Abstract: An improved mixing box is disclosed. The mixing box comprises an inlet end, an outlet end, a substantially closed first passage to which primary air flows from a primary air inlet and then through induction means and to and from the outlet end. The induction means are positioned intermediate the inlet and outlet ends and are operable, when primary air flows through the passage, to induce a flow of air through a first opening for mixture with primary air and delivery therewith through the outlet end. The mixing box also comprises means for controlling the rate of flow of primary air and a fan operable to induce a flow of air through a second opening and to deliver such air through the outlet end of the box.

Abstract: Air conditioning apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises compression refrigeration apparatus, a cogenerator operable to provide electricity and heat, an air handler, a plurality of mixing boxes operable to receive conditioned air, to cause a flow of recirculated air from a space to be conditioned, and to deliver to the space a mixture of conditioned air and recirculated air, a circulating system for circulating air to be conditioned through the air handle and then to the mixing boxes, a coil for heat transfer with air in the mixing boxes, and a sprinkler system through at least a part of which a heat transfer fluid is circulated to the coils. Preferred apparatus includes, in addition, at least one of absorption refrigeration apparatus and a dehumidifier which employs a desiccant, and means for using heat from the cogenerator as an energy source for the absorption refrigeration apparatus, for regeneration of the dehumidifier, or both.

Abstract: Air conditioning apparatus for a building having an electrical grid operatively connected to receive electricity from a utility is disclosed. The apparatus includes compression refrigeration apparatus with an electric motor connected to drive a compressor, absorption refrigeration apparatus, a cogenerator, an air handler, induction mixing units, a system for circulating air to be conditioned through the air handler and then to said induction mixing units, apparatus for transferring heat from air in the air handler to ice, a heat transfer system connecting the absorption refrigeration apparatus to pump heat to a heat sink from air in the induction mixing units or from air in the air handler, electric circuitry connecting the electric motor of the compression refrigeration apparatus to the building electrical grid for energization, and a heat transfer system for transferring heat generated by the cogenerator into energizing relationship with the absorption refrigeration apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for dehumidifying air is disclosed. The apparatus comprises first and second dehumidifiers, both of which employ a desiccant. Air to be dehumidified is passed through the first dehumdifier, then through the second dehumidifer, and from the second dehumidifier to a space to be conditioned. The desiccants of the two dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air so that it is dehumidified before it reaches the space. The apparatus also includes a first regenerator for the desiccant of the first dehumidifier, and a second regenerator for the desiccant of the second dehumidifier. Air is passed to and through each of the regenerators in contact with the desiccant therein and is then discharged. Heat of sorption is transferred from the two dehumidifiers, and moisture laden desiccant is moved from each of the dehumidifiers to its regenerator; finally, heat is transferred to each of the regenerators, and the heat transferred to the first regenerator includes heat of sorption from the first dehumidifier.

Abstract: Flow control and fire detection and location apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is used with a system which circulates heated or cooled water for use in connection with the heating and air conditioning system of a building and to sprinker heads. The apparatus comprises a short length of tubing or pipe connected downstream of a sprinkler connection to provide a bypass for flow of heated or cooled water around a segment of the return line from heating or cooling apparatus to a standpipe through which the water is returned to an equipment room. There are check valves to prevent flow of water through the bypass toward the heating or cooling apparatus, and to prevent water flow in the bypassed segment from the heating or cooling apparatus toward the standpipe. There is also a flow sensor in the bypassed segment. In normal operation, water from the heating or cooling apparatus flows through the bypass line to the standpipe and back to the equipment room for heating or cooling and recirculation.

Abstract: An improved method for forming wiring channels in a prefabricated concrete floor slab is disclosed. At least one trench is formed in a concrete floor slab when the slab is poured. A metal cover placed over the trench can have a metal U-shaped channel attached thereto for dividing the trench into at least two and preferably three separate wire raceways with the center raceway completely shielded by the channel and cover*. Access boxes are selectively positioned over knockouts in the cover plate. Metal channels are positioned to extend perpendicular to the trenches for forming main distribution ducts. A concrete surface is then poured over the slab to extend flush with the tops of the access boxes and the main distribution ducts and a cover plate is attached to enclose the main distribution ducts. The resulting floor structure has embedded therein parallel wiring raceways spaced across the floor with spaced accesses into each raceway and main distribution ducts interconnecting the parallel raceways.

Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus and method are disclosed. The apparatus includes a chemical dehumidifier which employs an aqueous hygroscopic solution of glycol and a solar energy collector for use in regenerating the solution. Air to be conditioned is circulated through a contactor of the chemical dehumidifier, in contact with cooled glycol solution. Concentrated hygroscopic glycol solution is circulated from a regenerator to the contactor, while dilute solution is circulated from the contactor to the regenerator. Energy from the solar collector is transferred to facilitate concentration thereof. In one disclosed embodiment energy from the solar collector is also transferred to the generator of heat-powered refrigeration apparatus, e.g., absorption or rankine engine driven refrigeration apparatus.

Abstract: Air conditioning apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a thermal compressor which is used to regenerate an aqueous hygroscopic liquid, e.g., a solution of lithium chloride or lithium bromide in water. The regenerated hygroscopic liquid is used both for humidity control in air conditioning apparatus and to absorb water that has been vaporized in an evaporator, thereby enabling the evaporation of further water in the evaporator and the use of water as a refrigerant. In one disclosed embodiment, a molecular still is used in connection with the operation of the thermal compressor.

Abstract: An improved combined environmental control and fire protection system for a building is disclosed. Water is circulated from cooling apparatus including a closed circuit cooling tower and, when necessary, refrigeration apparatus through supply lines to air handling indirect heat exchangers, lighting fixtures and other heat sources for absorbing heat. The water then circulates through return lines to the cooling apparatus. Automatic sprinkler heads are connected to at least the return lines for fire protection. A pressure sensor detects any drop in water pressure in the circulating system caused by the opening of one or more sprinkler heads and switches the system to a fire protection mode. The pressure sensor opens a valve to connect a pressurized water supply tank to the sprinkler heads. Check valves and motorized valves controlled by the pressure sensor protect the heat exchangers, lighting fixtures and other heat sources from high pressures when the system is operating in a fire protection mode.

Abstract: An improved cellular floor, wall or the like structure is disclosed. The structure in a specific embodiment disclosed, includes a covered raceway for electrical conductors. The raceway has a plurality of knockouts in its cover, and is covered by and at least partially supports a poured concrete floor. The improvement is a plurality of cooperating piston-cylinder assemblies on the raceway cover. Each of the assemblies is a cylinder with a concrete piston therewithin. The cylinder is positioned so that its projection on the raceway cover is larger than and covers one of the knockouts. The piston is capable of limited axial movement within the cylinder, and has an end in substantial contact with one of the knockouts. The piston end is of such size and shape that, when driven toward the knockout, the piston will drive the knockout into the raceway and enter the knockout opening.