Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for operating a horizontal surface pump apparatus, including a motor operating a pump to pressurize a fluid inside the pump. A flow controller executes computer instructions stored in memory that define a selected flow rate of the fluid flowing out of the pump based on a flow profile trajectory stored in memory and related to an observed parameter of the fluid. A motor controller executes computer instructions stored in memory that map the selected flow rate and an observed head pressure of the fluid to a selected motor speed via a transformation function stored in memory, and that operate the motor at the selected motor speed.

Abstract: A saltwater disposal system and method that has a pump pod containing a plurality of individually controllable pumps. A tank pod contains a plurality of tanks connected to the pump pod to discharge fluid from the tanks by selected activation of the pumps. Each tank is configured to transmit a fluid level signal indicating a level of fluid in the respective tank. A flow controller executes computer instructions stored in a computer memory that defines a collective discharge flow rate for the tank pod from individual discharge flow rates for each tank based on a stored flow profile that varies discharge flow rate in relation to the tank fluid level signal. The flow controller also selectively activates the pumps according to predetermined operating rules to match a collective discharge flow rate of the pump pod to the discharge flow rate of the tank pod.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for operating a pump. A flow controller executes computer instructions stored in memory that define a selected flow rate of the fluid flowing out of the pump based on a flow profile trajectory stored in memory and related to a parameter of the fluid. A motor controller executes computer instructions stored in memory that map the selected flow rate to a selected motor speed via a transformation function stored in memory, and that operate the motor at the selected motor speed.

Abstract: A chain control device for inhibiting movement of chains used in window blinds, shades and the like for moving the blinds between operative positions. The chain control device is secured at a location remote from the shades' clutch/drive housing. The chain control device is characterized by redirecting tension forces applied by the user of the blinds away from the shade drive.

Abstract: A chain control device for inhibiting movement of chains used in window blinds, shades and the like for moving the blinds between operative positions. The chain control device is secured at a location remote from the shades' clutch/drive housing. The chain control device is characterized by redirecting tension forces applied by the user of the blinds away from the shade drive.

Abstract: A device for transferring fishing line between a supply spool (90) and a fishing reel (94) has a post (22) mounted between two rotatable footholds (30, 60) which are adapted to allow the user to hold the device between his feet as the line is fed from the spool to the reel. The post (22) is adapted to receive the fishing line supply spool, and to hold the spool (90) tightly on the post as line is pulled from the spool. The device of the present development is relatively small, can be used by one person unassisted, and does not require any particular mounting surface so it can be carried with the fisherman to any location where he is using his reel.

Abstract: A device for transferring fishing line between a supply spool (90) and a fishing reel (94) has a post (22) mounted between two rotatable footholds (30, 60) which are adapted to allow the user to hold the device between his feet as the line is fed from the spool to the reel. The post (22) is adapted to receive the fishing line supply spool, and to hold the spool (90) tightly on the post as line is pulled from the spool. The device of the present development is relatively small, can be used by one person unassisted, and does not require any particular mounting surface so it can be carried with the fisherman to any location where he is using his reel.