Abstract: A heat pump system is disclosed that utilizes a variable speed hydronics pump to selectively divert heat energy from a forced air heating system to a hydronics radiant heating system. By actively controlling the speed of the withdrawal of heat, the temperature of the forced air output may be maintained while maximizing the amount of heat delivered by the efficient hydronics system. The heat pump system also actively controls the blower of the forced air system. To reduce the frequency of the compressors cycling on and off, a tank may be used to store and dispense heat if the hydronics system is not of sufficient size.

Abstract: A heat pump system is disclosed that utilizes an accumulator fluidly connected between a boost compressor output and a primary compressor input. The accumulator is multifunctional in that it allows the refrigerant from the boost compressor to be cooled with refrigerant from other parts of the system if necessary. The accumulator also serves to receive and cool the oil separated from the refrigerant near the output of the primary compressor. A method for distributing oil among the compressors is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved dual-pressure dual-compartment tank for transferring heat energy between two solutions while physically isolating the solutions from each other is disclosed. The tank has one fluid compartment positioned within a second fluid compartment such that the transfer of heat energy between the compartments is facilitated. One of the compartments is structured to maintain a substantially higher pressure than the other compartment so that if a physical divider between the compartments were to fail, the lower pressure fluid would not contaminate the higher pressure fluid. Additionally, the divider may take a variety of shapes to improve fluid mixing by accelerating or decelerating the fluid, and/or to provide an amount of surface area between compartments that is inversely proportional to the local temperature gradient between the compartments.

Abstract: A heat pump system including a first heating/cooling exchange loop including a refrigerant to water heat exchanger to produce a first output. A second heating/cooling exchange loop includes a refrigerant to forced air heat exchanger to produce a second output. A compressor is fluidly coupled to the first heating/cooling exchange loop and the second heating/cooling exchange loop. A controller is connected to control the first output and the second output and to transmit control signals to the at least one compressor, for balancing the first output and the second output responsive to a structural heating/cooling load.

Abstract: A heat pump system is disclosed that utilizes a variable speed hydronics pump to selectively divert heat energy from a forced air heating system to a hydronics radiant heating system. By actively controlling the speed of the withdrawal of heat, the temperature of the forced air output may be maintained while maximizing the amount of heat delivered by the efficient hydronics system. The heat pump system also actively controls the blower of the forced air system. To reduce the frequency of the compressors cycling on and off, a tank may be used to store and dispense heat if the hydronics system is not of sufficient size.

Abstract: A heat pump system is disclosed that utilizes a primary compressor, a booster compressor, and a controlled heat exchanger heat exchanger fluidly connected between the boost compressor output and the primary compressor input. The controlled heat exchanger functions to reduce the temperature of the refrigerant entering the primary compressor, thereby allowing the booster compressor to operate for longer periods without overheating the primary compressor. Increasing compressor run times improves both the heat pump efficiency and extends the compressor lifespan. The heat energy may be diverted away from the primary compressor to a hydronics system for heating an indoor space. Additionally, heat energy may be withdrawn from the hydronics system to defrost the outdoor coil of the heat pump system. The periods of compressor inactivity may also be extended by withdrawing heat energy stored in a hydronics tank.

Abstract: A heat pump system is disclosed that utilizes one or two compressors and multiple heat exchangers to provide forced air heating, radiant heating and/or water heating for an interior space. A controller directs energy to these multiple system outputs to provide maximum comfort, effectively utilize any excess energy, address fluctuations in energy output, prevent unsafe operating conditions and avoid intermittent compressor operation. The system may provide energy for a water heater in both heating and cooling mode, and control operation of the water heater to utilize system energy whenever possible and avoid use of a conventional water heater heating element. Load Management Control is also provided so that the system may be shut down remotely by a utility company.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic electric transfer switch arrangement for connecting an alternate power source, which may be a standby generator to a residential unit in the event of a utility power outage. A control disposed in a sub-panel allows for the pre-selection of high power loads to reduce the total utility demand during peak demand periods. When the utility power is restored, the standby generator is disconnected and the utility power is reconnected. During a power outage, the high power load items that were pre-selected are disconnected from the generator to prevent the system requiring from more capacity than the generators capability. The load shed mode can be automatically activated remotely, via a wireless transceiver. Further disclosed is an ATS system that can monitor the power level at both the utility meter and standby generator due to it unique placement between the utility meter and the house breaker.

Abstract: A connector and connection arrangement for connecting an alternative power supply to a user incoming electrical power center, commonly referred to as the load center or breaker panel, when power from a utility power source is not being received. The connection includes an individual housing for the connection to the alternative supply or the connection may be located in a common housing which houses both the connector and the utility meter. The alternative supply is connected to the load connected and load feeding side of the meter socket and is electrically positioned in front of the load circuit breaker panel which normally includes the individual service disconnects.

Abstract: A meter extender mount unit which is positioned between the ordinarily supplied electrical meter and the utility, meter mounting socket. The extender mount provides a male, push-in connection to the existing utility socket mount and the meter is received into female connectors on the opposite side thereof with a capture ring positively locking the meter to the extender mount. The frontal closure panel of the utility socket is designed to captured the extender without requiring a capture ring. A quick connect is provided directly on the extender mount for delivery of power to the meter socket from a remote. A control unit is provided between the generator and utility socket which insure activation of the generator following loss of power from the utility, insures generator shut off upon restoration of utility company power to prevent feedback of power to the utility line and allows or periodic testing of the generator to insure its operability.

Abstract: The invention and disclosure is directed to improvements for a pressure gun utilized to propel paint containing balls which will, when they strike, break and apply paint to a target or, as utilized in the sport of Paint or Splat Ball, an opposing player, to identify such person as having been hit and therefore out of the game. The improvements include both a retro-fit and a custom adapted monitor with visual readout for counting the number of balls which have been shot by sensing pressure drop, or through Hall effect sensing, or mechanical switch actuation; the latter two sensing propelling bolt movement. The monitor also includes a visual readout for reverse timing to show the player game time remaining and a tank pressure supply readout which will show the player remaining tank pressure. Through microprocessing of the information of shot count and time remaining or elapsed, a shooting rate is determinable.

Abstract: A unit for converting a fossil fuel burning furnace into an electrical furnace for utilization of electrical energy for heating, except under those periods of high energy usage during which the cost of electrical power is high, or during periods when extreme loads exist upon the electrical supply. During such times, a control system is provided to automatically revert the furnace to a fossil fuel burning operation. The unit includes an electrical heating device including a plurality of electrical heating elements arranged in a vertically staggered array for insertion into the ductwork of the fossil fuel burning forced air furnace, such that the elements are in close association to the plenum of the furnace and such that the fan or blower of the furnace provides air flow past such elements.