Abstract: Solar collector panels filled with porous fiber mats have the fibers coated with a pigmented intumescent paint which expands to partially fill the spaces between the fibers for retarding convective fluid flow through the fiber mat in the case of a fire in the structure with which the collector is associated.

Abstract: A solar greenhouse utilizing at least one radiant energy transparent or transmitting panel, with a low density fibrous mat positioned to the interior of and having one side generally contiguous to the radiant energy transparent panel, which fibrous mat serves as means for converting radiant energy into heat, and which has fibers carrying (impregnated with or coated with) a fluorescent pigment material. Fluorescent pigments have been proven to enhance plant growth and the mat and panel serve not only as a means for transmitting radiation useful to the plants in the greenhouse, but also serving as an insulation layer. The fibrous mat is preferably sandwiched between two radiant energy transparent panels and the space between the panels serves as a heat collector through which air is passed for removing heat, which can then be used for other purposes.

Abstract: A flexible solar collector may be readily attached to a structure, such as a house, mobile home or the like, and may be readily removed from the structure and rolled into a roll of small compass for storage when desired. The collector is of flexible tubular construction having an intermediate panel which defines a pair of chambers containing fibrous heat absorbers through which air is circulated.In another embodiment of the solar collector, the fibers of the heat absorber are formed of metal. In another embodiment of the solar collector, the fibrous heat absorber is spaced from the light transmissive member so that air flowing through this space lowers the temperature of the inner surface of the light transmissive member and reduces thermal losses of the collector to the environment. In further embodiments, a pair of fibrous heat absorbers are used, which may be provided with a transparent radiation barrier therebetween.

Abstract: A flat plate solar collector includes a light transmissive member which is adapted to receive solar heat energy therethrough. The light transmissive member is mounted adjacent but in spaced relation to a wall to thereby define a chamber between the plate and the wall. The heat absorber comprises a fibrous heat material positioned within the volumetric space defining said chamber, which not only effectively absorbs solar heat transmitted through the light transmissive member, but also serves as a heat insulator and minimizes the escape of heat therefrom at all times.

Abstract: A process for treating and restoring honeycombs infected with American Foulbrood Disease (Bacillus larvae). Includes the steps of applying a liquid suspension containing living spores of the mold Penicillium waksmani Zaleski (or near) to the cell wall surfaces of a honeycomb infected with American Foulbrood. The concentration of living spores of Penicillium waksmani Zaleski (or near) in the suspension is approximately 5 to 10 million spores per milliliter of suspension. After the application of the liquid suspension to the honeycomb, the honeycomb is then allowed to remain at a temperature of about 65.degree. to 75.degree.F and at a relative humidity of about 85% for a period of time to permit sufficient growth of the mold Penicillium waksmani Zaleski (or near) so that the mold covers the honeycomb, including the cell walls. The honeycomb is then placed in a well populated beehive where the bees remove American foulbrood scales and the dried mold and consequently clean each honeycomb cell.