Abstract: A housing for an air blower is assembled by providing first and second panels having respective first and second curved edges and a third panel having opposed first and second flanges. The first and second flanges define respective elongated first and second channels on opposite sides of the third panel. The third panel is wrapped around the first and second panels so that the first and second curved edges are received within the first and second channels, respectively, and the third panel spans between the first and second panels. Concurrently with the wrapping step, the first and second flanges are scored at selected intervals therealong, to secure the third panel to the first and second panel.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for monitoring operation of a heating and/or cooling system. The apparatus includes a programmed first processor for processing data relating to selected system operating conditions and for transmitting coded data signals indicative thereof, and a portable display module having an electrical conduit for electrically connecting the module to the first processor to provide one-way electrical communication therebetween. The module further includes a programmed second processor for processing the data signals transmitted by the first processor and a display device which is controlled by the second processor to provide a human readable indication of selected system operating conditions, including the current mode of operation of the system and any detected failure conditions. The first processor includes a memory for storing past system failure conditions. The apparatus includes a memory operable switch for inputting a signal to the first processor.

Abstract: Refrigerant management control is provided for an air conditioning system (10) with cool thermal energy storage. The system includes a compressor (18), a condensing unit (12), a temporary refrigerant storage vessel (28), a storage module (14) containing a thermal energy storage medium (35), a liquid refrigerant pump (42) associated with the storage module, expansion means (62) and an evaporator (16) operatively interconnected. The system is operable in a shift cooling mode, direct cooling mode, and storage medium cooling mode. Before the system is operable in the shift cooling mode, the system is operated in a first transitory mode wherein the storage module (14) is utilized as a heat sink to draw refrigerant from the condensing unit (12), temporary refrigerant storage vessel (28) and evaporator (16) into the storage module (14).

Abstract: A vapor compression air conditioning (cooling and heating) system adapted for operation to reduce the consumption of electric power during peak periods of demand for power is characterized by four refrigerant circuits. A first circuit includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger. A second circuit comprises the compressor, the first heat exchanger and a third heat exchanger. A third circuit comprises the third heat exchanger, a refrigerant pump and a thermal energy storage unit characterized by a tank having a thermal energy storage medium disposed therein. A fourth circuit includes the thermal energy storage unit, the refrigerant pump and a fourth heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger is an outdoor heat exchanger. The second and fourth heat exchangers are indoor heat exchangers in heat transfer relationship with the fluid (e.g., indoor supply air) to be cooled or heated.

Abstract: Furnace combustion in a multi-stage or variable input furnace is controlled by operating the furnace in a high fire mode at furnace start-up until the temperature of the products of combustion, or a temperature corresponding to the products of combustion, equals or exceeds a selected temperature. A temperature sensor, preferably a thermostat, is located downstream of the furnace zone of combustion (e.g., in a flue collector box at an outlet from the heat exchanger). The thermostat provides an indication of the products of combustion temperature and has a set point corresponding to the selected temperature. When the products of combustion temperature is less than the selected temperature, the thermostat contacts remain closed. The furnace is operated in the high fire mode while the thermostat contacts remain closed in response to a demand for heating, irrespective of whether the demand is for first stage or second stage heating.

Abstract: A gas operated fireplace assembly is comprised of a plurality of modular components, including a casing, firebox, burner module and combustion air-intake module. The casing has an open front and is positionable in an enclosure adjacent a room with the open front facing the room. The firebox is insertable into the casing through the open front thereof and is removably mounted within the casing such that the firebox is removable therefrom without having to remove the casing from the enclosure. The casing can be installed separate from the other modules (e.g., during the "rough-in" phase of construction) and the other modules installed at a later time. Both the casing and firebox have respective top panels which are sloped at approximately 25.degree. to accommodate both a vertical and a horizontal flue configuration while maintaining the front-to-back depth of the fireplace assembly within acceptable limits.

Abstract: A sheet of fin stock is lubricated by a roller coater having first and second lubricant-applying rollers adapted to engage respective opposed first and second sides of the sheet and to apply a first synthetic lubricant to both sides of the sheet as the sheet is pulled through the roller coater. The lubricated sheet is then formed into a plurality of coil fins by a conventional fin press. The first synthetic lubricant is devoid of petroleum ingredients and is water soluble. The first synthetic lubricant forms a hydrophilic coating on the fins. The fins are assembled with a plurality of hairpin tubes to form the coil. A second synthetic lubricant is introduced into each of the tubes prior to bending.

Abstract: A contoured A-coil heat exchanger is provided which enhances cooling capacity of the heat exchanger by increasing the volume rate of airflow therethrough. The two slabs of the A-coil each have discrete upper and lower sections, with the upper section of each slab having a greater number of rows of tubes than the lower section thereof, so that the lower section of each slab is narrower than the corresponding upper section. Therefore, the condensate collecting channel of a drain pan used with the heat exchanger can be made commensurately narrower because the channel need only be wide enough to accommodate the lower sections with fewer tube rows than the upper sections. The narrower channel allows the area of the drain pan central opening to be larger for a given size drain pan, thereby increasing the volume rate of airflow through the central opening and through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A load bearing truss includes first and second generally parallel chord members, first and second post members coupled between the first and second chord members and a plurality of V-shaped metal webs interconnecting the first and second chord members. Respective portions of the first and second chord members extend beyond the first and second post members. A first connector member interconnects the portions of the first and second chord members extending beyond the first post member to define a first end section and a second connector member interconnects the portions of the first and second chord members extending beyond the second post member to define a second end section. The truss is lengthwise adjustable by trimming a selected one or both of the first and second end sections.

Abstract: A heat exchanger coil is comprised of plural metal tubes of generally circular cross-section, plural heat transfer enhancing fins and plural relatively flat metal support plates, each of which has plural first holes and plural second holes arranged in parallel rows. The tubes are laced through the respective holes in the plates and through aligned holes in the fins such that the tubes extend generally at right angles to the respective planes of the plates and fins. In one embodiment, each plate is cut to define two discrete flexible sections and a resilient arm for flexibly coupling one of the two sections of each plate with a relatively fixed portion of the corresponding plate. The first holes, which are oversized relative to the outside diameter of the tubes laced therethrough, are formed in both the relatively fixed portion and the two flexible sections of each plate. The second holes, which are smaller in diameter than the first holes, are formed only in the two flexible sections of each plate.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing integrated control of a space cooling system is disclosed. The apparatus receives inputs from a plurality of temperature sensors, including a temperature sensor for measuring evaporator superheat, space temperature and compressor discharge temperature. The control apparatus incrementally adjusts the position of the cooling system expansion valve to regulate evaporator superheat and compressor discharge temperature and cycles the outdoor condenser fan on and off to raise condenser pressure in response to a low condenser pressure condition. In one embodiment, the cooling system includes a plurality of evaporators and a corresponding plurality of controllers electrically interconnected in a series loop for controlling the expansion valves and defrost heaters associated with the respective evaporators.

Abstract: A combination water heating and space heating apparatus includes a water heating unit and a space heating unit releasably coupled with the water heating unit. The water heating unit has a water storage tank and a helically wound tubular heat exchanger inside the tank for exhausting products of combustion from a combustion chamber located in a top part of the tank and for transferring heat from the products of combustion to the surrounding water. The space heating unit is an air handler with an hydronic heat exchanger coil and a blower for blowing air over the coil. Hot water is supplied from the tank to the coil and is returned to the tank by means of a water circulation pump located in the space heating unit. Air blown over the coil is heated by the hot water flowing over the coil.

Abstract: Modular frame assemblies are made up of longitudinal beam members which may be angle or channel-shaped members having slots which intersect the flanges and legs or flanges and web portions of the longitudinal beam members. Transverse beam members extend between the longitudinal beam members and have flange portions which extend into the slots. The transverse beam members may be secured to the longitudinal beam members by conventional mechanical bolt assemblies, for example. In one embodiment, the slots in the longitudinal beam members have inwardly tapering surfaces which effect elastic deflection of the flanges of the transverse beam members to precisely locate the longitudinal beam members relative to each other and to the transverse beam members.

Abstract: Activation and deactivation of a plurality of heating elements in an electric heating system are separately controllable in accordance with the present invention. Individual heating elements are sequentially activated in response to a demand for heat. A predetermined time delay is imposed between successive activations of the heating elements to allow time to satisfy the demand for heat before another heating element is activated. Normally, the heating elements are also deactivated sequentially in response to a reduced demand for heat, with a predetermined time delay between successive deactivations to allow time to respond to the reduced demand for heat before another heating element is deactivated. A temperature sensor is located in the air discharge plenum of the heating system for sensing the temperature of the discharge air. The discharge air temperature is used to control the operation of the heating elements, a two-speed heat pump, and the "off cycle" of the heating system blower.

Abstract: Improved frozen beverage dispensing apparatus includes a latch member for inhibiting operation of the dispensing apparatus when the apparatus is in a defrost cycle. The apparatus includes a container for storing a beverage under pressure in at least a partially frozen state, a normally closed dispensing valve mounted with the container and a manually operable lever for operating the dispensing valve. The dispensing valve has a longitudinal bore communicating with the interior of the container. A defrost relay operates a solenoid at the onset of the defrost cycle to move the latch member into engagement with the lever. When the defrost cycle has been completed, the solenoid disengages the latching member from the lever so that the lever can be operated to open the dispensing valve. A faucet member extends downwardly from the dispensing valve.

Abstract: A pneumatic conveyor apparatus for conveying articles, such as empty aluminum cans and plastic bottles, includes first and second air ducts for supplying pneumatic pressure to move the articles along a predetermined path. The first and second air ducts each have a plurality of vents which direct the flow of air on the articles to move the articles along the path and to exert a lifting force on the articles as the articles are moved downstream. Guide plates extend along both sides of the predetermined path for supporting the articles in a generally upright position as the articles are moved along the path. The first and second air ducts each have a plurality of deflectors mounted therewith, which extend from the respective first and second air ducts into the predetermined path. The deflectors direct air flow upwardly and inwardly, thereby enhancing the pneumatic force urging the articles downstream.

Abstract: A device for inhibiting NOx production is disposed in a gas furnace combustion chamber. The device includes a baffle member for dividing the combustion chamber into first and second regions. A fuel-rich mixture of gas and primary combustion air is ignited by an inshot burner and the flame is drawn into the combustion chamber by an induced draft blower along with secondary combustion air. The combustion chamber is configured such that in the first region (i.e., upstream of the baffle member) turbulent mixing of the secondary combustion air with the flame is inhibited to maintain a relatively gas-rich flame. The baffle member channels the flame and secondary combustion air into a convergent flow path and the passage of the flame and secondary combustion air over the baffle member creates turbulence, which enhances mixing between the flame and secondary combustion air in the second region of the combustion chamber (i.e., downstream of the baffle member).

Abstract: A vapor compression air conditioning (cooling and heating) system adapted for operation to reduce the consumption of electric power during peak periods of demand for power is characterized by three refrigerant circuits. A refrigerant circuit includes a compressor, outdoor heat exchanger and first indoor heat exchanger for selectively cooling or heating an indoor air space and a second refrigerant circuit comprises the compressor, outdoor heat exchanger and a thermal energy storage unit characterized by a tank having a thermal energy storage medium disposed therein and a heat exchanger coil in communication with the compressor and outdoor heat exchanger for cooling the thermal energy storage medium. A third refrigerant circuit includes the thermal energy storage heat exchanger coil, a refrigerant pump and another indoor heat exchanger in communication with the fluid (e.g., indoor air) to be cooled or heated.

Abstract: A combustion furnace is provided which is convertible in the field for upflow or downflow operation. The furnace includes a cabinet in which a burner, heat exchanger, air blower and combustion gas blower are located. The burner, heat exchanger and combustion gas blower are mounted on a vestibule panel, which is removably mountable at opposed first and second mounting positions within the cabinet, whereby the burner, heat exchanger and combustion gas blower are reversibly positionable with respect to the air blower. The combustion gas blower is coupled to an elongated flue for exhausting combustion gases from the cabinet and is positionable with respect to the air blower to allow the flue to clear the compartment in which the air blower is located when the apparatus is configured for downflow operation. The vestibule panel includes an extruded portion extending into the air flowing across the heat exchanger.