claimsbot – Page 18377 – All The Claims

1460749243-8c978707-956e-4b1f-99d8-ddee35daa39f

1. An interference cancellation apparatus, comprising:
a first interference-cancellation module, comprising:
a first processing circuit, comprising:
a grouping circuit, for dividing received data into a plurality of groups of first sub-data;

a first transforming circuit, coupled to the first processing circuit, for sequentially transforming the groups of first sub-data from a first domain to a second domain to generate a plurality of groups of first transformed sub-data; and
a first cancellation-signal generating circuit, coupled to the first transforming circuit, the first cancellation-signal generating circuit comprising:
a delay unit, for sequentially delaying the groups of first transformed sub-data to generate a plurality of groups of delayed sub-data; and
a first processing unit and a second processing unit, the first processing unit outputting a first processed signal according to the groups of first transformed sub-data, and the second processing unit outputting a second processed signal according to the groups of delayed sub-data;
wherein the first cancellation-signal generating circuit outputs a first cancellation signal according to the first processed signal and the second processed signal, while the first cancellation signal corresponds to an estimation value of a first interference signal on a first twisted pair.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first cancellation-signal generating circuit further comprises:
a third processing unit, for receiving a plurality of groups of second transformed sub-data, and outputting a second cancellation signal according to the groups of second transformed sub-data, wherein the second cancellation signal corresponds to an estimation of a second interference signal on the first twisted pair; and
a summing circuit, for receiving the first and second cancellation signals to generate a first interference-cancellation signal.
3. The apparatus of claims 1, wherein the first processing circuit further comprises an overlap circuit, coupled between the grouping circuit and the first transforming circuit, for overlapping the groups of first sub-data; and the apparatus further comprises a de-overlap circuit, for performing an inverse computation of the overlap circuit.
4. The apparatus of claims 1, further comprising:
a de-grouping circuit, coupled to the first cancellation-signal generating circuit, for performing an inverse computation of the grouping circuit.
5. The apparatus of claims 1 or 2, further comprising:
a first de-transforming circuit, coupled to the first cancellation-signal generating circuit, for transforming an output of the first cancellation-signal generating circuit from the second domain to the first domain.
6. The apparatus of claims 1, wherein a size of the transforming computation of the first transforming circuit corresponds to characteristics of the first interference signal.
7. The apparatus of claims 1, further comprising:
a second interference-cancellation module, for outputting an estimation signal corresponding to an interference signal on a second twisted pair.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising:
a third interference-cancellation module, for outputting an estimation signal corresponding to an interference signal on a third twisted pair; and
a fourth interference-cancellation module, for outputting an estimation signal corresponding to an interference signal on a fourth twisted pair.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a size of the transforming computation of the first transforming circuit is less than a longest predefined processing length of the first interference signal in the second domain.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
a time-domain processing module, for performing at least one of a gaining processing and a shaping processing on the received data, and then outputting the processed received data to the first interference-cancellation module.
11. An interference canceling method, comprising:
dividing a received first data into a plurality of groups of first sub-data;
transforming the groups of first sub-data from a first domain to a second domain to generate a plurality of groups of first transformed sub-data;
delaying the groups of first transformed sub-data to generate a plurality of groups of first delayed sub-data;
processing the groups of first transformed sub-data and the groups of first delayed sub-data respectively to generate a plurality of processed signals; and
summing up the processed signals to generate a first cancellation signal, wherein the first cancellation signal corresponds to an estimation value of a first interference signal on a first twisted pair.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of dividing the first data further comprises:
overlapping the groups of first sub-data.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
dividing a received second data into a plurality of groups of second sub-data;
transforming the groups of second sub-data from the first domain to the second domain to generate a plurality of groups of second transformed sub-data; and
processing the groups of second sub-data to generate a second cancellation signal, wherein the second cancellation signal corresponds to an estimation value of a second interference signal on the first twisted pair.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
summing a plurality of cancellation signals to generate a first interference-cancellation signal, wherein the plurality of cancellation signals comprises the first cancellation signal and the second cancellation signal.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:
transforming the first interference-cancellation signal from the second domain to the first domain;
de-overlapping the first interference-cancellation signal; and
de-grouping the first interference-cancellation signal.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein a size of the transforming computation between the first domain and the second domain corresponds to characteristics of the first cancellation signal.
17. The method of claim 11, wherein a size of the transforming computation between the first domain and the second domain is less than a longest predefined processing length of the first interference signal in the second domain.
18. The method of claim 11, wherein a size of the transforming computation between the first domain and the second domain is equal to 2N, wherein N is an integer.
19. An interference cancellation apparatus, for generating an interference estimation signal according to an input signal, the apparatus comprising:
a first-domain processing module, comprising a grouping circuit, for receiving the input signal, and dividing the input signal into a plurality of groups to generate a processed signal;
a transforming module, coupled to the first-domain processing module, for transforming the processed signal from a first domain to a second domain to generate a transformed signal; and
a second-domain processing module, coupled to the transforming module, for generating the interference estimation signal according to the transformed signal.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the first-domain processing module further comprises at least one of a gain controlling module and a shaping circuit, for adjusting a gain of the input signal or shaping the input signal respectively.
21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the processed signal comprises a plurality of groups of transformed sub-data.
22. The apparatus of claims 21, wherein the first-domain processing module further comprises:
an overlapping circuit, for receiving and overlapping the plurality of groups of first sub-data.
23. The apparatus of claim 19, implemented in an Ethernet system.
24. The apparatus of claim 23, implemented in a 10 GBase-T system or a 1000 Base-T system.
25. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein after the input signal is shaped, frequency distribution of the input signal becomes nearer to frequency distribution of the interference estimation signal.
26. An interference cancellation method, for generating an interference estimation signal according to an input signal, the method comprising:
in a first domain, dividing the input signal into a plurality of groups of sub-data;
transforming the plurality of groups of sub-data from the first domain to a second domain to generate a plurality of groups of transformed sub-data; and
in the second domain, performing a second-domain process on the plurality of groups of transformed sub-data to generate the interference estimation signal.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein the step in the first domain further comprises:
overlapping the groups of sub-data.
28. The method of claim 26, wherein the step in the first domain further comprises:
at least adjusting a gain of the input signal or shaping the input signal the groups of sub-data.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein after the input signal is shaped, frequency distribution of the input signal becomes nearer to frequency distribution of the interference estimation signal.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

What is claimed is:

1. A system for uncovering and covering a swimming pool, comprising:
a portable low voltage power source;
a pool cover;
retracting means for retracting the pool cover from an extended position covering the pool, the retracting means being fixedly attached to a pool deck;
first coupling means for temporarily and releasably coupling the portable low voltage power source to the retracting means, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the retracting means to retract the pool cover from an extended position, the first coupling means accessible at a first end of the pool;
extending means for extending the pool cover to an extended position covering the pool;
second coupling means for temporarily and releasably coupling the portable low voltage power source to the extending means, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the extending means to extend the pool cover to an extended position, the second coupling means accessible at the first end of the pool.
2. The system of claim 1, where the portable low voltage power source is a rechargeable electric drill.
3. The system of claim 2, further comprising a gear reduction mechanism attached to the rechargeable electric drill, said gear reduction mechanism releasably attachable to the first coupling means or the second coupling means, such that the rechargeable electric drill may be activated to cause the cover to be extended or retracted.
4. The system of claim 1, where the first coupling means includes first gear reduction means, the first gear reduction means adapted for temporarily and releasably coupling with the portable low voltage power source, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the retracting means to retract the pool cover from an extended position, the first gear reduction means including a gear reduction mechanism.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the gear reduction means includes a relatively smaller diameter gear that is operably connected to the portable low voltage power source, when the portable low voltage power source is coupled to the gear reduction means and a relatively larger diameter gear that us operably connected to the retracting means.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the relatively smaller diameter gear is removable from the gear reduction means.
7. The system of claim 4, where the first gear reduction means comprises:
a first housing,
at least one retraction shaft attached to the retracting means,
a first power shaft adapted to temporarily and releasably attaching to the portable low voltage power source, and
a first gear reduction mechanism disposed inside the first housing, the first gear reduction mechanism operably connected to the at least one retraction shaft and the first power shaft, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the retracting means to retract the pool cover from an extended position by activating the retracting means through the rotating the at least one retraction shaft through action of the first gear reduction mechanism;
resistance means for restricting the pool cover from extending from the retracted position when the pool cover is in the retracted position.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the gear reduction mechanism comprises the resistance means.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the gear reduction mechanism includes a relatively smaller diameter gear that is operably connected to the power shaft, and a relatively larger diameter gear that is operably connected to the at least one retraction shaft.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the first housing is a sealed housing.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the sealed housing is filled with a lubricant.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the lubricant is a petroleum based oil.
13. The system of claim 4, where the second coupling means includes second gear reduction means, the second gear reduction means adapted for temporarily and releasably coupling with the portable low voltage power source, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the extending means to extend the pool cover to an extended position, the second gear reduction means including a gear reduction mechanism.
14. The system of claim 4, wherein the gear reduction means includes a relatively smaller diameter gear that is operably connected to the portable low voltage power source, when the portable low voltage power source is coupled to the gear reduction means and a relatively larger diameter gear that us operably connected to the retracting means.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the relatively smaller diameter gear is removable from the gear reduction means
16. The system of claim 13 where the second gear reduction means comprises
a second housing,
at least one extension shaft attached to the extending means,
a second power shaft adapted to temporarily and releasably attaching to the portable low voltage power source, and
a second gear reduction mechanism disposed inside the second housing, the second gear reduction mechanism operably connected to the at least one extension shaft and the second power shaft, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the extending means to extend the pool cover to an extended position by activating the extending means through the rotating the at least one extension shaft through action of the second gear reduction mechanism.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the second gear reduction mechanism includes a relatively smaller diameter gear that is operably connected to the second power shaft, and a relatively larger diameter gear that is operably connected to the at least one extension shaft.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the second housing is a sealed housing.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the sealed housing is filled with a lubricant.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the lubricant is a petroleum based oil
21. The system of claim 1, where the pool cover is a flexible pool cover.
22. The system of claim 21, where the retracting means comprises a cover collection shaft on which the pool cover is wound when the pool cover is retracted.
23. The system of claim 21, where the extending means further comprises a line collection shaft on which at least a first line attached to the pool cover is wound as the pool cover is extended.
24. The system of claim 23, where the extending means further comprises at least a first reel located on the line collection shaft on which the at least first line is wound.
25. The system of claim 24, further comprising at least a first pulley located at a second end of the pool, opposite the first end, through which the at least first line runs to the line collection shaft from the pool cover.
26. The system of claim 24, where the cover collection shaft and the line collection shaft are co-linearly aligned along respective long axes.
27. The system of claim 26, where the cover collection shaft and the line collection shaft are co-linearly aligned along respective long axes in a vertical manner.
28. The system of claim 24, where the cover collection shaft and the line collection shaft are not aligned co-linearly aligned.
29. The system of claim 23, where the at least first line is attached to a side edge of the pool cover.
30. The system of claim 29, further comprising a second line attached to an opposite side edge of the pool cover.
31. The system of claim 30, where the extending means further comprises a second reel located on the line collection shaft on which the second line is wound.
32. The system of claim 31, further comprising a second pulley located at a second end of the pool, opposite the first end, through which the second line runs to the second reel from the pool cover.
33. The system of claim 23, where the first coupling means includes first gear reduction means, the first gear reduction means adapted for temporarily and releasably coupling with the portable low voltage power source, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the retracting means to retract the pool cover from an extended position, the first gear reduction means including a gear reduction mechanism.
34. The system of claim 33, where the first gear reduction means comprises:
a first housing,
at least one retraction shaft attached to the retracting means,
a first power shaft adapted to temporarily and releasably attaching to the portable low voltage power source, and
a first gear reduction mechanism disposed inside the first housing, the first gear reduction mechanism operably connected to the at least one retraction shaft and the first power shaft, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the retracting means to retract the pool cover from an extended position by activating the retracting means through the rotating the at least one retraction shaft through action of the first gear reduction mechanism;
resistance means for restricting the pool cover from extending from the retracted position when the pool cover is in the retracted position.
35. The system of claim 33, where the second coupling means includes second gear reduction means, the second gear reduction means adapted for temporarily and releasably coupling with the portable low voltage power source, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the extending means to extend the pool cover to an extended position, the second gear reduction means including a gear reduction mechanism.
36. The system of claim 35 where the second gear reduction means comprises
a second housing,
at least one extension shaft attached to the extending means,
a second power shaft adapted to temporarily and releasably attaching to the portable low voltage power source, and
a second gear reduction mechanism disposed inside the second housing, the second gear reduction mechanism operably connected to the at least one extension shaft and the second power shaft, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the extending means to extend the pool cover to an extended position by activating the extending means through the rotating the at least one extension shaft through action of the second gear reduction mechanism.
37. The system of claim 1, where the extending means further comprises at least a first reel on which at least a first line is wound as the pool cover is extended.
38. The system of claim 37, where the at least first line is attached to the pool cover.
39. A system for uncovering and covering a swimming pool, comprising:
a pool cover;
retracting means for retracting the pool cover from an extended position covering the pool, the retracting means being fixedly attached to a pool deck, the retracting means configured and adapted to be activated by use of a portable low voltage power source, the retracting means located at a first end of the pool;
first coupling means for temporarily and releasably coupling the portable low voltage power source to the retracting means, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the retracting means to retract the pool cover from an extended position;
extending means for extending the pool cover to an extended position covering the pool, the extending means configured and adapted to be activated by use of a portable low voltage power source, the extending means located at the first end of the pool;
second coupling means for temporarily and releasably coupling the portable low voltage power source to the retracting means, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the retracting means to retract the pool cover from an extended position.
40. The system of claim 39, where the portable low voltage power source is a rechargeable electric drill.
41. A system for uncovering a swimming pool, comprising:
a pool cover;
a portable low voltage power source;
retracting means for retracting the pool cover from an extended position covering the pool, the retracting means located at a first end of the pool;
first coupling means for temporarily and releasably coupling the portable low voltage power source to the retracting means, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the retracting means to retract the pool cover from an extended position;
extending means for extending the pool cover to an extended position covering the pool, the extending means located at the first end of the pool;
second coupling means for temporarily and releasably coupling the portable low voltage power source to the extending means, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the extending means to extend the pool cover to an extended position;
perimeter securing means for securing the pool cover to the perimeter of the pool along at least two edges of the pool when the pool cover is in an extended position covering the pool.
42. The system of claim 41, where the portable low voltage power source is a rechargeable electric drill.
43. The system of claim 41, wherein the perimeter securing means further comprises at least a first track, in which the pool cover slidably extends and retracts.
44. The system of claim 43, wherein the at least a first track is a dual channel track with a first channel and a second channel.
45. The system of claim 44, wherein the extending means includes at least a first line attached to the pool cover.
46. The system of claim 45, where the at least first line is slidably disposed in the channels of the at least a first track.
47. The system of claim 46, further comprising a pulley located at a second end of the at least a first track, the at least a first line wrapping around said pulley into the channels of the track.
48. The system claim 47, where the extending means further comprises a line collection shaft located at the first end of the pool to which the at least first line runs from the second channel of the at least first track, such that the at least first line is wound on the line collection shaft when the cover is in an extended position.
49. The system of claim 48, further comprising at least a first collection reel disposed on the line collection shaft, such that the at least first line is wound on at least a first reel when the cover is in an extended position
50. The system of claim 49, where the pool cover is a flexible pool cover.
51. The system of claim 50, where the retracting means further comprises a cover collection shaft on which the flexible pool cover is wound when the pool cover is in a retracted position.
52. The system of claim 51, where the at least a first line is attached to a first side edge of the flexible pool cover.
53. The system of claim 51, where the flexible pool cover is disposed so the first side edge resides in the first channel of the at least first track, such that the cover slidably extends in the first channel of the at least first track as the at least first line is wound on the at least a first reel and slidably retracts in the first channel of the at least first track as the flexible cover is wound on the cover collection shaft.
54. The system of claim 53, wherein the perimeter securing means further comprises a second track in which the pool cover slidably extends and retracts.
55. The system of claim 54, wherein the first and second tracks are parallel to one another and are disposed on opposite parallel sides of the pool.
56. The system of claim 55, wherein the second track is a dual channel track with a first channel and a second channel.
57. The system of claim 56, wherein the extending means includes a second line attached to the pool cover.
58. The system of claim 57, where the second line is slidably disposed in the channels of the second first track.
59. The system of claim 58, further comprising a second pulley located at a second end of the second track, the second line wrapping around said second pulley into the channels of the second track.
60. The system of claim 59, further comprising a second collection reel disposed on the line collection shaft, such that the second line is wound on the second when the cover is in an extended position
61. The system of claim 60, where the second line is attached to a second side edge of the flexible pool cover.
62. The system of claim 61, where the flexible pool cover is disposed so the second side edge resides in the first channel of the second track, such that the cover slidably extends in the first channel of the second track as the second line is wound on the second reel and slidably retracts in the first channel of the second track as the flexible cover is wound on the cover collection shaft
63. The system of claim 62, further comprising a first reel pulley located at the first end of the pool through which the at least a first line runs from the at least first track to the at least first reel.
64. The system of claim 63, further comprising a second reel pulley through which the at least first line runs from the first reel pulley to the at least first reel, said first reel pulley and second reel pulley guiding the at least first line in extending and retracting the pool cover.
65. The system of claim 64, further comprising a second reel pulley located at the first end of the pool through which the second line runs from the second track to the second reel.
66. The system of claim 65 further comprising a fourth reel pulley through which the second line runs from the third reel pulley to the second one reel, said third reel pulley and fourth reel pulley guiding the second line in extending and retracting the pool cover.
67. The system of claim 66, where the second line runs through the third and fourth reel pulleys in a position that lies outside the position at least first line runs through the first and second reel pulleys, with respect to the pool.
68. The system of claim 51, where the cover collection shaft and the line collection shaft are co-linearly aligned along respective long axes.
69. The system of claim 68, where the cover collection shaft and the line collection shaft are co-linearly aligned along respective long axes in a vertical manner.
70. The system of claim 69, where the cover collection shaft and the line collection shaft are not aligned co-linearly aligned.
71. The system of claim 41, wherein the pool cover system complies with ASTM standards for a pool safety cover.
72. The system of claim 41, where the first coupling means includes first gear reduction means, the first gear reduction means adapted for temporarily and releasably coupling with the portable low voltage power source, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the retracting means to retract the pool cover from an extended position, the first gear reduction means including a gear reduction mechanism.
73. The system of claim 72, wherein the gear reduction means includes a relatively smaller diameter gear that is operably connected to the portable low voltage power source, when the portable low voltage power source is coupled to the gear reduction means and a relatively larger diameter gear that us operably connected to the retracting means.
74. The system of claim 73, wherein the relatively smaller diameter gear is removable from the gear reduction means.
75. The system of claim 72, where the first gear reduction means comprises:
a first housing,
at least one retraction shaft attached to the retracting means,
a first power shaft adapted to temporarily and releasably attaching to the portable low voltage power source, and
a first gear reduction mechanism disposed inside the first housing, the first gear reduction mechanism operably connected to the at least one retraction shaft and the first power shaft, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the retracting means to retract the pool cover from an extended position by activating the retracting means through the rotating the at least one retraction shaft through action of the first gear reduction mechanism;
resistance means for restricting the pool cover from extending from the retracted position when the pool cover is in the retracted position.
76. The system of claim 74, wherein the gear reduction mechanism comprises the resistance means.
77. The system of claim 75, wherein the gear reduction mechanism includes a relatively smaller diameter gear that is operably connected to the power shaft, and a relatively larger diameter gear that is operably connected to the at least one retraction shaft.
78. The system of claim 77, wherein the first housing is a sealed housing.
79. The system of claim 78, wherein the sealed housing is filled with a lubricant.
80. The system of claim 79, wherein the lubricant is a petroleum based oil.
81. The system of claim 72, where the second coupling means includes second gear reduction means, the second gear reduction means adapted for temporarily and releasably coupling with the portable low voltage power source, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the extending means to extend the pool cover to an extended position, the second gear reduction means including a gear reduction mechanism.
82. The system of claim 81, wherein the gear reduction means includes a relatively smaller diameter gear that is operably connected to the portable low voltage power source, when the portable low voltage power source is coupled to the gear reduction means and a relatively larger diameter gear that us operably connected to the retracting means.
83. The system of claim 82, wherein the relatively smaller diameter gear is removable from the gear reduction means
84. The system of claim 81 where the second gear reduction means comprises
a second housing,
at least one extension shaft attached to the extending means,
a second power shaft adapted to temporarily and releasably attaching to the portable low voltage power source, and
a second gear reduction mechanism disposed inside the second housing, the second gear reduction mechanism operably connected to the at least one extension shaft and the second power shaft, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the extending means to extend the pool cover to an extended position by activating the extending means through the rotating the at least one extension shaft through action of the second gear reduction mechanism.
85. The system of claim 84, wherein the second gear reduction mechanism includes a relatively smaller diameter gear that is operably connected to the second power shaft, and a relatively larger diameter gear that is operably connected to the at least one extension shaft.
86. The system of claim 85, wherein the second housing is a sealed housing.
87. The system of claim 86, wherein the sealed housing is filled with a lubricant.
88. The system of claim 87, wherein the lubricant is a petroleum based oil
89. A method of uncovering a pool comprising the steps of:
(a) installing a pool cover system, comprising
a portable low voltage power source;
a pool cover;
retracting means for retracting the pool cover from an extended position covering the pool, the retracting means being fixedly attached to a pool deck;
first coupling means for temporarily and releasably coupling the portable low voltage power source to the retracting means, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the retracting means to retract the pool cover from an extended position, the first coupling means accessible at a first end of the pool;
extending means for extending the pool cover to an extended position covering the pool;
second coupling means for temporarily and releasably coupling the portable low voltage power source to the extending means, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the extending means to extend the pool cover to an extended position, the second coupling means accessible at the first end of the pool;

(b) connecting the low voltage power source to the first coupling means;
(c) activating the low voltage power source to cause the pool cover to be retracted from the extended position.
90. The method of claim 89 further comprising the steps of:
(d) connecting the low voltage power source to the second coupling means;
(e) activating the low voltage power source to cause the pool cover to be extended to the extended position.
91. The method of claim 89, where the first coupling means includes first gear reduction means, the first gear reduction means adapted for temporarily and releasably coupling with the portable low voltage power source, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the retracting means to retract the pool cover from an extended position, the first gear reduction means including a gear reduction mechanism.
92. The method of claim 91, where the first gear reduction means comprises:
a first housing,
at least one retraction shaft attached to the retracting means,
a first power shaft adapted to temporarily and releasably attaching to the portable low voltage power source, and
a first gear reduction mechanism disposed inside the first housing, the first gear reduction mechanism operably connected to the at least one retraction shaft and the first power shaft, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the retracting means to retract the pool cover from an extended position by activating the retracting means through the rotating the at least one retraction shaft through action of the first gear reduction mechanism;
resistance means for restricting the pool cover from extending from the retracted position when the pool cover is in the retracted position.
93. The method of claim 90, where the second coupling means includes second gear reduction means, the second gear reduction means adapted for temporarily and releasably coupling with the portable low voltage power source, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the extending means to extend the pool cover to an extended position, the second gear reduction means including a gear reduction mechanism.
94. The method of claim 93, where the second gear reduction means comprises
a second housing,
at least one extension shaft attached to the extending means,
a second power shaft adapted to temporarily and releasably attaching to the portable low voltage power source, and
a second gear reduction mechanism disposed inside the second housing, the second gear reduction mechanism operably connected to the at least one extension shaft and the second power shaft, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the extending means to extend the pool cover to an extended position by activating the extending means through the rotating the at least one extension shaft through action of the second gear reduction mechanism.
95. The method of claim 89, where the pool cover is a flexible pool cover.
96. The method of claim 95, where the retracting means comprises a cover collection shaft on which the pool cover is wound when the pool cover is retracted.
97. The method of claim 96, where the extending means further comprises a line collection shaft on which at least a first line attached to the pool cover is wound as the pool cover is extended.
98. The method of claim 97, where the cover collection shaft and the line collection shaft are co-linearly aligned along respective long axes in a vertical manner.
99. The method of claim 89, where the extending means further comprises at least a first reel on which at least a first line is wound as the pool cover is extended.
100. The method of claim 99, where the at least first line is attached to the pool cover.
101. A method of uncovering a pool comprising the steps of:
(a) installing a pool cover system, comprising
a pool cover;
retracting means for retracting the pool cover from an extended position covering the pool, the retracting means being fixedly attached to a pool deck, the retracting means configured and adapted to be activated by use of a portable low voltage power source, the retracting means located at a first end of the pool;
first coupling means for temporarily and releasably coupling the portable low voltage power source to the retracting means, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the retracting means to retract the pool cover from an extended position;
extending means for extending the pool cover to an extended position covering the pool, the extending means configured and adapted to be activated by use of a portable low voltage power source, the extending means located at the first end of the pool;
second coupling means for temporarily and releasably coupling the portable low voltage power source to the retracting means, such that the low voltage power source may be activated to cause the retracting means to retract the pool cover from an extended position;

1460749234-34c9eb24-e321-4cb4-a9e7-54f8fd5f097f

1. A display case for collectibles comprising:
a base structure including an elongated surface on which an item to be displayed can be placed;
first and second end faces formed at opposing ends of said base transverse to said elongated surface;
a plurality of case panels arranged for at least partially enclosing said item to be displayed, said plurality of case panels including
a back panel integrally formed with said base structure and extending transverse to said elongated surface along a rear edge thereof;
a top panel supported on an upper elongated edge of said back panel, said top panel at least partially formed of a transparent material, and extending over said elongated surface in a first direction transverse to said back panel;
first and second opposing side panels removably connected to the case at said opposing ends of said base structure;
a first channel defined by at least one track formed on a front face of said back panel;
at least one decorative panel having a selected design formed on at least one surface thereof, said decorative panel removably disposed in said first channel and positioned so that said selected design is facing away from said back panel, toward a front of said display case;
a first alignment structure disposed in said base structure at each of said first and second end faces, said first alignment structure adapted for interacting with a second alignment structure of a second case, wherein said case and said second case can be aligned to form a single extended display case;
a plurality of posts; and
a mesh material coupled to said posts to form a fence, said fence extending adjacent to said decorative panel.
2. The display case according to claim 1, wherein said first alignment structure is disposed beneath a portion of at least one of said first and second opposing side panels, when the first alignment structure is not in use.
3. The display case according to claim 1, wherein an end portion of each of said plurality of case panels of said case abuts an end portion of a plurality of case panels of said second case, and an end face of said case abuts an end face of said second case, when said case and said second cases are aligned.
4. The display case according to claim 3, wherein said plurality of case panels further includes a front panel opposed from said back panel, extending transversely between said top panel toward said base structure.
5. The display case according to claim 4, wherein an end portion of each said front panel, said back panel, and said top panel of said case abuts a corresponding end portion of a respective case panel of said second case when said case and said second cases are aligned.
6. The display case according to claim 1, wherein the first alignment structure and the second alignment structure each include a plurality of apertures formed in said end faces, whereby a plurality of alignment fasteners is adapted to be received by opposing apertures from abutting first and second alignment structures when said case and said second case are aligned in abutment.
7. The display case according to claim 1, wherein said display surface is banked to define a simulated track defining at least one of a road and a playing field.
8. The display case according to claim 7, further comprising a plurality of light sources disposed along a length of said simulated track.
9. The display case according to claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of light sources is comprised of at least one LED.
10. The display case according to claim 1, further comprising at least one electrical connector integrated within a portion of said case adjacent to said opposing ends of said plurality of case panels.
11. The display case according to claim 10, wherein said electrical connector forms a portion of said first alignment structure.
12. The display case according to claim 1, wherein a portion of each of the first and second opposing side panels is at least partially transparent.
13. The display case according to claim 1, further comprising a second channel aligned with said first channel and formed on a rear face of said back panel opposed from said front face, said second channel having a size and shape configured for receiving a bracket for attaching said case to a support surface.
14. A display case for collectibles comprising:
a base structure including an elongated surface on which an item to be displayed can be placed;
first and second end faces formed at opposing ends of said base transverse to said elongated surface;
a plurality of case panels arranged for at least partially enclosing said item to be displayed, said plurality of case panels including
a back panel integrally formed with said base structure and extending transverse to said elongated surface along a rear edge thereof;
a top panel supported on an upper elongated edge of said back panel, said top panel at least partially formed of a transparent material and extending over said elongated surface in a first direction transverse to said back panel;
first and second opposing side panels removably connected to the case at said opposing ends of said base structure;
a first channel defined by at least one track formed on a front face of said back panel;
at least one decorative panel having a selected design formed on at least one surface thereof, said decorative panel removably disposed in said first channel and positioned so that said selected design is facing away from said back panel, toward a front of said display case;
a first alignment structure disposed in said base structure at each of said first and second end faces, said first alignment structure adapted for interacting with a second alignment structure of a second case, wherein said case and said second case can be aligned to form a single extended display case when abutting side panels of the case and second cases have been removed;
at least one electrical connector integrated within a portion of said case adjacent to said opposing ends of said plurality of case panels, the electrical connector forms a portion of said first alignment structure;
a plurality of posts; and
a mesh material coupled to said posts to form a fence, said fence extending adjacent to said decorative panel.
15. A first display case for collectibles comprising:
a base structure including an elongated surface on which an item to be displayed can be placed, said elongated surface banked to increase in elevation from a front to a rear of said display case;
first and second end faces formed at opposing ends of said base transverse to said elongated surface;
a plurality of case panels arranged for at least partially enclosing said item to be displayed, said plurality of case panels including
a back panel integrally formed with said base structure and extending upwardly in a direction transverse to said elongated surface along a rear edge thereof;
a top panel supported on an upper elongated edge of said back panel, said top panel at least partially formed of a transparent material, and extending over said elongated surface in a first direction transverse to said back panel;
first and second opposing side panels removably connected to the case at said opposing ends of said base structure;
a plurality of alignment structures disposed in said first and second end faces, each alignment structure exclusively comprising an aperture;
a plurality of alignment elements removably positioned snugly within a plurality of said apertures, said plurality of alignment elements configured for interacting with a second alignment structure of a second identical display case, wherein said first and second display cases can be aligned to form a single extended display case;
display lighting disposed within said first display case, wherein at least one of said plurality of alignment elements further comprises electrical circuitry for coupling electric power from said first display case to said second display case;
a plurality of posts; and
a mesh material coupled to said posts to form a fence, said fence extending adjacent to said back panel so as to be visible from a front of said first display case.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. An illumination apparatus with an inorganic light-emitting device with a first light exit area and an organic light-emitting device with a second light exit area larger than the first light exit area, wherein the inorganic light-emitting device and the organic light-emitting device are arranged so that a planar light output in which light of the inorganic light-emitting device and light of the organic light-emitting device superimpose each other results,
wherein the inorganic light-emitting device and the organic light-emitting device radiate equally colored light, and the organic light-emitting device is formed as a planar luminaire and comprises a transparent portion, and the inorganic light-emitting device is mounted to the organic light-emitting device so as to radiate its light through the transparent portion so that the inorganic light-emitting device and the organic light-emitting device radiate their light in the same direction of radiation perpendicular to a planar extension of the organic light-emitting device, and the first light exit area is embedded in the second light exit area in a projection along the direction of radiation.
2. The illumination apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the organic light-emitting device is formed to be transparent for the light of the inorganic light-emitting device, and the inorganic light-emitting device is arranged in front of the organic light-emitting device in the direction of radiation.
3. The illumination apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transparent portion is formed by an opening in a non-transparent backside electrode of the organic light-emitting device.
4. The illumination apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an optical layer is, in a direction of radiation of the organic light-emitting device, arranged downstream the organic light-emitting device, and the inorganic light-emitting device is arranged to radiate its light laterally into the optical layer, wherein the optical layer is formed so that both the light of the organic light-emitting device and the light of the inorganic light-emitting device lead to a light exit on a side of the optical layer facing away from the organic light-emitting device.
5. The illumination apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the organic light-emitting device is formed so that the same radiates its light also in a direction opposite to the direction of radiation, and the optical layer is formed so that the light of the inorganic light-emitting device also leads to a light exit on a side of the optical layer facing the organic light-emitting device.
6. The illumination apparatus according to claim 1, wherein several inorganic light-emitting devices are provided.
7. The illumination apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the inorganic light-emitting devices are arranged in a two-dimensionally regular arrangement laterally distributed across the second light exit area.
8. The illumination apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inorganic light-emitting device is a semiconductor LED.
9. The illumination apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the organic light-emitting device is an OLED.
10. The illumination apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an optical layer influencing a solid angle distribution of radiation of the light of the organic light-emitting device less than a solid angle distribution of radiation of the light of the inorganic light-emitting device is, in the direction of radiation, arranged downstream the organic light-emitting device and the inorganic light-emitting device so that the light of the organic light-emitting device forms a diffuse illumination and the light of the inorganic light-emitting device is targeted light which is angled relative to the direction of radiation.
11. The illumination apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the optical layer is a diffuser layer, a transparent layer with local openings at a location of the inorganic light-emitting device, or a transparent layer with laterally varying surface relief structure.
12. A reading lamp with an illumination apparatus with an inorganic light-emitting device with a first light exit area and an organic light-emitting device with a second light exit area larger than the first light exit area, wherein the inorganic light-emitting device and the organic light-emitting device are arranged so that a planar light output in which light of the inorganic light-emitting device and light of the organic light-emitting device superimpose each other results, wherein the inorganic light-emitting device and the organic light-emitting device radiate equally colored light, and the organic light-emitting device is formed as a planar luminaire and comprises a transparent portion, and the inorganic light-emitting device is mounted to the organic light-emitting device so as to radiate its light through the transparent portion so that the inorganic light-emitting device and the organic light-emitting device radiate their light in the same direction of radiation perpendicular to a planar extension of the organic light-emitting device, and the first light exit area is embedded in the second light exit area in a projection along the direction of radiation, and wherein an optical layer influencing a solid angle distribution of radiation of the light of the organic light-emitting device less than a solid angle distribution of radiation of the light of the inorganic light-emitting device is, in the direction of radiation, arranged downstream the organic light-emitting device and the inorganic light-emitting device so that the light of the organic light-emitting device forms diffuse illumination and the light of the inorganic light-emitting device is targeted reading light angled relative to the direction of radiation.
13. An automobile tail lamp with an illumination apparatus with an inorganic light-emitting device with a first light exit area and an organic light-emitting device with a second light exit area larger than the first light exit area, wherein the inorganic light-emitting device and the organic light-emitting device are arranged so that a planar light output in which light of the inorganic light-emitting device and light of the organic light-emitting device superimpose each other results, wherein the inorganic light-emitting device and the organic light-emitting device radiate equally colored light, and the organic light-emitting device is formed as a planar luminaire and comprises a transparent portion, and the inorganic light-emitting device is mounted to the organic light-emitting device so as to radiate its light through the transparent portion so that the inorganic light-emitting device and the organic light-emitting device radiate their light in the same direction of radiation perpendicular to a planar extension of the organic light-emitting device, and the first light exit area is embedded in the second light exit area in a projection along the direction of radiation, and wherein an optical layer influencing a solid angle distribution of radiation of the light of the organic light-emitting device less than a solid angle distribution of radiation of the light of the inorganic light-emitting device is, in the direction of radiation, arranged downstream the organic light-emitting device and the inorganic light-emitting device so that the light of the organic light-emitting device forms a diffuse illumination and the light of the inorganic light-emitting device is targeted light which is angled relative to the direction of radiation, wherein the inorganic light-emitting device functions as a brake light andor indicator.
14. A method of producing a planar light output by generating light by an inorganic light-emitting device with a first light exit area and generating light by an organic light-emitting device with a second light exit area larger than the first light exit area, so that the light of the inorganic light-emitting device and the light of the organic light-emitting device superimpose each other in the resultant planar light output, wherein the inorganic light-emitting device and the organic light-emitting device radiate equally colored light, and the organic light-emitting device is formed as a planar luminaire and comprises a transparent portion, and the inorganic light-emitting device is mounted to the organic light-emitting device so as to radiate its light through the transparent portion so that the inorganic light-emitting device and the organic light-emitting device radiate their light in the same direction of radiation, and the first light exit area is embedded in the second light exit area in a projection along the direction of radiation perpendicular to a planar extension of the organic light-emitting device.
15. Method according to claim 14, wherein an optical layer influencing a solid angle distribution of radiation of the light of the organic light-emitting device less than a solid angle distribution of radiation of the light of the inorganic light-emitting device is, in the direction of radiation, arranged downstream the organic light-emitting device and the inorganic light-emitting device, so that the light of the organic light-emitting device forms a diffuse illumination and the light of the inorganic light-emitting device is targeted light which is angled relative to the direction of radiation.