Norman E Pettus

US Patent:

8555666, Oct 15, 2013

Filed:

Mar 11, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/661236

Inventors:

Norman Enrique Pettus - Ledyard CT, US

International Classification:

F25B 27/00
F25D 23/12
F24J 3/08

US Classification:

622381, 62260, 165 45

Abstract:

Heating and cooling system that uses basement air as a thermal supply for efficient operation of a single-package heat pump, providing means to: (a) channel heat pump exhaust as to promote thermal transfer between said exhaust and the basement slab, using the slab as a geothermal source for sustained heat pump operation, and, (b) enable reconfiguration between heating and air-conditioning modes by modification of air ducting or air routing, with no alteration of the refrigerant cycle internal to the heat pump. The system also provides means allowing the heat pump function to be provided by a low-cost, mass-produced, window air conditioner. The window air conditioner technology leveraged by this invention has, in recent decades, become more efficient and reliable, with more convenient controls, but otherwise, has not substantially changed in form, function, or basic operating technology.

US Patent:

55401686, Jul 30, 1996

Filed:

Jul 18, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/503833

Inventors:

Norman E. Pettus - Ledyard CT

International Classification:

B63B 3500

US Classification:

114 391

Abstract:

A sailboat is provided with an outboard-projecting elevated attachment or extension wing constructed of large-diameter frame tube elements used in combination for storage, seating, buoyant righting assist, and outboard leveraging of weight or trapezing. Design strength is sufficient to support an aft-extending tube allowing a trapezing sailor to counter-balance forward pitching motion. Design strength also allows outboard extending tube elements to support the weight of the boat in a shallow-water upset. Stresses are distributed to the extent that low-cost, low maintenance plastic can be used for frame tube elements. Broad, large-diameter plastic surfaces are comfortable in contact with the skin, provide secure footing for trapezing, and have reduced tendency to bruise a trapezing sailor in an upset. Internal storage within frame tube elements is supplemented by means for secure outboard attachment of watertight coolers at convenient and conformal locations. Available insulated and un-insulated storage supports use of the catamaran for day-sailing purposes, and a comfortable trap seat reduces sailor fatigue.