Abstract: Techniques herein facilitate dynamic configuration of a wireless local area network (WLAN) for large public venue (LPV) environments. In one example, a method may include providing an initial configuration for access points APs of a WLAN for an event at an LPV based on a profile for the event, a location of each AP for the venue, and anticipated demand at the APs; determining, for a particular time for the event, a distribution of wireless devices and channel support capabilities of the wireless devices different locations for the LPV; and providing an updated configuration for one or more APs at the one or more locations for the venue based on the distribution of the wireless devices and the channel support capabilities of the wireless devices determined for the particular time for the event at the LPV.

Abstract: Robotic systems and methods for tank seal inspection. A tank inspection robot includes a housing containing a drive assembly, and wheels disposed outside of the housing and operably coupled to the drive assembly. The tank inspection robot also includes at least one sensor coupled to, or disposed in or on a portion of the robot, for collecting data sufficient to evaluate a health, mechanical integrity or effectiveness of one or more circumferential seals between a floating roof, and an interior wall, of a storage tank. The disclosed robot and associated method enable safer and more efficient seal inspection routines as compared to conventional techniques.

Abstract: A method for adaptive presence-based radio configuration of access points in a venue includes defining a number of regions in the venue in which access points are deployed, each region having a center point, and assigning a first access point to a first region, positioned at the center of the first region. The method also includes affecting a first energy level in the first region, which corresponds to a power of a transmit signal emitted by the first access point, and assigning to the first region a configurable capacity value that determines an acceptable overlap constraint between the first energy level of the first region and an energy level of a neighboring region. The method further includes generating data describing a tessellation graph in which a possible map of the access points is formed using an iterative descent process based on the first energy level and the overlap constraint.

Abstract: This disclosure addresses the problem of preventing sediment laden water (“sediment slurry”) resulting from hydraulic collection of nodules from the seabed from entering the riser and lift system that carries the nodules to the surface as a slurry. An example includes collecting nodules from the seabed by hydraulic suction, separating the nodules utilizing an inverse hydrocyclone.

Abstract: Imaging system comprising an anti-rotation mount and an image detector. The mount may comprise a first frame member having a fixed relation to a set of mutually transverse X, Y, and Z axes, and a second frame member. The second frame member may be connected to the first frame member via a coupling assembly, such that the frame members are not permitted to rotate relative to one another. The mount also may comprise X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis coupling structures each formed at least partially by the coupling assembly and each permitting axial motion of the frame members relative to one another only substantially parallel to the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis, respectively. The image detector may be connected to the mount via the second frame member.

Abstract: A rain water collection system for a blue roof system that includes a tray assembly comprising a container, a water absorbing layer located in said interior region of the container, ballast members and a cover plate. The water absorbing layer is supported on a first set of support surfaces to locate the water absorbing layer above the bottom wall of the container to provide a water collecting space into which will flow excess water that exceeds the water absorbing capacity of the water absorbing layer. The sidewalls of the container have openings therethrough to facilitate the passage of over flow water from the container and the introduction of air therethrough into the interior region. The upstanding columns have openings to facilitate the passage of air therethrough into the interior region of the container.

Abstract: Imaging system comprising an anti-rotation mount and an image detector. The mount may comprise a first frame member having a fixed relation to a set of mutually transverse X, Y, and Z axes, and a second frame member. The second frame member may be connected to the first frame member via a coupling assembly, such that the frame members are not permitted to rotate relative to one another. The mount also may comprise X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis coupling structures each formed at least partially by the coupling assembly and each permitting axial motion of the frame members relative to one another only substantially parallel to the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis, respectively. The image detector may be connected to the mount via the second frame member.

Abstract: A rain water collection system for a blue roof system that includes a tray assembly comprising a container, a water absorbing layer located in said interior region of the container, ballast members and a cover plate. The water absorbing layer is supported on a first set of support surfaces to locate the water absorbing layer above the bottom wall of the container to provide a water collecting space into which will flow excess water that exceeds the water absorbing capacity of the water absorbing layer. The sidewalls of the container have openings therethrough to facilitate the passage of over flow water from the container and the introduction of air therethrough into the interior region. The upstanding columns have openings to facilitate the passage of air therethrough into the interior region of the container.

Abstract: A T-shaped edge restraint for use in water permeable pavement systems. The base (stem) of the T has a plurality of openings to facilitate the use of spikes or anchors or to facilitate curving the edge restraint to accommodate curved sections of the pavement system.

Abstract: A T-shaped edge restraint for use in water permeable pavement systems. The base (stem) of the T has a plurality of openings to facilitate the use of spikes or anchors or to facilitate curving the edge restraint to accommodate curved sections of the pavement system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel, multi-stage irradiation process for the production of an acrylic-based adhesive or pressure-sensitive adhesive tape. The first irradiation step or stage employs electromagnetic radiation at a relatively low average intensity (i.e., 0.1 to 20 mW/cm2) and the subsequent step employs electromagnetic radiation at a relatively higher average intensity (i.e., greater than 20 mW/cm2.) Also disclosed are acrylic-based psa tape materials made by the novel process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel, multi-stage irradiation process for the production of an acrylic-based adhesive or pressure-sensitive adhesive tape. The first irradiation step or stage employs electromagnetic radiation at a relatively low average intensity (i.e., 0.1 to 20 mW/cm2) and the subsequent step employs electromagnetic radiation at a relatively higher average intensity (i.e., greater than 20 mW/cm2.) Also disclosed are acrylic-based psa tape materials made by the novel process.

Abstract: An awning is attached to and wound on a spring loaded roller. The roller rotates on shafts secured to shaft mounts at each end. The shaft mount is secured on the end of a support arm. A crank has a two prong engagement member that fits in a slot of the shaft mount. The shaft mount is released from the support arm and the crank is turned to adjust spring force in the roller.

Abstract: An improved winch crank assembly for use on typical flatbed trailers whereon cargo is secured using flexible straps is described. The present invention permits the rapid winding of the straps onto the winch and reduces the time required for winding the straps by tenfold or more. The present winch crank assembly comprises a portable crank assembly wherein a single crank can be used to wind the straps onto a plurality of winches on a single trailer. In addition, the portability allows the user to conveniently carry the crank for use on other truck trailers.

Abstract: An improved can body maker apparatus has a drive system for reciprocating a ram. The drive system includes a crank having a first half and a second half, both being adapted for rotational movement about a first axis in the can body maker apparatus. A brake disk is fixedly mounted on the crank first half. A crank arm is mounted on the crank second half. The brake disk and the crank arm define therebetween a second axis. A connecting rod is supported for rotational movement about the second axis. The connecting rod is adapted for mechanical communication with the body maker ram. The brake disk and the crank arm define in combination at least one additional second axis, wherein the rotation of the crank arm about the additional second axis changes the throw of the connecting rod for each revolution of the drive system crank.

Abstract: A child-resistant lock structure includes cooperative first and second plates arranged for adjacency relative to one another mounted to a respective refrigerator and refrigerator door, wherein a first mounting plate is arranged to receive a latch bolt from a second mounting plate in communication relative to one another, with the first and second plates having first and second suction cups arranged for ease of securement of the lock structure without damage to the refrigerator surface.

Abstract: A fuel filter with improved means of preventing water and particulate contaminant from passing therethrough including a cannister, a place secured to the cannister open end having a central fluid outlet and fluid inlet openings spaced from the fluid outlet, a rigid tubular fluid pervious member within the cannister having one end in sealed communication with the plate fluid outlet opening, a flexible filter medium surrounding the outer surface of the tubular member through which fuel really passes but which resists the passage of particulate matter and water, a first deformable washer having an opening therethrough secured to the end of the tubular member opposite that atached to the plate, a ball within the cannister and normally in engagement with the first washer, the ball having a diameter slightly greater than the internal diameter of the washer, and an annular seat between the plate fluid outlet opening and the first end of the tubular member, a second deformable washer member supported concentrically o

Abstract: A lightweight, free-standing, expandable shelter (10) providing protection against chemical and biological agents and against nuclear fallout. The shelter (10) has a frame comprising a series of U-shaped ribs (12) spaced and held parallel by a series of reinforcing members (16) connecting each adjacent pair of ribs (12) on each side of the shelter (10). A cover (11) made of flexible material which is resistant to chemical and biological agents is attached to the frame. An airtight floor (18) is attached to the cover material (11) so that the shelter (10) can be pressurized to a pressure of about one inch water gauge above ambient pressure, to prevent reverse air flow of contaminated air into the shelter (10). A blower (20) for pressurizing the shelter (10) and a filter (22) capable of filtering out chemical and biological agents are connected to the shelter (10).

Abstract: A monolithic integrated circuit D-to-A converter and programmable AC resistor network and current source is disclosed in which an array of FET cells formed on a semiconductor body is divided into a plurality of distinct sets which may be grouped in two groups of corresponding sets. The source and drain regions respectively of all of the cells in each group are connected in common. The gate regions of the cells in each distinct set are also connected. In embodiments comprising two groups of cells, gate control logic is included which may supply signals of opposite binary states respectively to the gate regions of corresponding sets of cells in the two groups.

Abstract: A snap slit door having at least one panel and a flat closure means used to reate tension in the door panel or panels, such tension acting as the closure force generated by the closure means for the door panel or panels. The flat closure means may be adjustable such that the tension and resulting resistance to opening is variable. Said door panel or panels may be of any pliable material to enable use of the panel or panels without hinges, and further to render the flat closure means operational. The panel or panels may be held in the closed position by any means which will self-release upon the exertion of a requisite pressure differential between the inside and outside of the panel or panels, effectively relieving the pressure differential. One such effective self-releasing closure means is a hook and pile patch arrangement.