Abstract: Embodiments provide a method and apparatus to lower the temperature and heat content of the ambient air at the inlet to a gas combustion turbine to enhance power generation. Embodiments can use multiple, staged direct contact air chillers, variable flow secondary water chilling systems, constant flow primary water chilling systems with water chilling units arranged for parallel chilled water flow, and a coolant water circulation system used for heat rejection with open cooling towers. Alternatives can use a chilled water thermal storage system, and/or waste heat to drive at least part of the water chilling process. With the included apparatus a method to allow adiabatic air chilling is available for operation during periods of lower ambient air conditions when needs for power augmentation may not be as great.

Abstract: A wettable media pad comprises an inlet side and an outlet side and a porous structure made from a non-woven material, comprising a plurality channels having a hexagonal cross-section defined by six walls, the channels running from the inlet side to the outlet side, wherein the wettable media pad is configured to direct fluid from a top surface of the media pad to a bottom surface of the media pad along at least one of the walls of the channels, wherein the wettable media pad is configured to exchange heat and mass between a fluid positioned on or in a wall of the channels and a gas flowing through the channels as the gas flows from the inlet side to the outlet side, and wherein the wettable media pad is produced with additive manufacturing. A method of making a wettable media pad is also described.

Abstract: A method, and a system, are for filling a container with an amount of liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) which is partially converted into an amount of solid CO2 into the container, for maintaining one or more products, loaded into the container, at a defined temperature, below a defined temperature, or within a defined temperature range, the defined temperature or the defined temperature range being below environmental temperature. A method and a system are for providing identification and traceability data determining the container and the one or more products, and for enabling identification of the container during transport to a destination.

Abstract: An automated, ultra-low temperature freezer having multiple structural features that reduce heat transfer into the freezer, protect its internal mechanical devices against low temperature mechanical binding of their movements, allow defrosting and autoclaving as a result of only minimal changes to the conventional CO2 emergency backup system. A group of freezers are arranged so they can simultaneously provide an HVAC function. A vial management system allows biological samples or vials to be automatically placed in and recovered from the freezer and associates the temperature history with each sample or vial that it was subjected to during its storage.

Abstract: A method, as well as a system, are disclosed for filling a container with an amount of liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) which is partially converted into an amount of solid CO2 in the container, for maintaining one or more products, loaded into the container, at a defined temperature, below a defined temperature, or within a defined temperature range, the defined temperature or the defined temperature range being below an environmental temperature. Also disclosed are a method and a system for providing identification and traceability data determining the container and the one or more products that have been loaded into the container, and for enabling identification of the container during transport to a particular destination.

Abstract: The invention relates to equipment for producing cool packs containing an amount of carbon-dioxide snow, which includes: a set of at least two cells, each of which is capable of receiving and supporting a shell to be filled; a feeding tube connected, at the upstream portion thereof, to a liquid CO2 source; a set of at least two injection manifolds, each injection manifold being located opposite a cell in which a casing to be filled is to be positioned, and each manifold being connected, at the upstream portion thereof, to the feeding tube, wherein each manifold comprises an injection port at at least one location along the length thereof, the equipment being characterized in that: i) the end of each manifold opposite the feeding tube is formed as a sealed end provided in the form of a substantially rounded tip; j) each injection port located on a manifold is a provided as a threaded opening having a given diameter D and is capable of receiving an injection nozzle by means of screwing; k) said equipment compri

Abstract: A solar air conditioner provides cooling by way of liquid evaporation. The solar air conditioner includes a liquid evaporation unit, a heat exchange unit, and a solar power generation unit. The liquid evaporation unit includes an outer housing and an inner housing. The outer housing includes a fan affixed to the top and an plurality of openings on the side wall. The inner housing inside the outer housing has a plurality of porous holes through which the liquid therein penetrates to the outer surface. The penetrated liquid comes in contact with the warm air drawn by the fan and evaporation subsequently occurs cooling the liquid inside the inner housing. The cooled liquid is then provided to the heat exchange unit for cooling a target area. The pumps and fans are powered by the solar power generation unit.

Abstract: A multi-stage hybrid evaporative cooling system is described as having a direct evaporative cooling subsystem and an indirect evaporative cooling subsystem having one of a horizontal and a vertical set of heat exchanger channels. The multi-stage hybrid evaporative cooling system with a horizontal set of heat exchanger channels has a portion of the horizontal heat exchanger channels partially extended into a next stage of the multi-stage system. The multi-stage hybrid evaporative cooling system with the vertical set of heat exchanger channels includes a first set of vertical set of heat exchanger channels spanning a substantial vertical height of the stage of the hybrid evaporative cooling system, and a second set spanning approximately half the height of the stage. The multi-stage hybrid evaporative cooling system further includes a refrigeration system for lowering the temperature of the indirect evaporative cooling subsystem air without affecting its pressure flow.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods of controlling local environment. In one embodiment, incoming air enters a contactor such the Direct Contact Cooler-Condenser (DCCC) where the air contacts water distributed on the contact media. After passing through the DCCC, the air is saturated at a temperature equal or close to that of the water. Depending on the state of the incoming air, in the DCCC will be humidified or dehumidified to yield saturated air at the desired humidity ratio. In one embodiment, a blower draws air through the DCCC and blows into the heater. The heater heats the air to the desired dry-bulb temperature. Before exiting, the air may pass through a filter.

Abstract: The heat exchange apparatus and method is provided with an indirect evaporative heat exchange section and a direct evaporative heat exchange section. An evaporative liquid is sprayed downwardly into the direct evaporative section to directly exchange heat from the evaporative liquid flowing across fill sheets. The evaporative liquid is then collected in a re-spray tray. The collected evaporative liquid is then sprayed onto an indirect evaporative heat exchange section to indirectly exchange sensible heat from a fluid stream flowing within a series of enclosed circuits comprising the indirect evaporative heat exchange section.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods of controlling local environment. In one embodiment, incoming air enters a contactor such the Direct Contact Cooler-Condenser (DCCC) where the air contacts water distributed on the contact media. After passing through the DCCC, the air is saturated at a temperature equal or close to that of the water. Depending on the state of the incoming air, in the DCCC will be humidified or dehumidified to yield saturated air at the desired humidity ratio. In one embodiment, a blower draws air through the DCCC and blows into the heater. The heater heats the air to the desired dry-bulb temperature. Before exiting, the air may pass through a filter.

Abstract: Cooling/heating system of air conditioner including a duct having a first passage for drawing external air, and a second passage for drawing room air, the second passage having a part crossed with the first passage, a regenerative heat exchanger having first and second flow passages in the crossed part of the first and second passages for indirect heat exchange between the external air and the room air, a case connected to the first and second passages of the duct having first and second outlets for drawing/discharging external and room air, first and second fans for drawing in the external air and the room air into the case through the first and second passages, and discharging the external air and the room air through the first and second outlets, and first and second heat exchangers for heat exchange with the external air and the room air discharge through the first and second outlets, thereby preventing contamination and dried room air and reducing heat loss to permit cooling/heating even with small amoun

Abstract: A system is disclosed that incorporates a generator for generating a liquid coolant. This invention provides a self-contained water (or similar liquid coolant) chilling system of suitable capacity to cool small to medium size structures, such as private residences and manufactured homes. The system utilizes an arrangement of heat-exchanging panels to pre-condition an ambient temperature air-stream, prior to passage through a pump-driven coolant spray. The system also provides several sub-systems for automatic coolant monitoring, chemical addition and periodic coolant replacement.

Abstract: A heat exchanger with improved heat exchange capability mainly includes a primary heat exchanger, a water vaporization device and a secondary heat exchanger. The secondary heat exchanger may be coupled with the water vaporization device to generate liquid and vapor phase transformation to increase heat exchange capability of the heat exchanger and save energy and reduce thermal pollution.

Abstract: An evaporative cooling system for evaporatively cooling poultry houses, livestock houses and/or botanical structures, wherein the evaporative cooling system is capable of continually maintaining a sufficient supply of water within a reservoir and trough system, thus eliminating the occurrence of pump deactivation typically associated with low water level conditions, and promoting a more uniform distribution and quantity of water over the cooling pads of the evaporative cooling system for a more efficient and sustained cooling process.

Abstract: An air cooling device includes at least one cooling unit which includes an oblique honeycomb having front, rear, upper, and lower openings and disposed so that air to be cooled is introduced into the front opening and cooled air is discharged from the rear opening, a cooling water supply means which supplies cooling water to the upper opening of the oblique honeycomb, and a water receiving section which receives discharge water discharged from the lower opening of the oblique honeycomb, and a blower means which introduces air to be cooled into the front opening of the oblique honeycomb and allows cooled air to be discharged from the rear opening of the oblique honeycomb, wherein the height of one oblique honeycomb in the cooling unit is 200 to 800 mm. The air cooling device has high thermal efficiency, a small liquid-gas ratio, and a small pressure drop, and is capable of saving space and energy.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an external loop nonfreezing heat exchanger for cooling a heat transfer fluid with cryogenic fluid. The cryogenic fluid is first pre-vaporized with the spent cryogenic fluid. The heat transfer fluid is then cooled by the vaporized cryogenic fluid instead of the cryogenic fluid feed directly.

Abstract: An air cooling device includes at least one cooling unit which includes an oblique honeycomb having front, rear, upper, and lower openings and disposed so that air to be cooled is introduced into the front opening and cooled air is discharged from the rear opening, a cooling water supply means which supplies cooling water to the upper opening of the oblique honeycomb, and a water receiving section which receives discharge water discharged from the lower opening of the oblique honeycomb, and a blower means which introduces air to be cooled into the front opening of the oblique honeycomb and allows cooled air to be discharged from the rear opening of the oblique honeycomb, wherein the height of one oblique honeycomb in the cooling unit is 200 to 800 mm. The air cooling device has high thermal efficiency, a small liquid-gas ratio, and a small pressure drop, and is capable of saving space and energy.

Abstract: A method of exchanging heat is disclosed. Process fluid is passed through a dry indirect contact heat exchange section while a main air stream is also passed through that section. The process fluid is passed through a second indirect contact heat exchange section while a second air stream is passed through that section. A third air stream is passed through a direct contact heat exchange section and mixed with the second air stream to define the main air stream. Evaporative liquid is selectively distributed over the second indirect contact heat exchange section and over the direct heat exchange section. The distribution of evaporative liquid over one section is independent of the distribution of evaporative liquid over the other section.

Abstract: The within invention improves on the indirect evaporative cooling method and apparatus by making use of a working fluid that is pre-cooled with and without desiccants before it is passed through a Wet Channel where evaporative fluid is on the walls to take heat and store it in the working fluid as increased latent heat. The heat transfer across the membrane between the Dry Channel and the Wet Channel may have dry, solid desiccant or liquid desiccant and may have perforations, pores or capillary pathways. The evaporative fluid may be water, fuel, or any substance that has the capacity to take heat as latent heat. The Wet Channel or excess cooled fluid is in heat transfer contact with a Product Channel where Product Fluid is cooled without adding any humidity. An alternative embodiment for heat transfer between adjacent channels is with heat pipes.

Abstract: The within invention improves on the indirect evaporative cooling method and apparatus by making use of a working fluid that is pre-cooled with and without desiccants before it is passed through a Wet Channel where evaporative fluid is on the walls to take heat and store it in the working fluid as increased latent heat. The heat transfer across the membrane between the Dry Channel and the Wet Channel may have dry, solid desiccant or liquid desiccant and may have perforations, pores or capillary pathways. The evaporative fluid may be water, fuel, or any substance that has the capacity to take heat as latent heat. The Wet Channel or excess cooled fluid is in heat transfer contact with a Product Channel where Product Fluid is cooled without adding any humidity. An alternative embodiment for heat transfer between adjacent channels is with heat pipes.

Abstract: An air cooler has a casing containing two air flow paths through one of which cooled fresh air is supplied to a house, while the other receives stale air from the house. An efficient heat exchanger pre-cools the fresh air with the heat extracted from the stale air, Further cooling is achieved by evaporative cooling of water from two honeycomb structures respectively spanning the two air flow paths. A pump circulates cooled water to the upper end of one of the structures from the lower end of the other structure which receives, at its upper end, the water which has percolated down through the upper structure.

Abstract: This novel device is an enhanced evaporative cooler, which can be transformed into a heater. It is embodied in a single unit with two operational modes. In the A or cooling mode it is comprised of two cooling stages, the first stage consists of an air blower and a plurality of evaporation channels, and a cold water collection tray placed under the said channels, the evaporation channels have nozzles injecting high pressure water, producing a very fine spray, part of the spray evaporates, the rest is cooled and collected in the cool water tray, this cool water is pump circulated through the second stage. The second stage consists of an air to water heat exchanger, an air blower and a warm water collection tray where the output from the heat exchanger is collected, the water in the warm water tray is pumped back to the nozzles starting a new cycle. In the B or heater mode a heater element located in the second stage warm water tray is activated, the so heated water circulates only within the second stage.

Abstract: A system and method of exchanging heat are disclosed. Three heat exchange sections are used: a dry indirect contact heat exchange section, a second indirect contact heat exchange section that is operable in either a wet or dry mode, and a direct contact heat exchange section. The three sections are next to each other in an apparatus to reduce the overall height of the apparatus. The dry and second indirect contact heat exchange sections receive a process fluid in series or in parallel. Separate ambient air streams pass through the second indirect and direct contact heat exchange sections before mixing and entering the dry indirect contact heat exchange section. Another ambient air stream is mixed in upstream of the dry indirect contact heat exchange section when the system is operated in the dry mode. Two independent evaporative liquid distribution systems are included. One selectively distributes evaporative liquid over the second indirect contact heat exchange section.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a water vaporization type cooling apparatus for a small-capacity heating element which permit cooling the heating element to below the outer peripheral temperature and is suitable for environmental protection.

Abstract: An evaporative cooling membrane device is disclosed having a flat or pleated plate housing with an enclosed bottom and an exposed top that is covered with at least one sheet of hydrophobic porous material having a thin thickness so as to serve as a membrane. The hydrophobic porous material has pores with predetermined dimensions so as to resist any fluid in its liquid state from passing therethrough but to allow passage of the fluid in its vapor state, thereby, causing the evaporation of the fluid and the cooling of the remaining fluid. The fluid has a predetermined flow rate. The evaporative cooling membrane device has a channel which is sized in cooperation with the predetermined flow rate of the fluid so as to produce laminar flow therein. The evaporative cooling membrane device provides for the convenient control of the evaporation rates of the circulating fluid by adjusting the flow rates of the laminar flowing fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for cooling supply air in an air-conditioning installation, comprising a heat transfer device for transferring heat between supply air and exhaust air by means of heat transfer surfaces; and a humidifying device for humidifying heat transfer surfaces on the exhaust air side. In order that supply air could be cooled more efficiently, the heat transfer surfaces on the side of supply air and exhaust air are separated into separate heat exchangers; and the heat transfer surfaces are selected in such a way that the surface temperature of the heat transfer surfaces on the exhaust air side is close to the dew-point temperature of exhaust air.

Abstract: A contra flow air to air heat exchanger, and an evaporative air conditioner employing such a heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger (10) utilises a series of stacked plates (24), each having curved deep groove corrugations which form channels (27) with an adjacent plate which are inclined at a small angle with the channels (28) of the first plate (24), each stack of plates (24) having two inlet ducts (14, 16) and two outlet ducts (18, 20) and (19, 21).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for efficiently using various components as a system for cooling air. The apparatus uses the combination of an evaporative cooler, a refrigerated air system with a water-cooled condenser, a swimming pool pump, and a swimming pool or other bulk water storage container. A pump or series of pumps are used to supply water to the evaporative cooler and to the water-cooled condenser from the swimming pool. After the swimming pool water has been supplied to the other components in the system, it is returned to the swimming pool. During cooler weather, the output air from the evaporative cooler is supplied to a series of ducts and is used to cool the interior of a structure such as a home.

Abstract: A method of cooling a first stream of air in an air conditioning system. The first stream of air is dehumidified and cooled in first and second indirect evaporative coolers for purposes of conditioning a second stream of air for introducing to a conditioned space.

Abstract: To improve both heat transfer and evaporation in a heat exchanger (10, 25, 42) of an air cooler, there are provided a number of spaced narrow wet wicks (13) over which air flows transversely, and those wicks (13) are sandwiched between impervious spacer sheets (11, 12), the surface configuration of the spacer sheets (11, 12) being non-planar so as to increase the areas of the wicks (13) over which air flows, and also to increase air turbulence and thereby mixing, the increased mixing not only assisting in the evaporation of water from wicks (13) but also assisting in the heat transfer through the spacer sheets (11, 12) which define the air passages containing the wicks (13).

Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus which can be used as an evaporative condenser, fluid cooler or wet-air cooler, is provided with a direct evaporative heat exchange section overlying an indirect evaporative heat exchange section. An air entry zone common to both heat exchange sections receives an air stream blown into this zone by at least one fan, thereby pressurizing the plenum such that the air stream is forced to split and enter each section while inside the apparatus. This eliminates the need for separate air entries, thus condensing the size and cost of the apparatus, while increasing heat exchange capacity. A countercurrent air flow pattern through the direct section provides a uniformly cooled evaporative liquid for use in the indirect section. The evaporative liquid flow is parallel to the air stream provided in the indirect section.

Abstract: An air cooler including a housing having an air inlet zone and an air outlet zone, a heat exchanger mounted in the housing and defining a first plurality of dry channels extending from the air inlet zone to the air outlet zone. Air is passed through the dry channels from the inlet zone to the outlet zone to be cooled and the cooled air constitutes a total airflow. The heat exchanger also defines a second plurality of moist channels each having an inlet and an outlet and alternating with the dry channels. The moist channels are intended for passing the air to be humidified from their inlets to their outlets and in cross-flow direction to the direction of the total airflow. The air to be humidified constitutes an auxiliary airflow which is formed from a part of the total airflow at the air outlet zone and is extracted from such a section of the air outlet zone, which is situated closer to the outlets of the moist channels than to their inlets.

Abstract: An evaporative air cooler (10) employs a design in which admitted air flows over and along the surface of a wicking material (14) rather than through the wicking material (14) and, in the process, achieves a greater relative cooling ability thereby. The evaporative air cooler (10) has the primary components of a cooling chamber (12), the wicking material (14), a fan assembly (16), and, in the preferred embodiment, a feedback duct (18). The cooling chamber (12) includes a container portion (20) having an air outlet (40) in one end wall (36) thereof, and a cover portion (22) having an air inlet (44). The wicking material (14), which is towel-like in form, is draped upon the interior surfaces (56, 60, 62) of the container portion (20), with an opening (64) in the wicking material (14) cut so as to correspond to the location of the air outlet (40) and to allow an unimpeded passage of air therethrough.

Abstract: An evaporative device for cooling a stream of air for cooling a space into which the air is discharged. The device includes psychrometric sensors installed in the air stream which provide signals to either an analog or a digital microprocessor control device. The stream of air is cooled by one or more mist nozzles in the incoming air stream, the flow of water to which is controlled through analog or digital control devices, enabling cooling of the stream of air to the maximum permitted by psychrometric relationships without unnecessarily high humidity.

Abstract: A portable produce cooling apparatus capable of cooling produce loaded into a number of transport vehicles simultaneously is disclosed, the apparatus having a number of ports with air egress means, forced air means and air ingress means, the apparatus having a lower common warm air chamber and an upper common cold air chamber separated by a horizontally mounted air-to-water heat exchanger means, such that warm air from each of the transport vehicles enters the lower common warm air chamber, passes upward through the heat exchanger means, into the upper common cold air means, and out the individual air egress means into the transport vehicles.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing items includes a housing sized to be portable and including a storage compartment for receiving the items, and a mechanism for refrigerating and humidifying the storage compartment joined to the housing. The housing is preferably a cabinet having a having a storage compartment access door and a compartment for retaining at least part of the mechanism for refrigerating and humidifying the storage compartment. A duct is preferably provided for delivering the air streams into the storage compartment. The mechanism for refrigerating and humidifying including a vessel containing water, a wick structure extending above and into the water, a first fan for creating an air stream toward the wick structure, a first electric circuit for delivering electric power to the first fan, a second fan for creating an air stream over the surface of the water, a second electric circuit for delivering electric power to the second fan, and a mechanism for cooling the water.

Abstract: A structural cooling system is disclosed, which includes an evaporative cooler suitable for cooling a body of air in an upper, enclosed chamber of a structure, such as an attic, and a series of vents or ducts, particularly around the perimeter of the building, for applying the cooled air selectively to high heat-gain portions of the exterior of the structure. An interior cooling system, which may include an air-conditioning unit, is suitable for cooling the interior of the building, but will require only reduced capacity, because of the cooling effect on the structure's exterior.

Abstract: A self-contained air conditioner unit comprises an enclosure including a first intake aperture positioned to communicate with outside ambient air and a first outlet aperture positioned to communicate with a habitable space in which the air conditioner is placed, and a second intake aperture positioned to communicate with a habitable space in which the air conditioner is placed, and a second outlet aperture positioned to communicate with ambient air outside of the habitable space. A water reservoir is disposed at the bottom of the enclosure. A heat exchanger is disposed in the cabinet over the water reservoir, and comprises a plurality of vertically disposed, alternating wet air channels and dry air channels, the alternating wet air channels and dry air channels defined by substantially parallel opposing heat-transfer partitions.

Abstract: An air handler for conditioning recirculated or make-up space air and including a conditioning chamber and air flow means for moving air therethrough. An evaporative air cooler of the air handler has an air permeable pad extending across the chamber and a fluid spray system for maintaining a moist condition of the pad. The spray system is constructed and arranged to discharge cooling fluid spray patterns covering the upstream side of the pad in a plurality of predefined zones, and further includes a plurality of moisture sensors positioned at predetermined locations adjacent to the downstream side of the pad. A controller is responsive to sensed moisture conditions for controlling the activation and deactivation of the spraying mechanism to maintain at least a preselected moisture content in the pad.

Abstract: An evaporative cooling system for mounting on the roof of a vehicle in which the sole source of water supply for the evaporative media in the system is contained in a low-profile housing mounted above the roof line of the vehicle.

Abstract: Corrugated fins are provided at opposing sides of a corrugated thermoelectric device constituting a thermoelectric circuit. This air conditioner is obtained by superposing a plurality of the thermoelectric devices. When a current is fed to the thermoelectric devices, heat is absorbed from one of two fluids running through the corrugated fins and discharged to the other fluid, so as to define a heat pump cycle is defined. The thermoelectric devices are superposed so that the confronting surfaces of the neighboring thermoelectric devices constitute a heat radiation surface respectively and a cooling surface. The corrugated fins intersect with each other, so that the two fluids are prevented from mingling and are allowed to flow in and out of different surfaces.

Abstract: A low energy consumption apparatus and method for treating a gas in which a main gas stream is cooled and heat is transferred by convection to a liquid and to a secondary gas stream across a heat transfer surface. Liquid evaporates into the secondary stream. A total gas stream is subjected to initial sensible cooling along a moisture impervious surface of a heat exchange element. A secondary gas stream is diverted from the total discharge from the initial cooling stage and is directed counterflow to the total stream at the opposite absorbent surface of the heat exchange element to cause heating and humidification of the secondary stream. The remaining cooled stream which is the primary stream is subjected to sorbent treatment in an absorbent media to heat and dehumidify the stream. The primary gas flow is subjected to a final treatment stage similar to the initial heat exchange treatment. Condensate may be removed from the saturated or near-saturated secondary flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for indirect-evaporative gas cooling comprises a shell (1) with an inlet fitting (2) and outlet fittings (3,4). The inlet fitting (2) is for letting in a total gas stream. The outlet fitting (3) is for letting out the main gas stream and is located on the side of supplying the main gas stream to the consumer. The outlet fitting (4) is for letting the auxiliary gas stream to the atmosphere and is located on the side of the inlet fitting (2). The shell (1) accommodates a wettable capillary-porous solid (6), wherein there are provided moist ducts (7) and dry ducts (8) which intercommunicate on the side of the outlet fitting (3). This makes it possible to adjust the ratio between the surface areas of the dry and moist ducts, whereby the cooling efficiency is considerably increased.

Abstract: A method of cooling air and a cooling apparatus is disclosed wherein primary air is passed through at least one primary chamber to provide secondary air at an outlet of the primary chamber. Secondary air is passed in a counterflow direction through at least one secondary chamber which is in heat exchange relationship with the primary chamber. An evaporative fluid is applied to the secondary air and optionally to a downstream portion of the primary air in the primary chamber. This causes cooling of the downstream portion of the primary air and of the secondary air and of the evaporative fluid and simultaneously causes cooling of the primary air in the primary chamber by reason of the heat exchange relationship between the primary and secondary chambers. A turbulent boundary layer can be created in the secondary air by introducing a portion of the primary air directly into the secondary chamber from the primary chamber.

Abstract: An icemaker and ice dispenser combination is characterized by an air sparge system for percolating air through water in the icemaker as the water is being frozen to ice in order to produce clear ice. The air is obtained from an ice storage hopper of the ice dispenser, and after percolation through the water in the icemaker, the air is returned to the hopper for recirculation between the hopper and icemaker. By virtue of the arrangement, the air is free of outside contaminants and may be used over and over again to maintain clear ice, and since the air is chilled by ice in the hopper, increases are obtained in the cooling cycle efficiency of the icemaker. The icemaker includes an improved air diffuser that uniformly percolates air through the water.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating air having a housing with a passageway extending therethrough for interconnecting a source of the air and a space to be conditioned; two air movers mounted in the housing for creating two reduced pressure zones internally of the chamber; a pivotally positionable damper mounted in the passageway for selectively directing air received from the source along predetermined paths of travel internally of the chamber; and a counter-flow heat exchanger and cooling pad mounted in predetermined positions in the path of travel extending to the space to be conditioned to absorb heat energy and evaporatively cool the air passing to the space to be conditioned.

Abstract: Apparatus for humidity and temperature control of the air in an enclosure comprising brine-vapor-air direct heat exchanger apparatus disposed in communication with an enclosure and a brine reservoir arranged to store brine and to be exposed to naturally occuring temperature gradients for desired conditioning of the brine. The temperature gradients may be relatively short term, such as day-night or may be longer term, such as summer-winter.

Abstract: An efficient, low operating cost evaporative air conditioner is disclosed. Low cost cooling is achieved without increasing the relative humidity of the air being cooled. The air conditioner includes a plurality of hollow heat exchange tubes through which is forced the air to be cooled. The exteriors of the heat exchange tubes, and thus the air passing through the tubes, is cooled by evaporative cooling. The evaporative cooling can be effected, for example, by blowing moist air across the exteriors of the tubes.

Abstract: A system of preserving fresh produce in a refrigerator displayed for observation and selection by the public, such as in a grocery store. Moisture is applied to the articles, in the form of an extremely fine mist, made up of particles in the range of about 75-150 micron diameter, suspended in air, and slowly falling. The moisture applied to the produce articles is only film-thick so as to minimize flow-off from the articles. Producing the mist includes selectively, hydraulic pressure means, or air pressure means. The mist is controlled by automatic on-off control means and is produced by misting nozzles centrally positioned above the shelf means for supporting various produce articles within the refrigerator display means.