Abstract: A solar-energy-collector and solar roof. The collector comprises a panel of solar-energy-absorbing material adapted to lie flat on a roof or other supporting surface. The panel has on its undersurface a plurality of projections serving as feet which support the panel. The projections are spaced from each other by an amount predetermined to provide channels dimensioned to receive a flexible conduit adapted to transport a fluid heat exchange medium in heat exchange relation to the panel. The panels may be cut to conform to roof configuration, chimneys, etc. and the conduit arranged accordingly in the channels. The solar roof comprises a plurality of the panels interconnected to each other.

Abstract: A consolidated, rubber article such as a filler segment for composite solid rubber tires is made by reducing solid rubber articles to small pieces, placing the pieces in a mold having the configuration of the desired tire filler segment, and heating the pieces in the mold while applying pressure thereto.The mold assembly includes a filling chamber and a releasably attachable mold body. A press block fits slidably in the filling chamber and is operable to compress the rubber pieces into the mold. The press block then is locked to the mold body to close the mold, whereby the mold body and press block may be separated from the filling chamber while maintaining the closure. The pieces in the mold body are then heated, while compressed, sufficiently to consolidate the mold contents into a tire filler segment having a density of from 15 to 75 pounds per cubic foot. The consolidated product is then cooled and removed from the mold.

Abstract: A deck component for use in a highway railroad crossing. The component comprises a flat pad of molded, comminuted rubber dimensioned to lie with companion pads inside and outside the rails and spiked to the ties. Pad bearing is provided against the webs of the rails, as well as against the tie plates and the ties. The result is a stabilized crossing easily installed and of long life.

Abstract: An automatic lure speed control assembly for a race track having a conventional track, rails extending along the track, and a lure movably supported by an electric motor driven carriage. Placed sequentially along the track are electric inductive loops for traversal by contestants during a race. The contestants wear blankets in which is implanted an inductance altering element. An electric circuit, including the inductive loops, selected rails, and the motor is operable to control the rate of advancement of the lure as required to maintain it immediately ahead of the lead contestant.

Abstract: The braking apparatus of this invention functions in cooperation with a rabbit lure car provided with longitudinally arranged brake shoes adapted to be clamped between elongated clamp members as the lure car passes the clamp members. Actuation of the clamp members is by a fluid cylinder, preferably pneumatic, lever-connected to an actuating rod that operates through a plurality of bell cranks to open and close the elongated clamps. The clamp opening is positioned in pre-set spacing when the operator transfers a control switch preparatory to the lure car's entering the vicinity of the clamp members. When the lure car passes a preestablished position following initial braking resulting from the pre-set clamp spacing, full clamp pressure is automatically applied, stopping the lure car.An associated fluid cylinder automatically opens a lure gate when the lure operator transfers the control switch to pre-set the clamp spacing.

Abstract: Apparatus for burning particulate fuels such as wood sander dust or sawdust comprises a pair of radially spaced, substantially coaxial tubes having infeed ends and juxtaposed discharge ends. Mounting means rotatably mount one of the tubes. Drive means is connected to the rotatably mounted tube for rotating it relative to the other tube. A source of forced draft combustion air is connected to the infeed end of one of the tubes. Fuel feed means is arranged for feeding particulate fuel in solid flow into the infeed end of the other of the tubes. Upon establishing concurrent, substantially continuous flows of fuel and air in the respective tubes and spinning one of the tubes, the fuel and air contents of the tubes are discharged at the outfeed ends thereof and mixed with a high degree of efficiency into a combustible fuel mixture.