Abstract: Easy-threading sewing needles, in two embodiments, for hand needles and sewing machine needles are disclosed, as well as a method for making the easy-threading structure. The needles have eyes defined by sidewalls, one of which is slit along a plane which passes from the outer surface into the eye and divides the sidewall into an elongated inner clip member and a conforming retaining member. The clip member is mechanically spring-biased against the retainer but may be resiliently bent inward to open the slit by pressing a thread loop against the outside of the sidewall. The clip springs back against the mating surface of the retainer as soon as the thread enters the eye and the pressure is removed. The machine needle includes an off-center eye and the thread trap formed on the thinner sidewall, the point of the needle being formed off-center under the eye and a smooth shoulder projecting outward just under the entrance to the slit.

Abstract: The solar roof, eaves and gutter device is for collecting solar radiation and heat loss from a heated structure below the roof, and to utilize the captured energy to melt ice and snow from the roof, eaves and gutter of a building structure to prevent damage to the lower roof areas of the building structure. The solar device includes a generally flat base strip of an energy absorbent material for securing the device to the lower roof areas of the structure and at least one adjustable solar collector tab for optimal orientation towards the sun to receive solar radiation and to transmit this energy to other portions of or connected to the device. The solar collector tabs being either a cut out from and congruous with the base strip or being a separate portion rotatably mounted to the base strip. The device is suitable for use on roofs either with or without a gutter.