Abstract: A modular pool cover support frame is provided having standardized modular components that are easily assembled, disassembled, stored and shipped and when assembled are held together by compressive forces exerted by the weight of the pool cover. The modular support frame includes standardized spanning components and standardized connecting components for connecting the standardized spanning components which together with a tensioning device holds the modular components together employing the weight of standard pool covers and forces exerted on the pool cover.

Abstract: Systems, method, devices and apparatus are provided for reducing drag and increasing the flight efficiency characteristics of aircraft and airships including hybrid aircraft utilizing distributed boundary layer control and propulsion devices. Boundary layer control includes passive systems such as riblet films and boundary layer propulsion devices having a divided and distributed propulsion system disposed in the curved aft sections of aircraft and airships including hybrid aircraft susceptible to boundary layer drag due to degree of curvatures, speed and density of the surrounding air. Distributed propulsion devices include constructing propellers and riblets from shape memory alloys, piezoelectric materials and electroactive polymer (EAP) materials to change the shape and length of the distributed propulsion device.

Abstract: A tank for water-carrying appliances is proposed, in particular domestic appliances or appliances for the treatment of foods and/or beverages, such as beverage vending machines, in particular coffee vending machines, drinking water dispensers, cooking and baking appliances, steam appliances, in particular steam irons, steam cleaners, high-pressure cleaners, air purifiers and conditioners or the like, a suction connection on the tank for the intake of water from the tank, with means for generating a vacuum, and a filter connection for connecting a filter cartridge inside the tank being provided, while it is ensured that only one permitted filter type is used. A tank according to the invention is characterized by mechanical coding structures at the filter connection element in order to exclude the use of a filter cartridge which does not correspond to the tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water filter, having a filter head and an interchangeable filter cartridge, with a blend-adjusting element which is located on the filter cartridge. The water filter is distinguished in that during the operation of installing the interchangeable filter cartridge in the filter head, the blend-adjusting element is positioned together with the filter cartridge on the filter head via adjustable or fixed drivers. In a further embodiment, the water filter is distinguished in that an adjusting device comprises an untreated-water distribution element arranged in or on the filter head and a partial-flow channel guiding element which is complementary with respect thereto and is arranged in or on the filter cartridge.

Abstract: A tank filter combination is provided for appliances which use water, in particular domestic appliances or appliances for preparation of foodstuffs and/or drinks, such as automatic drinks machines, in particular automatic coffee machines, drinking water dispensers, cooking and baking appliances, steamers, in particular steam irons, steam cleaners, high-pressure cleaners, air cleaners and air conditioners, etc. having a suction connection on the tank for suction of water from the tank at a reduced pressure, and a filter connection for connection of a filter cartridge in the interior of and/or outside the tank to ensure use of a permissible filter type. A filter cartridge according to the invention is distinguished by mechanical coding structures with a polygonal structure on the circumferential surface on the output side of the filter cartridge to prevent the use of a filter cartridge which does not correspond to the tank.

Abstract: A tank is proposed for appliances which use water, in particular domestic appliances or appliances for preparation of foodstuffs and/or drinks, such as automatic drinks machines, in particular automatic coffee machines, drinking water dispensers, cooking and baking appliances, steam appliances, in particular steam irons, steam cleaners, high-pressure cleaners, air cleaners and conditioners or the like, with a connection being provided on the tank for supplying water from the tank to the appliance and with a filter connection being provided for connection of a filter cartridge in the interior and/or outside the tank, while providing assurance that only the permitted filter type can be used. A tank according to the invention is distinguished by mechanical coding structures on the filter connecting element, in order to preclude the use of a filter cartridge which does not correspond to the tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter cartridge for insertion into a water supply tank of a beverage dispenser, such as an espresso machine or the like, in which filter bed formed from filter material is arranged, wherein a connection to the outlet of the filter cartridge is provided to a connector element of the water tank. The invention is characterized in that in the filter bed (4) at least one region is provided through which flow passes from top to bottom.

Abstract: A two component highly portable and lightweight system for extending the transmission capabilities of Land Mobile Radio systems into areas lacking coverage due to structures, depth below the earth's surface, or varying terrain or other dead zones lacking coverage. The system utilizes the Radio over IP protocol to transfer two-way audio from one radio to another radio for re-broadcast inside a dead zone over a 900 MHz Ethernet-based point-to-point wireless link. The novel system includes RF to TCP/IP conversion and digital data transmission followed by a TCP/IP conversion to RF radio link and provides components and a method for bridging RF radio into dead zones.

Abstract: A collapsible dispenser for dispensing various edible and non-edible materials in an industrial or home environment. More particularly, the invention pertains to a foldable and generally pyramoidal-shaped dispenser particularly suited to dispensing granular, powdered or viscous liquid materials and includes a dispenser body having a dispensing end and an interior compartment for receiving and storing various materials. The dispenser body includes a foldable base that may be manually manipulated between a collapsed position closing and sealing a dispensing mechanism and an expanded position opening and unsealing the dispensing mechanism for use.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for a continuous replenishing of the lift gas and maintaining the proper pressure and lift of a tethered medium altitude aerostat utilizing a novel feed tube running the entire length of the tether. A first end of the feed tube is connected to the aerostat while a second end is connected through a novel slip ring means to a pressure controlled helium ballast chamber and scrubber on the ground to maintain pressure and lift by a reversible compressing pump. A plurality of pressure and temperature sensors and tension gauges strategically placed inside and around the airship continuously monitor the temperature and pressure changes in the aerostat. A data retrieval and communication unit mounted on the aerostat collects measurement data from the pressure, temperature and tension sensors which is relayed to the ground station and the data is used to regulate lifting gas pressure inside the aerostat.

Abstract: A novel positive traction permeate tube and fittings therefor are described for use in spirally wound membrane filtration elements for filtration and separation applications. Membrane filtration elements incorporate the novel permeate tube. Methods of making the novel positive traction permeate tube are also disclosed, as are the preferred sanitary stainless steel materials used for the sanitary tube and fittings. The novel permeate tube involves a sanitary tubing having two open ends, each with an end fitting. The end fittings engage a positive traction drive for high tension spiral winding of a membrane element spirally around the novel permeate tube. Membrane filtration elements made with the novel permeate tube are less subject to slippage and breakage during manufacture and can withstand higher pressure drops and flow rates during use without failure of the spirally wound membrane element. The positive traction permeate tube facilitates membrane replacements.

Abstract: A method for reconditioning Fire Control Radar APG-68 tactical radar systems (FCR) utilized in military aircraft and returning them to operation with extended useful life expectancies equivalent to or better than new of the FCR APG-68 unit high frequency, high voltage dual mode radar transmitters that are deployed in over 1000 state-of-the-art military aircraft such as the F-15, F-16 and F-18 fighter aircraft, and B-1 bombers. The novel method extends the mean lifetime of previously repaired and repairable FCR APG-68 tactical radar units and radar units and ageing transmitters from about 100 to a few hundred hours to about five hundred or more hours by the step of removing embedded moisture and absorbed moisture from the heterogeneous electronic components in the FCR APG-68 tactical radar unit.

Abstract: An environmental data collection system and method is provided having an internet link for providing an additional level of security for a remotely controlled data collection platform having a security alarm for protecting the platform and the environmental subject of the study. A novel lighter-than-air platform having a novel snorkel for detachably securing, mooring and providing buoyancy control is provided for the collection of data in the form of real time audio and video linked to the internet and subscribers. The novel snorkel is flexible and retractable into the novel airship to provide remote buoyancy control of the airship together with silently operating electrical motors for allowing the novel airship to be remotely controlled and moved at will to track and monitor wildlife and make environmental measurements necessary for the protection of the environment, wildlife and the operation of the novel airship.

Abstract: A warning light is provided for optically displaying at least one and preferably a number of different operating states, of a technical device such as a machine, an installation, a vehicle or the like. The warning light has at least one luminous element for emitting a sequence of illumination pulses within a specific time interval for the display of a specific operating state, in which the illumination characteristic of the illumination pulses are determined by at least one illumination parameter (P) such as brightness, illumination duration, frequency, color, direction of emission or the like to substantially improve perception of the optical display especially for a particularly critical operating state. This is achieved according to the invention by providing an aperiodic change in at least one of the illumination parameters (P) in a specific time interval.

Abstract: The invention provides a pump, in particular for water-bearing domestic appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines or the like, comprising a pump housing and a heater device which is in thermal contact with the liquid-bearing interior of the pump housing. The pump according to the invention is simple and cost-effective to produce. For this reason, the pump housing (2) is produced at least partially from plastic, with the heater device (11, 12) being at least partially connected to the plastic in an interlocking manner.

Abstract: An automatically activated backflow prevention device for water closets or toilets is provided having a substantially cylindrical support member terminating in one end in a cam shaped end for mating with a hinged flapper valve having a parabolic shaped or upwardly curving upper surface and correspondingly shaped sealing member disposed therebetween for mating with the cam shaped end of the substantially cylindrical support member. An elastomeric hinge member is provided for connecting the closure member or flapper valve to the substantially cylindrical support member so that when closed the flapper valve or closure member conforms to the confronting cam shaped end of the cylindrical support member with the sealing member disposed therebetween. A backflow water pressure responsive assist member is optionally provided on the lower surface of the closure member to assist in the closure of the closure member in response to backflow water pressure from waste pipes.