Abstract: The present invention is a self-contained, solar powered heating and cooling system for a building. The collector has an insulated heating chamber, and a light transmissive cover and a thermostatically controlled vent. The chamber contains absorptive columns standing on the floor. An internal liquid conduit exposes the liquid to the heat within the chamber. The collector is connected to a remote thermal reservoir such that a liquid circuit and a separate gas circuit both circulate heated fluid to the reservoir. Heat can be stored in any of a liquid reservoir, thermal mass reservoir and gas reservoir. Wind powered generators and photovoltaic cells provide power for the system or other applications. The thermal reservoir has heat exchangers which deliver stored heat to the building or operate a heat operated refrigeration machine (e.g., a liquid absorption chiller). Additional self sustaining power sources may optionally be incorporated into the present invention.

Abstract: A communications system linking video phones located at diverse premises by a network of optical fiber cables. Each premises has a telephone, television screen, and television camera. Audio and video output signals are converted to optical signals, which signals are carried over the optical fiber network to another premises. Each premises has apparatus for converting optical signals to a form suitable for driving the speaker of the telephone and the CRT of the television. Extremely high resolution is achieved by limiting the G1 aperture of the television cathode to 0.010 inch, thereby enabling the CRT to scan at least 2,000 lines. A centrally located master computer is disposed serially between any two premises, and generates signals for controlling horizontal and vertical yoke, and the electron gun. These signals are optically transmitted concurrently with the audio and video input signals. The system may also incorporate other inputs from the premises, such as utility meters.