Abstract: Air conditioning apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of air outlets, refrigeration apparatus operable to make ice by pumping heat from water to a heat sink and to store the ice, a coil for dehumidifying outside air or a mixture of outside air and return air, means for causing air to be dehumidified to flow in heat transfer relationship with the coil, means for circulating dehumidified air to the air outlets, means operable to control the moisture content and temperature of the dehumidified air, means operable to control the rates at which dehumidified air is delivered by the air outlets to the spaces they serve to ones not less than the predetermined minimum rate, and means for controlling the temperature of the air delivered to the air outlets to maintain the temperature of the spaces within control limits. Each of the air outlets is operable to deliver air to a space to be conditioned.

Abstract: Air conditioning apparatus for a building having an electrical grid operatively connected to receive electricity from a utility is disclosed. The apparatus includes compression refrigeration apparatus with an electric motor connected to drive a compressor, absorption refrigeration apparatus, a cogenerator, an air handler, induction mixing units, a system for circulating air to be conditioned through the air handler and then to said induction mixing units, apparatus for transferring heat from air in the air handler to ice, a heat transfer system connecting the absorption refrigeration apparatus to pump heat to a heat sink from air in the induction mixing units or from air in the air handler, electric circuitry connecting the electric motor of the compression refrigeration apparatus to the building electrical grid for energization, and a heat transfer system for transferring heat generated by the cogenerator into energizing relationship with the absorption refrigeration apparatus.

Abstract: An improved mixing box is disclosed. The mixing box comprises an inlet end, an outlet end, a substantially closed first passage to which primary air flows from a primary air inlet and then through induction means and to and from the outlet end. The induction means are positioned intermediate the inlet and outlet ends and are operable, when primary air flows through the passage, to induce a flow of air through a first opening for mixture with primary air and delivery therewith through the outlet end. The mixing box also comprises means for controlling the rate of flow of primary air and a fan operable to induce a flow of air through a second opening and to deliver such air through the outlet end of the box.

Abstract: Air conditioning apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises compression refrigeration apparatus, a cogenerator operable to provide electricity and heat, an air handler, a plurality of mixing boxes operable to receive conditioned air, to cause a flow of recirculated air from a space to be conditioned, and to deliver to the space a mixture of conditioned air and recirculated air, a circulating system for circulating air to be conditioned through the air handle and then to the mixing boxes, a coil for heat transfer with air in the mixing boxes, and a sprinkler system through at least a part of which a heat transfer fluid is circulated to the coils. Preferred apparatus includes, in addition, at least one of absorption refrigeration apparatus and a dehumidifier which employs a desiccant, and means for using heat from the cogenerator as an energy source for the absorption refrigeration apparatus, for regeneration of the dehumidifier, or both.

Abstract: Apparatus for conditioning the air of a closed space and for removing heat from a refrigerated display case in the space is disclosed. The apparatus includes first refrigeration apparatus, second refrigeration apparatus, a chemical dehumidifier which uses a desiccant, a regenerator for the dehumidifier, a cogenerator for converting a fuel into heat and shaft work, means for transferring heat from the cogenerator to the regenerator to enable regeneration of the desiccant of the dehumidifier, means for transferring heat from the condenser of the first refrigeration apparatus to the heat absorbing section of the second refrigeration apparatus, and means for causing air to flow in dehumidifying relationship with the dehumidifier and then into the space. The apparatus is operable to maintain the temperature of the case below that of the closed space and to deliver dehumidified air to the space to maintain a humidity ratio in the closed space below about 50 grains of moisture per pound of dry air.

Abstract: Air conditioning apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes, referring to FIG. 28 of the drawings, a number of air outlets 636, a dehumidifier 630, a constant pressure blower 833 in the dehumidifier 630 a duct 653 for circulating dehumidified air to the outlets 636, dampers 655 for controlling the rate at which dehumidified air circulated to the outlets 636 is delivered to a space to be conditioned, and panels 637 positioned in heat transfer relationship with space to be conditioned by the apparatus. The constant pressure blower controls the rate at which dehumidified air is delivered to the air outlets 636 so that dehumidified air is available at the rate required from time to time by each of the air outlets 636. Each of the air outlets 636 is operable to deliver air circulated thereto to a space to be conditioned.

Abstract: An improved mixing box is disclosed. The mixing box comprises an inlet end, and outlet end, a substantially closed first passage to which primary air flows from a primary air inlet and then through the induction means and to and from the outlet end of the box and induction means intermediate the inlet and outlet ends of the box and operable, when primary air flows through the passage, to induce a flow of air through a first opening for mixture with primary air and delivery therewith through the outlet end of the box. The mixing box also comprises means for controlling the rate of flow or primary air and a fan operable to induce a flow of air through a second opening and to deliver such air through the outlet end of the box.

Abstract: Air conditioning apparatus for a building having an electrical grid operatively connected to receive electricity from a utility is disclosed. The apparatus includes compression refrigeration apparatus with an electric motor connected to drive a compressor, absorption refrigeration apparatus, a cogenerator, an air handler, induction mixing units, a system for circulating air to be conditioned through the air handler and then to said induction mixing units, apparatus for transferring heat from air in the air handler to ice, a heat transfer system connecting the absorption refrigeration apparatus to pump heat to a heat sink from air in the induction mixing units or from air in the air handler, electric circuitry connecting the electric motor of the compression refrigeration apparatus to the building electrical grid for energization, and a heat transfer system for transferring heat generated by the cogenerator into energizing relationship with the absorption refrigeration apparatus.

Abstract: An improved induction mixing box and a method for operating it are disclosed. The mixing box is a double induction box in which secondary air is induced to flow into the box by induction nozzles, a fan, or both, for mixture with primary air and delivery thereof through an outlet end of the box to a room or zone of a building to be continued. Primary air flows into the box, at a controlled rate, through the induction nozzles and induces secondary air to flow into the box through a first opening for mixture with the primary air and delivery therewith through the outlet end of the box. The mixing box further comprises a fan for inducing a flow of air through a second opening for delivery through the outlet end of the box. According to the improvement, the box further comprises a closed second passage for the flow of air from the second opening to the suction side of the fan, a control for selectively activating the fan and a heat transfer device positioned in the closed second passage.

Abstract: Apparatus for conditioning the air of a supermarket and for removing heat from refrigerated display cases therein is disclosed. The apparatus includes first and second refrigeration apparatus, a chemical dehumidifier which uses a desiccant, a regenerator for the dehumidifier, means for transferring heat to the regenerator to enable regeneration of the desiccant of said dehumidifier, and means for causing air of flow in dehumidifying relationship with the dehumidifier and then into the space. The apparatus is operable to maintain the temperature of the case below that of the supermarket and to deliver dehumidified air to the supermarket to maintain a humidity ratio therein below about 50 grains of moisture per pound of dry air. The first refrigeration apparatus has a heat rejecting section, a compressor, and a heat absorbing section which is operable to transfer heat from the refrigerated case.

Abstract: Apparatus for dehumidifying air is disclosed. The apparatus comprises first and second dehumidifiers, both of which employ a desiccant. Air to be dehumidified is passed through the first dehumdifier, then through the second dehumidifer, and from the second dehumidifier to a space to be conditioned. The desiccants of the two dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air so that it is dehumidified before it reaches the space. The apparatus also includes a first regenerator for the desiccant of the first dehumidifier, and a second regenerator for the desiccant of the second dehumidifier. Air is passed to and through each of the regenerators in contact with the desiccant therein and is then discharged. Heat of sorption is transferred from the two dehumidifiers, and moisture laden desiccant is moved from each of the dehumidifiers to its regenerator; finally, heat is transferred to each of the regenerators, and the heat transferred to the first regenerator includes heat of sorption from the first dehumidifier.

Abstract: A lighting fixture is disclosed. The lighting fixture comprises a top and side and end walls, means for supporting a light source in the fixture to emit light from a light-emitting side thereof, and conduit means operatively associated with the fixture so that a heat transfer fluid circulated therethrough is in heat transfer relationship with the fixture. The fixture has a path including at least one opening therein through which air can flow from the exterior on the light-emitting side to the interior, and to the exterior opposite the light-emitting side, and a damper movable between an open position and a closed position, and effective in the closed position, but ineffective in the open position, to prevent the flow of air from the interior of the fixture to the exterior opposite the light-emitting side.

Abstract: An improved mixing box is disclosed. The mixing box comprises an inlet end, an outlet end, a substantially closed first passage to which primary air flows from a primary air inlet and then through the induction means and to and from the outlet end of the box and induction means intermediate the inlet and outlet ends of the box and operable, when primary air flows through the passage, to induce a flow of air through a first opening for mixture with primary air and delivery therewith through the outlet end of the box. The mixing box also comprises means for controlling the rate of flow of primary air and a fan operable to induce a flow of air through a second opening and to deliver such air through the outlet end of the box.

Abstract: Apparatus for dehumidifying air is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a receiver for a hygroscopic liquid, a regenerator, a dehumidifier, a heat pump and means for circulating four different streams of the hygroscopic liquid. The heat pump has an energy input section, a heat collecting section and a heat rejecting section, and is operable, when the energy input section is energized, to transfer heat from the heat collecting section at a given temperature to the heat rejection section at a higher temperature. The apparatus has means for circulating the hydroscopic liquid: (1) in a first stream from the receiver into heat transfer relationship with the heat rejection section of the heat pump and then to the regenerator, where it is sprayed; (2) in a second stream from the regenerator to the receiver; (3) in a third steam from the receiver to the dehumidifier, where it is sprayed; and (4) in a fourth steam from the dehumidifier to the receiver.

Abstract: Apparatus for comfort conditioning at least a zone of a building is disclosed. The apparatus comprises, as its main elements, a solar collector, a heated fluid storage tank, an internal combustion engine, a sensor-controller responsive to the temperature of fluid in the heated fluid storage tank, air conditioning apparatus and a sequencing switch. The apparatus also includes means including at least one pump for circulating a heat transfer fluid from the heated fluid storage tank, into heat-receiving relationship with the solar collector, into heat-receiving relationship with the engine, and back to the tank. The sensor-controller is operable to cause the internal combustion engine to operate whenever the fluid temperature in the heated fluid storage tank is below a control point and to control the engine, when operating, to maintain the temperature of fluid within the tank within predetermined limits.

Abstract: Air conditioning apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is a terminal of the mixing type, receiving primary conditioned air, and delivering that air or a mixture including that air and recirculated air as required, for air conditioning. The rate at which primary conditioned air is delivered to the zone is varied between a maximum and a predetermined lesser rate as the air conditioning load on the space varies between a maximum and an intermediate load. The apparatus also includes a blower, nozzle or the like for inducing a flow of air from outside, and for mixing the induced air with primary conditioned air, so that such mixture is delivered to the zone. According to preferred embodiments which are disclosed, the apparatus is effective to deliver to the zone such a mixture of primary conditioned air and induced air under all conditions of air conditioning load on the zone.

Abstract: Air conditioning apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is a terminal of the mixing type, receiving primary conditioned air, and delivering that air or a mixture including that air and recirculated air as required, for air conditioning. The rate at which primary conditioned air is delivered to the zone is varied between a maximum and a predetermined lesser rate as the air conditioning load on the space varies between a maximum and an intermediate load. The apparatus also includes a blower, nozzle or the like for inducing a flow of air from outside, and for mixing the induced air with primary conditioned air, so that such mixture is delivered to the zone. According to preferred embodiments which are disclosed, the apparatus is effective to deliver to the zone such a mixture of primary conditioned air and induced air under all conditions of air conditioning load on the zone.

Abstract: A solar energy collector is disclosed. The collector includes a photo-voltaic cell, a reflector for directing solar energy from the sun to the photo-voltaic cell, a mount for the reflector, vacuum means and positioning means for the reflector. The vacuum means separates the photo-voltaic cell and the reflector from the atmosphere to prevent conduction and convection heat losses therefrom and corrosion of the reflector. The mounting means supports the reflector within the vacuum means for rotation about an axis along which the photo-voltaic cell extends. The positioning means is operable to produce a magnetic field which attracts a ferromagnetic portion of the reflector and to rotate the magnetic field about the axis to cause rotation of the reflector and maximizing the amount of solar energy directed to the photo-voltaic cell.

Abstract: Flow control and fire detection and location apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is used with a system which circulates heated or cooled water for use in connection with the heating and air conditioning system of a building and to sprinker heads. The apparatus comprises a short length of tubing or pipe connected downstream of a sprinkler connection to provide a bypass for flow of heated or cooled water around a segment of the return line from heating or cooling apparatus to a standpipe through which the water is returned to an equipment room. There are check valves to prevent flow of water through the bypass toward the heating or cooling apparatus, and to prevent water flow in the bypassed segment from the heating or cooling apparatus toward the standpipe. There is also a flow sensor in the bypassed segment. In normal operation, water from the heating or cooling apparatus flows through the bypass line to the standpipe and back to the equipment room for heating or cooling and recirculation.

Abstract: A lighting fixture is disclosed. The lighting fixture comprises a top and side and end walls, means for supporting a light source in the fixture to emit light from a light-emitting side thereof, and conduit means operatively associated with the fixture so that a heat transfer fluid circulated therethrough is in heat transfer relationship with the fixture. The fixture has a path including at least one opening therein through which air can flow from the exterior on the light-emitting side to the interior, and to the exterior opposite the light-emitting side, and a damper movable between an open position and a closed position, and effective in the closed position, but ineffective in the open position, to prevent the flow of air from the interior of the fixture to the exterior opposite the light-emitting side.