Abstract: An amusement game in which a game piece descends adjacent a playing surface. A preferred embodiment of the game includes a playing surface, a game piece, a plurality of deflecting members, and a receiving mechanism. The playing surface is preferably inclined. The deflecting members are preferably adapted to deflect the descending game piece. Nevertheless, the game piece is preferably adapted to descend past the deflecting members. The receiving mechanism is preferably positioned below the deflecting members. The receiving mechanism may have a recessed portion and a handle. The handle is preferably adapted to enable a player to move the recessed portion relative to the playing surface. Consequently, the player is preferably enabled to move the recessed portion to catch the game piece with the recessed portion.

Abstract: A game for testing reflex and reaction times in people is provided. The game has a vertical housing mounted to a planar base. The vertical housing defines a channel enclosing a pair of shafts. A card is provided to move along a first shaft and a lifter is provided to move along a second shaft. The lifter engages the card and sets it in an upper limit. A solenoid keeps the card at its upper limit. A start button enables the solenoid to release the card permitting downward movement of the card. A pair of finger grabbers inserted through side walls of the housing enable a player to grab the falling card. Prize lines on a front surface of the card determine if a player has won a prize. A cheat detection system is additionally provided to prohibit a player from grabbing the card before it has initiated downward movement.

Abstract: A carnival or amusement park game in which a player is challenged to keep a rolling ball to its objective descending, planar, zig-zag path by manipulating the rotation of the plane of the path. The game may be further enhanced by providing rotational steering alternatives, providing for coin operation, or by providing a device to record or signal the event of a successful play.

Abstract: A solar collector panel is made from glass fiber reinforced concrete using a dissolvable core of polymer foam to form the internal passageways. The core is dissolved in a solution of solvent and polymer which impregnates and coats the concrete surfaces of the passageways to seal the passageways and to isolate the concrete from the heat transfer fluid.

Abstract: A heat exchange element for solar heating is made of a solidified material such as concrete, cement, ceramic or resin bonded particulate material. Internal ducting is provided by embedded pipes or within the material itself. In the latter case a former is removed after the material is set, and this may be a rigid member, or one that can be dissolved or melted out. The element is preferably a laminated panel-like structure, possibly with fibre reinforcement.

Abstract: A solar collector panel is made from glass fiber reinforced concrete using a dissolvable core of polymer foam to form the internal passageways. The core is dissolved in a solution of solvent and polymer which impregnates and coats the concrete surfaces of the passageways to seal the passageways and to isolate the concrete from the heat transfer fluid.