Abstract: A pressure relief vent assembly that defines a plurality of enlarged water collection pockets and a plurality of water passage recesses that enable water to move between the water collection pockets and to be more evenly distributed relative to and in the respective water collection pockets, and thus is configured to inhibit water from entering an enclosed area through the pressure relief vent assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air vent assembly for ventilation systems. The disclosed vent assembly regulates the flow of exhaust air sucked by an exhaust fan of the ventilation system. The vent assembly includes a seat, the seat having a passage for air. The seat can be configured in a base that can be installed over a vent or a grille on the vent. The assembly further includes a lid placed on the seat, such as to block the passage of the seat. A cage surrounding the lid, wherein the cage limits the lateral movement of the lid and provides a guided upper movement of the lid. The cage is of a slanted configuration. The lid can be held against the top of the cage in an inclined position, wherein the angle of inclination can be proportional to the slant of the cage.

Abstract: An airfoil blade assembly includes an upper airfoil shell, and a lower airfoil shell and a pair of upper legs protruding from the upper airfoil shell and extending towards the lower airfoil shell. A pair of lower legs protrudes from the lower airfoil shell and extending towards the upper airfoil shell and are formed by bending material of the lower airfoil shell back upon itself. An upper strengthening rib formed is in the upper airfoil shell, and a lower strengthening rib is formed in the lower airfoil shell. The pair of upper legs and the pair of lower legs are abutting when the upper airfoil shell and the lower airfoil shell are selectively fixed to one another.

Abstract: A method is provided for pressure equalization when shutting a vehicle door or tailgate, wherein the door or tailgate is designed to close an opening into a vehicle interior, in particular to enable loading or unloading or entering or exiting. An airflow can be conveyed into the vehicle interior from outside the motor vehicle interior through an air inlet opening via an air inlet system. The air inlet opening can be closed via a closure device. The method detects a vehicle standstill mode; detects an opened vehicle door or tailgate; controls the closure device of the air inlet opening; and opens the air inlet opening.

Abstract: A mausoleum is provided. The mausoleum includes a base configured to connect the mausoleum to a ground area. A first framework is supported by the base. The first framework is configured to support a plurality of cylinder assemblies. The first framework includes a plurality of corner posts, main posts, header members and bracing members. A second framework extends from the first framework and is configured to support a roof structure. The second framework includes a plurality of truss structures. A cupola extends from the second framework. The plurality of cylinder assemblies, corner posts, main posts, header members, bracing members and truss structures are formed from metallic materials configured to be resistant to weather and seismic activity.

Abstract: A contoured roof ventilation system includes a support structure, with a vent opening through the support structure located along a ridge of the roof. A contoured roofing material is located on the support structure and defines a plurality of crests and valleys. First and second vent strips are located on opposite sides of the vent opening along the ridge, and have a first surface complementary to the crests and valleys of the contoured roofing material in an installed position, and a plurality of longitudinally extending slots that extend parallel to the ridge to define at least three spaced apart vent material ribbons, and a second surface. At least one water barrier is positioned above the second surfaces of the first and second vent strips and extends toward the ridge. Cap pieces having a lower surface that contacts the second surfaces of the first and second strips or the water barrier are located on the first and second strips.

Abstract: A device mounted on a roof is provided with, in one embodiment, a first structural component including a first water guide board on the roof and inclined upward, the first water guide board having a groove at a downward bent open end; a vent under the first water guide board; a second structural component including a downward inclined second water guide board extending toward the first water guide board; a splash elimination wall under the groove and abutted on the vent; and a water blocking board secured to a bottom of the first structural component and abutted on the vent.

Abstract: A damage prevention housing for a roof pipe may include a hollow body having an interior dimensioned to enclose a roof pipe on a roof, the hollow body having an open proximal end suitable for positioning over the roof pipe and a partially closed distal end dimensioned to preclude access by rodents but allow movement of gases therethrough. The hollow body may further include an aperture positioned adjacent to the proximal end for allowing liquids and gases to move through the aperture and a fastener for securing the hollow body in a fixed position relative to the roof pipe and the roof.

Abstract: An exhaust air shutter assembly may include a housing having a dividing wall separating the exhaust air shutter assembly into an inside portion and an outside portion. An opening may be formed in the dividing wall and a frame may be mounted around the perimeter of the hole. Disposed on the frame may be a gasket that extends around the entire perimeter of the hole. The exhaust air shutter also may include at least one shutter flap mounted adjacent to the frame with a hinge such that the shutter flap can pivot between a closed position and an open position. When the shutter flap is in the open position, an air flow path exists from the inside portion of the exhaust air shutter assembly to the outside portion. When the shutter flap is in the closed position the air flow path is blocked. The shutter flap is configured to contact the gasket mounted to the frame when the shutter flap is in the closed position, thereby creating a seal between the shutter flap and the opening in the dividing wall.

Abstract: A domestic appliance includes an open air duct and a flow cross-section adjuster in the air duct for adjusting a flow cross-section of the air duct. The flow cross-section adjuster includes rotatably mounted blades for noise dampening purpose. The air duct and the flow cross-section adjuster are in a cooling air inflow region relative to a heat exchanger or a compressor of the domestic appliance.

Abstract: An exhaust which comprises a mounting plate mountable onto the external wall of the building and having an opening therein. The exhaust vent also comprises a main body attachable to the mounting plate and having a rear face, a front face, and an aperture extending from the rear face to the front face in fluid communication with the opening of the mounting plate and the conduit. The exhaust vent also comprises a flap pivotally attached to the main body and movable between a closed position, where the aperture is blocked by the flap, and an opened position where the flap extends away from the aperture. Finally the exhaust vent comprises a first seal which surrounds the aperture when the flap is in the closed position, the seal being located on either one of the flap or the main body. This invention aims at improving air-tightness of the exhaust vent when in the flap is in the closed position.

Abstract: A back-air blocking device to ventilate a motor vehicle's inside space includes a frame or housing made of a first plastic, and a valve flap, made of flexible material, connected in one zone to the frame and in other zones resting against a sealing surface of said frame when the flap is in its rest position. The flap detaches off the sealing surface when subjected to a pressure differential. The valve flap is a thin plate made of a closed-pore, foamed material.

Abstract: A new exhaust vent has a mounting plate that mounts onto an external wall of a building Attached to the mounting plate is a main body that has an aperture that extends between a rear face and a front face that is in fluid communication with an opening of the mounting plate. A flap is pivotally attached to the main body and moves between a closed position, where the aperture is blocked by the flap, and an opened position, where the flap extends away from the aperture. A seal surrounds the aperture when the flap is in the closed position.

Abstract: A vent cap for a direct vent system. The cap may include a base plate and a semicircular outer housing secured to the base plate. A divider is coupled within the outer housing, with the divider forming in exhaust region and an inlet region. A heat shield is positioned within the semicircular outer housing in the outlet region. A direct vent pipe coupling is provided in the base plate and includes a first pipe having an outlet coupled to the divider.

Abstract: A heat dissipating structure includes a frame. An accommodating space is formed inside the frame for accommodating a fan, and an opening is formed on a lateral side of the frame. The heat dissipating structure further includes at least one shutter connected to the frame in a rotatable manner. The fan is disposed on a side of the shutter. The shutter prevents airflow driven by the fan from flowing back to the other side of the shutter through the opening when the shutter rotates to a close position. The heat dissipating structure further includes a resilient component for providing a resilient force to the shutter so as to drive the shutter to the close position.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided that includes a cold air duct that receives cold air circulating inside of a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber, an evaporator in the cold air duct, at least one defrosting heater in the cold air duct that selectively emits heat, a fan in the cold air duct, that selectively directs the cold air in an upward or downward direction, a motor that drives the fan, and an open/close device that closes a space having the evaporator, the defrosting heater, and the fan positioned therein selectively, thereby providing an improved defroster for an evaporator.

Abstract: A vent assembly for attachment to a fluid discharge conduit of the type connected to a clothes dryer, room exhaust fan, or the like is adapted to reduce or prevent the trapping of dirt or lint as well as flapping or vibration of the door in windy conditions. A mount having an opening is received on the conduit and a door is pivotally received by the mount. The door is operable for displacement with respect to the opening between an open position and a closed position when engaged by a fluid, such as air from a clothes dryer, flowing through the discharge conduit. A hood is pivotally mounted over the door and mount opening, and is operable for displacement with respect to the mount when engaged by the door and/or by fluid flowing through the discharge conduit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exhaust structure for a clothes dryer in an apartment building. The exhaust structure includes at least one riser pipe mounted in a vertical direction crossing every floor of a building to discharge exhaust gas, a plurality of branch pipes branched from the riser pipe to a household in the every floor to guide exhaust gas from the household to the riser pipe, and a fan mounted above a top of the riser pipe and operating in proportion to the amount of exhaust gas in the riser pipe.

Abstract: A vent assembly for attachment to a fluid discharge conduit of the type connected to a clothes dryer, room exhaust fan, or the like includes a mount having an opening received on the conduit and a door pivotally received by the mount. The door includes a first surface portion for covering at least a portion of the opening and a second surface portion joined to the first surface portion and extending from the door and protruding into the opening. The door is operable for displacement with respect to the opening between an open position and a closed position when engaged by a fluid flowing through the discharge conduit. The door is in the open position only after the door pivots sufficiently to move the first and second surface portions fully out of the opening, whereby birds, animals, and the like are restricted from entering the conduit.

Abstract: A data center includes a bank of computers, a plenum in fluid communication with the bank of computers, and a chimney in fluid communication with the plenum. The chimney is configured to use heat from the bank of computers to sufficiently lower an air pressure in the plenum to cause an air flow across the bank of computers sufficient to cool the bank of computers for normal operation.

Abstract: A direct sidewall vent system between a fuel-burning appliance in a first space and an external atmosphere, through a wall between the first space and external atmosphere. The direct sidewall vent system has a wall assembly that defines a first passage for communicating combustion gas generated through operation of the fuel-burning appliance to a first outlet through which the combustion gas is communicated to the external atmosphere. The wall assembly further defines a second passage for communicating makeup air from the external atmosphere to the fuel-burning appliance in the first space. The direct sidewall vent system further has an external portion that is situated within the external atmosphere and at which the first outlet is located. The external portion of the direct sidewall vent system has a top, a bottom, and spaced sides.

Abstract: A portable computer has a base supporting a keyboard and a cover with a display screen, with the cover being foldable away from the base to an open configuration to view the entire screen and operate the keyboard. The cover can also be folded flush against the base to a closed configuration. A portion of the screen remains viewable in the closed configuration, either by virtue of a window formed in the base or by virtue of the portion of the cover extending past the base.

Abstract: An exhaust vent assembly for a structure. The exhaust vent assembly can include a base supportable adjacent to the structure and having a raised rim defining an outlet of an exhaust flow channel and a cover moveably secured to the base for movement relative to the base between a closed position, in which the cover extends across the outlet substantially preventing exhaust flow through the outlet, and an opened position, in which the cover is moved away from the outlet to allow exhaust flow through the outlet. The vent assembly can also include a windbreak operable to prevent wind from moving the cover toward the opened position. The windbreak can include a first contour on the raised rim and a second contour on an adjacent edge of the cover.

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.

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.

Abstract: A vent assembly for attachment to a fluid discharge conduit of the type connected to a clothes dryer, room exhaust fan, or the like is adapted to reduce or prevent the trapping of dirt or lint as well as flapping or vibration of the door in windy conditions. A mount having an opening is received on the conduit and a door is pivotally received by the mount. The door is operable for displacement with respect to the opening between an open position and a closed position when engaged by a fluid, such as air from a clothes dryer, flowing through the discharge conduit. A hood is pivotally mounted over the door and mount opening, and is operable for displacement with respect to the mount when engaged by the door and/or by fluid flowing through the discharge conduit.

Abstract: A non-return valve for a ventilation device (10) has ribs (20) which serve to reinforce the non-return valve (16), and a wall thickness (S), the wall thickness (S) of the non-return valve (16) does not vary in the region of the ribs (20).

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.

Abstract: An exhaust apparatus provides a housing with at least one exhaust compartment disposed within the housing, and at least one draft damper repositionable to operate at orientations of about 0°, 90°, 180° and 270° with respect to a level plane of an exterior bottom surface of the housing.

Abstract: A hooded exhaust vent having walls bounding an exhaust opening covered by a guard, in the assembly of which the walls and guard respectively have laterally extending slides urged in sliding movement into slide tracks in the path of the movement to establish a sliding interconnection therebetween.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve (10) includes a housing (12) with a peripheral side wall defining at least one central airflow passage and at least one flap valve element (14). The housing (12) and the flap valve element (14) have a molded connection for enabling rotation of the flap valve element relative to the housing between a closed condition overlying the at least one central airflow passage (24) to prevent airflow from atmosphere (21) into the passenger compartment (19) and an open condition permitting airflow out of the passenger compartment of the vehicle to atmosphere. The at least one flap valve element (14) moves from the closed condition to the open condition in response to differential pressure between the passenger compartment (19) and atmosphere (21).

Abstract: A dwelling eaves vent apparatus having a diameter-increasing passageway component to compensate for the impediment to flow unavoidably caused by a screen over the outlet to atmosphere of the component, and wherein the component is characterized by being embodied with a conical shape which maintains directional guidance to discharging air/gas content to thereby contribute to obviating turbulence during discharge through the screen.

Abstract: A dryer vent outlet hood mounting device comprising a mounting block portion having a central opening, an interior peripheral wall about the central opening and a pair of planar, generally rectangular, peripheral flanges extending at right angles from and joined to the interior peripheral wall to define a peripheral channel for the receipt of siding, and a dryer vent outlet hood mounted on the exterior surface of one of the peripheral flanges. The central opening may include a central circular aperture for engagement with a dryer vent tube. The mounting block may include a variety of nailing members as well as the incorporation of a variety of score lines that permit adjustment of the size of the mounting block portion for adaptation to a variety of new and retrofit siding configurations. The dryer vent hood may also incorporate openable louvers and a bird or insect impermeable mesh over its outlet.

Abstract: A dryer vent designed to prevent bird and rodent ingress through the vent and further to prevent lint build-up includes a flap which has an edge portion recessed within the main body of the vent preventing birds and rodents from grasping the flap and opening it. Further, the dryer vent includes a rotating member such as a paddlewheel or a fan blade which rotates in response to air flowing through the vent thereby frightening birds and rodents.

Abstract: A ridge vent assembly extends along a roof ridge of a building. One embodiment has corrugated plies defining small diameter passages that communicate a vent opening cut along the ridge of the roof with ambient atmosphere. A moveable valve member extends along the outer edge of the vent parts and includes a lift spacer to keep the valve member spaced from the roof when in an inactive position. When wind speed increases above a predetermined wind speed, the movable member moves into a position adjoining the edge of the vent parts and the bubble is compressed against the upper edge of the corresponding vent part, thereby preventing entry of wind driven moisture and snow into the passages and into the building structure through the vent opening. Accordingly, the moveable valve member acts as a weatherstripping material for the vent. A similar flexible member is usable to weatherstrip windows, doors, and other building openings.

Abstract: A ridge vent assembly extends along the ridge of the roof of a building structure and is provided with multiple plies of corrugated material. The corrugations of the plies define small diameter passages that communicate a vent opening cut along the ridge of the roof with ambient atmosphere. A flexible member consisting of a strip of cloth material extends along the outer edge of the vent parts. The strip of material terminates into a flexible bubble. When wind speed increases above a predetermined wind speed, the movable member moves into a position adjoining the edge of the vent parts and the bubble is compressed against the upper edge of the corresponding vent part, thereby preventing entry of wind driven moisture and snow into the passages and into the building structure through the vent opening. Accordingly, the cloth strip and bubble act as a weatherstripping material for the vent.

Abstract: A two-piece hardtop for sport utility vehicles. An air vent is provided that allows air to flow out from the interior of the vehicle without letting water enter the vehicle through it.

Abstract: An adapter for clothes dryer exhaust vents includes an adapter that fits around a PVC conduit, when such a conduit is used to route dryer vent exhaust from a clothes dryer to the outside of a home or building. The adapter allows much easier installation of a dryer vent when PVC conduit is used. An inverted dryer plenum for a clothes dryer exhaust vent is also disclosed. This inverted dryer plenum is used with an adapter device that may be sized to fit any type of conduit.

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.

Abstract: A clothes dryer exhaust vent comprises a vent hood and a detachable grill. The detachable grill fits within the vent hood opening. A snap-fit system is provided which allows one to grasp the exposed edges of the grill, squeeze inwardly and readily disengage the grill from the vent hood. This system avoids having to unscrew the grill, remove the clips or the like to provide for grill service.

Abstract: A roof vent comprises two parts, a cover and a conduit. The conduit, with a pipeline already attached, can be easily connected to the cover, after the cover has been installed on a roof. The conduit will plug into the cover making installation easy. The vent includes a channel or moat which surrounds the outlet of the conduit. Thus, if during extreme weather conditions, moisture passes into the cover from outside through its opening and if it gets past the door flap, it will be trapped in the channel.

Abstract: System for installation of a complete, safe, compact, and efficient dryer exhaust. Provides access to internal areas of conduit for dryer lint build-up removal. Allows dryer placement in tight confines: laundry closets, pantry areas, first floor apartments. System may be used to route dryer exhaust conduit inside of dwelling walls.

Abstract: A ridge vent assembly extends along the ridge of the roof of a building structure and is provided with multiple plies of corrugated material. The corrugations of the plies define small diameter passages that communicate a vent opening cut along the ridge of the roof with ambient atmosphere. A flexible member consisting of a strip of cloth material extends along the outer edge of the vent parts. The strip of material terminates into a flexible bubble. When wind speed increases above a predetermined wind speed, the movable member moves into a position adjoining the edge of the vent parts and the bubble is compressed against the upper edge of the corresponding vent part, thereby preventing entry of wind driven moisture and snow into the passages and into the building structure through the vent opening. Accordingly, the cloth strip and bubble act as a weatherstripping material for the vent.

Abstract: An environmental exhaust duct adapted to be mounted on a roof allows for exhaust gases to escape while preventing water and debris from entering the building. The exhaust duct has a flap which is closed over the duct by gravity, and which pivots upwards when exhaust gases are released. A cap over the duct prevents water and debris from entering the air shaft when the flap is open.

Abstract: A damper flap and duct connector assembly for controlling air flow through a ventilation system includes a damper flap pivotably mounted to a duct connector. The connector connected to a ventilator has an air flow opening disposed in its center and a cylindrical ring extending from the outer edge that is connected to a ventilation duct. The connector also includes a pair of spaced, opposed brackets disposed above one edge of the air flow opening. The damper flap includes a generally rectangular plate forming the body of the flap that rests over the air flow opening in the connector to selectively open and close the opening, and a pair of arms extending outwardly from one edge of the plate. The arms are rolled towards the plate to form a pair of mounting tubes separated by a flexible portion of the plate. The length between opposite ends of the tubes is longer than the length between the opposed brackets.

Abstract: A soffit vent apparatus for venting gases from an enclosure to the external environment, comprising a cover comprising an air-permeable portion and a mounting flange, the cover being mountable to a soffit; a duct mountable to the cover in communication with the air-permeable portion and operatively coupleable to the enclosure; and a valve mounted in the duct. The valve allows gases under pressure to flow through the duct and the air-permeable portion to the external environment.

Abstract: An automatic control system for providing pneumatic purging protection for a sealed enclosure containing electrical equipment in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association standards. The system supplies a purge gas under a pre-ordained pressure to an enclosure residing in a hazardous location. The system monitors the gas pressure to maintain the pressure within desired limits. In the event that the integrity of the sealed enclosure is disrupted, the control system disables the electrical equipment and executes a rapid-response purge cycle to re-enable the electrical equipment as quickly as possible.

Abstract: A ventilating device for a roof having a vent opening includes a cover for a vent opening in the roof. The cover defines vent passages for communicating the vent opening to ambient atmosphere. A moveable member mounted adjacent to the passages is moveable from an open or inactive position permitting communication through the passages to an active or closed position in which the moveable member closes the passage to restrain entry of wind driven rain and or snow into the passages. The moveable members are returned to their inactive or open position by the resiliency of the material from which the moveable members are made and/or by the force of gravity.

Abstract: An exhaust vent for routing dryer exhaust from within a structure to outside of the structure includes a unitary vent hood which is designed to be mounted to an outer wall of the structure. The vent hood includes a rear wall which defines a substantially circular exhaust aperture. Surrounding the exhaust aperture is a generally cylindrical connecting portion which is designed to receive a flexible exhaust conduit. A forward wall of the vent hood in combination with the rear wall defines a downwardly and forwardly directed exit opening. A hinged flapper is received by the rear wall of the vent hood for closing the exhaust aperture against outside air when exhaust from the dryer is not flowing through the aperture. In a larger designed embodiment of the exhaust vent, the flapper is replaced by a pair of overlapping and hinged louvers. The exit opening is covered by a grid-like guard which snaps onto the vent hood.

Abstract: A ventilating device for a home or other building includes a frame for covering a ventilating opening in the structure. The frame defines a passage for communicating the ventilating opening to the atmosphere. The passage contains a freely movable valve member which normally rests in an inactive position under gravitational force to permit venting through the passage. The valve member moves in response to wind pressure to an active position in which the member seats against a seating surface within the passage to prevent entry of wind-driven precipitation into the structure. When the wind subsides, the valve member returns under the force of gravity to its inactive position.