Low-Temperature Heat-Pump Manufacturers Settle Suit

Two manufacturers of innovative heat pumps for cold climates—Nyle Special Products and Hallowell International (based in Brewer, Maine, and nearby Bangor, respectively)—have settled a lawsuit over claims of patent infringement.

Nyle began developing its heat pumps in 2000, while Duane Hallowell left Nyle to start his own heat-pump company, Hallowell. In September 2007, Nyle sent Hallowell a cease-and-desist letter, alleging patent infringement; subsequently Hallowell sued for a judgment, and Nyle filed a counterclaim. The companies reached a settlement in September 2008 and Hallowell paid an undisclosed sum to Nyle, leaving both companies free to continue developing and marketing their low-temperature heat pumps. Although Nyle president Donald Lewis says Hallowell had been manufacturing a heat pump almost identical to Nyle’s, the two companies now have pursued somewhat different product lines. The Hallowell Acadia is an air-to-air heat pump, while Nyle’s Cold Climate Heath Pump air-source unit can transmit heat to either an air handler or a hydronic system (see

EBN Vol. 15, No 12).