Abstract: A dry disconnect coupling connects the transfer hose from a fuel oil storage tank and the fill pipe of a tanker truck to form a continuous flow path between the storage tank and the tanker truck. The coupling includes an adapter, a coupler, and means for returning fuel residue to the flow path or to an external reservoir. The adapter is attached to the fill pipe of the tanker truck on one end and to the coupler on the other end. The free end of the coupler is attached to the transfer hose from the storage tank. The adapter and the coupler each define a flow passageway therethrough which is sealed by a poppet valve having an end face. The fuel returning means includes a reservoir for collecting fuel residue that accumulates on the end faces of the adapter and the coupler during transfer operations. In a preferred embodiment, the returning means includes a venturi vacuum for suctioning the fuel residue out of the reservoir and into the flow passageway defined by the coupler.

Abstract: A ground cover for controlling soil erosion and retarding vegetation growth on sloped ground includes a plurality of spaced apart water control baffles and a series of thin, sheet-like membranes between pairs of the water control baffles. The ground cover is secured to the ground by a plurality of ground engaging fasteners. The water control baffles preferably include a vertical leg having a plurality of apertures therethrough, and a ground engaging leg, which is substantially horizontal to the ground, for receiving the ground engaging fasteners. The membranes allow water to flow through the membrane while preventing erosion of the soil underneath the membrane.

Abstract: A hand-held personal defense apparatus for protecting a user against an attacker includes a hollow housing defining an elongate handgrip. An aerosol canister of a defense fluid, such as tear gas, MACE.RTM. or (cayenne) pepper gas, and a battery-powered siren are positioned within the housing. The apparatus further includes a strike bar connected to the housing and extending forwardly in spaced relation from the handgrip so that the hand of the user may surroundingly grip the handgrip with the strike bar exposed on the outside of the hand. The strike bar serves as a visible deterrent to an attacker may be used as a defensive weapon against the attacker. The apparatus further includes a movable actuator button for selectively activating the alarm or the alarm and the canister of defense fluid.