Abstract: A solar energy fluid heating system and method wherein sunlight is focused on the one end of a number of light pipes and directed by the other ends of the light pipes onto a heat conductive surface at the bottom of a number of tubes within a fluid storage tank. Each of the tubes within the tank is apertured adjacent to the lower end thereof and open at the other end thereof to permit fluid circulation within the tank. The tubes may be entirely of heat conducting material to accomplish fluid heating over an increased portion of the tubes.

Abstract: It is known to utilize a screed extension apparatus along the front surface of a mold board in a machine for spreading pulverulent material such as a paving machine. Such a screed extension apparatus normally includes a strike-off plate and means for mounting and moving this plate between a retracted position generally in front of the mold board and an extended position in which the strike-off plate extends from an end of the mold board so as to serve as an extension of the mold board. Such a structure can be improved by utilizing two housings, the second of which fits around the first in such a manner that the second housing may be moved linearly with respect to the first but is restrained from any other type of relative movement with respect to the first housing. The first housing is secured in front of the front surface of the mold board well above the bottom of the mold board and adjacent to the end of the mold board. The second housing carries the strike-off plate.