Abstract: Performing wireless transmissions over a unified air interface that span portions of both the primary band and the complementary band may provide improved throughput and spectral efficiency in next generation networks. Wireless transmissions spanning both the licensed and unlicensed spectrum carry data in different frame formats over the respective primary and complementary bands. For example, frames communicated over the primary band may have a different channel structure (e.g., different size, placement, orientation, etc.) than frames communicated over the complementary band. Wireless transmissions spanning the licensed and unlicensed spectrum may also utilize different access schemes and/or waveforms over the respective primary and complementary bands. Embodiment unified air interfaces may be dynamically configurable via software defined radio (SDR) signaling instructions.

Abstract: A valve control device includes an operating stem, a valve top plate, a valve seat rubber, a valve bottom plate, and a valve seat ring. The valve top plate has a conical base with at least three stabilizer arms extending therefrom. Each of the at least three stabilizer arms has a flat outer surface. The valve bottom plate secures the valve seat rubber between the valve bottom plate and a flat bottom surface of the valve top plate. The valve bottom plate, the valve seat rubber, and the conical base are mounted on the operating stem. The valve seat ring has multiple slots, with each of the slots corresponding to one of the at least three stabilizer arms. A standpipe drain system, a method of draining a standpipe, and a locking fire hydrant with a valve access channel drain also are described.

Abstract: Methods of, and apparatus for, storing and transporting a hazardous fluid, such as a combustible fuel, include methods and means, respectively, for: (a) treating the fluid to reduce its hazardous condition; (b) storing and/or transporting the treated fluid in such a manner that the risk of its hazardous condition remains reduced; (c) thereafter retreating the fluid to restore it to its original hazardous condition so that the fluid may be used in its restored condition. The hazardous fluid may be treated by adding a substance to, or removing a substance from, the fluid, or by changing the state of the fluid. For example, if the fluid is a fuel, it may be treated by cooling it to near or below its freezing temperature to reduce its combustibility, volatility, explosivity and/or ease of ignition.

Abstract: An improved portable fire hydrant that can operate a water main valve disposed within a water main to produce water for fighting a fire by rotating a valve stem coupled to the water main valve includes an extension through which water can flow when the fire hydrant is coupled to the water main. The portable fire hydrant may also include a sealing mechanism disposed on the extension that seals the portable fire hydrant to the water main. A valve operator may also be coupled to the portable fire hydrant and attached to a valve rod that extends down through the extension of the portable fire hydrant. Disposed on the end of the valve rod may be a coupling mechanism for coupling the valve operator to the water main valve. When the portable fire hydrant is attached to the water main, the valve operator of the portable fire hydrant is coupled to the water main valve so that manipulation of the valve operator will cause the water main valve to reposition.

Abstract: A frost-proof fire hydrant of the type wherein the valve is biased towards its open position by the fluid pressure in the shoe. The fire hydrant includes improved means disposed in the bonnet and cooperating with the valve stem for maintaining the valve in the closed position against the water pressure in the shoe.