loop wireless communication apparatus includes, on a forward path between an amplitude detector and a power amplifier which constitute an amplitude control loop, a variable gain amplifier and a switch to change characteristics of a loop filter to output a frequency bandwidth of the amplitude control loop to an order less than an order for normal operation. The system is operated with the characteristics set to the lower order to measure outputs from the power amplifier to calibrate the output power of the power transmitter, and the register is operated with the characteristics set to the higher order to measure the open loop gain of the amplitude control. According to results of the calculation, data to correct gain characteristics of the variable gain amplifier with respect to an output control signal is stored in a nonvolatile memory of a baseband circuit.

Abstract: A fluid treatment system is disclosed that includes a replaceable and/or serviceable fluid treatment cartridge for treating fluid passing therethrough, and a connector head configured to detachably support the fluid treatment cartridge. The cartridge includes a device for storing data related to the performance and/or identity of the cartridge, and a mechanism is provided to facilitate an exchange of data between the fluid treatment cartridge and a monitoring device configured to process the data.

Abstract: An antenna circuit for a mobile telecommunication device. The circuit comprises a power amplifier for amplifying, in use, a signal to be transmitted. An antenna transmits signals output from the power amplifier. Switching means introduces, dependent upon the gain setting of the power amplifier, an attenuator between the output of the power amplifier and the antenna.

Abstract: A table may include a table top, a frame and one or more legs. The table may also include one or more corner guards that are sized and configured to protect the table. The corner guards may be generally aligned with the table top and/or the frame. The corner guards may also facilitate attachment of the frame to the table top and the corner guards may facilitate stacking of the table. In addition, the corner guards may allow an aesthetically pleasing table to be constructed and, if the corner guards are selectively attached, then the corner guards may be easily repaired and/or replaced.

Abstract: A basketball backboard may include one or more weights disposed proximate the perimeter of the backboard in order to enhance the rebounding characteristics of the backboard. In particular, a first weight may be positioned proximate a first side of the backboard and a second weight may be positioned proximate a second side of the backboard in order to enhance the rebounding characteristics of the backboard. Advantageously, the weights may be positioned internally within the backboard or the weights may be positioned externally to the backboard. In addition, the weights may be selectively or permanently attached to the backboard, and the weights may also be sized and configured to increase the rigidity of the basketball backboard.

Abstract: A fence may include one or more fence panels and the fence panels are preferably constructed from blow-molded plastic. The fence panels may include a support structure that is sized and configured to support the fence panels. The fence may also include a mower strip to obstruct plant growth proximate the fence. The mower strip is preferably constructed of plastic and it may be integrally formed with the fence panels. The fence may include one or more filler fence panels. Advantageously, the filler fence panels may be sized and configured to support and/or position the fence panels above an uneven surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a new multi component counter top water filtration system having two filtration media cartridges, one media cartridge being replaceable at least twice before the second media cartridge exceeds its useful life and requires replacement and includes a mechanism for disengaging the o-rings associated with the operative connection of the inner filter media cartridge with the outer filter media cartridge without rotation thereof during replacement of the inner filter media cartridge and includes the separation of the plumbing and electronic components wherein the lower housing unit houses the plumbing components such as the water filtration pressure vessel, tubing and flow indication signaling device and the upper unit houses the electronics component and filtration methods related thereto and methods of operating same.

Abstract: A communication semiconductor integrated circuit has an oscillator circuit forming part of a transmission PLL circuit fabricated on a single semiconductor chip together with an oscillator circuit forming part of a reception PLL circuit and an oscillator circuit for an intermediate frequency. The oscillator circuit for the transmission PLL circuit is configured to be operable in a plurality of bands. The communication semiconductor integrated circuit also comprises a circuit for measuring the oscillating frequency of the oscillator circuit for the transmission PLL circuit, and a storage circuit for storing the result of measurement made by the measuring circuit. A band to be used by the oscillator circuit for the transmission PLL circuit is determined based on values for setting the oscillating frequencies of the oscillator circuit forming part of the reception PLL circuit and the intermediate frequency oscillator circuit, and the result of measurement stored in the storage circuit.

Abstract: A fluid treatment system is provided, the system including a fluid treatment cartridge for treating fluid passing therethrough. The cartridge has an inlet through which untreated fluid enters the cartridge and an outlet from which treated fluid exits the cartridge. The cartridge also has a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag for storing data. The fluid treatment system also includes a connection manifold configured to detachably support the fluid treatment cartridge. The connection manifold has an inlet flow path for directing untreated fluid to the inlet of the cartridge and an outlet flow path for directing treated fluid from the outlet of the cartridge, and a data sensor for reading data stored on the RFID tag. The fluid treatment system further includes means for evaluating the data stored on the RFID tag and read by the data sensor, as well as means for deterring fluid treatment system use based upon the evaluation of the data stored on the RFID tag and read by the data sensor.

Abstract: A basketball goal system having a lightweight blow molded support frame and a transparent acrylic backboard is disclosed. The support frame includes an outer periphery and a support structure that is disposed within the outer periphery. The support structure divides the frame into two or more sections and at least a portion of the two or more sections are preferably covered by the acrylic backboard. Advantageously, the support structure and frame can create a lightweight basketball backboard with consistent rebounding characteristics.

Abstract: A filter and filter material for providing or treating potable water is provided. The filter includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a filter material disposed within the housing, the filter material formed at least in part from a mixture of a plurality of mesoporous and microporous activated carbon particles. Preferably, at least some of the mesoporous activated carbon filter particles are coated with a cationic polymer, and even more preferably, at least some of the particles are coated with a cationic polymer and silver or a silver containing material. Kits comprising filters and information relating to the reduction, killing or removal of bacteria, viruses, microbials, and TTHM are also provided.

Abstract: A support pole for a basketball system is preferably adjustable in height to allow a basketball goal to be located at various heights. The support pole may include a first section and a second section that are movable relative to each other. An adjustment assembly may hold the first and second support pole sections in a generally fixed position and allow the support pole sections to be moved, which may allow the height of the basketball goal to be adjusted. The adjustment assembly may include, for example, one or more surfaces that frictionally abut or contact one or more support pole sections. The adjustment assembly may also include one or more structures that are inserted into openings, apertures, detents or the like to secure the support pole at a desired length. In addition, the adjustment assembly may include a handle, trigger or the like to allow the length of the support pole to be adjusted.