Abstract: An electrical dissipator comprising a multiplicity of fine electrically conductive wires having their proximate ends fitted into a hole in an electrically conductive base member and secured therein by crimping to securely grip the ends of the wires. One embodiment of the base member comprises a hollow tube allowing connection over an existing traditional lightning rod. In another embodiment, the base member comprises a solid rod or hollow tube having its proximal end threaded to allow the traditional lightning rod to be unthreaded from its threaded base and replaced. In a third embodiment, the base member comprises an apertured flange for bolting to the structure to be protected from lightning.

Abstract: A coupling arrangement between a manifold having nipples and a solar panel having nipple receiving orifices. Each nipple is formed with a plurality of primary circumferential projections adjacent to the free forward end and a supplemental circumferential projection adjacent to the manifold. The primary projections have radial surfaces as well as surfaces inclined in a first direction while the supplemental projection has a radial surface as well as a surface inclined in the opposite direction. The coupling arrangement further includes a circumferential recess in each interior orifice of the solar collector, shaped and located for receiving its associated additional projection. Also disclosed is an improved arrangement for coupling together manifolds or grooves and recesses.

Abstract: A solar collector composed of extruded ceramic collector plates joined together by means of rubber connectors and interconnecting manifolds to form a collector having the desired configuration and collector area. Means are also disclosed to protect the collector from contamination due to debris, dirt, etc.

Abstract: A fire escape device enabling a person to escape from a multi-story building. The fire escape device of the invention comprises two sets of planetary gears which operatively interconnect a winding drum to the main shaft of a fan assembly. During operation, as the cable is unwound from the drum, the sets of planetary gears cause the shaft of the fan and correspondingly, the fan blades themselves to rotate at great speed thereby braking and hence controlling the rate at which the cable is released from the winding drum.

Abstract: A novel method of making a solar collector is disclosed and described. The solar collector includes a base and a plurality of upstanding walls extending about the perimeter of the base. An input and an output extend through the walls to communicate with a plurality of liquid conduits integral with the base. A transparent cover is secured to the upstanding walls for covering the base and the plurality of conduits. The conduits and the base are constructed of a one-piece molding of a curable material. The invention resides in the method of forming the solar collector through a molding process. A first and a second mold element are positioned relative to one another to form a mold cavity defining the outer configuration of the solar collector. The mold cavity is completely filled with a curable material. The curable material is allowed to cure only adjacent the mold cavity wall whereafter the mold cavity is drained of the non-cured material thereby creating the internal configuration of the solar collector.

Abstract: A hose clamp wherein the slotted strap portion is cut to a desired clamp size from a stock supply length. The clamp provides a housing for the two ends of the cut portion. Projections carried by the housing permit a first end of the strap to be removably engaged with the housing. A second member, preferably the second end of the strap, fills the space above the attached first end to interfere with the movement of the first end off the projection. Thus the assembly of a cut strap portion and a drive housing can be accomplished without tools.

Abstract: A novel solar collector is disclosed and described comprising a base and a plurality of upstanding walls extending about the perimeter of the base. An input and an output extend through the walls to communicate with a plurality of liquid conduits integral with the base. A transparent cover is secured to the upstanding walls for covering the base and the plurality of conduits. The conduits and the base with the upstanding walls are constructed of a one-piece molding of a curable material.