Abstract: An air conditioner utilizing an evaporatively cooled main heat exchanger for receiving ambient air and indirectly reducing the total heat content of the ambient air for delivery to a point of use. The air conditioner includes an air diversion mechanism which diverts a portion of the air after its passage through the main heat exchanger and supplies the cooled diverted air for use in the evaporative cooling of the main heat exchanger. A feedback mechanism may also be provided for diverting another portion of the air after its passage through the main heat exchanger and supplying this cooled diverted air for mixing with the ambient air prior to its being received by the main heat exchanger.

Abstract: An automobile cooling system where electrical energy derived from solar cells are used to drive the pump and fan of a vehicle mounted evaporative cooling system. Automatic control of the system is provided by a thermostatic switch located within the vehicle.

Abstract: Improved water distribution troughs are disclosed for use in the cooler pad assemblies of evaporative coolers. The troughs are provided with a primary channel and at least one secondary channel both of which are coextensive in a side-by-side relationship longitudinally of the trough and both are provided with multiple water outlets. The coextending plural channels provided in the troughs results in improved water distribution capabilities so that they can be used to overcome the water distribution problems of the large cooler pad assemblies used in industrial size evaporative coolers. The troughs can also be used in the relatively small pad assemblies of residential size evaporative coolers with such use providing overflow protection in the event of restricted water outlet flow resulting from mineral deposition and the like.

Abstract: An evaporative air conditioner wherein a radial fan is actuated through a speed controller independently of the water pump to maintain water flow at low fan speed and including water channels arranged to restrict water flow noises.

Abstract: An auxiliary cooler shell for installation over and around a conventional evaporative cooler for the enhancement of the cooling effectiveness and efficiency of the existing cooling system, the auxiliary shell incorporating evaporator pads and a water distribution spider that is supplied by the water pump of the conventional cooler over which the shell is installed.

Abstract: An evaporative cooling system for cooling a greenhouse uses lava rocks as the medium. The cooling system includes a grid mounted to an aperture in a wall. Lava rocks are contained in the grid. Water is dispensed on the rocks for causing evaporation. A fan located forwardly draws air through the rocks. The grid extends rearwardly of the aperture and is inclined. The water is dispensed by spray nozzles.

Abstract: An improved regenerative indirect evaporative and dry surface cooling system for conditioning the air in a structure.

Abstract: A falling film heat exchanger having a plurality of tubes is provided with a liquid distribution member surrounding each tube which directs liquid against the tube external wall to control the falling film flow and to form uniform films on each tube. The liquid can be a feed liquid or a heat exchange liquid such as a refrigerant.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for refreshing the water in an evaporative cooler. The apparatus includes a sump in which water for the cooler is collected. The sump is divided into two portions by a dividing dam. A pump supplying water to the cooler is positioned in one portion of the sump; a drain is positioned in the other portion. The drain is normally closed by a ball and flapper assembly and the sump is normally filled to a preselected level higher than the dividing dam. Periodically the ball and flapper are raised to flush the water from the sump so that contaminates and minerals are flushed from the sump and the water can be replaced by fresh water. During the flushing cycle enough water is trapped in the first portion of the sump by the dam so that the pump can continue to operate. In one embodiment the periodic flushing is accomplished by a mechanical flushing timer incorporated with the pump motor.

Abstract: An evaporative cooler is efficiently constructed of molded plastic materials, with a minimum of parts and simplicity in assembly. A blower shroud of a squirrel cage type blower extends the height of the cooler unit interiorly, and is secured by fasteners to a top panel and a base panel. Four side panels with air inlet openings are secured at their edges to the top and bottom panels. Water-retaining material is secured to the inside of each side panel, and the top edge of each side panel forms a water trough for dripping water down into the water-retaining material to be evaporated as air enters the unit. The water is circulated by a pump which draws collected water from a basin in the base panel and delivers it to the troughs.

Abstract: An air cooling device including a first water spray device, an air cooling part including a filler wherein cooling water sprayed from the first water spray device is brought into direct contact with intake air so that the intake air is cooled by the sprayed water through heat exchange therebetween on the surface of the filler, a first water reservoir that receives and reserves the water dropped from the filler and a cooling tower for rapidly cooling water to be sprayed in the air cooling part to a steady state condition prior to starting of an electrical apparata coupled to the air cooling device and to be cooled thereby. In the cooling tower, water from the first reservoir is sprayed into a second filler and thereby evaporatively cooled. The cooled water is collected in a second water reservoir and circulated therefrom to the first water spray device by means of a pump.

Abstract: A joint assembly for a casing cell or the like, which may form the housing of an air-conditioning appliance serves to attach a plurality of wall members to respective adjacent wall members by means of joining elements of the tongue and groove type for enabling a detachable fitting, the adjacent wall members abutting with abutting faces inclined to the main surface of each wall member, wherein the tongue type elements positively engage the groove type elements provided in at least one of the abutting faces and defining an undercut edge for the tongue elements, and two of the wall members of the casing cell which are arranged opposite and rigidly connected to each other and receive the other moveable wall members by insertion in a rectilinear direction essentially perpendicular to an opening face defined between the rigidly connected wall members, at least one of the joining elements being resiliently deformable.

Abstract: This invention relates to an evaporative cooler with improved water pump means wherein a single motor will operate the cooler fan and the pump. The water pump is of the impeller type that draws water therein and it will exit by one or more outlets. In addition there are new and unique coupling means which extend from the single motor to the pump whereby activation of the motor will rotate both the pump and a fan forming a part of the evaporative cooler.

Abstract: An evaporative cooler according to the invention comprises a one-piece, three-layer pad wrapped around an open-sided cylindrical barrel-like structure. Water is sprayed uniformly over the interior surface of the pad while a centrifugal blower draws air in through the pad from the outside. A novel base design renders it possible to replace the standard square base coolers with the cooler of the present invention. The cooler can be used either with downward or side delivery systems and can easily be adapted to being mounted in a window. The top, base, and barrel are separately fabricated of a non-heat conducting material and are so shaped that they can be nested or stacked for economy of space in storage or shipping.

Abstract: A wet/dry steam condenser in accordance with the present invention includes two spaced-apart, vertically aligned groups of heat pipes with each group having the lower, evaporator sections of their respective heat pipes exposed to the interior of an associated, longitudinally extending steam-receiving plenum. The upper, condensing section of each heat pipe is provided with fin structures and can be selectively cooled by a fan-induced air flow and/or deluge water supplied from either a flood water trough and/or a spray-head assembly.

Abstract: An supplantary reservoir supplants the original integral reservoir of an evaporative cooler eliminating the necessity for accumulating water in said original integral reservoir. The water circulating pump and float controlled valve of the original, conventional cooler may be transferred physically and functionally to the supplantary reservoir. Communication of water from the conventional cooler to and from the supplantary reservoir is by means of the drain opening in the base of the original integral reservoir. The supplantary reservoir is readily accessible providing easy maintenance thereof and inexpensive replacement if necessary.

Abstract: A system for operating a hydraulic tool is disclosed in which heated hydraulic fluid being returned to a fluid reservoir from the tool is cooled by a refrigeration system. The heated hydraulic fluid is introduced into the hollow interior of a distributor from which the fluid exits through a plurality of orifices in a planar side in the form of plural sprays directed onto adjacent portions of a coil carrying evaporating refrigerant. The sprays flow over the coil to effect substantial transfer of heat from the hydraulic fluid to the refrigerant, with the cooled hydraulic fluid being stored in the reservoir prior to being pumped to the hydraulic tool as needed.

Abstract: An apparatus for efficiently and economically cooling air by sequentially passing the air to be cooled through a chilled water heat exchanger mechanism and then through an evaporative cooler mechanism.

Abstract: An evaporative air conditioner is provided which includes a housing (10) having air-pervious portions (12). Wettable pads (20) are mounted within the housing (10) against the inner surface of the air-pervious portions (12) such that ambient air flowing through the air-pervious portions (12) flow through the pads (20). A suction fan (18) is mounted within the housing (10) for drawing ambient air through the air-pervious portion (12). A liquid distributor (16) is mounted above the housing (10). The distributor (16) has surfaces which slope downwrdly from the center of the distributor (16) toward the upper edges of the housing (10). The surfaces of the distributor (16) which slope toward the air-pervious portions (12) of the housing (10) include horizontal terraces (17) for distributing liquid evenly across the surfaces.

Abstract: Apparatus for periodically draining, flushing and replacing the water supply in an evaporative cooler during operation thereof and for completely draining the cooler when its operation is terminated. The apparatus includes a siphon drain valve mounted in the sump of the cooler and configured for movement between siphoning and non-siphoning positions with the movement being controlled by a solenoid. When the cooler is in normal operation, the solenoid is deenergized which places the siphon drain valve in the non-siphoning position and when in such normal operation, the water supply will increase in mineral salt concentration and other cooler damaging contaminants. At periodic intervals, such as under control of a time clock, the apparatus is switched to its draining, flushing and water replacing operation mode. This is accomplished by energizing the solenoid to initiate the siphoning action of the siphon drain valve to drain the water from the cooler.

Abstract: An apparatus for efficiently and economically cooling air by sequentially passing the air to be cooled through a chilled water heat exchanger mechanism and then through an evaporative cooler mechanism.

Abstract: An evaporative cooler body comprises a non-corrosive, insulative assembly of self-locating, self-jigging parts. Stand-off means are provided for increasing the effective area of the evaporative cooling pads and for improving air flow across the surface of and through said pads. An improved water distribution means permits sheeting of the water across the top surfaces of the evaporative cooling pads to obtain a more uniform distribution of water within said pads. Means are provided for interrupting water flow on the surface of the evaporative cooling pads and returning such water to the interior of said pad so as to increase the overall efficiency of the evaporative cooler. The evaporative cooler cabinet is comprised of a minimal number of reaction injection molded elements of high modulus urethane elastomer. The material insulates both sound and heat providing a quieter running and more cooling-efficient device. Color may be permanently molded into the cabinet.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically draining the water from an evaporative cooler when operation thereof is terminated and for periodically draining, flushing and replacing the water during operation of the cooler. The apparatus includes a comparatively small reservoir tank, which depends from the bottom of the cooler, for containing the cooler's water supply and a pump, a siphon drain valve and at least the float of a float controlled water supply shutoff valve. The water is recirculatingly supplied from the tank to the cooler and returns to the tank and that water will increase in mineral concentration and other cooler damaging contaminants during such recirculation. When both the pump and water supply are shutoff, such as upon termination of cooler usage, the apparatus will automatically commence its drainage operational mode wherein the returning water will raise the water level in the tank to prime the siphon drain valve which drains the water from the tank.

Abstract: A closed chamber is provided for containing evaporative liquid fuel for a combustion engine and fuel supply structure is operatively associated with the chamber for maintaining a predetermined general level of liquid fuel in the chamber. The chamber includes engine induction air inlet structure opening thereinto below the aforementioned liquid level and a vaporized fuel and air outlet opening outwardly of the chamber from a level above the predetermined liquid fuel level. Duct structure is provided including an inlet portion communicated with the vaporized fuel and air outlet and an outlet end for communication with the induction passags of a combustion engine. Further, an air conditioner evaporator-type heat exchanger is provided and liquid fuel conduit and pump structure is operatively associated with the chamber and heat exchanger for circulating fuel within the chamber through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: An extremely simple and inexpensive heat exchanger utilizing evaporative cooling for heat removal but avoiding the entrainment of unwanted moisture in the cooled air delivered to the living area or other space being cooled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conserving energy in the operation of a conventional air conditioning system in a large building employing a water cooled condenser, an evaporator, a chilled water circuit, and a refrigerant compressor or heat source in an absorption-type air conditioner wherein the compressor or heat source is not energized and the water tubes in the evaporator are connected to the water tubes in the condenser to allow the water from the evaporator to flow directly into the water tubes of the condenser.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conserving energy in the operation of a conventional air conditioning system in a large building employing a refrigerant evaporator, a water cooled refrigerant condenser, a refrigerant compressor, and a cooling tower, wherein the compressor is not energized, the condenser and evaporator are flooded with refrigerant from a reservoir, and the refrigerant from the reservoir is circulated between the condenser and the evaporator while the cooling tower is in operation.

Abstract: A counterflow evaporative heat exchanger comprises a vertical conduit in which a coil assembly is positioned. A fluid to be cooled or condensed passes through the coil assembly while water is sprayed downwardly over it and air is blown upwardly through it. The coil assembly comprises a plurality of tubes which at each level in the assembly are spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction by an amount greater than the diameter of the tubes. This has been found to improve heat transfer in comparison to counterflow evaporative heat exchangers using closely packed coil assemblies.

Abstract: A depressed wet bulb water cooler utilizing an indirect evaporating film heat exchanger having walls defining wet and dry sides. In a particular embodiment, the wet and dry sides are formed respectively as the opposite inner and outer surfaces of elongated hollow tubular conduits. Water from a load is applied across the inner wet side surfaces while intake air is drawn across the outer, dry side surfaces so as to cool the intake air to a first temperature. The cooled air is then flowed as working air at substantially the first temperature over the wet side of the conduits, and discharged.

Abstract: An air conditioning system having an open condenser water circuit, a refrigeration unit, a closed heat exchange water circuit, and shunt circuits interconnecting the two water circuits to bypass the refrigeration unit, is provided with various side stream filtering arrangements for removing contaminants from the common water supply which have been picked up in passing through the cooling tower. One embodiment employs a centrifugal separator connected in shunt with the condenser water pump. Another embodiment employs a mechanical filter in shunt with a bypass line in the heat exchange water circuit with valving for selectively placing the filter in series with the condenser or the cooling coils. The second embodiment can be used in combination with the first embodiment.

Abstract: An indirect evaporating film heat exchanger having walls defining separated wet and dry sides provide energy-efficient cooling to a gas compression system. In a particular embodiment the heat exchanger supplies a cool dry air stream and a cool moist air stream, respectively, to the power turbine's compressor inlet and intercooler of the gas compression system.

Abstract: An improved, flexible habitation cooling system combines an evaporative cooler having a cold water circuit communicating with heat exchange means for cooling the interior of the habitation and a compression refrigeration system. In one embodiment means are provided in a cold water circuit for circulating cooled water from the evaporative cooler into a heat exchanging coil in an air plenum and back to the cooler for re-use. The expansion coil of the refrigeration apparatus communicates with the cold water circuit in heat exchange relationship to further cool the cold water before it enters the coil in the air plenum. In an alternative embodiment wherein the expansion coil is disposed in the air plenum, the cold water circuit is also disposed in the air plenum upstream of the expansion coil.

Abstract: Air is evaporatively cooled by water in which the evaporating water is kept separate from the useful air (cooled air stream) by means of a heat exchanger so that cooling is performed without the addition of water vapor to the useful air, and in which the working air, absorbing the water vapor, is drawn from the load. A heat exchanger is disclosed which operates by movement of the working air internally through tubular conduits countercurrently to water flowing downwardly on the inner surfaces thereof while the air to be cooled passes externally across the conduits.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for building utilizes a vertically aligned, generally straight conduit rain tower for scrubbing and pumping air between the exhaust air conduit system and the supply air conduit system in conjunction with an evaporative water chiller utilizing a venturi to create a vacuum in the water chiller for low temperature vaporization of return water. Gravity flow of water through the venturi is used to create the suction head.

Abstract: A compressor type air cooler is combined with a booster comprising an evaporative air precooler, a refrigerant vapor precooler and a refrigerant liquid cooler. This makes the compressor type cooler usable in localities where the ambient temperature is so high as to prohibit use of the compressor type cooler alone, and saves a notable amount of electrical power at any ambient temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooling vehicles which includes a cylindrical housing having a side wall opening and an open top, a conduit and pump connected to the bottom of said circular housing for pumping liquid from said housing to at least one heat exchanger, a heat exchanger located in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, a spray head in the open top of said housing and conduit means for feeding fluid from the heat exchanger to the spray head, the liquid discharged through said spray head being cooled, by evaporation, by air flowing through said housing, said cooled liquid, when pumped through said heat exchanger, cooling the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

Abstract: A solar heating and cooling system comprising a multi-tiered collector and heat exchanger that is mounted on a roof or installed in a vertical wall. Each tier of the exchanger includes a plurality of longitudinal channels with upper and lower manifolds communicating with all of the channels. A duct extends from each manifold into the premises being heated with one duct being connected to an air blower. The exchanger also includes an upper or outer flat metallic sheet with a perforated feed pipe extending across the upper end of this sheet and a drain pipe that communicates with the lower end of this sheet. A heat trap in the form of a transparent sheet is spaced from this sheet. A multi-decked, louvered, enclosed evaporator is mounted on the ground over a non-pressurized liquid storage tank with the upper end of the evaporator below the lower end of the exchanger.

Abstract: Air is evaporatively cooled by water in which the evaporating water is kept separate from the useful air (cooled air stream) by means of a heat exchanger so that cooling is performed without the addition of water vapor to the useful air, and in which the working air, absorbing the water vapor, is drawn from the load. A heat exchanger is disclosed which operates by movement of the working air internally through tubular conduits countercurrently to water flowing downwardly on the inner surfaces thereof while the air to be cooled passes externally across the conduits.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for controlling the air temperature in buildings, particularly large multi-room buildings, which eliminates the use of conventional refrigeration units during substantial portions of the year, providing a significant reduction in energy consumption. A liquid stream is cooled in an air cooling tower outside the building by contact with the ambient or outside air, is filtered to remove contaminants, and is circulated in a cyclical flow directly between the heat exchangers or induction unit coils in the building and the cooling tower outside the building, which preferably cools the liquid substantially to the outside ambient wet bulb air temperature. The system is used when the wet bulb temperature of the outside air is low enough to provide liquid at an effective cooling temperature, preferably at or below the desired temperature of the room air, and more preferably at a predetermined liquid temperature desired at the induction units for cooling.

Abstract: In an evaporative liquid cooling apparatus comprising a housing having liquid delivery means, heat exchange means beneath the liquid delivery means, liquid collection means beneath the heat exchange means and a chamber beneath the heat exchange means and defined by wall portions of said housing and said liquid collection means, the improvement comprising fan means for delivering a flow of air to the heat exchange means, located inside said chamber, above said liquid collection means, and at least one of said housing wall portions of said chamber defining at least one air inlet aperture for said fan means.