Abstract: A device and method for producing rotational mechanical power is disclosed which has a plurality of hinged blades attached to a central circular hub. The device may be used to convert the kinetic energy from the movement of the wind, ocean or river currents, or tidal flows into useful rotational mechanical power. The rotational mechanical power may be converted into electrical energy. Each of the plurality of blades are attached to the central circular hub via a hinge. Each blade is also fitted with a blade limiter to restrict its motion to no more than 90° relative range from the tangent line to the central hub at the point where the blade attaches to the hub. The hinges and blade limiters allow the blades to both present a surface automatically to the motive natural fluid and to generate the maximum torque in one side and minimum resistance torque positions in the opposite side relative to the motion of the motive stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to portable powered devices or tools for residential, commercial, or industrial applications, in which the power source may be carried on the back of the individual user, power is transferred via a flexible drive shaft, and the powered devices or tools may be quickly connected to or disconnected from the power source via a quick-connect power take-off and power take-on to allow the user to quickly, safely and ergonomically accomplish a variety of tasks, each requiring a different device or tool. Among residential, commercial, or industrial applications, the invention relates to power sources which are light-weight internal combustion engines or AC or DC powered electric motors and to portable powered tools for landscaping, maintenance and repair; such as, without limitation, string-trimmers, edge-trimmers, hedge cutters, brush saws, blowers, drills, buffers, grinders, sanders, drainer cleaners, or sump pumps.

Abstract: A large animal trap for humanely capturing and restraining large feral animals, particularly feral hogs, is disclosed which is field assembled from pre-manufactured modular components. Animals are enticed into the trap by an animal baiting means. A sliding gate supported and released by a sliding gate latch means and gate locking means are further disclosed, which traps the animal once triggered and prevents the animal from raising the gate. The modular components are in the shape of flat square or rectangular wire mesh panels framed by square tubing. The sizes and in the shape of the modular components are especially advantageous for ease of transport to remote trapping locations. Once the individual components are placed in their proper positions to form the trap, they are joined together by fasteners, not requiring tools to secure. Said fasteners may be later removed when the user disassembles the trap.