Abstract: Municipal waste water systems can be a significant renewable alternative energy source for heating and cooling of buildings. Waste water flow rate and temperature data is collected over a period of time and locations within the waste water system that can act as a thermal energy source or sink are identified. Candidate buildings proximate the locations are identified. Thermal energy transfer apparatus can be used to transfer energy between an identified location and building.

Abstract: Apparatus and related methods of monitoring a target aquatic organism are disclosed herein. In various aspects, the apparatus may include support media that supports the growth of a target aquatic organism, and a buoy adapted to float upon a water surface. The water surface may define a waterline with respect to the buoy, and the buoy may cooperate with the support media such that a waterline position of the waterline is generally indicative of a weight of the support media. The methods, in various aspects, may include the steps of positioning a support media in an aqueous environment, the support media supports the growth of a target aquatic organism, and determining a waterline position defined by a water surface with respect to a buoy, the waterline indicating a weight of the support media.

Abstract: A system for recapturing electrical energy from a waste stream is disclosed. Further, features of the invention can be used to reduce the energy required for waste stream processing. Various energy sources are identified within the waste stream, and source-specific modules are provided for converting the various sources into electrical energy.

Abstract: A line dispenser for a retractable fence which includes a housing for holding a spool of line, the housing having a hole for communicating the line outside the housing; a crank for rotating the spool to bring the line into the housing through the hole; and a tube located within the hole. The line extends through the tube so that the tube applies a tension on the line as the line is reeled in and pulled out of the housing. This device provides a fence which is substantially tangle-free as the line is reeled into and pulled out of the housing.

Abstract: A system for recapturing electrical energy from a waste stream is disclosed. Further, features of the invention can be used to reduce the energy required for waste stream processing. Various energy sources are identified within the waste stream, and source-specific modules are provided for converting the various sources into electrical energy.

Abstract: A system for recapturing electrical energy from a waste stream is disclosed. Further, features of the invention can be used to reduce the energy required for waste stream processing. Various energy sources are identified within the waste stream, and source-specific modules are provided for converting the various sources into electrical energy.

Abstract: A line dispenser for a retractable fence which includes a housing for holding a spool of line, the housing having a hole for communicating the line outside the housing; a crank for rotating the spool to bring the line into the housing through the hole; and a tube located within the hole. The line extends through the tube so that the tube applies a tension on the line as the line is reeled in and pulled out of the housing. This device provides a fence which is substantially tangle-free as the line is reeled into and pulled out of the housing.

Abstract: A portable, anchored sensor module for collecting fresh water environmental data over a range of depths, is supported relative to a buoy having a power supply and control circuitry. A depth control housing supports the underwater sensor module. The depth control housing can be controlled as to its buoyancy for supporting the sensor module at selected depths and collecting data at such depths. The control circuitry includes capabilities for transmitting data on suitable frequencies, such as those for a cellular phone, and has a computer with memory for storing the sensor signal for remote call up. Periodically the sensor information may be transmitted to a remote station used for control. The remote station also can control the depth from which the sensors are taking data.