Abstract: A hard cover for spas, hot tubs and the like has an outer layer defining one or more cover portions that may be hinged together along a common top edge. Each cover portion internally includes a plurality of rigid panels, which may be made of expanded polystyrene or another rigid foam or the like. A support structure that mechanically couples and/or supports the panels is provided to improve the load-bearing capacity of the spa cover, optionally providing sufficient strength to conform to applicable safety standards. The support structure can include beams having various cross-sections, or combinations thereof, and may be provided in multiple segments that are shorter than the overall length of the cover. A vapor barrier film can be provided that encloses the panels and optionally some or all portions of the support structure to protect these components from degradation in the spa environment.

Abstract: A hard cover for spas, hot tubs and the like has an outer layer defining one or more cover portions that may be hinged together along a common top edge. Each cover portion internally includes a plurality of rigid panels, which may be made of expanded polystyrene or another rigid foam or the like. A support structure that mechanically couples and/or supports the panels is provided to improve the load-bearing capacity of the spa cover, optionally providing sufficient strength to conform to applicable safety standards. The support structure can include beams having various cross-sections, or combinations thereof, and may be provided in multiple segments that are shorter than the overall length of the cover. A vapor barrier film can be provided that encloses the panels and optionally some or all portions of the support structure to protect these components from degradation in the spa environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices that may be used in conjunction with one or more battery modules and related methods. More particularly, the present invention relates to a devices and related methods allowing one to manually disconnect high voltage and high current devices from a system. In one aspect, the present invention provides a mid pack break. The mid pack break is able to manually disconnect high voltage and high current devices from a system. The mid pack break includes a handle, a pin, a first sleeve, and a second sleeve. Force exerted on the handle causes the pin to insert into the first and second sleeves, thereby completing an electrical connection between the first and second sleeves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a battery module, related devices and methods. More particularly, the present invention relates to a battery module with an improved mechanism of electrically connecting modules to form one or more battery packs and devices and methods that relate to the improved mechanism. In one aspect, the present invention provides a battery module. The module comprises: a top cover that connects to a bottom housing to form a casing; a positive terminal connected to a proximal end of the casing, wherein the end of the positive material is shaped such that it can insert into a sleeve; a negative electrode connected to a distal end of the casing, wherein the negative electrode is housed within the sleeve such that an electrical contact is made when a positive terminal is inserted into the sleeve; and, at least one electrochemical cell connected to the inside surface of the bottom housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices that may be used in conjunction with one or more battery modules and related methods. More particularly, the present invention relates to a devices and related methods allowing one to manually disconnect high voltage and high current devices from a system. In one aspect, the present invention provides a mid pack break. The mid pack break is able to manually disconnect high voltage and high current devices from a system. The mid pack break includes a handle, a pin, a first sleeve, and a second sleeve. Force exerted on the handle causes the pin to insert into the first and second sleeves, thereby completing an electrical connection between the first and second sleeves.

Abstract: An improved compact pilot-assisted pressure relief valve is disclosed. The invention includes a vent piston or the like hydraulically dividing the valve body bore into a hydraulic fluid chamber and a spring chamber which is vented to atmosphere, such that backpressure is eliminated entirely for both faster reaction to pressure impulses and improved accuracy in pre-load setting of the valve assembly.