Abstract: A solar collector has a nonlinear collecting surface, for example, a substantially spherical surface, such collector being positioned perpendicular to the rays of the sun throughout the day thereby providing a constant level of solar energy collection. The collector has a hollow body where absorption of the collected heat takes place by a heat transferring fluid being either a liquid or a gas. Provisions are made for increasing the absorptive efficiency of the collector and for reducing radiant heat loss.

Abstract: A retaining structure for gutter downspouts, particularly a laterally extending downspout, comprising an elongated ground-engaging supporting member which carries at its upper end a laterally extending downspout-receiving member having means for restricting lateral movement of a downspout and a retaining member which is provided with means for restricting both upward and longitudinal movement of a supported downspout.

Abstract: A flow coat head for curtain coating, particularly of sheet material, employing a container for the coating material having a pair of end walls connected by an elongated tubularly-shaped body, provided with an elongated longitudinally extending slot in the wall thereof which forms the material discharge opening of the head, and extends continuously from one end of the body to the other, with the body wall peripherally extending continuously from one of its longitudinal slot edges to the other thereof, forming a slot having a transverse width at least equal to the maximum desired operating width of the material discharged, pressure being applied on said body member at opposite sides of the slot in directions to move the edges of the latter toward one another and thereby vary the effective discharge width of the slot.