Abstract: Wind turbine apparatus is described for converting wind energy into electrical energy. The apparatus includes a rotatable central shaft, a plurality of rotor blades attached to the central shaft, and a plurality of convex airfoils spaced around the periphery of the rotor blades. The ratio of the number of rotor blades to the number of airfoils is at least 1.25 to 1. The size of the apparatus may vary, and the apparatus is useful in a variety of applications and environments. It is very efficient in converting wind energy to electrical energy. It may be operated even in very high wind conditions.

Abstract: A bar system for attachment to the box of a pickup truck for securing various items in the box in a stabilized manner. The bar system includes (a) an elongated bar which includes an elongated slot, (b) mounting brackets secured to opposite ends of the bar, with at least one of the brackets being adjustably mounted, and including a bolt for securing each bracket to the box; and (c) at least one tie-down bracket carried by the bar and being movable along the bar. The bar system strengthens the box and also provides convenient and safe tie-down locations to secure and stabilize items carried in the box.

Abstract: A multiple use camouflage system is described for use by an individual. The system is integrated into and remains attached to a fanny pack secured to a waist belt or to a backpack, etc. The camouflage system utilizes a sheet of flexible rectangular camouflage material (preferably translucent mesh netting) with spaced straps secured along one side edge and spaced D-rings on the opposite side edge. When deployed, the sheet material can be wrapped around the user and secured with the straps. A slit extends upwardly from the bottom edge toward the central section of the sheet, enabling the lower portions of the sheet to be wrapped around the users legs and secured with straps and D-rings, or the lower portions can be secured together to form a tube around the body of the user. The material can also be used off of the body as a fixed positional blind for hunting or surveillance. The material can be folded and rolled into the fanny pack for storage and carrying.

Abstract: A portable, modular fluid-containment system is described which can be assembled anywhere to form a wall or dike for preventing fluids (e.g., water) from escaping from their intended location and for preventing flooding. The system uses individual collapsible modules which can be stacked in rows and columns, as desired. The modules overlap each other and are also interconnected so that a liquid such as water can be used to fill all of the modules to make them more stable and immobile.

Abstract: A seed planter is described which includes a pair of gauge wheels having a plurality of spaced fingers in generally-horizontal planes. The gauge wheels do not pack the surface of wet soil. In another embodiment, there are provided closing wheels which include spaced fingers on the periphery. The closing wheels are able to close the slot in the soil without forming a hardened crust on the soil. Use of the closing wheels and the gauge wheels enables the planting of seeds in soils which contain higher levels of moisture than normally permissible.

Abstract: A closed delivery system is described for the handling of injectable biological products and vaccines used in the treatment and prevention of livestock diseases. This system embodies a multidose prefilled disposable cartridge and a metered pistolgrip syringe body. The cartridge is breech loaded into the syringe body and the product is dispensed from the cartridge by a unique drag link mechanism as a means for advancing the plunger rod and forcing the vaccine from the cartridge into the flesh of the animal being treated. Each prefilled cartridge is disposed of after it is emptied and no cleaning is required. A color coding system between the multidose, prefilled, disposable cartridges and the syringe bodies insure that proper dosages are given and that products are not mixed up or confused by the technicians administering the products.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting to the three-point hitch of a tractor. The apparatus includes a frame, a fuel source, an elongated boom having two sections which are pivotably connected together at their ends, a burner head, and a fan for directing air through the outer section of the boom to the burner head. The apparatus is useful for burning ditches, etc. The boom can be rotated relative to a vertical mounting shaft on the frame, and it can also be raised or lowered as desired. The pivotable boom is able to reach out to either side of the tractor, and it can be folded for transport or storage. The boom can be folded so as to reach up and over ditch banks, fences, etc.

Abstract: This invention is a method and system of attaching, retracting and storing milking machines while maintaining the teatcups in an upright position. This method and system increases the current speed of milking on many dairies and offers improved sanitation. A cover is positioned to protect the teatcups from debris when it is in storage and there are several variations of mechanisms to hold the teatcups in position while attaching and retracting them. The invention allows milkers to place the machine on the cow with four teatcups at once instead of one at a time.

Abstract: Metal to composite connections are described wherein multiple ply composite elements with preformed fanned marginal edges are inserted into dovetail grooves and secured by injection of solidifiable resin into the wedge shaped voids between reinforcement plys.

Abstract: A hands-free hair dryer is described which includes (a) a hair dryer body including heating element and fan, (b) an elongated bendable tubing connected at one end to the hair dryer body, and preferably (c) a spring clamp secured to the other end of the tubing. The tubing is capable of being bent to any desired position or angle where it remains until it is re-positioned. The spring clamp can be attached to any desired surface or support such as a counter, door, towel rack, cupboard, etc. The device allows very convenient hands-free use of the dryer for a variety of purposes.

Abstract: A locking gun rack system is described for securing a gun to any desired structure (e.g. a wall, cabinet, vehicle, etc.). The system includes a pair of gun supports in which an arm is pivotable between open and closed positions relative to a base, and the arm can be latched in a number of different positions so as to accommodate guns of different shapes or sizes.

Abstract: A method is described for controlling the spread of Lyme Disease spirochete from rodents which have been infected. The method involves orally administering to the rodents a composition which includes an antibiotic (e.g., tetracycline) which is capable of killing the spirochete. Bait compositions are described which include an antibiotic. The bait compositions may be solid or liquid.

Abstract: A high visibility gun sight system is described for mounting on a gun barrel (e.g., a muzzle-loading rifle). The system includes a base member for mounting to a gun barrel, and an elongated light-gathering plastic rod which is detachably mounted to the base member. Preferably the base member includes upwardly extending hoop members for engaging the plastic rod. The plastic rod can be detached, when desired, and replaced with a rod of a different color, for example.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for picking or harvesting agricultural products from plants on which they were grown. The apparatus is especially useful for harvesting peppers of various types (e.g., chili, bell, etc.). The apparatus includes fingers carried on elongated opposing bars which are inclined relative to the ground and are moved through a circular path such that opposing fingers engage and lift the products and separate them from the plants. A trash removal system removes plant stems, leaves and debris. Preferably a hopper is included for receiving and carrying the harvested products until the operator desires to transfer the products to a truck or other carrier. The apparatus is very efficient in harvesting agricultural products and does not crush or damage fragile products or the plants on which the products are grown.

Abstract: A system is described for verifying the calibration of a turbidimeter having a light source and a detector for scattered light. A first polarizer is positioned in the path of the light beam, and a second polarizer is positioned between the first polarizer and the detector. The first polarizer linearly polarizes the light beam and the second polarizer restricts the amount of light passing through it to reach the detector.

Abstract: Tub grinding apparatus is described for grinding bulk materials (e.g. forage products such as hay) in a manner such that far fewer "fines" are produced. As a result, the ground forage materials are of higher quality and are more palatable for animals than forage materials which are processed with previous apparatus. Also, because there are fewer "fines" produced, there are fewer pollution problems and less wasted feed. The apparatus is able to grind forage material at a significantly lower speed than previously possible. The hammers are spaced closer together near the outer end of the rotor member.