Abstract: An infrared source comprising an electrically powered, hollow cylindrical rod which operates at lower temperatures and yet has no decrease in output power is configured by increasing the outside diameter of the rod and inserting grooves therein which provide cavities increasing the apparent surface emissivity of the rod.

Abstract: An atmospheric vaporizer suitable for vaporizing cryogenic liquids on a continuous basis at greatly improved operating efficiency characterized by a critical pass spacing ratio of from 1 to 5.

Abstract: A reflector for mounting above a heating pipe is elongated and in transverse direction subdivided in three sections each of which is arcuately curved in the transverse direction. The center of curvature of the middle section coincides with the vertical symmetry plane of the reflector; the center of curvature of the outer flanking sections are laterally offset and vertically downwardly spaced relative to the center of curvature of the middle section.

Abstract: An evacuated, one-wall tubular housing having a reflector positioned at the opposite side of the tubular housing from the radiation energy of the sun. The tubular housing includes a solar energy absorber member of a cylindrical shape, for example, and a metal tube provided for maintaining an energy absorbing media such as water in good heat transfer relationship with the absorber member. The system can improve the efficiency of the total energy collection without the need to track movement of the sun or focus the reflected radiation upon a particular point. The reflector has a curved reflecting surface corresponding to a segment of a cycloid or trochoid curve. In the case of an array of the tubular housings, the cycloid or trochoid curve of the reflecting surface is defined as a function of the tubular housing diameter and the distance between the adjacent housings.

Abstract: A heat transfer tube for a water-spray-panel evaporator for the gasification of liquefied natural gases which includes a tube having a pair of planar members each projecting outwardly from its peripheral surface, radially with respect to its longitudinal axis and extending longitudinally along such axis, and an internal fin disposed within the tube and having at least three fin members each projecting radially with respect to the longitudinal axis to provide a helical formation extending along and about the longitudinal axis, the helix of the helical formation contacting the internal wall of the tube in a pressure-fitting relationship. The heat transfer tubes can be assembled to form a panel evaporator. The method for fabricating such heat transfer tubes and assemblies is characterized in that the above pressure-fitting relationship is established by drawing the tube alone to reduce its internal diameter until the helix of the helicoid is abutted against the internal wall of the tube.

Abstract: Rotary thermodynamic compression and refrigeration apparatus and methods in which the mechanical impedance and/or thermodynamic impedance of the system are controlled in order to obtain stable operation. By controlling these impedances, the overall pressure drop of the fluid flow in the system is made to increase with increasing fluid flow rate, thus ensuring stable operation.

Abstract: The specification discloses a refrigeration apparatus suitable for cooling water in an air conditioning system, the apparatus having a heat exchanger in which certain heat exchanger tubes are omitted to greatly enhance the overall performance of the apparatus.This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 118,885, filed Feb. 6, 1980, now abandoned.

Abstract: An electric heating device for heating the interior of a cabinet containing electrical apparatus, such as a switch or distribution apparatus, to prevent sweating or condensation therein, includes at least one PTC electrical resistance heating and temperature self-regulating heating element situated in the interior of an elongated body made of thermally conductive material that is thermally connected to a radiator. The radiator is formed by a pair of flat base plates extending laterally from opposite sides of the body and radiator fins extending only from the base plates and only from one flat side thereof. The body is a massive hollow element having a wall thickness greater than that of the base plates and fins and a height greater than the thickness of the base plates. The body, base plates and fins are formed as a one piece extrusion. A permanent magnet may be used to secure the body to the interior surface of a steel cabinet.

Abstract: A solar collector is made from a straight tubular metal heat pipe having an evaporator section and a condenser section and two elongate flat solar-heat metal absorber plates. A plurality of equally spaced parallel cuts is formed in each plate, with the cuts extending transversely of the longitudinal direction of each plate. The two plates are disposed one on the other with their respective parallel cuts in alignment; and alternate portions between consecutive cuts are deformed in opposite directions to provide alternate oppositely disposed semi-cylindrical portions. The evaporator section of the heat pipe is inserted into the resulting cylindrical space; and the semi-cylindrical portions are mechanically pressed against the evaporator section. The two plates are then bent away from each other into an outwardly extending X-shape.

Abstract: A double-walled finned heat transfer tube is provided for use in heat exchangers. The heat transfer tube includes an inner tube inserted within an externally finned outer tube. The assembly is subjected to a crimping operation which produces radial convexities along the length of the outer tube which serve to lock the inner tube and outer tube together in intimate heat conducting relationship and which produces radial concavities between the inner and outer tubes which serve as leakage channels. The crimping operation also produces grooves in the external finned surface which improves heat transfer between the assembly and an external medium.

Abstract: A heat transfer apparatus (13) adapted to releasably secure an elongate heating or cooling means to a pipe. Apparatus (13) has a flexible base member (3) that adapts to the radius of curvature of the outer circumference of the pipe and preferrably has at least one protuberance (8) in its wall. One or two resilient side walls (4) extend over the side of base member (3) that faces away from the pipe to provide a longitudinal cavity for containing the heating or cooling means. An entrance-way (6) is provided for inserting or removing the heating source into or from the cavity. Side walls (4) are shaped such that they press uniformly against the heating or cooling means and urge said means against base member (3). Means (11) are provided for securing apparatus (13) to the pipe so the heating or cooling means can be removed from or inserted into the cavity without having to release apparatus (13) from the pipe.

Abstract: The solar collector comprises a plurality of chambers connected to one another through interconnecting ducts, said chambers being defined, on the upper side of the collector, that is the side facing to the sun--by transparent outwardly- convex surfaces, hile the pipes of the piping system enclosed within the housing extend through the chambers and the interconnecting ducts.On the lower side of the collector, the chambers and interconnecting ducts are defined by inwardly-reflecting surfaces which have an outwardly-convex configuration.

Abstract: A method of removing ripples from the metal sheet portion of a heat exchanger panel element which is manufactured by joining a metal tube to a metal sheet by means of heated and cooled weld metal, and the product of the method. In the method, the sheet is corrugated, after the tube is joined thereto, without stretching the metal of the sheet by more than 2% so that the sheet length with corrugations is substantially equal to the length of the tube joined thereto.

Abstract: An assembly for revaporizing liquefied gases. The arrangement is of the running water type and includes a nest of tubes (1) preferably grouped to form panels and connected to inlet and outlet manifolds and over which water is caused to flow. To withstand the corrosion of salt water, an A-G4MC alloy is used and the cross-section of each tube 1 includes two diametrally opposite outer fins 2,3 and inner fins 5. Said tube is produced preferably by extrusion.Application to vaporization of natural gas.

Abstract: A solar energy absorbing-heat exchanger device includes a copper tube and first and second identical copper sheets, the two sheets having semi-cylindrical curved surfaces which together fully enclose the tube and the sheets otherwise being essentially flat. Each sheet is joined to the other directly adjacent to and on opposite sides of the tube by two roll-formed seams. The roll-formed seams hold the sheets about the tube in tension to maintain contact between the tube surface and curved surfaces of the sheets. The semi-cylindrical curved surfaces may be roll-formed, as may be narrow channels and angular turns in each sheet which, when interengaged, are roll-formed toward the enclosed tube to form the two seams. The seams may include the use of solder, stiffener grooves may be added to the flat parts of the copper sheets, and channels may be added at the ends of the sheets remote from the enclosed tube to connect a number of such devices together.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for a convector heater includes a tubular heat source and fins for assisting the transfer of heat from the heat source. The fins are arranged in two banks, and the banks are disposed in Vee formation. Preferably the fins are provided with stabilizing strips at their free ends and the heat source is a sheathed electric heating element.

Abstract: Heat exchanger elements, particularly for solar panels, comprising metal tubing secured to a metal strip which is wider than the tubing and relatively thin by a weld which is metal of at least one of the tubing and the strip which has melted and cooled, the welding conditions being selected so that molten metal is expelled from between the tubing and the strip at the ends of short intervals and the strength of the weld varies longitudinally of the tubing. High frequency electric welding is used under conditions which cause the expulsion of the molten metal.

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 wall element, comprising a solar collector which is arranged between two panes and which comprises a number of rotatable absorber plates. One side of the absorber plates is provided with a non-selective black coating and the other side is provided with a selective, heat-reflective layer. The absorber plates are accommodated in evacuated, transparent tubes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of attaching a solar collector plate to a tube water way which comprises fluting the collector plate to a diameter appropriate for receiving the tube water way, fluting a backing strip to a diameter substantially the same as the diameter of the fluting of the collector plate, sandwiching the tube water way between the collector plate and backing strip in the fluting thereof, placing the assembly in a press and die, and, in the press and die, punching pierce tags from the collector plate into the backing strip and then closing the pierce tags. The present invention provides a method of bonding the collector plate to the tubes in a quick and easy manner which is suitable for mass production techniques.

Abstract: An improved heat exchange tubing and blade assembly is described. The heat exchange assembly comprises an elongated tube and an elongated heat exchange blade strip positioned thereon. The heat exchange strip includes an array of integrally formed blade segments which extend from a U-shaped support segment of the strip. Surfaces of the blades extend at a favorable angle of attack to the incident fluid flow stream, and in a preferred embodiment the chords of the blades extend in a direction substantially normal to a longitudinal axis of the tube. The strip is supported on an outer surface of the tube, and a means integrally formed with the tube maintain the support segment in thermal contact with the tube.

Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly and method for making the assembly. The assembly includes a pair of plates having longitudinal grooves which are joined together with the grooves mating with each other to define fluid-carrying channels extending between the ends of the plates for receiving a heat exchange fluid. The plates include an engaging intermediate surface between certain channels and the fluid-carrying channel passages may be arranged in groups having a laterally spaced relationship from each other. Header means having orifices for connection to the fluid-carrying channels are at each end of the plates for providing a continuous closed path. The plates and channels are coiled to extend about and around one of the header means which provides a circular configuration. The grooves in one of the plates include bosses for providing self-spacing of adjacent convolutions of the channels and plates.

Abstract: A cooling shell arrangement is assembled about an outer periphery of a housing of a dynamoelectric machine. The cooling shell arrangement comprises at least two extruded sections of arcuate shaped cooling members having cooling fins and at least two locking members fixedly holding the at least two sections in a predetermined position on the outer peripheral surface of the housing so that elongation of the at least two sections caused by thermal expansion is accommodated by the at least two locking members. Hoop tension is maintained in the at least two sections over a predetermined temperature range. The cooling shell arrangement improves the transfer of heat from the outer peripheral surface of the housing.

Abstract: A hollow finned, multipassage, aluminum or ceramic exhaust gas cooling device is clamped between an inlet structure and an outlet structure which provide for retroverted flow and muffling. The device may be air-cooled internally.

Abstract: A double-walled finned heat transfer tube is provided for use in heat exchangers. The heat transfer tube includes an inner tube inserted within an externally finned outer tube. The assembly is subjected to a crimping operation which produces radial convexities along the length of the outer tube which serve to lock the inner tube and outer tube together in intimate heat conducting relationship and which produces radial concavities between the inner and outer tubes which serve as leakage channels. The crimping operation also produces grooves in the external finned surface which improves heat transfer between the assembly and an external medium.

Abstract: A method of suppressing formation of heat exchange fluid particles into standing waves is provided. Pursuant to the method a plurality of metal fins attached to a plurality of tube sections extending within a shell are disposed within a heat exchanger shell such that the fins extend parallel to the tube sections and parallel to the direction of flow of fluid through the shell. The fins define with the tube sections a barrier adapted to interrupt movement of columns of fluid particles in a direction perpendicular to the direction of flow of fluid through the shell.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for absorbing a subject vapor in an absorbent liquid wherein an additive is provided which exists in at least a vapor phase concurrently with the subject vapor, which additive is effective to reduce the surface tension of the absorbent liquid upon contact therewith. A heat transfer member is provided having a first surface over which absorbent liquid is passed such that a film is formed thereon, and a second surface over which a heat transfer fluid is passed in order to remove heat from the absorption process. Means are provided associated with the first surface of the heat transfer member for promoting interfacial turbulence between the film of absorbent liquid and the subject vapor such that a series of preferential absorption sites is established along the first surface.

Abstract: An improved heat exchange tubing and blade assembly and a method for fabricating the same are described. The heat exchange assembly comprises an elongated tube and an elongated heat exchange blade strip positioned thereon, said strip including an array of integrally formed blade segments which extend from a U-shaped support segment. Surfaces of the blades extend at a favorable angle of attack to the incident fluid flow stream, and in a preferred embodiment the chords of the blades extend substantially normal to the length of the tube. The strip is supported on an outer surface of the tube, and means integrally formed with the tube maintain the support segment in thermal contact with the tube.

Abstract: A sun tracking solar energy collector assembly having both a longitudinally extending flat plate absorber and a tube absorber spaced from and extending longitudinally generally parallel to the flat plate absorber. In one form a parabolic reflector focuses direct rays of solar radiation on the tube absorber and directs diffused rays of solar radiation onto the plate absorber. In another form a Fresnel lens plate focuses direct rays of solar radiation on the tube absorber and flat reflector surfaces direct diffused solar radiation passing through the lens plate onto the plate absorber. In both forms a fluid is first heated as it circulates through passages in the flat plate absorber and then is further heated to a higher temperature as it passes through the tube absorber.

Abstract: Apparatus for climatizing a building comprising means including elements of a structural frame adapted to provide a portion of a facade for such building, at least a portion of said elements being hollow, said hollow elements being formed to provide for movement therethrough of fluid for supplying heat thereto or extracting heat therefrom, means for the delivery of fluid to and for the direction of fluid from said hollow elements, and said hollow elements being arranged for the mounting of facade elements to extend in bridging relation thereto and to be conditioned thereby.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for condensing vapors and the like. Two basic embodiments are described.In the first embodiment the input and output connections of a standard Liebig type condenser are connected to a water jacket in a heat sink and water which is heated by the condensing action within the Liebig condenser transfers to the heat sink in which it loses its heat and returns as cool water to the Liebig condenser.Oil may alternatively be used as the heat transfer medium between the condenser and heat sink.In the second embodiment the condenser comprises a glass tube around which cooling fins are located in intimate contact with the tube. A window is provided by arranging that the fins do not extend completely around the tube to allow the interior of the tube to remain visible.Additional cooling can be obtained by using forced draught from a fan and by blackening the surface of the heat sink.

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: 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: The present invention relates to an inner finned tube particularly suitable for use in a continuous plate-finned heat exchanger. The plate fins are spaced apart along the tube in heat exchange relation therewith. An elongated cylindrical tube is provided with a plurality of integrally formed and radially disposed inner fins projecting toward the axial center line of the tube. Each fin in cross section is formed having a truncated triangular base and a rectangular portion extending toward the axial center line of the tube. The number of equally spaced formed fins is equal to 2.pi./.theta., where .theta. is the angle subtended between the center lines of two adjacent fins and may vary between 0.45 and 0.345 radian. The radial height of each fin may vary between 14 to 20% of the internal diameter of the tube.

Abstract: Rotary thermodynamic compression and refrigeration apparatus and methods in which the mechanical impedance and/or thermodynamic impedance of the system are controlled in order to obtain stable operation. By controlling these impedances, the overall pressure drop of the fluid flow in the system is made to increase with increasing fluid flow rate, thus ensuring stable operation.

Abstract: An evacuated, double-walled, tubular housing contains a sheet metal fin which is biased against the inner tube. A metal tube carrying the fluid to be heated is placed in heat transfer relationship with the fin. A plurality of collectors can be placed in an array with the fluid carrying tubes the only connection.

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.

Abstract: A receiver for collection of concentrated solar energy comprising a tube permeable to solar radiation and an elongated body capable of absorbing such radiation disposed within the transparent tube. The body comprises a series of vanes depending from a common center where the angle between two adjoining vanes is not greater than 72.degree..

Abstract: A solar water heating panel having a base sheet and a metallic absorber sheet affixed in close parallel relationship to one another. The water passes between the two sheets and is heated by solar heat transfer through the absorber sheet into the water. The use of copper clad stainless steel in solar heaters is also disclosed.

Abstract: Energy absorber for a solar collector assembly comprises an array of closely spaced, parallel tube portions having very high fins which present a large area of exposure to the source of radiation. The finned portions of the absorber are positioned between layers of thin, transparent plastic sheeting. The plastic sheeting contacts most of the circumference of the fins and defines generally closed cell portions between the side walls of adjacent fins which are evacuated so as to minimize convection type heat losses.

Abstract: Rotary thermodynamic compression and refrigeration apparatus and methods in which the mechanical impedance and/or thermodynamic impedance of the system are controlled in order to obtain stable operation. By controlling these impedances, the overall pressure drop of the fluid flow in the system is made to increase with increasing fluid flow rate, thus ensuring stable operation.

Abstract: One or more heat absorbing panels are arranged on a generally flat area provided over an underground fluid storage reservoir, and the fluid is pumped from the reservoir through finned tubes in each panel and thence back to the reservoir or is pumped through a distribution system to heat one or more houses or the like. Each panel has reflective surfaces associated with each tube to efficiently capture the suns rays, and each tube has projecting fins so oriented as to absorb both direct sun light and also any rays reflected from these surfaces.