Abstract: A high-rise building comprises an exterior wall and a sheath, which is spaced in front of said wall. Vertically extending flow channels are provided between said wall and said sheath and are open at their bottom and top and may be used to supply air to and from the interior of said building and to air-condition the interior of said building. To permit an effective control of the conditions of the ambient air adjoining said sheath, each of said flow passages communicates with the ambient air adjoining said sheath through a plurality of vertically spaced apart intake openings distributed throughout the height of said sheath.

Abstract: A door frame having excellent fire-resistance, flexural strength and screw holding properties is fabricated from gypsum fiberboard, specifically a gypsum fiberboard having a density of at least 60 lbs./cu.ft., a flexural strength of at least about 30 lbs. (1/2" thick material), and a screw holding capability of at least about 400 lbs. A preferred gypsum fiberboard material for fabrication of the door frame comprises a composition containing a substantially uniform dispersion of solids including by weight about 65% to 90% set gypsum, about 7% to about 30% pulped paper, up to about 9% binder, and about 0.8% to 2% inorganic fiber. A wood veneer is preferably applied to the visible faces of the gypsum fiberboard door frame members.

Abstract: A masonry tie formed of a polymeric rigid construction includes an anchor plate arranged for reception within a mortar joint, with the anchor plate having a cylindrical head that is received within a tubular sleeve, that in turn is orthogonally secured to a second anchor plate, with the second anchor plate having a mounting plate for accommodating a wall board thereon in a spaced orientation relative to the mortar joint and associated mortar blocks.

Abstract: A shutter assembly is provided which includes a body portion and separate top and bottom caps. The length of the shutter is adjusted by sliding the caps so they cover more or less of the shutter body. The caps and body portion are then screwed to a building wall. The length of the shutter assembly can also be adjusted by cutting upper and lower portions of this body portion of the shutter. The cut is then covered by preformed caps which fit over the shutter body portion, thus totally concealing the cut. Thus, the shutter can be adjusted at the job site and the end caps will assure the quality of the end product.

Abstract: The grid member is formed of sheet metal and has an inverted T-shape with a bulb at the top, a double thickness central web and oppositely disposed flanges at the bottom. To achieve controlled expansion, two parallel lances are cut along opposite sides of the bulb near the top of the bulb. No metal is removed at this area of maximum bending stress. Further, staggered cutouts are placed in the two thicknesses which make up the web. By staggering the cutout areas of adjacent web layers, the overall web strength is maintained. These web cutouts and the lance at the top of the bulb cooperate upon thermal expansion, causing the bottom flanges to buckle down, and the web and sides of the bulb to separate laterally and fold, and the top of the bulb to buckle up. The folded web configuration directed by the staggered cutout pattern will maintain longitudinal rigidity.

Abstract: A wall covering comprising a plurality of plastic molded panels each having a relatively thin body portion formed with rows of simulated building elements. The panels are mounted on a support surface in a plurality of horizontal courses with a side marginal edge region of one panel overlapping and sealingly engaging an underlying side marginal edge region of the adjacent panel. The underlying side marginal edge region of each panel is formed with a plurality of laterally extending interlock flanges each having a nailing aperture, and the overlapping side marginal edge region of the adjacent panel has a plurality of integrally formed hooks for engaging an upper peripheral edge of a respective one of the interlock flanges for positively interlocking the overlapping sides and for maintaining sealing engagement therebetween. A corner molding is provided for receiving respective ends of the panels at a corner in a manner which enhances the aesthetic appearance of the finished installation.

Abstract: A decorative shingle has a first element including a reinforcing web, a first asphaltic binder, and a first adherent surfacing material. A second element including discontinuous sections is overlaid on the first element. The second element includes a layer of a second asphaltic binder and a second adherent surfacing material to provide a decorative effect. The second asphaltic binder has greater elongation at low temperature than the first asphaltic binder, providing greater resistance to environmental stresses.

Abstract: A reusable concrete spacer sleeve comprises a substantially cylindrical body having a plurality of inwardly extending fins. The sleeve is placed over a vertical drain pipe prior to pouring a concrete floor. After the concrete has set, the sleeve is removed, leaving an annular space around the pipe for accommodating a flange. A lid may be fitted onto the sleeve to prevent debris or other foreign matter from entering the pipe or the annular space around the pipe.

Abstract: A single unit, stiff and strong plastic molded wheel spacer for a reinforcement rod used in concrete is split into two sections connected by an integral hinge at one end and fastened together by a ratchet assembly at the other end. The rod is gripped at the center of the wheel by a pair of saddles, one on each section. A finger attached to one of the sections between the saddle and hinge prevents the rod from moving past the saddle to the hinge.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for the adjustment of the holding capacity of a package carrier (3) supported on a line (1) and which comprises at least one externally plane side wall (4) which is closest to the line (1) and which extends parallel with this latter and with the direction of conveyance of the package carrier (3), there being on the inner surface of the package carrier (3) recesses (5) for positioning of the package.

Abstract: A decorative material comprising a sheet of material having a colored sticky element disposed upon a portion of a surface of the sheet of material, the colored sticky element comprising at least a portion of a decoration on the sheet of material. The sheet of material is disposed on a surface or wrapped about an item.

Abstract: An automatic device for sweeping letter mail or alternatively, stacking and sweeping letter mail, and depositing the resultant stack into a managed mail tray. The sweeping device provides an accumulation platform which receives a stream of mail, the platform having a slidable end plate urged against the accumulating stack of mail which overcomes the urging of the end plate to fill the accumulation platform. A sweep plate is thereafter actuated to pierce the stack and thereafter translate towards the end plate to compress the now captured stack to a specified length. The specified length correspond to trap doors provided in the accumulation platform which thereafter open to vertically drop the stack into a managed mail tray arranged therebelow. A forward plate is provided to pierce the stack with the sweep plate to hold back further accumulated mail while the specified stack is being compressed and deposited.

Abstract: The horizontal wrapping machine of the type wherein a succession of articles are fed into a traveling tube of web material which is sealed longitudinally and severed and sealed between the articles to produce individual hermetically sealed packages. A variable speed motor drives a conveyor which may be provided with article feeding flights and a switch, actuated once each revolution of a timing shaft, provides a pulse corresponding to each flight on the article feeding conveyor. In addition an encoder driven by the variable speed drive motor shaft provides a digital velocity signal used as a reference signal for servo motors that may be coupled, in combination or individually, to drive web feed rolls, longitudinal sealing wheels and one or more sealing and severing heads. A delivery conveyor transporting individual packages may, through a suitable drive train, be driven by the variable speed drive motor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for forming a package with heat tack seals for a slice of a food item. A web of thermoplastic material is first formed into a tubular arrangement with a longitudinal heat tack seal. To form the tubular arrangement, means are provided for folding a continuous web of thermoplastic material into a tube and for continuously forming a heat seal along the longitudinal face of the folded web. The food item which has been formed into a soft mass, is then inserted into the tubular member and the tubular member is flattened to form a thin film tube. Means are provided for forming a heat tack cross-seal which is disposed substantially transverse to the longitudinal forward moving direction of the web.

Abstract: A vacuum filling machine and method are provided for use in filling a porous pouch with microporous powder. The machine has a housing sealable in an air tight manner. A pair of substantially parallel plates are positioned within said housing, one of the plates having a plurality of perforations therethrough extending from facing front sides of that plate to back side of that plate. The housing is openable to receive the porous pouch between the facing front sides of the plates. A nozzle provides a communication path between the pouch and a source of microporous powder. A vacuum source communicates with an interior of the housing and the back side of the plate with perforations through a vacuum shroud. Preferably, a heat sealing device is positioned within the housing for sealing an edge of the pouch after filling with microporous powder.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing a subcutaneous capsules filled with a selected medicine comprising: a tube cutting mechanism which cuts a continuous length of tubing into a plurality of tubular capsules, each capsule having an open top end and an open bottom end; a capsule support mechanism which holds the capsules in a predetermined array, the bottom open ends of the capsules being sealed by a sealing mechanism; a plurality of spring mechanisms insertable into the open top ends of each capsule held in the array, each spring mechanism receiving a selected quantity of medicine for each capsule, each spring mechanism being rotatable and delivering the selected quantities of medicine into each capsule by insertion of the spring mechanisms into the open top ends of each capsule and rotation of the spring mechanisms.

Abstract: A transverse sealer for a packaging machine has a pair of seal jaws for sealing a film after it is made into the shape of a bag by a former and the bag is filled with articles to be packaged. The pair of seal jaws are disposed on opposite sides of the path of the film and downstream to the former. A pair of rotary arms supporting these seal jaws is moved towards and away from each other such that the seal jaws move in straight trajectories along the path of the film and is so controlled that the compressive force between the seal jaws can be maintained at a specified level according to the thickness and material property of the film.

Abstract: An article group transfer apparatus constructed and arranged to move article groups into open ends of the carton sleeves. The apparatus is incorporated in a continuous motion cartoner assembly for loading article groups into cartons which comprises an article infeed mechanism supplying at least one stream of articles; an article group selection and transport mechanism intersecting the article infeed mechanism to form and transport a longitudinal stream of article groups of a predetermined pattern; a carton supply and transport mechanism synchronized and moving parallel with the article group selecting mechanism to provide cartons with open ends facing the moving article groups; and the article group transfer apparatus which moves the article groups into the open ends of the carton sleeves.

Abstract: A mounting stirrup on a strap with a loop that attaches to the horn of a Western Saddle or the stirrup bar of an English Saddle to assist the equestrian in mounting the horse. The mounting stirrup hangs below the regular stirrup and allows a short rider to use their right foot in the mounting stirrup to gain access to the regular stirrup with the left foot. This invention allows a youthful or short rider to safely and easily reach the regular stirrup of any conventional saddle and thereby mount without assistance.

Abstract: A harvesting apparatus includes an inlet capable of engaging a body of water, a first separating stage and a control device. The control device is operable to control the flow rate of water over the inlet to the first separating stage. The control device operates by adjusting either the first separating stage or the inlet to control the flow of water to the first separating stage.

Abstract: A riding-type powered lawn mower has a frame, front and rear wheels rotatably mounted on the frame, an engine mounted on the frame for rotating the rear wheels, a cutter deck mounted on the frame and housing a cutter blade drivable by the engine, a driver's seat mounted on the frame by a seat bracket in front of the engine, and a steering column mounted on the frame forwardly of the driver's seat. The riding-type powered lawn mower also has a body paneling mounted on the frame. The body paneling comprises a unitary front body cover covering the steering column, the seat bracket, and a front portion of the engine, and a unitary rear hood detachably connected to a rear end of the front body cover and covering a rear portion of the engine.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus for harvesting produce, pruning, trimming, or the like, the apparatus including: an elongate tubular member; a cutting assembly disposed at the distal end of the elongate tubular member, the cutting assembly being selectively positionable such that the plane of cutting thereof can form an acute angle with the major axis of the elongate tubular member either above or below the major axis; and a first actuating members spaced apart from the distal end of the tubular member such as to remotely actuate the cutting assembly.

Abstract: A round baler having a frame with opposing side walls, conveying apparatus including a series of inwardly facing moving surfaces defining a baling chamber for forming cylindrical bales of crop material and a feeder for feeding crop material into the chamber. Rotatable transverse rollers are mounted between the opposing side walls of the frame for operatively supporting the conveying apparatus, and a journal assembly having a bearing arrangement for mounting the rollers. The bearing arrangement includes a generally cylindrical stationary first race and a concentrically disposed generally cylindrical rotatable second race between which races a bearing cavity is formed for seating a series of bearings housed between said first and second races. A unique shield assembly encloses the cavity and prevents the intrusion of unwanted debris.

Abstract: In the case of a spinning or twisting spindle, a plate, which is clamped in between a flange of a spindle bearing housing and a spindle rail, is provided as the common holding element for a securing hook and a brake.

Abstract: In a process for exchanging blocks of cans on a spinning machine, it is provided that the exchanging of the cans is carried out when the spinning operation is interrupted. During or after the removal of all cans spun empty, the depositing sites, row by row, are supplied with full cans. Subsequently, the spinning stations belonging to these depositing sites are prepared, row by row, for the withdrawal of the slivers from these supplied cans, in which case maximally two rows of depositing sites are charged and the pertaining spinning stations are prepared before the next maximally two rows of depositing sites are charged.

Abstract: In the case of a spinning machine having spinning stations arranged on one side of the machine and having depositing sites for cans containing the fiber material to be spun provided on the other side of the machine, devices are provided for the withdrawal and feeding of the slivers which have drivable guiding belts which extend from an area above the depositing sites to the area of the spinning stations.

Abstract: A two-for-one twisting spindle with a compressed air operated threading device is provided. The thread is feed via a jet of compressed air through a thread feeding channel of a thread storage disk. At the outer opening of the thread feeding channel a first deflecting surface is provided which is attached to the underside of the turntable. The first deflecting surface is provided with a upwardly curved second deflecting surface which is essentially convex. These constructive measures at the outer opening of the thread feeding channel ensure that the jet of compressed air exiting from the outer opening of the thread feeding channel has a certain vertical width h and that the radius of curvature R of the second deflecting surface is such that the ratio of the radius of curvature to the width h corresponds to R/h.gtoreq.3. This ensures that the jet of compressed air is deflected in an upward direction essentially vertically with the aid of the so-called Coanda effect.

Abstract: An electric power generation system including a power shaft assembly including a combustion turbine with a compressor, an expansion turbine, a combustor feeding the expansion turbine, an electrical generator, and a shaft for coupling the expansion turbine to drive the compressor and the electrical generator; an additional shaft assembly including an intercooler, a compressor, an expansion turbine, a combustor feeding the expansion turbine, and a driver for driving the compressor of the additional shaft assembly, the compressor of the additional shaft assembly being constructed and arranged to have a pressure ratio greater than a pressure ratio of the expansion turbine of the additional shaft assembly which is fluid connected to the power shaft assembly for pressure unloading the compressor of the power shaft assembly; a recuperator; and an exhaust stack.

Abstract: A jet engine includes a gas turbine, peripheral ramjet channels located oide the gas turbine and including burners wherein a gas circulation stream in the engine is subdivided over part of its length into a central turbojet stream which flows through the gas turbine, the peripheral ramjet channels and peripheral discharge channels terminating by flowing into a part of the gas circulation stream downstream of the turbine. A plurality of flaps are provided for opening and closing the central stream. A ring surrounds the central stream and extends in front of part of the peripheral discharge channels and ramjet channels. A motor is also provided for rotating the ring wherein the ring has a plurality of slots formed therein, the channels being arranged such that the slots successfully pass, during rotation of the ring in a continuous direction, in front of the discharge channels only, then in front of none of the channels and then in front of the ramjet channels only.

Abstract: An improvement made to jet-engine thrust reversers and, more particularly, to reversers called tilting-door reversers. The doors are equipped, on their upstream portion, with a flow-deflecting overlay 90 which, in the open-door position, is in a position close to a line PM parallel to the axis of the engine 1, the overlay making with the inner door skin an angle B greater than 90.degree., preferably between 105.degree. and 110.degree.. The invention is more particularly applicable to dual-flow engines.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for cleaning exhaust particulate from a contaminated vehicle exhaust gas filter. Regeneration gases, oxygen content, and input heat are controlled in order to efficiently control the heat of regeneration.

Abstract: A damped heat shield for a vehicle exhaust manifold includes inner and outer thin steel layers. An intermediate aluminum layer is located between the two steel layers. A high temperature corrosion-resistant coating is applied to the exterior surfaces and the edges of the shield. Such coating along the edges prevents the entry of corrosion producing substances into the interior of the shield. The outer steel layer has a thickness greater than the inner steel layer, so that the two layers do not resonate at the same frequency, and therefore, tend to damp vibrational energy more efficiently and reduce radiated sound energy and noise.

Abstract: A device for controlling multiple hydraulic actuators to protect a system from an overpressure caused by increasing the load on an individual actuator. By controlling the supply of hydraulic fluid to a pair of cylinders each associated with a pilot valve so that each cylinder always has enough fluid pressure to operate, the device of the present invention prevents the shutdown of the device caused by too much fluid going to the actuator operating at the maximum pressure. Thus all actuators continue to operate even if one is overpressured.

Abstract: A plunge valve for closing and for opening a connection in a hydraulic conduit comprises a plunge (37) which is slidably movable in the hydraulic conduit (5, 5A) under the influence of the pressure in a section (5A) of the conduit on the inlet side of said conduit adjacent to the plunge between a first, open position, when the pressure in said section (5A) is high, in which position the plunge is withdrawn and communication is established, and a second, closed position, in which the pressure in said section is low, in which position the plunge shuts off said connection.

Abstract: A cap which is so constructed that parts manufacture and product assembly are facilitated. The construction is such that a cap for a master cylinder reservoir connects a cover cap and a body cap with each other and a diaphragm is disposed in a space formed therebetween to provide a valve function. The cover cap has a concentric cylindrical portion and an annular protrusion, while the body cap has a funnel portion at its center and an annular disc portion at the periphery of the funnel portion. The diaphragm is fitted between the inner periphery of annular protrusion of the cover cap and the outer periphery of the funnel portion of the body cap. The diaphragm forms a suction valve and an exhaust valve together with the cylindrical portion and the annular disc portion, respectively.

Abstract: A boiler plant, comprising at least a first boiler and a second boiler. The first boiler comprises a first superheater and a first reheater for generation and heating of steam. The second boiler comprises a second superheater and a second reheater for generation and heating of steam. A first high-pressure turbine is driven by steam generated by the first superheater and fed to the first high-pressure turbine. The steam is delivered to the first reheater after having been expanded in the first high-pressure turbine. A second high-pressure turbine is driven by steam generated by the second superheater and fed to the second high-pressure turbine. The steam is delivered to the second reheater after having been expanded in the second high-pressure turbine. An intermediate-pressure/low-pressure turbine is driven by reheated steam generated by the first and second reheaters fed to the intermediate-pressure/low-pressure turbine.

Abstract: A regenerative adsorbent heat pump process and system is provided which can regenerate a high percentage of the sensible heat of the system and at least a portion of the heat of adsorption. A series of at least four compressors containing an adsorbent is provided. A large amount of heat is transferred from compressor to compressor so that heat is regenerated. The process and system are useful for air conditioning rooms, providing room heat in the winter or for hot water heating throughout the year, and, in general, for pumping heat from a low temperature to a higher temperature.

Abstract: A device for controlled insulation of a thermal device. The device includes a thermal jacket with a closed volume able to be evacuated to form an insulating jacket around the thermal source. A getter material is in communcation with the closed volume of the thermal jacket. The getter material can absorb and desorb a control gas to control gas pressure in the volume of the thermal jacket to control thermal conductivity in the thermal jacket.

Abstract: An air conditioning system circulates a mixture of refrigerant fluid and lubricating oil. An accumulator is disposed upstream of a compressor to separate gaseous refrigerant from liquid refrigerant and oil. The accumulator includes an outer case, an inner case, an upstanding pipe, and a baffle plate disposed in the outer case and above the inner case. Gaseous refrigerant exits the accumulator through the pipe. Oil and possibly liquid refrigerant collect in the inner case around the pipe. Liquid refrigerant and possibly oil collect outside of the inner case. Each of the pipe and inner case include vertically spaced oil-return holes.

Abstract: An improved Dewar including concentrically aligned neck, tail and belly sections in which the belly surrounds the tail and the tail includes a lamba plate, cooled by the flow of liquid helium from the belly, which absorbs residual heat which would otherwise reach liquid helium in the tail.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for manufacturing superfluidity helium (He II). The method includes the steps of (a) providing .sup.3 He gas (b) providing liquid .sup.4 He, (c) compressing the .sup.3 He gas to produce compressed .sup.3 He gas, (d) indirectly cooling the compressed .sup.3 He gas with liquid .sup.4 He to produce cryogenic .sup.3 He gas (e) adiabatically expanding the cryogenic .sup.3 He gas to produce cryogenic .sup.3 He gas having a temperature of less than about 1.18.degree. K., preferably less than 1.8.degree. K., and (f) indirectly cooling the liquid .sup.4 He with the cryogenic .sup.3 He gas produced in step (e) to produce superfluidity helium. The apparatus includes a first container for liquid helium and a second container for containing superfluidity helium, and a first line for connecting the first and second containers. A .sup.3 He refrigeration circuit is provided to cool the .sup.4 He in directly with cryogenic .sup.3 He to produce superfluidity helium.

Abstract: A refrigerator has freezing and cooling compartments, and a cooling device disposed in a space between those compartments. The cooling device includes a refrigerant-conducting pipe arrangement. Attached to that pipe arrangement is a deodorizer comprised of an odor adsorbing element and a heater for heating the odor adsorbing element. The deodorizer is suspended from pipe sections of the pipe arrangement so as to extend transversely relative to a direction of air flow through the cooling device. The cooling device includes a defrosting heater actuated simultaneously with the deodorizer heater so that both heaters perform a defrosting function.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring oil charge loss for use with a refrigeration system. The refrigeration system has a compressor for compressing a refrigerant gas, an oil/gas separator for separating compressed refrigerant from lubricating oil, a condenser for condensing the compressed refrigerant gas, an oil cooler for cooling oil separated from the refrigerant, the refrigerant and oil both having known and differing coefficients of heat transfer, and an injection system for injecting the cooled oil into the compressor.

Abstract: Difluoromethane (R32) is of current interest as a partial replacement for chlorodifluoromethane (R22) refrigerant heretofore widely used in vapor compression refrigeration systems. R32 has, however, proved to be more reactive than is desirable with the zeolite A adsorbent-desiccant compositions used in such systems to prevent corrosion and freeze-up problems. The sodium cation form of a zeolite having the crystal structure of zeolite B is found to be an effective adsorbent for that purpose and to be significantly less reactive with the R32.

Abstract: A closed loop vapor cycle refrigeration system an expander-compressor is disclosed. A portion of the liquid refrigerant in the system is expanded into gas. This gas is used to operate a compressor. The compressor compresses the low pressure gas from the evaporator and discharges the compressed gas either to a primary compressor or the condenser. A novel expander-compressor device is also disclosed for use in the refrigeration system.

Abstract: Problems accompanying the appearance of compressed liquid refrigerant in a compressor are solved and deterioration of vehicle performance and degeneration of a magnetic clutch (when there is no compressed liquid refrigerant in the compressor) are prevented. An ECU 7 for energizing magnetic clutch 5 determines that there is liquid refrigerant in a compressor when a reduction rate .DELTA.NE of the engine revolution number is larger than a set value when the compressor 4 is started and the magnetic clutch is de-energized for a certain period of time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling a primary loop with a secondary loop for circulating processing fluids therebetween comprising in combination: a first connection for the feed line of the primary loop and a second connection for the return line of the primary loop; a third connection for the feed line of the secondary loop and a fourth connection for the return line of the secondary loop; a crossover line coupling the four connections; first valve means for controlling the flow through the secondary loop; first sensor means responsive to the temperature associated with the secondary loop to control the first valve means; second valve means in the path of flow through the crossover line; and second sensor means responsive to the flow of the process fluid across the crossover line to control the second valve means.

Abstract: A multi-chamber heat-pump type air conditioner in which a plurality of room units (2, 3, 4) are connected to one heat source unit (1), cooling and heating can be effected selectively for each room unit (2, 3, 4), and cooling can be effected by one room unit and heating can be simultaneously effected by another, wherein the high-level pressure or low-level pressure is controlled from rising high as compared to the time of normal operation, and the reliability of the compressor (17) is improved. In which, a third pressure-detector (48) is provided for detecting a rise in pressure between a compressor (17) and a four-way changeover valve (18), and a control circuit (49) is provided for controlling such that, in the event that the pressure within the pipe is below a predetermined pressure, a sixth valve (45) and a seventh valve (46) are closed, while in the event that the pressure within the pipe exceeds the predetermined pressure, the sixth valve (45) and seventh valve (46) are opened.

Abstract: A modular refrigeration apparatus containing a cabinet with a front opening and divided into lower and upper portions, for separately receiving a plurality of removable modular units, said removable modular units including one of a selected plurality of interchangeable storage units and a universal refrigeration unit. A selected one of the plurality of interchangeable storage units is positioned within the upper portion of the cabinet for storing a plurality of containers. The refrigeration unit is positioned within the lower portion of the cabinet and in communication with the upper portion for cooling the entire interior of the cabinet. The cabinet is designed so that the interchangeable storage units and refrigeration unit can be respectfully removed or inserted from the cabinet without affecting the other units.

Abstract: A heat pump that includes organic hydride (12) and metal hydride (2) systems cools a conditioned space (6) by transferring heat from the conditioned space to a metal hydride bed (4), thereby decomposing a metal hydride in the bed to form H.sub.2. The H.sub.2 flows to a vapor space (14) in the liquid hydride system (12) and reacts with a dehydrogenation product at a catalytic surface (32) in the vapor space to form an organic hydride and an exothermic heat of reaction. The heat pump also may be used to upgrade waste heat by transferring heat from a relatively low temperature heat source to decompose the metal hydride. The exothermic heat of reaction may then be removed from the vapor space and used for space heating. In both embodiments, the metal hydride bed (4) may be regenerated by supplying an endothermic heat of reaction to the catalytic surface (32), thereby dehydrogenating the organic hydride to form H.sub.2. The H.sub.