Abstract: A solar energy collection system includes a base having a convex bottom and chambers within the base. A fluid partially fills each of the chambers. A pump coupled to the base is in fluid communication with each of the chambers. A solar energy collector is coupled to the base.

Abstract: A landscaping containment system includes a first wall, a second wall, and weed-blocking material. The first and second walls are anchored to a ground region with the two walls extending vertically upward from the ground region. The first wall and second wall are spaced apart from one another. The weed-blocking material is coupled to the first wall and second wall such that the first wall, second wall, and weed-blocking material lie along a periphery of a U-shaped channel.

Abstract: A mobile bird bath and sprinkler system includes a bird bath having a base and a basin coupled to the top of the base. A roller and a spike are coupled to the bottom of the base. A sprinkler head attached to at least one of the base and basin is operable to dispense water that is supplied thereto.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system includes a base having a convex bottom and chambers within the base. A fluid partially fills each of the chambers. A pump coupled to the base is in fluid communication with each of the chambers. A solar energy collector is coupled to the base.

Abstract: A portable solar energy collection system includes a solar energy collector and a rigid support leg coupled to the collector. The collector is arranged in a triangular waveform having adjacent linear legs defining a tooth of the triangular waveform. Each of the linear legs has opposing faces. Each opposing face includes a photovoltaic element. The support leg has a longitudinal axis aligned with an imaginary line bisecting each of the collector’s linear legs. The support leg is operable to anchor the collector in an open-air environment at a location exposed to solar energy wherein each tooth of the triangular waveform extends horizontally relative to a surface at the location.

Abstract: A photovoltaic screen system is an integrated structure disposed over an opening in a wall of a building. The integrated structure includes a screen that is permeable to light and air, a photovoltaic (PV) element coupled to a portion of the screen, and a frame coupled to the screen and PV element. The frame is adapted to be attached to the building and includes a portion occupying a three-dimensional geometry extending outward from the opening in the wall so that the screen and PV element lie along a perimeter of the three-dimensional geometry.

Abstract: A photovoltaic screen system is an integrated structure disposed over an opening in a wall of a building. The integrated structure includes at least one screen permeable to light and air and operable to extend at least partially over the opening. Photovoltaic (PV) elements are coupled to portions of the screen(s).

Abstract: A landscape beautification system includes a housing coupled to a riser pipe of a water irrigation system where the riser pipe extends upward from a ground surface. A skirt is disposed about the riser pipe and extends from the housing to the ground surface. A socket is coupled to a sprinkler head that is in fluid communication with the riser pipe.

Abstract: A self-contained HVAC system is a single structure having a sequential arrangement of coupled housings. At least two housings are offset with respect to one another in two dimensions. HVAC components are disposed throughout and within the coupled housings. The HVAC components include operational components interconnected by electrical lines and fluid-carrying lines where the HVAC components are operable to generate at least one of heated air and cooled air.

Abstract: A sprinkler platform includes a housing that gets coupled to a riser pipe of a water irrigation system. The housing includes a surface spaced apart from the riser pipe. The housing has a closed-end socket accessible from the surface and has at least one conduit having a first open end accessible from above the surface and a second open end. Each first open end is adapted to receive one of a water-tight plug or 00a water sprinkler head. A manifold is in fluid communication with each second open end and is adapted to be in fluid communication with the riser pipe.

Abstract: A sprinkler platform includes a housing that gets coupled to a riser pipe of a water irrigation system. The housing includes a surface spaced apart from the riser pipe. The housing has a closed-end socket accessible from the surface and has at least one conduit having a first open end accessible from above the surface and a second open end. Each first open end is adapted to receive one of a water-tight plug or 00a water sprinkler head. A manifold is in fluid communication with each second open end and is adapted to be in fluid communication with the riser pipe.

Abstract: A grease absorbing utensil includes a pad that includes a set of layers and a handle coupled to the pad. Each layer is made from at least one flexible material that is lipophilic and biodegradable. The handle is lipophilic and biodegradable.

Abstract: A grease absorbing utensil includes a pad that includes a set of layers and a handle coupled to the pad. Each layer is made from at least one flexible material that is lipophilic and biodegradable. The handle is lipophilic and biodegradable.

Abstract: A flexible cover system includes a sheet of flexible material having a first face and a second face. Each receptacle from a set of receptacles has walls coupled to the sheet's first face. The walls extend away from the first face and terminate at an opening of the receptacle that resides in a plane that is parallel to the first face. The walls associated with each receptacle are separated from the walls associated with adjacent ones of the receptacles by an air-filled gap. Each body from a set of bodies is configured for retention in one of the receptacles by the walls associated therewith.

Abstract: A flexible cover system includes a sheet of flexible material having a first face and a second face. Each receptacle from a set of receptacles has walls coupled to the sheet's first face that extend to an opening of the receptacle. The walls associated with each receptacle are separated from the walls associated with adjacent ones of the receptacles by an air-filled gap. Each body from a set of bodies is configured for retention in one of the receptacles by the walls associated therewith.