Abstract: Synthetic seaweed for use in inhibiting coastal erosion comprises an elongate anchor with strips of flexible non-woven material connected to the anchor. The strips may be buoyant with or without tabs of closed cell, low density foam affixed to the free end portions thereof to enhance the buoyancy of the strips whereby they maintain a generally upright position under water. Also, the strips are treated to inhibit or prevent marine growth from forming on the surface of the strips. Such treatment may include an antifouling agent or a smooth film, applied to the strips as a laminate or extruded directly onto the strips, for example. In use, the anchor rests upon the bottom of the sea and the submerged flexible strips of non-woven material extend upwardly therefrom. The strips sway in the ocean water thereby reducing currents in the surrounding water which permits accretion of suspended sand and promotes sedimentation of solid particles.

Abstract: Synthetic seaweed for use in inhibiting coastal erosion comprises an elongate anchor with at least one sheet of flexible non-woven material adjacent thereto. A first edge portion of the sheet is secured to the anchor along at least a portion thereof so that the sheet extends outwardly from the anchor terminating at an outer boundary edge. The flexible, non-woven sheet has a series of spaced apart substantially parallel cuts extending from the outer boundary edge to but not through the first edge portion to thereby define a plurality of flexible strips integrally connected by the first edge portion of the sheet. The sheet may be buoyant with or without tabs of closed cell, low density foam affixed to the free end portions of the individual strips to enhance the buoyancy thereof. Also, the sheet may have a specific gravity greater than water with such tabs applied to the strip to provide buoyancy.

Abstract: Heating system comprises solar heating panel, black fluid, and structure for selectively circulating black fluid through heating panel. Panel includes enclosure having light-transmitting upper surface, and light-transmitting conduit is closely arranged in serpentine fashion within enclosure. Reflective surface is positioned under conduit arrangement. In use, black fluid circulating through conduit arrangement absorbs solar energy, and in non-use black fluid is drained from conduit arrangement whereby reflective surface functions to reflect rays of sun away from heating panel.