Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining an enclosed space proximate a selected comfort range, and for conserving utilities, the apparatus comprising a housing in communicating relation with the enclosed space and the external environment and having an evaporative cooler for cooling the enclosed space and having a predetermined operating efficiency, and a spaced apart air conditioner for either selectively cooling or heating the enclosed space and having an operating efficiency different from the evaporative cooler, and a control mechanism for automatically and selectively switching back and forth from operation of the evaporative cooler to the air conditioner.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining an enclosed space proximate a selected comfort level, and for conserving utilities, the apparatus comprising a housing in communicating relation with the enclosed space and the external environment and having an evaporative cooler for cooling the enclosed space and having a predetermined operating efficiency, and a spaced apart air conditioner for either selectively cooling or heating the enclosed space, having a baffle that restricts airflow to the air conditioner and an operating efficiency different from the evaporative cooler, and a control mechanism for automatically and selectively switching back and forth from operation of the evaporative cooler to the air conditioner in response to ambient conditions of the external environment and the operating efficiencies of the evaporative cooler and the air conditioner.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining an enclosed space proximate a selected comfort level, and for conserving utilities, the apparatus comprising a housing in communicating relation with the enclosed space and the external environment and having an evaporative cooler for cooling the enclosed space and having a predetermined operating efficiency, and a spaced apart air conditioner for either selectively cooling or heating the enclosed space, having a baffle that restricts airflow to the air conditioner and an operating efficiency different from the evaporative cooler, and a control mechanism for automatically and selectively switching back and forth from operation of the evaporative cooler to the air conditioner in response to ambient conditions of the external environment and the operating efficiencies of the evaporative cooler and the air conditioner.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining an enclosed space proximate a selected comfort range, and for conserving utilities, the apparatus comprising a housing in communicating relation with the enclosed space and the external environment and having an evaporative cooler for cooling the enclosed space and having a predetermined operating efficiency, and a spaced apart air conditioner for either selectively cooling or heating the enclosed space and having an operating efficiency different from the evaporative cooler, and a control mechanism for automatically and selectively switching back and forth from operation of the evaporative cooler to the air conditioner.

Abstract: The storage apparatus is adapted for use with a truck bed, and includes a front panel and a top panel hinged together, with the bottom of the front panel hinged to the floor of the truck bed. The rear of the top panel latches with the rear tailgate of the truck, and rests upon tracks on the sidewalls of the truck bed. The top panel is dimensioned to fit snuggly within the tracks and preferably has adjustable brackets on the sides of the top plate panel to allow for fine adjustment of the fitting of the top panel with the tracks. Retaining brackets are also provided on the adjustable brackets of the top panel to fit around bolts securing the track to the sidewalls of the truck bed, to prevent the top panel from being lifted upwardly in either a closed or an intermediate open position. The front panel also has bent leg portions providing a recess into which the top panel may be folded, so that the top and front panels may be collapsed to lie flat upon the floor of the truck bed.

Abstract: An improved evaporative cooler is disclosed which includes a highly efficient air transfer system and an effective system for closing off the conditioned space from the ambient when the cooler is out of service. The air transfer system includes a vertically oriented shroud having an air intake region situated at the top, an air exhaust region situated at the bottom and an imperforate intermediate region continuously connecting the intake and exhaust regions. The intermediate region diverges smoothly downwardly, and a horizontally disposed fan is centrally disposed at the shroud bottom. The efficient intake of air into the shroud is promoted by a circumferential lip extending completely around the air intake region, the lip curling smoothly inwardly and arcuately. Effective seasonal sealing is achieved with an optional shroud sealing system supported on the shroud intake region.