Abstract: An air heating and cooling system for a building includes an expansion-type refrigeration circuit and a heat engine. The refrigeration circuit includes two heat exchangers, one of which is communicated with a source of indoor air from the building and the other of which is communicated with a source of air from outside the building. The heat engine includes a heat rejection circuit having a source of rejected heat and a primary heat exchanger connected to the source of rejected heat. The heat rejection circuit also includes an evaporator in heat exchange relation with the primary heat exchanger, a heat engine indoor heat exchanger, and a heat engine outdoor heat exchanger. The indoor heat exchangers are disposed in series air flow relationship, with the heat engine indoor heat exchanger being disposed downstream from the refrigeration circuit indoor heat exchanger.

Abstract: The specification and drawings disclose a heating system comprising a once-through, closed-loop type vapor generator fired by a modulating gas burner controlled to fire at a rate proportional to the demand level within a space to be heated. A vapor power turbine is directly connected to receive the output from the generator to operate at a variable speed in response to demand level within the space. Vapor exhaust from the turbine is conducted through a condenser, where it gives up its heat and becomes liquid, and returns to the vapor generator. Air for heating the space is conducted over the condenser by a fan directly driven at a variable speed by the turbine.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing the draft hood discharge opening and vent and fuel line of a fluid fuel-fired heating device such as a domestic water heater. The disclosed apparatus includes a diaphragm-type expansible chamber fluid motor assembly mechanically linked to a damper assembly such that when the heating devices call for heating, the supply of pressurized fuel acts to actuate the motor for opening the damper assembly. The motor assembly also has a pressure output line which operates a fail-safe type of diaphragm valve for controlling flow. This prevents burner operation until after the dampers are open. Additionally, when the supply of fuel is terminated, the motor assembly does not close the damper assembly until after the diaphragm valve stops fuel to the burner.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing the draft hood discharge opening and vent and fuel line of a fluid fuel-fired heating device such as a domestic water heater. The disclosed apparatus includes a diaphragm-type expansible chamber fluid motor assembly mechanically linked to a damper assembly such that when the heating devices call for heating, the supply of pressurized fuel acts to actuate the motor for opening the damper assembly. The motor assembly also has a pressure output line which operates a fail-safe type of diaphragm valve for controlling flow. This prevents burner operation until after the dampers are open. Additionally, when the supply of fuel is terminated, the motor assembly does not close the damper assembly until after the diaphragm valve stops fuel to the burner.

Abstract: An air heating and cooling system for a building includes an expansion-type refrigeration circuit and a heat engine. The refrigeration circuit includes two heat exchangers, one of which is communicated with a source of indoor air from the building and the other of which is communicated with a source of air from outside the building. The heat engine includes a heat rejection circuit having a source of rejected heat and a primary heat exchanger connected to the source of rejected heat. The heat rejection circuit also includes an evaporator in heat exchange relation with the primary heat exchanger, a heat engine indoor heat exchanger, and a heat engine outdoor heat exchanger. The indoor heat exchangers are disposed in series air flow relationship, with the heat engine indoor heat exchanger being disposed downstream from the refrigeration circuit indoor heat exchanger.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing the draft hood discharge opening and vent and fuel line of a fluid fuel-fired heating device such as a domestic water heater. The disclosed apparatus includes a diaphragm-type expansible chamber fluid motor assembly positioned in the burner fuel supply line. The motor assembly is mechanically linked to a damper assembly such that the supply of pressurized fuel acts to actuate the motor for opening the damper assembly prior to the motor assembly admitting fuel to the burner. Additionally, when the supply of fuel is terminated, the motor assembly does not close the damper assembly until after the motor assembly stops fuel to the burner.

Abstract: An air heating and cooling system for a building includes an expansion type refrigeration circuit and a vapor power circuit. The refrigeration circuit includes two heat exchangers, one of which is communicated with a source of indoor air from the building and the other of which is communicated with a source of air from outside the building. The vapor power circuit includes two heat exchangers, one of which is disposed in series air flow relationship with the indoor refrigeration circuit heat exchanger and the other of which is disposed in series air flow relationship with the outdoor refrigeration circuit heat exchanger. Fans powered by electricity generated by a vapor power circuit alternator circulate indoor air through the two indoor heat exchangers and circulate outside air through the two outdoor heat exchangers.

Abstract: Specifically disclosed is a method of operating a vapor cycle engine wherein a vaporizable fluid is circulated in a closed loop serially through a first heat source, a second heat source, an expansion vapor engine, a condenser, and back to the first heat source. The method of operation specifically comprises the steps of heating the fluid in the first heat source to a relatively low temperature t, super-heating the fluid in the second heat source to a temperature T, passing the fluid through the expansion vapor engine and then exhausting the fluid from the engine at a temperature T.sub.2 which is greater than the temperature t. Also disclosed is apparatus for specifically accomplishing the method as disclosed.