Abstract: A cylindrical roller apparatus for a glass tempering oven comprises a ceramic roller having a first end portion and a second end portion, a flat formed on each end portion of the roller, an end cap having a cylindrical wall mounted on each end portion of the roller, a metal retaining plate positioned on each flat, and a screw threaded through each end cap wall that screws into contact with the retaining plate for securing each end cap to the roller and for pushing the roller flush against the inner surface of the end cap wall. An acess hole can be provided in the end cap for welding together the screw, retaining plate, and end cap. Grooves can also be formed on the inner surface of the end cap, accessible through an opening formed through the end cap, to allow injection of adhesive between the roller and end cap to further secure the two together.

Abstract: The specification discloses a solar energy collector having a manifold with a manifold supply tube and a manifold return tube disposed therein. Fluid is supplied to the apparatus through the manifold supply tube and is received from the apparatus through the manifold return tube. A plurality of spaced apart riser U-tubes extend away and upwardly from the manifold with one end of the U-tube being in fluid communication with the manifold supply tube and the other end of the U-tube being in fluid communication with the manifold return tube. Dimples are formed in spaced apart positions along the supply tube and an orifice is formed in the center of the dimple. The U-tube is connected to the supply tube at the dimple, covering the orifice so that the orifice meters the fluid flow to the U-tube. A solar energy absorber tube encompasses each of the U-tubes.