Abstract: There is disclosed a fluid treatment device comprising a housing for receiving a flow of fluid. The housing comprises a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a closed fluid treatment zone disposed between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. Disposed in the housing is at least one elongate radiation source assembly having a longitudinal axis disposed in the fluid treatment zone substantially parallel to a direction of the flow of fluid through the housing. The radiation source assembly comprises an elongate radiation source disposed in a protective sleeve to define a substantially annular passageway. The protective sleeve has opposed open ends configured to permit heat to exit the passageway and the housing through at least one of the opposed open ends of the sleeve.

Abstract: A warming system, mounted to the foot of a bed, warms a person's lower extremities by directing air into the space between the mattress and overlaying blankets. A blower directs air into an elongated distribution chamber having many tiny exit apertures. The chamber is mounted at the foot of the bed, so that air exiting the apertures warms the person's feet. For maximum thermal transfer, the chamber is placed under the sheet and any blankets, but above the mattress cover and fitted sheet. The chamber may be implemented by a length of open cell foam, a hollow manifold with many punctures or other tiny distribution apertures, collapsible pocket, etc. While the person is lying on the bed beneath the blankets, with feet proximate the foot of the bed, the blower directs temperature-regulated air into the chamber and through the exit apertures, thereby warming the person's feet. A temperature regulator ensures a normothermic air temperature (or alternatively, hyperthermic air temperature.

Abstract: There is disclosed a water treatment appliance, particularly for on-the-counter treatment of potable water. The appliance comprises: a base unit comprising a pump, a housing and a cooling unit for chilling water in the housing; a removable water reservoir engageable with the housing; a control panel comprising a water dispensing switch; an outlet for dispensing treated water from the fluid treatment system; and a treatment cartridge removably disposed in the housing. The treatment cartridge comprises a first chamber and a second chamber in communication with one another. The first chamber is in communication with the housing and has disposed therein a filter element. The second chamber is in communication with the outlet and has disposed therein an ultraviolet radiation lamp.

Abstract: A warming system, mounted to the foot of a bed, warms a person's lower extremities by directing air into the space between the mattress and overlaying blankets. A blower directs air into an elongated distribution chamber having many tiny exit apertures. The chamber is mounted at the foot of the bed, so that air exiting the apertures warms the person's feet. For maximum thermal transfer, the chamber is placed under the sheet and any blankets, but above the mattress cover and fitted sheet. The chamber may be implemented by a length of open cell foam, a hollow manifold with many punctures or other tiny distribution apertures, collapsible pocket, etc. While the person is lying on the bed beneath the blankets, with feet proximate the foot of the bed, the blower directs temperature-regulated air into the chamber and through the exit apertures, thereby warming the person's feet. A temperature regulator ensures a normothermic air temperature (or alternatively, hyperthermic air temperature.

Abstract: A warming system, mounted to the foot of a bed, warms a person's lower extremities by directing air into the space between the mattress and overlaying blankets. A blower directs air into an elongated distribution chamber having many tiny exit apertures. The chamber is mounted at the foot of the bed, so that air exiting the apertures warms the person's feet. For maximum thermal transfer, the chamber is placed under the sheet and any blankets, but above the mattress cover and fitted sheet. The chamber may be implemented by a length of open cell foam, a hollow manifold with many punctures or other tiny distribution apertures, collapsible pocket, etc. While the person is lying on the bed beneath the blankets, with feet proximate the foot of the bed, the blower directs temperature-regulated air into the chamber and through the exit apertures, thereby warming the person's feet. A temperature regulator ensures a normothermic air temperature (or alternatively, hyperthermic air temperature.

Abstract: A warming system, mounted to the foot of a bed, warms a person's lower extremities by directing air into the space between the mattress and overlaying blankets. A blower directs air into an elongated distribution chamber having many tiny exit apertures. The chamber is mounted at the foot of the bed, so that air exiting the apertures warms the person's feet. For maximum thermal transfer, the chamber is placed under the sheet and any blankets, but above the mattress cover and fitted sheet. The chamber may be implemented by a length of open cell foam, a hollow manifold with many punctures or other tiny distribution apertures, collapsible pocket, etc. While the person is lying on the bed beneath the blankets, with feet proximate the foot of the bed, the blower directs temperature-regulated air into the chamber and through the exit apertures, thereby warming the person's feet. A temperature regulator ensures a normothermic air temperature (or alternatively, hyperthermic air temperature.

Abstract: In satellite based communication systems (30), real time monitoring of communication links (23-25) and the subsequent adaptations to overcome problems with certain links (23,25) provides the communication system (30) with the ability to adapt to changing conditions. A satellite-based communication system (30) can be adapted to provide an improved method for establishing communication links (23,25) between ground stations (14) and space-based satellite switches (11). Common earth-based termination nodes are replaced by intelligent switches (14). Alternate links are established using links (20,21) between intelligent space-based switches (11), links (24) between intelligent earth-based switches (14), and links (23,25) between intelligent space-based switches (11) and intelligent earth-based switches (14). The controller (54) in the intelligent earth-based switch (14) allows the system to automatically adapt to failure, overload, and other conditions.

Abstract: In a packet network, message packets (130) are comprised of vacant or unused bits for future system enhancements or for remedying unknown design oversights or utilizing vacant portions of fixed length data packets. Furthermore, message packets (130) comprise a message type identifier distinguishing message architecture. A transmit and receive packet network node (100) maintains an unused bit catalog (125) listing vacant or unused bits of particular message packet types. When a message packet type having vacant or unused bits is detected propagating through the packet network, background data is retrieved from a transmit background data queue (115) and interleaved into such message packets to form enriched message packets (130') for transportation through the packet network. Receiving packet network nodes (100) detect enriched message packets (130') and extract and buffer the background data.