Abstract: A solar heat energy collection system of the natural circulation type where the heat store is located above liquid cooled collectors. The system utilizes at least two liquids, the first is a non-freezing liquid which circulates between a heat store tank and the collectors, the second liquid is less dense than the first and immiscible therewith and acts as a heat store and also to supply the heat load. A third liquid less dense than the second and immiscible therewith may be utilized to supply the heat load. In this latter situation, the second liquid acts only as a heat store.

Abstract: Arrangement for sealing an opening in a solar collector through which a header passes and for maintaining the integrity of the seal during movement of the header due to expansion and contraction thereof. A generally cylindrical resilient member compressively engages an adapter member defining the opening at a first annulus of contact and tapers to compressively engage the header at a second annulus of contact. In an alternate embodiment, the resilient member then flares to a third annulus of contact at the adapter. Apparatus is also disclosed for connecting and sealing the headers of adjacent collectors or a header to a manifold.

Abstract: A solar energy collector of the air heat exchange type in which the absorber forms the upper wall of an air duct and a heat exchanger in the duct transfers heat from the absorber to air in the duct, thereby providing increased heated surface area to the air passing therethrough.

Abstract: A cup-shaped member having cylindrical sides for coupling adjacent ends of headers of solar collectors of the liquid heat-exchange type, or a header to an associated manifold. The member has a cylindrical body and an orifice in the base through which liquid flows. Several arrangements for using the member to couple the headers together or to a manifold are disclosed.

Abstract: Solar heat energy collectors of the gaseous heat exchange type where the absorber is in the form of a duct completely out of thermal contact with the collector housing and extending between openings in opposite sides of the housing. Resilient seals are provided about the housing openings and compressively engaged with each other to prevent egress of heated gas or ingress of ambient air.

Abstract: A solar energy collector housing having a transparent cover, and a solar energy absorbing panel in the housing beneath the cover, and including a transparent member having closed tubular air pockets positioned between the panel and the cover to inhibit convection currents therebetween.

Abstract: A solar energy collector in which one or more sheets of thin transparent material are positioned in the collector housing. The sheets are tensioned on frames which are supported within the housing and the uppermost frame supports a glass cover member.

Abstract: A housing for a solar energy collector which is formed of one-piece wall sections having integral flashing reglets and so formed as to provide lifting surfaces for the housings, help define an alignment and securing channel on the housing, aid in positioning a transparent cover retaining cap on the walls, and provide a weatherproof housing.

Abstract: A solar heat energy collector is disclosed which includes an absorber in a housing beneath a transparent cover member. A plurality of closely spaced essentially parallel vane-like members extend horizontally between the absorber and cover member to inhibit convection currents within the housing, and are angularly variable as a function of the elevation of the sun.

Abstract: A solar energy collecting system of the liquid type where conduits in individual collectors of a system are in contact with an absorbing panel and the conduits of each panel are connected between liquid external input and exit manifolds, and where provision is made to accommodate differential expansion and contraction between piping of individual collectors and manifolds and minimize heat losses where the collector headers exit the collectors and join the external manifolds.

Abstract: A solar heating system of the liquid heat transfer collector type in which provision is made for circulating the heat exchange medium only, then the collector temperature bears a predetermined relation to the storage medium, and where, a heat exchange liquid dissipating means is provided to dissipate heat in the medium when the collector temperature exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A solar heat energy collecting device and system embodying the same is disclosed where the devices are used in multiple to provide the required heating capacity, and where each device includes a housing member supportable on a roof between adjacent joists or on a separate structure. A solar energy collector plate is mounted within the housing, and heat transfer tubes are in intimate contact with the collector. A plurality of devices may be mounted in a columnar and row array with the tubes of each connected.