Abstract: An air circulation system for use with or without ductwork having an outside air stream and a return air stream includes a controller and a return damper apparatus operatively connecting the return air stream to the controlled environment. The air circulation system further includes a heating unit and an air mass sensor disposed adjacent to the return damper apparatus. The air mass sensor selectively and directly detecting a ventilation rate of air moving through the return damper apparatus and communicates the ventilation rate to the controller which selectively modulates operation of the heating unit in dependence upon the ventilation rate.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for meeting a fresh air ventilation threshold in a controlled space. In particular, and in some embodiments, a minimum ventilation threshold is met by using normal air handler fan cycles to minimize the energy cost of supplying the ventilation. Prediction methods may be employed to determine whether the air handler and damper need to be activated to meet a minimum ventilation threshold, even when the HVAC system is not currently calling for normal air handler fan cycles. In some cases, the past history of air handler fan run cycles is used to determine whether a fan should be operated now to provide additional fresh air ventilation. Alternatively, or in addition, predictions of future air handler cycles are used to determine whether a fan should be operated now to provide additional fresh air ventilation.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus for processing substrates prevents the substrates from contaminating as they are transferred. The apparatus includes a container, like a FOUP, for containing substrates, at least one processing chamber where the substrates are processed, a substrate transferring module including a substrate transfer chamber and at least one load port for supporting a container, and a contamination controlling system for the substrate transfer chamber. The contamination controlling system includes a purge gas supply inlet connected to the substrate transfer chamber, and a gas circulating tube for recycling the purging gas to circulate through the chamber. The substrate transfer chamber is purged using the purging gas to remove moisture and contaminating materials from the substrate transfer chamber. The formation of particles on the substrate otherwise caused by a reaction between the moisture and contaminating materials while the substrate is standing by in the container can be prevented.

Abstract: The invention is an air handling system that is shared between a laboratory and offices within the same building. The normally separate office and lab systems have been combined by way of an air return system that draws air from the offices and feeds into both the office and lab air supplies. The re-circulation of the office air draws more fresh outside air into and lessens requirements for the heating and cooling systems for the offices.

Abstract: A method of selecting a ventilation control strategy from among a plurality of ventilation control strategies. The method comprises the steps of: determining if a CO2 signal is present and valid; selecting a CO2 based ventilation control strategy if the CO2 signal is present and valid; selecting a second ventilation control strategy if the CO2 signal is not present or is invalid; and operating using the selected strategy. The selection step occurs in a zone controller.

Abstract: A technique to provide well-balanced airflow in a computer data center that uses fan assisted tiles coupled to a host computer through a network. In an example embodiment, this is accomplished by disposing the fan tiles, including temperature and airflow sensors and a programmable switch to provide a Network address, in multiple locations in raised floor and ceiling of the computer data center. Further, the example embodiments includes coupling the fan tiles to the host computer through the network to control the fan tiles based on the feedback received from the temperature and airflow sensors to provide adaptive airflow balancing and thermal management in the computer data center.

Abstract: The invention is an air handling system that is shared between a laboratory and offices within the same building. The normally separate office and lab systems have been combined by way of an air return system that draws air from the offices and feeds into both the office and lab air supplies. The re-circulation of the office air draws more fresh outside air into and lessens requirements for the heating and cooling systems for the offices.

Abstract: An environmental control unit, and air handling systems using it, that combines, as a unitary packaged unit, equipment and associated functionality for air handling and affording protection to occupants and/or equipment in an enclosure against airborne release of chemical, biological, or radiological (CBR) agents.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for recirculating air in a controlled ventilated environment. In one example, recirculation of air from one or more rooms in a multiple room ventilated environment having a common source of supply air is controlled such that minimum ventilation and thermal load requirements for each room are satisfied independently, so as to facilitate a reduction in the amount of fresh outside air required for the environment. In another example, the controlled airflows in each room may be based additionally on respective air quality levels of the air drawn from each room. In one aspect, if contaminants are detected in one or more rooms of the ventilated environment, the amount of air recirculated from a contaminated room back to the environment may be controlled based on a detected level of the contaminant and a dilution ratio of any returned contaminated air to the total uncontaminated air supplied to the environment.

Abstract: The invention discloses a smoke extraction system 10 provided with an infrared smoke detector 16, infrared thermostat 18, A/C sensor 38 and transition door 20. When the smoke detector 16 detects smoke 32 it sends a signal to the thermostat 18 changing the setting to exhaust mode, at the same time the signal is received by the A/C sensor 38 electronics of the transition door 20, which opens the transition door allowing smoke to be vented to the outside. When the air conditioning unit engages the vent mode, the air is vented through the transition door 20 thereby creating a draft that will remove the smoke 32 and vent it outside. The extraction system can be adapted to a central air conditioning system 12.

Abstract: Air temperature is adjusted by employing a tangential fan having a vertically-oriented axis to direct air over a coil assembly, directing a fluid through the coil assembly, and adjusting the temperature of the fluid to cool or heat the air, wherein the coil assembly provides thermal communication between the air and the fluid.

Abstract: An air circulation system for use with or without ductwork having an outside air stream and a return air stream includes a controller and a return damper apparatus operatively connecting the return air stream to the controlled environment. The air circulation system further includes a heating unit and an air mass sensor disposed adjacent to the return damper apparatus. The air mass sensor selectively and directly detecting a ventilation rate of air moving through the return damper apparatus and communicates the ventilation rate to the controller which selectively modulates operation of the heating unit in dependence upon the ventilation rate.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling atmospheric conditions within a building. A conditioned fluid is supplied inside of the building and one or more atmospheric parameters in various locations inside of the building are sensed. An empirical atmospheric map is then generated and compared to a template atmospheric map. Pattern differentials are identified therebetween and corrective action to reduce the pattern differentials is determined. One or more of the quantity, quality, and distribution of the conditioned fluid is varied in accord with the corrective action determination.

Abstract: An environmental control unit, and air handling systems using it, that combines, as a unitary packaged unit, equipment and associated functionality for air handling and affording protection to occupants and/or equipment in an enclosure against airborne release of chemical, biological, or radiological (CBR) agents.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus is provided for monitoring and adjusting the quality of indoor air. A sensor array senses an air sample from the indoor air and analyzes the air sample to obtain signatures representative of contaminants in the air sample. When the level or type of contaminant poses a threat or hazard to the occupants, the present invention takes corrective actions which may include introducing additional fresh air. The corrective actions taken are intended to promote overall health of personnel, prevent personnel from being overexposed to hazardous contaminants and minimize the cost of operating the HVAC system. The identification of the contaminants is performed by comparing the signatures provided by the sensor array with a database of known signatures. Upon identification, the system takes corrective actions based on the level of contaminant present.

Abstract: A controller that monitors air conditioning operation and performs calculations to determine when operation of the building's circulating fan would improve comfort levels. Based on the results of those calculations, the controller periodically operates the circulating fan throughout a subsequent period of time to moderate temperature and humidity levels. Excessive operation of the circulating fan is avoided. The controller is considered useful for generally improving human comfort levels in sleeping areas and particularly in residential structures consisting of more than a single story.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to mail processing and environment control. Systems for controlling a mail-processing environment to protect against contaminants may comprise a first air vent for supplying air to the mail-processing environment, a second air vent for exhausting air from the mail-processing environment, an air exchanger coupled to the first air vent and the second air vent for exchanging air in the environment, a first damper for substantially blocking air supplied to the environment through the first air vent, a second damper for substantially blocking air exhausted from the environment through the second air vent, and a control circuit for controlling the first damper and the second damper in response to a possible presence of contaminants in the mail-processing environment.

Abstract: A method and system for inferring airborne contaminant concentrations in rooms without contaminant sensors, based on data collected by contaminant sensors in other rooms of a building, using known airflow interconnectivity data. The method solves a least squares problem that minimizes the difference between measured and predicted contaminant sensor concentrations with respect to an unknown contaminant release time. Solutions are constrained to providing non-negative initial contaminant concentrations in all rooms. The method can be used to identify a near-optimal distribution of sensors within the building, when then number of available sensors is less than the total number of rooms. This is achieved by having a system-sensor matrix that is non-singular, and by selecting that distribution which yields the lowest condition number of all the distributions considered. The method can predict one or more contaminant initial release points from the collected data.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for recirculating air in a controlled ventilated environment. In one example, recirculation of air from one or more rooms in a multiple room ventilated environment having a common source of supply air is controlled such that minimum ventilation and thermal load requirements for each room are satisfied independently, so as to facilitate a reduction in the amount of fresh outside air required for the environment. In another example, the controlled airflows in each room may be based additionally on respective air quality levels of the air drawn from each room. In one aspect, if contaminants are detected in one or more rooms of the ventilated environment, the amount of air recirculated from a contaminated room back to the environment may be controlled based on a detected level of the contaminant and a dilution ratio of any returned contaminated air to the total uncontaminated air supplied to the environment.

Abstract: Cameras and image processing techniques are applied to the control of HVAC systems. Occupancy is detected using head-counting or motion detection. Activities are recognized in images and image sequences by machine-recognition techniques. The nature of activities, the intensity of activities, the number of occupants and their activities, etc. are all inferred from images and image sequences and used to predict current loads and/or required control signals for regulating an HVAC system.

Abstract: A demand ventilation module for use with HVAC/R systems for ventilating inside space of a structure through an air pressure differential between return air and outside air. The demand ventilation module includes an integrated damper and an electronic control device capable of marking, setting, and/or storing air condition setpoints for ventilation activation. The electronic control device is configured to automatically control the activation of an actuator in conjunction with an inside sensor that measures air conditions in direct proportion to actual real-time air condition demands. A method for installing a demand ventilation module on return portions of HVAC/R systems may include: evaluating the return portion of an HVAC/R system to ascertain return air negative static pressure; and determining where to install the demand ventilation module on the return portion based upon a location corresponding with a range of return air negative static pressure.

Abstract: An economizer control for controlling air quality. The economizer control includes a sensor that senses characteristics of air, a damper located relative to the sensor so that the damper can control air flow of outside air and re-circulated air to the sensor, and a controller in communication with the sensor and the damper. The controller controls the opening and closing of the damper according to conditions sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a low-cost in-car sensor equipped with an aspirator fan motor, which is capable of detecting temperature and humidity. A thermistor for detecting temperature and a humidity sensor are arranged at desired positions on a mounting board, and the temperature and humidity of air drawn from an air inlet port and exhausted from an air outlet port are detected. At the same time, the use of electronic circuit components forming a voltage regulator circuit and a filter circuit for coping with electromagnet interference which have been employed in a brushless motor drive circuit for the aspirator fan motor is shared by the humidity sensor. This makes it possible to reduce the number of electronic circuit components necessary for the humidity sensor, and provide a low-cost in-car sensor equipped with an aspirator fan motor, enabling construction of a more inexpensive automotive air conditioner.

Abstract: A system for treating air for supply to an enclosed space in which the air is to be breathed, includes an inlet through which air can enter the system from atmosphere for supply to the enclosed space, and a regenerative adsorption assembly having at least two chambers which contain an adsorbent material, arranged so that air flowing in the inlet for supply to the enclosed space can pass through one of the chambers for adsorption of contaminants before supply to the enclosed space while adsorbent material in another of the chambers is purged of adsorbed contaminants. A recirculation path is provided for supplying air from the enclosed space to the inlet to be mixed with air from atmosphere before it is supplied to the enclosed space. The system includes structure for adjusting the resistance to flow of air through the recirculation path.

Abstract: Cameras and image processing techniques are applied to the control of HVAC systems. Occupancy is detected using head-counting or motion detection. Activities are recognized in images and image sequences by machine-recognition techniques. The nature of activities, the intensity of activities, the number of occupants and their activities, etc. are all inferred from images and image sequences and used to predict current loads and/or required control signals for regulating an HVAC system.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to reduce the capacity of an air pressure supply equipment in a semiconductor manufacturing factory without decreasing the productivity of a manufacturing system. To achieve this object, the manufacturing system includes a plurality of processing apparatuses (1, 2, 3), an air pressure supply apparatus (4) which supplies a gas pressure to the plurality of processing apparatuses, and a control apparatus (7) for controlling the plurality of processing apparatuses. The control apparatus creates operation schedules for the plurality of processing apparatuses on the basis of temporal change information of an air pressure consumption amount corresponding to the operation order of each of the plurality of processing apparatuses so as to prevent the sum of air pressure consumption amounts of the plurality of processing apparatuses from exceeding the air pressure supply ability of the air pressure supply apparatus.

Abstract: A demand ventilation module is provided for use with HVAC systems in order to ventilate inside space of a structure through an air pressure differential between return air and outside air. The demand ventilation module includes an integrated damper. The demand ventilation module can further include and an air restrictor plate that defines an air-restricting opening and an electronic control device capable of marking, setting, and/or storing air condition set-points for ventilation activation, and configured to facilitate ventilation control, economizer operation, and HVAC unit operation. The electronic control device is electrically connected to and controls the activation of an actuator in conjunction with inside and outside sensors that measure air conditions. The electronic control device can cause the actuator to automatically shift the damper in direct proportion to actual real-time air condition demands.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a low-cost in-car sensor equipped with an aspirator fan motor, which is capable of detecting temperature and humidity. A thermistor for detecting temperature and a humidity sensor are arranged at desired positions on a mounting board, and the temperature and humidity of air drawn from an air inlet port and exhausted from an air outlet port are detected. At the same time, the use of electronic circuit components forming a voltage regulator circuit and a filter circuit for coping with electromagnet interference which have been employed in a brushless motor drive circuit for the aspirator fan motor is shared by the humidity sensor. This makes it possible to reduce the number of electronic circuit components necessary for the humidity sensor, and provide a low-cost in-car sensor equipped with an aspirator fan motor, enabling construction of a more inexpensive automotive air conditioner.

Abstract: An air-quality conditioning device is proposed, which can be singly used or used in combination with a small air conditioner. In an enclosed space, concentration of carbon dioxide is detected by a carbon dioxide concentration detecting module of the device. While the detected concentration of carbon dioxide reaches a predetermined upper limit value, an air conditioning mechanism is driven by an air-conditioning controlling module for introducing external fresh air to the space. While the carbon dioxide concentration reduces to a predetermined lower limit value, the air conditioning mechanism is driven for stopping the introduction of the external air. Therefore, the carbon dioxide concentration can be properly adjusted in the space so as to maintain good air quality therein.

Abstract: An air conditioning unit includes a control that operates in an automatic air filtration mode of operation when commanded to do so. The control, when in this mode of operation, automatically activates an air filtration system within the unit in response to the sensing of contaminants in the air surrounding the unit. The automatic activation of the air filtration system occurs in response to an unfavorable comparison of a sensed value of air quality with an allowable limit for air quality. The allowable limit for air quality may be computed as a function of time so as to reduce the air quality required during times in which the space being heated or cooled is unoccupied.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for recirculating air in a controlled ventilated environment. In one example, recirculation of air from one or more rooms in a multiple room ventilated environment having a common source of supply air is controlled such that minimum ventilation and thermal load requirements for each room are satisfied independently, so as to facilitate a reduction in the amount of fresh outside air required for the environment. In another example, the controlled airflows in each room may be based additionally on respective air quality levels of the air drawn from each room. In one aspect, if contaminants are detected in one or more rooms of the ventilated environment, the amount of air recirculated from a contaminated room back to the environment may be controlled based on a detected level of the contaminant and a dilution ratio of any returned contaminated air to the total uncontaminated air supplied to the environment.

Abstract: A VAV air handler includes a cooling coil with a return air bypass damper for improved dehumidification. The bypass interjects into the supply air a portion of relatively warm, dry return air downstream of the cooling coil. This allows the cooling coil to absorb more latent heat from the incoming outside air and the remaining portion of the return air over a broad range of operating conditions, but especially at low load conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling an induction motor having a variable frequency drive in a blower system so that the blower system provides a specific fluid flow. A start-up program causes the motor to ramp up to approximately a predetermined steady state speed. A required blower torque is calculated by operating on a table of blower constants, a selected flow rate and a motor speed. The motor speed is calculated by operating on a table of motor specific constants, a voltage-frequency index and a measured direct current bus current. A developed motor torque is calculated by operating on a table of motor specific constants, a voltage-frequency index and the calculated motor speed. The calculated required blower torque is repeatedly compared with the calculated developed motor torque. The voltage-frequency index to the variable frequency drive is modified to force the developed motor torque to converge with the required blower torque in a steady state.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling an induction motor having a variable frequency drive in a blower system so that the blower system provides a specific fluid flow. A start-up program causes the motor to ramp up to approximately a predetermined steady state speed. A required blower torque is calculated by operating on a table of blower constants, a selected flow rate and a motor speed which is read from a speed sensor in the motor/blower system. A developed motor torque is calculated by operating on a table of motor specific constants, a voltage-frequency index and the motor speed taken from the speed sensor. The calculated required blower torque is repeatedly compared with the calculated developed motor torque. The voltage-frequency index to the variable frequency drive is modified to force the developed motor torque to converge with the required blower torque in a steady state.

Abstract: An environmental test chamber comprises a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a partition. The first chamber receives one or more electronic components to be tested. The first chamber includes an exhaust area through which air is introduced to the first chamber and an intake area from which air is evacuated from the first chamber. The exhaust area and intake area are both fitted with a panel having a plurality of apertures. The size and/or the distance between the apertures is varied to provide a uniform airflow through the first chamber, thereby insuring that each electrical component housed within the first chamber experiences the desired temperature and humidity conditions. An air intake assembly is provided which draws air into a control panel chamber housing the electrical circuitry necessary to operate the environmental test chamber, and transports the air into the second chamber to thereby permit both the control panel chamber and the second chamber to receive ambient air.

Abstract: A fan control system suitable for use in air moving applications has a pressure sensor responsive to an air pressure in an air duct for supplying a static pressure signal representative of the air pressure. A supply air flow sensor is responsive to an air flow in a supply air duct and supplies a supply air flow signal representative of the air flow in the supply air duct. A return air flow sensor is responsive to an air flow in a return air duct and supplies a return air flow signal representative of the air flow in the return air duct. A supply fan moves air in the supply air duct. The supply fan is driven by a supply fan motor. A return fan moves air in the return air duct. The return fan is driven by a return fan motor. A unitary volumetric air flow controller is connected to the supply fan motor and to the return fan motor.

Abstract: Ceiling fan operation control for tuning the fan on and off based on a passive infrared sensor, combined with a temperature sensor to regulate the speed of the fan. The passive infrared sensor, the temperature sensor and controls for both are in a housing directly mounted to the fan motor of the ceiling fan. The controls can be set screws covered by a removable cap. The passive infrared sensor can include a fresnal lens for sensing a 360 degree circumference beneath the fan, and a photo-optical sensor such as a photocell, which suspends ceiling fan control changes for allowing the fan to continue operation when the room is dark and occupants may be sleeping.

Abstract: A power saving operational control method of an air conditioner adapted to maintain a room space at a pleasant state regardless of a distance from an indoor unit and size of the room space, thereby increasing a power saving effect, the method comprising the steps of: turning on or turning off a compressor according to a comparative result between a set-up temperature input by a user and room temperature to maintain the room temperature at the set-up temperature; discriminating whether a power saving operation signal is input; swinging the vertical/horizontal vanes vertically and horizontally to adjust directions of discharged air to the entire area of the room when it is discriminated at the signal input discriminate step that the power saving operation signal is input; discriminating whether the compressor is rendered active when it is discriminated at the signal input discrimination step that the power saving operation signal is input; calculating a power saving set-up temperature according to the room temp

Abstract: An enhanced controller for an air conditioning system incorporating mechanical cooling equipment and an economizer, the enhanced controller including circuits for producing signals indicative of commanded changes in temperature of air admitted into the air conditioned space and of a non-temperature parameter, such as carbon dioxide concentration, of air within the space. The signals are supplied to a logic circuit which produces a ventilation damper control signal based on which of the temperature and non-temperature parameters requires greater change. Freeze protection, and maximum and minimum damper position circuits override the basic damper control signal to avoid excessively low space temperatures and to provide air exchange limits.

Abstract: An air handling unit for a heating, ventilating and air conditioning system of a building has a plurality of exhaust fans. The exhaust fans are sequentially activated in response to the amount of air flowing into the air handling unit from outdoors. Thus the amount of air exhausted from the building approximates the amount of air drawn into the building through the air handling unit. This operation maintains the static air pressure within the building to acceptable levels.

Abstract: An air-flow management system for controlling the supply air to a motor vehicle passenger compartment is disclosed. The air-flow management system includes a reversible heat pump system for transferring heat energy between an outside environment and a refrigerant. Air from the outside environment, fresh air, and from the passenger compartment, recirculated air, is forced through the air-flow structure by a blower resulting in the transfer of heat energy between the refrigerant and the passenger compartment. A recirculation door provides a means for controlling the mixture of fresh air to recirculated air that flows through the air-flow structure. The position of the recirculation door is selectable by a controller to prevent fogging during the transition from cooling mode to heating mode, minimize the energy expended conditioning the passenger compartment air, and prevent the backflow of unconditioned outside air from the fresh air duct into the recirculation duct.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for accurately measuring airflow across a measuring location within a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. The method includes the steps of measuring airflow at the measuring location using a plurality of airflow measuring stations of equal or different sizes, the sizes of the measuring stations together equaling the size of the measuring location. Control dampers are associated with each respective station to modulate the airflow through each measuring station based upon the flow condition across the measuring location. The apparatus providing for the method includes differential pressure transducers located in each airflow measuring station. These pressure transducers are connected with the dampers via a control unit which changes the position of the dampers in accordance with the airflow condition.

Abstract: An air-flow management system for controlling the supply air to a motor vehicle passenger compartment is disclosed. The air-flow management system includes a reversible heat pump system for transferring heat energy between an outside environment and a refrigerant. Air from the outside environment, fresh air, and from the passenger compartment, recirculated air, is forced through the air-flow structure by a blower resulting in the transfer of heat energy between the refrigerant and the passenger compartment. A recirculation door provides a means for controlling the mixture of fresh air to recirculated air that flows through the air-flow structure. The position of the recirculation door is selectable by a controller to prevent fogging during the transition from cooling mode to heating mode, minimize the energy expended conditioning the passenger compartment air, and prevent the backflow of unconditioned outside air from the fresh air duct into the recirculation duct.

Abstract: A method for reducing overall workload of a vehicle air conditioning (a/c) system takes into account the humidity conditions. A high humidity condition can be detected by monitoring windshield wiper operation for a threshold period of time. High humidity exists during rain or fog and wiper operation for more than three minutes can indicate high humidity. The method includes operating the vehicle heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system with the a/c on in a recirculation or partial recirculation mode when the wipers have been on for longer than the threshold period to remove moisture from cabin air thereby reducing the amount of moisture condensed by evaporator core and decreasing overall workload of the a/c system.

Abstract: An air flow sensor and impeller flow for use in industrial, agricultural and civil applications as well as in process control, emission control and measurement. The impeller is suspended for free rotation in a tube section and has a central core and a number of impeller blades extending from the core wherein at least one blade extends from the core to the adjacent inner wall of the tube section. The flow sensor is equipped with measuring means to measure the number of revolutions of the impeller per unit of time and to register an associated calibration speed of the impeller.

Abstract: Ceiling fan operation control for turning the fan on and off based on a passive infrared sensor, combined with a temperature sensor to regulate the speed of the fan. The passive infrared sensor, the temperature sensor and controls for both are in a housing directly mounted to the fan motor of the ceiling fan. The controls can be set screws covered by a removable cap. The passive infrared sensor can include a fresnal lens for sensing a 360 degree circumference beneath the fan, and a photo-optical sensor such as a photocell, which suspends ceiling fan control changes for allowing the fan to continue operation when the room is dark and occupants may be sleeping.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system uses unvitiated secondary return air to control the amount of a contaminant, such as carbon dioxide, in a space to maintain an improved air quality throughout the area served by the system. Preferably a terminal box controls the CO.sub.2 level in the space served by the box by selectively drawing air representative of air in other rooms to lower the CO.sub.2 level in the space being served. This reduces cost because air which is provided from other rooms within the building will require less total system heating or cooling in order to maintain the occupied space at the desired air quality.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for alerting an operator to the need to change a temperature control system filter includes a mechanism for selecting and setting a primary period of filter use to assure replacement before the filter becomes clogged; a mechanism for counting out the selected primary period; a mechanism for activating a signalling device to signal the operator to replace the filter, absent replacement of the filter; a mechanism for sensing replacement of the filter; a mechanism for resetting the mechanism for counting to begin the counting out the selected primary period again upon replacement of the filter; a mechanism for counting out a secondary period measured from the end of the primary period; a mechanism for shutting down the system at the end of the secondary period absent replacement of the filter; and a mechanism for detecting a fire within the building. The apparatus preferably additionally includes a mechanism for shutting down the temperature control system upon detection of a fire.

Abstract: A discharge current control apparatus of an air conditioner and method thereof having a plurality of suction inlets for sucking an indoor air, a heat exchanger for heat-exchanging the indoor air sucked through the suction inlets, a discharge outlet for discharging the air heat-exchanged by the heat exchanger, a plurality of wind direction blades for controlling a wind direction of the air discharged through the discharge outlet, and an indoor fan for controlling a wind amount of the air discharged through the discharge outlet, the apparatus comprising a distance detecting unit for sensing a human body nearness distance by detecting infrared generated from a human body, a position detecting unit for sensing a human body left and right position by detecting infrared generated from a human body, a control unit for controlling a wind direction, a wind amount, and a predetermined temperature of the discharged air, so that the discharged air can be supplied to an area where the human body exits according to the hum

Abstract: An air conditioner discharges air through an air outlet and into a room. The direction of the discharged air is controlled by adjusting horizontal and/or vertical blades extending across the air outlet. The air flow rate can be controlled by adjusting a variable speed fan. Infrared sensors detect human bodies in the room and determine a distance and direction of the bodies with respect to the air conditioner for controlling the blades and fan in order to supply air to a region(s) of the room in which a human body is detected.