Abstract: A method and device for triggered discharge of a reservoir includes a primary float for producing a primary float force to open an outlet valve of the reservoir. The primary float force is releasably restrained to prevent opening of the outlet valve until triggering of a release commences discharge of the reservoir using potentially significantly less force than the force to required to lever open the outlet valve itself.

Abstract: A turbine driven underwater pool cleaner is disclosed having a housing to which is attached a hose providing a source of suction. The suction functions to draw debris into and through the housing via an opening at the bottom surface of the housing. A rotatable turbine is provided in the flow path of the fluid being drawn through the housing. A pair of wheels are provided which are mounted both for rotation and translation with respect to the housing. A pair of shafts extend from and are driven by the turbine. A radial projection is provided at the end of each shaft. During each revolution of the shaft, the radial projection provides both a rotational and a translation force on the wheel for driving the cleaner in a sure manner about the pool surface. Two alternate approaches are disclosed for steering the cleaner. In one approach, the drive to one of the wheels is selectively disengaged. In another embodiment, the device is steered by placing a torque on the suction hose.

Abstract: A navigational aid comprises a housing with a flat, transparent liquid crystal display. The display is flat and flush with the bottom of the housing, to allow the aid to be placed flat on a map or chart. The aid is microprocessor controlled and accepts plug in memory modules, which contain information relating to an area through which a craft, for example, an aircraft, is to be navigated. The display generates cursors which can be superimposed on the map. The aid can display graphically the progress of the craft, superimposed on the map, on the basis of input data supplied by the user. Alternatively, the cursors can be moved to measure the distance beteen points on the map.