Abstract: An apparatus for heating and cooling includes a solar collector for transferring heat energy from incident solar rays to a liquid refrigerant material thereby changing a first portion to a gaseous state. An eductor-venturi reduces a pressure of the gaseous refrigerant material and a condenser removes the heat energy thereby changing the refrigerant material back to the liquid state. A heat exchanger associated with the condenser receives the heat energy removed from the refrigerant material. A float evaporator mounted in a cold chamber transfers heat energy from the atmosphere to the liquid refrigerant material thereby changing a second portion to the gaseous state and cooling the cold chamber atmosphere. A float actuated valve connected to the float evaporator is responsive to a level of the liquid refrigerant material in the evaporator for regulating a flow of the liquid refrigerant material into the evaporator.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating and cooling includes a solar collector for transferring heat energy from incident solar rays to a liquid refrigerant material thereby changing a first portion to a gaseous state. An eductor-venturi reduces a pressure of the gaseous refrigerant material and a condenser removes the heat energy thereby changing the refrigerant material back to the liquid state. A heat exchanger associated with the condenser receives the heat energy removed from the refrigerant material. A float evaporator mounted in a cold chamber transfers heat energy from the atmosphere to the liquid refrigerant material thereby changing a second portion to the gaseous state and cooling the cold chamber atmosphere. A float actuated valve connected to the float evaporator is responsive to a level of the liquid refrigerant material in the evaporator for regulating a flow of the liquid refrigerant material into the evaporator.

Abstract: A suction accumulator for a refrigeration system includes a pair of closed shells arranged in spaced relation one within the other to define a space therebetween effective to prevent sweating of the inner shell during performance of its normal suction accumulator function. The space is connected between the condenser and the expansion valve of the system to function as a receiver for warm refrigerant thereby creating heat exchange through the wall of the inner shell.

Abstract: A non-freezing dish includes a sealed tube having a heating end and an opposite condensation end configured to be inserted into the ground with the heated end below grade. A phase change material having a gas phase and a liquid phase is sealed in the tube. Heat is absorbed from the ground into the liquid phase to generate a heated gas phase that rises to the condensation end. A condenser conducts the heat to a removable dish and condenses the gas to a cooled liquid phase that is returned to the heated end.

Abstract: A solar collector includes a copper plate and copper tubes for the collection and harnessing of solar energy. The copper tubes are thermally coupled to the copper plate by a copper alloy fillet. The copper tubes, the copper plate and the copper alloy fillet preferably are brazed in a controlled atmospheric furnace at a temperature in the range from approximately 1700 to about 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. The solar collector includes a housing for the plate and the tubes having two side walls, two end walls, a rear wall and a removable cover closing an open front side of the housing. One of the end walls and each of the side walls have a slot defined therein generally parallel to a plane of the rear wall for releasably receiving the cover which is formed of a glazing material. A solar collector according to this invention provides enhanced thermal conductivities, increased durability and the concomitant advantages associated with improved manufacturing economies.

Abstract: A method of assembling a two-chamber component includes radially deforming an outer chamber to permit an inner chamber, which includes a fusible plug, to be inserted into the outer chamber. The inner chamber includes a fusible plug that extends radially away from the outside surface of the inner chamber. The fusible plug has a length that is greater than the radial distance between the inner and outer chambers. By radially deforming the outer chamber, it is possible to insert the inner chamber until the plug is radially and axially aligned with a radial opening in the outer chamber. Once the inner chamber is in proper position, the radial deformation is undone and the plug protrudes through the radial opening in the outer chamber, thereby permitting fluid communication from the inner chamber that is isolated from the contents of the outer chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a suction accumulator construction comprised of a pair of closed vessels arranged in spaced relation one within the other to define an air or vacuum space therebetween effective to prevent sweating of the inner vessel during performance of its normal suction accumulator function. The air space may be evacuated to near vacuum to improve upon the sweating-avoidance function. Further, air spaces may be provided around the ends of the inlet and outlet tubes to and from the suction accumulator to preclude sweating or frosting thereof. Means are also provided for circulating heated fluid in the space between the closed vessels.

Abstract: A fusible plug structure is provided for use on a refrigeration system component. Among the features of the invention is means of a novel character for connecting a gasket or sealing member to one end of a fusible plug body, which assures a proper and effective seal when the plug body is assembled with a companion female fitting member fixed to the refrigeration system component. The connecting means markedly facilitates proper placement of the sealing member regardless of the particular position of the female fitting and supporting refrigeration system component. The connecting means may take various forms, and illustrative thereof is a substance such as oil or grease. Alternatively, one end of the fusible plug body may be so configured as to receive the sealing member in close fitting contact therewith. The sealing member itself may be variously configured.

Abstract: Dehumidifier water heater structure and method. The structure includes an outer, air permeable enclosure and a vertical stack positioned centrally thereof, a heat pump circuit including a compressor centrally of the enclosure, a condenser heat exchanger, within and extending axially of the vertical stack, an expansion device connected to the bottom of the condensor heat exchanger and an evaporator coil within the enclosure surrounding the compressor and connected between the compressor and expansion device. A fan for forcing air form the enclosure through the stack, insulation surrounding the condenser heat exchanger and a pump for passing water to be heated through the condenser heat exchanger may also be provided.