Abstract: A light-transmissive solar insulating block assembly comprising: light-transmissive insulating block means defining at least one internal cavity for insulating the interior of a structure to be heated; a housing having a light-transmissive cover providing an exterior surface and a plurality of support walls extending between and separating said cover and said block means, said housing cooperating with said block means to define a circulation chamber therebetween, said support walls defining a plurality of passageways for ingress and egress of air into and out of said chamber; and control means operatively pivotally connected to said housing for reflecting radiant heat back into the interior of the structure being heated controlling the amount of light passing through said chamber, and structures constructed from an array of said block assemblies.

Abstract: A lightweight, single-ply blanket has inwardly opening, triangular pockets sewn beneath each of its four corners. The corners of the blanket are also provided with extending, braided cord loops to add anchoring versatility and to provide rapid emptying of the entire contents of the pockets by lifting the loops.

Abstract: A hay rack top which is designed to fit on conventional hay rack enclosures or bunks in order to protect hay bales and hay placed in the enclosure from the elements, which includes multiple, shaped braces designed for clamping in spaced relationship to the top ring of a conventional hay rack and extending upwardly and inwardly to support a flexible cover secured on the arms of the braces by means of a draw string tightened around shoulders shaped in the braces. The braces are easily removed from the hay rack by loosening the clamps, and the top can be quickly and easily removed from the braces by loosening the draw string.

Abstract: A tarpaulin anchoring system for retaining a tarpaulin on a pile of stored grain or other granular material comprises a plurality of anchors embedded in the pile. Each anchor has an attachment element protruding upwardly from the pile, with the attachment element being connected to a fastener affixed to the underside of the tarpaulin. The anchors are placed in the grain pile, throughout the area covered by the tarpaulin, as required to retain it in place. The anchors themselves may be of a screw or auger type which can be driven into an existing grain pile and attached to a tarpaulin as it is spread over the pile. In the case where a tarp is suspended above a grain storage area prior to formation of the grain pile, the anchors may be discs or plates attached to the underside of the tarpaulin by ropes; the anchors are buried in the pile when formed.

Abstract: A portable grain storage bin for storing grain and a method of erecting same is disclosed. The bin comprises an outer circular wall composed of wire mesh which is pegged to the ground, and an inner plastic lining material which is closed at the top after filling of the bin.

Abstract: A mat for use upon a beach, the mat including an anchor at each opposite end thereof, so as to prevent a strong wind from blowing it away, while persons are not lying down thereupon, such anchor consisting of a scoop that digs under the sand, so as to be anchored therebeneath.

Abstract: A cotton module is covered with a tarpaulin for protection from the elements. The tarpaulin has a plurality of grommets spaced along the peripheral edge thereof. A separate pin is inserted through each of the grommets and held in place by pressure from the fibrous material of the cotton module. Each pin includes a first elongated leg having a sharpened tip which is inserted through the grommet and into the cotton module. A second leg is approximately one-fourth the length of the first leg and extends parallel to the first leg. The second leg is inserted into the cotton module alongside the peripheral edge of the tarpaulin. A bight portion runs between the first and second legs and is devoid of any protrusions which might cause the pin to be knocked loose as the cotton module is transported.

Abstract: A cover for a mound of stored bulk material, such as a round bale, which has an outer surface and ends, has sufficient dimensions to cover more than 50% of the outer diameter of the round bale. The terminus of the cover closest to the ground or storing place contains a tie rope for passing around the bale below its diameter to secure the cover. An added feature is an end flap devised to cover both ends of the round bale. The flap includes provisions for tightening as the stored bulk material shrinks or changes in shape through storage. The flap will also contain a plurality of openings to secure the flap to the bulk material with a tie tool. The cover can be utalized on a mound of hay by the above method and including a tie tool which passes through a portion of hay with a rope threaded through the hay with the tie tool. The rope is secured to a plurality of openings in the cover to further secure the hay cover to the hay.

Abstract: A perforate member is laid over a windrow of cut plants to confine it against the action of the wind. The member is open over a major portion of its area to sunlight and the passage of air. The member is held against the ground preferably by the weight of water in flexible tubes extending along opposite sides of the windrow.

Abstract: An improved storage apparatus for dry material in bulk is disclosed. The storage apparatus includes a tarpaulin cover and a circular metal wall. The tarpaulin cover is secured to the circular metal wall, or to any suitable surface, by a lashing means including a plurality of eyelets in the periphery of the tarpaulin cover, a plurality of anchors attached to the wall or, alternatively, to any suitable surface, a first cable attached to the anchors so as to encircle the wall, and a second cable alternately threaded through the eyelets and around the first cable.According to another embodiment there is provided a storage container which includes a flexible membrane cover and a flexible membrane base. Alternatively, the flexible membrane cover is provided separately for a pile of dry material in bulk. In these embodiments the flexible membrane cover is secured to any suitable surface utilizing the lashing means described above.

Abstract: A mobile home having a membrane-type roof is stabilized by placement of a plurality of tensioned straps extending transversely across the membrane roof and in contact with the roof over a substantial portion of the length of said straps. The straps are anchored to a structural member at the edge of the roof, so that the straps constitute a permanent part of the mobile home. Hence, during transportation of the home along a highway, as well as during wind storms, etc., any upward flexing of the membrane roof is prevented by the tensioned straps which lie adjacent said roof. A suitable strap may be a 1200 pound test braided nylon rope having a diameter of about 1/4 inch. Springs for achieving tension in the rope may be helical springs about 16 inches long and having a diameter of about 1/2 inch, with said springs being made from steel wire having a diameter of about 1/32 inch.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for securing stacks of various materials and mobile homes to the ground. In one embodiment, a plurality of cables, ground anchors, cover sheets and load distribution devices are utilized for shielding and securing a stack of materials to the ground. In a second embodiment, a system of cables, imbedded ground anchor plates and attachment means are utilized to secure a mobile home to the ground to resist movement and tipping from wind and to compensate for frost heave.