Abstract: An integrated three-chamber absorption refrigeration and heat pump system with improved defrost capabilities having a solution pair including a material of unusable fluid stability at higher temperatures when manipulated in an apparatus and system to take advantage of its properties. Disclosed materials of a solution pair for operation as part of the system of this invention are ammonia as the refrigerant and sodium thiocyanate as the absorbent. A heat transfer sub-system is provided, for conveying a working fluid between the components, having multiple switchable valve means, including first, second, and third valve members selectively switchable to convey the working fluid from the cooling mode to the heating mode and vice versa, as well as to the defrost mode.

Abstract: A digital read-out or indicator attachment for a utility meter which features a tensioned, flexible stranded cable connected at one end to a crank driven in rotation by the index of the meter and having an opposite remotely extending end connected to operate a digital counter located in a position remote from the meter. The cable is supported between the crank and the counter by a low friction sheath having a coefficient of thermal expansion approximately equal to that of the cable.

Abstract: An improvement in an absorption refrigeration and/or heating system including apparatus (157) to convert the pressure energy and/or phase change energy in the solution and/or refrigerant of the absorption system into mechanical energy, with additional apparatus to replace or supplement the externally supplied mechanical energy motive device (152) in the system with the converted mechanical energy. The system includes a first positive displacement pump (98) for conveying the absorbent solution from the absorber to the generator with first positive displacement apparatus (98) driven by a motive device (152) that is activated by the externally supplied energy. A second pump (158) is provided that is driven by the system pressure energy. Each of the pumping apparatus is being independently driven and connected to the other only by fluid connection.

Abstract: An integrated three-chamber absorption refrigeration and heat pump system with improved defrost capabilities having a solution pair including a material of .[.unusable.]. .Iadd.unusual .Iaddend.fluid stability at higher temperatures when manipulated in an apparatus and system to take advantage of its properties. Disclosed materials of a solution pair for operation as part of the system of this invention are ammonia as the refrigerant and sodium thiocyanate as the absorbent. A heat transfer sub-system is provided, for conveying a working fluid between the components, having multiple switchable valve means, including first, second, and third valve members selectively switchable to convey the working fluid from the cooling mode to the heating mode and vice versa, as well as to the defrost mode.