Abstract: A solar heated, passive storage heater located in a floor between stories of a multistory building. A heat storage medium composed of a one-foot thickness of rock is supported by modular wall panels and a floor made from reinforced modular panels. A thermostat controlled blower forces solar heated air through conventional ductwork and ceramic conduits to the heat storage medium. Air return ducts carry air back to the solar heater. Heat is passively transferred to the building along both the bottom of a floor panel and the top of a slab on the upper surface of the heat storage medium. Reinforcement bars provide enough additional strength to the floor panel to support the heater.

Abstract: A retractable cover for protecting agricultural crops against radiation frost. The polyethelene film cover lies atop a static rigging comprised of rows of posts permanently anchored in the earth and wires joining the posts. An elongated sheet rake extending the length of one row is attached to one side of the cover and is adapted to move the cover between a covering position and a retracted position adjacent a location where the cover is connected to the posts. Winch driven cables are used to move the sheet rake.

Abstract: A splint for reducing fractures of the metacarpals having a foundation lying adjacent the ulnar side of the hand and extending over the dorsum and the palm. An adjustable pressure plate is advanced toward the dorsum where its force reduces the apex of the broken metacarpal. The foundation is held in place on the hand by an adjustable strap.

Abstract: A structural and insulating panel for fabricating walls of buildings. A series of panels are interconnected into a wall at the job site and are thereafter filled with insulation by spraying liquid insulating material onto the panel-formed walls. The panels include meshes forming lateral surfaces, zig-zag wires joining the meshes together and webs and backings acting to contain the flow of liquid insulation as it is sprayed onto the walls. Conventional wall covering materials are applied over the hardened insulation, the lattice members acting as a lath. The processes of fabricating the panel and forming a wall with such panels are described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inserting an arthroscope into a knee. A stiff wire probe is shaped to be inserted through an anterior portal of the knee, to pass through the posteromedial cavity, or any other knee cavity, and thence emerge out through the skin. A tapered sleeve having one end configured to connect to the probe and another end configured to receive the arthroscope in a slip fit connects the arthroscope to the probe. Once the arthroscope is received in the sleeve, the arthroscope is pushed into position. Thereafter, the probe and sleeve are withdrawn through the anterior portal.