Fire Damper Patents (Class 454/369)
  • Patent number: 11224777
    Abstract: A fire and smoke actuator includes a temperature sensor for sensing an operating temperature of the fire and smoke actuator, a drive motor, an actuator output for coupling to the damper in order to move the damper between the open position and the closed position and a drivetrain that is operably coupled between the drive motor and the actuator output. The drive motor, when activated, is configured to actuate the actuator output, via the drivetrain, to move the damper between the open position and the closed position. A drive circuit is operably coupled to the drive motor and the temperature sensor and is configured to activate the drive motor to move the damper between the open position and the closed position at a non-zero speed that is based, at least in part, on the operating temperature sensed by the temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Ondrej Ficner, Lubos Sikora, Charles Bondu
  • Patent number: 11105530
    Abstract: There is disclosed a passive intumescent fire damper having a metal housing, an inner meltable liner and having a metal and intumescent laminate assembly surrounding the inner liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Superposed Associates LLC
    Inventor: Jack F. King, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10605471
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated basement ventilation apparatus, and more particularly, to an integrated basement ventilation apparatus which can improve a basement ventilation apparatus and thereby perform an adiabatic cooling using latent heat when air is supplied, and in a case of outbreak of fire, forcibly close a damper closed or opened by itself as air is exhausted, and allow general automatic control depending on a local air condition in a basement structure and which can control an increase in temperature in the basement structure at a low cost and enhance a fire safety, and in particular, can suppress the fire early and significantly enhance the quality of air in the basement structure, thereby significantly enhancing condition and maintenance of whole facilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: VENTILATION INSTITUTE OF KOREA CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Su-Bin Lee
  • Patent number: 10415847
    Abstract: A wireless damper control and test system comprising a wireless controller for communicating with a wireless interface using an identifier whereby actuation timing of a damper actuator is transmitted by signal, the wireless interface connected to a damper to be controlled or tested using the transmitted signal, the wireless controller transmits the signals to the wireless interface for operational verification of the damper and damper actuator, and the wireless interface detects a damper state by contacts mounted on the damper and communicates the damper state to the wireless controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Air Distribution Technologies IP, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas R. Edwards, Josiah Wiley, Timothy A. Vogel
  • Patent number: 10315059
    Abstract: A back pressure flap valve arrangement is disclosed. The arrangement comprises a housing (101) having an inlet opening (102) and an outlet opening (103) adapted for connection of the housing (101) to a ducting (200), and at least one side wall (104) extending along a flow direction through the housing (101) from the inlet opening (102) to the outlet opening (103). A flap (1) is pivotably hinged about a shaft (5) thereby being movable between an open position and a closed position, said shaft (5) extending transverse the flow direction. At least one locking device (10) is fixedly mounted to the side wall (104) and comprises a locking pin (14) and a stopping member (12). The locking pin (14) is movable between a retracted position and a locking position, and being biased towards said locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: NEDERMAN HOLDING AB
    Inventors: Bartosz Kowalski, Jacek Czyzewski, Christian Norman, Klaus Bihlet
  • Patent number: 9920871
    Abstract: A blast wave damper comprises a section of duct, with a multiplicity of rigid elements each extending across the duct. All the elements are parallel to each other, and they are arranged in an array consisting of a multiplicity of lines, each such line extending across the duct. The elements in one line are staggered relative to the elements in an adjacent line, and the gaps between successive elements within a line are no wider than the widths of the elements. There may be ten columns of tubular elements in a regular array. This may be combined with a louver mechanism arranged to shut if the pressure drop exceeds a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Wozair Limited
    Inventor: Mudalige Anoj Menushka Mario Perera
  • Patent number: 9752792
    Abstract: A building ventilation system (1) comprising a central unit (2) and at least one electrical operating unit (3) for adjusting a movable member of a ventilation device, the central control unit (2) is connected to the at least one electrical operating unit (3) by two power supply wires (4) and configured to provide an operating voltage for operation of the at least one electrical operating unit (3) via the two power supply wires (4), wherein the power supply lines (4) are connected to an end module (5) and the central control unit (2) further is configured to provide a test voltage being lower than the operating voltage, wherein the end module (5) is configured to temporarily vary its load impedance with a predetermined pattern, and the central control unit (2) is configured to detect the temporarily varying load impedance of the end module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: WindowMaster A/S
    Inventor: Jesper Darum
  • Patent number: 9433810
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fire valve made of a body (100) consisting of a frame (50) and a tunnel (10) in which a butterfly damper (200) is pivotably mounted between a closed position, separating an inner side (I) from an outer side (E), and an open holding position. The body (100) and the butterfly damper (200) formed by a blade (210) are each produced by assembling cut and pasted refractory sand-lime plates (11, 51, 211). The assembly forming the body (100) and that forming the butterfly damper (200) are provided with steel reinforcements directly attached to the plate assemblies. The reinforcements (60, 70) of the body (100) are attached onto the outer side of the tunnel (10) and of the frame (50) and the reinforcements (240, 250) of the butterfly damper (200) are attached onto both sides of the blade (210). The butterfly damper is locked by the expansion of the metal elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: VRACO SAS
    Inventor: Jean-Baptiste Willoquet
  • Publication number: 20140273799
    Abstract: An air delivery system is configured to deliver air to an enclosed structure and may include at least one air channel configured to deliver air to or receive air from the enclosed structure, at least one component disposed within the at least one air channel, and at least one flame-blocking filter removably and adjustably secured within the at least one air channel. The at least one flame-blocking filter is configured to isolate the at least one component from a source of excessive temperature or flames. The at least one flame-blocking filter is configured to allow air to pass therethrough under normal operating conditions, and to block air and flames from passing therethrough when exposed to the excessive temperature or the flames.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: VENMAR CES, INC.
    Inventors: BLAKE NORMAN ERB, Stephen Harold Hanson, Mohammad Afshin
  • Publication number: 20140118941
    Abstract: A device provided with fire protection includes a casing (102), electrical components (103) inside the casing, and a fan element (104). The casing includes a first wall having ventilation apertures and the fan element is configured to produce ventilation flow through the ventilation apertures so as to cool the electrical components. The device further includes a fire protection element (105) including thermally expanding material (109) configured to suppress the ventilation flow via the ventilation apertures in response to a situation in which the thermally expanding material is exposed to heat and gets expanded. The fire protection element is outside the casing, the fan element is mechanically supported to the casing, and the fire protection element is removable and re-installable without detaching the mechanical support between the casing and the fan element. Therefore, the fire protection element can be a post-installable element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: TELLABS OY
    Inventors: Antti HOLMA, Petri KOHONEN, Jari-Pekka LAIHONEN, Pasi RAIKKONEN, Juha AHVENAINEN
  • Patent number: 8491363
    Abstract: An air flap device (10) for a cooling or/and freezing appliance of kitchen equipment comprises an air flap (18) which is mounted so that it can pivot about a first axis of rotation (20) between an open position and a closed position, uncovers an air passage opening for the passage of air in the open position and at least substantially blocks the air passage opening against the passage of air in the closed position, and a motor-driven flap operating mechanism for pivoting the air flap. According to the invention, the flap operating mechanism comprises a rotary member (26) which is disposed so as to be driven about a second axis of rotation (28) as well as a separate force transmission member (32) which serves to transmit force between the rotary member and the air flap, is coupled to the rotary member at a point lying eccentrically to the second axis of rotation and is coupled to the air flap (18) at a point lying at a distance from the first axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: emz-Hanauer GmbH & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Albert Dirnberger, Thomas Neumann
  • Publication number: 20130130613
    Abstract: A fire damper for a ventilating fan includes a shutter and a frame provided with a flange. A preformed opening is provided on the frame. The frame is further provided with a movable component for opening or closing the preformed opening. This has the advantage of being able to share parts with others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicants: PANASONIC cORPORATION, PANASONIC ECOLOGY SYSTEMS GUANGDONG CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Min Long, Guancheng Hou
  • Patent number: 8230938
    Abstract: A fire prevention assembly comprises a main body, a first connective unit, a tubular piece, a sensor unit, a second connective unit, a first flexible piece, a movable piece and a second flexible piece. The fire prevention assembly is installed to a fire prevention gate. In use, the sensor unit would melt at a high temperature. In such case, the tubular piece moves rearwards along with the movable piece. Therefore, the movable piece will no longer limit the movement of the position limiting plate of the fire prevention gate and the protective plates will be allowed to rotate to open or close the fire prevention gate. Consequently, the fire prevention assembly can provide protection against fires and smoke in a swift and precise manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Uangyih-Tech Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Chien Huang
  • Publication number: 20120108162
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fire valve made of a body (100) consisting of a frame (50) and a tunnel (10) in which a butterfly damper (200) is pivotably mounted between a closed position, separating an inner side (I) from an outer side (E), and am open holding position. The body (100) and the butterfly damper (200) formed by a blade (210) are each produced by assembling cut and pasted refractory sand-lime plates (11, 51, 211). The assembly forming the body (100) and that forming the butterfly damper (200) are provided with steel reinforcements directly attached to the plate assemblies. The reinforcements (60, 70) of the body (100) are attached onto the outer side of the tunnel (10) and of the frame (50) and the reinforcements (240, 250) of the butterfly damper (200) are attached onto both sides of the blade (210). The butterfly damper is locked by the expansion of the metal elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: VRACO SAS
    Inventor: Jean-Baptiste Willoquet
  • Patent number: 8062108
    Abstract: A self-closing vent intended for use in attics, crawl spaces, joist cavities, exterior walls, interior walls, or other structural element which allows for the free flow of air from outside a building to interior spaces during normal use. The vent includes a damper blade pivotally connected to, and disposed within, the vent housing, which is held in an open position by a temperature sensitive fusible link. Two, and preferably three, permanent magnets provide the force for driving the damper blade into a closed and locked position. A first magnet disposed in a side of the vent housing and a second magnet disposed on the damper blade are disposed with opposing (repelling) polarities when the damper blade is held in the open position. A third magnet disposed proximate the back of the vent housing is oriented so as to attract the magnet disposed on the damper blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas R. Carlson, Rados R. Marusic, Theresa Carlson-Marusic
  • Patent number: 7922149
    Abstract: A damper actuator assembly comprises an actuator and an electronic fusible link (EFL) connected by at least one wire. The actuator comprises an actuator housing with actuator leads extending from the actuator housing. The actuator leads include a first quick connect positioned on an end of the actuator lead. A flexible conduit material covers the actuator lead. The EFL comprises an EFL housing which is separate from the actuator housing. The EFL housing includes a quick connect seat and an integral conduit adaptor. A second quick connect is positioned on an end of the EFL lead. When the end of the flexible conduit material that includes the actuator lead and first quick connect is inserted into the integral conduit adaptor of the EFL housing, the first quick connect is coupled to the second quick connect and an electrical connection is established between the actuator and the EFL.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Industry Inc.
    Inventors: Dean B. Anderson, Guy P. Caliendo, Wendy Perna, Matthew D. Cook
  • Publication number: 20100223773
    Abstract: This invention provides for a ceiling radiation damper fusible link tool and method of inserting a fusible link for a ceiling radiation damper. The fusible link tool has a holder capable of holding a fusible link and a handle connected to the holder so that the holder may be inserted into a ceiling radiation damper by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventor: Michael J. Florian
  • Patent number: 7765936
    Abstract: A transporting system with a fire door (100) is provided with: a rail (1) installed within a facility; a transporting carriage (3), whose wheel (4) is set so as to roll over a surface for rolling of the rail; a fire door plate (7) for segmenting a space within the facility in a direction intersecting the rail at a predetermined position of the rail; and a door plate moving device (8) capable of moving the fire door plate from an open position for the transporting carriage to pass through the predetermined position, to a close position for the fire door plate to segment the space. A first cut (1a) is formed obliquely with respect to a width direction of the rail when planarly seen on the surface for rolling, in the rail at the predetermined position. The fire door plate has a shape capable of passing through the first cut when being moved to the close position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Muratec Automation Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanao Murata, Senzou Kyutoku, Toshio Takasu
  • Patent number: 7717776
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the controlled feeding of added air into a permanently inertized room in which a predefined inertization level is or must be set and maintained within a certain control range provide for the volume flow rate at which an inert gas is fed into the room atmosphere to attain a value that is adequate for maintaining the predefined inertization level in the room atmosphere that will minimize fire risk. In addition, provisions are made whereby at all times just enough fresh air is injected into the room atmosphere as is necessary to remove from the room atmosphere that proportional concentration of hazardous substances that has not already been removed, via a corresponding return-air exhaust system as a result of the injection of inert gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Amrona AG
    Inventors: Ernst Werner Wagner, Dieter Lietz, Marcus Thiem
  • Patent number: 7710720
    Abstract: An electronic device having an exhaust opening configured to exhaust air outside, the electronic device includes a door part configured to close the exhaust opening when the electronic device has a predetermined temperature, wherein the door part is rotated based on the own weight of the door part and a wind pressure of the air taken in the electronic device and exhausted outside the electronic device, so that the exhaust opening is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Kazuya Fuke, Naoya Yamazaki, Hideki Zenitani, Hideo Araki, Takashi Shirakami, Satoshi Ueda, Kenji Toshimitsu, Yoshiaki Tada
  • Publication number: 20100056039
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive system (A) for a fire protection flap (8) arranged in a ventilation duct (9). Said drive system (A) comprises at least one drive element (1), an energy supply element (2) for supplying energy to the drive element (1) and a mechanical load-torque lock (3) for absorbing a torque acting on the fire protection flap (8). The drive element (1) is made essentially of plastic. A thermal protection element (4) is at least arranged on the side of the drive element (1) which faces the ventilation duct (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Belimo Holding AG
    Inventors: Beat Weber, Ralf Kastle
  • Patent number: 7588025
    Abstract: Hood, in particular associable to a cooking oven for professional kitchen applications, comprising a catalytic converter, a fan adapted to extract gases, fumes and vapors from the cooking cavity of said oven, a first intake aperture adapted to enable said gases to flow from the interior of the cooking cavity of said oven into said extractor hood, a third aperture adapted to enable said gases to be exhausted from the interior of said extractor hood into the outside ambient, a channel connecting said intake aperture with said exhaust aperture, and within which there are arranged said catalytic converter and said fan, as well as a condenser for condensing the water vapor and condensable fats contained in the gas flowing through said channel; in said channel there is provided a second intake aperture adapted to take in air from the ambient surrounding the oven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Electrolux Professional SpA
    Inventors: Dragan Raus, Marco Puppin
  • Publication number: 20090197521
    Abstract: A thermally-actuated cartridge (21) has a center pin (24) which is arranged to protrude through the rear of a cartridge holder (23) when the cartridge assembly (21) is not set, so that it is apparent that the cartridge assembly (21) is not set. In a fire damper for an airflow duct, the cartridge assembly (21) is used as a detent to hold a damper flap (7) open. There is a particularly convenient way of mounting the detent arrangement by having a U-shaped member (9) which carries a limb (15) acting as a backing piece for a retention quadrant (7) and a sprung bracket (16) which are squeezed together by the cartridge assembly (21). The U-shaped member (9) is mounted by a means of a limb extension (10) which slots over the damper flap axle (5) and is held by a rivet (13) in the correct orientation, the cartridge assembly (21) being screwed through a threaded bore formed by upsetting or swaging a limb (14) of the U-member (9) through a hole in the extension (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Richard Perrin
  • Publication number: 20090197522
    Abstract: A thermally-actuated cartridge (21) has a center pin (24) which is arranged to protrude through the rear of a cartridge holder (23) when the cartridge assembly (21) is not set, so that it is apparent that the cartridge assembly (21) is not set. In a fire damper for an airflow duct, the cartridge assembly (21) is used as a detent to hold a damper flap (7) open. There is a particularly convenient way of mounting the detent arrangement by having a U-shaped member (9) which carries a limb (15) acting as a backing piece for a retention quadrant (7) and a sprung bracket (16) which are squeezed together by the cartridge assembly (21). The U-shaped member (9) is mounted by a means of a limb extension (10) which slots over the damper flap axle (5) and is held by a rivet (13) in the correct orientation, the cartridge assembly (21) being screwed through a threaded bore formed by upsetting or swaging a limb (14) of the U-member (9) through a hole in the extension (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Richard Perrin
  • Patent number: 7530891
    Abstract: A thermally-actuated cartridge (21) has a center pin (24) which is arranged to protrude through the rear of a cartridge holder (23) when the cartridge assembly (21) is not set, so that it is apparent that the cartridge assembly (21) is not set. In a fire damper for an airflow duct, the cartridge assembly (21) is used as a detent to hold a damper flap (7) open. There is a particularly convenient way of mounting the detent arrangement by having a U-shaped member (9) which carries a limb (15) acting as a backing piece for a retention quadrant (7) and a sprung bracket (16) which are squeezed together by the cartridge assembly (21). The U-shaped member (9) is mounted by a means of a limb extension (10) which slots over the damper flap axle (5) and is held by a rivet (13) in the correct orientation, the cartridge assembly (21) being screwed through a threaded bore formed by upsetting or swaging a limb (14) of the U-member (9) through a hole in the extension (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Kent Tooling & Components Limited
    Inventor: Richard Perrin
  • Publication number: 20090056959
    Abstract: The invention relates to a protection device for ventilation ducts where at least one duct opening for the supply and/or evacuation of air is provided, in particular for fire protection of air conditioned rooms for information technology installations. To separate the protection zones in the event of an emergency according to high safety standards, it is suggested that said protection device comprises at least one protection slide that is supported in a vertically displaceable manner and furthermore includes a sliding mechanism by means of which said protection slide is movable from an open position to a closed position of said duct opening, said duct opening being completely covered by said protection slide in said closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Erwin Gasser
  • Patent number: 7462100
    Abstract: A fire damper assembly has a damper mounted in an air duct for movements between an open, air passing position in which the damper enables air to flow through the duct and a closed position in which the damper blocks the passage of air through the duct. A strut composed of joined but separable components normally underlies the damper and supports the latter in the open position. The strut may be moved from its damper engaging position to a damper-free position while the separable components remain joined. At least one end of the strut is pivotally connected to a support arm for swinging movements of the strut between damper engaging and damper-free positions and may have its opposite end manually detached from the second support arm, thereby enabling the damper to swing to its closed position. The respective support arms are removably maintained in strut-supporting position by releasable latches which enable a tactile sensing of their positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Globe Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Norman C. VanWormer
  • Publication number: 20080254736
    Abstract: A fire damper assembly has a damper mounted in an air duct for movements between an open, air passing position in which the damper enables air to flow through the duct and a closed position in which the damper blocks the passage of air through the duct. A strut composed of joined but separable components normally underlies the damper and supports the latter in the open position. The strut may be moved from its damper engaging position to a damper-free position while the separable components remain joined. At least one end of the strut is pivotally connected to a support arm for swinging movements of the strut between damper engaging and damper-free positions and may have its opposite end manually detached from the second support arm, thereby enabling the damper to swing to its closed position. The respective support arms are removably maintained in strut-supporting position by releasable latches which enable a tactile sensing of their positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Norman C. VanWormer
  • Publication number: 20080248739
    Abstract: A self-closing vent intended for use in attics, crawl spaces, joist cavities, exterior walls, interior walls, or other structural element which allows for the free flow of air from outside a building to interior spaces during normal use. The vent includes a damper blade pivotally connected to, and disposed within, the vent housing, which is held in an open position by a temperature sensitive fusible link. Two, and preferably three, permanent magnets provide the force for driving the damper blade into a closed and locked position. A first magnet disposed in a side of the vent housing and a second magnet disposed on the damper blade are disposed with opposing (repelling) polarities when the damper blade is held in the open position. A third magnet disposed proximate the back of the vent housing is oriented so as to attract the magnet disposed on the damper blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: THOMAS R. CARLSON, RADOS R. MARUSIC, THERESA CARLSON-MARUSIC
  • Publication number: 20080113613
    Abstract: A damper positioning lock includes a plate having a plurality of recesses along an arcuate edge and a damper positioning handle pivotally associated with the plate. A mechanism is associated with the handle for selectively engaging a selected one of the recesses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Vahik Petrossian
  • Publication number: 20080064321
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a metallic linkage-type keying device, which is installed to a casing, such as the casing of a camera, a mobile phone or a video camera. The metallic linkage-type keying device of the present invention comprises: a metallic linkage, having at least two joining portions; and at least one key, having at least two assembling portions. The key is installed to the metallic linkage via fixing two assembling portions to two joining portions. The metallic linkage-type keying device provided by the present invention can prevent ESD from attacking the interior of the casing via key gaps and has the advantages of compactness and low cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Yu-Cheng Huang, Tzn-Chih Lin
  • Publication number: 20080064322
    Abstract: A fire damper assembly has a damper mounted in an air duct for movements between air passing position in which the damper enables air to flow through the duct and another position in which the damper blocks the passage of air through the duct. A strut composed of joined but separable components normally underlies the damper and supports the latter in the air passing position. The strut may be moved from its damper engaging position to a damper-free position while the separable components remain joined. One end of the strut is pivoted to the frame for swinging movements between damper engaging and damper-free positions and may have its opposite end manually detached from the frame, thereby enabling the damper to move to its air-blocking position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventor: Muhammad I. Rammal
  • Publication number: 20080051024
    Abstract: A damper actuator assembly comprises a gear train including a follower gear. The follower gear is arranged such that the position of the follower gear indicates the position of at least one blocking member of a damper that the actuator is connected to. A sensor is positioned within the damper actuator and is configured to monitor the position of the follower gear. Accordingly, the sensor is configured to provide an electrical signal indicative of the position of the follower gear to a processor. A driving member is connected to the gear train and is configured to drive the gear train at two or more variable speeds depending on the electrical signal provided to the processor from the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Guy Caliendo, Dean Anderson, Pankaj Kalore
  • Patent number: 7241218
    Abstract: A fire/smoke damper control system is provided for use in monitoring and controlling operation of one or more fire/smoke dampers in a building. The system includes a local damper controller associated with each fire/smoke damper for controlling the opening and closing of each fire/smoke damper, a remote router for controlling the operation of one or more local damper controllers, and circuit communication between the remote router and each local damper controller. The control system allows for localized power supply for damper actuation, eliminating the pulling of wire from each damper back to a central power panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Ruskin Company
    Inventors: Robert Van Becelaere, Thomas Edwards
  • Patent number: 7125332
    Abstract: A ceiling damper system that comprises a damper housing having an input opening to accept air from a heating, ventilation and air conditioning HVAC system, and an output opening to supply the HVAC air to a room. The system further comprises a damper mechanism to substantially block the flow of air through the damper housing when the temperature around the housing reaches a predetermined level. Two or more cross members are included, each of which is mounted between fixed points in the ceiling in a position to allow the cross members to support and hold the damper housing. The damper housing rests on the cross members and is mounted to the cross members. A method for mounting a ceiling damper that comprises providing a ceiling damper having a damper housing for accepting air from a HVAC system and providing the HVAC system air to a room. It further comprises mounting at least two cross members across fixed points in a room ceiling in a position to support the damper housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: PCI Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Robert Beaver, Patrick Alan Cockrum
  • Patent number: 7033268
    Abstract: A damper actuator for a ventilation damper serves as both a control device for the ventilation damper and a fire and smoke rated device for the ventilation damper. The damper actuator includes a modulating motor controller, a two-point motor controller, and a thermal switch or switch like device that is operative to switch control of the motor from the modulating motor controller used during normal operation, to the two-point motor controller during a fire and smoke condition. The damper actuator provides an automatic and permanent disabling (by-passing) of the modulating motor controller functions the first time a pre-determined temperature level (switch point) is reached via the thermal switch or switch like device. Once the modulating motor controller is disabled, the actuator no longer supports the advanced motor control functions (i.e. the modulating control).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Guy Caliendo, Martin Buck
  • Patent number: 7018289
    Abstract: A damper assembly is provided having at least one damper blade that operates in a normally open position. A fusible link is connected to the damper blade to maintain the damper blade in the open position against a biasing force tending to close the damper blade. The fusible link fails upon an occurrence of a predetermined condition. A damper mechanism is provided including a locking mechanism linked to the damper blade that resists opening of the damper blade when the blade has closed due to failure of the fusible link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Greenheck Fan Corporation
    Inventors: Eugene J. Heil, Terrance Horvat
  • Patent number: 6991536
    Abstract: A fire damper in an air duct (2) is formed by a flap (12) which in its closed position bears on a flange (6) which extends inward from the duct wall, to form a seal. The flap (12) is biased to the closed position and held open by a cable (24) which is gripped by a releasable mechanism, such as a ball clutch. The release is triggered by a fusible cartridge (34) which extends into the duct (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Kent Tooling and Components Limited
    Inventor: Richard Perrin
  • Patent number: 6855050
    Abstract: A damper system for air handling systems the manipulation or control of air in an enclosure such as a building, a room of a structure such as a residence, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Venmar Ventilation Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Gagnon, Éric Charlebois, Michel Julien, Daniel Marcoux, Jean-Bernard Piaud
  • Patent number: 6761629
    Abstract: A method for detecting a fuel leak in a compartment is provided. The compartment includes at least one inlet and an exhaust outlet that is coupled in flow communication with the compartment and in flow communication with a fan. The method includes determining a fan speed, measuring a fuel leak gas concentration value, determining a fuel leak gas concentration limit value within the compartment based on the determined fan speed, comparing the measured fuel leak gas concentration value with the determined fuel leak gas concentration limit value, and generating at least one of an alarm signal and a trip signal based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William Andrew Parker, Gerald Wilson Grove, Robert Lester Brooks, Mark David D'Ambruoso
  • Publication number: 20040121722
    Abstract: A damper assembly is provided having at least one damper blade that operates in a normally open position. A fusible link is connected to the damper blade to maintain the damper blade in the open position against a biasing force tending to close the damper blade. The fusible link fails upon an occurrence of a predetermined condition. A damper mechanism is provided including a locking mechanism linked to the damper blade that resists opening of the damper blade when the blade has closed due to failure of the fusible link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Eugene J. Heil, Terrance Horvat
  • Patent number: 6752714
    Abstract: A fire resistant air transfer grille or damper (10), suitable for use as a ventilating means in fire resistant doors, walls and ventilation ducts, includes an outer frame (12) and a plurality of slats (14). Each of the slats (14) is provided with an intumescent core and is positioned in one of a number of predetermined positions within the outer frame (12). The predetermined positions are determined by a number of recesses (26) provided in the outer frame (12). The outer frame (12) may be formed as two separate frame components (16, 18), and is preferably made from steel. The slats (14) are preferably formed from aluminium with an intumescent material provided within the aluminium slat (14) to provide an intumescent core. Each of the slats (14) also preferably includes an elongate channel member (30, 32) along each of two of its side edges, wherein the elongate channel members (30, 32) of each of the slats (14) engage within the recesses (26) in the outer frame (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Lorient Polyproducts Limited
    Inventor: Robert McGowan Mann
  • Publication number: 20040058639
    Abstract: A fire damper in an air duct (2) is formed by a flap (12) which in its closed position bears on a flange (6) which extends inward from the duct wall, to form a seal. The flap (12) is biased to the closed position and held open by a cable (24) which is gripped by a releasable mechanism, such as a ball clutch. The release is triggered by a fusible cartridge (34) which extends into the duct (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Richard Perrin
  • Patent number: 6681863
    Abstract: A method and device for preventing distribution of fire gases in a ventilating system that serves a number of fire compartments (15, 16), the ventilating air, during normal operating conditions, having a certain predetermined direction of flow at the inlet side and the outlet side of the fire compartments (15, 16). It is significant that when a predetermined lowest pressure drop is registered, for the ventilating air in the direction of flow, over a measuring spot at the inlet side or the outlet side, a blocking is effected of the flowing area of the ventilating air past the measuring spot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Polmannen AB
    Inventor: Anders Odelros
  • Patent number: 6447393
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: Francis J. McCabe
  • Patent number: 6404629
    Abstract: A card shelf fire suppression system includes a card shelf having a backplane and a plurality of slots. The slots are each configured to receive an electronic card adapted for engagement with the backplane. The system also includes an airflow path for providing airflow adjacent the electronic card for dissipating thermal energy generated by the electronic card. The system further includes a damper system disposed proximate the slots and operable to passively activate to substantially prevent airflow through the slots and adjacent the electronic card. The damper system includes a damper, a support, and a thermal fuse. In response to an elevated temperature condition, the thermal fuse deforms causing the damper to become unsupported by the support, thereby accommodating movement of the damper from an open position to a closed position to substantially prevent airflow to the electronic cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Austin, Matthew K. Meeker
  • Patent number: 6342004
    Abstract: A shutter mechanism for rack mounted chassis systems, comprising a first apertured shutter and a second apertured shutter, the first apertured shutter having a plurality of first holes formed therein in a first pattern, the second apertured shutter having a plurality of second holes formed therein in a second pattern, the first holes and the first pattern being configured relative to the second holes and the second pattern such that the shutters are positionable in a non-aligned position blocking air flow therethrough and in an aligned position allowing air flow therethrough, the shutters being movable to the non-aligned position when exposed to a temperature above a predetermined amount and means for positioning the first apertured shutter adjacent to the second apertured shutter allowing relative slidable movement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Digital Lightwave, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Lattimore, Micheal F. Erturk
  • Publication number: 20010055947
    Abstract: A damper assembly in which the position of the damper blades is controlled by an electric powered actuator. The powered actuator rotates a threaded lead screw shaft attached to an operator means attached to the damper blades of the damper, 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. There are a variety of nuts and gear arrangements coacting with the lead screw to drive the operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventor: Francis J. McCabe
  • Patent number: 6318399
    Abstract: A fluid damper in a ventilation duct serves to close the duct in the event of a fire so as to damp the flow of air in the duct. The damper comprises a retractable curtain that is normally retained in a retracted configuration by a latch mechanism attached to a frame of a fluid damper. The latch mechanism comprises a housing having at least one latch member biased so as to project from the housing and movable between a position in which it engages an end blade of the curtain so as to hold it in a retracted position and a position in which it is clear of the curtain so as to release it from the retracted position. The latch mechanism is held in the curtain retaining position by a releasable locking catch that is operatively coupled to a thermally sensitive element such that when the element reaches a pre-determined temperature it expands so as to release the locking catch and thereby allow the latch member to release the curtain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventors: Michael Buller Backham, Lee Stoddart, Peter Bartingale
  • Patent number: 6301108
    Abstract: A fire containment and air flow control mechanism for a device or chassis housing electronic components. The electronic components generate heat during operation of the device. An aperture in the housing permits warm air generated within the chassis to escape into the environment to cool the circuit board or card. A trap door is provided for the aperture for purposes of fire containment. Normally, the trap door is open, allowing the warm air to escape through the aperture. The trap door is moveable relative to the housing between a first position, in which the trap door does not cover the aperture, and a second position, in which the trap door substantially obstructs the aperture. A temperature sensitive material, such as a nylon or other polymeric filament that melts when subject to sufficient heat or flame, is operatively connected to the trap door. The temperature sensitive material is transformed, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Westell, Inc.
    Inventor: Spence Stockbridge