Abstract: Structures and techniques for solar collectors are described. In accordance with the described techniques, a structural assembly of a solar collector may include various members that are configured to carry torsional and bending loads with relatively low deflections between a reflector and a receiver. In some examples, the described structural assemblies may include a set of edge-sharing tetrahedra or tetrahedral volumes aligned along an axis, which may be supported by chord members that are parallel to the axis. In some examples, the described structural assemblies may include sets of co-rotating and counter-rotating helical structural paths, which may be connected or supported by structural members that are perpendicular to an axis of the helical structural paths, or members that are parallel to an axis of the helical structural paths, or various combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method and system for ascertaining the favorable positioning of products in a retail environment is provided. The locations of products within a retail space are determined using a position identifying system, such as a global positioning system, a local positioning system, or an enhanced global positioning system as products are stocked within the retail space. The paths of customers through the retail space are also determined using the position identifying system, and these paths may be sensed and recorded using a device that stores a position identifier broadcast by the position identifying system. Customers may be identified using financial transaction databases or other identifying data. The products chosen for purchase by the customers are identified, and the locations of the chosen products within the retail space are associated with the paths of the customers through the retail space to form a set of spatial relationships.