Abstract: Variable speed drives are utilized in refrigerant systems to operate motors of the system components at varying speeds, typically for the purposes of capacity adjustment, efficiency enhancement, reliability improvement or power consumption limitation. However, variable speed controls are expensive. The present invention offers flexibility to utilize a variable speed drive to provide variable speed functionality between compressor and fans (or other rotating components having electric motors) within a refrigerant system depending on operational and environmental conditions and external load demands. The switching device switches the variable speed drive between component motors as indicated by a control for the refrigerant system.

Abstract: A radio interference avoidance system (1) has a processor in a detection system (11) which receives real time inputs from various sensors (12-16). The processor dynamically determines if a craft (for example, ship) movable network (19) is within an interference distance of a fixed network. It uses real time craft position data relative to fixed network position and also radiation characteristic data for both the movable (19) and fixed networks.

Abstract: A mobile network comprises remote base transceiver station (BTS) nodes (3, 4) linked with a central base station controller (BSC) node (9). The latter is in turn linked with a mobile switching centre (MSC, 10), a visitor location register (VLR, 11), and a home location register (HLR, 8). Mobile stations (2, MS-A, MS-B, and MS-C) are located in the cells of the BTSs (3, 4). The remote nodes (3, 4, 3(a), 4(a)) are connected to the central node BSC (9) over a remote backhaul satellite connection. Calls are routed locally while the central nodes continue to manage calls and services from central feature-rich and typically more reliable switches of a core network. This means that calls set up between subscribers on the same remote node get connected within the remote node but call supervision is still carried out by the central nodes. The features and services of the existing core network are preserved.

Abstract: A radio interference avoidance system (1) has a processor in a detection system (11) which receives real time inputs from various sensors (12-16). The processor dynamically determines if a craft (for example, ship) movable network (19) is within an interference distance of a fixed network. It uses real time craft position data relative to fixed network position and also radiation characteristic data for both the movable (19) and fixed networks.

Abstract: Monitoring device modules (10) in containers on a ship are polled by a tracking proxy (12). Monitoring data is thus captured, and the proxy 12 can ascertain in real time that the correct group of containers is present. The proxy (12) also transmits higher-value report messages with relatively low bandwidth via a satellite communication system (13) to a gateway (15). The gateway (15) routes the messages on to various systems such as tracking centres. Also, the gateway (15) regularly polls and authenticates the distributed tracking proxies (12) within its group.

Abstract: A remote mobile network part (2, 11, 12) may be on an aircraft, a ship, or in a geographically remote location. It comprises a gateway (6) which communicates with a central gateway (9) via a satellite link. The two gateways (6, 9) together are a base station controller (BSC), the satellite link being used for BSC-internal communication. Such communication can be optimised to make best use of the limited bandwidth available on the satellite link.

Abstract: A communication system comprises an adapter (10) having interfaces (25-27) linked with user device components (12). A terminal controller (29) dynamically associates the components in real time to provide mobile stations. Thus, passengers of an aircraft can insert SIM cards into conveniently-located readers (22) and use in-flight entertainment i/o devices to make and receive cellular calls. The adapter (10) also has a BTS emulator (30) for direct communication with a BSC (3) with non-wireless internal network communication. This avoids the need for a mobile station to BTS wireless link.

Abstract: A pool cover pump strainer is disclosed comprising an upper surface, a bottom surface having a strainer chamber array, and a central induction chamber. A compatible pump is secured in the central induction chamber. Water flows into the lower strainer chamber array either between the outer edge of the strainer and the pool cover, or through apertures provided in the upper surface. As water flows through the lower strainer chamber array toward the central induction chamber, debris is filtered, and water is pumped into and through the pump and away from the pool cover through an attached hose.

Abstract: A marine in line bilge blower and a method of manufacturing same are described. The blower, or fan, includes a housing in which a motor, airfoils, a fan wheel hub, and straightening vanes are positioned. Specifically, numerous airfoils are positioned on a fan wheel hub, which is in connection with a motor. The motor is mounted on one of several straightening vanes. The housing includes a base with a pair of feet. To protect the circumference of the housing from physical and thermal stress, strengthening rings are positioned on the circumference.