Abstract: A retractable greenhouse canopy apparatus (10) including a support mechanism (22) pivotably mounted to the ground beside a greenhouse (12) for extending above but not fully across the greenhouse. The support mechanism includes a first portion (23) extending upwardly from the ground and a second portion hingedly attached to the distal end of said first portion. An insulated blanket (14) is supported by the support mechanism and includes a first portion (54) for covering a section of the greenhouse beneath the support mechanism and a second portion (56) for covering a section of the greenhouse beneath the second portion of the support mechanism.

Abstract: A heat blanket for building enclosures with large glazing areas, such as greenhouses and other solar-oriented buildings comprises a night time/inclement daytime blanket consisting of series of tube stacks, each tube in a stack being inflatable so that the inflation of tubes within the stacks and in turn within the series of stacks, causes the tube stacks to spread themselves to cover a large area and, in turn, deflation allows a ready compression of the stacks to a storage region. Generally, inflation and deflation involves movement of the stacks horizontally to provide an insulating roof. After inflation, the tubes are sealed and each stack provides a substantial inflating value of closed tubes, specific values being adjustable by adding one tube to a stack. The inflation value can be supplemented by making the space between tubes (from stack to stack and within stacks) a closed space as well, by selective use of reflection techniques and other adjustments.