Abstract: A system for the production and harvesting of algae including one or more of the following components: A turbulator for dissolving carbon dioxide in water to form an algae growth media, a photobioreactor having a serpentine flow path for the algae growth media through spaced apart high and low baffles with an associated light source, a dewatering device for the algae slurry harvested from the photobioreactor, a turbulator for breaking up the cells in the algae sludge coming off the dewatering device, a cooker for cooking the broken up algae cells under pressure and a settling tank for separating the cooked cells into oil, spent media and biomass fractions.

Abstract: A settling grid separator apparatus and method of use which provides deep dehydration of high flow rate sludge in an environmentally friendly and energy efficient manner. The apparatus and method comprise and utilize an efficient mixing of the sludge with a flocculating agent or polymer solution, and sludge flow quieting techniques to reduce disturbances and promote flocculation of clustered solids. Free surface liquid rejection, a series of traps, and pressurized filtering utilize gravimetric, hydrometric, and densimetric techniques to separate liquid from suspended solids. Gravitational forces are utilized throughout the apparatus and method to promote separation of higher density solids from the lower density liquid carrier. Upon separation, solids with a minimal liquid content are controllably discharged for proper disposal or recycling.

Abstract: A pivotal gate latch (1), including housing (2), in which a pivotal sleeve (8) and gate post embracing plates (9 and 10) are disposed for pivotal movement. A latching flange (11) is arranged within the housing that engages with an upper disposed detent or shoulder (21) formed in the pivotal sleeve, to secure the gate frame (P) in place and sustain it in a locked condition. Vertical displacement of the latching flange, either manually or through remote cables, permits horizontal pivoting the latch plates in either direction, after which time, if the gate is biased by associated springs or cables, the gate may be self-centering, and locked automatically by the return of the latching flange to the rest position within the shoulder.

Abstract: To protect a round bale of hay from moisture, the bale is engaged by a machine attached to the three point hitch of a conventional farm tractor and then elevated with the hitch. An impervious strip, which is supplied on a roll, is attached at its end to the bale near one end of the bale, and then the machine rotates the bale, causing the strip material to pay off of the roll and wrap around the bale. The roll, which is on a dispenser, is maneuvered along the bale such that the strip wraps spirally around the bale with some overlap between adjacent convolutions of the strip. This forms a sleeve-like cover around the bale for the entire length of the bale. The machine includes a frame which connects to the three point hitch of the tractor and has a horizontal bearing in which a spear shaft rotates. The shaft is quite long and solid, so that as it rotates it may be driven into the bale from one end of the bale.

Abstract: A device for protecting baled hay from moisture damage includes a cover that fits over the hay bale and fasteners that project into the bale and connect with the cover so as to secure the cover in place. Each fastener has projections which lie in a single plane and when the fastener is turned so that plane is crosswise to parallel stalks of hay in the bale, the fastener remains firmly in place and cannot be easily withdrawn. On the other hand, when the plane of the projections is parallel to the stalks of hay, the fastener is quite easily emplaced or removed.