Abstract: A diffuser-augmented wind-turbine assembly in which the diffuser has a cylindrical central section rotatably supporting a rotor drum which in turn supports turbine blades without requiring a central support shaft. Wind energy drives the turbine blades and rotor drum, which in turn drive a generator of electrical power.

Abstract: A process of fabricating a composite vessel includes the steps of: A) fabricating a thermoplastic liner for the vessel; B) overlaying a layer comprising fiber and a thermoplastic material (preferably by winding commingled filaments, rovings or yarns) onto the thermoplastic liner to obtain a composite intermediate structure (the fiber and thermoplastic material can be heated if desired during the overlaying, e.g. winding, step); C) heating the composite intermediate structure in a mold while applying at least one force thereto tending to urge the composite intermediate structure against and into the shape of the interior walls of the mold; D) continuing step C) until the thermoplastic liner and the overlaid layer consolidate to form a composite vessel; E) cooling the mold and composite vessel until the composite vessel is solidified; and F) removing the formed composite vessel from the mold.

Abstract: A container in which trash may be stored until such time as the container can be dumped into a truck for transportation to a sanitary disposal site. Trash may be inserted and compacted within the container by a compactor unit formed integrally with or fixedly attached to the container. The compactor unit includes a hopper into which trash may be dumped. A packing panel may be pivotally mounted to move through the hopper to push the trash into the container and compact it therein. The packing panel may move from a position in which the hopper is fully opened to a position in which the panel serves as a door to close the hopper and prevent access to the hopper. The panel can be moved from the "door" position to a third position approximately 180.degree. from the fully opened position. In the third position, the panel has moved all of the trash out of the hopper and into the container.