Abstract: An improved unitary, coextruded solar collector panel of the type having an upper, heat insulating region, and a lower, heat absorbing region, each region having ribs which separate the region into channels, for the passage of a fluid therethrough, wherein the heat insulating region is provided with an increased number of channels, to decrease radiation and convection losses from the heat insulating region, and the heat absorbing region is provided with oblique ribs which form channels of increased cross sectional area, to improve heat transfer from the heat absorbing region to the fluid circulated therein. Bowing of the unitary collector panel out of its planar configuration is reduced by providing a heat absorbing region which is darkened in a manner such that the heat density is greatest at a point away from the bottom of the collector panel.

Abstract: A batten, adapted to retain at least one of a pair of juxtaposed, unitary, coextruded solar collector panels to the structural members of a building, the batten having a substantially horizontal retention member, portions of which extend over portions of the top of the adjacent collector panels, and a pair of substantially vertical leg members contacting and depending from the retention member and adapted to retain the adjacent collector panels in juxtaposed position, the batten further allowing for thermal expansion in a lengthwise and crosswise direction, while also reducing bowing of the collector panels from their planar configuration. The batten is capable of unitary formation in lengths sufficient to retain the adjacent collector panels in place along substantially their entire length.

Abstract: In a solar thermal energy collection system comprising at least one unitary, coextruded solar collector panel, having an upper, heat insulating region, and a lower, heat absorbing region, each region having channels extending longitudinally therethrough, adapted to contain a fluid therein, and a pair of headers, connected to the collector panel along an interface abutting the ends of the channels of the heat insulating region and the heat absorbing region, and connecting the collector panel to the remainder of the collection system, an improved header is provided; having a wall, which extends outward, initially tangentially, from a point along the interface which is substantially closest to the axial center of the header, and then along the interior of the wall of the header, forming a transitional channel which communicates with the second channels and which uniformly directs a fluid between the second channels and the central cavity defined by the header; and having an inner and outer wall, separating the c

Abstract: This involves a laminate having preferably a 15 mil layer of cloth such as especially a 65-35% blend of polyester and cotton, a 2.5 mil layer of non-creped paper tissue, and in between them an 8 mil layer of low density polyethylene which has penetrated into the paper just short of appearing on its face, and a corresponding amount into the cloth. It will preferably be bonded together by ten seconds bonding time at 435.degree. F under ten psi platen pressure. The laminate is especially useful as an inexpensive non-curling product for use as emblems, especially where it is intended to be put into a Merrow sewing machine for special stitching and then sewn onto the garment on which it is intended to be displayed.

Abstract: A unitary solar collector for transfer of thermal energy which is a synthetic thermoplastic unit. The unit has a solar-energy transmitting region and a solar-energy absorbing region. The unit is useful for heating purposes.

Abstract: A device for recording a drop in temperature below a pre-selected temperature minimum. The device provides a permanent record of the drop in temperature. The device is reuseable.

Abstract: A removable elastomeric cervical cap includes a thin-walled cap-shaped member having the same shape as the exocervix and having an inside surface conforming identically to the exocervix surface. The method includes expanding the vaginal wall to substantially expose the exocervix surface. A layer of a liquid self-curing elastomeric material is then applied to only the exocervix surface, the inner surface of the layer conforming identically to the surface without distorting the surface. The liquid elastomeric material is then permitted to solidify.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for non-surgical reversible sterilization of females. In the method of this invention an apparatus to which a removable tip is attached is inserted into the uterus. The tip is aligned with the uterine end of the oviduct. A curable elastomeric composition is injected, through an aperture in the tip, into the oviduct in an amount sufficient to fill the portion of the oviduct adjacent to the uterus. The elastomeric composition is allowed to solidify and adhere to the above noted tip. The apparatus is then removed with the tip being ejected from the apparatus so as to remain adhered to the resulting oviduct block. The above procedure is repeated for the opposite oviduct. The resulting oviduct blocks prevent the passage of ovum from the ovaries to the uterus and sperm from entering the oviduct thereby preventing conception.