A solar collector is provided having an inner core for absorbing solar radiation enclosed within a polygonal shaped glass housing. The inner core includes a series of outwardly extending projections which extend towards the inner surface of the glass housing and a fluid passageway is defined within the inner core. The core and its projections are either made from or coated with a material capable of absorbing solar radiation and emitting infrared radiation. The glass housing, which is substantially opaque to infrared radiation, maintains such infrared radiation emitted by the core within the triangular housing, and thus proximate to the central core. In this manner, a substantial portion of the heat energy of the emitted infrared radiation is transferred to fluid flowing through the fluid passageway within the core, and is not lost by convection. Flat mirrors can be used to direct solar energy to the glass housing and core.
A frame for supporting a plurality of interchangeable units of office furniture. The frame both supports the furniture in an upright direction, prevents the furniture from sliding in a horizontal direction and is concealed from view when the furniture is mounted on it. The arrangement of the furniture can be varied by interchanging the positions of the various separate units of furniture carried along the frame. The frame itself can also be advantageously utilized to carry additional equipment pivotably mounted thereon and to provide means for storing such additional equipment when not in use. Because the frame rigidifies the furniture structure mounted thereon, lightweight and inexpensive furniture can be used.