Abstract: Controlling energy usage of a building. At least one temperature sensor monitors temperature within a zone of a building. A processor determines an off-peak temperature target as a function of a duration of an off-peak operating state of the monitored zone and a desired temperature within the monitored zone during a subsequent peak operating state of the monitored zone. A controller receives the determined off-peak temperature target and is responsive to the received off-peak temperature target to control the temperature within the monitored zone of the building during the off-peak operating state. Other aspects of the invention are directed to computer-readable media for controlling energy usage of a building as described.

Abstract: A mine ventilation structure is incorporated at the intersection of first and second intersecting passages in a mine. The ventilation structure comprises a tunnel-forming construction (e.g., a pair of side walls each walling off at least a portion of a respective mouth of a first passage and a deck spanning the side walls and connected thereto). The construction defines a tunnel establishing communication of air from the upstream to the downstream mouth of the second passage. An air deflector is located in the first passage adjacent the tunnel-forming construction for decreasing shock loss associated with the mine ventilation structure, thereby increasing the amount of air flow produced by the mine's ventilation system.

Abstract: A mine door installation has a frame installed in a mine passageway. At least one door leaf is mounted on the frame for swinging movement between open and closed positions. Movement of the door leaf is powered by a pneumatic actuator. A pneumatically-powered control system may be provided to control the door installation. The pneumatic control system may comprise a calibrated vent to shorten the delay in the response of the door leaf to direction from the control system to stop moving. The pneumatic control system may also comprise a limit valve to prevent the door installation from opening when a second door installation is open, thereby preventing both door installations in an air lock from being open at the same time.