Abstract: A movable chick guard adapted for use with a conveyor feeder of the type having a conveying chain movable in a feed trough, includes a bracket, an elongated kicker member having an upturned forward end, and a depending leg member secured at the rear end of the kicker member to the bracket. The kicker member is pivotally secured to the bracket for movement between a first position at which it rides on the conveying chain to kick small chicks off the conveying chain and a second position at which it lies on a conveyor corner housing. When in the second position, the kicker member tends to keep mature chickens from sitting on the housing and the depending leg member blocks the opening to the housing.

Abstract: A livestock feeder, which serves as a storage bin for feed as well as a feeder, has a plurality of partitioned feeding troughs into which selective amounts of feed may be directed through the movement of an agitator operated by the feeding livestock. Additionally, an adjustable feed gate is provided which governs the amount of feed directed to the feeding troughs during the movement of the agitators.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for quenching and cooling reactor effluent. The apparatus includes a section for introducing relatively cool particulate solids into a hot effluent stream to effect initial quenching and a section to further cool the composite quenched effluent and solids. The process employs relatively cool particulate solids to quench hot effluent and indirect heat exchange between water and the quenched effluent-solids mix to generate high pressure steam and further cool the mix.

Abstract: A heat recovery device for boilers with a blower-type burner. A heat exchanger is located in the stack gas stream and through which is passed a medium to be heated and comprises a pot-shaped vessel (2) which can be inserted into the stack gas duct and is closed on all sides. A stack gas inlet (4) leads into the upper zone of the vessel (2) and at least one stack gas outlet (6, or 30 or 31) leads out of the upper zone of the vessel (2) at a distance from the inlet. A substantially vertical partition wall (7; 21) is located in the vessel (2) and extends downwards from the cover (8) of the vessel (2) and ends at a distance from the bottom (9) of the vessel to interrupt the direct stack gas path from the inlet (4) to the outlet (6). Thus, a siphon-type stack gas path is formed with an inlet chamber (10; 26) and an outlet chamber (11; 27). A draft-interruption damper (15; 32) is fitted in the outer vessel wall in the zone of the outlet chamber (11; 27).

Abstract: A sootblower for an economizer of the type having a vertically extending cylindrical casing in which is mounted a plurality of spiral coils arranged parallel to each other in concentric relation with respect to the central vertical axis of the cylindrical casing. The spiral coils are in the form of finned tubes, the coils being disposed in closely spaced relation but providing clearance between the fins on adjacent coils. A heat exchange fluid is conducted through the spiral coils whereby the coils can extract heat from exhaust gases passing upwardly through the economizer from a boiler.

Abstract: A drive aggregate for a heat pump includes a common cylinder block which combines a heat pump compressor and an internal combustion engine driving the compressor. Bearings mounted in the cylinder block support a common crankshaft which serves both the engine and the compressor and which is formed of a first crankshaft part and a second crankshaft part. The two crankshaft parts (engine-side and compressor-side crankshaft parts) have adjoining end portions which are mutually non-rotatably interconnected. The bearings comprise a first and a second end bearing. The second end bearing supports both adjoining end portions, whereas the first end bearing supports the other end of the first crankshaft part. Between the first and the second end bearings there is situated at least one intermediate bearing which is split for permitting lateral installation thereof on the first crankshaft part.

Abstract: The internal combustion engine for a lawn mower or the like includes a carburetor, a throttle member or plate disposed in the carburetor throat and movable between an open position and a flow restricting position, a rotatable shaft carrying the throttle plate and connected to a movable air vane, an engine fan, such as a finned flywheel, for blowing air against the air vane and urging the throttle plate toward a flow restricting position, a torsion spring encircling the throttle shaft with a first end connected thereto for biasing the throttle plate toward the open position and adjustment means connected to the spring for adjusting the biasing force of the spring on the throttle plate. The adjustment means includes a speed control member or lever connected to the second end of the spring and mounted remotely from the throttle shaft for reciprocative movement in a direction transversely of the rotational axis of the throttle shaft between first and second spring force level positions.

Abstract: The degree of ignition advance of a supercharged spark ignition internal combustion engine is automatically controlled. The controlling device comprises a first member for increasing advance when the speed of the engine increases. It also comprises a second control member (6) connected to a point of the induction passage (1) which passes from upstream to downstream of the operator operated throttle member (2) upon opening thereof and to a point (17) which is permanently upstream of the throttle member.

Abstract: A method and device for adjusting the timing of an internal combustion engine in response to knocking are provided. In the method, knocking signals are generated when the engine knocks and the timing is too far advanced. First correctional signals are generated in response to the knocking signals and adjust at one speed range one of several control curves. Second correctional signals are generated from the first correctional signals to adjust the control curves at the remaining speed ranges. The timing of the engine is retarded in response to the adjusted control curves until the knocking disappears.

Abstract: An ignition timing control system for an internal combustion engine includes a knocking reference level generator having an operational amplifier. The operational amplifier receives at its inverting terminal a filtered knock signal and produces a half-wave signal through a diode. The half-wave output signal of the diode is fed back to the inverting terminal of the operational amplifier through a feedback parallel circuit of a resistor and a capacitor.

Abstract: A secondary fuel metering control system for a normally solenoid valve controlled spill-inject-spill type engine driven fuel injection pump includes an isolation valve to control spill flow from the pump chamber of the pump back to the fuel reservoir, a pivotal metering valve operative to meter fuel flow to the pump chamber, and an actuator means including an operator actuated accelerator means and an electrical actuator for controlling pivotal movement of the metering valve.

Abstract: A liquid cooled internal combustion engine including a water heated plenum associated with the intake manifold and a temperature controlled plenum valve in the water line extending to or from the plenum and operable to control the flow of water. The temperature controlled plenum valve comprises a plastic body including a base wall and a peripheral wall and a plastic cap including a base wall and a peripheral wall surrounding the peripheral wall of the plastic body. The peripheral wall of the base has a radially outwardly extending annular rib and the peripheral wall of the cap has a radially inwardly extending rib. The ribs are adapted to pass over one another to provide a snap fit during assembly. The base wall of the body has integral O-ring retainer for retaining an O-ring. A bi-metallic disc is positioned in the body within the confines of the peripheral wall of the body and normally engages said O-ring and is operable to engage the O-ring when the water temperature exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A valve assembly (10) is provided for controlling the recirculation of exhaust gases in an internal combustion engine. The assembly includes a lower housing portion (20) having an exhaust gas inlet (24) and an exhaust outlet port (28). An upper housing member (30) has mounted therein an upper flexible diaphragm (48) biased by a spring (72) a predetermined amount in an upward direction, and a lower diaphragm (76) which is also biased by a spring (102) a predetermined amount in a downward direction. The upper and lower diaphragms define a control chamber (108) which is communicated with an engine intake manifold vacuum source. An axially movable valve member (90) is connected to the lower end of a valve stem (88) which is in turn connected to the lower diaphragm.

Abstract: In a capacitor discharge ignition system, the feed coil and trigger coil (T) are wound on a common former (26), the trigger coil (T) being located at a position along the supporting pole piece (16b) such as to give a desired degree of spark advance or retardation. Locating the trigger coil close to the engine flywheel (10) or to the base pole piece (16d) has surprisingly been found to give a degree of automatic spark advance or retardation respectively.

Abstract: A system for controlling the primary current of an ignition coil using a constant current signal having a calculation device to produce a signal for controlling the ON period of the primary current of the ignition coil, wherein a correction calculation device is provided to calculate the corrected value of the constant current period of the ignition coil.

Abstract: A mechanism for inhibiting the locking movement of a hooklike oven door latch member when an associated keeper fixed to the oven door is not in its proper position for engagement with the latch member. Inhibiting the locking movement of the latch member precludes the closing of associated interlock switches to prevent the user from initiating a high temperature oven cleaning cycle or a microwave cooking cycle without proper locking of the oven door. The mechanism includes a stop member biased at a latch movement inhibiting position, the stop member being moved to a non-inhibiting position by engagement with the keeper when the oven door is moved to a fully closed position.

Abstract: Water injection is carried out in a pressure system, with water from a reservoir pressurized by an injection pump energized only above predetermined torque demand levels, under the control of a vacuum switch sensing intake manifold vacuum. Water injection is also precluded until the engine reaches operating temperature by a vacuum switch connected to a PVS valve. A water spray nozzle is mounted in the air cleaner and directs droplets into the carburetor intake. A purging pump causes purging of a short section of the feed line upstream of the injection nozzle after the engine is shut off to minimize water drippage into the engine carburetor.

Abstract: The invention uses the supersonic blast occurring when the exhaust is opened in an internal combustion engine having a variable volume combustion chamber.A transfer conduit is provided between the exhaust pipe and the intake pipe, the volume of this conduit being greater than the cubic capacity of the cylinder, as well as a supply channel and a discharge channel, of a smaller section than the conduit, between this latter and the combustive air intake manifold and the burnt gas exhaust manifold.The invention applies principally to supercharged diesel engines with low compression rate.

Abstract: A glow plug for accelerating the ignition of fuel in a combustion chamber of a diesel engine is disclosed. The glow plug comprises a shell releasably engagable with a head of a combustion chamber of the diesel engine, and an electrically conducting, tubular heater carried by and electrically connected to the shell. The heater has an open end within the shell, and an opposed closed end extending longitudinally therefrom. The glow plug also comprises a heating filament disposed within the heater adjacent to the closed end and electrically insulated from the tubular body thereof. The heating filament has a first end electrically connected to the closed end of the heater and a second end; it is one which heats to a predetermined design temperature when a specified voltage is applied thereto. The glow plug also comprises an insulator carried by the shell, and a terminal assembly carried by the insulator.

Abstract: A thermal barrier (10) fixed to a valve head (12) of a diesel engine poppet valve (14) is disclosed. The barrier includes a thin sheet metal cap 18 having a concave shield portion 18a, an annular fold or corrugation (18b) circumscribing the shield portion, and a cylindrical skirt portion welded to the valve head. The cap and the face portion (12a) of the valve head define an evacuated chamber (20) which is preferably filled with an insulating material (24) which also provides structural support for the shield portion.

Abstract: There is disclosed a speed control system for a diesel-powered vehicle in which a sensing element responsive to the speed of the vehicle or engine, preferably responsive to the vehicle speed, is connected through control means to close the fuel supply to the diesel engine, thereby permitting a preset limitation on vehicle and/or engine speed. The control system is designed as a retrofit to existing diesel engines and utilizes conventional elements such as the shut down lever of these engines, thereby avoiding any significant engine alterations or modifications.

Abstract: A fluidic diode combustion chamber for the cylinders of an internal combustion engine. The chamber comprises a passageway having an entrance and an exit in fluid communication with the cylinder immediately above its piston. The passageway is shaped and designed such that during the compression stroke, the flow of working fluid from the cylinder to its passageway is predominantly into the entrance of the passageway. During the expansion stroke, the flow of working fluid from the passageway back to the cylinder is predominantly from the exit of the passageway. Means is provided for injecting fuel into the passageway for forming a fuel air mixture for ignition.

Abstract: The fuel injection method uses a distributor-type fuel injector pump for an internal combustion engine which has a rotary distributor member formed with two outlet passages communicating with a pump chamber and arranged to distribute fuel intermittently to successive fuel delivery apertures leading to respective engine cylinders, so that in each revolution of the distributor the pump delivers to each cylinder a principal fuel injection at the end of the compression stroke, preceded by a pre-injection. Automatic timing control means advance the delivery stroke of the pump automatically in response to engine speed increase, and the angle between the outlets of the two outlet passages is such that as the engine speed varies the ratio of the fuel pre-injected to that of the principal injection into each cylinder varies according to a rule predetermined in relation to the type of engine (i.e. precombustion chamber or direct injection type).

Abstract: A throttle positioning system is provided for holding a throttle valve at a position slightly more open than at the normal idling position, and an idle vacuum advance mechanism is provided for advancing the ignition timing when the throttle valve is at a position less than a predetermined opening degree. The idle vacuum advance mechanism is disabled from advancing the ignition timing when the throttle positioning system is operating.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for correcting the ignition timing of an engine after cold startup, in which a spark retard correction value is gradually reduced to zero over a period of time irrespective of the coolant temperature of the engine, after the coolant temperature exceeds a predetermined value. As a result, the emission of noxious components in the exhaust gases can be effectively reduced when the engine is started from the cold condition.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having a cylinder block comprising one cylinder or a plurality of cylinders, a piston reciprocable in each cylinder, a crank shaft, a cylinder head with inlet and exhaust valves, inlet and exhaust conduits, an ignition or injection device and valve timing means operatively associated with the cylinder head, fuel supply means in communication with the engine intake side, a feed line for supplying a pressurized or ambient air pressure additional fluid such as a gaseous or a liquid fluid to the cylinders of the engine toward a location upstream of the inlet valve seat(s). The feed line outlet may be formed as a Venturi tube. The feed lines and portions of the intake and exhaust conduits may be incorporated into an intermediate flange member adapted to be mounted on the engine block intermediate the intake/exhaust conduits and respective associated intake/exhaust manifolds. The feed lines may include non-return valve means.

Abstract: A fuel injection system includes a pump including a pump plunger and electromagnetic means for actuating the plunger against the action of a spring. The electromagnetic means includes a winding which is energized to cause delivery of fuel. First electronic means is provided to cause energization of the winding when delivery of fuel is required and second electronic means operable to cause de-energization of the winding. The second electronic means includes a comparator which receives a required fuel signal and a signal from a transducer which provides a signal representative of the plunger position. When the predetermined movement of the plunger has taken place the winding is de-energized to allow the plunger to return under the action of the spring.

Abstract: An LP gas carburetor adapted for use as the only carburetor for an engine or, alternatively, for use in conjunction with an existing gasoline carburetor (in particular, a two barrel carburetor) on an engine, the LP gas carburetor comprising a body adapted to be mounted on the engine, the body having two main passages and one auxiliary passage extending therethrough for the flow of an air-fuel mixture through the LP gas carburetor, a main inlet port in communication with the main passages for the flow of LP gas to the main passages, and an auxiliary inlet port in communication with the auxiliary passage for the flow of LP gas to the auxiliary passage. A main valve is provided for controlling the flow of LP gas from a source thereof through the main inlet port to the main passages, and an auxiliary valve is provided for controlling the flow of LP gas from the source through the auxiliary inlet port to the auxiliary passage for the idling of the engine.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a continuously circulating pumped flow of diesel-engine fuel, involving thermodynamic coupling to the engine's coolant-circulation system (a) while the engine is operating and (b) involving selectively available thermodynamic coupling to an externally supplied electric-heater element during periods of engine shut-down. To assure fuel circulation during such operation of the heater element, a rectifier taps the external electric supply to provide pump excitation and thus not to drain the charge on the storage battery associated with the engine.

Abstract: Apparatus for reduction of pollutant emissions by internal combustion engines includes a tapered, coaxial multiconical structure used as a gas separator. The gas separator is used to provide oxygen enriched air to an engine, thus providing a reduction in the amount of nitrogen provided thereto. The resulting exhaust gas includes fewer oxides of nitrogen, reduced quantities of hydrocarbons, and decreased percentages of carbon monoxide. Air is directed through the structure, entering at a wide mouth thereof. A fan may be provided for directing the air through the structure. The air exiting at the central portion of the narrow end of the structure, which has an increased ratio of oxygen to nitrogen, is directed by a conduit to the engine inlet. The structure is inexpensive, and easily mounted on existing engines, thus providing a retrofitting device for conforming older cars to current pollution standards.

Abstract: An improvement to an interval combustion engine having an exhaust gas recirculation system which comprises a negative pressure line from the carburetor communicating with valve means to control the amount of recycled exhaust, the improvement being provided by manually operated valve means inserted in the negative pressure line. This manually operated valve means has an inlet port open to the atmosphere and manual adjusting means to control the size of the inlet port, to thereby minimize recycling of excessive amounts of exhaust gas which can result in inefficient engine operation.

Abstract: A fuel injection valve which serves in low-pressure fuel systems to inject fuel into the intake tube of a mixture-compressing internal combustion engine having externally-supplied ignition. The fuel injection valve includes a fixed valve seat cooperating with a movable valve element. Downstream of the valve seat, the fuel to be injected proceeds by way of a nozzle into a mixture guidance conduit, which communicates in the immediate vicinity of the nozzle with an intake passage downstream of a throttle valve of the intake passage. Likewise discharging at the mouth of the mixture guidance conduit into the intake passage is an annular conduit surrounding the mixture guidance conduit. Preparation air or exhaust gas can be delivered by way of this annular conduit in such a way that it envelops the injected fuel on all sides. The end of the annular conduit discharging into the intake tube is embodied as a throttle restriction.

Abstract: A fuel injection apparatus for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine, having a single fuel injection valve arranged above a throttle valve. A collector member arranged in a throttle bore of the engine so that the member faces the fuel injection nozzle. A cam and link mechanism adapted for connecting the collector member and a throttle shaft, so that a position of the collector member with respect to the axis of the throttle bore changes in accordance with the degree of the opening of the throttle valve. Therefore, an air fuel mixture having a constant air fuel ratio is supplied to all cylinders of the engine.

Abstract: The values of dwell and ignition timing signals from which ignition dwell and spark timing are provided are controlled to minimize power dissipation in an electronic ignition system and to ensure that adequate dwell times are provided during engine acceleration conditions and large advance angle increases. The dwell signal is increased from a static dwell value during steady state engine operation to a higher value in response to sensed engine accelerating conditions and the change in the spark advance between ignition events is limited to ensure that an adequate dwell period is provided.

Abstract: An ignition timing controller for an internal combustion engine which is capable of automatically correcting the deviation of the ignition timing from the normal positions thereof in the cycle of the internal combustion engine is disclosed. Preliminary timing signals which are advanced by an angle in the cycle of the engine in proportion to the rotational speed of the engine are generated by a preliminary timing signal generator. The ignition timing signals are produced in said ignition timing controller by retarding said preliminary timing signals by a phase shifter in said controller. The advance angle by which the ignition timing signals are advanced with respect to reference timing signals which are generated for a reference purpose at fixed rotational angles in the cycle of the engine is detected, and the sum of said advance angle and the angle by which the preliminary timing signal is retarded by the phase shifter is memorized as a control signal by a memory during the idling state of the engine.

Abstract: A photoactive ionization high-tension pulsator is provided between the distributor and the spark plug of a carburetor motor ignition system. The pulsator comprises tubular housing, electrodes disposed therein in spaced apart relationship, and a ring positioned on the inside wall of the tubular housing and being separated from the electrodes. The ring comprises a photoactive material responsive to break down between the electrodes for causing ionization of the gas, whereby to provide high-frequency current in the motor ignition system.

Abstract: To protect the ignition system against high over voltages upon removal of a load in the high voltage circuit, represented by the spark gap of a spark plug, and a distribution gap of a distributor, an electrically conductive terminal element, such as a flag, a spring biased tab, or a push spring which is connectible to ground or chassis is so located that, when the spark plug cable terminals are connected, the insulator of the spark plug cable terminal will be interposed between the flag and the high voltage terminal which is to be protected.

Abstract: An overvoltage protection circuit is galvanically, directly connected across at least part of the secondary winding in the ignition system of an internal combustion engine. The input portion of the overvoltage protection circuit is a voltage divider preferably constituted by RC elements. The voltage at the tap of the voltage divider is applied to a Schmitt trigger. When the voltage across the secondary winding becomes excessively high, the Schmitt trigger output pulse triggers a monostable multivibrator whose output pulse in turn increases the conductivity of a transistor switch located in series with the primary. The increase in primary current tends to oppose further increases in primary and secondary voltages. Alternatively, the output from the multivibrator could be used to shorten the time of current flow in the primary winding in subsequent ignition time intervals or to completely block any subsequent ignition process.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for holding an arrow in a pulled bow and which releases the arrow when the bow is pulled slightly beyond the position in which the arrow is held. This is accomplished by a support attached to the bow which carries a movable arrow-holding bar having a point-receiving indentation. This bar is movably mounted to shift from an arrow-holding position in front of the point of the arrow in the pulled bow to a second position out of the path of the arrow. Trigger members are carried by the support immediately forward of the bow to move the bar into the path of the arrow, and a spring device is provided to bias the bar out of the path of the arrow so that the arrow will be freed of the obstruction provided by the bar when the point of the arrow is pulled out of the indentation. When the bar is positioned to the rear of the bar, and when an arrow guide is positioned at the rear of the support, short arrows which do not reach the bow when the string is fully pulled can be used.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a portable campfire grill assembly includes a support having a flat bracket upper end portion with several side slots cut therein, a handle having a bight with a slot formed in its upper wall adapted to mate with one of the bracket slots when the bight is fitted thereon, and a rectangular lock that is slipped down over the top of the bracket and fitted over the bight to securely lock the handle and bracket to one another.

Abstract: A molded refractory slab for positioning in a barbecue grill between the burner unit and the heat-supporting grate has a plurality of uniformly spaced bosses simulating coals projecting upwardly from its top surface and integral dam means connecting adjacent bosses near the periphery of the slab to form a parapet for containing grease and rendered meat juices on the slab and preventing their dripping off the sides of the slab into the fire. The mold in which the slab is formed is of light-weight disposable material and is used as a protective container for shipping unfired slabs, which can then be fired during initial use of the slabs in barbecue grills.

Abstract: A heater usable for indoor and outdoor use including a body having an upper and a lower portion. The two portions are separated by a grate adapted to support a solid fuel within the upper portion. The lower portion is operable to receive a receptacle for a lighted semi-solid fuel. The heater can be used in two modes, in a high heat output mode in which the solid fuel is first lit by the semi-solid fuel that is then removed or in a lower heat output mode in which the upper solid fuel is dispensed with and the heat is given off by the lower portion semi-solid fuel receptacle only. The upper portion of the heater is selectively closed or opened by a lid to allow heating operation or to provide damping operation when the lid is in its lowered position.

Abstract: A solid fuel boiler has a facia for radiant heat to pass into a living room while the flue hopper, the flueways and ash pan are accessible from another room or out-building. A dividing wall is shown. By separating the radiant and aesthetic side of the boiler which is in the living room from the operating side, dust and dirt often associated with filling and emptying the boiler is confined to the other room or out-building. The flueway is relatively narrow which improves heat-transfer; this is possible because chimney sweeping can be done without having to pass brushes through the flueway.

Abstract: Combustion apparatus for burning waste oils of various viscosities with high combustion efficiency and which can meet strict polution regulations comprises primary and secondary combustion chambers with the secondary combustion chamber located above the primary combustion chamber and the primary combustion chamber located within an outer housing so as to define between the outer housing and the primary combustion chamber a plenum space. An air blower delivers air to the plenum space which feeds air into the primary combustion chamber through air inlet openings in its side wall. The primary combustion chamber has a burner bowl provided at its base and a burner ring disposed above the burner bowl. Oil is supplied at a constant rate to the burner bowl via a positive displacement pump. The burner ring features a central aperture and two concentrically disposed rings of orifices with the orifices of the outer ring being of larger diameter than the orifices of the inner ring.

Abstract: A firescreen is secured in place by a flexible member attached at one end to the firescreen with the other end thereof secured to a bracket mounted in position for a portion thereof to extend upwardly in rearwardly spaced relation to the front side of the front wall of the fireplace. An actuator member connected to the bracket moves the bracket rearwardly away from an abutment carried by the fireplace intermediate the bracket and the firescreen whereby tension is applied to the flexible member to urge the firescreen rearwardly and downwardly, thus securing the firescreen to the fireplace.

Abstract: On one end face of a case, a heating unit, a burner and a firing portion are aligned in this order, and a tubular windshield is mounted on the end face of the case to surround substantially entirely the burner. The windshield has formed therein an opening on the side of the heating unit, through which a lighter flame emitted from the burner is directed to the heating unit to set it alight when the case is turned down so that the heating unit lies above the burner.

Abstract: Apparatus for maintaining a radiation sensitive portion thereof in alignment with a distant source of radiation during relative movement between the situs of the apparatus and the source, wherein movement from alignment causes a differential in energy output in spaced apart elements of the radiation sensitive portion which is transformed into mechanical energy to return the portion to alignment.

Abstract: A solar energy heating panel is provided for mounting in a building wall to effect heating of the air in an interior building space. A plurality of the heating panels are mounted in parallel relationship in a supporting structure for angular rotation about horizontal pivot axes to selected position. Each of the heating panels includes a heat-transfer controlling panel and a cellular unit mounted on one surface of the controlling panel, the opposite surface of the controlling panel being reflective of solar radiation. The cellular units are formed with mutually intersecting, longitudinally and transversely extending walls disposed in upstanding relationship to the controlling panel surface and which define a plurality of individual cells that are open at an end remote to the controlling panel surface. The longitudinally extending walls are disposed parallel to the axes of rotation and have a plurality of apertures formed therein to permit airflow transversely through each cell.

Abstract: A solar collector panel is provided which has a pair of integral hook portions disposed along the longitudinal edges of the panel for corresponding contact with each pipe of a pair of adjacent solar collector pipes of a normal side-by-side solar collector pipe array. Adjacent hook members of adjacent panels cooperate to generally encompass, in a heat transfer relationship, a common pipe of successive adjacent pairs of pipes. Spring-biased fasteners attach the end panels to the main frame of the solar collector unit with the spring bias transmitted across the plurality of adjacent panels so as to introduce balancing forces to the cooperating hook members for clenching the common pipe therebetween as well as providing a solar collector panel/pipe array suspended from the main frame.

Abstract: A stoma control device and method are disclosed. The device comprises, in combination, a support such as a ring for surgical implantation in the body beneath the abdominal wall and substantially around the emerging bowel of a stoma, the support being formed of a relatively soft material such as soft plastic and having an inner surface which tapers outwardly to present a relatively large supporting surface for the bowel, and a plug adapted to be received in the stoma and within the bowel for controlling the stoma, the plug including an inflatable balloon, the balloon, on inflation, presenting an outwardly tapered surface with a shape which complements the tapered inner surface of the support whereby during control of the stoma with the device a relatively large surface of the bowel may be greatly compressed between the plug and the support so as to minimize pressure and tissue destruction.