Abstract: A solar heating and cooling system is disclosed which provides substantially consistent levels of temperature within a preselected range in an air space of an enclosed structure. The system includes a first store which functions as a heat source and a second store which functions as a heat sink. A variable feed fan is used for transmitting air through the first store and into the air space when the level of the sensed temperature within the air space drops below the preselected range. A second variable speed fan is used for transmitting air through the second store and into the air space when the level of the sensed temperature within the air space rises above the preselected range. Both fans are used to transfer heat from the warm store to the cool store when the warm store overheats. Energy may be purchased on an as needed basis or at off peak periods in anticipation of need.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a monitoring system for concentrating varying amounts of heat onto a heat transfer fluid and concentrating varying amounts of heat and diffused light into the interior of an enclosed structure. The system comprises a substantially closed unit comprising vertical and horizontal transparent windows and first and second reflectors for directing heat and light into the enclosure during winter months. The system also includes heat absorption means including a trough for transporting a heat transfer fluid between the first window and the trough. The trough includes a heat absorptive surface for absorbing at least some of the heat transmitted through the first window towards the trough and for transmitting from the first window diffused light and heat through the trough into the interior of the enclosed structure.

Abstract: A closed solar water heating system automatically replaces, with air, the water which may be subjected to freezing when the system is in a nonoperative mode.

Abstract: A novel solar heat and light control device is described for controlling the amount of solar heat and light entering an enclosed structure and for minimizing the amount of interior heat loss from the structure. The device comprises a first plurality of vertically-oriented transparent substantially flat members which are mounted with a second plurality of horizontally-oriented reflective members on the enclosed structure so as to form a "staircase" construction so that incoming solar radiation, the direction of which varies according to the altitude and azimuth of the sun, is transmitted through the vertical members when the sun is at average winter altitudes and reflected when the sun is at average summer altitudes. The control device is preferably mounted between transparent planar panel assemblies. Novel heat storing means as well as an improved ventilation system useful with the solar heat and light control device are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved curtain assembly which comprises a cellophane sheet including small grains of a material which are absorptive to light and sun energy and reflective to heat provided in the building.

Abstract: An improved sealed glazing panel assembly includes brackets and panels secured to a suitable framing support so as to expand with temperature or moisture changes without breaking the seal of the assembly.

Abstract: A heating system comprises a container having at least one heat absorbent surface, and at least one heat transmissive surface disposed so as to transmit solar heat to the internal surface. The container includes inlet means for introducing heat absorbing fluid into the container on one side of the heat absorbent surface and means disposed on the opposite side of the heat absorbent surface for withdrawing the heat absorbing fluid from the tank. The container is designed so that the fluid flow rate of the heat absorbing fluid toward the absorbent surface can be regulated so that the flow rate of heat from the heat absorbent surface remains substantially constant so as to establish a predetermined temperature gradient in the flowing fluid passing through the container.

Abstract: A system is described for controlling the air and radiant temperature, ventilation, and humidity within an enclosed building. The system heats or cools air drawn through the ground and introduced into a conduit disposed below the frost line where it is drawn into the interior of the building. The air is circulated through the building where it may be either heated or cooled and then exhausted. Apparatus is provided for either recovering and storing heat from or transferring excess heat to the exhausted air. The apparatus comprises a tank for storing a first heat absorbing fluid, a compressor for compressing a second heat exchange fluid, a heat exchanger for transferring heat from air leaving the interior of the building to the second fluid when heat is to be stored (or transferring from the second fluid to air leaving the interior of the enclosure when heat is to be released from the system).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a solar heat control device for either transferring solar heat to, or diverting it away from a heat transfer fluid depending on the time of year. The solar heat control device is adapted to be used in a novel heating, cooling, lighting and ventilating system which is operable in one of two modes. In addition to the solar heat control device, the system also includes means for storing the heated fluid, heat radiation and absorption means for transferring heat between the fluid and the interior of the structure in which the system is used, a heat exchanger, an air pump, a fluid pump and a valve control for selecting the operating mode.

Abstract: A system is described for storing near infrared heat energy of the sun for use in a building including at least one glazing panel for transmitting the light and near infrared heat energy of the sun into the building. The system comprises a first tank capable of being completely filled with a heat absorbing fluid and positioned relative to the glazing panel so as to be exposed to at least a portion of the heat energy transmitted through the glazing panel and so that the heat absorbing fluid in the tank absorbs at least a part of the portion of the energy. A second tank is in fluid communication with the first tank and disposed above the first tank. The system also includes conduit means connecting the bottom of the first tank and the second tank so that fluid disposed on the bottom of the first tank will flow into the second tank when the fluid in the first tank expands, and so that fluid disposed in the second tank will flow into the first tank when the fluid in the first tank contracts.

Abstract: A system for controlling the air and radiant temperatures, ventilation, illumination and humidity within an enclosed building is described. The system comprises a double glazed window which is transmissive to light and heat energy mounted in the wall of the building. Means are provided for measuring the net energy flow through the window and for automatically adjusting the energy flow through the window responsively to seasonal as well as weather conditions. A heat sink is thermally coupled to the building for storing some of the insolation received so that it can be released as the temperature drops in the building. The system can also include an auxiliary roof heating system. Also ventilation and humidification means for circulating and humidifying exterior air drawn into the building are provided.