Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an apparatus for joining a plurality of struts at a vertex, such as the vertex of a geodesic or a space frame structure. A plurality of strut supports are provided, each strut support including a pair of substantially parallel spaced side plates for receiving and securing one of the struts, with a longitudinal face of the strut aligned with a pair of the longitudinal edges of the side plates. Each strut support also includes a clamp between the side plates, the clamp having a generally rectangular base plate mounted across the side plates in substantially perpendicular relationship to said longitudinal edges of the side plates, such that an end face of the strut can abut against the base plate of the clamp. The clamp also has a pair of generally parallel flanges extending away from the strut at an oblique angle with respect to the flange base plate. The clamps of each of a plurality of strut supports are joined at a tubular hub member that is typically cylindrical or polygonal.

Abstract: An improved method of sealing and attaching, in a weathertight manner, a mounting support, such as a mounting support of an equipment, to a roof surface. A flared hole is formed in a sheet of metal flashing. The flashing is placed on the roof with the flared hole thereof aligned with a hole in the roof and protruding upward from the roof. A resilient pad is applied to the roof flashing over the flared hole, with a hole in the pad surrounding the flared hole in the roof flashing. The mounting support is then bolted to the roof surface by passing a bolt through the mounting support, the pad, and the aligned holes. The bolt engages the mounting support and the underside of the roof surface so as to secure the mounting support to the roof surface with the flashing and resilient pad pressed therebetween. This sealing technique provides a reliable water-tight seal through which water cannot readily penetrate, even over long periods of time.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an apparatus for collecting solar energy. A housing is provided with an open top, and a solar radiation-transmissive cover is removably mounted on the top of the housing. A plurality of elongated open-ended troughs are mounted side-by-side in the housing, the troughs having reflective inner surfaces. A fluid-carrying tube system is provided, and has a plurality of branches which respectively extend along each trough near the bottom thereof. A pair of end panel assemblies are mounted in the housing at opposing ends of the row of troughs and form the ends of the troughs. Each of the end panel assemblies includes adjacent elongated upper and lower end panels which are removably coupled to each other and have a common elongated edge. The surface of each of the upper end panels which faces the troughs is reflective of solar radiation. Preferably, the surface of each of the lower end panels which faces the troughs is also reflective of solar energy.