Having Air Duct Extending Into Room Patents (Class 454/306)
  • Patent number: 11619409
    Abstract: A control system for a HVAC system for a structure and including a blower that flows air over an indoor heat exchanger. The control system may include a first input device, a first sensor, and a processor in electronic communication with the first input device, the first sensor, and the blower of the HVAC system. The first input device may be operable to accept a zoning mode selection. The first sensor may be sensor operable to measure a first temperature at a first location within the structure. The processor may be programmed to determine a cooling or heating demand on the HVAC system based on an input temperature and the first measured temperature. The processor may be further programmed to adjust an air flow rate produced by the blower based on the demand on the HVAC system and the zoning mode selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignees: Goodman Global Group, Inc., Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akinori Nakai, Takahiro Yamada, Cheng Li, Hideyuki Nakagawa, Shinichi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 11592117
    Abstract: In some implementations, an apparatus comprises a pipe, a stud that is forge-welded to the pipe, creating a forge-welded stud, a bracket that is operably coupled to the forge-welded stud, and a ladder support operably coupled to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Forge Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Lee Miller, Daniel J. Rybicki, Mathew A. Rybicki, Lawrence J. Povse, Kenneth R. Vejr, Andre S. Todd, John M. Griffin
  • Patent number: 11582920
    Abstract: An air flow system for a horticulture application is configured to facilitate simplified, reconfigurable air flow. Via use of adaptable and reconfigurable inlet ports, outlet ports, and a number and/or configuration of ventilation socks, the air flow system may be customizable to each respective application and/or produce increased plant density and/or health in horticultural applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: GROW GLIDE INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Romine, Darin Siples
  • Patent number: 11274763
    Abstract: In some implementations, an apparatus comprises a pipe, a stud that is forge-welded to the pipe, creating a forge-welded stud, a bracket that is operably coupled to the forge-welded stud, and a walkway operably coupled to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Forge Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Lee Miller, Daniel J. Rybicki, Mathew A. Rybicki, Lawrence J. Povse, Kenneth R. Vejr, Andre S. Todd, John M. Griffin
  • Patent number: 11102909
    Abstract: An air duct that can be attached to existing grille of an electronic device to improve airflow and reduce overall system impedance/pressure drop without increasing the power to an air mover. The air duct has a wall configuration to smooth-out airflow while simultaneously delivering more airflow to selected portions of the interior of an electronic device, such as a server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: QUANTA COMPUTER INC.
    Inventors: Chao-Jung Chen, Yu-Nien Huang, Herman Tan, Yung-Hsiang Lu
  • Patent number: 10709040
    Abstract: Cooling systems for devices arranged in rows are disclosed. An example cooling system for a datacenter in a building includes a supply air duct to extend lengthwise along a first aisle within the building. The first aisle is defined between a first row of computers and a second row of computers. The first row of computers provides passage of a first current of air from the first aisle to a second aisle on an opposite side of the first row of computers. The supply air duct is to be positioned with an upper section that is higher than a top surface associated with the first and second rows of computers. The cooling system includes a first wing to extend from the supply air duct toward the first row of computers, and a second wing to extend from the supply air duct toward the second row of computers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Frank Heim, Kevin J. Gebke, Micaela White, Nicholas L. Kaufmann
  • Patent number: 10625574
    Abstract: A ventilation apparatus blows air into a vehicle compartment of a vehicle. The ventilation apparatus has a blower, a duct, a blowing outlet, guide vanes, and a turning mechanism. The blowing outlet is provided with the duct. The blowing outlet guides the air to flow along a lower surface of the duct. The guide vanes change a flow velocity component of the air in a lateral direction of the vehicle by guiding the air to flow along the guide vanes. The guide vanes are arranged in the duct on an upstream side of the blowing outlet and distanced from each other in the lateral direction. According to the above-described configuration, it is possible to provide a ventilation apparatus that can change a flow direction of air in the lateral direction of the vehicle while suppressing a pressure loss of air and a damage of the ventilation apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshinori Ochiai, Shuzo Oda
  • Patent number: 10620645
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods for providing personalized comfort to occupants of a conditioned space. A precision air device having a standalone controllable fan with directional nozzles is provided. The precision air device includes environmental and occupancy sensors, and communicates with a user device and with other precision air devices in the space. Application software installed on an occupant's user device enables the occupant to specify whether it is too cold or too warm within his or her personal space, or microzone. The collective demand of all microzones within a VAV macrozone is determined by a precision air aggregator to adjust a controllable VAV damper for that macrozone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Taylor Ben Clark, Princeton Lobo, Scott A. Munns, William B. Rockwood, Franklin K. Rolles, Kaustubh Phalak
  • Patent number: 10337790
    Abstract: A refrigerated storage unit 1 includes: a refrigeration chamber S2, a refrigeration part 3 for cooling air inside the refrigeration chamber S2, a fan 4 for sending cold air cooled by the refrigeration part 3 into the refrigeration chamber S2, a temperature sensor 5 for detecting a temperature inside the refrigeration chamber S2, an infrared sensor 8 for detecting a temperature of a content provided inside the refrigeration chamber S2, and a control part 7 for controlling driving of the fan based on a result detected by at least one of the temperature sensor 5 and the infrared sensor 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: MARS Company
    Inventors: Motohiko Sato, Masaki Ohno, Tadao Izutsu
  • Patent number: 10274216
    Abstract: An under-floor HVAC system for a building includes a pliable air duct lying upon a subfloor. A matrix of pedestals resting upon and extending upward from the subfloor supports a set of floor panels, which thus creates a plenum between the subfloor and the set of floor panels. The air duct extends through the plenum to convey conditioned air from a supply air duct to a series of registers in the floor panels. The registers disperse the conditioned air to a room or area just above the panels. To help keep the air duct from repeatedly extending, retracting, and otherwise sliding freely along the subfloor in response to changes in air duct pressure, the air duct is held taut by anchoring a distal downstream end of the duct to one or more of the floor-supporting pedestals. Various air duct configurations can be assembled from a predefined assortment of duct components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffrey Klopfenstein, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicolas B. Paschke
  • Patent number: 9901011
    Abstract: An example cooling system for a datacenter is disclosed. The datacenter includes a plurality of computers arranged in a row within a building. The row of computers separates a cold aisle and a hot aisle. The row of computers defines an air passageway between the cold aisle and the hot aisle. The row of computers is associated with a top surface that is below and spaced apart from an overhead surface of the building to define a gap between the top surface and the overhead surface. The example cooling system includes an inflatable air duct to be disposed within the gap. The inflatable air duct has selectively an inflated state and a deflated state. The inflatable air duct filling more of the gap when the inflatable air duct is in the inflated state than when the inflatable air duct is in the deflated state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Frank Heim, Kevin J. Gebke, Micaela White, Nicholas L. Kaufmann
  • Patent number: 8882573
    Abstract: A square deflector insert for a drop ceiling made of four identical sides that can be simply field assembled and installed. In contrast to previous single-piece inserts, the new inserts provide much more compact packaging for shipping but can be assembled quickly just before installation. Although described in terms of a square deflector the invention is applicable to other polygonal shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: T.C. AirTech, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Barfield, Jingqiu Mei
  • Publication number: 20140206275
    Abstract: An air flow extension system has a collection compartment with a lower section and an upper section having a plurality of tapered air flow accumulation chambers. An open interior space is located within the collection compartment. Each of the accumulation chambers has an air flow discharge opening into which air flow lines are removeably attached. The lower section of the collection compartment is fitted so that it can be snugly positioned within and over an open air flow register and remain in this position without the use of outside attachment devices. Air flows from the air flow duct through the register, into the upper section, and is accumulated in the accumulation chambers for ultimate discharge out of the openings into the air flow lines, where the air is dispensed to different locations at various distances from a register.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: Phu Ngo
  • Publication number: 20140194050
    Abstract: A gas purifier to be applied on a wafer substrate accommodating unit with an inlet hole includes an outer tube and an inner tube. The outer tube is disposed on the wafer substrate accommodating unit and has a plurality of first gas filling apertures. One end of the inner tube is a closed end and the other end is an open end. The inner tube has a plurality of second gas filling apertures, and its open end is interconnected with the inlet hole. The inner tube is movably disposed within the outer tube between a first operating position and second operating position. The second gas filling apertures are correspondingly configured to an inner wall of the outer tube when the inner tube is at a first operating position, and interconnected with the first gas filling apertures when the inner tube is at a second operating position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventors: MING-MO LO, CHENG-HSIN CHEN, TIEN-JUI LIN
  • Patent number: 8733060
    Abstract: A grate access floor panel comprising a support frame and a plurality of vanes supported by the frame, each of the plurality of vanes having an upstream end and a downstream end with respect to a direction of airflow across the plurality of vanes and faces that extend between the upstream and downstream ends, wherein at least some of the vanes have openings that extend through the faces thereof and have angled tips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Tate Access Floors Leasing, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Curtin, William W. Reynolds, Daniel B. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 8540558
    Abstract: A cooling auxiliary unit used for an accommodation room configured to accommodate an electronic apparatus includes a duct member that stands upon an ventilation hole provided on a raised floor, and has an air passage connected to the ventilation hole, and an opening connected to the air passage, and a fan that moves air along the air passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Wei Jie, Keizou Takemura
  • Patent number: 8482918
    Abstract: An exemplary server system includes a server cabinet, two rows of racks arranged in the server cabinet, a number of servers mounted in the racks and a heat dissipating device. The server cabinet includes two side plates parallel to each other. The servers of each row are evenly distributed between the side plates. A channel is defined between the two rows of racks. The heat dissipating device includes an air conditioner arranged over the racks for generating cooling air and an air guiding mechanism. The air conditioner defines a number of apertures facing the passage. The guiding mechanism includes a number of tubes received in the passage and respectively coupled to the apertures of the air conditioner. Each of the tubes defines a number of air outlets for exhausting the cooling air towards the servers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yao-Ting Chang
  • Patent number: 8186075
    Abstract: A small, portable electric shoe dryer that includes an elongated, narrow outer housing with three longitudinally aligned heating elements and a fan and motor assembly mounted on one end. Formed on the outer housing and around the fan and motor assembly is a fan vent opening. Formed on the opposite, distal end of the outer housing is a plurality of front and side body vent openings. In one embodiment, a three pole manual switch is mounted inside the outer housing that connects to the fan and motor assembly which draws dry air into the shoe from the top opening or forces moist air out of the shoe. In another embodiment, a pair of longitudinally aligned, upward extending wing elements are formed on the top surface which maintains air space when the inside of the shoe is adjacent to the top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventor: Joel Beckett
  • Publication number: 20110097989
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for desktop air conditioning provides conditioned air to individuals sitting at a desk. A raised floor air delivery system provides a plenum having conditioned air under the raised floor upon which the individual and their desk sit. Small ducts extend vertically up from the floor to the underneath side of the desk where they are connected to a desktop diffuser. The desktop diffuser directs air from the plenum generally horizontally across a top of the desk toward the chest and face of the individual. The desktop diffuser is low profile so as not to interfere with the surface of the desktop and its aesthetics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: WALNUT MANUFACTURING LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. McQueeny, JR., Pedro J. Bermudez, Frank A. LeMay
  • Patent number: 7794313
    Abstract: An air register cover assembly (1) comprising a front panel (2) having a face and rear portion (18) and (19), at least one spacer (4) located on the rear portion (19) and a means for hanging the front panel (2) in front of an air duct (21). An alternate embodiment may include an air register housing (5) which is fitted within an air duct. The housing (5) includes housing openings (7) to permit air from an air duct (21) to be expelled. The front panel (2) may include an insulated backing (8) having spacers (4) attached thereto. When in use, the air register cover assembly (1) re-directs the air flow so as to be expelled around the front panel (2), rather than directly into a room. The use of the present invention not only circulates air within a room, but it also makes air registers more attractive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: Daniel C. Ruberg
  • Patent number: 7651390
    Abstract: A ceiling vent air diverter is taught, in the preferred embodiment, which incorporates a diverter body configured to cover beneath an existing air vent supplying air to a room of a building. The diverter body has a rectangular flat bottom and upstanding sides with each upstanding side having a discharge air slot permitting air to be distributed in opposed directions from the diverter at a ceiling level. A peripheral flange extends outwardly from each side of the body, in parallel relationship with the bottom and is used for attachment to the building ceiling. A second embodiment is configured and functions in the same manner as above but covers over the top of an existing air vent and includes a lip on the underside of the flange. The third embodiment is for a ceiling air duct diverter system consisting of a box like housing with side walls, an open top and open sides to divert air flow and having the capability of affixing the open top near a ceiling air vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventors: Jeffery L. Profeta, Mario S. Peca, Gregory Glodery
  • Patent number: 7635298
    Abstract: An air deflector adapted for insertion at an air vent positioned and supported by supporting shoulders of main runners and cross tees of a suspended ceiling including at least one support surface adapted for engagement with and supported by a supporting shoulder and a deflector surface in engagement with and supported by the at least one support surface and adapted to direct the flow of air from the air vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Inventor: Gary A. Henneberry
  • Publication number: 20090083962
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system is provided for forming a flange at an end of a tube. The system includes a collar that is configured to surround the tube, and a first roller engaging the collar. A second roller is configured to cooperate with the first roller to rotate the collar and the tube and includes a depression configured to receive a radially inwardly protruding portion of the tube therein. A rotatable cam cooperates with the second roller and includes a cam surface configured to bend the end of the tube to thereby form the flange. The depression may be configured to restrict axial movement of the tube relative to the collar. The depression may include an annular recess that is circumferentially disposed about the second roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: LANGDON INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Joseph P. Sandman, Michael N. Sandman
  • Publication number: 20090081941
    Abstract: (Air Snake) would simply be attached to any floor air vent that has a piece of furniture above it With the use of Air Snake, furniture could be placed in any location in a room without the flow of air being restricted. As Air Snake would attach to floor vents magnetically, it would be easy to remove them and attach them to a different vent when furniture is rearranged. The adjustability and flexibility of the hose on Air Snake would allow Air Snake to be customized to the particular need so that airflow is directed as desired and the Air Snake is not lying out in the open. The use of Air Snake would be very beneficial in any room in a home and could also be used in offices, stores, schools, and other business and institutions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: Anthony Alvon Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20090023376
    Abstract: The invention is a damper that closes off supply duct air when the unit is off to prevent air from exiting through the outlet, and opens when the unit is on to allow room air and/or supply duct air to exit through an outlet. The damper may be either motorized or mechanically biased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventor: Gregory R. Miller
  • Publication number: 20080318511
    Abstract: A ceiling wall and floor register assembly has interconnecting parts for the termination of an air duct and the parts purposefully lack mechanical or adhesive connections into the air flow. The parts interconnect with precisely tapered ends that cooperate and use a friction fit to resist jarring and separation during handling, construction, installation, and usage. Each part has an inlet face and an outlet face and at least one of the faces has a tapered end for connection to the opposite face of an adjacent part. The taper is generally upon the inside diameter of the selected end. The taper is applied to various parts of the assembly for a common method of installation. The assembly delivers treated air from a duct to a register without air loss through the connections of the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas V. Becker
  • Patent number: 7459002
    Abstract: An example presentation apparatus having a cabinet-like base and a surface coupled to the cabinet-like base and configured to hold an object. The cabinet-like base and the surface are configured to cooperate functionally with a function of the object. A portion of an air processing apparatus is disposed within the cabinet-like base and configured to move ambient air through the cabinet-like base to generate processed air. An exhaust structure is operatively coupled to the cabinet-like base and configured to enable the processed air to exit the presentation apparatus via a flow path that is spatially associated with a substantially predetermined position of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Airistar Technologies LLC
    Inventors: D. Scott Kalous, Charles Harris
  • Patent number: 7442121
    Abstract: A textile duct for an air circulation system, the duct having an inner gas-permeable layer and an outer gas-impervious layer, and one or more spaces therebetween. An air circulation system having one or more ducts and one or more air treatment units and/or air handling units. The ducts are formed from laminates suitable for forming a duct for an air circulation system, the laminate has an inner gas-permeable layer and an outer gas-impervious layer, and one or more spaces therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Wellman Defence Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Cassidy, Brian Hunt, Niels Thomsen
  • Publication number: 20080139108
    Abstract: A mode of providing clean filtered air into regular room by inserting a Plexiglas panel into a standard window. The Plexiglas panel is perforated so outside air can come in flowing through two filters, plastic and paper, and circulated by an electric fan that is attached to the Plexiglas panel. A twenty-four hour switch and timer regulates the time of filtered air coming into the room. The Plexiglas panel is also fitted with a perforation where air can flow through two filters that are attached to a breathing regulator for inhaling fresh clean air for exercising the lungs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Zenon A. Rogacki
  • Patent number: 7238106
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for delivering temperature and flow rate controlled warmed air to outlets for use in various apparatus. The system is typically in residential structures, such as homes, but could easily be adapted for apartment buildings as well as commercial buildings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventor: James L. Scott
  • Patent number: 7210995
    Abstract: A system for introducing make-up air into a building from above the roof for smoke control includes air shafts extending from the roof into a space in the building below a layer of smoke. The air shafts can be rigid or can be made of a flexible material which folds up when not in use. Air shafts of a flexible material have a contraction at the exit to inflate the shaft, unless the shaft extends to within one diameter from the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: FM Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Gunnar Heskestad
  • Patent number: 7201650
    Abstract: An air vent for a ventilation system in a vehicle is disclosed that has an air circulation chamber (1) defined by a housing (9) that has a generally bulged shape. An inflow duct (2) is connected to this housing and opens into the circulation chamber (1), the housing having a perforated wall area (3). An air stream, in use, enters the circulation chamber (1) through inflow duct (2), circulates through the air circulation chamber and exits through the perforated wall area. The air vent further comprises a movable air deflection member disposed to deflect the air stream transversely to an axial direction of the inflow duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Demerath, Markus Bittcher
  • Patent number: 7185504
    Abstract: An operational air conditioning mode is allowed to set to a temperature uniformization mode and a spot air conditioning mode, and is selectively switched between these modes automatically by a control means (53) or manually. In such an embodiment, a comfortably air-conditioned state is obtained in all the areas of a space to be air-conditioned W during air conditioning performed in the temperature uniformization mode, and the comfort is ensured by intensively air-conditioning the surroundings of a person during air conditioning performed in the spot air conditioning mode. At the same time, since an unnecessary air conditioning is not provided to a region without the presence of a person, energy conservation is improved, for example, and thus the comfort of air conditioning and energy conservation are both achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Daikin Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaya Kasai, Sumio Shiochi, Ryuuji Akiyama, Kazuhisa Shigemori
  • Patent number: 7022011
    Abstract: An apparatus for directing air away from a register grill includes a shroud covering that is applied over the grill and a flexible conduit that is attached over an opening provided in the shroud. The flexible conduit is used to discharge air away from the grill where desired. A plurality of flexible conduits may be used with each grill. If desired, a detachable cover is used to obstruct air flow out of a discharge end of each flexible conduit. According to a modification, a section of rigid conduit is used in place of the flexible conduit. An intermediate section that is adapted to flex is attached to the shroud and disposed intermediate the grill and the rigid conduit to allow directional placement of the rigid conduit, where desired. The shroud is attached to the grill by screw fasteners, adhesive, magnetic means, or otherwise, as desired or it may be formed as an integral part of a replacement type of grill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventors: Dwayne Wilson Rickman, Thomas Joseph Garbez
  • Patent number: 6963488
    Abstract: A device to convey the cool air from an air-conditioner into a computer includes an air-conditioner having an air vent on right side including a plurality of louvers on upper portion, a partition on lower portion, at least a tubular adapter projected outward from the front surface thereof to define an air concentration passage thereinbetween and an exhaust fan secured to the inner surface of the partition, a hose having one end connected with the tubular adapter and the other end connected with an inlet of a radiator inside a computer for conveying the cool air into the radiator to cool off the CPU in the computer by which the CPU will be operated in a predetermined constant temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Inventor: Chin-Ping Chen
  • Patent number: 6960130
    Abstract: A fabric air duct of an HVAC system includes a discharge air register with an air deflector that extends along the length of the duct. Rotating or twisting the deflector adjusts the volume and/or direction of the air being discharged from the register. Even though the deflector is disposed inside the duct, the deflector can be twisted or rotated by manipulating the exterior fabric wall of the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin J. Gebke, Robert J. Harter, Matthew C. McNeill
  • Patent number: 6958011
    Abstract: A fabric air duct with main discharge openings includes additional, much smaller openings that help ventilate the surface of the duct. Ventilating the surface of the duct with a slight yet even amount of airflow helps inhibit the accumulation of condensate and dust on the surface of the duct. In some embodiments, the duct includes a pliable sheet consisting of a rather porous fabric base material. To achieve an appropriately low level of airflow, a plastic coating on the fabric reduces, but does not eliminate the fabric's porosity. A calendering process then reduces the porosity even further. In some embodiments, the calendering process occurs before the plastic coating process. In other embodiments, the pliable sheet is substantially air impermeable, except for its main discharge openings. The sheet is then perforated with numerous smaller openings to achieve the desired amount of surface ventilation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corp.
    Inventor: Kevin J. Gebke
  • Patent number: 6953396
    Abstract: A fabric flow restriction and method for conveying a volume of air through a fabric duct prevents the violet popping that may occur with a fabric duct upon start-up. The fabric ducts are air permeable and/or include discharge openings that evenly disperse supply air from within the duct to a room being heated, cooled, ventilated, or otherwise conditioned by the air. The ducts are typically in a collapsed positioned prior to blower start-up. With the initial airflow, the ducts quickly fill with air and may make a popping sound at their distal ends as the airflow fills the entire fabric duct. The flow restrictions disclosed may be formed of a flexible fabric that has an airflow resistance that varies with radius across the flexible fabric. The flow restrictions may have a first region and a second region each with different resistances, for example. Varying the resistance across the fabric flow restriction reduces or eliminates the popping condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Nicolas B. Paschke, Kevin J. Gebke
  • Patent number: 6899615
    Abstract: An air duct system includes a conical fabric filter disposed within a cylindrical air duct. In some embodiments, both the filter and the air duct are inflatable. A fabric collar and a pair of zippers not only allow the filter to be readily removed for cleaning, but also allow the air duct system to continue operating with the filter removed. Pleats can provide the filter with more surface area, and the pleats can be interconnected in an alternating pattern to inhibit the filter from over-inflating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin J. Gebke
  • Patent number: 6852025
    Abstract: Based on a hollow column (1), terminating at the bottom in a baseplate (2) and at the top in a core (3) from which vanes (4-4?), also hollow and connected with the column (1), emerge; a motor-fan (6-7) is installed in the baseplate (2), activated by means of a circuit breaker (8), which absorbs air from the outside through the lower and open end of the baseplate (2), and delivers it to the vanes (4-4?) from which it passes to the outside through opposite nozzles (5), so that this flow of air causes a rotary movement of the vanes (4-4?), by reaction, and said vanes, in their rotation, form a curtain against solar radiation, while simultaneously moving air below them. The wall of the column (1) can be translucent to allow the light generated by an internal spotlight to pass through it and within said column an electrical resistance or other means of heating that allows the ventilator to provide hot air, can be installed; the external surface of said column forming furthermore an advertising panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Pablo Gumucio Del Pozo
  • Patent number: 6843717
    Abstract: An automobile vent extender that decreases discomfort by allowing hot and cold air to be directed from an automobile vent directly onto a body portion of an automobile passenger. Preferably, the automobile vent extender removably attaches to a vent diffuser embedded within the dash of an automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventor: Scott Bennett
  • Publication number: 20040229559
    Abstract: A fabric air duct of an HVAC system includes a discharge air register with an air deflector that extends along the length of the duct. Rotating or twisting the deflector adjusts the volume and/or direction of the air being discharged from the register. Even though the deflector is disposed inside the duct, the deflector can be twisted or rotated by manipulating the exterior fabric wall of the duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Kevin J. Gebke, Robert J. Harter, Matthew C. McNeill
  • Patent number: 6776710
    Abstract: A vent structure comprises an inlet-connector section, an outlet section, and a transition section between the inlet-connector section and outlet section. The inlet-connector section is at an inlet end of the vent structure and is adapted for connection with an inlet duct from which the vent structure receives a flow of air. The outlet section is at an outlet end of the vent structure and includes an outlet slot that is adapted to direct the flow of air into a room. The transition section has a flared portion that diverges in cross-sectional area as it extends generally toward the outlet section. The transition section has a constricted portion located between the inlet-connector section and the outlet slot. The constricted portion is also located substantially centrally within a plane that is generally perpendicular to a direction of air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Unico, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Messmer, Richard Eason
  • Publication number: 20040102153
    Abstract: An air duct system includes a conical fabric filter disposed within a cylindrical air duct. In some embodiments, both the filter and the air duct are inflatable. A fabric collar and a pair of zippers not only allow the filter to be readily removed for cleaning, but also allow the air duct system to continue operating with the filter removed. Pleats can provide the filter with more surface area, and the pleats can be interconnected in an alternating pattern to inhibit the filter from over-inflating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Kevin J. Gebke
  • Publication number: 20040033776
    Abstract: An air outlet nozzle of a heating and/or air-conditioning system of a vehicle is provided. It has a displacer which is connected to a nozzle mouth element mounted displaceably in the nozzle housing. In order, with as little structural space as possible and as little flow losses as possible, to be able to control the diffusivity of the air jet emerging from the air outlet nozzle, the flow resistance and the axial position of the displacer can be adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Joachim Currle, Frank Fruehauf
  • Publication number: 20040029522
    Abstract: A fabric air duct with main discharge openings includes additional, much smaller openings that help ventilate the surface of the duct. Ventilating the surface of the duct with a slight yet even amount of airflow helps inhibit the accumulation of condensate and dust on the surface of the duct. In some embodiments, the duct includes a pliable sheet consisting of a rather porous fabric base material. To achieve an appropriately low level of airflow, a plastic coating on the fabric reduces, but does not eliminate the fabric's porosity. A calendering process then reduces the porosity even further. In some embodiments, the calendering process occurs before the plastic coating process. In other embodiments, the pliable sheet is substantially air impermeable, except for its main discharge openings. The sheet is then perforated with numerous smaller openings to achieve the desired amount of surface ventilation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Kevin J. Gebke
  • Patent number: 6669552
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for ventilating tunnels and other confined spaces. The apparatus includes a telescopic ventline assembly. The telescopic ventline assembly includes a plurality of tubes wherein each inner tube or first intermediate tube is slidably disposed within an second intermediate tube or an outer tube, in a telescoping type arrangement. One method involves constructing a ventilation system that includes a plurality of ventline assemblies. Another method involves using the telescopic ventline to ventilate a tunnel or other confined space, e.g., a mine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: Ralph G. Beer
  • Patent number: 6663483
    Abstract: To provide a cold/warm air outlet assembly for construction a machine, said assembly being capable of fully meeting desires on the comfort of a working environment of an operator under air conditioning and use of air conditioning for a multiplicity of purposes, an upper outlet tube 2 and lower outlet tube 3 are formed into substantially tubular shapes having conical circumferential walls with walls, through which air outlets 20,30 are formed, being included as tilted walls. The upper outlet tube 2 is resiliently fitted and connected to the lower outlet tube 3, and the lower outlet tube 3 is resiliently fitted and connected to a vertical part 11a of an air conditioner duct 11. The upper and lower outlet tubes 2,3 are, therefore, turnable in horizontal direction at their connected parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Nishimori, Tadashi Hiyama, Takeshi Ishizuka, Seiji Ojima, Tsuyoshi Sakyou, Susumu Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20030194965
    Abstract: A fabric flow restriction and method for conveying a volume of air through a fabric duct prevents the violet popping that may occur with a fabric duct upon start-up. The fabric ducts are air permeable and/or include discharge openings that evenly disperse supply air from within the duct to a room being heated, cooled, ventilated, or otherwise conditioned by the air. The ducts are typically in a collapsed positioned prior to blower start-up. With the initial airflow, the ducts quickly fill with air and may make a popping sound at their distal ends as the airflow fills the entire fabric duct. The flow restrictions disclosed may be formed of a flexible fabric that has an airflow resistance that varies with radius across the flexible fabric. The flow restrictions may have a first region and a second region each with different resistances, for example. Varying the resistance across the fabric flow restriction reduces or eliminates the popping condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Nicolas B. Paschke, Kevin J. Gebke
  • Patent number: 6626754
    Abstract: An air duct system includes a conical fabric filter disposed within a cylindrical air duct. In some embodiments, both the filter and the air duct are inflatable. A fabric collar and a pair of zippers not only allow the filter to be readily removed for cleaning, but also allow the air duct system to continue operating with the filter removed. Pleats can provide the filter with more surface area, and the pleats can be interconnected in an alternating pattern to inhibit the filter from over inflating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Gebke, Cary W. Pinkalla