Abstract: A system that deploys attic vent covers when there is the immediate threat of fire, as well as methods and device relating thereto, is disclosed. This system includes varied cover types and deployment methods to utilize with a range of attic vents found suitable for use in residential and commercial construction.

Abstract: A door operator includes: a controller; a sensor operatively connected to the controller, the sensor configured to detect an undesirable condition and communicate a signal to the controller when the undesirable condition is detected; and a door operatively connected to the controller, the controller is configured to cause the door to move from a closed position to a non-closed position when the controller receives the signal. In another aspect, the disclosure describes a method of operating a door. The method includes: detecting an undesirable condition with a sensor; communicating with a controller when the undesirable condition is detected by the sensor; and moving the door from a closed position to a non-closed position when the controller receives the signal.

Abstract: A fire suppression system encompassing a plurality of tubes, buried approximately vertically in the ground, each tube having at least one upper end in open contact with the atmosphere, and a lower end in contact with an underground chamber containing an electron-donating substance, wherein the upper end of the tubes has functionally associated therewith a suction system which sucks air from the local atmosphere into the tubes, and wherein the electron-donating substance reacts with atmospheric oxygen in the air to reduce it and convert it to a form that does not support combustion.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating escape routes are provided. With a home owner's or insured's permission, a smart home controller or insurance provider remote processor may analyze data received from a plurality of smart devices disposed on, within, or proximate to a home, as well as data received from an insurance provider. If it is determined that an emergency situation necessitating an evacuation exists, the smart home controller or insurance provider remote processor may automatically generate escape routes to guide occupants to safety. The smart home controller may then transmit the generated escape routes to inform occupants of emergency situation and how to reach safety. The smart home controller and/or insurance provider may also issue commands to smart devices to ensure the safety of the generated escape routes. Insurance policies, premiums, or discounts may be adjusted based upon the escape route determination functionality.

Abstract: An automatic smoke/carbon monoxide evacuation system for a building having at least one existing ventilation fan and at least one ventilation passageway to outside the building is provided. The system includes a microprocessor and a smoke/carbon monoxide sensor coupled to the microprocessor and configured to detect presence of smoke/carbon monoxide and send a trigger signal to the microprocessor in response to detecting smoke/carbon monoxide. A power switch is coupled to the existing ventilation fan and is configured to automatically connect the existing ventilation fan to a power source in response to the trigger signal, so that the ventilation fan rotates at a high speed to ventilate the detected smoke/carbon monoxide via the existing ventilation passageway. An alarm device is further communicably coupled to the microprocessor and is configured to issue an alarm in response to the trigger signal.

Abstract: A secured method of controlling a smoke control system is described herein. One device includes a user interface configured to display a smoke control element that represents a component of a smoke control system of a facility, receive a password, and receive a selection of an action to be performed by the component of the smoke control system, a memory, and a processor configured to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to cause the action to be performed by the component of the smoke control system in response to verifying the password is valid.

Abstract: An indoor air quality monitoring system (20) is adapted to function within a space (26) utilizing a building subsystem (22), such as a heating ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) unit, configured to control an ambient parameter, such as temperature, humidity or lightning, in the space (26). The system (20) includes an agent detector (30) configured to detect an agent in ambient air, such as smoke, biohazards or particulate matter, and sequentially output an initial agent measurement signal and a subsequent agent measurement signal. A controller (34) of the system (20) includes a processor and a storage media.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating escape routes are provided. With a home owner's or insured's permission, a smart home controller or insurance provider remote processor may analyze data received from a plurality of smart devices disposed on, within, or proximate to a home, as well as data received from an insurance provider. If it is determined that an emergency situation necessitating an evacuation exists, the smart home controller or insurance provider remote processor may automatically generate escape routes to guide occupants to safety. The smart home controller may then transmit the generated escape routes to inform occupants of emergency situation and how to reach safety. The smart home controller and/or insurance provider may also issue commands to smart devices to ensure the safety of the generated escape routes. Insurance policies, premiums, or discounts may be adjusted based upon the escape route determination functionality.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to a kit of parts for a solar powered vent fan system for use in transporting air through a vent aperture (eg. a roof vent aperture) of a building. The kit of parts includes a motor/fan assembly, a motor/fan assembly mounting plate, a solar panel and a solar panel mounting structure. The motor/fan assembly mounting plate is configured to receive the motor/fan assembly and to substantially cover the vent aperture. The motor/fan assembly mounting plate includes a motor/fan assembly aperture to permit air to be transferred through the motor/fan assembly as a result of operation of the motor/fan assembly. The solar panel is connectable electrically to the motor/fan assembly to power the motor/fan assembly. The solar panel mounting structure is for mounting the solar panel in a suitable position to receive solar energy.

Abstract: A method and system for minimizing an incomplete closing phenomenon between an elevator hole and an interior section and a stack effect problem such as strong wind generated when opening an elevator door, which are inevitably generated at upper floors of high-rise office buildings, are provided. The method includes determining a degree of pressurization of the interior section in accordance with target pressure resistance and reduction in passing wind when opening the elevator door, and calculating a supply air volume required for the pressurization and an exhaust air volume from an elevator shaft based on the determined degree of the pressurization.

Abstract: A negative-pressure smoke-guiding fireproof building structure includes at least one vertical smoke discharge flue arranged in the building and in fluid communication with a transverse smoke discharge flue arranged in upper space of each floor. At least one natural air inlet window having a door and at least one smoke-gas discharge window having a door are arranged in a wall of each independent room off each floor. The doors normally seal the windows in a closed position and are capable of automatically opening at a fire hazard. The smoke-gas discharge window is in fluid communication with the transverse smoke discharge flue. With a simple structure, the building structure effectively prevents fire spreading to peripheral adjacent rooms when one room in the building catches fire, so as to prevent a larger fire hazard.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a system of fans in a facility from a central system controller are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the system of fans can be configured to shut down automatically during an emergency condition or event. For example, a fan system controller can be connected to the system of fans and provide a signal to each of the fans. While each of the fans receives the signal, power is connected to a motor on each of the fans. Upon detection of an emergency condition, the fan system controller disconnects the signal to the fans, thereby automatically simultaneously shutting down the entire system of fans.

Abstract: The invention provides door and window sensors, which can be incorporated into building pressurisation and depressurisation systems, for use in protecting a building's escape routes against smoke ingress during a fire.

Abstract: An apparatus for exhausting air from a space. The space may comprise the interior space(s) of buildings such as hospitals, enclosed shopping malls, warehouses, factories, high rise buildings, etc. The apparatus comprises at least a first discharging arrangement in the form of return and supply air ducts of an air handling unit (AHU). The apparatus also comprises a second discharging arrangement in the form of a smoke exhaust box. The return air duct is arranged to receive an air stream discharged from the space and is able to be isolated from the smoke exhaust box. Upon isolation of the return air duct, the smoke exhaust box is able to receive and discharge an air stream (e.g. a smoke-filled or contaminated air stream) from the space.

Abstract: A control system, comprising one or more smoke sensors, each configured to measure a level of smoke at a location within a building and to output a smoke level signal based at least in part upon the measured level of smoke. A controller configured to receive the smoke level signals and to control an operation of one or more energy recovery ventilation systems in a first mode of operation to recover energy when the smoke level signal is below a predetermined value and in a second mode of operation to evacuate smoke when the smoke level signal is above the predetermined value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a smoke control system provided in a high-rise building for separately supplying leakage air flow and supplementary air flow, including: a blowing means for supplying air into a building; a ventilating means having a leakage air flow supplying passage and a supplementary air flow supplying passage connected to the blowing means for introducing air; and an air supply damper connected to the leakage air flow supplying passage and the supplementary air flow supplying passage to supply air into each lobby of a building according to the leakage air flow and supplementary air flow.

Abstract: The device of the present invention is located in a closed containment enclosure surrounding a storage bin and comprises a closed tank (28) positioned on the storage bin containing a liquid (26) and having a fireproof shield enclosing the tank and a liquid level control system for controlling the level of liquid in the tank with the tank (28) comprising at least one opening in communication with the closed container enclosure, and at least one internal chamber in direct communication with the storage bin via a flue pipe and at least one external chamber in direct communication with the containment enclosure via said at least one opening.

Abstract: An environmental control system of a building utilizes lower vents which open into lower portions of rooms of a building, and upper vents which open into upper portions of rooms of the building. When the system is operating in a heating mode, heated air is delivered into the upper portions of the rooms through the upper vents and air is removed from the rooms through the lower vents. When the system is operating in a cooling mode, cool air is delivered into the rooms through the lower vents, and air is removed from the rooms through the upper vents. Operating the heating and cooling modes in this fashion provides the most efficient operation of the heating and cooling system. A switching unit is used to selectively couple the inlet and outlet of an environmental control system to the upper and lower vents.

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.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for enhancing the air quality in buildings during a chemical and/or biological attack and/or when the air quality around a building drops to unacceptable levels. Preferably, relatively non-contaminated (clean) air is stored in one or more clean air reservoirs. Once stored, the clean air is selectively delivered to buildings when a chemical and/or biological attack is detected, and/or when the air quality around a building drops to unacceptable levels.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for improved, reliable carbon monoxide detection. The system includes a carbon monoxide detector for detecting carbon monoxide, an appliance powered by a fossil fuel, and a reliability module removing power supplied to the appliance when power to the carbon monoxide detector is exhausted. The reliability module may also remove power supplied to the appliance when carbon monoxide is detected above a threshold concentration. The reliability module may also remove power supplied to a control device controlling the appliance when power to the carbon monoxide detector is exhausted. The control device may include a temperature control. The system may also include a safety device that is activated when power to the carbon monoxide detector is exhausted. The safety device may include a fan. Additionally, the reliability module may include a switch for controlling power supplied to the appliance.

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

Abstract: An air handling luminaire having a light diffuser, louver, or lamp shield made of a flammable material and mounted within a luminaire housing. Integral with the luminaire housing is a heat distortable support clip from which the light diffuser, louver, or lamp shield depends. The luminaire housing also has a ballast channel and at least one reflector mounted therein. The ballast channel and luminaire housing have a plurality of vents and air gaps for fluid communication with an air plenum. The heat distortable support clip non-permanently deforms or distorts when introduced to a predetermined temperature in order to release the lamp shield from the housing and prevent burning thereof.

Abstract: An improved ventilation assembly for preventing fire and smoke from undermining a fire rated surface. The ventilation assembly includes a housing having at least one side wall defining an interior space, and a top wall coupled to the side wall, with an inlet adjacent the at least one side wall and an outlet coupled to the housing. A fluid, such as air, flows between the inlet and the outlet. A fire shielding material is disposed within the interior space, where the fire shielding material expands upon the application of a predetermined amount of heat such that the fire shielding material obstructs the flow of the fluid between the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: A building fire extinguisher system for promptly removing smoke and flammable gases from a room upon detection of a fire. The building fire extinguisher system includes a vacuum unit, a housing having a door with a powered door latch, and an intake nozzle connected to the vacuum unit by a flexible tube. When smoke detectors detect the presence of a fire within a room, the powered door latch is opened thereby allowing the door to open. When the door is opened, the intake nozzle is dropped from the housing downwardly while the vacuum is activated. The intake end of the intake nozzle draws smoke and flammable gases from within the room into the flexible tube and out through an exhaust port externally of the building. The vacuum continues to operate until the presence of a fire is no longer detected or for a fixed period of time.

Abstract: A building fire extinguisher system for promptly removing smoke and flammable gases from a room upon detection of a fire. The building fire extinguisher system includes a vacuum unit, a housing having a door with a powered door latch, and an intake nozzle connected to the vacuum unit by a flexible tube. When smoke detectors detect the presence of a fire within a room, the powered door latch is opened thereby allowing the door to open. When the door is opened, the intake nozzle is dropped from the housing downwardly while the vacuum is activated. The intake end of the intake nozzle draws smoke and flammable gases from within the room into the flexible tube and out through an exhaust port externally of the building. The vacuum continues to operate until the presence of a fire is no longer detected or for a fixed period of time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for extracting fumes and heat and for providing operational ventilation for traffic structures and enclosed traffic spaces. The inventive system for drawing off fumes and heat and for providing operational ventilation for traffic structures and enclosed traffic spaces does not use any pipe ventilators for extracting the fumes and builds up a vacuum throughout a duct in order to extract the fumes. The system is characterized in that a number of reversible jet ventilators are provided inside a modular smoke extraction duct situated preferably beneath the tunnel ceiling or the ceiling of an enclosed space. The jet ventilators are evenly distributed over the length of the duct and the duct itself has evenly distributed openings. The jet ventilators are able to rapidly accelerate the air or the fumes of a fire on the road in a particular direction in the duct by virtue of an impulse effect.

Abstract: An air conditioner having functions of fire preventing, smoke exhausting and water spraying includes a sensor for sensing smoke or temperature so as to control operation of a wind-releasing gate, a smoke-exhausting gate, a water-spraying nozzle, and an alarm. When the sensor senses dense smoke or high temperature, smoke is quickly sucked through a wind inlet in an air conditioning box, the smoke-exhausting gate and out of a smoke outlet. At the same time, the water-spraying nozzle is started to spray water and the alarm to give out warning sound, elevating public safety.

Abstract: A device that automatically disables an air-moving device if smoke is detected in a building by a smoke detector is disclosed in which a smoke detector and a control circuit that use signals generated by the smoke detector disrupts the current flowing through either the control or power wiring for the air-moving device. The device is hard wired or wireless and eliminates the distribution of smoke throughout the building by an air-moving device thus preventing unnecessary property damage, smoke inhalation and smoke-filled escape routes, saving money and lives.

Abstract: A damper assembly in which the position of the damper blades is controlled by a powered actuator which can be powered by a pneumatic drive, an electric motor drive, or other suitable power source. The powered actuator moves a drive shaft attached to the damper blades which causes the damper blades to open and close or be positioned somewhere in-between. The actuator can be controlled by sensors in a remote location. The actuator allows the damper to be modulated to set up pressure differentials and to be closed well in advance of oncoming smoke, fire, or other detected toxic fumes.

Abstract: A ventilation system connected to a source of power for sensing a condition of air in an area monitored by said system and exchanging the air with fresh air upon sensing said condition. The ventilation system includes at least one strategically positioned sensor for sensing a characteristic in the air in the monitored area and comparing the characteristic to predetermined limit values and a fan for ventilating the monitored area. The fan is connected to the source of voltage by a connecting device upon a determination by the sensor that the characteristic of the sensed air exceeds the predetermined limit thereby causing the fan to remove the air within the monitored area and replace it with fresh air. The sensor senses any one of heat, smoke, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen cyanide, any detectable gas, any emergency condition and any combination thereof. The fan is positioned within an air duct in the monitored area which leads to a position outside the monitored area.

Abstract: An air circulation system with standard and dual mode operations rapidly ventilates an enclosed area with fresh external air in the dual mode. In the dual mode of operation of the preferred embodiment, multiple barriers operate to create two airflow pathways. Two return air duct apertures are opened to expose the return air duct to an external air supply area via a fresh air duct. The fresh air duct includes an opening to the external air supply area and two extensions that are coupled to the return air duct apertures. The barriers simultaneously operate to block the return air duct between the two return air duct apertures to form two distinct return air duct segments. A central air unit and an exit fan, such as an attic fan, cooperate with the barriers to establish two airflow pathways through the return air duct segments.

Abstract: A system for detecting the presence of smoke within a building and providing means to remove the smoke, into the airspace above the ceiling thereby preventing or at least alleviating smoke inhalation, property damage, and allowing more time for the safe evacuation from the premises. The system is comprised of a conventional smoke detector which activates control means for raising and lowering a generally planar panel which is installed in a ceiling. Smoke is removed from the airspace below the ceiling to the airspace above the ceiling. An optional fan, remote fan relay, exhaust vent and back draft damper further aid in the exhausting of the smoke from the building. A fusible link in the control means protects the ceiling fire rating.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a new installation for fighting fire, which is effective in restricting damages caused by smoke generation. A sprinkler (6) or a spray head is arranged in or at an air passage (7) in such a way that when the spinkler is activated it creates a suction from the fire space (1) into the air passage.

Abstract: A system for exhausting smoke from a building. The building has a roof, exterior walls and at least one room therein where smoke has accumulated. The system comprises an actuable compressor arranged to draw smokeless air from the atmosphere outside the building and force the atmospheric air through a conduit that is in communication with the compressor. The conduit permits the passage of the forced air therethrough and has a length extending across the room adjacent the ceiling of the room. The conduit has an exit end that is open to the atmosphere. The exit end projects through and extends some distance beyond the overhanging roof of the building to prevent reentry of exhausted smoke and gases. A smoke exhaust valve is located on the length of the conduit extending across the room. The smoke exhaust valve is normally in a closed position.

Abstract: In highrise residential buildings, venting to remove smoke from corridors is required in case of fire. A method of venting smoke from a multi-floor building by providing a single supply and exhaust venting shaft communicating with each floor, with an air supply and exhaust grille opening into each corridor and communicating with the venting shaft; providing a supply source of pressurized air, and an exhaust source of reduced pressure each communicating with the venting shaft, and damper means for selectively closing or opening the communication of the supply source of pressurized air and exhaust source of reduced pressure to the venting shaft. Under normal conditions where pressure is desired in the corridors, the supply source is operating and the communication of the supply source is open to the venting shaft and the exhaust source communication to the venting shaft is closed.

Abstract: A deposit cupboard (1) for solvents, combustible liquids and the like, comprises shelves (2) and at least one door. The cupboard is assigned an air intake holes (20) and an exhaust device (5), and distinguishes itself through the following combination of features: a) that the shelves (2) of the cupboard (1) are perforated and/or positioned at a distance from at least one of the adjacent inner faces of the side walls of the cupboard, in order to effect a minimum resistance against the air flow; b) that the cupboard is assigned a fire extinguishing apparatus (18) having an automatic, preferably thermostat-controlled release means; and c) that the top plate (4) of the cupboard is pivotally supported and adapted--upon the occurrence of an explosion within the cupboard--to be swung limitedly up into a securing or protecting position, wherein it forms an inclinedly directed shield, protecting the personnel from the effects of the explosion.

Abstract: A jet fan arrangement for ventilating tunnels and the like in which the axis of the fan is positioned at an angle to the supporting surface so as to blow air away from the supporting surface. When the flow of air through the fan is reversed, the angle of inclination of the axis of the fan is automatically changed so that the direction of flow of air remains away from the supporting surface.

Abstract: In a space (1) and an installation for fighting a fire in the space, and further including a shower room (3), a through-wall opening into the shower room from the space and at least one ventilation or air-conditioning duct (5) out-going from the shower room, at least one spray head (11a) sprays liquid in the form of small droplets, like a fog, into the ventilation or air-conditioning duct (5) to produce a suction, whereby to draw smoke out of the shower room. A sprinkler (6) in the space is arranged, upon release, to activate a further spray head (8) in the opening to produce a suction from said space, whereby to draw said smoke into the shower room for the ventilation or air-conditioning duct.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a new installation for fighting fire, which is effective in restricting damages caused by smoke generation. A sprinkler (6) or a spray head is arranged in or at an air passage (7) in such a way that when the spinkler is activated it creates a suction from the fire space (1) into the air passage.

Abstract: Fiberglass reinforced plastic fume exhaust systems include duct walls having apertures therein covered with meltable thermoplastic resins mounted thereon which melt and open up the apertures when exposed to high temperatures thereby admitting ambient air therein to reduce the temperature downstream of the systems and reduce the suction pressure at source of the high temperatures.

Abstract: A decontamination chamber entranceway to an asbestos removal work area includes rigid swinging doors for a rapid escape from the contaminated work area due to an emergency such as a fire or smoke. Also during a power failure it is easy for the workers to leave the work area through the rigid swinging doors of the invention. Each of the doors may include an air inlet opening having at least one plastic flap covering the inlet opening which allows suitable amounts of air to flow through the inlet to maintain a negative air pressure in the work area while having air flow in the work area sufficient to change the air at least every 10 to 15 minutes. The plastic flaps of the doors are preferably pivotally-mounted rigid clear plastic which seal automatically upon loss of negative air pressure in the work area. The rigid flaps can be electro-mechanically operated to positively control the size and functioning of air inlet openings and close off the openings upon emergency conditions.

Abstract: A smoke evacuation system for a building made of modular units includes sets of modular units disposed to each other and joined by a wall so as to allow a space between the modular units to define an air intake chamber. Each modular unit has a window which communicates with an air intake chamber. Each air intake chamber has an opening with an air intake fan. Each modular unit includes a chase with a window for exhausting air from the modular unit. The chases of the modular units are situated one to another so as to allow a continuous flow of air therethrough. A roof covers all of the modular units and air intake chambers, but has openings for the respective chases. Exhaust fans are mounted in said roof openings for exhausting air and smoke from said modular units. A smoke detector is installed in each chase to detect smoke in each corresponding modular unit and chase.

Abstract: A power actuated roof vent apparatus generally comprises an insulated air passageway housing through the roof which allows a linear and unrestricted air flow through the air passageway housing when the apparatus is in operation and an insulated passageway closure lid which positively closes the air flow through, and prohibits water ingress into, the air passageway housing when the apparatus is not in operation.