For Use With Heating And Cooling Means Patents (Class 454/236)
  • Patent number: 11976837
    Abstract: An air conditioning system configured to supply a plurality of places in a building with conditioned air with use of ducts inhibits malfunction of the air conditioning system due to airflow volume through a utilization heat exchanger. A heat exchanger unit includes a utilization heat exchanger. The heat exchanger unit is connected with a plurality of ducts. A plurality of fan units sucks conditioned air from the heat exchanger unit through the plurality of ducts and supplies a plurality of blow-out ports with the conditioned air. The fan units include fan motors as a plurality of actuators configured to individually change supply air volume of the conditioned air. A main controller controls the plurality of fan motors such that airflow volume through the utilization heat exchanger satisfies a predetermined condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Shuuichi Tanaka, Yoshiteru Nouchi
  • Patent number: 11906184
    Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) unit includes an energy recovery wheel, a first exhaust fan configured to draw a first air flow across the energy recovery wheel and discharge the first air flow from the HVAC unit, a second exhaust fan configured to draw a second air flow across the energy recovery wheel and discharge the second air flow from the HVAC unit, and a controller configured to operate the first exhaust fan and the second exhaust fan in an economizer mode and configured to operate the first exhaust fan and suspend operation of the second exhaust fan in an energy recovery mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: JOHNSON CONTROLS TYCO IP HOLDINGS LLP
    Inventors: Marcel P. Ferrere, Jr., Rajiv K. Karkhanis, Aron M. Seiler
  • Patent number: 11885521
    Abstract: An air conditioning system configured to supply a plurality of places in a building with conditioned air with use of ducts inhibits malfunction of the air conditioning system due to airflow volume through a utilization heat exchanger. A heat exchanger unit includes a utilization heat exchanger. The heat exchanger unit is connected with a plurality of ducts. A plurality of fan units sucks conditioned air from the heat exchanger unit through the plurality of ducts and supplies a plurality of blow-out ports with the conditioned air. The fan units include fan motors as a plurality of actuators configured to individually change supply air volume of the conditioned air. A main controller controls the plurality of fan motors such that airflow volume through the utilization heat exchanger satisfies a predetermined condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Shuuichi Tanaka, Yoshiteru Nouchi
  • Patent number: 11662117
    Abstract: Provided is a fan control apparatus which includes: a first sensor; a second sensor; an RF fan; and a controller. The first sensor is provided in a first room, and is configured to acquire a measured value of at least one condition selected from conditions of atmospheric pressure, temperature, and humidity for the first room, the second sensor is provided in a second room adjacent to the first room, and is configured to acquire a measured value of the same condition as the at least one selected condition for the second room, the RF fan is placed at a boundary between the first and second rooms, and the controller is configured to control a rotational speed and rotational direction of the RF fan in such a manner that the measured values of the first and second sensors are the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: SANYO DENKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naoki Murakami, Honami Osawa, Souma Araki, Masashi Murakami
  • Patent number: 11638410
    Abstract: A system controls the air climate in an insect rearing climate housing. The system has an insect rearing climate housing with clusters of one or more stacks of crates with insects. The crates have at least two ventilation openings associated with each crate. An aeration system has an air control unit with a database having a reference table with conditioned air properties in relation to input parameter(s). Aeration devices are connected to the air control unit adjacent to each stack of crates, and have a plurality of exit openings that provide airstreams over the insects. The method retrieves input parameter(s) for the air control unit per cluster of crates, the air control unit determines appropriate conditioned air properties of the airstreams based on the retrieved input parameter(s), and for each individual cluster of crates separately, the air control unit sets the determined conditioned air properties of the airstreams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Ynsect NL R&D B.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Ignatius Maria Calis, Robbert Dam
  • Patent number: 11534044
    Abstract: A closure flap on a vacuum inlet valve assembly or housing pivots between an open first position and a closed second position. When the closure flap is in the open first position, it is offset from a central longitudinal axis of the vacuum inlet valve housing. When the closure flap is in the closed second position, it intersects the central longitudinal axis. The closure flap has a resilient and compressible protrusion that releasable locks the closure flap in each position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: H-P PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Darrell V. Nieschwitz, Greg A. Calderone, Shawn C. Metz
  • Patent number: 11175060
    Abstract: A fan-on Fault Detection Diagnostic (FDD) and correction method comprising at least one method selected from the group consisting of: detecting a Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning (HVAC) fan is controlled by a fan-on duration setting or a continuous or intermittent fan-on duration setting or schedule, and performing at least one action selected from the group consisting of: providing at least one fan-on alarm message, overriding the fan-on duration setting or the fan-on duration schedule, and turning off the HVAC fan for a fraction of the fan-on duration setting or schedule. Turning off the HVAC fan is based on at least one method selected from the group consisting of: a variable duration, skipping a scheduled fan-on duration setting, based on a call for cooling/heating, based on a geofencing or occupancy sensor signal, and based on a user-selected fan-on duration setting or a user-selected fan-off duration schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Inventors: Robert J. Mowris, John M. Walsh
  • Patent number: 10788232
    Abstract: Systems and methods for air flow circulation are described which utilize one or more air conditioning units as well as transfer grilles to move cooler air from one space to another. The transfer grilles can include bi-directional in-line fans to move air between spaces in discrete ducts located between the spaces. Motorized dampers can be controlled by a controller that receives information about various rooms and areas from temperature and occupancy sensors within those rooms or areas. In this manner, conditioned air can be directed to those rooms that are occupied and whose temperature needs correction based on a thermostat setting, and use of the air conditioning unit can be avoided when a cool air source is present in another space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Innovative Building Energy Control
    Inventor: Gangyi Zhou
  • Patent number: 10746432
    Abstract: Provided is an air conditioner including a variable air volume control device. The air conditioner includes: an indoor unit main body including a main outlet through which air is discharged; a blower placed in the indoor unit main body and blowing air toward the main outlet; and a controller adjusting a second discharge rate of air in an air cleaning mode independently of a first discharge rate of air in a heating or cooling mode, wherein the second discharge rate of air is varied within a range different from a range in which the first discharge rate of air is varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Inventor: Yong Hee Hwang
  • Patent number: 10435181
    Abstract: Methods are provided by which a treatment fluid (e.g., a liquid corrosion inhibitor) may be applied onto the interior surfaces of an aircraft fuselage. The methods include (a) deploying an automated guided vehicle (AGV) comprising a carriage assembly and a robotic spray system carried by the carriage assembly within the interior of the fuselage, (b) closing the cabin door opening of the fuselage with the AGV positioned therewithin, and (c) operating the AGV so as to move within the fuselage along a longitudinal axis thereof to spray the treatment fluid onto the surfaces thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: EMBRAER S.A.
    Inventors: Rogério Scafutto Scotton, Natália Vianna Correia, Luiz Fernando Dos Santos, Thomas Waring, Richard Waring
  • Patent number: 9999908
    Abstract: A ductless fume hood suitable for the removal of various chemical materials including toxic and non-toxic gases, vapors, particles, dust and unpleasant odors from a fluid stream. The ductless fume hood uses electronic devices and software to enable real time monitoring of gas levels in parts per million.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventor: Gregory J. Dobbyn
  • Patent number: 9899896
    Abstract: A system for cooling a solar power plant is provided. The system has a foundation, a protective housing built on the foundation, and one or more heat sources inside the protective housing. An air inlet can provide a cooling air flow from outside the protective housing to inside the protective housing, and an air outlet can allow an air flow heated by the at least portion of the heat sources to exit the protective housing. An air duct system within the foundation can direct at least part of an incoming air flow to another part in the protective housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: ABB Oy
    Inventor: Jarkko Hyttinen
  • Patent number: 9784508
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a heat exchanger arrangement is provided. The method includes detecting a rotational speed of a ram air fan configured to draw air through the heat exchanger arrangement. The method also includes detecting a power input from a motor to the ram air fan to maintain a commanded rotational speed of the ram air fan. The method further includes comparing the power input detected to a predetermined power limit for the commanded rotational speed. The method yet further includes decreasing the rotational speed of the ram air fan with a controller if the power input detected exceeds the predetermined power limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Thomas M. Zywiak
  • Patent number: 9730397
    Abstract: A greenhouse is disclosed that generally comprises an enclosed growing section with an enclosed end gable adjacent to the growing section. The end gable is arranged to flow air into the growing section. Air distribution tubes are included within the growing section with the tubes arranged to provide for substantially uniform air flow into the growing section. The air tubes can also be arranged to compensate for heat differential between the air in the tubes and in the growing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: HOUWELING NURSERIES OXNARD, INC.
    Inventors: Casey Houweling, Geurt Reinders
  • Patent number: 9638434
    Abstract: Heating, ventilating and air conditioning are provided to a temporary, flexible shelter, especially in a rugged, remote and/or extreme environment, including locations and/or conditions where access to electric power may be limited and/or expensive. A portable system may include a light weight HVAC unit, with variable-speed components that are dynamically managed for efficiency, reliability and safety, and a flexible, self-insulating duct for connecting the HVAC unit to the temporary shelter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Alaska Structures, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald Allen Alston
  • Patent number: 9513020
    Abstract: There has been a problem of dew condensation, during a cooling operation, on a wind vane or the like provided at an air outlet because the wind speed of blown air leaking from ends in longitudinal direction of the air outlet is low, causing the entanglement of room air. Walls that form an air outlet from which air that has exchanged heat in a heat exchanger is blown are provided. End portions of each of the walls in a longitudinal direction of the air outlet have respective recesses such that a passage of the air therein is made wider than in a central portion of the wall. In the longitudinal direction of the air outlet, the recesses each have a downstream-side width that is smaller than an upstream-side width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Ikeda, Koji Yamaguchi, Masatomo Hatta, Masahiko Takagi, Makoto Kurihara
  • Patent number: 9375543
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein include a low-noise apparatus for providing positive air pressure to a patient. The systems may include a housing with an inlet port, a vibrationally isolated blower unit positioned in an acoustic chamber, and an outlet port for delivery of the pressurized air from the blower unit. The acoustic chamber may include noise attenuators, such as walls, which adjust airflow so as to reduce the overall noise output of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Human Design Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Scott Librett, Karl R Leinsing
  • Patent number: 9310120
    Abstract: A system for filtering inlet air of an air conditioner air handler, and method of filtering inlet air without a conventional filter, said system is a structure comprising: an air inlet, an air directing structure, a water chamber, positioned within an internal cavity, a structure for directing condensate from an air handler into said water chamber, a drain positioned to impart a maximum water level of water accumulated in said first water chamber; a second air directing structure configured to direct air from said first internal cavity towards an outlet that is affixed to the inlet of an air conditioner air handler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: A/C INNOVATIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Nivaldo Cerdan
  • Patent number: 9308485
    Abstract: A system for filtering inlet air of an air conditioner air handler, and method of filtering inlet air without a conventional filter, said system is a structure comprising: an air inlet, an air directing structure, a water chamber, positioned within an internal cavity, a structure for directing condensate from an air handler into said water chamber, a drain positioned to impart a maximum water level of water accumulated in said first water chamber; a second air directing structure configured to direct air from said first internal cavity towards an outlet that is affixed to the inlet of an air conditioner air handler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: A/C INNOVATIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Nivaldo Cerdan
  • Patent number: 8930030
    Abstract: A method performed by a zone controller for a zone of a building for improving energy efficiency in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is provided. The method includes operating in a ventilation mode. A temperature of the zone and outside air conditions for the building are monitored. A determination is made regarding whether to switch from the ventilation mode to an economizing mode based on a first set point for the temperature of the zone and based on the outside air conditions. The first set point is determined based on a second set point for the temperature that is different from the first set point. A determination is made regarding whether to activate the HVAC system based on the second set point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin Bester, Robert Bartmess
  • Patent number: 8827780
    Abstract: A fan coil block of the present invention preferably includes a fan for drawing air and a cooling device for cooling air drawn by the fan. A flexible air handling system of the present invention preferably includes a fan coil block that is supportable overhead by an overhead support system. The present invention is also directed to an air handling method that includes the steps of providing an overhead support system for supporting overhead devices, defining a return air chase within the interior space of a building, and supporting a fan coil block above or within the return air chase using the overhead support system. The fan coil block draws and cools air from the return air chase and returns the cooled air to a plenum above the overhead support system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Huntair, Inc.
    Inventors: David Emmett Benson, Kent Peterson, Michael Thomas Post
  • Publication number: 20140187140
    Abstract: A heated seat comprising: a cushion with one or more trench areas; a heater comprising: a carrier with a periphery, the carrier further including: a first electrically functional layer that is made of a conductive material that substantially circumscribes at least a portion of the carrier; and a second electrically functional layer that is made of a resistive material; one or more electrical conductors attached to the first electrically functional layer; a trim layer that covers the cushion when the heater is placed over the cushion; and wherein the periphery includes a first side edge and a second side edge, and each side edge includes a cutout, and the cutouts are located adjacent to each other forming a neck portion; wherein the heater is attached to the cushion by placing an attachment device over the neck portion of the heater and securing one or both ends of the attachment device to the cushion so that the neck portion is pulled into the trench; wherein the neck portion is free of the second electricall
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventors: Marinko Lazanja, Matthew Zuzga, Sergiu Csonti, Syed Iqbal, Igor Spasojevic, Tim Normand
  • Patent number: 8676545
    Abstract: Example methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to determine pliable air duct configurations are disclosed. A disclosed example method involves determining a first quantity of adjustable air outlet duct sections to configure an air delivery duct system when an operating mode identifier is received. The operating mode identifier is associated with an amount of air delivered by the air delivery duct system into targeted areas. The first quantity of adjustable air outlet duct sections is based on an airflow rate value and the operating mode identifier. The airflow rate value is indicative of airflow through an air delivery duct system. Each adjustable air outlet duct section includes at least one adjustable air outlet having at least one size-adjustable orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Nicholas L. Kaufmann, Brenda L. Ritt, Cary Pinkalla, Kevin J. Gebke, Frank Heim, William A. Niehaus, Matthew Lux
  • Publication number: 20140065942
    Abstract: A heating, ventilation and air conditioning system includes a blower unit that has a first interior air intake, a second interior air intake and an exterior air intake. Three doors are moved between open and closed positions to define a recirculation mode, a fresh mode and a partial recirculation mode. As the doors move between their open and closed positions, a variable partial mode and a variable fresh mode are defined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: DENSO INTERNATIONAL AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew CLEMENCE, Gregory THOMPSON, Raymond BAILEY, Melissa BUCZEK, Simon HOTTE
  • Publication number: 20140065943
    Abstract: A heating, ventilation and air conditioning system includes a blower unit that has an interior air intake and an exterior air intake. Three doors are moved between open and closed positions to define a recirculation mode, a fresh mode and a partial recirculation mode. As the doors move between their open and closed positions, a variable partial mode and a variable fresh mode are defined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: DENSO INTERNATIONAL AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew CLEMENCE, Gregory THOMPSON, Raymond BAILEY, Melissa BUCZEK
  • Patent number: 8556689
    Abstract: A system for heating and cooling a main floor of a building, including: a building having an attic, a main floor and a crawl space; an attic air blower system for moving attic air into the main floor; and a crawl space air blower system for moving crawl space air to the main floor, wherein (i) the attic air blower moves air from the attic into the main floor when the crawl space air blower moves air from the main floor through the crawl space to the exterior of the building; and, (ii) the attic air blower moves air from the main floor through the attic to the exterior of the building when the crawl space air blower moves air from the crawl space into the main floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Cyrous Gheyri
  • Patent number: 8512113
    Abstract: An air conditioning device (10) for conducting air from outside into a building or in the opposite direction for conducting air out of the building has at least one supply air chamber structure (11) and at least one exhaust air chamber structure (12) and in between these a partition wall (13) and therein a fan (14), with the aid of which air is made to flow (arrow L1) from a supply chamber (D1) into an exhaust chamber (D2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Retermia Oy
    Inventors: Markus Castrén, Risto Castrén
  • Patent number: 8419514
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for circulating air. The apparatus comprises a hollow handle assembly having a proximal end and a distal end. The apparatus further includes an air circulation assembly pivotally secured to the proximal end of the hollow handle assembly. The air circulation assembly is capable of generating an air-flow. Moreover, the apparatus includes a connecting fixture coupled to the distal end of the hollow handle assembly. The connecting fixture is capable of being received in a receptacle for a lighting appliance and for providing an electrical connection to the apparatus for circulating the air. The air circulation assembly is adapted to have an angular motion in all directions about the hollow handle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: James McKeown
  • Patent number: 8382565
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to ventilation systems and methods, and more particularly to selectively configurable climate control systems and methods for use in data centers and the like. A device includes a support element and a plurality of ducts connected to the support element. The device also includes a manifold in fluid communication with each one of the plurality of ducts and a plurality of valves. Each respective one of the plurality of valves is associated with a respective one of the plurality of ducts. Moreover, there is at least one actuator operatively connected to the plurality of valves, which is structured and arranged to individually actuate each one of the plurality of valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Dawson, Vincenzo V. Diluoffo, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Michael D. Kendzierski
  • Publication number: 20130035027
    Abstract: A mixer for an aircraft air conditioning system has first and second fresh air lines and first and second recirculation air lines. A first premixer is connected to the first fresh air line and the first recirculation air line, to mix the fresh air with the recirculation air thereof. A second premixer is connected to the second fresh air line and the second recirculation air line, to mix the fresh air with the recirculation air thereof. A main mixer is connected by a first premixed air line to the first premixer and by a second premixed air line to the second premixer. The main mixer is adapted to be supplied through the first premixed air line and the second premixed air line exclusively with premixed air from the first and/or the second premixer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventor: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
  • Publication number: 20130015253
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a ventilation arrangement for ventilation of a space (3) in a building, comprising a first chamber (A), a first connection (53) connecting the first chamber to an air supply duct (1003) to allow forced supply of exterior air, a second connection (4) connection the first chamber (A3) and the space (3), and a control system (303). The first chamber (A3) has a third connection (63) allowing supply of recirculated air into the space (3), at least partly via the first chamber (A3), a mechanical ventilation damper (123) to prevent air flowing out from the chamber through the air supply duct (1003), a humidity sensing device (103), a first driven fan (83) arranged at the first connection (53) for supply of exterior air, a second driven fan (93) at the third connection (63) for forced recirculation of air. The control system (303) alternatingly drives the first and the second fan. The humidity sensor measures the relative humidity of exterior air and of recirculated air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: Rikard Bergsten
  • Publication number: 20120270493
    Abstract: A packless silencer for a Venturi control valve being a generally rectangular enclosed housing formed by four side walls and having an intake opening and a discharge opening. Four perforated baffles for each of the side walls are positioned inside of the housing, extend the length of the housing and are offset from the side walls to create an empty baffle space between the perforated baffles and the side walls the ends of the baffle space are covered by end caps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Patrick Oliver, Alf Dyck, Jarvis Penner, Bogna Gryc
  • Patent number: 8197762
    Abstract: A method of dispensing a volatile material comprises the steps of providing power to a volatile material diffuser having a diffusion element. The method further includes the step of operating the diffusion element for a randomly determined period of time, wherein the diffusion element is continuously activated and deactivated during the period of time at a randomly determined duty cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas P. Gasper
  • Patent number: 8124009
    Abstract: Aeration drying and disinfecting grain crops in bulk and pretreating seeds includes passing through a bulk of grain crops and seeds disinfecting and drying agents including an ozone and air mixture and surrounding air, subdividing the disinfecting and drying agents into a plurality of streams spaced from one another in a vertical direction, and passing the streams at different heights through levels located at corresponding heights of the bulk of grain crops and seeds transversely in a substantially horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Vitaliy G. Danchenko, Ronald T. Noyes, Larysa P. Potapovych
  • Patent number: 8021217
    Abstract: A self-contained pre-manufactured roof top unit is used to circulate fresh air, heat or cool a building. The housing has a blower connected into a circulation system to circulate air into and out of the building. The unit has a pressure relief opening for connection into the building that is used to relieve air pressure buildup within the building. The pressure relief opening is part of a pressure relief passage that is independent of the blower and has an exhaust vent that opens and closes automatically in response to pressure differential between the building and ambient air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: MNE Engineering Inc.
    Inventor: Greig J. Tollar
  • Publication number: 20110116234
    Abstract: An electronic device includes an enclosure, an expansion card received in the enclosure, and a fan module received in the enclosure for dissipating heat of the expansion card. The fan module includes a cooling fan and a fixing member. The fixing member includes a fixing portion fixed on the cooling fan, a first rotary portion rotatably connected to the fixing portion, and a second rotary portion rotatably connected to the fixing portion. The first rotary portion and the second rotary portion are fixed on the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: ZHEN-XING YE
  • Patent number: 7806951
    Abstract: The present invention is a mobile air contaminant control system that includes a filter assembly enclosed by a mobile outer chamber. The filter assembly is tapered to create a large volume air way downstream from the filter assembly that enables more even air flow and filter loading. One or more exhaust fans pull the air through the filter assembly and exhaust it to the exterior of the chamber. The system is functionally attached to an exterior structure having at least one air intake and housing a work piece. As airborne contaminants are generated from the work piece(s), the control system exhausts them from the exterior structure through the filter assembly and into the external environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: NIF Solutions Corp.
    Inventor: Timothy P. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20100197215
    Abstract: A method of, and a system for promoting the flow of air from a lower location to an upper location, the method comprising: using heat from a heat source to provide a first heat store; and making a secondary use of heat from said heat source to power a heating device for heating an air conduit connecting said lower and upper locations; wherein said secondary use of heat from said heat source is controlled on the basis of an indicator of whether or not there is an excess of heat in the heat store.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicants: VIRIDIAN CONCEPTS LTD., DWELL-VENT LTD.
    Inventors: Ryan Southhall, Mike Mcevoy, Stuart Elmes, Martin Davies, K.T. Tan
  • Patent number: 7485169
    Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing process facility requiring use therein of air exhaust for its operation, such facility including clean room and gray room components, with the clean room having at least one semiconductor manufacturing tool therein, and wherein air exhaust is flowed through a region of the clean room. The facility includes an air exhaust treatment apparatus arranged to (i) receive air exhaust after flow thereof through said region of said clean room, (ii) produce a treated air exhaust, and (iii) recirculate the treated air exhaust to an ambient air environment in the facility, e.g., to the gray room of the facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: W. Karl Olander, Joseph D. Sweeney, Luping Wang
  • Patent number: 7475828
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Bartlett, Stephen J. Kemp, Leisha J. Rotering
  • Publication number: 20080230206
    Abstract: A system and method for energy recovery and humidity control comprises an enclosure (12) with a plurality of ports (86,90,92,94,86) connected to a plurality of ducts (14,16,18,20,22) The system has an enthalpy exchange core (136) exchanging heat and humidity between first air stream (35) and a second air stream (37), and a heat exchange sub-core (134) exchanging heat between the first air stream (35) and a third air stream (39), and fans (34,38,36) for circulating the first air stream (35), the second air stream (37) and the third air stream (39) respectively, and a controller (40) for controlling the fans (34,36,38) and regulating the flows of the first air stream (35), the second air stream (37) and the third air stream (39)
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: AIR TECH EQUIPMENT LTD.
    Inventors: Marc Richard Lestage, George Robert Lestage, Patrick Paul Boudreau
  • Publication number: 20080211958
    Abstract: A dehumidified equipment housing may be used to house equipment including one or more mechanical devices and/or electronic devices. The dehumidified equipment housing may prevent condensation on one or more regions inside of the housing and may control condensation inside of the housing to provide a dehumidified environment inside of the housing. The dehumidified equipment housing may also remove condensed water to outside of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: Sensormatic Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas F. Berkey, Ovidiu Neiconi
  • Patent number: 7399222
    Abstract: An apparatus for operating an auto-shutter in an air-conditioner having an external casing includes a louver frame having an air exit installed in the external casing, an auto-shutter movable between an opened position opening the exit and a closed position closing the exit, and a shutter driver driving the auto-shutter. The shutter driver includes a driving motor which is rotatably mounted in the casing for tilting forwardly and backwardly, a screw-rod rotationally coupled with the driving motor, a bushing coupled with the rotational rod which ascends and descends along with the rotational rod when rotated, a slider, one end of which is coupled with the auto-shutter and the other end of which is coupled with the bushing. The frame and shutter include cooperating surfaces defining to guide the auto-shutter and cause the driving motor and the rotational rod to tilt by a predetermined angle as the auto-shutter moves from the opened position to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Winia Mando, Inc.
    Inventors: Kwang Oh Moon, Jun Woo Kim, Jun Hyung Park, Joung Hwa Bae, Hyoung Bok Jung
  • Patent number: 7377952
    Abstract: An air decontamination system including a sealed room to hold at least one person and the sealed room having an air inlet. The system further including a vacuum unit to create a negative pressure within the sealed room, by suctioning air through the air inlet into the sealed room and then from the sealed room into an inlet of the vacuum unit. The system still further including a work surface disposed in the sealed room at a predetermined height above a floor of the sealed room and the work surface to receive at least one mail piece and the air to be suctioned downwardly over the at least one mail piece and the work surface; and a filter unit to filter the air as the air is drawn out of the sealed room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: American Safe Air, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Stout, William R. Lehman
  • Patent number: 7251953
    Abstract: An air conditioner and filtering unit produces a positive or negative pressure to create an isolation space. A common air intake plenum has first and second inlets for admitting return air from the space or outside air which may be from a building main A/C system supply. Sanitized, cleaned and conditioned air is returned to the conditioned space; and condenser air is exhausted outside the conditioned space. The air intake plenum may be common to both the condenser air flow and to the evaporator air flow. A HEPA filter cleans the air suppled to both the condenser and the evaporator. A slide damper or other arrangement selectively opens and closes air flow through the first and second air inlets into the common intake plenum. This permits creation of overpressure, underpressure, or an intermediate pressure in the conditioned space. All air supplied to the room and all air exhausted from the room is cleaned and sanitized. The unit is self-contained and portable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Air Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Wetzel, Lawrence E. Wetzel
  • Patent number: 7228657
    Abstract: A greenhouse has an exterior curtain wall structure formed by spaced tubular posts carrying external transparent panels and bottom non-transparent wall panels below a sill with the panels spanning the posts. A plurality of elongate benches is located within the interior at spaced positions along one side wall with the width of the benches being equal to the post spacing to form an expandable construction. Each bench has associated with it a respective air handling system for conditioning including a duct which is located partly under the respective bench and a fan in a fan housing at the side wall. From the fan a vertical duct section extends to a flexible tube extending over the bench. Air dehumidification, fogging, heating and cooling are provided in the duct under the bench. An alley is arranged along the opposite wall containing electrical controls mounted in cabinets forming panels for mounting in the span between posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Controlled Environments Limited
    Inventors: David Brault, Alex Turkewitsch, Ron Giercke, Steve Schram, Wayne Zimmerman, Yvon Normandin
  • Patent number: 7105037
    Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing process facility requiring use therein of air exhaust for its operation, such facility including clean room and gray room components, with the clean room having at least one semiconductor manufacturing tool therein, and wherein air exhaust is flowed through a region of the clean room. The facility includes an air exhaust treatment apparatus arranged to (i) receive air exhaust after flow thereof through said region of said clean room, (ii) produce a treated air exhaust, and (iii) recirculate the treated air exhaust to an ambient air environment in the facility, e.g., to the gray room of the facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: W. Karl Olander, Joseph D. Sweeney, Luping Wang
  • Patent number: 7044851
    Abstract: An air handling system for a specialized environment, such as an operating room in a hospital or other health care facility is presented. The air handling system includes an air recirculation system having a blower for drawing air from the specialized environment for recirculation; a recirculation diffuser operatively connected to the specialized environment for recirculating air back to the specialized environment by action of the blower; and recirculation ductwork providing a pathway for air traveling from the blower to the recirculation diffuser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Dialysis Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Peterson, Mark Vesligaj Jagotrab
  • Patent number: 6988671
    Abstract: The invention is directed to programmable temperature control in which a controller may be programmed to control a thermal output of said temperature-modifying device, and to operate an air circulating system independently of the temperature-modifying device. The apparatus may incorporate a user input for entering air handling information to program the air circulating system to operate at predetermined intervals. The controller may be further programmed to receive air filtration information from the user input and to generate air filtration output information. The system may also be programmed to receive information regarding a characteristic of the air circulating system from an sensor for use in calculating the air filtration output information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Lux Products Corporation
    Inventor: Michael R. DeLuca
  • Patent number: 6976911
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing airborne contaminants in residential or commercial buildings injects filtered air into these enclosures. Prior to be injected in these enclosures, the air is filtered for chemical, biological or radioactive hazards. The filtering of the air ensures that the enclosure is a safe haven. The apparatus includes an enclosure, a filtration assembly for removing airborne biological, chemical or radioactive agents mounted with the enclosure. A series of expansion slots can be mounted within the enclosure to assembly a multi-stage filtering process. A blower is also included in the apparatus for overcoming the resistance of the filtration assembly and increases the air pressure inside the building to achieve protective overpressure. A control system within the apparatus monitors the pressure and adjusts the airflow in the system in order to maintain the protective overpressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerry Lanham, Kenneth E. Lanham