Abstract: A fluid friction heater is disclosed. The heater includes a housing having a cylindrical inner surface. At least nearly circumferential, closely spaced grooves are formed in the inner surface of the housing, the depth of the grooves being small relative to the diameter of the surface itself. A drum is mounted within the housing and has a cylindrical outer surface in close proximity to the inner surface of the housing. The outer surface of the drum has at least nearly circumferential, closely spaced grooves formed in it as well. The pitch of the grooves in the respective surfaces are different from one another. A liquid is injected into the space between the inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the drum. The housing and the drum rotate relative to one another so that the liquid passing between their respective surfaces is sheared and agitated by the respective grooves in the surfaces.

Abstract: An on-site system in which means for treating domestic sewage generated within a building located thereon are totally integrated with means for modifying space temperatures and for heating water for sanitary and other purposes therein to form a matrix of interrelated and interdependent functions acting together to deliver only non-polluting products to the environment and to achieve maximal energy conservation.

Abstract: A fireplace heating system having a fireplace furnace connected to a heat transfer device and to a fluid source for heating a fluid received from the source and feeding heated fluid to the heat transfer device in order to heat a building, and the like, in which the heat transfer device is located. The furnace coils forming a grate and arranged extending in a tortuous path in vertically displaced, substantially horizontal planes and a substantially vertical plane extending between the horizontal planes for partially surrounding a fire built on the coils in order to achieve efficient heat transfer between the fire and the fluid being passed through the coils.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process and apparatus for the recovery of heat from exhaust or waste gases having a temperature of from about 500.degree. F. to about 2500.degree. F. generated in a process operation having at least two heat recovery assemblies, each utilizing like or different intermediate heat transfer mediums to recover heat at higher heat temperature levels.

Abstract: This invention relates to self-priming devices for indirect domestic water heating systems which device acts as expansion and contraction chambers for primary and secondary water in the system. The device consists of a closed housing divided internally by a wall intermediate its ends to form axially disposed first and second chambers. A open ended tubular member extends from the wall into the second chamber to provide communication between the chambers and an inlet and outlet is provided in the second chamber adjacent the wall. At least one inlet is provided in the first chamber at the end remote from the wall. The first chamber is connected to a primary water circuit and the second chamber is connected to the secondary water circuit to separate the water in one circuit from the water in the other circuit. The volume of the first chamber is substantially 4 to 4.

Abstract: A heating system comprises serially connected heating and holding coils connected in a closed heating liquid circulating circuit with a collector coil at the space to be heated. The heating and holding coils are disposed in a compartment wherein both are subject to direct heating by one or more gas burners, and flue gas is drawn through the compartment in heat exchange relation with the holding coil before being exhausted.

Abstract: Disclosed are suitably structured storage tanks which substantially eliminate blending problems in thermal storage systems. More particularly is disclosed floatable baffle and flexible diaphragm means for preventing blending of different temperatures of water in a storage tank. Also disclosed is a thermal storage system wherein the tanks are at the base of a building and which includes the use of energy conserving turbines to further enhance the benefits of thermal storage. Direct pumping entry of the storage water at a low pressure is permitted into the load circuit which is at a substantially higher pressure and the turbine conserves energy required in the pumping.

Abstract: A system for lowering the temperature of a room where a substantial amount of waste heat is generated, and utilizing the waste heat removed from the room, includes a portion mounted within the room to absorb the heat from the room and a portion external to the room, operable to utilize the heat.The portion mounted in the room includes at least one heat exchanger along with associated means for moving the hot air of the room through the heat exchanger and means for conducting fluid through the heat exchanger and to the external portion of the system.

Abstract: A steam-type fireplace heat-extraction apparatus, including an enclosure for utilizing the heat generated in a fireplace, comprising an isobaric or atmospheric, superheated steam system combined with a unique enclosure, said enclosure comprising a fireplace frame having vertical side members and horizontal top and bottom members, with two novel door structures which are hingedly carried by the fireplace frame. Each door structure comprises double panes of tempered glass disposed in spaced, parallel relation, held by a door frame which extends around the peripheral portions of the panes and confines the same. The door frames have special ventilating holes located adjacent the top and bottom members of the fireplace frame, which enable air from the room to be drawn into the space between the panes and then discharged, to not only provide heat to the room but also at the same time hold the temperature of the glass to a lower value.

Abstract: A fireplace jacket assembly and heating system associated therewith. A fireplace jacket assembly including water chambers on five sides of an open wood-burning fireplace having means for providing water communication and circulation therebetween is placed in a conventional heating or hot water system. A pump circulates the water between the component parts of the system including a water storage tank and a radiator, and means are provided responsive to the temperature of water within the storage tank for preventing heating thereof by conventional (i.e., fossil fuel or electricity) means, or by a solar heating system. An opening formed in the bottom of the fireplace jacket provides for greater efficiency.

Abstract: A thermal distribution system for distributing heated or cooled fluid from respective fluid generators to thermal exchangers. The system comprises a regulating-reversing device for selectively controlling and distributing the fluid from and towards the hot fluid generator and the cold fluid generator, and regulating the flow thereof from and towards the thermal exchangers. A degasifying device is connected to the regulating-reversing device for distributing said fluid to the exchangers and for collecting the same from said exchangers. A pumping means is mounted between said degasifying device and said regulating-reversing device for pumping the fluid from the latter to the former.