Abstract: An apparatus for heating and cooling includes a solar collector for transferring heat energy from incident solar rays to a liquid refrigerant material thereby changing a first portion to a gaseous state. An eductor-venturi reduces a pressure of the gaseous refrigerant material and a condenser removes the heat energy thereby changing the refrigerant material back to the liquid state. A heat exchanger associated with the condenser receives the heat energy removed from the refrigerant material. A float evaporator mounted in a cold chamber transfers heat energy from the atmosphere to the liquid refrigerant material thereby changing a second portion to the gaseous state and cooling the cold chamber atmosphere. A float actuated valve connected to the float evaporator is responsive to a level of the liquid refrigerant material in the evaporator for regulating a flow of the liquid refrigerant material into the evaporator.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating and cooling includes a solar collector for transferring heat energy from incident solar rays to a liquid refrigerant material thereby changing a first portion to a gaseous state. An eductor-venturi reduces a pressure of the gaseous refrigerant material and a condenser removes the heat energy thereby changing the refrigerant material back to the liquid state. A heat exchanger associated with the condenser receives the heat energy removed from the refrigerant material. A float evaporator mounted in a cold chamber transfers heat energy from the atmosphere to the liquid refrigerant material thereby changing a second portion to the gaseous state and cooling the cold chamber atmosphere. A float actuated valve connected to the float evaporator is responsive to a level of the liquid refrigerant material in the evaporator for regulating a flow of the liquid refrigerant material into the evaporator.

Abstract: A suction accumulator for a refrigeration system includes a pair of closed shells arranged in spaced relation one within the other to define a space therebetween effective to prevent sweating of the inner shell during performance of its normal suction accumulator function. The space is connected between the condenser and the expansion valve of the system to function as a receiver for warm refrigerant thereby creating heat exchange through the wall of the inner shell.

Abstract: A non-freezing dish includes a sealed tube having a heating end and an opposite condensation end configured to be inserted into the ground with the heated end below grade. A phase change material having a gas phase and a liquid phase is sealed in the tube. Heat is absorbed from the ground into the liquid phase to generate a heated gas phase that rises to the condensation end. A condenser conducts the heat to a removable dish and condenses the gas to a cooled liquid phase that is returned to the heated end.

Abstract: A solar collector includes a copper plate and copper tubes for the collection and harnessing of solar energy. The copper tubes are thermally coupled to the copper plate by a copper alloy fillet. The copper tubes, the copper plate and the copper alloy fillet preferably are brazed in a controlled atmospheric furnace at a temperature in the range from approximately 1700 to about 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. The solar collector includes a housing for the plate and the tubes having two side walls, two end walls, a rear wall and a removable cover closing an open front side of the housing. One of the end walls and each of the side walls have a slot defined therein generally parallel to a plane of the rear wall for releasably receiving the cover which is formed of a glazing material. A solar collector according to this invention provides enhanced thermal conductivities, increased durability and the concomitant advantages associated with improved manufacturing economies.

Abstract: A method of assembling a two-chamber component includes radially deforming an outer chamber to permit an inner chamber, which includes a fusible plug, to be inserted into the outer chamber. The inner chamber includes a fusible plug that extends radially away from the outside surface of the inner chamber. The fusible plug has a length that is greater than the radial distance between the inner and outer chambers. By radially deforming the outer chamber, it is possible to insert the inner chamber until the plug is radially and axially aligned with a radial opening in the outer chamber. Once the inner chamber is in proper position, the radial deformation is undone and the plug protrudes through the radial opening in the outer chamber, thereby permitting fluid communication from the inner chamber that is isolated from the contents of the outer chamber.

Abstract: A collector stand for a solar collector, including a frame adapted to be secured to the solar collector, a cylindrical end cap secured to the frame and adapted to be sleeved over the upper end of a mounting post for the solar collector, and structure securing the frame to the post in a location in spaced relation to the end cap. In one embodiment, the stand is adjustable so that the angle which the solar collector makes with the mounting post may be varied.

Abstract: The solar heating system component combines a surge tank for a closed solar heat collecting system along with heat exchange means for transferring heat from the primary fluid in the solar heat collecting system to secondary fluid flowing in a secondary circuit which is used for a purpose such as to supply warm water, space heating or cooling and the like.