Abstract: The system is for use with an occupiable space and comprises (i) a heat pumping arrangement including a refrigerant-containing circuit including an interior portion within the space and an exterior portion exterior to the space; (ii) a compression-expansion mechanism including a compressor and one or more expansion valves and operable in a heating mode to provide for compression of the refrigerant upstream of the exterior portion and downstream of the interior portion; and expansion of the refrigerant downstream of the exterior portion and upstream of the interior portion; (iii) a heater for producing a flow of heat; and (iv) distribution apparatus for, simultaneously: when the heater is producing, receiving its flow and transferring the received heat to air within the space; and when the compression-expansion mechanism is operating in the heating mode, absorbing heat from the interior portion of the circuit and transferring such heat to air within the space.

Abstract: A termination cap for a direct vent appliance. The termination cap comprises an outer housing, an exhaust housing nested within the outer housing and a trim plate. The trim plate has an exhaust gas opening and combustion air openings and is securable to the exhaust body to allow exhaust gas to flow through the exhaust gas opening. At least a portion of the combustion air drawn through the combustion air openings is heated and exits through the top or upper portion of the trim plate to form an air wash along the wall surface within which the cap is mounted.

Abstract: A simulated flame mechanism includes two or more projection surfaces and one or more flicker effects transmitting light onto the two or more projection surfaces. The projection surfaces are spaced apart and oriented relative to each other by one or more of (i) different elevations, (ii) different angular orientations in a horizontal plane, and (iii) different orientations in a vertical plane. The flicker elements generate an image of a simulated flame on the projection surfaces. The spacing and orientation of the two or more projection surfaces relative to each other creates a three-dimensional flame appearance when light from the one or more flicker effects is transmitted thereto.

Abstract: A heating and cooling appliance includes a heat pump unit, an electric fireplace having an electric heating element and a display panel included on a front surface of the electric fireplace, a room temperature sensor, and a processor operatively connected to the heat pump unit, the electric heating element, and the room temperature sensor. The processor is configured to operate the heat pump unit in a cooling mode, operate the heat pump unit in a heating mode, or operate the electric heating element, in response to a signal received from the room temperature sensor. The processor is further configured to cause an image to be displayed on a display panel of the electric fireplace when either the heat pump unit or the electric heating element is operated.

Abstract: A termination cap for a direct vent appliance. The termination cap comprises a an outer housing, an exhaust housing nested within the outer housing and a trim plate. The trim plate has an exhaust gas opening and combustion air openings and is securable to the exhaust body to allow exhaust gas to flow through the exhaust gas opening. At least a portion of the combustion air drawn through the combustion air openings is heated and exits through the top or upper portion of the trim plate to form an air wash along the wall surface within which the cap is mounted.

Abstract: An appliance comprising a firebox, a first air duct and a room air chimney. During operation of the appliance heated room air adjacent to a viewing pane or the screen and heated room air from the first air duct is received within the chimney. The heated air within the chimney rises toward an open upper end causing the chimney to draw additional room air from adjacent to the viewing pane or screen.

Abstract: An appliance comprising a firebox, a first air duct and a room air chimney. During operation of the appliance heated room air adjacent to a viewing pane or the screen and heated room air from the first air duct is received within the chimney. The heated air within the chimney rises toward an open upper end causing the chimney to draw additional room air from adjacent to the viewing pane or screen.

Abstract: A dual fluid pump assembly driven by respective shafts of a dual balancing shaft assembly for an engine of an automotive vehicle. A shaft housing rotatably supports primary and secondary balancing shafts of the dual balancing shaft assembly. The shafts are coupled by a gear train for rotating the primary and secondary balance shafts in opposite directions. Each shaft includes a distal end for supporting and driving a fluid pump. A pump housing is fixedly secured to the shaft housing for enclosing the fluid pump and retaining fluid therebetween. The pumps are disposed adjacent the shaft housing and within a seal formed by the shaft housing and pump housing.

Abstract: A dual fluid pump assembly driven by respective shafts of a dual balancing shaft assembly for an engine of an automotive vehicle. A shaft housing rotatably supports primary and secondary balancing shafts of the dual balancing shaft assembly. The shafts are coupled by a gear train for rotating the primary and secondary balance shafts in opposite directions. Each shaft includes a distal end for supporting and driving a fluid pump. A pump housing is fixedly secured to the shaft housing for enclosing the fluid pump and retaining fluid therebetween. The pumps are disposed adjacent the shaft housing and within a seal formed by the shaft housing and pump housing.