Abstract: The invention concerns a butt pad for the stock of an individual firearm held against the shoulder, such as a shotgun, a sporting firearm, a military firearm, whether smoothbore or rifled which is made up of an external sheath or housing (12) elastically variable in shape consequent to pressure applied externally, by an internal high viscosity element (13), hermetically enclosed in the external sheath (12) and used to absorb and dispel the recoil energy, and a semi-rigid base and support element (14), integral with the external sheath housing and having a device (15) for a removable anchorage of the butt pad to the stock.

Abstract: A method for lining a gun barrel with a material selected to reduce the rate of erosion and corrosion from the rounds of ammunition fired through it includes the steps of forming a rod of the lining material, hammer -forging a barrel blank to the rod, and then drilling out a bore in the rod. The liner extends from the muzzle end of the barrel almost to the chamber end but stops short to abut a step formed in the barrel just forward of the chamber. The chamber is machined, reamed, and chrome-plated. Preferably measures are taken, such as by applying pressure to the rod during forging, to assure that the rod is placed in full engagement with the step and held in full engagement with the step in order to avoid the formation of a gap between the liner and the step.

Abstract: A sighting device is provided for a grenade launcher of a firearm which includes an automatic weapon and a grenade launcher. The sighting device can be attached to either side of the firearm to facilitate left-handed or right-handed shooting. The sighting device includes a front sight and a rear sight. Each of the front and rear sights are mounted for pivoting movement between a resting or storage position and a sighting position.

Abstract: A detachable mount for a telescopic sight which can be operated using only one latching mechanism. The mount uses a front base attached to the ring of a rifle receiver and a rear base attached to the bridge of a rifle receiver. The upper surfaces of both the front and rear bases open into a pair of slots. A separate scope mount is attached to a scope sight by conventional means. Two sets of lugs descend from the lower surfaces of this scope mount. These sets of descending lugs are configured to fit securely within the slots in the front and rear bases when the scope mount is placed over the bases. The forward facing surfaces of the rear set of descending lugs mate with a corresponding set of rearward facing surfaces in the slots within the rear base. These sets of mating surfaces are offset from the vertical to create a wedging effect that pulls the rear of the scope mount down when it is pushed forward relative to the rifle receiver.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fish measuring device manufactured from environmentally friendly material and will reduce the manhandling of fish that need to be returned to the water as the fish can be quickly placed into the fish measuring device, an accurate measurement taken and finally, live released as required. The fish measuring device comprises a base member having top and bottom surfaces, first and second sides and first and second ends, side containment means and means for connecting the side containment means to the top surface of the base member, said side containment means providing a fish containment trough and a scale provided within said fish containment trough; and means for extending the fish containment trough to measure larger fish.

Abstract: A fish hooking device includes a fishing rod holder pivotably mounted such that the fishing rod holder is pivotable about a first pivot axis and pivotable about a second pivot axis substantially parallel to the first pivot axis. The fishing rod holder has a cocked position and a released position. The fishing rod holder pivots about the first pivot axis when moving between the cocked position and the released position. A trigger device is connected to the fishing rod holder. The trigger device is configured to hold the fishing rod holder in the cocked position. The fishing rod holder triggers the trigger device when pivoting about the second pivot axis. The trigger device allows the fishing rod holder to move from the cocked position into the released position when being triggered.

Abstract: A folding frame apparatus is provided that contains a removable and pivoting rod clamp employed to hold a ice fishing jig rod in the desired position, and is designed in a manner that it can be used with almost all of the ice fishing jig rods on the market today. The frame of the present invention is constructed in a manner that all joints are pivotal in nature which allows the frame to be opened or closed as desired by the user. The present invention is also equipped with a signal flag assembly which, when a fish takes the bait, causes the flag to move to an upright position and alerts the fisherman to the presence of a fish.

Abstract: A battery powered lighted fishing rod comprising: a handle having a forward end; a shaft extending from the forward end of the handle; an electroluminescent lamp secured to the shaft; and a power source for supplying electrical power to the electroluminescent lamp. In one embodiment, the power source includes a battery and a DC-to-AC converter for converting the relatively low battery voltage to a relative high AC voltage suitable for driving the electroluminescent lamp.

Abstract: A fishing line twist removal apparatus for removing accumulated twist from a fishing line while a fishing lure is secured to the fishing line. The lure is placed into a container body having a cavity, and a slitted cap entraps the lure into the container with the fishing line extending through the slit. A plurality of blades extending outward from the container body cause the apparatus to rotate as it is pulled through water. The blades may angle for clockwise or counterclockwise rotation. A blunt nose on the apparatus allows it to skip or skim the surface of the water for reduced rotation, thereby avoiding excessive twist removal and reverse direction overtwist.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting insects comprising (i) a source of propane, (ii) a propane burner arranged to combust propane from the source of propane so as to produce carbon dioxide and water vapor as products of combustion for attracting insects, and (iii) an insect collector located in proximity to the propane burner for collecting insects attracted to the propane burner. The use of a propane burner provides the desired products of combustion including carbon dioxide and water vapor as well as heat for mimicking the breathing of animals to attract biting insects using readily available propane tanks. The convection of heat from the propane burner is further beneficial because a flow of carbon dioxide and water vapor through the collector may be achieved without the additional requirement of fans or any other complex arrangement of parts. The collector may comprise an electrical grid which does not require a light for attracting insects as do conventional electrical grids for pest control.

Abstract: A cockroach trap includes an open-topped base and a cover pivotally connected to the base. The base is provided on sidewalls with a plurality of entrances closed with inward openable one-way trapdoors, and on a bottom with a bait compartment and two multipolar metal conductors that provide alternately arranged positive and negative poles. The cover is provided on a top with an AC/DC control circuit, an output of which is connected to the two metal conductors. A periodic/manual discharge selector switch is provided on the control circuit for selecting a discharge manner of the two metal conductors to kill any cockroach trapped in the base at minimized power consumption.

Abstract: A mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus that includes a heat element (a thermal lure), a source of carbon dioxide (CO2), and a source of a chemical biting insect attractant, such as octenol. The heat for the thermal lure and the source of CO2 are provided by a propane flame. The thermal lure includes a structure that surrounds a propane burner and that is heated by the burner to a temperature that is similar to that of a small animal, such as 95 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit. The structure includes a series of baffles and conduction elements that permit the structure to have a substantially constant heat signature, which is desirable for attracting mosquitoes and other biting insects. A mechanism may be provided for trapping or killing the attracted mosquitoes, such as an adhesive substance or an electronic grid.

Abstract: A three-dimensional collapsible multi-component device and assembly. The device comprises a mountable housing for mounting under a shelf, or a wall or the like in an unobtrusive or discreet manner. The housing has a first flat configuration for transportation and storage and a second three-dimensional configuration for device deployment. The device housing further includes an insert having an adhesive surface and a dispenser comprising pheromone, kairomone or other attractant, lure or bait, or, alternatively, a repellant or a combination of any of these. The adhesive is effective for trapping multiple orders of insects. A plurality of attractants, etc., is simultaneously used for attracting multiple orders of insects. The insert is selectable, removable and replaceable.

Abstract: A bait station is disclosed, having a base section with a floor and a continuous upstanding sidewall extending along the periphery thereof. A cap is constructed and arranged to be received on the base section in a snap-fit. At least one opening is defined within the sidewall of the base section, and a bait cup is disposed therein. An annular ridge is formed on the exterior of the base section sidewall, the cap having a correspondingly sized and shaped flange for being passed thereover to snap-fit the cap on the base section. The base section may also have a flange passing about the sidewall and extending radially away therefrom, which flange is sized and shaped to receive a leading edge of the cap thereon when the cap is snap-fit to the base section. The sidewall flange includes a separate upstanding sidewall extending therealong for defining a channel sized to receive the leading edge of the cap therein.

Abstract: Plant potting machines and methods have synchronized continuous motion pot track and soil drilling systems. In especially preferred forms, potting machines and methods of forming a planting recess in soil contained within a pot are provided which move a soil-filled pot continuously along a linear segment of a pot track, and move a drill bit continuously in synchronized registry with the soil-filled pot at the same time as the pot moves continuously along the linear segment of the pot track. Most preferably, simultaneous horizontal and vertical motion components are imparted to a soil-drilling drill bit relative to the linear segment of the pot track, for example, by moving the drill bit in an arcuate (preferably circular) orbit above the pot track.

Abstract: A wick applicator for applying agricultural liquid chemicals to crops, weeds and other vegetation. The wick applicator includes an elongated tube for holding and dispensing liquid chemicals. An air inlet extends from the tube and is communicatively open to the internal chamber of the tube. To meter or regulate the flow of liquid chemicals from the elongated tube, a non-variable fixed size orifice is disposed in the air inlet tube. In use, the wick applicator is useful in applying a growth regulating composition to the upper portion of a cotton crop. This is achieved by setting the wick applicator at a selected height and then moving it through a cotton field at that height and in the process, engaging and mopping the portion of any cotton crop in its path.

Abstract: The present invention is a plant support comprising a horizontal base for supporting a plant, a mobilizing mechanism positioned beneath the base which is vertically extendable from the base and vertically retractable toward the base, and a mechanism housing wall extending down from the base. Preferably, when the mobilizing mechanism is in a retracted position, the bottom of the mobilizing mechanism and the bottom of the mechanism housing wall are at substantially the same vertical position. The plant support optionally has a pot wall extending up from a perimeter of the horizontal base.

Abstract: A plant packaging method providing a tubular sleeve having excess material therein and attaching the sleeve to a potted plant via a bonding material.

Abstract: A floral container, such as a flower pot, having a sleeve bondingly connected to an inner surface of the flower pot, together forming a pot assembly for cultivating, displaying or shipping a botanical item disposed therein.

Abstract: A power mine door installation utilizing compressed air from the compressed air system available in the mine as the power source for a hydraulic door-operating mechanism.

Abstract: Door (1) for a vehicle, in the interior face of which there is a lateral opening (4) comprising a door module (5) fitted with equipment including a lock (30) and a window lifter (6) with at least one rail (7, 8) for guiding cables (9, 11), this module comprising an interior trim panel (20) on which the said equipment items are mounted, characterized in that in the upper part of the panel (20) there is an opening (31), against the periphery of which there may be removably fitted an additional insert (32) which forms a constituent part of the said panel and to which a support (24) for the lock (30) is fixed. This arrangement allows the lock (30) to be removed, if necessary, from the door (1) after the module (5) has been assembled therewith, without having first of all to remove the entire trim panel (20); this extraction of the lock (30) can be achieved simply by removing the insert (32) to which it is secured.

Abstract: The invention provides an attachment device for a leaf-deflection tube insertable in gutters, which tube is provided with a plurality of drain openings in the tube wall, the attachment device having a retaining rod which may be passed through the drain openings of the leaf-deflection tube and the length of which is greater than the diameter of the leaf-deflection tube, and which has a first end surrounding the front edge of the gutter and a second end attachable to the roof structure.

Abstract: A greenhouse includes a frame structure (1), an outer transparent covering layer (2), and a transparent inner layer (7). A transparent insulating sheet-like material is located between the inner and outer layers in close proximity to the inner layer (8). The insulating sheet-like material has a cellular structure (4, 5) with the axis of its cells generally oriented normal to the plane thereof material so as to transmit incident light therethrough. The insulation material helps to retain heat within the structure while avoiding detrimental effects, such as loss of light transmissivity. The creation of an air gap on one side between the transparent insulation and one of the glazings allows for control of moisture and snow buildup.

Abstract: A building for containing occupants, with at least one covering element to provide at least one roof portion, at least one wall portion, and at least one floor portion, to provide an interior space to contain and protect occupants from an adverse environment about the building or other structures. The building has an opening to permit occupants to ingress and egress, a window comprising at least one pane, comprising at least an outer pane disposed to contact the adverse environment about the building and at least one inner pane disposed toward the interior space of the building. The pane exposed to the environment about the building or structure comprises a glass material that has a minimized coefficient of thermal expansion. The building also has an insulation to protect occupants from adverse temperature and environmental conditions about the building and a heating apparatus to provide heat to the space provided by the at least one covering element, the window, and the insulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a masonry lawn edging block assembly for a multi-grade landscape setting where the ground level of the lawn is lower than the adjacent areas. The assembly includes a plurality of like-shaped straight blocks, outside cornering blocks and like-shaped inside cornering blocks that create a border between the lawn and the adjacent area. The present invention has an L-shaped cross section that includes a vertically extending wall portion and a horizontally extending base portion. Dowels are used to connect adjacent blocks. A series of like-shaped blocks are connected in an end-to-end, end-to-side and end-to-rear arrangements to form the border. The base of each block includes a platform, and these platforms form a continuous deck upon which a conventional lawnmower can travel to cut the grass along the edging block assembly in an even manner and to the same desired height as the rest of the lawn.

Abstract: An articulating derrick having a back face, a pair of opposed sides with each side having at least one leg, and an open face. The back face of the derrick includes a plurality of pairs of back face cross supports. Each cross support has a first and a second opposed end. Each first end is pivotally attached to one of the legs. A bushing pivotally connects the second ends of each pair of cross supports in order to permit movement of the back face between a folded, storage position and an open position.

Abstract: A deck plank (12) readily attaches to an engagement clip (46) when force is applied over the plank. When a plurality of clips are attached to underlying joists in parallel with the joists, and a plurality of deck planks are oriented to the clip perpendicular to the joist and pushed down over clips, a secure deck structure is provided. Each clip has a pair of horizontal flanges (52 and 54), which snap over a plurality of ledges (42 and 44) in a channel under each plank. The deck planks (12) are embossed (14) so as to form a slip resistant surface to be walked upon. The plastic extruded deck plank (12) resists rot, deterioration and insect infection found in current wood products. The deck plank assembly is simple enough so that a homeowner or do-it-yourselfer can install or alter it with minimal effort and direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting pre-cast panels to a structure. A pocket in the pre-cast panel extends into a side thereof and has a ceiling surface adapted to rest on a height-adjustable member such as the head of a bolt threadably received in an extendable member attached to a side of the structure to which the panel is to be mounted. The extendable member is carried by a base member mounted to the structure, the base member supporting the extendable member so that the extendable member is enabled to extend along an axis and move inwardly and outwardly relative to the base portion along the axis. Preferably, the extendable member is further constrained by the base member so that the extendable member is not permitted to rotate substantially about the axis.

Abstract: An outdoor privacy wall that includes at least one self supporting panel mounted on multiple, spaced apart footings disposed in the ground. The panel features a rectangular shape and has opposing faces bounded by parallel upper and lower edges and a pair of parallel side edges connecting the upper and lower edges. At least one of the opposing faces includes a recessed region. A thick peripheral portion surrounds the recessed region and longitudinal reinforcing elements extend longitudinally through the thick peripheral region. A vertically oriented mold assembly is used to manufacture the panels.

Abstract: A construction beam defining a pair of lateral surfaces and a pair of abutment surfaces. The beam defines a set of alternating grooves and intermediate segments extending between the grooves. When the abutment surfaces are abuttingly positioned against other surfaces, the grooves being filled with air provide vibration dampening and thus reduced noise transmission. The air-filled grooves also provide thermal insulation. The configuration of the grooves allows trough flow of air reducing the risks of trapping moisture that could lead to rotting. The intermediate segments are optionally made of resilient material.

Abstract: A roll-form spacer product providing air space and drainage passageways within a building structure. Preferably, the spacer product is a corrugated web of material having undulating front and rear faces and serpentine-shaped longitudinally extending edges. The faces include alternating arrays of grooves and ridges which extend perpendicular to the side edges and parallel to an axis of a spiral roll of the spacer. Thus, when the spacer is unrolled and applied to a building structure in a plurality of horizontally extending rows, the ridges and grooves are substantially vertically-disposed to form a plurality of unobstructed passageways for the drainage of moisture. Preferably, the web is made of an openwork mat of randomly convoluted polymeric filaments, and thus, enables ready circulation of air.

Abstract: A bi-functional roof drain includes a housing forming a drain manifold and a primary drain outlet to connect to a primary drainage system. A backup drain pipe penetrates the housing and extends through the manifold. The top of the backup drain pipe is positioned a distance above the housing, which may be variable. With this drain a method of retrofitting a roof drainage system to provide primary and backup water drainage is also presented. This method includes removing an existing uni-functional roof drain from a deck penetration through the roof, and installing a bi-functional roof drain in the same deck penetration. The two drain outlets are connected to the primary and backup drainage system. The height of a top opening of a backup drain pipe of the bi-functional roof drain may be adjustable in relation to a surface of the roof.

Abstract: A sheetrock repair system including a plate having two adhesive surfaces disposed laterally out from a central opening. A rubber tie extends through the central opening and a retaining wire extends through a transverse aperture in the tie.

Abstract: An improved method of making a foundation for a wind turbine comprises: a) forming a pit, b) providing a cylindrical open-bottomed steel can, c) lowering the can into the pit, d) accurately aligning the steel can, e) concreting the steel can in position in the pit, and f) back-filling the interior of the can.

Abstract: Apparatus for assembling products including at lest one rigid thin part of a first type (in particular a compact disc tray) glued on a plane part of a second type (in particular a casing formed by a pre-cut cardboard matrix), including at least one suction belt for carrying the planar parts of the second type, at least one loader for feeding a gripping device with the parts of the first type and at least one gripping device comprising a turntable turning around a transversal axis parallel to the tray, the turntable supporting a plurality of sucker supports for gripping the parts of the first type and depositing them on the parts of the second type, characterized in that the sucker support has a configuration able to ensure displacement of the sucker corresponding to a degree of freedom in translation parallel to a single radial axis only.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wrapping a loop of film about a pallet, which supports a layer of products, and a guide, through which said layer passes, to prevent crushing and/or displacement of the product layer. Subsequent product layers are similarly protected by looping film about a previous loop of film and said guide. The guide is designed to facilitate removal of the film looped thereabout as the product layers are lowered.

Abstract: A packaging enclosure for receiving a flexible endoscope during a sterilization procedure and sterile storage thereafter has a portion thereof which is semi-permeable. Provision is made for hanging the packaging enclosure over a hook or peg. In one embodiment the packaging enclosure conforms to the endoscope so that its two flexible portions may hang over opposite sides of the hook. Alternatively, a hook or aperture may be provided on the packaging enclosure for hanging it over the hook.

Abstract: A thin, flat package of heat sealed thermoplastic material is filled with plastic string trimmer line by inserting a mandrel into an opening in the rear wall of the package to receive the free end of a length of string trimmer line inserted through a slot in the periphery of the package to engage the mandrel. The mandrel is rotated while the package is held in a relatively fixed position to wind line onto the mandrel and, therefore, into the package, until the package is filled. The mandrel then is withdrawn, leaving the free end of the line accessible through the opening in the rear wall, and the other end of the line extends from the slot in the periphery of the package.

Abstract: This invention comprises a unique method for the sale of natural stone, special packaging for the stone and a method of doing business to make the stone available in high volume stores to the average consumer. The method comprises pre-fabricating the stone into slabs at or near the location where it is quarried, into sizes and shapes which are common, and often standard, in household bathrooms and kitchens. The stone slabs may, or may not, include cut-outs for sinks and faucets of various standard size. The pre-fabricated stone is then packaged in a box or carton which is designed to specially protect the stone, especially at the corners where most damage occurs, and shipping the packages to high volume, do-it-yourself consumer outlets.

Abstract: A device for packaging sheet-like folded packages in an overlapping shingled relationship from a delivery conveyor into boxes having an opening without changing the direction of the flow of packages. The device includes a frame, a feeder and a packer mounted on the frame for receiving the packages from the delivery conveyor at a receiving end thereof and for selectively receiving and carrying boxes therein, respectively. The feeder includes a first conveyor for conveying packages through the feeder in the package flow direction and a detector for detecting each package entering the feeder. The packer includes a second conveyor for conveying downwardly the boxes adjacent to the feeder in a box direction generally transverse relative to the package flow direction to stack up and fill in the boxes by successively falling therein after passing through the box openings in the package flow direction.

Abstract: A large round baler is equipped with a net wrapping mechanism for wrapping a bale with net material that is wider that the width of the baling chamber so that the net material extends over the opposite ends of the bale. The baler has a baling chamber defined in part by a plurality of bale-forming belts mounted in side-by-side relationship on a plurality of belt support rolls extending between opposite sidewalls of the baling chamber. The net material is fed beneath the discharge gate of the baler to a crop inlet located between a lower front belt support roll carried by the discharge gate, the net being carried into the baling chamber by a fore-and-aft runs of the belts that extend between a lower rear and the lower front belt support roll, and carry the net along a guide surface defined by a plurality of channel members respectively located beneath the fore-and-aft runs of the belts.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a packaging apparatus that supplies the packaging material by the packing material supply means provided independently of the mobile body that moves along the annular guide body. In order to achieve the object, the packaging apparatus of the present invention comprises a mobile body for leading a packaging material, an annular guide body for guiding said mobile body along said annular guide body, mobile body drive means for moving the mobile body along the annular guide body, and packaging material supply means disposed outside said annular guide body.

Abstract: An improved tubular seed collecting device comprising a funnel-shaped base which protrudes into the tubular space of the device. The seed collecting device has tabs on its legs and/or elongated bosses on the inside wall of the cup. The tabs serve to limit the insertion of the legs into the plant growth medium to allow horizontal growth of the plant under the level of the cup. The tabs and the bosses improve the air flow through the device. Sturdier leg design allows more re-use of each device.

Abstract: A large round baler is equipped with a pick-up mounted to the baler frame for being raised and lowered relative to the ground by operation of a hydraulic cylinder. The pick-up is maintained at a desired working height by a control arrangement including at least one height sensor which sends a signal corresponding to the instant height of the pick-up above the ground to a signal processing unit which compares the height signal with a stored value corresponding to a desired height, the signal processing unit the sending a control signal for controlling a solenoid-operated valve in such a way that the hydraulic cylinder is caused to move the pick-up in the required direction for maintaining the desired height.

Abstract: A self-propelled harvesting machine has an attachment for picking up cut crop or for harvesting stalked crop and a processing device for chopping the crop. A curved spout is arranged downstream of the processing device for picking up the crop at a pick-up location and transferring it to a drop location on a transport vehicle. A control device adjusts an operating speed of the drive motor to idle speed, nominal speed, and a speed range below the nominal speed. The drive motor, when the attachment has a great working width and the distance between pick-up location and drop location of the curved spout has a great length, is operated at nominal speed and, when the attachment has a minimal working width and the distance between pick-up location and drop location of the curved spout has a minimal length, is operated at a reduced speed.

Abstract: A flex wing rotary cutter includes wheel axles on each of the center and wing deck frames which are linked together for simultaneous rocking by a lift cylinder coupled between the center deck frame and the center axle. Each of the support wheels of the cutter is mounted to a spindle carried at the rear end of a rocker arm that is pivotally attached, at a location between its ends, to a rear location of a respective strut cantilevered from one or the other of the axles. An air spring is coupled between the strut and a forward end of the rocker arm and a shock absorber is coupled between the rocker arm and the strut at a location between the air spring and the connection of the rocker arm with the strut.

Abstract: A mowing and mulching system for lawnmowers having multi-blade knives coupled to a motor-driven driving shaft and rotating in a pot-like cover opening at the bottom side. The blades are attached to a central hub part forming several cutting edge segments on the leading edge zones of the knife blades in the direction of rotation and repelling or bucket-like baffle elements on the trailing edge zones.

Abstract: A leaf stripper includes several nozzles mounted at the end of branch pipes that are radially integral with a rotary compressed gas dispenser. The nozzles move along concentric circles with different radii behind a vegetation deflector. The deflector includes gas jet circulating and controlling structures such as circular slots with radii corresponding to that of the circumferences described by the nozzles.

Abstract: A cutting device for agricultural harvesting machines, such as, for instance, self-loading forage boxes or baling presses with a conveyor channel, in which a number of cutting blades mounted in rotatable fashion, arranged at least in a single row and protruding into the conveyor channel in a cutting position interact with a driven rotating conveyor mechanism equipped with conveying prongs and aligned along a horizontal axis crosswise to the travel and work direction for the purpose of cutting stalk products. A support mechanism provides elastic support to each individual cutting blade in the cutting position, and a control device releases the support mechanism, thereby allowing all or a number of cutting blades to rotate into a non-cutting position.

Abstract: A combined generator device for use in a satellite capable of generating electrical power and thrust from an optical solar image. The combined generator includes a first receiver positioned to receive and store the outer, low-intensity region of the optical solar image. An electrical power generator thermally coupled to the first receiver uses the stored thermal energy to produce electricity. The combined generator also includes a thrust generator having a second receiver. The second receiver is positioned to receive and absorb the inner, high-intensity region of the optical solar image. A heat exchanger of the combined generator transfers the thermal energy from the second receiver into a supply of propellant which is vented to a nozzle to produce thrust.