Abstract: A device for deploying an aerostat includes a cylindrical shaped container having an open end and a closed end and a center tube axially oriented in the container. A tapered disc is mounted for axial movement on the center tube, and it has a taper of increasing diameter in an axial direction from the closed end toward the open end of the container. In its operation, the tapered disc is held in a first position while a portion of the aerostat is loaded into the container. It is then moved to a second position wherein the tapered disc holds the loaded portion of the aerostat in the container. Thereafter, the disc is moved to a release position wherein the disc directs deployment of the aerostat from the container.

Abstract: A cycloidal generator is provided to generate power from energy in a tidal flow. The generator includes a plurality of blades mounted on a hub for collective rotation about a hub axis, and a center shaft is positioned with its central axis oriented perpendicular to the tidal flow. Interconnecting the center shaft with each individual blade on the hub is a gear assembly that cyclically rotates the blade for autorotation of the hub in response to the tidal flow. A link assembly is also provided that interconnects the hub with the center shaft for rotation of the center shaft and the consequent generation of power in response to rotation of the hub.

Abstract: A multi-sensor apparatus for monitoring a fluid is described. The apparatus includes a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor is configured to be exposed to a fluid, and includes at least one membrane that covers the plurality of sensors. A mechanical member or a heating element can be used to selectively expose a particular sensor to the fluid leaving another of the sensors unexposed to the fluid.

Abstract: A device for deploying an aerostat includes a cylindrical shaped container having an open end and a closed end and a center tube axially oriented in the container. A tapered disc is mounted for axial movement on the center tube, and it has a taper of increasing diameter in an axial direction from the closed end toward the open end of the container. In its operation, the tapered disc is held in a first position while a portion of the aerostat is loaded into the container. It is then moved to a second position wherein the tapered disc holds the loaded portion of the aerostat in the container. Thereafter, the disc is moved to a release position wherein the disc directs deployment of the aerostat from the container.

Abstract: A system and method for docking an airship to a mooring mast includes a thruster that is mounted to the fore end of the airship. When activated, the thruster generates a thrust vector that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the airship and is selectively directional. In particular, the configuration of the thruster can be changed to vary the direction of the thrust vector around the longitudinal axis to maneuver a connector on the thruster into contact with the mooring mast. Engagement of the connector to the mooring mast then docks the airship to the mooring mast.

Abstract: A media distribution computer system, in which the computer system is adapted for facilitating the communication (e.g., streaming) of advertisements, such as video advertisements, to a user in conjunction with the delivery of a media file to the user (such as a video or music file). The system may be configured to determine which advertisements to download to the user based, for example, on: (A) the time that the user requests a download or playback of the premium media content, and/or (B) the source of the request to download the premium media content. In various embodiments, the specific business rules may be attached to the media content files. These rules may be used to regulate the use of the files and/or to coordinate the delivery of advertisements to the user in conjunction with the playback of the files.

Abstract: Various sensor unit configurations are disclosed within the context of a fluid quality monitoring system. The distribution of sensor units can be accomplished using existing product distribution channels to sell, distribute and install sensor units so that a fluid distribution monitoring system can be established at relatively low cost, on a wider basis, and by locating sensor units at the most desirable location from problem detection standpoint, the location of the end user.

Abstract: A multi-sensor apparatus for monitoring a fluid is described. The apparatus includes a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor is configured to be exposed to a fluid, and includes at least one membrane that covers the plurality of sensors. A mechanical member or a heating element can be used to selectively expose a particular sensor to the fluid leaving another of the sensors unexposed to the fluid.

Abstract: A coil apparatus is described that incorporates two or more conductors, wound in parallel, following the same path, in intimate physical contact throughout the path but electrically isolated. The current applied to each of the coils can be selected independently. The field generated by the coil, or force on the coil in a magnetic field, is proportional to the algebraic sum of the currents. The power applied to the coil is proportional to the sum of square of the currents. By independently selecting the appropriate current's to apply to each of the conductors, a desired field, or force, can be generated by the coil for any desired power applied to the coil. By judiciously selecting appropriate currents to apply to each of the conductors, a range of fields, or forces, may be selected for which a constant power may be applied to the coil. A constant power enables the coil to operate at a constant temperature.

Abstract: Various sensor unit configurations are disclosed within the context of a fluid quality monitoring system. The distribution of sensor units can be accomplished using existing product distribution channels to sell, distribute and install sensor units so that a fluid distribution monitoring system can be established at relatively low cost, on a wider basis, and by locating sensor units at the most desirable location from problem detection standpoint, the location of the end user.

Abstract: A personal flight device which consists of a housing securable to a pilot, at least one pair of fans, and at least one engine mounted on the housing for driving the fans; one fan of the pair is mounted to one side of the housing and the other fan of the pair is mounted to the other side of the housing; in use, both fans rotate in the same direction for producing thrust.

Abstract: Various sensor unit configurations are disclosed within the context of a fluid quality monitoring system. The distribution of sensor units can be accomplished using existing product distribution channels to sell, distribute and install sensor units so that a fluid distribution monitoring system can be established at relatively low cost, on a wider basis, and by locating sensor units at the most desirable location from problem detection standpoint, the location of the end user.

Abstract: Various sensor unit configurations are disclosed within the context of a fluid quality monitoring system. The distribution of sensor units can be accomplished using existing product distribution channels to sell, distribute and install sensor units so that a fluid distribution monitoring system can be established at relatively low cost, on a wider basis, and by locating sensor units at the most desirable location from problem detection standpoint, the location of the end user.

Abstract: Various sensor unit configurations are disclosed within the context of a fluid quality monitoring system. The distribution of sensor units can be accomplished using existing product distribution channels to sell, distribute and install sensor units so that a fluid distribution monitoring system can be established at relatively low cost, on a wider basis, and by locating sensor units at the most desirable location from problem detection standpoint, the location of the end user.

Abstract: Various sensor unit configurations are disclosed within the context of a fluid quality monitoring system. The distribution of sensor units can be accomplished using existing product distribution channels to sell, distribute and install sensor units so that a fluid distribution monitoring system can be established at relatively low cost, on a wider basis, and by locating sensor units at the most desirable location from problem detection standpoint, the location of the end user.

Abstract: Various sensor unit configurations are disclosed within the context of a fluid quality monitoring system. The distribution of sensor units can be accomplished using existing product distribution channels to sell, distribute and install sensor units so that a fluid distribution monitoring system can be established at relatively low cost, on a wider basis, and by locating sensor units at the most desirable location from problem detection standpoint, the location of the end user.

Abstract: A system and method for moving an aerial vehicle along a flight path includes rotatable hubs mounted on opposite sides of the vehicle. Elongated airfoils are mounted on the hubs parallel to a common hub axis for rotation about the hub axis on a blade path. Each airfoil defines a chord line and the system includes a gear assembly changeable, during hub rotation, between a first modality wherein airfoil chord lines remain tangential to the blade path (curtate flight), and a second modality wherein airfoil chord lines remain parallel to the flight path of the vehicle (prolate flight). Also, rotation of the hub can be stopped and the airfoils used for fixed wing flight.

Abstract: A differentiated beaded chain is provided as an aid for rotating blind slats in a desired rotational direction. The differentiation is realized utilizing beads of differing sizes or textures along a first and second length of the beaded chain. An operator consistently achieves a desired rotational response by pulling one of the first and second lengths. The differentiated beads are identifiable by either touch or sight. Similarly, a differentiated cord is provided for opening and closing blinds or curtains along a vertical or horizontal plane. The cord consists mainly of a first texture and utilizes a second texture along a portion of a length of the cord to provide an operator with a means for identifying an expected result of tugging on either of the first or second textured lengths.