Including Unitary Inlet And Outlet Housing Patents (Class 454/241)
  • Patent number: 9285131
    Abstract: A dwelling venting and cooling system that includes a set of side-by-side conduits wherein first and third conduits utilize a fan assembly that is actuated by wind power in order to vent hot air from an attic. The second conduit provides an electric fan that actuates the fan assemblies of the first and third conduits at times when wind is not sufficient to actuate the fan assemblies. The system further has attic air ducts that are in communication with vents in rooms within the dwelling in order to convey all hot air to the attic and out of the dwelling. In addition a cooling system that utilizes a water-to-air exchanger provides cool air into air ducts within the dwelling in order to replace the hot air with cool air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: Kent L. Brown
  • Patent number: 9163846
    Abstract: A ventilation apparatus arrangement 10 for ventilating the interior 12 of a building. The ventilation arrangement 10 includes a duct 18 extending to above the roof 14 of the building. The duct 18 is square in cross section and is divided into four quadrants by internal vertical divider plates. A louvre arrangement 22 is provided on each side of the upper part of the duct 18 to receive air into the building on a windward side of the duct 18, and to expel air from a leeward side of the duct 18. A closure arrangement 26 is provided for selectively partially or wholly closing the louvre arrangements 22, for instance in the event of bad weather.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: VKR Holding A/S
    Inventors: Anthony Francis Cull, Nicholas John Hopper
  • Patent number: 8939826
    Abstract: An apparatus for heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning of an interior space includes a heat exchanger core and a heating/cooling device in fluid connection with the heat exchanger core. A recirculation port is arranged between a supply air chamber and an outside air chamber. A damper is adapted to move between a first position in which the damper blocks the recirculation port and a second position in which the recirculation port is unblocked. When the damper is in the second position, at least a portion of supply air is guided to flow from the supply air chamber through the outside air chamber to the heat exchanger core so as to defrost the heat exchanger core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Unilux V.F.C. Corp.
    Inventors: Vittorio Zorzit, Sheng Chu
  • Publication number: 20140342653
    Abstract: A vent including: a flange forming an outer periphery of the vent and having a substantially rectangular shape; an extruded portion extending outwardly from an inner portion of the flange; and a louvered section disposed in an area inside the extruded portion, the louvered section including a plurality of louvers each having an angled section disposed at an angle with respect to the flange, wherein the flange, the extruded portion, and the louvered section are formed as a single unitary piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: NOLL/NORWESCO LLC
    Inventors: RICHARD WILLIAM FIELDHOUSE, SCOTT E. WINTER
  • Publication number: 20140248831
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hybrid ventilation apparatus capable of both natural and forced ventilation. In the case of a natural ventilation mode, a worm gear is rotated in a normal direction by drive force of a drive unit under control of a control unit so that a pressing member engages with a rotation guide protrusion and rotates a damper, thus opening a flow passage, and then the worm gear is reversely rotated by drive force of the drive unit to return the pressing member to its original position, thus allowing a user to rotate a roller upwards and downwards and rotate the damper so that the degree of opening of the flow passage can be adjusted. Thereby, rapid inflow of outdoor air can be blocked, and a cold graft phenomenon, in which the temperature of indoor air rapidly drops, can be prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicants: KOREA INSTITUTE OF CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY, HUTECO CO., LTD., PEOPLUS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hak Sung Kim, Hak Guym Kim, Yun Gyu Lee
  • Publication number: 20140220876
    Abstract: A joining member (1) includes an air-permeable membrane (11), a first adhesive layer (21) provided on a side of a first principal surface (11a) of the air-permeable membrane (11), a second adhesive layer (22) provided on a side of a second principal surface (11b) of the air-permeable membrane (11), an opening (21h) formed in the first adhesive layer (21), and a vent groove (1d) formed through the second adhesive layer (22) or between the second adhesive layer (22) and the air-permeable membrane (11). The vent groove (1d) includes a first portion (D1) extending from an outer peripheral edge of the joining member (1) to a region corresponding to the opening (21h) and a second portion (D2) to which the second principal surface (11b) of the air-permeable membrane (11) is exposed in the region corresponding to the opening (21h).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kouji Furuuchi, Teppei Tezuka, Nobuharu Kuki
  • Patent number: 8789766
    Abstract: This invention relates to a mixing device for an aircraft air conditioning system with a supply conduit for fresh air from the air conditioning system, with a second supply conduit for recirculated air from a pressurized region of the aircraft, and with a discharge conduit for supplying mixed air into the pressurized region of the aircraft, wherein a non-return valve is integrated in the mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH
    Inventor: Georg Baldauf
  • Patent number: 8574047
    Abstract: An air-exchange device for buildings, designed to be installed between an internal environment and an external environment, comprising, a casing having a substantially flattened parallelepiped shape; a heat exchanger housed inside said casing; and a first fan and a second fan, which have respective intake and delivery sections and are arranged for generating, respectively, a first airflow directed from the inside to the outside and a second airflow directed from the outside to the inside, where the first and second airflows are in a relationship of mutual heat exchange in said heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Savio S.p.A.
    Inventors: Aimone Balbo Di Vinadio, Mario Palazzetti
  • Publication number: 20130277010
    Abstract: A heat dissipating apparatus in an electrical device includes a air duct. The air duct includes an air inlet and an air outlet. A plurality of ventilation members are attached to the air inlet and the air outlet thereof. Each ventilation member defines a number of ventilation holes of a certain size calculated to keep EMI out. A coated layer formed on an inner surface of the air duct to shield electromagnetic waves which may be generated by the electrical components of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHIH-HAO LIN
  • Publication number: 20130056174
    Abstract: A ventilation apparatus is provided. The ventilation apparatus may include a base, frames positioned on the base, a rear panel positioned behind the frames and having an interior air discharge port and exterior air suction port formed therein, a top cover positioned on top of the frame and having exterior air discharge port formed therein, and a front panel positioned in front of the frames and having an interior air discharge port formed therein. Heat exchangers disposed in the frames may include interior and exterior air passages. An exhaust fan and air supply fans provide for air flow through the apparatus, guide by the frames. Use of the frames to guide air flow simplify structures and may enhance efficiency by simplifying the passages of the exterior and interior air through the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Jeongtae RYU
  • Patent number: 8303751
    Abstract: A fiber reinforced panel is manufactured to include an integral vent screen. Holes are made in each of first and second sheets of fiber and the holes register with each other when the sheets are stacked within a mold. A screen material is placed between the first and second sheets so that a part of the screen material that registers with the holes in the first sheet and second sheet is exposed. Filler inserts are inserted into the holes of the first and second sheets to mask the screen. A resin is provided and cured to bond together the first and second sheets and the screen. Thus, the screen remains exposed after the first and second sheets and screen have been bonded together by the resin, thereby forming a fiber reinforced panel having an integrally molded vent screen therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gerald J. Gomes, Paul E. Krajewski
  • Publication number: 20120270494
    Abstract: An induction-displacement neutral wall air terminal unit includes a housing defining a supply airflow path, a connected return airflow path, and a heating airflow path separated from the supply and return airflow paths by at least one interior wall. The unit also includes a plurality of induction-type nozzles located within the supply airflow path, that are deliver a ventilation air flow stream into the supply air flow path. The nozzles induce a return air flow stream through the return air flow path that mixes with the ventilation air flow stream to form a supply air flow stream delivered to a supply air outlet. A heating element is disposed within the heating airflow path to heat air within the heating air flow path. A plurality of fans may be placed within the heating airflow path to increase the overall heating capacity of the unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel P. McCarty
  • Patent number: 8221523
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for filtering a volume of gas. In one embodiment, the invention is a filtering apparatus having a hollow vessel with inlets and outlets, channels in communication with the inlets and outlets, a form of filter media, and an uninterruptible flow controlling device for regulating the circulation of gas within the apparatus. In another embodiment, the invention is a method incorporating an uninterruptible filtering apparatus to remove evaporated liquid from a volume of gas by passing the gas over a filter media contained within a hollow vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Orava Applied Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: John E. Orava
  • Publication number: 20120178355
    Abstract: A heat exchange ventilating apparatus comprising: a body housing; a first blower fan disposed in a first air flow path within the body housing; a second blower fan disposed in a second air flow path within the body housing; a rotary-type total heat exchange element; a first covering; and a filter box, wherein the rotary-type total heat exchange element is disposed between the first covering and the filter box, and the first air flow path is formed such that the air flowing therein sequentially passes through inside inlet, the filter box, the rotary-type total heat exchange element, the first covering, the first blower fan and the outside outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicants: Sherpa CNC
    Inventor: Hee-Sik Kim
  • Publication number: 20110192701
    Abstract: The invention proposes a ventilation device that is intended for a hydraulic cylinder, in particular a dual clutch transmission, and that comprises a flow channel that has an inlet and an outlet and passes through the ventilation device, and comprises a closing element that releases the outlet in at least a first functional position and closes said outlet in a second functional position. The ventilation device is characterized by the closing element being arranged in its first functional position in such a way that it closes the inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Dietmar Schulller, Hans-Peter Fleischmann, Mathias Jokob-Bodenhagen
  • Patent number: 7895771
    Abstract: A clothes dryer has a thermal insulation pad placed in a confined space in the dryer cabinet between the blower fan housing and the dryer cabinet side wall closest to the blower fan housing. The thermal insulation pad is press fit into the space so as to take up much of the volume of the confined space preventing the accumulation of dust or lint over time in the confined space while also preventing the flow of oxygen to the confined space. Accordingly, the thermal insulation pad reduces the risk of a fire starting in the confined area of the dryer cabinet between the blower wheel housing and the adjacent side wall of the cabinet. A thermal insulation pad also acts as sound insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Mabe Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Silvia Ionelia Prajescu, Pasquale Antonio Renzo
  • Publication number: 20100009620
    Abstract: An inside air/outside air switching device that includes: an inside air/outside air switching case that has an outside air inlet which opens into an engine room, a first inside air inlet and a second inside air inlet which open into a vehicle compartment; an inside air/outside air switching door that is provided in the inside air/outside air switching case, and that switches an open inlet between the first inside air inlet and the outside air inlet; an inside air introduction support door that opens and closes the second inside air inlet; and a noise insulation member that is provided in such a manner that an operation of the inside air introduction support door is not interfered with, and that blocks out noise which is generated in the engine room and which proceeds from the outside air inlet toward the second inside air inlet when the outside air inlet is open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Kawato, Donald Federico
  • Publication number: 20090314376
    Abstract: A conduit assembly and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed and described. The conduit assembly has an outer wall, an inner wall, and a corrugated wall disposed between the outer and inner wall. A conduit section is formed by connecting a plurality of conduit assemblies to enclose a hollow space along the length of the conduit section. The conduit sections may be joined by an axial connector to form a conduit. In one exemplary application, the conduit comprises a fiberglass reinforced plastic material and is used as a stack or chimney liner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Mark S. Wagner
  • Patent number: 7635296
    Abstract: Various systems and apparati as well as devices and structures are provided which may be used or incorporated into air handling systems (e.g. (air) ventilation systems and apparati) for the manipulation or control of air in a enclosure such as a building, a room of a structure such as a residence, and the like. Such air handling systems (e.g. ventilation apparati or systems) may for example include an element for the transfer of heat from warm exhaust air (taken from inside an enclosure e.g. a building) to cooler exterior fresh air (drawn into the enclosure e.g. building). The present invention further relates to air handling systems (e.g. ventilation systems and apparati) which may not only exhaust stale interior air to the outside of an enclosure but as desired or necessary also intermingle a portion of such stale air with fresh air for delivery of the intermingled air back into the enclosure (during cold or warm weather). The present invention in particular relates to air handling systems (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Venmar Ventilation Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Gagnon, Éric Charlebois, Michel Julien, Daniel Marcoux, Jean-Bernard Piaud
  • Publication number: 20090209193
    Abstract: An HVAC unit for a recreational vehicle includes an enclosure having an ambient air inlet, an exterior outlet, a return air duct connection, and a conditioned air duct connection. An air conditioning system and a heating system are each located within the enclosure. The air conditioning system includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator operably connected for cooling air entering the enclosure through the return air duct connection. The heating system includes a gas-fired burner assembly located within a sealed combustion chamber and a heat exchanger operably connected to the combustion chamber for heating air entering the enclosure through the a return air duct connection. A control system is operably connected to the air conditioning system and the heating system to selectively heat or cool air entering the enclosure through the a return air duct connection and exiting through the conditioned air duct connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: John Mark Kloster, Gale Andrew Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7572179
    Abstract: A ventilation system includes a ventilation module having a heat exchanger module, an IAQ module for improving quality of air passing through the ventilation module, and a case for guiding the air that consecutively passes through the ventilation module and the IAQ module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Dong Hwan Choi, Kyung Hwan Kim, Nam Sik Yim, Ho Seon Choi, Keun Hyoung Choi
  • Publication number: 20090186571
    Abstract: The present invention is directed at an air ventilation system for use with semiconductor manufacturing equipment. Specifically, the ventilation system of the present invention adjusts vents or outlets located on an enclosure used for semiconductor manufacturing between a restricted state and an open state. When the vents and/or outlets are in an open state, a high flow rate through the enclosure is able to properly scavenge toxic and volatile gasses to safely remove them. When the vents and/or outlets are in a restricted state, the flow rate of gases therethrough is substantially or fully restricted. Upon the sensing of a condition (or the lack thereof) or the manual operation of an operator, the vents and/or outlets are selectively adjusted between the restricted and open states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: ASM AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Robert C. Haro
  • Patent number: 7563160
    Abstract: A ventilating apparatus is disclosed, by which an installation of the apparatus is conveniently facilitated. The present invention includes a blower device supplying an outdoor air to an indoor space and discharging an indoor air to an outdoor space, a heat exchange unit performing heat exchange between the outdoor air supplied to the indoor space and the indoor air discharged to the outdoor space, and a case having a first chamber receiving the heat exchange unit therein and a second chamber receiving the blower device therein to communicate with the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kyung Hwan Kim, Jeong Yong Kim, Ho Seon Choi, Gi Seop Lee
  • Publication number: 20090181610
    Abstract: A medical garment ventilation system comprises a generally planar intake body having an intake face defining a plurality of intake ports spaced over the intake face, the intake body defining at least one outlet, the at least one outlet and one or more of the plurality of intake ports connected to one another by one or more passages through the body, at least one generally closed air flow path, the path having a first end in communication with at least one of the outlets of the intake body, and an air suction device for drawing air through the intake ports, through the intake body to the at least one closed air flow path, and along the at least one airflow path to an exhaust.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: Derek A. Duke
  • Publication number: 20090026279
    Abstract: The present invention provides an environmental control system for controlling moisture in a solar energy collector. The environmental control system facilitates the flow of air within and through the solar energy collector by using and enhancing a thermal gradient within the solar energy collector caused by exposure to sunlight. Two or more orifices are located in an enclosed solar energy system to permit air to enter, circulate and remove moisture from the system. The position of the two or more orifices and a thermal gradient generated by the solar energy collector facilitates this process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: SOLFOCUS, INC.
    Inventors: Jeremy Dittmer, Marc Finot, Mark Spencer
  • Publication number: 20080274685
    Abstract: An air grate for a raised floor includes a top plate with apertures for air flow, and reinforcement ribs for structural support. Pairs of ribs include edge flanges that define a horizontal track. Two flat dampener panels temporarily flex to slip between the edge flanges for assembly and then unflex for adjustable movement along the track between different overlapping positions for controlled air flow. The top plate includes corner-forming sections and leveling legs for height adjustment. Foot-print-expanding brackets engage the leveling legs for extending their foot print outwardly so that the air grate can be used on different raised floor systems without misalignment problems with stanchion supports. A handle is pivotally mounted in the top plate between a flush position and a raised position for grasping to lift the air grate, the handle having apertures matching the pattern of the top plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Mark O. DeJonge, James F. Clifford
  • Publication number: 20080233861
    Abstract: A fan shutter having one end attachable to an exhaust fan and the opposite inlet end having a pair of vertical doors that are biased to close when the fan is off and to open by the force of vacuum when the fan is on. The use of vertical doors prevents the accumulation of dust and dirt on the doors. The vertical doors pivot horizontally in a housing that may have any desired shape, including a tubular shape with a bell mouth. The tubular bell mouth shutter design further provides improved air flow characteristics and decreased stress on the exhaust fan, compared to conventional fan shutters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Lesley Ray Jenkins, Waymon Neal Daniels
  • Publication number: 20080182502
    Abstract: A ventilation system and method for automotive lighting systems includes at least two tortuous paths between the interior of the lighting enclosure and the surrounding atmosphere. The two paths include portions which are at least partially vertical and gravity assists in separating foreign material from air drawn through these portions. By providing at least two paths, foreign material in one path will not be drawn into the enclosure as air can still pass through the other path. The ventilation system and method can be integrally formed with the enclosure, or can be separately formed and attached to the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher F. Bartlett, Salmaan Moledina, Christopher H. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20080156454
    Abstract: In an air conditioner, air-supply passages cross air-discharge passages, and heat exchangers are disposed at intersections between the air-supply passages and the air-discharge passages. This increases the effective heat-exchanging areas of the heat exchangers. In addition, the air conditioner is configured such that the air conditioner can be easily installed and repaired even when the air conditioner is rotated to be properly connected with air-supply ducts and air-discharge ducts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Kyung Hwan KIM, Keun Hyoung CHOI, Han Lim CHOI
  • Publication number: 20080113609
    Abstract: A combined supply and exhaust apparatus for an air using appliance is provided. The combined supply and exhaust apparatus includes air supply and air exhaust passages. The air supply and air exhaust passages extend between inlets and outlets. A common wall separates the air supply passage from the air exhaust passage. The air supply passage supplies air to the appliance and the air exhaust passage exhausts air from the appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: ROBERTSHAW CONTROLS COMPANY
    Inventor: Gregory Allen Ehlers
  • Patent number: 6718973
    Abstract: An evaporator chamber for mixing water vapor with respiratory gas has a supply opening for the respiratory gas, an inlet opening for the water vapor and an outlet opening for the humidified respiratory gas. With the evaporator chamber, an excellent mixing is achieved with the smallest possible structural volume. The evaporator chamber is configured as a hollow body (1) having an essentially circularly-shaped inner wall surface (5). The supply opening (4) on the upper end of the hollow body (1) is arranged in a manner which conducts in the respiratory gas essentially tangentially to the inner wall surface (5). The outlet opening (6) is located at the lower end of the hollow body (1) and the inlet opening (9) lies between the supply opening (4) and the outlet opening (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Dräger Medical AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventor: Jochim Koch
  • Publication number: 20030211824
    Abstract: A light diffusing apparatus is provided for attachment to an upright vent pipe, for example the type found in poultry barns and the like. The apparatus includes a mounting collar for securement about one end of the vent pipe and a plurality of generally annular baffles supported on the mounting collar substantially co-axially with the mounting collar. The baffles are spaced apart in an axial direction and have varying diameter from one another so that the baffles overlap one another in a radial direction. The configuration of the baffles ensures that light cannot pass through the vent pipe when the light diffusing apparatus is supported thereon. In particular, overlapping of the baffles in the radial direction thereof while the baffles remain vertically spaced apart permits ventilating air to pass therethrough while blocking light travelling through the vent pipe in an axial direction of the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Melvin KLeinsasser, Ronald Van De Laar
  • Patent number: 6637168
    Abstract: An aircraft engine run-up hangar comprises a building defining a test chamber capable of receiving an aircraft therein, an air inlet structure, and an exhaust structure. The air inlet structure is formed in a front end part of a roof structure corresponding to a front end part of the building, the exhaust structure is connected to a rear end part of the building and defines an exhaust passage extending obliquely upward from the back end of the building, and one or a plurality of current deflecting members are disposed near a lower end of the air inlet structure to deflect air currents flowing through the air inlet structure into the building toward an aircraft housed in the building. A current-straightening structure is incorporated into the air inlet structure. A current-straightening space is defined under the air inlet structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takayuki Satomi, Kazushi Ogawa, Takashi Kawashima, Hidenori Yoshida, Yasuo Saito, Hajime Hirakawa, Kazuyuki Akimoto
  • Patent number: 6629886
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventor: Kevin Estepp
  • Patent number: 6514138
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Kevin Estepp
  • Patent number: 5947816
    Abstract: A vent apparatus for cooperating with duct work associated with an exhaust fan to enable air to be exhausted from an interior room of a dwelling to the exterior environment. The vent apparatus includes a base member and a cover member releasably securable to the base member. The base member includes an attaching portion having a plurality of locking portions, while the cover member includes a plurality of flexible latching arm members which releasably engage the locking portions when the cover member is placed over the attaching portion. The attaching portion includes an enlarged opening which enables air exhausted from an interior room to be directed out between the base and cover members to the exterior atmosphere. The apparatus is particularly well-adapted to be used with vinyl or aluminum siding and is relatively inexpensive to construct, light-weight and easy to install. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus includes a screen adapted to be secured to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Schiedegger, Mark T. MacLeod, Michael C. Clark
  • Patent number: 5762550
    Abstract: A housing for an electronic device having an air circulation device. The housing includes an enclosure with a plurality of panels. One of the panels includes an air inlet port and an air outlet port. The air inlet port and the air outlet port are spaced from each other. The air inlet port and the air outlet port have openings in the first panel and a plurality of generally parallel vanes located in respective opening to pull air into, or exhaust air from, the enclosure. The vanes of the air inlet port and the air outlet port are angled in opposite directions to minimize the recirculation of exhausted air back into the air inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. Brunner
  • Patent number: 5722483
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing stale air from a residence or other enclosed space, and replacing that air with fresh air from outside the enclosed space. Stale air outlets are placed at the ceiling in one or more locations throughout the enclosed space and ducts connect those outlets to an air vent elevated in relation to the stale air outlets. An inlet air passage extends between a fresh air inlet located outside the enclosed space, and the air return side of a forced-air heating/cooling unit in the enclosed space. Warm air rises to the ceiling within the enclosed space, increasing in pressure and flowing through the stale air outlets to the relatively lower-pressure outside air. This air flow induces an inward flow of fresh air into the system. The outgoing and incoming air flows move through a heat exchanger, allowing thermal recovery of heat due to differential temperatures between the two air flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Inventor: Gary L. Gibson
  • Patent number: 5435377
    Abstract: A ventilator for clothes dryers and the like includes a counterflow heat exchanger through the wall of the building containing the apparatus, with an entry passage for ambient air entering the building and an exist passage for heated waste air leaving the building. An external housing defines an outlet chamber communicating with the exit passage, and an inlet chamber communicating with the entry passage. The chambers are both open to the ambience, and the two openings are adjacent one another, with a damper mounted for pivotal movement between a closed position in which the damper closes both of the openings, and an open position in which it opens both of the openings. The damper is biased toward the closed position, but is moveable toward the open position by a build-up of air pressure in the exit passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Jullan Enterprises Ltd.
    Inventor: Joseph M. Kratochvil
  • Patent number: 5343328
    Abstract: An automobile rear-view mirror including a ventilation box attached to the mirror at an inner side adjacent to the automobile for passing a current of air during the movement of the automobile, a flow guide member attached to the mirror thereof at the bottom for guiding the current of air toward the mirror so as to remove moisture from the mirror, and a motor drive controlled to turn the flow guide member on a longitudinal axis thereof to change its angular position relative to the mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Inventor: Shih-Pan Chang