Abstract: A combination thermal energy storage material capable of functioning in two discrete temperature ranges and comprised of two constituents, one of which has a phase change in the low temperature range between about 35.degree. F. and about 55.degree. F., and the other of which has a phase change in the high temperature range of between about 90.degree. F. and about 130.degree. F. Both temperature ranges are selected to correspond with the operable and desirable ranges for a heat pump operation. The two constituents are selected to be non-reactive with one another and in the mixture maintain independent phase change characteristics. However, the mixture itself alters in some cases, depending upon concentration, the melting points of each member of the pair so that the transition temperatures of the phase changes in the mixture are somewhat different and somewhat lower than the phase changes characteristic of the independent constituents and is dependent upon the concentration of the constituents in the mixture.

Abstract: A batch type automatic icemaker adapted for installation in the freezer compartment of a refrigerator includes a means for retaining a piece of ice throughout an entire icemaker operating cycle. The retained ice piece is in communication with at least one of the icemaker mold ice-forming cavities and reliably provides a seed ice crystal to initiate freezing of the water in the ice-forming cavities with a minimum of supercooling.

Abstract: A water softening system utilizing a reusable, self-contained water softener device for an agitator type clothes washer. The water softener device includes a quantity of cation exchange resin contained in a torus shaped jacket formed of a closely woven porous, synthetic-fiber fabric. The water softener device is placed in the clothes washer in association with the agitator such that water will be circulated through the resin to effect a hardness reduction thereof by the removal of calcium and/or magnesium ions. After the softening operation, the water softener is removed from the washer and detergent and soiled fabrics are placed therein. The resin is then regenerated by treatment of the device with a salt solution.

Abstract: A water softening system utilizing a reusable, self-contained water softener device for an agitator type clothes washer. The water softener device includes a quantity of cation exchange resin contained in a torus shaped jacket formed of a closely woven porous, synthetic-fiber fabric. The water softener device is placed in the clothes washer in association with the agitator such that water will be circulated through the resin to effect a hardness reduction thereof by the removal of calcium and/or magnesium ions. After the softening operation, the water softener is removed from the washer and detergent and soiled fabrics are placed therein. The resin is then regenerated by treatment of the device with a salt solution.