Abstract: A unitary flexible thermal insulation jacket for valves and pipe fittings is disclosed. The jacket is universal in the sense that it properly fits valves and pipe fittings of various manufacturers. It is secured snugly in enclosing to a valve or pipe fitting by attached draw cords, rendering the jacket readily removable, reusable and thermally efficient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a fluid conducting tubular member into secure engagement with a channel integral with an elongated solar heat absorbing plate. The apparatus includes an elongated inflatable tube secured to an upstanding wall fastened to a table top. A fixture having a shallow V-shaped concave face is mounted on said table top with the concave face adjacent and parallel to said tube. An elongated plate having a channel parallel with the longer plate edges is positioned between the tube and the fixture with the channel opening toward the fixture. When the tube is inflated, it presses the plate toward the concave fixture surface. Plate edges contact and are restrained by the fixture edges, while the center of the plate is free to move further toward the fixture, flexing the plate in a manner increasing the diameter of the channel. A tubular member having an outside diameter equal to or greater than the unflexed channel diameter is inserted into the channel.

Abstract: A solar heater for heating a fluid passing through a plurality of side by side positioned solar panels. The solar panels are formed of heat conducting material with an upper solar energy exposed surface covered with a radiant heat absorbing material having high heat absorbing characteristics. A conduit formed of heat conducting material is held in place by an open circular channel of a diameter less than the conduit and positioned below the longitudinal center line of the solar panel. The solar panel portions on each side of the center line slopes downward away from the center. The respective ends of the conduits are connected to a separate common header. One header delivers ambient fluid to the conduits and the other removes heated fluid.

Abstract: A solar heater for heating a fluid passing through a plurality of side by side positioned solar panels. The solar panels are formed of heat conducting material with an upper solar energy exposed surface covered with a radiant heat absorbing material with high heat absorbing characteristics. A V shaped hinge groove is positioned along the upper longitudinal center line of the panel. The panel portions on each side of the hinge groove slope downward toward their outer edges. Curvi-linear channels are formed below the outer edges. The curvi-linear channels are received by bottom surface supported conduits that have common headers at respective ends extending beyond the solar panels. One header delivers ambient fluid to the conduits and the other removes heated fluid. The panels, conduit and headers are confined within a sealed insulated housing having integral, rigid side walls and bottom and at least one transparent panel spaced above the solar panels and sealed to the atmosphere.

Abstract: Strain measuring devices for measuring the strain in the polish rod of a rod-pumped well unit. The devices include a body member to which strain gages are bonded, and further include clamp means for detachably affixing the devices directly to a polish rod. Embodiments are disclosed in which the body member is in the form of a strap, in the form of a split cylinder, or as an elongated bar with a section of reduced cross-section.