Abstract: A nursery habitat for flying pollinators has an axially-elongated tubular case and a multiplicity of elongated tubes. The case extends between a first end and a second end and defines an axially-elongated hollow tunnel, wherein at least one of the first end or the second end is provided with an opening. The tubes extending between a front end and a back end wherein at least the front end is open. The multiplicity of elongated tubes is disposed in closely-spaced packing inside the tunnel of the case with the open front ends of the tubes being accessible to flying pollinators through the opening in the case.

Abstract: A tool for applying clip fasteners which are bent around thin objects to tie them together. The tool has a housing that presents a load opening through which the clip fasteners are loaded. A retractable clip follower is urged by spring action against the fasteners to feed them toward a receiver having a slot for holding the fasteners one at a time. A jaw mechanism operated by a handle is moved toward a fastener held by the receiver and initially bends the fastener about two elbow joints. After a jaw plate carrying the jaws reaches the limit of its motion, continued movement of the jaw mechanism causes the jaws to pivot closed and make a final bend at a center hinge joint of the clip fastener.

Abstract: A radiant heating system for installation or a subfloor. Header panels having arcuate cutouts are secured on the subfloor near opposite walls of a room. Spaced apart sleepers are secured to extend between the header panels and provide channels that receive radiant heating tubing. The cutouts are initially occupied by break away header plates which can be detached to allow the tubing to curve through the cutouts so that it can extend between the ends of adjacent channels. The cutouts can be inserted back into the cutouts to secure the tubing bends in place. Heat conductive panels overlie the sleepers and channels and can be overlaid with finished flooring.

Abstract: A tool for applying clip fasteners which are bent around thin objects to tie them together. The tool has a housing that presents a load opening through which the clip fasteners are loaded. A retractable clip follower is urged by spring action against the fasteners to feed them toward a receiver having a slot for holding the fasteners one at a time. A jaw mechanism operated by a handle is moved toward a fastener held by the receiver and initially bends the fastener about two elbow joints. After a jaw plate carrying the jaws reaches the limit of its motion, continued movement of the jaw mechanism causes the jaws to pivot closed and make a final bend at a center hinge joint of the clip fastener.

Abstract: A heating element construction for a mesh mat used in an underfloor heating system. The heating element includes a heater wire having one or more conductors spirally wound around a center strand and an insulating jacket surrounding the conductor. The heater wire is doubled back on itself to provide two counterflow portions which are spirally wrapped around each other. The electric current flows in opposite directions in the two counterflow portions to cancel the electromagnetic field. A braided metal ground shield surrounds the heater wire. A protective outer cover surrounding the ground shield resists abrasion and water.

Abstract: A monitor for use during installation of under floor warming mats to monitor the condition of the electric heating elements. Three lead wires extending from the monitor have alligator clips allowing them to be clipped to the hot, neutral and ground leads of the heating elements. A monitoring circuit generates an audible alarm if the hot or neutral wire is cut or if the ground sheath is electrically connected to either the hot or neutral wire.

Abstract: An electrical heating system thin enough to be installed under finished flooring. A meshwork mat constructed in a leno configuration receives an electric heating element which is threaded through aligned openings in the twisted strands of the warp strands. The strands of the mat and the intersections between the criss-crossing warp and weft strands are coated with a polymeric fusing material. The heating element is arranged in side by side runs to minimize the electromagnetic field effects. Connecting runs between adjacent pairs of side by side runs are arranged linearly end to end. A return wire is extended adjacent to and side by side with the connecting runs.

Abstract: A retention clip which secures radiant heating tubing to a reinforcing bar or wire used to reinforce a concrete slab. In one embodiment, the clip has a C-shaped body which includes a pair of parallel legs connected by a straight bight. The bight is hinged in the center so it can be bent to bring the free ends of the legs together. A pin on one leg then enters a socket on the other leg and a flange on the pin interlocks with a shoulder of the socket to hold the clip around the tubing and reinforcing element. The clip body has stiffening ribs to enhance its strength and dimensional stability. An alternative embodiment provides a straight clip body having a central hinge joint and two elbow joints about which the body can be flexed to bring interlocking ends together. Each elbow joint includes opposing pairs of lugs which provide stability. A block on one side of each elbow joint enters a groove between the opposing lugs to lock the joint against sideward swaying.

Abstract: A launcher and pod combination for dispensing miniature flyers at altitude includes a pod, a launcher for non-explosively launching the pod, an optional tether connected between the launcher and pod to jerk the flight of the pod to an abrupt halt, and, miniature flyers contained in the pod before launch which are to be dispensed by the pod when jerked at the limit of the tether.

Abstract: A multiple layer hose which incorporates a gas barrier film and an elastomeric fill layer which is interposed between the gas barrier and a fiber mesh reinforcing layer. The fill layer isolates the gas barrier from the reinforcing fibers and fills the grid openings in the mesh to avoid pockets of trapped air in the hose wall.

Abstract: A flexible hosing for circulation of a heat transfer fluid to effect heat exchange within a concrete or other type of slab. An inner wall comprising nylon, rayon or other similar material forms an inner wall of the hosing to resist corrosive attack by the heat transfer fluid. A locator wire is embedded within the hosing for transmission of a locating signal so that the position of the hosing within the slab may be accurately determined. The wire may also serve as an electrical resistance heating element should the heat transfer fluid become frozen, or should it be desired that the heat exchange system be operated without an external boiler or other heat source.

Abstract: A heat exchanger construction for melting snow, heating buildings or objects and transferring solar heat. The construction embodies a flexible, multilayered, reinforced composite hose embedded in or affixed to a slab or other body. The composite construction combines the advantages of metal, extruded rubber and plastic piping to produce substantial durability, pressure rating, resistance to oxygen permeation, temperature tolerance, and corrosion resistance, while remaining extremely flexible and thus easy to install. Three embodiments are described and illustrated.