Abstract: An air conditioner utilizing an evaporatively cooled main heat exchanger for receiving ambient air and indirectly reducing the total heat content of the ambient air for delivery to a point of use. The air conditioner includes an air diversion mechanism which diverts a portion of the air after its passage through the main heat exchanger and supplies the cooled diverted air for use in the evaporative cooling of the main heat exchanger. A feedback mechanism may also be provided for diverting another portion of the air after its passage through the main heat exchanger and supplying this cooled diverted air for mixing with the ambient air prior to its being received by the main heat exchanger.

Abstract: A skylight structure having a light shaft enclosure is provided with a light intensity reducing translucent panel which is selectively movable from a remote location between a first position wherein full intensity light is allowed to pass through the skylight and a second position wherein the passed light is reduced in intensity.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing temperature, humidity, air movement and mean radiation so that those factors which effect human comfort may be correlated to determine effective temperatures. The apparatus includes a thermometer which is capable of simultaneously sensing dry bulb temperature, wet bulb temperature and mean radiation to produce a temperature reading indicative of the combination of those factors. Wind speed indicators are provided for use with temperature correction charts so that the air movement factor can be correlated with the temperature, humidity and mean radiation factors to arrive at a comfort index, or effective temperature.

Abstract: A multi-mode solar heating and cooling system including a solar collector/heat exchanger unit for heating air and/or liquid has an air compartment through which air from a point of use is circulated, and has a liquid compartment through which liquid is circulated from a liquid storage tank. An evaporator unit for chilling air and liquid by evaporation has an air moving device for selectively supplying chilled air directly to the point of use of diverting that air, and is connected to the liquid storage tank for chilling of the liquid therein. Thus, the liquid from the tank may be selectively circulated through the evaporator unit or through the solar collector/heat exchanger unit for appropriate heating or chilling of the liquid which may be simultaneously or subsequently employed for treating the air circulating through the solar collector/heat exchanger unit.

Abstract: A multi-purpose solar collector - heat exchanger that is susceptible of usage other than the heating of a house or similar premises. The heat exchanger comprises at least three flat metallic sheets and two sheets having longitudinal grooves therein. One of the grooved sheets is interposed between an outer flat sheet and an intermediate flat sheet. The other grooved sheet is interposed between the intermediate flat sheet and the other of the outermost sheets. Where apexes or bends of the longitudinal grooves meet the flat sheets, they are attached thereto. The flat sheets and grooved sheets cooperate to define a plurality of longitudinal channels. A manifold is integrally joined to the ends of the outermost flat sheets at each end of the exchanger with each manifold having a duct depending therefrom and each duct being adapted to function either as an inlet or outlet for air.

Abstract: A solar heating and cooling system comprising a multi-tiered collector and heat exchanger that is mounted on a roof or installed in a vertical wall. Each tier of the exchanger includes a plurality of longitudinal channels with upper and lower manifolds communicating with all of the channels. A duct extends from each manifold into the premises being heated with one duct being connected to an air blower. The exchanger also includes an upper or outer flat metallic sheet with a perforated feed pipe extending across the upper end of this sheet and a drain pipe that communicates with the lower end of this sheet. A heat trap in the form of a transparent sheet is spaced from this sheet. A multi-decked, louvered, enclosed evaporator is mounted on the ground over a non-pressurized liquid storage tank with the upper end of the evaporator below the lower end of the exchanger.

Abstract: A solar heating and cooling system comprising a double tiered solar collector and heat exchanger that is mounted on a roof at an angle ranging from 30.degree. to 45.degree. with respect to the horizontal, with its upper surface being blackened. Each tier of the heat exchanger includes a series of longitudinal channels, there being upper and lower manifolds communicating with all of the channels. A duct depends from the middle of the upper channel and is connected to an air blower that takes air from the premises being heated or cooled. Another pair of ducts depend from the lower manifold at the opposite end thereof and discharge heated air into the premises. A heat trap in the form of a transparent plastic sheet is removably mounted above the collector and heat exchanger in close proximity thereto.