Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of an evaporative air cooler where the pads (2) of the cooler are intermittently wetted with an amount of water (14) in excess of the capacity of the pads (2) to absorb and retain during each wetting operation of the pad. The airflow (20) through the pads during intermittent wetting being limited to a velocity so as to not entrain water in the airflow during the wetting operation and the velocity of the airflow through the pads is increased after each intermittent wetting so as to raise the level of cooling output (22) of the cooler between each intermittent wetting operation.

Abstract: A corrugated laminate material (44) for use in an evaporative heat exchanger, said material including a water retaining medium having a wettable surface (40) and an opposed vapour resistant surface (42).

Abstract: A corrugated laminate material (44) for use in an evaporative heat exchanger, said material including a water retaining medium having a wettable surface (40) and an opposed vapour resistant surface (42).

Abstract: A method of treatment of resin impregnated manufactured paper to render the paper fire retardant, said method comprising the addition of a fire retardant compound containing borax and diammonium phosphate introduced into the paper. It is an objective of the invention that the fire retardant system ameliorates any degradation of desirable physical characteristics of the fibrous materials. In particular, the characteristics of wicking and liquid retention should not be unduly degraded when the base material is a “wickable” paper. It is a further objective that the fire retardant systems of embodiments of the present invention not be significantly degraded when the resin treated fibrous material is continuously immersed in running water.

Abstract: A corrugated laminate material (44) for use in an evaporative heat exchanger, said material including a water retaining medium having a wettable surface (40) and an opposed vapour resistant surface (42).

Abstract: A water spreader arrangement for use in an evaporative air cooler in which the spreader includes an inlet leading to generally vertical projections disposed over several levels. The projections are adapted to divide a single stream of water entering the inlet into many outlet streams, all of which have a predetermined ratio of flow rates. The outlet streams can be fed to an evaporative pad of an evaporative cooler. In a preferred form, the outlet streams have substantially the same flow rate. Preferably, a cooler incorporating this water spreader arrangement would include several spreaders around the upper periphery of the evaporative pads.

Abstract: A protective device fitted to an electromagnetic coil to prevent damage to a thermal protective switch installed in the electromagnetic coil beneath the winding. In a preferred embodiment there is a subsequent encapsulation process following manufacture of the coil. Preferably, said device comprises a protective cap shaped to conform with the shape of the thermal switch and closely fitting the thermal switch and wiring connected thereto.

Abstract: A single piece coupling device for connecting a load component to a rotatable shaft. The device comprises a sleeve having a bore for containing a rotatable shaft, an externally threaded portion and a tapered engagement face on the outer surface of the sleeve. Radial compression relief associated with the tapered engagement face is provided such that when the device is fitted on a shaft, and as the threaded portion engages with a corresponding threaded region on the load component, the tapered engagement face engages the load component and the compression relief enables the sleeve to be radially compressed to grip the shaft.

Abstract: A water spreader arrangement for use in an evaporative air cooler in which the spreader includes an inlet leading to generally vertical projections disposed over several levels. The projections are adapted to divide a single stream of water entering the inlet into many outlet streams, all of which have a predetermined ratio of flow rates. The outlet streams can be fed to an evaporative pad of an evaporative cooler. In a preferred form, the outlet streams have substantially the same flow rate. Preferably, a cooler incorporating this water spreader arrangement would include several spreaders around the upper periphery of the evaporative pads.

Abstract: A water spreader arrangement for use in an evaporative air cooler in which the spreader includes an inlet (28) leading to generally vertical projections (38) disposed over several levels. The projections (34, 37, 38) are adapted to divide a single steam of water entering the inlet (28) into many outlet streams, all of which have a predetermined ratio of flow rates. The outlet streams can be fed to an evaporative pad of an evaporative cooler. In a preferred form, the outlet streams have substantially the same flow rate. Preferably, a cooler incorporating this water spreader arrangement would include several spreaders around the upper periphery of tho evaporative pads.

Abstract: A support structure for the support of evaporative air cooler consisting of a mounting transition between the evaporative cooler and the ductwork of the installation. The mounting transition includes a means of fixing the evaporative air cooler to the transition without the use of fasteners, support and concealment of telescopic corner supports and support of an anti draft shutter assembly. The mounting transition also provides for the transitioning of air flow from a circular fan discharge to a square duct, and serves as a transportation pallet which can also be used as an installation aid.

Abstract: An anti-draft shutter assembly for an axial flow fan fitted to a duct. The assembly includes at least one counterbalanced flap supported downstream of airflow from the fan when in operation, and at least one of the flaps being pivotally supported outside the perimeter of the duct. The flap is biased by a counterbalance weight toward a duct closing position to close the duct when the fan is not operating. In the preferred embodiment, at least one flap is held in the closed position by a magnetic catch on the flap.

Abstract: A water entry system for entry of water to a water distribution system for an evaporative cooler includes a conduit for delivering water to at least one of the uppermost corners of the lid of the evaporative cooler. The corner having the conduit includes a capped water entry point that causes the water to form a substantially uniform curtain of water which is in turn feeds the water into a plurality of channels and thus to evaporative pads of the evaporative cooler.

Abstract: A support structure for interposition between a base of a sloping base cooler and a roof during installation of the cooler onto the roof. The support structure comprises a transition component adapted to be connected to the cooler and to ducting protruding through the roof to feed cooled air from the cooler into the ducting. The transition component includes a movable prop or flap, separate from or formed with the transition component, to be positioned between the transition component and a horizontal surface such that the transition component, when fitted to a sloping base cooler, maintains the cooler in a vertically upright condition for assembly or transportation or storage.

Abstract: A support structure for the support of evaporative air cooler consisting of a mounting transition between the evaporative cooler and the ductwork of the installation. The mounting transition includes a means of fixing the evaporative air cooler to the transition without the use of fasteners, support and concealment of telescopic corner supports and support of an anti draft shutter assembly. The mounting transition also provides a means of transitioning air flow from a circular fan discharge to a square duct, and serves as a transportation pallet which can also be used as an installation aid.

Abstract: An anti-draft shutter assembly for an axial flow fan fitted to a duct. The assembly consists of at least one counterbalanced flap 25 supported downstream of airflow from the fan when in operation, and at least one of the flaps beign pivotally supported outside the perimeter of the duct. The flap is biased by a counterbalance weight toward a duct closing position to close the duct when the fan is not operating. In the preferred embodiment, at least one flap is held in the closed position by a magnetic catch on the flap.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for the activation of a system which will deliver material such as a fire extinguishant in response to an electrical signal from a fire detector. The mechanism is actuated by a small electrical storage device which operates the system even after a fire or other event has occurred and the normal electrical supply is lost. Upon actuation, a container of pressurized carbon dioxide gas is used to pressurize a container of fire extinguishing fluid, which is then delivered by a spray mechanism to the source of the fire. A feature of the mechanism is that energy levels for initiation are very low, and all other sources of energy are self contained within the mechanism.

Abstract: A system for the detection of fire in an apparatus or device having a fan and a pump, comprising means 20, 25 for detecting the presence of a pre-condition of fire, control means 30 for deactivating the fan on detection of said precondition, and fire detector means 35 for detecting smoke or fire in the absence of air movement.

Abstract: Cooling means for cooling an electric motor mounted on or adjacent a volute of a centrifugal fan, the cooling means including an opening through the wall of the volute, and a shroud connected to the volute, the shroud including a volute end and a motor end, wherein the volute end of the shroud substantially covers the opening, and the motor end of the shroud extends around at least a portion of the periphery of the electric motor, such that the shroud provides a passage for flow of air from the volute and directs the flow of air around at least a portion of the periphery of the motor.