Abstract: A device is provided for heating a room by convection using the heat from a conventional radiation heat source. The heating device further acts as a fireplace guard when the heat source is a fire to substantially prevent sparks or other small particles of combustion from entering the room in which the fireplace is located. The device includes a threshold unit and a plurality of spaced pipes. The pipes are supported by the threshold unit while a screen member such as metal gauze is connected between the pipes. An opening in the threshold unit is adjacent the floor surface of the room in which the heat source is located. The radiation from the heat source raises the temperature of the pipes while relatively cool air enters the opening in the threshold unit and passes into the pipes. The temperature of the air is increased by the heated pipes and exits from the top thereof to heat the room by convection.

Abstract: A solar collector wherein heat transfer from a plate to a tube grid is accomplished by the intimate engagement of the tube grid with the plate by compression and without any physical union by bonding; a light transparent sheet presses the two together against a compressible pad and the tube grid and plate are not bonded together but only held in intimate contact by compressive engagement.

Abstract: A heat-exchanger element of the type consisting of two sandwiched metal sheets, deformed so as to define between themselves a flow channel, has a number of apertures in the portion of the element not deformed. The one heat-exchanging fluid passes through the channel and the other through the apertures, generally in a direction perpendicular to the sandwich interface. In a preferred embodiment the apertures are formed by a punching operation in the way that tongue-like flaps are formed which affect the direction of flow, create turbulence and may serve as means spacing or supporting adjacent elements.

Abstract: A heat exchanger adapted particularly for use in embedded radiant heating systems and including a plurality of webbed tube mats and associated manifolds, wherein the webs are separated from their adjacent tubes along tear lines at at least two longitudinally spaced portions of the mat.

Abstract: A heat exchanger preferably having spirally shaped cooling passages is described. The heat exchanger has the walls of the cooling passages formed first by two jaws spaced apart. The ends of the jaws are then joined together to form the fluid passage. The cooling passage is therefore integral with the base body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to solar heat collectors as used in arrangements for heating water by means of sun irradiation. More particularly the invention relates to large area collectors which are used in raising the temperature of swimming pools and like bodies of water.

Abstract: A heat exchange element for solar heating is made of a solidified material such as concrete, cement, ceramic or resin bonded particulate material. Internal ducting is provided by embedded pipes or within the material itself. In the latter case a former is removed after the material is set, and this may be a rigid member, or one that can be dissolved or melted out. The element is preferably a laminated panel-like structure, possibly with fibre reinforcement.

Abstract: A diffusion pump includes a flat metal boiler plate having an upper face defining a floor for a pool of a vaporizable diffusion pump fluid or oil and a lower face against which the metallic sheath of a tubular electric heater is pressed by a coextensive massive clamping plate. The heater has a tendency to be overheated if only air is its thermal load. To prevent overheating of the heater because of variations in the geometry of the heater sheath which tend to cause air spaces between the sheath and the face of the boiler plate, a thin flexible metal crush plate is disposed between the clamping plate and the heater. The crush plate has a plurality of spaced, raised dimples adapted to contact many portions of the heater sheath throughout the length of the sheath. As the clamping plate, the flexible plate and the heater are urged toward the boiler plate by nut and bolt assemblies securing the clamping plate to the boiler plate, the dimples are deformed whenever they are in contact with the heater sheath.

Abstract: A black plate absorber divides the chamber of a solar collector into upper and lower spaces, both of which are provided with inlets and outlets for a heat exchange medium. Heat losses through the side walls are reduced by providing, between the chamber and the side walls, side conduits which have inlets and outlets for a heat exchange medium.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for solar collector apparatuses comprises two metal layers (10, 11) abutting each other and at least one metal pipe (12) for a heat-carrying medium arranged between the layers. The metal layers are cold-welded together on either side of the pipe to form heat-conveying fins and the pipe is cold-welded to at least one of the metal layers. The exchanger has a greater total goods thickness at the pipe than at the fins to allow a comparatively high heat-carrying medium pressure. (FIG. 1). For manufacturing the heat exchanger two metal strips and a metal pipe are continuously fed between two rolls, of which at least one is provided with a groove corresponding to the pipe. The roll pressure is selected so that the metal strips and the metal pipe are subjected during cold rolling to a thickness reduction of at least 60% during the passage between the rolls, so that the strips and the pipe are cold-welded together.

Abstract: A condenser/evaporator heat exchanger comprising a plurality of vertically oriented panel units spaced moderately from one another. Each panel unit comprises a pair of thin film plastic sheets bonded to one another along a plurality of vertically extending bond lines transversely spaced from one another at regular intervals. The two sheets form between adjacent pairs of bond lines a plurality of vertical tubular condensing chambers adapted to receive pressurized steam. Brine is directed onto the outer surfaces of the panel units at the upper ends thereof, the brine descending down the outer surfaces of the panel units to be in heat exchange relationship with the steam inside the tubular condensing chambers.

Abstract: A solar heat collector comprised of modular elements which may be easily assembled and disassembled without any special tools. The system is comprised of a plurality of conduits arranged in a planar fashion for collecting solar heat and joined at their ends by interlocking connectors. The interlocking connectors are elbows and tees which have interlocking male and female flanges which may be easily connected and disconnected. Additional conduits may be added as needed and the length of the conduits may be increased by use of an interlocking coupler. The interlocking nature of the conduits, connectors and couplers allows the entire system to be constructed and disassembled. The interlocking connectors form input and output manifolds through which a heat-collecting fluid may be circulated. An adapter is provided for connecting a pipe for delivering the circulating fluid. The adapter has a neck having a predetermined inner and outer diameter for use with two standard pipe sizes.

Abstract: A solar collector panel is made from glass fiber reinforced concrete using a dissolvable core of polymer foam to form the internal passageways. The core is dissolved in a solution of solvent and polymer which impregnates and coats the concrete surfaces of the passageways to seal the passageways and to isolate the concrete from the heat transfer fluid.

Abstract: A kind of radiating floor board is disclosed which radiates heat. The floor board has a stratified structure comprising a metallic surface plate, a depressed metallic tube for hot water circulation located meanderingly under the plate, a heat insulating material and a base board.

Abstract: A solar energy receiving surface having a heat exchange fluid conduit for circulating a heat exchange fluid in contact with the energy receiving surface is positioned between and thermally insulated from an upper and a lower cover, the lower cover serving as a base, and the upper cover, serving as a fixed tracking system, is provided with a multiplicity of raised surfaces which trap and collect incident solar radiation and direct it to the energy receiving surface. In the preferred embodiment the collector is evacuated to provide greater thermal insulation efficiency. Other conduits are provided to introduce a heat exchange fluid and to receive or collect the fluid after it has been in heat exchange contact with the energy receiving surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting solar energy adapted for use with overlapped roof shingles on the roof or side of a building comprising thin flexible metal plates interposed between the overlapped shingles in heat transfer relation therewith such that heat absorbed by the shingles is transferred to the metal plates. The plates extend through the roof via slots provided therein and are affixed in heat transfer relation with pipes containing a fluid.

Abstract: A solar water heater is disclosed comprising a frame adapted to be mounted within the wall of a building, a conduit securely mounted within the frame in a sinuous planar configuration and having an outer surface adapted to absorb solar energy, an inlet end adapted for connection to a water supply and an outlet end adapted for connection to a hot water storage tank, a transparent corrugated panel member mounted within the frame and outward of the conduit, the corrugations of the transparent panel member being parabolic shaped in cross-section to direct incident light rays to the conduit dwelling within the parabolic shape, a reflector panel mounted within the frame rearward of the conduit and having a forwardly disposed corrugated reflector surface with the corrugations being parabolic in cross-section to direct light reflected from the reflector surface to the conduit dwelling within the parabolic shape, a third panel hingedly secured to the bottom of the frame and being rotatable from a closed position enclo

Abstract: A collector for radiant heat energy is disclosed, containing a radiation-absorbing heat-conducting panel in thermal contact with a series of "riser" tubes, through which a working fluid flows, thereby carrying away the radiant heat incident on the panel and absorbed by the fluid. A pair of larger diameter "header" pipes are connected to opposite ends of the riser tubes, providing access for the working fluid to and from the risers, and conducting the fluid to the pump driving the fluid motion and to the thermal "load" or object desired to be heated. Each riser tube intersects and passes through the interior of each header pipe, and the short end of the riser tube emerging from the opposite side of the header pipe is sealed by means of a cap which may be removed to facilitate cleaning of the riser tubes. Fluid passes between the risers and headers through a series of "metering holes" which are drilled through the walls of the riser tubes and located in the interior of the header pipes.

Abstract: A solar energy collector which is inexpensive to manufacture and install comprising a heat absorber unit of rubber-like material having channels for the passage therethrough of heat exchange fluid and spaced-apart retainer means on its top for retaining a flexible solar collector cover in a flexed configuration accomplished by wedging it between the retainer means so that the area of the insulating space between absorber and collector can be controlled for different climates by spacing the retainer means and a simple means for assembling absorber and collector is provided. The collector is adapted to be mounted on a base to form a modular unit.

Abstract: A solar-heat-collector apparatus providing a means for gathering and concentrating solar radiation at a maximum collecting rate, regardless of the incident angle of the solar radiation impinging on the apparatus. The apparatus comprises an outer housing and an inner housing arranged in spaced relation to each other--forming an insulating gap therebetween. Disposed within the second housing is a continuously arranged solar-pipe system on which is affixed compatible, molded, heat-absorbing, finned bodies wherein the fin members thereof extend radially outward in a longitudinal array of panels arranged at various angular degrees about the pipe to increase the radiation impinging area, so as to receive the maximum solar energy as it enters through either side of the transparent housing at any given angular displacement.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting radiant solar energy to provide solar heating which may be used singly or in multiples as modular units. The apparatus is constructed as a self-contained unit having an insulated base, an energy receiving surface positioned adjacent the insulated base, and a heat exchange fluid conduit for circulating a heat exchange fluid in contact with the energy receiving surface. Other conduits are provided to introduce a heat exchange fluid and to receive or collect the fluid after it has been in contact with the energy receiving surface. The top or cover of the collector module is positioned in spaced relationship adjacent the energy receiving surface. The cover is transparent to solar energy and is provided with a plurality of spaced raised structures having surfaces angularly disposed to transmit radiant solar energy to the energy receiving surface. Side walls provide a self-contained unit and permit mounting of the unit on a surface.

Abstract: Solar heating system, wherein solar heating assemblies are adapted to form the roof of a structure. The solar heating assemblies may not occupy the entire surface area of a roof, but the upper sheathing elements of the solar heating assemblies may extend over the entire roof area so that no other provision for roofing of the structure is necessary.

Abstract: A solar collector simple to install in the field comprises a mat formed of side-by-side extruded EPDM rubber strips having parallel hollow tubes, with inwardly diverging recesses extending along the strips so that the strips can be removably adhered to an insulating base without cement protruding above the tubes. A one-piece extrusion seals an edge of upper light transmissive panel, covers a side of the collector and seals the collector atop a roof or like surface.

Abstract: A solar heat collector having an array of liquid transporting tubes and a plurality of heat absorber panels joined by a tube gripping accommodation on each panel providing structural integrity and good thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A heating system for a building structure is provided in which a heat pump system and at least one solar energy system and one air convector system are used. The solar energy system collects heat during the periods when sun energy is available and the air convector system collects heat when available from warm air. The heat from both systems is stored directly in the earth which surrounds the evaporator of the heat pump system.

Abstract: A solar heating panel is constructed from a kit of parts which essentially comprises a number of absorber plate sections, each of which has on one edge an outwardly-facing concave part-cylindrical portion, the concave surface of which has a radius of curvature equal to the radius of curvature of the outside circumferential surface of the tubes which will carry the water to be heated through the panel. In the embodiment described, the part-cylindrical portions on the absorber plate sections are clamped with their concave surfaces in heat-conducting contact with the outer surfaces of the tubes by spring clips which are readily snapped over the convex surfaces of adjacent absorber plate sections.

Abstract: A solar heat collector having an array of liquid transporting tubes and a plurality of heat absorber panels joined by a tube gripping accommodation on each panel providing structural integrity and good thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A three way valve selectively charges or discharges gas under pressure within the annular gaps between a series of transversely extending longitudinally spaced radiator tubes fixed to a radiator panel to control waste heat rejection and coaxial inner tubes which may comprise heat pipes or turns of a sinuous coolant flow tube for spacecraft, earth satellites and the like to thermal couple and decouple the heat pipe or coolant flow tube to the space radiator.

Abstract: Securement of flat heat exchange surfaces, particularly fins to tubular conduits of a heat exchanger. The heat exchange material is formed into upper and lower, or first and second pieces having longitudinal, partially circular recesses parallel to the length of a tube for engaging opposite sides of the tube. The radii of the recesses corresponds to the outer diameter of the tube. The recesses extend through less than 180.degree. so that the flat parts of the heat exchange surface are spaced leaving a gap prior to securement to the tubes. The two pieces are initially formed to interengage in such a way that they can be joined by lock seaming on opposite sides of the tube. Forces are applied to the interengaged pieces, forcing them together, stretching the heat exchange material at the recesses, thereby producing a tight interference fit between the heat exchange surfaces and the tube to provide minimum resistance to conduction of heat and at the same time securing the pieces together by lock seaming.

Abstract: A solar heating panel has a rectangular frame to receive a rectangular metal pan which supports a continuous coil of water tubing which is attached thereto by strips of metal attached to the pan. Preferably, the frame is divided into quadrants by rails. Each quadrant is closed off by a pane of glass cushioned and weather-stripped to the frame and rails. Above the glass is a continuous sheet of a synthetic, highly transparent plastic which is attached to the frame by a gasket. Provision is made for thermal expansion of the various components, for drainage, for prevention of leakage of moisture and for insulation. The panel can be incorporated in a household water heating system and also to heat space. The metal pan has a roughened surface (e.g., pebbled, diamond-embossed) and is painted black. This structure increases the area exposed to the sun, eliminates reflection, interrupts flow of cooling air across the surface of the pan, and reduces the effect of expansion and contraction.

Abstract: A solar absorber panel and method of making is disclosed in which a fluid heat transfer system of elongated hollow passages connecting inlet and outlet headers is fabricated of an array of two layers of strips of thin gauge stainless steel superimposed upon the reverse side of a mild steel absorber plate. The array of strips of thin gauge stainless steel is seam welded about the periphery of the strips and inflated to produce the hollow fluid passage system. The peripheral seam welding fixes the edges of the superimposed strips both to each other to seal the lattice fluid passage system and to the mild steel absorber plate. Inlet and outlet connectors fixed to the appropriate openings in the upper stainless steel lattice layer are also used for the inflation of the passage system.

Abstract: A suction line/capillary tube assembly which provides improved heat exchange between the cool gaseous refrigerant conveyed by the suction line and the warm liquid refrigerant conveyed by the capillary tube in a refrigeration system. The assembly is generally characterized by the capillary tube being within and in direct thermal contact with the suction line wall along a substantial length thereof, which length is at least approximately two feet. In a first specific embodiment, the capillary tube is soldered to the inside of the suction line, as opposed to merely being loosely passed therethrough. In a second specific embodiment, an aluminum suction line is fabricated with an internal extruded channel defined between a pair of ridges extending from the interior surface of the suction line. A copper capillary tube is snugly positioned in the channel and preferably the ridges are deformed toward each other so as to substantially surround the capillary tube.

Abstract: A tube wall made of tubes extending parallel to one another and horizontally to inclined, which are provided with opposite fins on the longitudinal edges of which adjacent tubes are welded gas-tight to one another. The fins are formed as a continuous band exceeding in width the outer diameter of the tube. The band is arranged tangentially on the outside of the tube and the bands, which are welded with each other, are suspendable on a supporting structure for assuming the forces resulting from the dead weight of the tube wall and from additional loads.

Abstract: A group of elongated, thin wall, black, PVC tube-like tanks extending horizontally and parallel to one another in an array. The tank ends are connected to fluid inlet and outlet manifolds. Rapid assembly of tanks and manifolds is facilitated by loose joints between tanks and tapered apertures in manifolds receiving tubular inlets and outlets on tanks. Also, the tubular/taper design makes an interference fit and sets up ideal conditions for liquid welding. Each tank has built in protection in the form of retained fluid in the event of failure of the pumping system.

Abstract: A system utilizing solar energy collectors for heating water, which system embodies a piping circuit whereby water from a storage or supply tank is pumped in a continual upward path through the collectors to a peak elevation and thence through sized return piping so as to return with any entrapped air to the storage area, with the return piping being vented adjacent to the storage area to allow escape of such entrapped air to the storage area, with the return piping being vented adjacent to the storage area to allow escape of such entrapped air while the water is circulating through the system and to allow influx of air to replace water in the collectors when the pump is not operating.

Abstract: A clip for intimately engaging a solar-ray absorber in heat exchange relation with a conduit whereby a channelled absorber or fin receives the conduit in the channel; a generally C-shaped, resilient clip is applied to the back of the channel to embrace the absorber from behind and clinch it to wrap the channel closely around the conduit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solar heating element comprising a tube having two fin means extending therefrom, the fin means lying at an angle to one another.The invention also provides solar heaters containing a plurality of such elements joined by connectors at the free ends of the fins.The elements are conveniently made by extrusion.Manifolds for attachment to a plurality of such elements are also provided and enable the construction of heaters to various sizes.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing heat exchange panels each comprising metal tubes of finite length welded to a metal sheet except at the end portions of the tubes which are secured to headers in fluid-tight relation thereto, in which methods the metal sheet, having end edges and side edges, is formed into a hollow cylinder with the end edges adjacent each other and metal tubing is welded to the cylinder in a spiral path. Welding is interrupted adjacent the end edges and the tubing is cut above the end edges to provide tubes welded to the cylinder except at end portions of the tubes. The end portions of the tubes, after the cylinder-tube combination is formed to the desired shape, e.g., flat, are secured to the headers. If tubes parallel to the side edges of the sheet are desired, the hollow cylinder is formed with adjacent portions of the side edges in axially offset relation prior to welding the tubing to the cylinder.

Abstract: A solar energy collector for use primarily in a closed-loop system has a fluid conduit of serpentine configuration which comprises a plurality of relatively thin extruded aluminum tubes, each tube having a flat top and bottom wall and lateral flat lips or flanges extending longitudinally along opposite sides thereof and coplanar with the bottom wall forming therewith a flat base for the tubes, the flanges providing means for joining the tubes by welding in an array in side by side abutment relation. Sections are formed from the flat tubing as connecting headers which are welded at both ends to pairs of adjacent tubes in staggered relation to form the continuous serpentine path for the heat transferring fluid.

Abstract: A heat exchange device for air conditioners and the like comprising a primary body member of sheet plate material having tubular flow conduit fastened thereto for receiving and containing the flow of fluid such as the liquid/gas used with air conditioners and the like. Projecting pins securely attached to the plate member or members in single or double rows alternately with the tubing material provide the heat exchange improvement. Several different embodiments of the tubing and rows of projecting pins are provided for various type of applications. Another embodiment replaces the tubular flow conduit with a second plate member with the refrigerant flow being between the two plate members.

Abstract: Compact reaction apparatus, such as apparatus for steam reforming a hydrocarbon feedstock to produce hydrogen, comprises a plurality of tubular reactors vertically disposed and closely packed within a furnace. The furnace is divided into an enhanced heat transfer portion and a burner cavity. Each of the several reactors is disposed partly within the burner cavity and partly within the enhanced heat transfer portion. Heat transfer means, such as particles of a heat transfer packing material, is disposed within the enhanced heat transfer portion of the furnace and is constructed and arranged to provide substantially uniform and enhanced conductive, convective, and radiant heating of that portion of the reactors disposed within the heat transfer portion.

Abstract: A solar collector panel wherein heat absorbed in a collector plate having a broad, uniformly flat surface area may be conducted by a plurality of thermal conductors to a fluid flowing through pipes that are arrayed over the flat surface area of the collector plate. Each of the thermal conductors has broad flat surfaces in contact with the flat surface of the collector plate on opposite sides of the pipe, and an inner surface in mating contact with most of the pipe. The thickness of the thermal conductor increases from the extreme ends of its broad flat surfaces toward its inner surface. The thermal conductors are aluminum extrusions. A thermal joint compound is applied between the thermal conductors and the contacted surfaces of the pipes and the collector plate.

Abstract: A panel having multiple tubular passages extending therethrough and fitted on each end with a fluid tight hollow header. Apertures through one side of the headers place the tubular passages in communication with the interior of the headers. Fluid pumped into one header flows through the tubular passages to the other header, exchanging heat with the environment surrounding the panel as it passes therethrough. The panels are formed to provide a flow restrictive feature at the ends of the through fluid passages so that substantial flow will exist in all passages in all panels in an array of panels. One method for obtaining a fluid tight bond between the headers and the panel involves a forming process utilizing a heated die applied to the panel ends, and a subsequent panel and header material melting process followed by imposing pressure contact between the formed panel ends and the headers to thereby effect a permanent bond or weld.

Abstract: Heat absorbing sheet sections with corrugated surfaces terminate in part cylindrical flanges. The flanges are pressed between spaced heat collection tubes and held in place by spring action. The combined structure forms a heat absorbing surface and is secured within a pan having integral bottom and upraised sides. A seal molding is secured on the upraised sides of the pan and mounts two glass panels over the heat absorbing surface. A peripheral slot is formed in the seal molding. A key is pressed fit into the peripheral slot to hold the glass panels and molding in position.

Abstract: A heat transfer element having a plurality of parallel channels is formed from at least two interconnected metal foils or sheets, at least one of which is corrugated and at least one of which is flat, wherein the surfaces of the foils or sheets facing each other are coated with a weldable or sealable plastic or lacquer layer and are bonded to each other by means of these layers in their respective contact zones.

Abstract: A solar heat collector having an array of liquid transporting tubes and a plurality of heat absorber panels joined by a tube gripping accommodation on each panel providing structural integrity and good thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A solar collector comprisesA. a multiplicity of tubes to pass fluid and to receive heat, andB. channel shaped heat transfer members having flanges, the members having webs interconnecting the flanges and presented to receive solar radiation,C. the tubes clamped between and in heat transfer contact with flanges on successive of said members to form a tube and member assembly, whereby the solar heated channel members transfer heat via the tube clamping flanges to the tubes.

Abstract: A heat exchanger in the form of a heat radiating or absorbing panel is disclosed, which consists of an aluminum panel having a copper tube secured thereto in heat exchange relationship. The panel has at least one pair of parallel, spaced, retainer legs which have angularly inwardly extending flanges. A copper tube of circular cross section is laid into the channel formed by said retainer legs, and is then squashed by means of a die into a generally oval cross section which will be confined within the retainer legs. While so confined, fluid under pressure may be introduced into the tube to expand it into intimate contact with the panel, the retainer legs and the flanges. The assembly may then be heated during the expanding step to a temperature somewhat above the expected operating temperature of the assembly, to prevent loosening of the intimate contact between the tube and panel, which have different coefficient of expansion. Provision may be made to cause flow through the tube to be turbulent or swirling.

Abstract: Heat transfer element, in particular radiant heater, comprising tubes for a circulating fluid, such as water, oil or vapor, and radiation panels formed with profile portions adapted to be mounted in good thermal contact with the tube surface, the tubes having a polygonal cross-section of which two adjacent sides are adapted to each engage one plane surface of the profile portion being formed in a single or in two contiguous radiation panels, and that the plane surfaces of the profile portion are pressed elastically resiliently against said adjacent sides of the tube.

Abstract: A heat-conducting joint suitable for solar heat collectors. A tubular metal member carries heat-transfer fluid. A sheet metal member is in thermal contact with said tubular member and one of the members is pre-curved in a plane perpendicular to the surface of the sheet into a wave shape substantially consisting of a plurality of long radius arches joined by short radius cusps. Means are provided for first securing the other member while straight to the one member near its ends in a manner to prevent sliding of the other member on the one member. Means are provided for then securing said other member against the one member at the short radius cusps, whereby the two members are pressed together elastically along at least one line of contact for efficient heat conduction between them.