Abstract: A layout for collecting solar energy is described which is made up of modules formed by two or more hollow plates of variable-cross section, placed parallel to each other, in the interior of which a fluid having chemical properties which assist the collection of solar energy flows. The plates are inserted in the mouths of two collectors to which the supply and distribution ducts of the fluid are applied. The collectors have a configuration providing an area or chamber of air separating both plates, and in the opposite side, they have an upper fin, with a "U" cross-section, to fit into the structure of the building, and a lower flange which bears a block made of insulating material placed under the second plate.

Abstract: A tangentially fired pulverized coal furnace in which the means for introducing fuel and air from the corners operate as independent firing systems at low ratings and contribute to the fireball at higher ratings. The coal flow through a nozzle is deflected radially outwardly at low ratings and allowed to continue essentially straight at high ratings. A surrounding secondary air flow is concentrated at the coal stream and may be varied from a swirling action at low ratings to a parallel flow action at high ratings.

Abstract: A solar collector having the shape of a step pyramid which is enclosed within a transparent dome and a bottom insulating layer. A continuous coil of tubing conforming to the same shape as the step pyramid is in contact with each successive step. Because of this shape, the collector receives solar radiation during all daylight hours without the use of mirrors or tracking devices.

Abstract: A solar heat collector having reduced convention losses until a predetermined absorber means excess temperature is reached and including a radiant energy absorbing means which has a first and a second surface. Means for the passage of a fluid to be heated is positioned in contact with the second surface of the absorbing means. Means for reducing conduction losses are positioned adjacent to the means for passage thereby sandwiching the means for passage between the absorbing means and the means for reducing. Glazing means which is transparent to radiant energy is positioned over the first surface of the absorbing means and is spaced apart therefrom thereby trapping air between the glazing means and the absorbing means. Means to suppress convection flow of the trapped air until a predetermined absorbing means temperature is reached. The means to suppress convection is located between the glazing means and the absorbing means thereby reducing losses due to convection from the absorbing means.

Abstract: A passive sealed flat plate solar heat collector with an attached reflecting panel for the collection, storage and radiation of solar heat comprising a modular direct solar heat window unit mounted in the side of a building. The window unit comprises a vertically disposed frame having a lower window unit at the lower end thereof and a pair of upper window units positioned above the lower window unit. A first panel member is hingedly secured at its lower end about a horizontal axis to the frame at the lower end thereof and is movable from a closed position adjacent the lower window unit to an open position. In the closed position, the first panel member protects and insulates the lower window unit. In the open position, the reflective inner surface of the first panel member reflects the rays of the sun into the lower window unit which has a solar heat collector positioned inwardly thereof. The first panel member is adjustably positioned in various positions relative to the lower window unit.

Abstract: Steam generator for pressurized-water nuclear reactors having a steam jacket wherein a multiplicity of rectilinear tubes traversed by primary water is secured between two horizontally disposed tube support plates, and at least one connecting tube for supplying the primary water is secured to the steam jacket through a compensator for length equalization, includes a water chamber respectively disposed within the steam jacket and adjoining each of the tube support plates, and a guide jacket for circulating feed-water supplied into the steam jacket, the guide jacket being mounted within the steam jacket and having a lower portion extending into a space located between the steam jacket and the lower tube support plate.

Abstract: A solar heating system operating on a phase-change cycle and suitable for operation in buildings. A solar heating panel is positioned to receive solar energy, and fluid passages within the panel are connected in a sealed closed fluid system. The closed fluid system is charged with a fluid medium which is vaporized by solar heating occurring in the solar panel. The heated vaporized fluid flows through energy extraction devices which do work while utilizing energy extracted from the vapor. The vaporized fluid flows to a condensor in heat exchange relation with a heat storage medium, such as a tank of water. The heat of vaporization given out by the condensing vapor is supplied to the heat storage medium, and heat can then be withdrawn from storage for space heating or for other purposes. The solar heating panel can be a composite structure fabricated from rolled sheet metal, which provides a substantial reduction in unit cost of the heating panel.

Abstract: A collector of waves, such as of solar radiations entering from any direction, concentrates them upon a receiver that converts them to useful purposes. Moderate concentration factors are achieved without the necessity of tracking the sun. The reflective surface of the collector is a semicircular arc; developed by rotation about an axis either in the plane of the arc passing through the center of curvature to form a hemisphere, or in the plane of the arc and tangent to one end to form a hemitoroid with a central cusp, or about some other axis; or some combination of these shapes. The device is compounded to provide an increased concentration factor. Means are taught for adapting the device to heat-collecting plates, heat pipes, or photovoltaic conversion devices (solar cells) of either disc, ribbon, or tube construction and for installing the device on surfaces of buildings with or without the capability of tracking the sun.

Abstract: A horizontally mounted solar collector for collecting solar energy utilizing a vertical deflector assembly, a stationary reflector and a collector. The deflector assembly contains a plurality of vanes which change the direction of the solar energy to the vertical, while constantly keeping the same side of the deflector facing the sun. The vertical rays are then reflected off the stationary reflector and are then absorbed by the collector.

Abstract: A boiler having a hot gas generator for burning liquid or gaseous fuels. The hot gas generator comprises a combustion chamber unit, into the combustion chamber of which the fuel and air for combustion are introduced and in which the combustion of the fuel takes place. The combustion gases are conveyed out of the combustion chamber into a water cooled boiler firebox. A compressor supplies the air for combustion into the combustion chamber unit. A flue gas conduit, which leads to the flue gas vent of the boiler, at its inlet end, which is connected with the boiler firebox, is connected with the air intake of the compressor of the hot gas generator for recirculating a regulatable amount of flue gases into the combustion chamber unit of the hot gas generator. The flue gas conduit offers a resistance to the flow of flue gas therein, which resistance is greater than the chimney draft force present in the flue gas vent of the boiler.

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: Solar heat tracking and collecting apparatus including a frame, means for rotating the frame in altitude and azimuth, a solar heat concentrator mounted on the frame and a solar energy sensing means disposed on the frame and operable to control the frame rotation means. The solar heat concentrator includes a substantially rectangular, flat collector plate and two pair of oppositely disposed light reflective side walls bounding the collector plate, the side walls in a converging relationship to one another. The device may also contain a triphase solar mode sensor which is operable during the full sun phase to enable and disable the solar energy sensing means from automatically controlling the frame rotation. When the sky is overcast the solar energy sensing means become inoperable and the mode sensor then operates a timer which enables the obscured sun to be accurately tracked within very close tolerances.

Abstract: A multi-layered solar energy collector comprising a supporting means and a plurality of collector layers structured as part of coaxial cylinders or part of concentric spheres secured to said means whereby to absorb and utilize both the direct and scattering radiation of the sunlight to produce a high temperature thermal energy output.

Abstract: A vapor generator is made up of a tube wall with conducting tubes which are gas-tightly welded together followed by a sheet metal flue gas duct leading to a stack. The tube wall has a temperature zone in which the temperature difference between the medium in the tubes and the flue gas is at its minimum under any operational conditions. In addition to the conducting tubes, the tube wall has a portion with non-conducting tubes which are gas-tightly welded together and through which the medium is non conducted. The non-conducting tubes are aligned with respective tubes of the conducting portion of the tube wall with the interposition of tube transition pieces or T-shape pieces. The T-shape transition pieces include a connection to the conducting tube with a right angle tube leg for the offtake of the vapor and an aligned leg which is welded to the non-conducting tubes of the non-conducting tube section.

Abstract: A furnace enclosure is provided in which one wall includes tubes of different passes which are free to move longitudinally relative to each other. A seal plate and filler means are disposed outside of the enclosure to provide for gas-tightness.

Abstract: The invention adds liquid solar heating to conventional house construction without altering the plans. Sections of moulded polyester resin embedding p.v.c. pipes connect together to provide a continuous liquid pathway which is hidden from view. The sections are artistically styled, obviating the unsightly appearance of present day solar equipped homes. The arrangement is very inexpensive, yet durable, and not subject to glass panels and its attendant breakage or the use of expensive copper tubing. The entire roof is a collector and different parts of the roof are exposed to the direct sunlight at all times of the day.The solar sections actually replace the shingles, tile or other outer coating of the conventional roof for new construction. Hence, the solar section is integral with the house, making it more stormproof, yet workmen may walk over the roof.

Abstract: For the simple Thomason "SOLARIS" heat collector, a simple outlet is used that requires a drop-outlet nipple with a U-slotted top end, and sealant to avoid escape of liquid or steam (vapor).In a modification, only one drop outlet is used for two "SOLARIS" panels, thus cutting the cost even further.In another modification a slotted, sloping pipe serves as an outlet and drain.

Abstract: Solar heat exchange panel manufactured by a high speed rotogravure or heat sealing process wherein two elongated sheets of flexible plastic film are laminated together along lines defining inlet and outlet manifolds and a plurality of flow passages. The manifolds extend substantially the entire length of the sheets, and the flow passageways are arranged in groups to form individual heat exchanger sections which are served by the manifold. Mounting loops are provided along the lateral edges of the panel and adapted for receiving elongated rods by which the panel can be tethered or secured to another such panel.

Abstract: An extruded solar panel formed as a unit and including a plurality of co-planar fluid passageways joined side by side and having at least one radiation transmissive cover extending over the passageways. The edges of the cover are joined to the edges of the group of passageways to form a dead-air space over the passageways. The opposite longitudinal edges of the cover and passageway structure have flanges that can be interlocked for ease of assembly, and one or more ribs are provided to support the passageways from the roof structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing total combustion of burnable waste materials and which includes a housing mounted upon a series of wheels that furnishes it with portability, the housing forming a firebox having a pair of upper and lower combustion chambers therein, a pair of feed chutes for feeding the combustion chambers, respectively, a closure means pivotally connecting to the housing and providing for coverage of the feed chutes and entrance into the combustion chambers during apparatus operation, a flue connecting to the housing, above the combustion chambers, and extending partially into the upper or secondary combustion chamber, an exhaust stack provided upon said flue, said exhaust stack including a series of cylindrical sections, being of different diametric sizes, with the sections of greater diameter partially lapping and extending above the sections of lesser diameter therebelow, and a truncated shaped stack section connecting upon the uppermost cylindrical section for exhausting the gases of combustio