Abstract: A quick connect diagnostic system is disclosed for detecting the pressure and temperature of fluid streams flowing in fluid flow passages in engines or the like. A plurality of female portions of the quick connect mechanisms, which include foot valves, are permanently connected to different fluid flow passages in the engine. During normal operation of the engine dust caps are locked in the female portions and include at least one O-ring seal to cooperate with the foot valve to assist in preventing leakage. When testing for temperature or pressure of the fluids, temperature probes or pressure probes with transducers thereon, are inserted into the associated female portions causing O-ring seals to seal the quick connect coupling prior to contacting and opening the foot valves which subject the pressure probes to the fluid pressure in the associated passages, and which project the ends of the temperature probes into the flow streams being tested.

Abstract: A heating unit (10) transfers energy via vaporized working fluid exclusively. The unit operates at sub-atmospheric pressure and a unique heat transfer apparatus (84) is provided to serve as an energy absorber panel (12) and/or a heat exchange unit (44). Since vaporized working fluid is utilized to transfer energy several hundred times the amount of energy can be transferred per unit weight of working fluid as compared to systems which transfer energy via liquid working fluid. Thus, a minimal amount of working fluid can be utilized. The heating unit (10) is constructed so as to prevent the delivery of working fluid to the interior cavity (18) of the energy absorber panel (12) in response to the working fluid within the cavity (18) reaching a selected level. Vapor is conducted from a location in the cavity (18) above that selected level to the heat exchange unit (44).

Abstract: A rotating union wherein an inner cylindrical tube fits within an outer coaxial cylindrical tube. First and second bearings are between the tubes with the first bearing being closer to the end of the outer tube. The first bearing is attached to absorb substantially all expansive axial forces imposed between the tubes. The second bearing is generally spaced from the first bearing. The second bearing is attached for absorbing substantially only radial forces imposed on the tubes. Packing is axially compressed between the tubes to provie radial expansion sealing therebetween. A structure is provided which accomplishes, in certain embodiments, adjustable axial compressing of the packing from the exterior of the outer tube. The axial compressing in all embodiments is preferably spaced from and non-communicating with the inner tube.

Abstract: Solar heating systems which utilize the heat of the sun to obtain a continuous pumping action and which do not require constant or periodic care have not previously been available. Herein, percolating action is utilized, in conjunction with reduced pressure within the solar heating system, to provide the pumping function. The system can be utilized to transfer heat via heat exchanger to another fluid or can be utilized to heat swimming pools and the like. Briefly, the working fluid within the system is boiled at a pressure below atmospheric and the vapor is used to lift liquid from one level to another in the system through a lift tube.

Abstract: An improvement in a fluid delivery apparatus which comprises a fluid input tube communicating via a flow through swivel joint with a fluid output tube which extends orthogonally of the input tube. The improvement comprises a pair of spaced apart bearings, each comprising an inner cylindrical bearing structure and an outer cylindrical structure. The outer cylindrical bearing structures are supported by the output tube and the inner cylindrical bearing structures are supported by the input tube. The bearings serve for taking up substantially the entire radial load created by the weight of the output tube thus protecting the swivel joint from such radial load.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with an improvement in a gas pressure driven pump which comprises a vessel, means for introducing a liquid into the vessel, means for preventing reverse flow of the liquid into the liquid introducing means, means for introducing a pressurized gas to the vessel, and means responsive to a gas pressure increase in the vessel for flowing the liquid out of the vessel. The invention is an improved system for controlling the flow of pressurized gas into the vessel responsive to the liquid level therein, which system is substantially independent of the density of the liquid. More specifically the improved system comprises a valve having a first, a second and a third port, the valve providing a first mode in which the first port is in communication with the second port and a second mode in which the first port is in communication with the third port. The second port communicates in both modes with the surrounding outside atmosphere.