Abstract: Robotic apparatus cleans swimming pools and has road and pulley wheels with belts thereon, on opposite sides and drive motors that rotate a wheel on each side to move the frame along a pool surface. Pairs of outside wheels have friction surfaces to engage pool surfaces to also moving the frame. Forward and rearward brush assemblies are driven to brush the pool surface. Oppositely facing and angled duck bill valves allow water into free volumes in the frame and are covered by a filter bag for filtering out debris under the action of a dual pump assembly that pumps water out through a pair of outlet opening in a top of the frame. A computer processor controls the drive motors and pump assembly to move the frame along programmed paths and rechargeable batteries power the drive motors, pump assembly and computer processor.

Abstract: Robotic apparatus cleans swimming pools and has road and pulley wheels with belts thereon, on opposite sides and drive motors that rotate a wheel on each side to move the frame along a pool surface. Pairs of outside wheels have friction surfaces to engage pool surfaces to also moving the frame. Forward and rearward brush assemblies are driven to brush the pool surface. Oppositely facing and angled duck bill valves allow water into free volumes in the frame and are covered by a filter bag for filtering out debris under the action of a dual pump assembly that pumps water out through a pair of outlet opening in a top of the frame. A computer processor controls the drive motors and pump assembly to move the frame along programmed paths and rechargeable batteries power the drive motors, pump assembly and computer processor.

Abstract: Storage stable polyhydroxylated aromatic ether adducts of polyalkylene oxide are described. Reactive compositions are formed by combining an ether adduct with an aldehyde, optionally further adding a phenolic-aldehyde prepolymer. The reactive compositions are cured by removing water, by acidification, or both. The cured compositions sorb solvated compounds from environments containing water. The cured compositions are also useful for pre-loading with compounds that are subsequently released at a controlled rate into environments containing water.

Abstract: An electric-powered submersible vacuum cleaner for filtering water in a pool includes a base with an inlet port extending therethrough. A plurality of wheels extends from the lower surface of the base to facilitate movement of the cleaner over a surface of the pool. An impeller coaxially aligned with the inlet draws water and debris from the pool surface. An electric-powered drive train is coupled to the cleaner and configured to rotate the impeller. A discharge conduit in fluid communication with the inlet extends substantially normal with respect to the upper surface of the base and circumscribes the impeller to direct the flow of water/debris drawn through the inlet by the impeller. A filter mounted over the discharge conduit filters the debris from the drawn water and passes filtered water into the pool. A rotatable handle is attached to and facilitates manual movement of the cleaner over the pool surface.

Abstract: Storage stable polyhydroxylated aromatic ether adducts of polyalkylene oxide are described. Reactive compositions are formed by combining an ether adduct with an aldehyde, optionally further adding a phenolic-aldehyde prepolymer. The reactive compositions are cured by removing water, by acidification, or both. The cured compositions sorb solvated compounds from environments containing water. The cured compositions are also useful for pre-loading with compounds that are subsequently released at a controlled rate into environments containing water.

Abstract: Storage stable polyhydroxylated aromatic ether adducts of polyalkylene oxide are described. Reactive compositions are formed by combining an ether adduct with an aldehyde, optionally further adding a phenolic-aldehyde prepolymer. The reactive compositions are cured by removing water, by acidification, or both. The cured compositions sorb solvated compounds from environments containing water. The cured compositions are also useful for pre-loading with compounds that are subsequently released at a controlled rate into environments containing water.

Abstract: Storage stable polyhydroxylated aromatic ether adducts of polyalkylene oxide are described. Reactive compositions are formed by combining an ether adduct with an aldehyde, optionally further adding a phenolic-aldehyde prepolymer. The reactive compositions are cured by removing water, by acidification, or both. The cured compositions sorb solvated compounds from environments containing water. The cured compositions are also useful for pre-loading with compounds that are subsequently released at a controlled rate into environments containing water.

Abstract: A solid phase mixed solvent polymer, compositions and methods for removing and retaining solvated organic compounds and inorganic ions from water, wastewater, superficial and ground water, soil and other environmental sources, a soil amendment and method resulting from adhesively coating the polymer onto sand along with at least one ion exchange material, and methods for the containment, reduction, and prevention of organic leaching from soils, agricultural, industrial, and commercial environments, and in particular, sports and athletic turf facilities such as golf courses where pesticides are frequently applied.

Abstract: A solid phase mixed solvent polymer, compositions and methods for removing and retaining solvated organic compounds and inorganic ions from water, wastewater, superficial and ground water, soil and other environmental sources, a soil amendment and method resulting from adhesively coating the polymer onto sand along with at least one ion exchange material, and methods for the containment, reduction, and prevention of organic leaching from soils, agricultural, industrial, and commercial environments, and in particular, sports and athletic turf facilities such as golf courses where pesticides are frequently applied.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for preventing mud slides comprising determining an area of soil to which to apply heat to evaporate water accumulation therein; determining, as a function of water drainage and water accumulation, a desired rate of water evaporation to maintain rigidity of the soil; and applying the determined amount of heat to the soil thereby to prevent mud slides. A series of electrical heating units are deployed strategically in the soil, and are energized by controlled amounts of energy in accordance with the level of a feedback signal from respective sensors located in the respective heating units. Mud slides may be prevented by determining a specific pattern in the area subjected to mud slides in which to deploy a series of heating units so as to form a rigid barrier which holds in place compliant soil in proximity to the rigid barrier.