Abstract: An improved, energy-efficient method and apparatus for cooling and conditioning the air being supplied to an air-conditioned area in which the volumetric flow rate of the air being directed through a spray chamber is varied in response to changes in the heat load in the air-conditioned area while the volume of water sprayed by the spray chamber is also varied so as to maintain a predetermined ratio between the volumes of spray water and air flow.

Abstract: Joints in a panel wall construction are provided with an internal seal of greatly enhanced airtightness and of enhanced structural strength. This is achieved by forming the panels with the core thereof recessed inwardly from the edges of the skins so that when the panels are positioned in assembled relation in a channel member, a longitudinally extending cavity is provided between the skins. A hardenable filler material, such as foam, is injected into the cavity to completely fill the cavity as well as any cracks or gaps which may exist between the channel member and the skins of the panel.

Abstract: An ordering device for use with a tobacco bulk curing barn of the type which comprises a housing having a tobacco curing chamber therein for receiving tobacco leaves for curing, means for directing air in a recirculating flow into and through the tobacco curing chamber, and a fresh air inlet for permitting air from outside the curing barn to be admitted into the recirculating flow of air at certain times during the curing operation for maintaining the desired curing conditions in the curing chamber. The ordering device comprises an air permeable pad positioned in the flow path of the outside air entering the curing barn with means for distributing water onto the air permeable pad and into contact with the air passing therethrough so as to humidify the outside air entering the curing barn.