Abstract: A hot and cold frostop for a food and salad bar in which the unit may be utilized to maintain food products at a predetermined serving temperature regardless of whether the food products are those which are desired to be heated or those which are desired to be cooled. The hot mode is used independently of the cold mode and the unit includes removable components and a selectively operable heating unit and refrigeration unit. The heating unit is operative by heating water that is in heat exchange relation to food pans mounted removably on the unit and the refrigeration unit is provided with heat exchange tubes associated with the upper end of the unit for cooling containers having food products therein by utilizing the natural tendency of cold air to migrate downwardly around the periphery of the containers for keep them cold.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of and apparatus for heating and cooling. The method and apparatus employ a thermodynamic moat across which heat energy conductance can be entirely prohibited. The moat comprises a heat source for a heat pump. The heat pump can be contained within the thermal protection of the moat. Thus its energy of operation may be added to, rather than lost from, the system. Structures for absorbing solar irradiation are disclosed, as are means to contain these structures within the protection of the moat, thereby to overcome grave deficiencies of solar collectors used in cold climates. A method of and apparatus for utilizing the solar absorber structures for summer cooling are also disclosed.

Abstract: A residential HVAC system includes a heat pump having a compressor arranged to heat a domestic hot water vessel and to heat or cool a storage vessel which is connected to a heat exchanger within the residence. Temperature sensors are provided at critical locations throughout the system and current and voltage sensors are coupled to the power lines feeding the residence. A microprocessor controls the operation of the compressor and other components of the heat pump system in response to measured temperatures, in response to the level of energy supplied to the residence and in response to the existence of on- or off-peak time intervals to operate the compressor and/or resistive heating elements to condition the hot water and storage vessels for subsequent use and to control an interior fan to condition the space. Operation of the compressor is controlled during on-peak intervals as a function of the resident's life style as reflected in power usage and requested comfort level.

Abstract: A cylindrically hollow segmented thermal gradient furnace enclosing metal or semiconductor material wherein each segment includes a heater for raising the temperature of the metal. The material is encircled by a heat pipe which is coupled to a heat exchanger for rapidly cooling a corresponding segment of the material after the heater has performed a thermal soak of the material. A reservoir is filled with inert gas which is selectively expanded to block cooling at the heat exchanger when the heater is turned on and compressed to allow cooling at the exchanger when the heater is turned off so that a sharp thermal gradient may be established along the length of the material.

Abstract: There is disclosed a multiple module furnace and system for aerospace application useful for conducting high temperature experiments and treatments of materials, particularly for alloying of metals. The furnace comprises a frame having a plurality of receptacles to receive a like plurality of furnace modules. Each furnace module has thermal insulation and thermal isolating means, an electrical resistance heater and a sample cavity which receives a plurality of sample containing crucibles. Each module is also provided with thermocouples at various locations to monitor and control the treatment.

Abstract: A food service table (10) is provided which includes separate heating and cooling systems enclosed within a housing (12) which may be selectively activated to heat or to cool food displayed and served on the table. Substantially all of the upper surface (13) of the housing (12) includes a food service area (14) in which is mounted a food service pan (24). Heating elements (26) and cooling coils (42) mounted on the pan (24) heat or cool foods displayed in the pan. The cooling system includes accumulator means (34) positioned at the lowest level of the cooling system for receiving and collecting refrigerant fluid upon activation of the heating system. Control means are provided to control the expansion and flow of refrigerant fluid during operation of the heating system.

Abstract: A flowcell for containing sample solutions is surrounded by an electric heater which is then surrounded by an isothermal frame having a large heat capacity, and a Peltier element serving as a cooling source is coupled with the isothermal frame. A heat delaying plate is arranged between the flowcell and heater and a temperature sensor is arranged between the flowcell and the heat delaying plate. The Peltier element is controlled in such a manner that the temperature of the isothermal frame is maintained substantially at a constant temperature lower than a predetermined temperature at which the sample solution is to be kept. The heater is controlled in accordance with a difference between the temperature of the sample solution and the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: An improved air cooling type heat exchanger for a refrigerating apparatus accommodated in a container is disclosed, wherein the improvement consists in that the air cooling type heat exchanger is divided into a plurality of segments which are arranged in a stepped relation in the direction of main air flow in such a manner that they overlap with a certain distance kept between the adjacent ones. Thus, it is assured that the heat exchanger is designed and constructed in smaller dimensions and moreover it is operated at a high efficiency.

Abstract: A passive temperature control shipment container is provided having a central chamber surrounding a sample or specimen wherein the central chamber has two conductive walls, one of which is in contact with a heat source and one with a heat sink to provide a specified temperature change profile and to maintain a specified temperature time relationship in the shipping container.

Abstract: A system for conditioning the air of a selected area, e.g. a room, of a house or other building structure, including individual refrigeration units for respectively heating and cooling the room. The respective units are sized according to the heating and cooling loads of the room, and when heating add blower motor and compressor heat and when cooling exclude such extraneous heat.

Abstract: Phosphoric acid, especially orthophosphoric acid, is employed as the absorption medium in an absorption heat pumping system using water as its working medium. The acid may contain additions of corrosion inhibitors and/or boiling point elevating agents if desired.

Abstract: An integrated heating and cooling system which makes maximum use of available energy regardless of seasons. The chiller is used throughout the year to transfer heat between the chilled water circuit and either the heated water circuit or the cooling tower. Also, cooling tower water can be injected directly into the chilled water circuit.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a refrigerator-oven complex based on the principle of the operative circuitry of the conventional refrigerator or freezer, specifically it means the additional incorporation of an empty box with temperature conservancy equipments at a suitable quarter of the conventional refrigerator or freezer, the said additional empty box will be referred to as the oven hereafter, the high temperature evaporation tube as the exhaust of the compressor of the refrigerator or the freezer is extended into the oven, the calorific power is diffused in the oven by means of several curved tubeworks and various ways of heat-diffusion so as to afford heating for objects such as foods or temperature conservation for them.

Abstract: Food thawing apparatus is disclosed specifically adapted for use in a refrigeration appliance. An enclosure having good thermal communication with surrounding environment is provided with a pair of planar electrodes defining a food thawing zone. One of the electrodes is movable to allow insertion of a frozen food load. A high frequency, relatively low wattage power supply provides uniform energy distribution throughout the feed load for gentle heating (thawing). Frequencies of 27.12 MHz or 43 MHz are suggested along with a power level of 100 watts or below, preferably 35-80 watts.

Abstract: A building heating and cooling system which eliminates the need for a dual circuited condenser in a water to water heat pump. The system includes a cooling tower water circuit, a device for cleaning and treating the water in the cooling tower water circuit, and a hot water circuit in the building. A single circuit condenser and a refrigerant compressor are used to heat condenser water. Apparatus is provided to inject the heated condenser water either into the hot water circuit or to the cooling tower. The heat pump also includes a cooler to provide a source of low temperature heat from a chilled water circuit in the building.

Abstract: A solar heat utilized air-conditioning system comprising: a solar heat collecting unit for producing warm water by heating a circulating heating medium water by solar heat obtained by collector plates disposed in parallel with each other; an absorption type refrigerating machine for producing cold water by provoking a refrigerating cycle, using the warm water produced by said solar heat collecting unit as the heat source for a generator; a main heat exchanger which indirectly heat-exchanges an intake fresh-air for a circulating cold or warm water in an air-conditioning unit disposed on the way of a fresh-air intake path to a space to be air-conditioned, thereby to produce cooling or heating air; an air-cooling and heating apparatus capable of selectively supplying the circulating cold or warm water to said main heat exchanger; and an auxiliary heat exchanger capable of selectively flowing either warm water produced by said solar heat collecting unit or cold water produced by said absorption type refrigerating

Abstract: The invention relates to assemblies for use with refrigerators and refrigerators utilizing such assemblies to enable dispensing of cold water or ice made from purified water. Refrigerators of this type are provided with a unit which dispenses the cold water or ice and which units usually include a water input, and may on some occasions, include a valve in the input line. This latter valve is designed to open and close when the unit requires makeup water. An assembly is used in conjunction with the refrigerator and which assembly generally comprises a support means in the form of a cabinet for retaining a flask of purified water in an inverted position and where the water from the flask is introduced into a holding chamber in the cabinet. The water is pumped from the holding chamber by means of a pump in the cabinet, to the unit in the refrigerator through the water input.

Abstract: An integrated system for the collection, storage, and utilization of solar energy in the heating and cooling of buildings utilizing a moist air cycle involving evaporation and condensation of water vapor at constant pressure to obtain the advantages of high heat capacity, resulting from phase change, and low mass flow rate. Subersaturated moist air is circulated through solar collectors where evaporation takes place; the coolant leaving the solar collectors in a saturated condition and returning to a hot storage tank. There the coolant flows across the surface of hot stored water where condensation takes place, and thereafter leaves the hot storage tank in a saturated condition and at a temperature only slightly above that of the stored water. The hot storage tank further includes floating heat exchanger means for heating water in the portable water supply system.

Abstract: The basic structure is a solar radiation collector of the type having an enclosed cavity. A spray of water in this cavity is directed against a solar absorption sheet to heat the water. This structure may be used as a cooler by directing a flow of air through the cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus and process useful in direct fluorination of a variety of compositions, as well as the fluorinated compositions themselves. The apparatus comprises a cryogenic zone reactor, such as a packed column reactor, divided into a plurality of independently controllable cryogenic temperature zones. Means are also provided to introduce a reactant to be fluorinated as well as to introduce a mixture of fluorine gas and an inert gas. The direct fluorination process is carried out in the reactor as described above. At least the first zone of the reactor is chilled to a temperature below the freezing point of the reactant to be fluorinated. The reactant is then introduced into the reactor wherein it condenses upon a suitably provided fluorination surface, such as copper column packings. A mixture of fluorine gas and an inert gas, with the fluorine gas initially comprising a very small percentage of the mixture, but gradually increasing as fluorination proceeds, is then introduced into the reactor.

Abstract: The hydronic heating and cooling system includes a packaged or integrated outdoor combination heat and cool unit for both residential and commercial installations comprising control valve means for directing water or liquid through alternately an evaporator for cooling the liquid during the cooling mode of the system or a heater for heating the liquid during the heating mode of the system. With such a construction the liquid passes through the heater in both the heating and cooling modes of the system; however, the heater is energized only in the heating mode.

Abstract: A produce warmer for raising the temperature of cold produce taken from a cold environment and about to be processed includes a refrigerant circuit in which an evaporative cooler and a heat exchanger are arranged in series for circulation of a refrigerant between them. The direction is such that heat is taken from the heat exchanger and is transferred to the evaporative cooler. There is a first housing for warm produce to be cooled, and this housing is included in a secondary water circuit also inclusive of the heat exchanger. The water in the secondary circuit is circulated in a direction to pick up heat from the produce and to transfer such heat to the heat exchanger. Following this the returning cool water is sprayed over the warm produce in the first housing and is recirculated. Should there be no warm produce for the first housing, an alternative supply of heat is afforded by a fan introducing warm air to the first housing.

Abstract: System using solar energy to heat a fluid in a heat storage tank can be utilized in either a heating mode or cooling mode. In the heating mode, several valves are actuated to cause fluid contained in an internal heat exchanger in the heat storage tank to circulate in series circuit with external heat exchange means in communication with the space to be heated. In the cooling mode, the valves are operated to cause the heated fluid in the internal heat exchanger mounted in the heat storage tank to circulate to a heat exchanger mounted in a refrigerant boiler. As the refrigerant boils, vapors are formed which pass through an ejector. The expanded refrigerant vapors are then condensed to liquid in a fan cooled condenser and a portion of the liquid is returned to the refrigerant boiler by a refrigerant circulating pump.

Abstract: A high lift energy reclaiming circuit for use in a vapor compression refrigeration system, the circuit being interposed in the system between the compressor discharge line and the condenser inlet line. Refrigerant vapors discharged from the compressor are exposed to, and condensed into, a strong absorbent solution to develop temperatures within the mixture that are in excess of the saturation temperature of the discharge vapors. The mixture is brought into a heat exchanger where the high temperature energy is recovered by a heat reclaiming substance, such as water or the like. The diluted absorbent in the mixture is then separated from unabsorbed refrigerant vapors and the dilute solution flash cooled by expanding the solution to the inlet pressure of the compressor.