Having Readliy Movable Air Regulating Louver, Damper, Or Cover Patents (Class 454/358)
  • Publication number: 20090253367
    Abstract: End caps are attached to the end of each blade of a damper. When in the closed position, the end caps seal the space between the blade and frame. Sealing fins may extend from the end cap to further enhance the sealing capability. The end caps are easily replaced if worn and effectively prevent air from flowing between the frame and end of the blades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: Minel Kupferberg
  • Publication number: 20090241576
    Abstract: In order to give a simple appearance design to an interior panel (10) for an air conditioner (1) of the type having a couple of juxtaposed air inlet (11) and air outlet (12) and to eliminate the need for a complicated mechanism or behavior for implementing the design, the interior panel (10) is provided with: an opening cover (15) covering the couple of air inlet (11) and air outlet (12) together; and an opening/closing mechanism for opening and closing the couple of air inlet (11) and air outlet (12) by changing the position of the opening cover (15) within a region including the couple of air inlet (11) and air outlet (12). The opening/closing mechanism is a mechanism for turning the opening cover (15) about a central axis (O) located between the couple of air inlet (11) and air outlet (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Kaichi Tsuji, Tomohiro Yabu, Tetsuya Morizane
  • Publication number: 20090227198
    Abstract: The present invention provides a smoke and heat exhaust ventilator, which includes a pedestal, a diversion cover and a horizontal fan blade. The pedestal is provided with an assembly portion and external surface with an air vent. The diversion cover is assembled onto the external surface of the pedestal being hollow and being provided with an accommodating space, the inner end of which is connected to the air vent. The diversion cover is also provided with a lateral air inlet/outlet connected to the accommodating space. The horizontal fan blade is mounted into the accommodating space and comprised of a rotating shaft and a few blades. The external side of the horizontal fan blade aligns with the lateral air inlet/outlet of the diversion cover, whilst the inner end of horizontal fan blade aligns with the air vent of the pedestal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Hsing-Wen Yeh
  • Publication number: 20090215375
    Abstract: Fan assemblies, mechanical draft systems and methods are provided. In this regard, a representative mechanical draft system for use with multiple appliances includes: a chimney operative to direct combustion products from multiple appliances; a chimney fan operative to draw combustion products from the chimney; and a controller operative to adjust an operating speed of the chimney fan such that, responsive to a change in pressure in the chimney, the controller adjusts the operating speed of the chimney fan to maintain a desired pressure in the chimney.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: GREENVEX
    Inventor: Steen Hagensen
  • Patent number: 7578734
    Abstract: An HVAC unit ventilator, particularly suited for schools and hotels, includes a single damper blade driven directly by a motor to control a supply air's mixture of return air and outside air. The damper blade is selectively pivotal to a full outside air position, a full return air position, and various intermediate mixed-air positions. The damper blade has flexible edge and end seals that create little if any frictional drag as the damper blade pivots to the intermediate positions, yet the seals provide a positive, tight seal when the damper stops at either the full outside air position or the full return air position. The unit ventilator includes a filter frame that not only supports an air filter but also provides the damper blade with sealing surfaces and structural support. For rigidity, the damper blade has somewhat of a box-like structure that is bi-directionally reinforced by ribs and triangular gussets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Syed S. Ahmed, Kevin W. Sawyer, Bryan M. Herzog, Kim L. Hall, Kirk W. Beason
  • Publication number: 20090191495
    Abstract: A damper mechanism for a gas-fired appliance is disclosed. The damper mechanism is mechanically operated in response to changes in pressure within a portion of the appliance. Changes in gas pressure operate to displace a diaphragm, thereby moving a linkage attached to a flue damper, such that the damper can be moved between open and closed positions. An interim damper control activation arm can pivot in response to movement of the linkage to actuate electrical switches, which act to close a magnetic pilot valve when the damper is in a partially-opened or partially-closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: Steven E. Guzorek
  • Patent number: 7549258
    Abstract: An adjustable housing assembly for mounting to a wall is disclosed. The assembly generally includes a back plate having a flange that defines an axis extending perpendicularly from the back plate and a front plate disposed in parallel relationship to the back plate. A connector connects the plates in the parallel relationship at various distances longitudinally along the axis. The connector includes co-acting male and female components extending circumferentially about the axis and at least one of the male and female components is spaced longitudinally along the axis for connecting the plates at any one of the various distances in response to relative rotation between the male and female components about the axis. The connector may also include a mounting ring separate from the back plate and the front plate that couples the front plate to the back plate. The mounting ring allows for additional distances to be obtained between the front plate and the back plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventor: Todd M. Lajewski
  • Publication number: 20090149124
    Abstract: A method of mixing air in an HVAC system includes the step of simultaneously and differentially rotating the valve plates different degrees of rotation to differentially control air flowing in the housing. An assembly for controlling air flow in an HVAC system includes a mechanism for simultaneously and differentially rotating valves different degrees of rotation. The mechanism includes a control device on each shaft of each valve including a pin extending axially from each valve plate. A slide defines a plurality of serpentine slots with one of the pins slidably disposed in each of the slots. The slots each follow a path incongruent from one another for differentially rotating the valve plates in response to the slide sliding along the guide and the pins moving along the paths of the slots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: Mark W. Stevenson, Gerald M. Goupil, JR., Gregory J. Kowalski
  • Publication number: 20090124191
    Abstract: A damper comprising a duct defining an air flow path, opposing damper blades pivotally mounted within the duct, each damper blade having an end that is pivotally mounted in cantilevered fashion in the duct so that an opposing end is free to move within the duct, wherein each damper blade is planar in shape, cooperating flow straightening members disposed centrally in the air flow path, an air flow sensor for generating a signal cooperatively disposed between the flow straightening members, and an actuator for pivoting each damper blade within the duct in response to the signal from the air flow sensor to vary the damper blade position and thereby maintain a desired velocity of air exiting the damper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: Robert M. Van Becelaere
  • Publication number: 20090098815
    Abstract: A climate control system is provided with a control vent unit that a driver may adjust for a desired direction of airflow. After the driver does so, a control system automatically and/or simultaneously adjusts the position of the remaining vents so as to direct respective air flow to substantially the same location in the vehicle. Preferably, a similar control vent is provided on the passenger side of the vehicle. Should a passenger adjust the passenger control vent unit, the control system will automatically and/or simultaneously adjust the remaining vents on the passenger side to direct the respective air flow to the selected position in the passenger side of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: FAURECIA INTERIOR SYSTEMS U.S.A., INC.
    Inventor: James Hotary
  • Publication number: 20090090125
    Abstract: A control device 15 includes: a target area deciding unit 21 for setting either of binary values of 0 and 1 to plural area sections and deciding a targeted area section for air-conditioning; and an area air direction control unit 22 for carrying out control operation, so that when controlling at least one of air direction control stepping motors directed to the targeted area section for air-conditioning, a left/right air direction control stepping motor carries out control operation based on depth direction one-dimensional data obtained by calculating a logical sun of each column in depth direction of each area section in a group of area sections, and an up/down air direction control stepping motor carries out control operation based on left/right direction one-dimensional data obtained by calculating a logical sum of each column in left/right direction of each area section in the group of area sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Tatsuo Seki
  • Publication number: 20090036046
    Abstract: An air duct outlet includes a housing that defines an air passageway with an inlet and outlet, and a porous layer of material that overlies the air passageway outlet and hides the air duct outlet from view. The porous layer of material is configured to soften and diffuse an air stream flowing through the air passageway outlet and/or to cause an air stream flowing through the air passageway outlet to be directed in one or more directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas Franz Josef Gehring, Ireneusz Jankowski, Dejan Havidic
  • Patent number: 7484506
    Abstract: Rooftop grease containment systems are disclosed. The disclosed grease containment systems may include a grease collection pan having (i) a pan volume surrounded by (a) a pan floor, (b) at least one pan side wall, and (c) a pan rim extending outward from an upper edge of the at least one pan side wall, (ii) at least one pan drain outlet, and (iii) at least one pan opening positioned in the pan floor, the first pan opening having a size and shape so that a first grease duct extending through a roof structure can extend through the first pan opening. The disclosed grease containment systems may further include a roof curb extending upward from the roof structure and having a roof curb upper periphery, the grease collection pan being positioned on the roof curb so that the pan rim rests on the roof curb upper periphery of the roof curb. Methods of making and using the disclosed rooftop grease containment systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Inventor: Bernard P. Besal
  • Publication number: 20090029642
    Abstract: A damper assembly, comprising: a support means defining a plurality of (air) openings; damper means mounted or connected to the support means in relation to the openings for the periodic closure and opening of such openings; a crankshaft means coupled to the damper means such that rotation of the crankshaft means is able to induce displacement of the damper positions to respective second damper positions and back to the first position for adjusting air flow through said openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Sebastien Martel, Marc-Andre Verville, Eric Carbonneau
  • Publication number: 20090029643
    Abstract: A pressure relief valve for structure. A valve with a spoiler around its edge sits in a valve seat around a structure valve aperture, and is spring-loaded into a closed position. Storm wind entering the structure through a breached window, door, or other structure opening escapes through the valve, which opens when exposed to a pressure differential of approximately 1.5 psi. Lift created by storm wind impinging on the spoiler tends to urge the upwind side of the valve closed. The valve may incorporate a skylight. In the preferred embodiment, the shape of the valve was a spherical or spheroid section, and the spring-loading was provided by a plurality of spring assemblies disposed around the edge(s) of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Robert S. Reed
  • 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: 20090013711
    Abstract: An air conditioner principally includes a casing having a casing lower part formed by an alternating sequence of four panel side parts and four corner parts. The casing further has main outlets disposed along each of the panel side parts, and auxiliary outlets disposed at the corner parts. The air conditioner further includes horizontal flaps rotatably supported about longitudinal axes of the main outlets. A circumferential edge part of each of the auxiliary outlets is formed so that the air from each of the auxiliary outlets is blown out in a fixed direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Akihiko SAKASHITA, Tsunehisa SANAGI, Azumi TERAKAWA
  • Patent number: 7472699
    Abstract: A damper regulator device for adjusting the orientation of a damper blade in an air transfer system, such as a duct, is disclosed. The regulator is coupled to an end portion, of a damper shaft, pivoting of a handle component of the regulator functioning to turn the shaft and hence the blade. The device is adjustable to accommodate damper shafts of different configurations and sizes without disassembly of the device by shifting the handle between one or another of a pair of slots disposed at disparate distances from the shaft. The shifting of the shaft between slots in effected by a channel extending between the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Duro Dyne Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen S. Martin, William J. Vasquez
  • Publication number: 20080254735
    Abstract: An air flow control device consisting of air foil designed vanes for accurate modulation of the air into and out of a space. This damper includes end seals in which the ends of the air foil control vanes are located. Upon closure of the vanes the end seals prevent the air from bypassing the vanes and a very tight close off is realized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Charles W. Coward, Ryan Francis O'Shea
  • Publication number: 20080227382
    Abstract: A ceiling air duct diverter system comprising a box like housing with side walls and having an open top and at least one open side to divert air flow and a means for affixing the open top near a ceiling air vent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Jeffrey Profeta, Mario Peca, Gregory A. Glodery
  • Patent number: 7335096
    Abstract: A louver type roof structure includes a plurality of elongated parallel slats mounted on slat hinges pivotally supported on carrier beams transverse to the slats. The slats are pivotable between a closed position in which their longitudinal adjacent edges overlap each other, and an open position in which the slats are spaced apart. The slat hinges are mounted to the slats at their lower surface and allow pivoting of the slats between the closed position and an extreme open position by an angle of at least 90°, preferably 110°. The pivoting axis of the slat hinge is disposed substantially under the longitudinal edge of the slat which is overlapped by the adjacent slat. The roof structure may comprise a border slat adapted to be displaced when urged by an adjacent slat when the latter pivots towards its extreme open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Pas-Cal Building Products Ltd.
    Inventors: Haim Perez, Emanuel Razon
  • Patent number: 7320524
    Abstract: An air filtration device for projector includes a holder, a filter, and a rack. The rack is movably disposed in the holder for supporting the filter. When the rack moves to a first position, the rack is received within the holder. When the rack moves from the first position to a second position, the filter is released from the rack for replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Benq Corporation
    Inventors: Hsuan-Cheng Lee, Chang-Chien Li
  • Patent number: 7086740
    Abstract: A projection device is provided, wherein the projection device includes a casing, a plurality of electronic components mounted within the casing, a vent in the casing disposed substantially adjacent to an electronic component, and an injection molded, electrically nonconductive vent screen having one or more mesh portions substantially bordered by a peripheral frame, wherein the vent screen is detachably coupled within the casing and secured against the vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: InFocus Corporation
    Inventors: Greg Sample, Tony Rogers
  • Patent number: 7074124
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a ventilation system that allows air to circulate in a building but excludes pests such as birds, insects, moths and flies to enter the building. The ventilation system includes at least one vent comprising an aperture in the roof of the building and at least one fabric member adapted to be attached to the roof inside the building, below the vent(s) and between the vent(s) and the interior of the building. The present invention also relates to a building including the ventilation system, a truss arrangement that may form part of the ventilation system and a retaining rail for use in the ventilation system. The system of the invention has particular, but not exclusive, application to greenhouses and animal shelters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Edwards & Williams Greenhouses Ltd.
    Inventor: David Earle Williams
  • Patent number: 7040345
    Abstract: The invention provides a flap valve for controlling the air pressure within a protected space defined by walls, the flap valve having a valve flap, articulated at least indirectly to the surface of one of the walls and being subjectable to both a sealing force which forces the valve flap against a valve seat surrounding an opening in the wall surface and to an opening force which lifts the flap off the valve seat. The flap valve has a first position in which the protected space is sealed off from a contaminated environment, and a second position in which air from the protected space is allowed to escape into the environment via the opening, wherein the sealing force is a magnetic attraction between a portion of the surface of the valve flap and the valve seat. A method for controlling the air pressure within a protected space is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Beth-El Zikhron-Ya'Aqov Industries, LTD
    Inventors: Samuel Koeger, Albrecht Fuchs
  • Patent number: 6955011
    Abstract: A window well cover for a below-grade or basement window is disclosed. A transparent upper structure or portion is designed to cover a below-grade window on an outside of a building or other structure. The upper end of the transparent upper structure extends, or is angled, downwardly from a mounting flange terminating at a lower end. Furthermore, the transparent upper structure has two curved sides, which serve to connect the side ends. Mounting flanges extend outwardly from the two side ends. The window well cover includes a vent portion integrally formed therewith of an air pervious material to allow continuous air exchange through the window well cover. The vented portion may extend the length of, or the entire lower periphery of, the transparent upper structure. The window well cover, which is free of movable parts, allows for continuous airflow through the window well cover while restricting the entry of debris and insects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventor: Stephen D. Meissner
  • Patent number: 6881143
    Abstract: A trickle ventilator for a conservatory roof to be sited between an eaves beam of the roof and a glazing panel extending over the eaves beam, the ventilator comprising an elongate body having a front and rear walls spaced apart, at least one aperture in each wall and a gate for selectively closing the or each aperture in the front wall to control airflow into or out of the conservatory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Ultraframe (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Christopher Richardson
  • Patent number: 6796100
    Abstract: A roof venting and cover assembly including a housing dimensioned for being positioned between an opening in a roof and an opening in a soffit disposed below the roof. The housing includes a narrow upper duct portion and a wide lower scoop portion. The narrow upper duct portion has an open upper end disposed within the opening in the roof. The wide lower scoop portion has an open lower end disposed within the opening in the soffit. A cover member is openably secured over the open upper end of the narrow upper duct portion of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: Dominick Venezia
  • Patent number: 6743092
    Abstract: A roof vent suitable for a conservatory roof of the type comprising glazing bars supporting glazing panels therebetween, the roof vent comprises a surround mountable between a pair of glazing bars and a cover for the surround and hingedly connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Ultraframe (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Christopher Richardson
  • Publication number: 20040043722
    Abstract: An opening flap comprises a frame and a flap articulated thereto. A lift arm is provided, which is articulated by a principal energy accumulator. A secondary energy accumulator is articulated between the lift arm and the flap. The principal energy accumulator delivers the opening motion of the flap into a position before the dead center thereof. The secondary energy accumulator, which is distinctly weaker, delivers the subsequent opening motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Applicant: SUSPA HOLDING GMBH
    Inventor: Stefan Richter
  • Patent number: 6682413
    Abstract: A valve for controlling a flow of a fluid between a first environment to a second environment is provided. The valve includes a frame that fits within an aperture in a divider separating the first environment from the second environment. Additionally, the valve includes at least one gate mounted and movable within the frame to control a flow of the fluid between the first environment and the second environment through the aperture. The gate includes a surface, wherein at least one portion of the surface includes a rough texture. The rough texture reduces coherent vortex shedding of the fluid as the fluid passes over the gate surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Herbert L. Hoffman, Pat Parkin, Frederick R. Helms, Wen-Hwang Lin, Roy Hai-Tien Loh, Yeu-Chuan Hsia, Naval Agarwal, F. Wayne Hollatz, Robert J. Devitis, Richard A. Black, Wendell R. Miller
  • Patent number: 6584702
    Abstract: A metal plate (52) is connected to a wall (10). Plate (42) includes a vent opening (48) that communicates with vent ducting (18) with the wall (10). A magnetic sheet body (52) is connected to a vent tube (60) located at the back of a clothes dryer (64). The clothes dryer (64) is moved towards the wall (10) and the magnetic sheet body (52) is moved against the metal plate (42). A vent opening (54) in the magnetic sheet body (52) is put into alignment with the vent opening (48) in the metal plate (42). The magnetic sheet body (52) provides a seal between the two vent openings (54, 48).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Greg A. Irey
  • Patent number: 6582297
    Abstract: A livestock facility exhaust system to remove a majority of the dust and other such odorous airborne particulate material from air exhausted by power ventilation equipment from a livestock confinement building and without a significant increase in static pressure within the ventilation system. This is accomplished by a free standing enclosure of high strength air permeable material supported by a hoop structure around the exhaust end of the containment building of the livestock facility. Exhausted air enters the enclosure and is temporarily contained therein. Air circulates around impaction surfaces in the enclosure that promote precipitation of airborne particulates from the air stream. A discharge opening is located at or near the top of the enclosure. Exhaust air rid of most of the airborne particulates moves upward and out through the opening. The enclosure also serves to deflect outside wind from the fan orifices which helps to maintain fan performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Baumgartner Environics, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Baumgartner, Mark K. Kubesh
  • Publication number: 20020160707
    Abstract: A trickle ventilator for a conservatory roof to be sited between an eaves beam of the roof and a glazing panel extending over the eaves beam, the ventilator comprising an elongate body having a front and rear walls spaced apart, at least one aperture in each wall and a gate for selectively closing the or each aperture in the front wall to control airflow into or out of the conservatory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Applicant: Ultraframe (UK) Limited.
    Inventor: Christopher Richardson
  • Patent number: 6461236
    Abstract: A roof vent suitable for a conservatory roof of the type comprising glazing bars supporting glazing panels therebetween, the roof vent comprises a surround mountable between a pair of glazing bars and a cover for the surround and hingedly connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Ultraframe (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Christopher Richardson
  • Patent number: 6386972
    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 en 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 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Schiedegger, Mark T. MacLeod, Michael C. Clark
  • Patent number: 6361433
    Abstract: An air permeable grate or screen for selectively precluding passage of items, such as birds and rodents, through a duct is disclosed. The screen has a pivot mount on one end for pivotally mounting the screen to the exit of a hood opening to allow easy access into the hood for cleaning the hood and screen as desired. A retaining device for retaining the screen in a closed position is provided on the hood. The screen may be provided with aerodynamically designed bars for preventing lint build up. The invention further includes a method for using the vent screen within the hood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventor: William R. Gray
  • Patent number: 6302787
    Abstract: A roof vent for obstructing snow from entry into a vented space of a structure or dwelling. The vent has a cover, support, and base. The base is adapted to form a passageway which connects the vented space to the environment. A barrier is also provided which is located within the passageway. The barrier permits air movement but causes snow to accumulate thereon which prevents accumulation in the vented space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Michael J. Graft, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6203421
    Abstract: A ceiling vent to reduce the temperature in a room that is subject to becoming uncomfortably hot. The vent contains two concentric tubes, one movable and the other stationary. The movable tube is attached to a damper plate so that when the movable tube is lowered, the vent opens. Attached to the stationary tube is a plastic fuse pin in a metal sleeve that engages a notch in the stepped upper portion of the movable tube. There is a spring attached at one end to the metal sleeve and at the other end to the damper plate. When the vent is opened, the spring is stretched. Should there be a fire in the room being vented, hot air rising through the vent would cause the plastic fuse pin to soften or melt, which would cause the plastic fuse pin to disengage from a notch and allow the spring to resume its rest position and close the vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Ervin H. Black
  • Patent number: 6165065
    Abstract: The vent assembly for a window or window well cover comprises a base within the confines of which and to which a wedge shaped vent structure is hingedly mounted to be movable from a closed position where a solid top of the vent structure rests against the base along the length thereof to an open position where the top is pivoted away from the base around the hinge exposing other open screened walls of the vent structure which allow for entry of air only therethrough when exposed so no debris or animals may enter the area between the window and the cover therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Peter Pasij
  • Patent number: 6050893
    Abstract: An insulating cover for overlaying a ceiling vent beneath an attic fan includes a substantially rectangular frame member having top and bottom edges. Horizontally disposed between the top and bottom edges are a plurality of panels including an intermediate insulating layer for minimizing air flow through the vent. A plurality of spring biased retractable fingers are mounted to the vent border which may be selectively extended to retain the cover therewithin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: Daniel R. Waite
  • Patent number: 5984775
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling air flow includes a grating having a plurality of air vents, a shutter assembly composed of a shutter fixed plate, having a plurality of first openings, attached to a lower surface of the grating, and a shutter moving plate, having a plurality of second openings corresponding to the first openings, movably disposed between the grating and the fixed plate. An opening-ratio controller moves the moving plate with respect to the fixed plate whereby an opening ratio defined by relative positions of the first openings and the second openings is controlled. The separation between the grating and the shutter fixed plate may be the thickness of the shutter moving plate. The opening-ratio controller may include an opening-ratio controlling screw having a pinion attached to the screw end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kun-hyung Lee, Tae-jin Hwang
  • Patent number: 5839233
    Abstract: A louvre type roof structure includes a plurality of parallel slats mounted on carrier elements which in turn are mounted on carrier beams such as to permit pivotal displacement of the carrier elements and the slats between a closed position in which the slats are disposed in a roughly coplanar orientation, and an open position in which the slats are disposed in spaced apart generally parallel planes. The carrier elements are secured to the slats by engaging the slats without penetrating the slats, so that each slat is located in a fixed planar orientation relative to the respective carrier. Mounting of the carrier elements to the carrier beams is by means of a pair of mounting levers for each carrier element. One of the pair of mounting levers is a fixed lever securable to a carrier beam in a selected position, and the other lever is a free lever displaceable relative to a carrier beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Dirk Van Zyl Smit
  • Patent number: 5782051
    Abstract: The instant invention is a water resistant louver characterized by an aesthetically pleasing two piece front louver frame affixed to a posteriorally positioned aluminum mesh screen in turn affixed to a spacer frame behind it that encompasses a plurality of horizontally parallel deflector slats affixed to a face plate affixed to the frontal portion of a rear louver frame attached to the screen and front frame via a plurality of fastening screws with all frames and the screen affixed to a positively sloped bottom sill plate, the top side of which is metallically lined to accept water deflected from the slots and a drip cap within the rear louver frame located just behind the lowest of such slats and thereby permit deflected water to run through two identical notches cut into the rear portion of the frontal frame to the outside of the frontal portion of the front frame via two slits in the frontal portion contiguous each with each notch and each of which slits is positioned laterally to a centrally positioned be
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: John F. LaVoie
  • Patent number: 5487247
    Abstract: A ventilated roof and wall structure wherein a base roof plate is spaced from a top roof plate defining a roof air gap, such that a base roof plate slide plate is slidably mounted to permit selective communication of an attic spaced relative to the air gap, wherein the roof structure terminates in an air tube at a peak portion of the roof structure, and the vent tube is open at each end and includes at least one vent pipe to vent trapped air in the roof air gap receiving such air from the attic space and air flow from the walls to assist air flow throughout the roof air gap and assist in ventilation of the structure minimizing heat buildup within the associated dwelling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Inventor: Willard L. Pigg
  • Patent number: 5433663
    Abstract: An insect net for screening off at least one air passage which can be opened and closed in variable degree by a shutter. The net is produced from fabric, which is drapeable to a variable extent in dependence of the opening degree of the shutter. In the warp and/or weft direction of the fabric at some distance from each other are inlaid control threads, which are provided at equal intervals to form loops for receiving the control bars of the shutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Ludvig Svensson International B.V.
    Inventors: Goran Henningsson, Olov Holmlid
  • Patent number: 5429113
    Abstract: Presented is a wall heater or furnace extension structure for mounting in the space between a conventional wall furnace or heater and the ceiling of the room in which the wall furnace or heater are installed. The wall material normally found in this area of the wall is removed to expose the flue connected to the fire-box of the furnace or heater. The furnace extension structure is mounted on the wall so as to enclose the flue, draw air from the room into the space surrounding the flue, and then discharge the heated air back into the room from which it emanated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Inventor: Robert O. Fowler
  • Patent number: 5410844
    Abstract: A vent assembly for a igloo-type building of the type having a number of arcuate roof frame members extending between side gutters, the vent assembly including a Z-sectioned member secured to the roof frame members and extending parallel to the side gutters, the region between the Z-sectioned member and adjacent gutter defining a vent opening into the building. A roller blind has its fabric secured to the Z-sectioned member and may be unrolled to close the vent opening or rolled up to open the vent opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Inventor: Gary M. Lynch
  • Patent number: 5330386
    Abstract: A method of installing a ventilation device through existing plywood door closures of accesses to attic spaces with roof fans in homes includes a frame with louvers across a central opening closed by two doors hingeably attached to be opened and closed with a hook rod interconnecting with eye bolts on the doors, the entire device being insulated to reduce heat loss during the cooler seasons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Inventor: Thomas P. Calandra
  • Patent number: 5306210
    Abstract: A louvre type roof structure including a plurality of parallel slats mounted on carrier beams extending transversely to the slats, in which the slats are mounted on carrier elements which are in turn mounted on the carrier beams to permit pivotal displacement of the carrier elements and of the slats between a closed position in which they are disposed in a roughly coplanar position, and an open position in which they are disposed in spaced apart parallel planes. The carrier elements are secured to the slats by means of lugs engaging the slats without penetrating the slats. The carrier elements are mounted on the carrier beams by mounting levers, a pair of mounting levers being provided in respect of each carrier element, one of a pair of levers being a fixed lever and being secured to the carrier beam in a fixed position, and the other one being a free lever and being displaceable relative to the carrier beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Inventor: Dirk V. Z. Smit