Abstract: A universally applicable fishing rod support capable of being utilized on any type of terrain and/or surface for the effective support and proper angling position of any type and size fishing rod placed thereon, wherein an angler is able to move from passive to active engagement upon the quick and unhindered removal of the fishing rod from the fishing rod support.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flow control apparatus and method. In accordance with the present invention, the flow control apparatus comprises a thermostat that automatically actuates valve to enable water to flow through the valve when the temperature of the air or water is at or near the freezing temperature of water (32° F.). When the temperature of the air or water rises above freezing, the thermostat causes the valve to close, thereby preventing water from flowing through the valve. Therefore, when the apparatus is coupled to an end of a water conduit, such as a water spigot or hose, water is allowed to flow through the conduit when the air or water temperature is at or near freezing to prevent the conduit from bursting due to water freezing and expanding within the conduit.

Abstract: A first phase change is introduced to an analog signal based on a symbol specified by a data signal, where the symbol is one of a plurality of symbols in a symbol constellation. The analog signal is added to the data signal to form a combined signal which is transmitted over a communication channel that introduces a channel phase change to the analog and data signals. After transmission through the communication channel, the combined signal comprises a phase changed analog signal and a phase changed data signal. A received symbol is specified by the phase changed data signal, and a phase shift is introduced to the phase changed analog signal based on the identity of the received symbol.