Abstract: An improved method for forming wiring channels in a prefabricated concrete floor slab is disclosed. At least one trench is formed in a concrete floor slab when the slab is poured. A metal cover placed over the trench can have a metal U-shaped channel attached thereto for dividing the trench into at least two and preferably three separate wire raceways with the center raceway completely shielded by the channel and cover*. Access boxes are selectively positioned over knockouts in the cover plate. Metal channels are positioned to extend perpendicular to the trenches for forming main distribution ducts. A concrete surface is then poured over the slab to extend flush with the tops of the access boxes and the main distribution ducts and a cover plate is attached to enclose the main distribution ducts. The resulting floor structure has embedded therein parallel wiring raceways spaced across the floor with spaced accesses into each raceway and main distribution ducts interconnecting the parallel raceways.

Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus and method are disclosed. The apparatus includes a chemical dehumidifier which employs an aqueous hygroscopic solution of glycol and a solar energy collector for use in regenerating the solution. Air to be conditioned is circulated through a contactor of the chemical dehumidifier, in contact with cooled glycol solution. Concentrated hygroscopic glycol solution is circulated from a regenerator to the contactor, while dilute solution is circulated from the contactor to the regenerator. Energy from the solar collector is transferred to facilitate concentration thereof. In one disclosed embodiment energy from the solar collector is also transferred to the generator of heat-powered refrigeration apparatus, e.g., absorption or rankine engine driven refrigeration apparatus.

Abstract: Air conditioning apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a thermal compressor which is used to regenerate an aqueous hygroscopic liquid, e.g., a solution of lithium chloride or lithium bromide in water. The regenerated hygroscopic liquid is used both for humidity control in air conditioning apparatus and to absorb water that has been vaporized in an evaporator, thereby enabling the evaporation of further water in the evaporator and the use of water as a refrigerant. In one disclosed embodiment, a molecular still is used in connection with the operation of the thermal compressor.

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: An improved combined environmental control and fire protection system for a building is disclosed. Water is circulated from cooling apparatus including a closed circuit cooling tower and, when necessary, refrigeration apparatus through supply lines to air handling indirect heat exchangers, lighting fixtures and other heat sources for absorbing heat. The water then circulates through return lines to the cooling apparatus. Automatic sprinkler heads are connected to at least the return lines for fire protection. A pressure sensor detects any drop in water pressure in the circulating system caused by the opening of one or more sprinkler heads and switches the system to a fire protection mode. The pressure sensor opens a valve to connect a pressurized water supply tank to the sprinkler heads. Check valves and motorized valves controlled by the pressure sensor protect the heat exchangers, lighting fixtures and other heat sources from high pressures when the system is operating in a fire protection mode.

Abstract: An improved method and structure for forming wiring channels in a concrete floor. Parallel trenches are formed in a concrete floor slab when the slab is poured. A metal cover placed over each trench has a metal U-shaped channel attached thereto for dividing the trench into at least two and preferably three separate wire raceways with the center raceway completely shielded by the channel and cover. Access boxes are selectively positioned over knockouts in the cover plate. Metal channels are positioned to extend perpendicular to the trenches for forming main distribution ducts. A concrete surface is then poured over the slab to extend flush with the tops of the access boxes and the main distribution ducts and a cover plate is attached to enclose the main distribution ducts. The resulting floor structure has embedded therein parallel wiring raceways spaced across the floor with spaced accesses into each raceway and main distribution ducts interconnecting the parallel raceways.

Abstract: An infrared solar energy collector is disclosed. The collector comprises a heat absorber which in a first embodiment is a tube through which a heat transfer fluid is circulated. The heat absorber is disposed within a larger glass tube. In a modified embodiment, the heat absorber is in the form of a heat pipe which conducts heat to a heat transfer fluid circulated through a manifold. A wick carrying a volatile fluid may also surround the heat pipe. Absorbed heat evaporates the fluid which is in turn condensed on the cooler manifold. Either the entire interior of the glass tube surrounding the heat absorber is under reduced pressure, or an annular region between the surrounding glass tube and a second, larger diameter surrounding glass tube is under reduced pressure. An energy director such as a reflector within the enclosing glass tube directs solar energy on the heat absorber.

Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus and method are disclosed. The apparatus includes a chemical dehumidifier which employs an aqueous hygroscopic solution of a glycol and a solar energy collector for use in regenerating the solution. Air to be conditioned is circulated through a contactor of the chemical dehumidifier, in contact with cooled glycol solution. Concentrated hygroscopic glycol solution is circulated from a regenerator to the contactor, while dilute solution is circulated from the contactor to the regenerator. Energy from the solar collector is transferred to facilitate concentration thereof. In one disclosed embodiment energy from the solar collector is also transferred to the generator of heat-powered refrigeration apparatus, e.g., absorption or rankine engine driven refrigeration apparatus.