Inventors cont'd

Larry Winiarski's solar concentrator uses reflective plastic membranes that are controlled with water. By raising and lowering the water level, he can keep the sun focused on a line. His invention uses regular plastic packaging (e.g., potato chip bags), Mylar, which is strong and can last several years. The plastic is easily available and cheap -- $1 per square meter. He uses strips of it to form mirrors. Springs are used to hold the plastic tight, plastic tubes to keep the plastic in place. It doesnÕt use any fancy motors; the mirrors float on Styrofoam that floats in water, and all the mirrors can be ganged together in such a way that they float. When intense sunlight hits the pumps, Winiarski can measure the temperature difference as he fills up a garbage can full of water. From that he can calculate the heat capacity of water.

Jerry Ostermeier has developed and manufactures his own micro-hydro system, which generates power into a battery. These units are placed in nearby streams and take several weeks to install. Hydroelectric has been around 150 years; however, his system is more evolved, a new adaptation of an old technology. Water intake starts from a stream at higher elevation, and is piped downhill to a generator that runs into the battery system, which is connected to the house to power lights, fridge, outlets, etc. The water then re-enters the stream. He has a demo unit and pump at his center, which doubles as his machine shop. All his machines are manufactured in his shop.

BioMix is a soilless plant propagation medium that is neutral to slightly buoyant. It allows for fast root growth by providing plants with continual watering through wicking action (up to 7 vertical inches) while maintaining up to 50 percent air space so that roots may breathe. BioMix contains organic bedding mix that is incorporated into hydrophilic foam. It is nontoxic to fish, has a slightly acid pH, and is biodegradable. It is the only planting mix recommended for use in BioHavens.