Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system capable of reducing negative pressure. The system includes a make-up air system that can be configured and arranged to be installed within a structure, such as a building. The system can also include a pressure switch that is configured and arranged to sense a pressure within an exhaust duct coupled to an exhaust device. The pressure switch can also be configured to communicate an activation signal and a deactivation signal to the make-up air system. In some embodiments, communication of the activation and deactivation signals can be at least partially dependent on the pressure within the exhaust duct. Moreover, the pressure switch can be configured and arranged to be retroactively coupled to at least one of the exhaust duct and the exhaust device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a fluid cleaning system. The system can include a housing capable of being coupled to a building structure. At least one first intake, at least one second intake, and at least one outlet are disposed through a portion of the housing. A ventilating assembly is supported within the housing and is capable of generating a fluid flow. In some embodiments, at least one detection apparatus is in communication with the ventilating assembly. At least one shutter is operatively coupled to the housing. The shutter is configured and arranged to move between at least a first position and a second position. At least one filter can he supported within the housing.

Abstract: A ventilation unit for installation in a ventilation system. The ventilation unit can include a motor coupled to a fan element and a power source. The ventilation unit can also include a calibration module having one of a voltage and current regulator for adjusting the performance of the ventilation unit based on at least one characteristic of the ventilation system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for a range hood. The apparatus can include a housing and a lighting and control unit moveably coupled to the housing. The lighting and control unit can include a user interface and one or more lights. The lighting and control unit can be coupled to a motor that can move a first face of the lighting and control unit outward during use and can move the first face of the lighting and control unit inward when not in use. Some embodiments of the invention provide a fan mounted within the housing and a louver assembly coupled to the housing. The louver assembly can include one or more rotating louvers. In some embodiments, the louver assembly can be rotated downward to access at least one of a filter, a motor, and user interface electronics.

Abstract: Filter cartridges and methods of use with manifolds of appliances. The filter cartridges can includes components, such as handles, levers, cams, rotatable nuts, actuators, pins, and springs, to assist in removing the filter cartridge from the manifold. Some embodiments of the filter cartridges can include a neck having a non-uniform diameter over a longitudinal length. Other embodiments of the filter cartridges can include a recess that receives a portion of the manifold and the recess can have at least one seal. One embodiment of the invention provides an adapter for use between a manifold and a filter.

Abstract: The duct connector of the present invention preferably has a rectangular inlet and a round outlet. An intermediate passage is located between the rectangular inlet and the round outlet. Preferably, the intermediate passage provides a smooth transition that is substantially free from steps, sharp corners, breaks or facets, and acts to smoothly funnel airflow from the rectangular inlet to the round outlet. The intermediate passage preferably includes transitional surfaces that connect adjacent walls of the duct. Each transitional surface preferably provides a single smooth continuously curved surface connecting a side wall and an adjacent end wall along the intermediate passage. The smooth transition of the intermediate passage and the use of transitional surfaces as just described reduces turbulence and noise within the duct connector and results in greater fan or blower efficiency.

Abstract: The duct connector of the present invention preferably has a rectangular inlet and a round outlet. An intermediate passage is located between the rectangular inlet and the round outlet. Preferably, the intermediate passage provides a smooth transition that is substantially free from steps, sharp corners, breaks or facets, and acts to smoothly funnel airflow from the rectangular inlet to the round outlet. The intermediate passage preferably includes transitional surfaces that connect adjacent walls of the duct. Each transitional surface preferably provides a single smooth continuously curved surface connecting a side wall and an adjacent end wall along the intermediate passage. The smooth transition of the intermediate passage and the use of transitional surfaces as just described reduces turbulence and noise within the duct connector and results in greater fan or blower efficiency.

Abstract: A motorcycle seat having a backrest that is angularly adjustable, height adjustable and removable, all without requiring any tool. The backrest is mounted by a bracket to a pivot bracket carried by a frame of a backrest adjustment assembly all of which are disposed below the surface of the seat cushion. The assembly has a prime mover coupled to the frame and pivot bracket and communicates by cable with an actuator allowing selective angular backrest adjustment. The prime mover preferably is a gas cylinder, such as a rigid-in-compression gas spring, or a ball screw. The mounting bracket is pivotally coupled to the pivot bracket and has a coil spring between brackets which urges the mounting bracket rearwardly against the pivot bracket permitting the backrest to be manually urged forwardly to permit entry or exit from the seat and returning to its adjusted position when released.