Abstract: As discussed herein, a first aspect of the present invention provides a high-efficiency heat pump that includes a frame, as well as a first circuit, a first compressor, a condenser heat exchanger, a first electronic expansion valve, an evaporator heat exchanger, and a controller. The first circuit, the first compressor, the condenser heat exchanger, the first electronic expansion valve, and the evaporator heat exchanger can be supported by the frame. The first compressor, the condenser heat exchanger, the first electronic expansion valve, and the evaporator heat exchanger can be connected to the first circuit. The controller can be in electronic communication with the first electronic expansion valve, and the controller can be configured to control operation of the first electronic expansion valve and/or the second electronic expansion valve.

Abstract: As discussed herein, a first aspect of the present invention provides a device for enabling an HVAC component to be easily connected to, and disconnected from, an HVAC system. The device can include a modular distribution box, hot and cold HVAC fluid inlet pipes, HVAC component supply and HVAC component return pipes, and hot and cold HVAC fluid outlet pipes, each of which can be coupled to the modular distribution box, and each of which can have a connector. The hot HVAC fluid inlet pipe's connector can be configured to connect to a hot HVAC pipe, and the cold HVAC fluid inlet pipe's connector can be configured to connect to a cold HVAC pipe. The HVAC component supply pipe's connector can be configured to connect to an inlet pipe of the HVAC component, and the HVAC component return pipe's connector can be configured to connect to an outlet pipe of the HVAC component.

Abstract: As discussed herein, a first aspect of the present invention provides a method of providing improved efficiency in heating/cooling. The method can include operating an HVAC system that includes first and second heat pump compressors working together with corresponding heat pump expansion valves and heat pump heat exchangers. The method can include collecting HVAC fluid information concerning actual conditions of an HVAC fluid flowing in the HVAC system via sensors positioned in various places throughout the HVAC system. The method can include transmitting an update that includes HVAC fluid information. The method can include receiving control instructions at a heat pump controller. The method can include implementing the control instructions with the heat pump controller. Steps of the method can be repeated periodically during operation of the HVAC system.

Abstract: As discussed herein, a first aspect of the present invention provides a round energy transfer component. The ground energy transfer component can include an outer tube having an upper end and a lower end. The outer tube can be constructed out of generally thermally conductive material. The ground energy transfer component can include an inner tube. The inner tube can be constructed out of generally thermally insulative material. The inner tube can be coupled to the outer tube and positioned generally coaxially with the outer tube to define a generally thermally insulated interior of the inner tube and a channel between the inner tube and the outer tube. The inner tube can have an upper end and a lower end, with the inner tube's lower end defining one or more openings to permit fluid communication between the channel and the interior of the inner tube. The ground energy transfer component can include a base connected to the lower end of the outer tube to substantially seal the lower end of the outer tube.

Abstract: As discussed herein, a first aspect of the present invention provides a high-efficiency heat pump that includes a frame, as well as a first circuit, a first compressor, a condenser heat exchanger, a first electronic expansion valve, an evaporator heat exchanger, and a controller. The first circuit, the first compressor, the condenser heat exchanger, the first electronic expansion valve, and the evaporator heat exchanger can be supported by the frame. The first compressor, the condenser heat exchanger, the first electronic expansion valve, and the evaporator heat exchanger can be connected to the first circuit. The controller can be in electronic communication with the first electronic expansion valve, and the controller can be configured to control operation of the first electronic expansion valve and/or the second electronic expansion valve.

Abstract: As discussed herein, a first aspect of the present invention provides a round energy transfer component. The ground energy transfer component can include an outer tube having an upper end and a lower end. The outer tube can be constructed out of generally thermally conductive material. The ground energy transfer component can include an inner tube. The inner tube can be constructed out of generally thermally insulative material. The inner tube can be coupled to the outer tube and positioned generally coaxially with the outer tube to define a generally thermally insulated interior of the inner tube and a channel between the inner tube and the outer tube. The inner tube can have an upper end and a lower end, with the inner tube's lower end defining one or more openings to permit fluid communication between the channel and the interior of the inner tube. The ground energy transfer component can include a base connected to the lower end of the outer tube to substantially seal the lower end of the outer tube.

Abstract: As discussed herein, a first aspect of the present invention provides a method of providing improved efficiency in heating/cooling. The method can include operating an HVAC system that includes first and second heat pump compressors working together with corresponding heat pump expansion valves and heat pump heat exchangers. The method can include collecting HVAC fluid information concerning actual conditions of an HVAC fluid flowing in the HVAC system via sensors positioned in various places throughout the HVAC system. The method can include transmitting an update that includes HVAC fluid information. The method can include receiving control instructions at a heat pump controller. The method can include implementing the control instructions with the heat pump controller. Steps of the method can be repeated periodically during operation of the HVAC system.

Abstract: As discussed herein, a first aspect of the present invention provides a device for enabling an HVAC component to be easily connected to, and disconnected from, an HVAC system. The device can include a modular distribution box, hot and cold HVAC fluid inlet pipes, HVAC component supply and HVAC component return pipes, and hot and cold HVAC fluid outlet pipes, each of which can be coupled to the modular distribution box, and each of which can have a connector. The hot HVAC fluid inlet pipe's connector can be configured to connect to a hot HVAC pipe, and the cold HVAC fluid inlet pipe's connector can be configured to connect to a cold HVAC pipe. The HVAC component supply pipe's connector can be configured to connect to an inlet pipe of the HVAC component, and the HVAC component return pipe's connector can be configured to connect to an outlet pipe of the HVAC component.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vehicle including a frame, and a stabilizer apparatus including a pressure source, first and second fluid-actuated stabilizer assemblies connected respectively to the front and rear axles shiftably moveable on the frame, one of the first and second stabilizer assemblies normally being locked against extension and contraction in the absence of pressurization thereof by the pressure source, and the other of the first and second stabilizer assemblies normally being free to extend and contract in the absence of pressurization thereof by the pressure source, hydraulic circuit connected between the pressure source and the first and second fluid activated stabilizer assemblies and including flow controller operable between a first mode wherein the pressure source is disconnected from the first and second stabilizer assemblies, whereby the one of the stabilizer assemblies is locked against extension and retraction, thereby locking the axle connected thereto against shifting movement relative to

Abstract: A skidsteer loader having an eccentric axle housing which permits the use of common components to construct skidsteer loaders with different wheel base lengths. The eccentric axle housing is constructed such that when it is mounted to the frame of a skidsteer loader in one relationship with respect to the frame, the wheel base of the skidsteer loader will be a first length, and when mounted in another relationship with respect to the frame, the skidsteer loader has a wheel base different from the first length.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vehicle including a frame, and a stabilizer apparatus including a pressure source, first and second fluid-actuated stabilizer assemblies connected respectively to the front and rear axles shiftably moveable on the frame, one of the first and second stabilizer assemblies normally being locked against extension and contraction in the absence of pressurization thereof by the pressure source, and the other of the first and second stabilizer assemblies normally being free to extend and contract in the absence of pressurization thereof by the pressure source, a hydraulic circuit connected between the pressure source and the first and second fluid activated stabilizer assemblies and including a flow controller operable between a first mode wherein the pressure source is disconnected from the first and second stabilizer assemblies, whereby the one of the stabilizer assemblies is locked against extension and retraction, thereby locking the axle connected thereto against shifting movement relative

Abstract: A vehicle having at least four wheels comprising a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels, first and second reversible hydraulic cylinders coupled respectively to the front wheels for turning the same and third and fourth hydraulic cylinders coupled respectively to the rear wheels for turning the same, a hydraulic pressure source, a hydraulic circuit for selectively coupling each of the cylinders to the hydraulic pressure source for simultaneously turning the front and rear wheels whereby the vehicle may be turned in either a right-hand or a left-hand direction.

Abstract: A brake system for a vehicle includes a pump coupled to a service brake through a brake pedal valve and to a parking brake by a four-way solenoid valve which also couples the pump to a transmission disconnect valve. Activation of the solenoid valve couples the parking brake to the pump for placing the parking brake in an off mode and actuates the transmission disconnect valve to couple a transmission pump to a transmission valve. Deactivation of the solenoid valve disconnects the parking brake and operates the transmission disconnect valve to disconnect the transmission so that the vehicle cannot be driven when the parking brake is on. A check valve connects the parking brake to the brake pedal valve so that the service brake can be operated when the pump is deactivated.

Abstract: A locking apparatus for a skid steer loader which is operable to secure the wheels against movement, the locking apparatus including a support tube disposed in substantially coaxial alignment with an aperture formed in a drive sprocket, a locking member slideably housed in the support tube and reciprocally moveable between a retracted position and a locking position, a pair of biasing springs individually housed in the support tube and positioned on opposite ends of the locking member; and a control cable for urging the locking member into the locking position.