This invention pertains to energy absorbers for solar collectors, and more particularly to high performance thin film absorbers. The solar collectors comprising the absorber of this invention overcome several problems seen in current systems, such as excessive hardware, high cost and unreliability. In the preferred form, the apparatus features a substantially rigid planar frame with a thin film window bonded to one planar side of the frame. An absorber in accordance with the present invention is comprised of two thin film layers that are sealed perimetrically. In a preferred embodiment, thin film layers are formed from a metal/plastic laminate. The layers define a fluid-tight planar envelope of large surface area to volume through which a heat transfer fluid flows. The absorber is bonded to the other planar side of the frame. The thin film construction of the absorber assures substantially full envelope wetting and thus good efficiency. The window and absorber films stress the frame adding to the overall strength of the collector.

Patent for a combination penknife that includes: blades, awl, tack puller, screwdriver, beer bottle opener, cork screw, thorn extractor. The pen knife uses a "pocket" within the blades to house the corkscrew and awl.

Patent for a wrench designed for right and left-handed users, makes for simpler use of tool by having fewer components than other more standards wrenches.

Patent for an improvement to tire-patches for inner tubes by making use of "a simple devise for jacketing that part of an inner tube which may be adjacent to a puncture or weak place in the outer casing to prevent blow outs" (lines 11-14). Instructions and illustrations included.

Patent for the improvement of Bridle-Rods “of means whereby the device may be adjusted to accommodate itself to rails of different sizes” (lines 18-20). Instructions and illustrations included.

Patent for a vehicle indicator that indicates speed using a sound and light. "The driver may be warned when a certain speed is reached and so officers of the law and others may readily tell by glancing at the vehicle whether or not it is exceeding the speed limit."

Patent for the improvement of fire-boxes for broilers by reducing the draft and “causing a more complete mixture of the fuel and air and consequently a more thorough combustion of the fuel” (lines 13-16). Instructions and illustration included.

Patent for the improvement in suction-cups for cotton-picking machines in which the addition of knives allows for easier collection of cotton. Instructions and illustrations included.

Patent for a new measuring and leveling instrument that allows the user to determine "in a convenient and efficient manner the angularity of a surface or object with respect to a vertical or horizontal line" (lines 10-13). Instructions and illustration included.

Patent for "new and useful improvements in pumping jacks." (lines 9-10).

Patent for an oil tank with an improved design for extinguishing fires inside the tanks and a means for allowing the escape of exploded gases upon accidental ignition.

Patent for an underreamer that will be used to ensure that the well casing is clean. Its construction is simple and can be made cheaper than older devices of the same type.

Patent for a mechanism which cases water off of oil when boring oil wells.

Patent for an improved and simplified mechanism of Half-Car Unloaders, which unloads earth materials such as coal and ore from a railroad car more easily and effectively by lifting up a train car, unloading its contents, and placing it back on the railroad track.

Patent for an improved combined turning and leveling plow.

Patent for a fish hook designed to catch the fish by its head when it takes the bait. Illustrations included.

Patent for a thill support designed to support the thill "without having the weight thrown upon the circle or fifth wheel" (lines 14-15), and may be adjusted to a variety of vehicles. Illustrations included.

Patent for a stalk cutter, which can go through small obstacles without harm to the machine and has easily removable blades.

Patent for a holder for plows and sweeps. Illustrations included.

Patent for a stirrup for horse riders which can automatically release the foot of the rider should the rider be forced off of the horse. Illustrations included.

Patent for a harvester for corn and other, similar crops with a cutting mechanism that may be raised or lowered based on the height of the stalks. Illustrations included.

Patent for an electric trolley replacer, which automatically replaces the trolley on the wheel.

Patent for "a combination of devices for hoisting and hauling and supporting barrels and other receptacles for use in stores and other places" (lines 8-11).

Patent for "a cradle which may be easily and quickly converted into a child's swing or into a clothes rack or drier." (Lines 10-12) Includes instructions and illustrations.