Abstract: A hybrid heating and/or cooling system may combine different energy sources (e.g., solar and geothermal) into a single system. The hybrid heating and/or cooling system may include one or more heat pumps, a heat exchanger system, a solar and/or waste energy system, and a delivery system for delivering heat (and/or cool air) to a space such as a building. These systems may be interconnected and controlled using various conduits, pumps, valves and controls. The solar energy system may provide heat (e.g., low grade heat) to the working fluid at the input to the source side of the heat pump and/or may provide heat (e.g., high grade heat) to the delivery system for direct solar and/or waste energy heating.

Abstract: A clamping device for clamping on to an elongate member, e.g. for supporting a component on the member or for strengthening the member itself, comprises an annular shell for surrounding the member, the shell being formed by a plurality of generally part annular segments, each segment having generally axially extending edges provided with outwardly projecting ribs, juxtaposed ribs of adjacent segments being engaged by engagement means to hold the segments around the elongate member. The ribs are generally wedge shaped in the axial direction of the shell. The engagement members have grooves for receiving and engaging a pair of juxtaposed ribs, the grooves having an overall shape corresponding to shape of the pair of juxtaposed ribs and are slidable axially along the ribs to draw the ribs and segments together around the elongate member.

Abstract: A swivel mounting device comprising a male member having an attachment portion, and a stem portion having a plurality of longitudinal first grooves therein and a second circumferentially extending groove therein; and a female member having a recess therein to receive the male stem portion and having a spring loaded pawl member for engaging one of the male member first grooves while permitting ratcheting rotation between the male and female members, and a plurality of spring loaded slide members for engaging the male member second groove to releasably retain the male member and female member together.