Abstract: A beach stabilizer for minimizing erosion of sand and soil is disclosed. The device comprises a plurality of elements having first and second spaced apart surfaces on opposite sides of a center plane extending therethrough. The elements are interconnected to form at least one string and are arranged on a surface defined by the sand so that the center planes of adjacent elements are disposed in transverse relation to each other. At least one vertical pile is partially submerged in the sand and is associated with the at least one string so as to permit vertical adjustment while maintaining the location of the at least one string on the sand.

Abstract: An energy-efficient barrier uses thin slats, on one side of which are formed a number of reflective surfaces. The reflective surfaces are oriented at an angle, with respect to the face of the slat, to maximize reflection of the rays of the sun. The parallel reflective surfaces are formed as a series of ridges along the length of a slat and as the treads of a series of stairsteps formed along the length of a slat. The slats can be formed of extruded material with the reflective surfaces formed of reflective material which is polated on V-grooves formed in the slats. The slats are oriented in relation to the direct rays of the sun to pass the direct rays of the winter sun between the wider faces of the slats. The reflective surfaces on each slat are also aligned to reflect the direct rays of the summer sun.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed for spackeling or joint compound or as a stucco composition including hollow silica particles. Also, disclosed is a preferred composition comprising the following components in the indicated proportions: from about 3 to about 7 parts by weight of latex binder, from about 0.3 to about 1.5 parts by weight of water retention agent, from about 25 to about 36 parts by weight of filler, and from about 1 to about 5 parts by weight of hollow silica particles, said hollow silica particles having an average diameter of from about 25 microns to about 100 microns and a density of from about 0.10 g/cc to about 0.20 g/cc.