Abstract: A granular or plate-like calcium aluminum silicate layer stores water beneath fertile soil. The silicate material may be coated with fertilizer or chemicals and may be shipped and installed within a wrapping, at least one surface of which is moisture pervious. A fleece-like material may form the pervious surface. A silicate container with a perforated cover and sidewalls fits within a planter. A filler pipe extends through the soil into the container. The silicate material may be mixed with the fertile soil.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an automotive window regulator and drive mechanism which includes a rotatable flexible drive shaft to transmit rotational forces from the regulator arm to a worm gear supported on a lower edge of the window. The worm gear engages a rack secured to a portion of the vehicle so as to vary the position of the window. In one embodiment, both electric motor drive and manual crank drive means are provided either of which may be selectively engaged to drive the rotatable flexible shaft. The regulator end of the flexible drive shaft may be supported in meshing engagement with a portion of the regulator drive gear by means of a pinion pivot arm which arm includes indexing gears to enable the flexible cable to track the worm gear thereby reducing the flexing of the flexible drive shaft.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for locking a grate or the like to its receiving frame to make difficult the removal of the grate by an unauthorized person utilizing a makeshift tool. The locking device has a spring loaded latching pin carried by supports secured to the grate. The shoulders provided by either a necked portion of the latching pin or by a flange on the latching pin serve to prevent the unlatching of the latching pin against the biasing of the spring by the use of a makeshift tool. In some embodiments the shoulders are inclined at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the latching pin to encourage the slippage of a makeshift tool off from said shoulders to thereby prevent the unlatching of the pin by an unauthorized person using a makeshift tool. In some embodiments, the unlatching hole in the grate is offset from the locking device to prevent the inspection of the locking device by an unauthorized person seeking to discover the manner of operation of the locking device.

Abstract: Apparatus for machining, polishing and/or smoothing workpieces having curved surfaces such as optical or ophthalmic lenses. A bearing head maintains a tool against a workpiece. Pressure is applied by a pneumatic piston and cylinder unit for establishing contact pressure between the workpiece and the tool. An eccentric drive mechanism including a compound table generates relative displacement between the workpiece and the tool. The pneumatic piston and cylinder unit actually forms part of the tool holder spindle. The cylinder or piston rod of the unit is provided with a tool holder block mounting the tool and the other of the piston rod or cylinder is attached to the drive mechanism. The bearing head has a freely rotating position and a locked position preventing rotation.

Abstract: A fixture for deburring or chamfering corner edges of a workpiece. The fixture has a base adapted to be mounted on the table of a sanding or grinding machine of the type having a motor driven belt or disc which travels in a plane perpendicular to the machine table. The workpiece support table is rockably mounted on the machine table and has a pair of perpendicularly related upright guide plates the converging ends of which are spaced slightly apart to form a slot for accomodating the corner portion of the workpiece to be deburred or chamfered.

Abstract: Workpieces are ground by rolling them around with grinding bodies and microbodies (7) in a vibratory scouring container (1) while a processing liquid is fed into, and runs out again from, the scouring container. The microbodies run out of the container with the processing liquid, are washed and screened in a device (17) to separate those having dimensions less than a predetermined size. The residual larger microbodies are collected in a storage container (8'). The container (8') is subsequently mounted on a post (10) in place of a similar container (8) and the microbodies are returned in controlled amounts into the scouring container by flushing out through a discharge opening (11) with water.

Abstract: A hub is disclosed for mounting the spindle of a rotary tool, particularly a grinding or polishing wheel for ophthalmic lenses. The hub comprises a cylindrical bore and a plurality of radial centering arms arranged around the bore with their free ends lying in a common circle concentric with the axis of the bore. The centering arms each have a hinge or pivot which may be formed by a portion of reduced section at their bases. The pivot or hinge axes of the centering arms are tangent to another common circle concentric with the bore. Each of the centering arms is of elastically deformable construction fixed, or formed in one piece, with the rest of the hub. The hub is divided by a radial groove into a rigid, one-piece part and a deformable flange formed by the centering arms. A tightening ring with a preferably planar thrust or engagement face is adapted to apply an axial force against the centering arms so that they come into retaining engagement with the spindle.

Abstract: A gyratory finishing machine, of the type in which the finishing units gyrate about a common center and advantageously rotate about their own axis, is provided with loading and unloading means for loading and unloading selected finishing chambers without stopping the gyration of the other finishing chambers. This is generally accomplished through a null-point producing means for establishing a null-point relation between the selected finishing chamber and the loading and unloading means. The null-point can be established by bringing the selected finishing chamber to said common center, or by causing said loading and unloading means to gyrate in unison with the gyration of the selected finishing chamber. The loading and unloading can be effected while the selected finishing chamber is at the common center or by transferring the selected finishing chamber from the null-point to a remote loading station.

Abstract: A stadium cover includes a pair of complemental compartmented canopies which are filled with a gas such as helium and which are moored or anchored by two or more winches to enable selective manipulation of their position. The winches act through cable sets that interconnect the winches with the canopies, and pulley means are provided to furnish several points for mooring and moving forces used in the control of the canopies.

Abstract: A cotton module is covered with a tarpaulin for protection from the elements. The tarpaulin has a plurality of grommets spaced along the peripheral edge thereof. A separate pin is inserted through each of the grommets and held in place by pressure from the fibrous material of the cotton module. Each pin includes a first elongated leg having a sharpened tip which is inserted through the grommet and into the cotton module. A second leg is approximately one-fourth the length of the first leg and extends parallel to the first leg. The second leg is inserted into the cotton module alongside the peripheral edge of the tarpaulin. A bight portion runs between the first and second legs and is devoid of any protrusions which might cause the pin to be knocked loose as the cotton module is transported.

Abstract: A hydraulically extensible crane boom includes a plurality of mutually innernested, telescopically associated inward and outward boom sections. Each section is made up of a pair of longitudinally extending, parallel, spaced apart upper structural shapes of substantial mass and strength, a relatively light top web integral with and extending between the upper structural shapes, a pair of longitudinally extending, mutually parallel, spaced apart lower structural shapes of substantial strength and mass, a relatively light bottom web integral with and extending between the lower structural members, and a pair of relatively light side webs each connected between one upper and one lower structural member. The distance between the lower pair of structural members is less than the distance between the upper pair of structural members.

Abstract: A thermal break in a metal (e.g. aluminum) frame window or door is characterized by two spaced metal sections joined together by an insulative block of poured and hardened thermal fill material which projects inward toward the sash at least to the same extent as the inward-most-projection of the metal sections in the break region. One or more surfaces of the block may serve as a guide for a sliding sash. This construction eliminates the metal conductive path, from outside to inside, which extends along inward-most portions of the jamb in prior art windows. Preferably, the thermal breaks in the jamb and sill are co-planar to provide a continuous thermal break around the entire frame. The method of forming the block of thermal fill utilizes at least one mold surface to which the fill material does not adhere during hardening so that the block can be easily removed from the mold.

Abstract: Side cover members positionable along the base of a movable wall panel for concealing a utility space below the lower edge of the wall panel in which electrical and telephone cables are disposed. Each side cover member consists of a main body having sections that are formed of yieldable material. The cover members are arranged end to end along the base of the wall panel with the yieldable end sections of adjacent cover members being positioned in a juxtaposed relationship with each other. The yieldable end sections enable the cables to be extended from the utility space between adjacent end sections whereby only the portions of the yieldable end sections in close proximity to the cables are deformed.

Abstract: A prefabricated insulated panel includes a sheet-like face member and an insulating mat extending along one surface of the face member. Complementary male and female formations extend along opposed edges of the face member and are adapted to matingly couple adjacent panels to form a contiguously extending insulated wall structure. The face member has an upstanding flange which is offset from one of the edges of the face member and which cooperates with such edge to define a recess adapted to receive the insulating mat of the next adjacent panel therein. The flange is adapted to facilitate attachment of the panel to a support and in a manner aiding in preventing heat flow through the panel. Each panel has a side edge structure which is constructed and arranged to minimize heat transmission through abutting side joints of adjacent panels while, at the same time, allowing for expansion and contraction of the panels.

Abstract: An attachment system for suspended drywall ceiling panels is disclosed. The attachment system comprises a panel support grid having a series of main-runners and cross-runners disposed with lower panel attachment surfaces in generally co-planar relationship and said grid having intersection points at main-runner and cross-runner crossings. The attachment system has attachment clips positioned at said intersection points interconnecting cross-runners and main-runners. The attachment clips being integrally constructed from light-gauge steel and having a box-like configuration with two opposing vertical walls and opposing upper and lower horizontal walls wherein the upper wall centrally separates into halves. The upper wall halves include upwardly extending tabs with tab connecting means releasably connectiing both halves. The opposing vertical walls of the attachment clip each having an oppositely extending cross-runner attachment flange.

Abstract: A channel structure for assembly into a suspended ceiling or the like and which is arranged to maintain the structural integrity of the ceiling during exposure to the heat of a fire. The channel structure includes an end splice arrangement having elements which develop a telescoping relationship between joined channels and thereby avoid buckling during thermally induced axial expansion of the channels.

Abstract: Construction system consisting of a flat main body having recesses at its edges and a centrally-hinged connecting member having opposed parts that fit in the recesses.

Abstract: A coin packaging machine where a predetermined number of coins accumulated in columnar form in an accumulating cylinder are supported by a supporting rod. A packaging paper is wrapped around the periphery of the columnar assembly of accumulated coins and both ends of the paper are folded and clamped (per amendment) rod is used for supporting accumulated coins not only for guiding of the accumulated coins from the accumulating cylinder to the packaging zone but also supporting of the accumulated coins in the packaging zone during rotation of the accumulated coins. A concave groove for the insertion of a clamping claw is formed in the side face of said supporting rod.

Abstract: The mouth end of a large filled sack is held taut and flat by holding means. Parallel folding bars extend downwardly from carriers like the prongs of a comb at both sides of the flattened mouth end. The carriers can be moved towards and away from each other, and raised and lowered, so that the folding bars gather or ruffle the mouth end to form a frill and are then withdrawn.

Abstract: Preparatory to closing a filled upright sack by a zig-zag closure, grippers engage the flattened mouth end of the sack. A support is swung to a position adjacent the flattened end and swing arms cause the end to be folded onto the support. After rollers have been swung onto backing rollers to clamp the folded-over end, the grippers are opened and withdrawn by the swing arms.

Abstract: An article containing carton, and method of assemblying it, for packaging a lamp and lamp shade in the same carton in a minimum of space and with little chance that the lamp and lamp shade will be damaged during transport. The lamp is attached to a first support panel with heat shrinkable material, and the lamp shade is attached between second and third support panels with heat shrinkable material surrounding the support panels and the shade. The first support panel is operatively fastened to the bottom of the carton, and the assembly of the lamp shade and second and third support panels, wrapped by heat shrinkable material, is positioned within the carton so that the lamp and shade are always maintained in spaced relationship in the carton horizontal dimensions, and so that the lamp does not abut the shade supporting spider. The third panel has a central opening through which a portion of the lamp extends into the interior volume defined by the shade.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for supporting rolls of wrapping material and having a table for convenient reception of sheet, card or plate material in a stack to be wrapped. Means are provided to facilitate the handling of the wrapping material, typically a heat sealable plastic film, folding it over the stack to be wrapped, and moving the stack onto a heat sealing table. Simultaneous severing of extra material from the roll is accomplished. Marginal edge sealing by heat or otherwise is also possible.

Abstract: An implement for mounting on a tractor to remove suckers and buds from the stems of vines arranged in rows and for trimming during the advance of the tractor along the ground in a direction essentially parallel to, adjacent and between the row of vines, including, a frame supported on a tractor, opposing side arms on the frame arranged on opposite sides of said tractor, removable interchangeable brush treating devices mounted on the outer end of each of the side arms, a drive on the side arms for moving the brush treating device for independent operation on both sides of said tractor, a linkage for mounting the side arms for lateral pivotal movement and for extending the side arms outwardly to a selected distance so as to be able to approach the rows of vines to be treated either on one side or other of the tractor and at the desired height. A hydraulic control system for raising and lowering the frame with respect to the tractor.

Abstract: A cross flow rotary mower has a rotor with horizontal outer cutting edges and upwardly extending blower vanes. A conduit having upper, lower and side walls cooperates with the rotor to form a cross flow blower. The rear semi-circle of travel of the rotor is within the conduit. The inlet opens forwardly and has a lateral extent preferably as great as the diameter of the tip circle of the rotor. The cutting edges extend forward of the lower wall, and preferably the lower wall extends to the cutting edges. An extension of the upper wall extends forwardly beyond the tip circle with front and side skirt portions. Means for producing and strengthening vortex air flow are described, and also inlet air flow control vanes. A number of rotors and conduit arrangements with advantageous features are described. These include dual blower vane arrangements.

Abstract: A mobile, self-propelled chaff-production means in which windrowed hay is picked up and conveyed to a chaff-cutter via a covered conveyor. As the hay moves along the conveyor it is moistened by steam applied to it through jets located beneath the input region of the conveyor so that when the hay reaches the chaff-cutter it is moist enough not to be fractured on impact of the blades and cutter bar. The resulting chaff is then conveyed by an auger to a twin-column screw bagger as a final, saleable product.

Abstract: In the process of the invention, the onion stalks are cut and the upper ends thereof are agitated prior to drying thereof to effect removal of the seed capsules from the umbels.The apparatus of the invention comprises means for cutting the onion stalks and conveying the upper portions thereof with the umbels thereon into one end of a perforated rotating drum. A beater is coaxially and rotatably supported within the drum to agitate the onion stalk portions and thereby separate the seed capsules from the stalks and umbels. The drum and beater are peferably rotated in the same direction, but can be counter-rotated. Said seed capsules fall through the perforations of the drum into appropriate receiving means and the stalks and other debris are discharged from the other end of the drum.

Abstract: A traveling field harvester for pepper plants comprises a pair of generally mirror image tapered helical rod assemblies located on each side of a longitudinally extending slot in which plants to be treated by the harvester are located. The rods are rotated in timed and phased relationship about horizontally spaced apart axes of frustoconical surfaces with axes closer together at their rear than at their front and both located in a forwardly and downwardly inclined horizontally extending flat plane. The phasing and timing of the moving rods controllably and evenly contacts and shakes and kneads the pepper plants standing in the field to selectively remove mature peppers from those pepper plants in an automatic smooth harvesting action that does no harm to the plants and allows a subsequent similar treatment of the plants for later selective harvesting of later maturing peppers.

Abstract: An improved direct-loading crop harvester is disclosed as having a single rotating disc which supports the front end of a pickup conveyor which is pivotally attached to the main frame of the harvester. The disc is provided with a plurality of broad teeth along its periphery and is caused to rotate in a manner which severs the crops at a point near ground level as the harvester proceeds in a forward direction. In this manner, the single cutting disc provides the sole means of support for the front end of the pickup conveyor, and the cross-sectional shape of the cutting disc determines the height above the ground at which the vines are severed. This invention is particularly useful in harvesting crops from planting ridges which are covered with plastic.

Abstract: A rotary baler for forming large cylindrical bales of cut crop material such as hay and which uses a conveyor belt and an oppositely moving compacting belt arrangement to rotate the hay and form the bale in a baling compartment. Adjustable hydraulic control means are provided for controlling the tension in the compacting belt to thereby control the density of the bale being formed. The hydraulic control means is such that a lower tension force is maintained in the compacting belts during the critical initial start-up phase, and a higher belt tension is provided during the early bale forming stage, resulting in a finished bale of high density.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shock-isolating mounting for textile machinery spindles, which comprises a mobile resting block for the spindle with hinging components designed in order to move the spindle from an upright position, in which the spindle is in contact with a control belt, to an inclined position, in which the spindle is in contact with a brake; the above hinging components comprise some hinging units made of elastomeric material and a toggle-jointed thrust element connected in said manner to one of the aforementioned hinging components.

Abstract: A method for producing chemically untreated fire resistant fiber blends includes the steps of separately blowing and carding bundles of selected matrix and staple fibers, respectively, to form separate slivers of each of the two fibers. Given proportions of each fiber are then combined during a common drawing step to form a bulky blended sliver which is then conventionally processed to produce a fire resistant yarn. The yarn is suitable for knitting or weaving to provide fabrics which far exceed current government fire resistant standards.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine has an engine casing surrounding the turbine section and an internal chamber or jacket which separates the casing from blade tip seals supported by the casing. To maintain an adequate clearance between the turbine blades and the seals during engine startup and acceleration, a portion of the hot combustion gases passing through the turbine blades is bled through the chamber in heat exchange relationship with the casing. The hot gases expand the casing at a faster rate than otherwise to approximate the thermal growth rate of the turbine rotor and maintain a adequate clearance between the turbine blade tips and seals. During steady-state operation relatively cool air bled from the compressor is ducted through the chamber to cool the engine casing and hold the proper clearance between the blades and the seals.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and a process for improving the efficiency which may be obtained in the operation of power generation systems which utilize the combustion of fuel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for controlling the mixing of two fluids in which an active element is driven to induce, in the vicinity of the beginning of the mixing region, oscillations of the two fluids about an axis substantially normal to the mixing region flow axis.The active element may be driven by an external drive, or by the kinetic energy in the fluids. Several applications of the invention are described including promoting combustion in jet engines, suppressing audible jet noise, and increasing the output of ejector pumps or thrust augmentors.

Abstract: Method for reducing particulated carbon from the exhaust gas stream of an internal combustion engine which includes a combustion supporting ingredient. The particles are initially retained on a gas pervious bed. The latter is periodically treated by passing therethrough a gaseous mixture comprising a major portion of the particle-carrying gas, into which a minor portion of said gas, which has been treated to substantially deplete it of said particles and said combustion supporting ingredients, has been mixed.

Abstract: A by-pass valve (1) for use in the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine has an improvement comprising control means (69) responsive to engine vacuum for exposing a chamber (27) to engine vacuum, the control means being responsive to an abrupt change in engine vacuum such as occurs during engine decelerations for spoiling the vacuum in the chamber and causing a vacuum responsive means (19) to close a first valve (15) and open a second valve (17). The control means reestablishes the vacuum in the chamber after a predetermined time interval and causes the vacuum responsive means to open the first valve and close the second valve, the controlled opening and closing of the first and second valves preventing engine backfires.

Abstract: In an exhaust gas cleaning system wherein secondary air is supplied into the exhaust passage to re-burn the unburnt harmful component in the exhaust gases, a secondary air controlling apparatus for an internal combustion engine is provided. At deceleration of the vehicle, secondary air is interrupted from being fed into the exhaust passage, and is introduced into the intake passage to prevent after-burning in the exhaust cleaning system. When the ignition key is switched off, secondary air is fed into the intake passage to prevent the unburnt gas from flowing out into the exhaust passage. This effect is attained by using a valve operated in response to the negative pressure in the intake pipe to protect the exhaust gases cleaning system and to clean the exhaust gases.

Abstract: A by-pass valve (1) for use in the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine has an improvement comprising control means (69) responsive to engine vacuum for exposing a chamber (27) to engine vacuum, the control means being responsive to an abrupt change in engine vacuum such as occurs during engine decelerations for spoiling the vacuum in the chamber and causing a vacuum responsive means (19) to close a first valve (15) and open a second valve (17). The control means reestablishes the vacuum in the chamber after a predetermined time interval and causes the vacuum responsive means to open the first valve and close the second valve, the controlled closing and opening of the first and second valves preventing engine backfires. The control means includes second means (117) responsive to engine vacuum for spoiling the vacuum in the chamber so long as engine vacuum exceeds a predetermined level whereby the first valve is kept closed and the second valve is kept open by the first vacuum responsive means.

Abstract: A torque converter assembly including means for reducing the axial thrust loading transmitted to the crankshaft by which the torque converter is driven and to thereby reduce thrust wear of the crankshaft bearing. This means includes a thrust washer loosely retained in the turbine hub of the torque converter and a shaft bolt securing the thrust washer and turbine hub to the end of a transmission input shaft driven by the torque converter. Also, the torque converter is coupled to the engine flywheel by a plug-in mounting comprising a plurality of drive lugs secured to the torque converter housing and received in aligned bores formed in the face of the flywheel.

Abstract: Oil-tight flexible partitions are provided to prevent oil leakage to the working gas of a Stirling cycle engine along the piston rods from oil-lubricated reciprocating seals. The upper and lower chambers formed in part by the flexible partitions are interconnected through an oil filter for preventing oil leakage to the upper chambers while minimizing the pressure differential across the flexible partitions by allowing gas flow between the upper and lower chambers.

Abstract: A heat engine for developing rotational energy from elements of thermodynamic working material. Elements of the material are secured between levers. The cycling of the elements through hot and cold temperature changes causes the levers to reciprocate. The reciprocating movement is then mechanically translated into rotational energy.

Abstract: A calcium carbide based power system for stationary and mobile power plants. The carbide is reacted with water to create heat and acetylene, with the acetylene then being burned to heat a boiler for providing steam to a steam turbine. The exhaust of the turbine is condensed and pumped back into the boiler, first being pre-heated by a heat exchanger in the carbide-water reactor to pre-heat the boiler makeup water (steam) and to cool the reactor. The system may limit the excess water required for the carbide-water reactor, and provides recovery of the heat given off in the generation of the acetylene for maximum system efficiency. Other, alternate embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fastening arrangement for a turbine and a condenser is disclosed wherein the turbine and the condenser are fastened to a common foundation table in order to decrease the effect of dynamic loads on the machine parts of a turbine and its foundations. The foundation table is spring-supported on a plurality of supports of another supporting structure. A flexible connection is provided between the turbine and the condenser with one of the bearing members of the arrangement being located variously about the foundation table. One of the bearing members is preferably arranged on a top surface of the foundation table and another bearing member may be arranged below or within the foundation table. Furthermore, the other bearing member may be cast within the foundation table or be resiliently mounted for axial movement within a recess of the table.

Abstract: In a turboset having a high-pressure turbine stage and at least another turbine stage mounted on foundation supports and largely disposed above a machine floor, the high-pressure turbine stage being connectible to main steam lines, a valve arrangement includes emergency-stop main-steam governing valves through the high-pressure turbine stage is connectible to the main steam lines, the emergency-stop main-steam governing valves being disposed forward of the head of the high-pressure turbine stage and below the machine floor, and including an upper foundation ceiling disposed approximately at the level of the machine floor and formed with beams from which the emergency-stop main-steam governing valves are thermally displaceably suspended.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas turbine engine provided with an annular pre-mixing chamber and an annular combustion chamber adapted for burning a combustible mixture from the pre-mixing chamber. A plurality of circumferentially arranged injection nozzle sets are located between the pre-mixing chamber and the combustion chamber so that the combustible mixture from the pre-mixing chamber is ejected into the combustion chamber, to cause the mixture to be burnt therein. Each injection nozzle set is comprised of at least two nozzles which are inclined with respect to each other in such a manner that a violent contact of the flows of combustible mixture passed through the nozzles occurs at a location in the combustion chamber causing a turbulence of flow to be generated therein. Thus, rapid and stable combustion can be effected.

Abstract: A liquid atomizing device comprises a nozzle emitting the liquid to be atomized, and a hollow cylindrical atomizing member secured at one end to a rotary shaft coaxially therewith for rotation about its own axis. The atomizing member has a circular cylindrical inner surface coaxially encircling the rotary shaft. According to one embodiment, the inner surface has a uniform diameter, while it is of dual diameter according to another embodiment. The nozzle faces the inner surface of the atomizing member to direct a jet of liquid thereagainst. The atomizing member is provided at another end thereof, which is open and defines an outlet for the atomizing member, with a plurality of radially inwardly projecting arcuate rims which are circumferentially equally spaced apart from one another to define an arcuate recess between each adjoining pair of rims.

Abstract: A control circuit for an ice making machine having an ice forming mold and a refrigeration system for controlling the operation of the refrigeration system so as to cause water to freeze in the mold during a freezing cycle and to effect release of ice from the mold during a harvest cycle, including a timing circuit that is adapted to vary the time period of the freeze cycle in accordance with the temperatures of the ambient air and/or inlet water and to vary the time period of the harvest cycle in accordance with the temperature of the ambient air. In addition, the control circuit is further adapted to control the operation of the condenser fan during the harvest cycle in accordance with the temperature of the condensing unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling continuously and discretely the speed of an indoor evaporator fan motor and the speed of the compressor as a function of the fan speed for regulating the dry bulb temperature and relative humidity of a conditioned space includes a programmed control device which produces a first signal for driving a fan inverter connected to the evaporator fan motor. A second signal, which is a function of the first signal, is also provided by the control device to drive a compressor inverter coupled to the compressor. A microprocessor having a program is operatively connected to the programmed control device for controlling its operation to effect the measured temperature of the conditioned space.

Abstract: A heating and cooling system having a refrigerant heat pump employing first and second evaporator-condensers with a reversing valve, a refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger embodying the first evaporator-condenser, an elongated conduit buried in the earth and connected with the heat exchanger, and means positioned in the earth to maintain the earth in wet condition adjacent the conduit so that heat is efficiently transferred between the conduit and the earth.

Abstract: A transport refrigeration unit for a transport container in which the refrigeration unit has side-by-side evaporator and condenser compartments 18 and 20 in the upper portion of the exterior frame, with a power compartment 24 extending across the entire width of the lower portion of the unit, the power compartment containing an internal combustion engine 26, a motor-alternator 28 and a refrigerant compressor 30 in in-line relationship, a radiator coil 62 condenser coil 64 being in inclined disposition in the condenser compartment and receiving air therethrough from condenser fan 66, the evaporator coil 72 being inclined in the evaporator compartment and in a disposition in which a portion of the coil projects out of the plane of the rear face of the frame, and a pair of double inlet centrifugal fans 74 are provided in the upper portion of the evaporator compartment to draw air from the upper part of the container and direct it downwardly through the coil 72 back into the container, and separate panels 36 and