Miscellaneous Patents (Class 454/370)
  • Patent number: 11396249
    Abstract: A ventilation mat according to the present invention includes: a ventilation mat body; and an ventilation guide with a fan attachment hole provided at one end thereof, and the other end of the ventilation guide being connected to a connection hole provided on a side surface of the ventilation mat body, in which the ventilation mat body includes: a first base material having an air-permeable three-dimensional structure; an air-permeable cover configured to cover a surface of the first first base material; a side barrier configured to cover an outer periphery of the first base material other than the connection hole, the side barrier having an air permeability lower than that of the air-permeable cover; and an opening surface that is surrounded by the side barrier and exposes the first base material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: KURABE INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Norishige Morishita, Hiroya Takeda, Hirotaka Fujii
  • Patent number: 11156232
    Abstract: A fan is provided that includes a fan blade movable relative to a housing. The housing and the fan blade are configured such that the fan generates a pink noise sound profile both when air is exiting the fan housing through an air outlet vent and when air is not exiting the housing through the outlet air vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventors: Michael Singleton, Brett Mikolajczyk
  • Patent number: 11103024
    Abstract: A helmet may include a helmet body and an air vent assembly. The air vent assembly may include a vent body including a vent border and a vent base; a vent cover pivotally coupled to the vent base by at least a cover anchor; and at least a first magnet disposed on at least one of the vent cover and the vent body, and at least a second magnet or attractor disposed on the other of the vent cover and the vent body opposite the at least a first magnet. The vent cover may pivot to the open position or the closed position through interaction between the at least a first magnet and the at least a second magnet or attractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen A. Bischofberger, Scott S. Whitesell, Scott R. Allen
  • Patent number: 10917982
    Abstract: A ventilation structure includes a metal housing and a ventilation member. The metal housing is a housing that requires ventilation, and has a ventilation hole and a hole-surrounding portion. The ventilation hole is covered by the ventilation member. The hole-surrounding portion defining the periphery of the ventilation hole has been subjected to an alumite treatment, a treatment for forming a chemical conversion coating formed by a trivalent chromium compound, a chromium-plating-on-aluminum treatment, or an oil-repellent treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Youzou Yano, Kou Uemura
  • Patent number: 10900358
    Abstract: The packaged compressor includes: an exhaust duct having an exhaust port; a gas cooler arranged to be inclined with respect to the exhaust port in the exhaust duct; and at least one sound insulating plate arranged in a direction perpendicular to the exhaust port in the exhaust duct, the sound insulating plate configured to partition the exhaust port. In the packaged compressor, the exhaust port is partitioned into divided openings by the sound insulating plate. Of the divided openings, an area of a first divided opening provided on a side where a distance between the gas cooler and the exhaust port is shortest is larger than an area of a second divided opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Yoshio Yano, Suguru Kiuchi
  • Patent number: 10711803
    Abstract: The packaged compressor includes inside a package: a compressor main body compressing air; a cooling fan; a fan cover attached to the cooling fan and opened to a suction side and to an upward direction being a delivery side of the cooling fan; an exhaust duct provided above a delivery side opening of the fan cover and extending in a vertical direction; and an air-cooled heat exchanger arranged to be inclined with respect to a vertical direction inside the exhaust duct and configured to exchange heat between air compressed by the compressor main body and air delivered by the cooling fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventor: Suguru Kiuchi
  • Patent number: 10648336
    Abstract: Disclosed is a physical-chemical composite inhibitor for controlling spontaneous combustion of low-rank coal, and methods of preparing and using the same. The composite inhibitor consists of a chelate and attapulgite, the chelate is generated by chelation of proanthocyanidin with calcium chloride. The composite inhibitor has moisture-absorbing and moisture-retaining effect, and can reduce water dissipation at low temperature. A stable oxide insulating layer such as MgO and Al2O3 insulating layer can be formed at high temperature, which can block a coal body from contacting with oxygen. In addition, the composite inhibitor can capture hydroxyl free radicals generated during the chain-cycle reaction and destroy peroxide free radicals, and can also interact with an active moiety in coal to form a stable structure such as ether linkage and hydrogen bonding, thereby achieving permanent inhibition of low-rank coal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: CHINA UNIVERSITY OF MINING AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Xiaoxing Zhong, Feng Wang, Chen Xia, Botao Qin
  • Patent number: 10578119
    Abstract: A necklace-type fan includes: a necklace part which has a curved tube shape, and has a plurality of wind blowing holes formed in a longitudinal direction of the necklace part; a wind generation part which has an interior being in communication with the necklace part, and has a fan installed to pump the wind into the necklace part; and a control unit which adjusts a rotational speed of the fan, wherein the wind introduced through the wind generation part is discharged through the wind blowing holes while being changed in intensity by the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: NOVEL INNOVATIONS INC.
    Inventor: Jun Hyung Lee
  • Patent number: 10570920
    Abstract: Provided is a clip fan including: a housing which has an air inlet provided to allow outside air to be introduced into the housing, and an air outlet provided to allow the air introduced through the air inlet to be discharged to the outside; a fan unit which includes a motor and a fan, is embedded in the housing, draws outside air through the air inlet, and discharges the air to the outside through the air outlet; and a clip which is coupled to an outer surface of the housing, and configured to be opened or closed by elastic force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: NOVEL INNOVATIONS INC.
    Inventor: Jun Hyung Lee
  • Patent number: 8986087
    Abstract: A structure is provided for protecting a Radio Frequency Remote Head (RRH). The structure includes a solar head and a solar body. An upper side of the solar head is sloped to prevent an inflow of rainwater and has at least one solar panel, and a lower side thereof has at least one round cable hole surrounded by a rubber material. The solar body is situated on a lower end of the solar head and includes a plurality of solar panels, a side of each of which is sloped to prevent an inflow of rainwater and is openable upward. An upper end of the solar body has an air outlet formed to exhaust air, and a lower end thereof has an air inlet formed to receive air. The air outlet and the air inlet each have a plurality of supports arranged at specific intervals and connected by a protection net.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ji-Hyeon Choi, Seong-Yong Park, Han-Seok Kim, Jun-Sung Lee
  • Patent number: 8898929
    Abstract: An apparatus for drying gloves is provided, including a main member, at least one light source, and at least one air source. The main member includes an outer surface configured for receiving a glove, and a plurality of apertures disposed along the outer surface. The light source emits a UV-C light, and the air source blows air. The UV-C light from the light source and air from the air source can at least partially pass through the outer surface. The apertures are in communication with at least the air source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Stewart
  • Patent number: 8708788
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to ventilation systems, and more particularly to selectively configurable climate control systems for use in data centers and the like. A system includes a first structural element and a second structural element spaced apart from first structural element to define a space between the first and second structural elements. The system also includes partitions moveable into the space between the first and second structural elements and a controller arranged to control movement of the partitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Dawson, Vincenzo V. Diluoffo, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Michael D. Kendzierski
  • Patent number: 8602855
    Abstract: An air compressor, air reservoir and an air dryer each are provided on wheeled frame. Compressed air charges the reservoir and is dehumidified in the dryer for simultaneous delivery to plural air ventilation systems worn by individuals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: David Turner
  • Patent number: 8485875
    Abstract: A hand-held fan and object holder generally comprises a housing; a fan that rotates with respect to the housing; and a coupling member for securing an object, such as a candy item. The housing encloses the internal components that operate the fan, including a motor and a battery. At the lower end of the housing, the coupling member secures the object, such as a candy item, to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Candyrific, LLC
    Inventor: Robert C. Auerbach
  • Patent number: 8465351
    Abstract: A modular air delivery system for supplying treated air to plural individuals wearing ventilation cooling garments. These garments are formed of comfortable and flexible air permeable inner layer and an air impermeable outer layer to define a plurality of air channels therebetween. In one disclosed embodiment, a flexible channel support is disposed between the inner and outer layer to prevent the layers from collapsing together during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Smith, David Turner
  • Patent number: 8206232
    Abstract: The amusement apparatus comprising a housing, a frame and an interior space, and a door allowing entry of a player having arms into interior space. An air circulation system fluidly connected to interior space of housing. An engagement system located within interior space. Engagement system, control system, signaling system and an air circulation system are cooperatively interconnected. A player area is located within the interior space and positioned proximate the engagement system wherein contact by player with engagement system initiates a sequence of instructions from the control system to initiate the delivery of air into interior space by air circulation system for circulation of prizes within interior space. A signal to player is sent via signaling system to discontinue player contact with engagement system so player may interact with the prizes circulating in the interior space for the purpose of removing the prizes from the housing via the interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventor: Roy Johnston
  • Patent number: 7775848
    Abstract: A hand-held fan and object holder generally comprises a housing; a fan that rotates with respect to the housing; and a coupling member for securing an object, such as a candy item. The housing encloses the internal components that operate the fan, including a motor and a battery. At the lower end of the housing, the coupling member secures the object, such as a candy item, to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Candyrific, LLC
    Inventor: Robert C. Auerbach
  • Publication number: 20100018007
    Abstract: An ergonomic handle comprises a handle central body coupled with a shaped portion extending from the central body to the rear of the handle with reference to a running direction, the shaped portion defining a top bearing surface thereon a hand of a user can bear and a bottom handle surface to be gripped by the user fingers, said handle further comprising ventilating means for allowing air to circulate therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: SELLE ITALIA S.r.l.
    Inventor: Riccardo Bigolin
  • Patent number: 7645189
    Abstract: An adjustable boot hanger mounting bracket assembly comprising a boot hanger frame portion and a support member portion; the ductwork components, which may include a prefabricated can-boot/mud ring assembly; a pair of boot hanger arms; and a register grille. The boot hanger mounting bracket assembly is formed of a sturdy yet bendable material so that it can be configured and adjusted on-site. Once configured, the assembly is secured to the building structure by a securing a pair of boot hanger arms to the ceiling joists, wall studs, or other support structure. In this way, the boot hanger mounting bracket, through a direct attachment to the ceiling joist or wall stud, provides a positive inexpensive simple and error free way to mount the duct components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Applications International, Inc.
    Inventor: Allan Pilger
  • Patent number: 7640710
    Abstract: A replacement ventilation cover and its method of installation in place of an old damaged ventilation cover. The replacement ventilation cover has a peripheral frame and an air permeable structure contained within the interior of the peripheral frame. Guides are prefabricated in the peripheral frame. The Guides hold nails or screws at acute angles relative to the plane of the opening being covered. To utilize the replacement ventilation cover, a central portion of the damaged ventilation cover is removed. This creates an opening without having to remove the nailing flange of the damaged ventilation cover. Consequently, the siding and trim around the vent opening does not have to be disturbed. The replacement ventilation cover is inserted into the remnants of the damaged ventilation cover. Nails or screws are then driven through the guides and into the construction under the old ventilation cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph P. McAtee
  • Publication number: 20090282749
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a reconfigurable armored unit for use in training exercises. In one aspect, a reconfigurable training facility is provided. The reconfigurable training facility includes a first modular unit. The reconfigurable training facility further includes a second modular unit, wherein each modular unit includes a frame with corner connection members and a grid system, whereby the corner connection members are used to connect the modular units together and whereby the grid system is used to selectively support a plurality of panels. In another aspect, a modular unit for use in a reconfigurable training facility is provided. In yet another aspect, a method of forming a reconfigurable training facility is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Michael F. Warminsky
  • Patent number: 7585211
    Abstract: A sealed enclosure is provided. The enclosure includes a membrane vent adapted to mount through a wall of the enclosure, the membrane vent comprising an air permeable tubular membrane, a tubular structural support, wherein the tubular membrane is stretched over the tubular structural support, an air vent fitting attached to the tubular membrane at a first end, and an end cap attached to the tubular membrane at a second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Qualy, Carl Stegeman, Merritt Pulkrabek
  • Publication number: 20080318509
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety workbench, in which, for the purpose of calibrating the safety workbench before beginning regular operation, a device control unit is implemented to cause measurement means to ascertain an actual measured value, which is representative of a flow velocity achieved at normal fan performance, an analysis unit is implemented to compare the actual measured value to a starting setpoint value and, in case of an established deviation, to correct a stored starting limiting value in accordance with the deviation, or means for controlling the fan are implemented to operate the fan at a fan performance corresponding to a stored starting limiting value, a device control unit is implemented to cause the measurement means to ascertain an actual limiting measured value which is representative of the flow velocity achieved at the set fan performance, and a storage unit is implemented to store the actual limiting measured value as the corrected limiting value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Gerd Ross, Heiko Reinhardt, Oliver Rupp, Stefan Brachtl, Hermann Stahl
  • Publication number: 20080242219
    Abstract: This invention will protect creatures in buildings from deadly carbon monoxide gases emitted from various devices such as home heating systems, hot water heaters, leaky chimneys, stoves, cooking grilles and automobiles. It is designed to automatically remove carbon monoxide from buildings when dangerous levels have been detected. It will work independently or in conjunction with other carbon monoxide detection systems. For example: If an automobile has been intentionally, unintentionally or unsuspectedly started in an attached garage; the system will receive a message indicating the dangerous level of carbon monoxide, and automatically begin exhausting the carbon monoxide from the building, while supplying fresh air from outside. The system will not stop exhausting until reset, and would work in conjunction with alarms. For owner unoccupied buildings, pets would be spared harm from carbon monoxide gases. This system can be independently installed, or integrated within the building ventilation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Alfred Wright
  • Patent number: 7413506
    Abstract: The present invention can easily perform mounting and dismounting of a guiding duct in the ventilation structure of a helmet. A support portion which detachably supports a guiding duct is arranged at the center of rotation of a closure plate and a manipulation portion for the guiding duct which releases the support of the guiding duct is provided to the support portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Michio Arai
  • Patent number: 7390251
    Abstract: A heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system may include one or more ducts and each duct may include one or more sections. A duct section, for example, may include a flange, which may help increase the ease and efficiency of installing the duct section. The flange may also help provide a seal between portions of the duct section and other structures. A duct section may include a cover, which may advantageously help prevent animals, debris and the like from entering and/or passing through the duct section. A duct section may also include a barrier, which may also help prevent animals, debris and the like from entering and/or passing through the duct section. The barrier may also include one or more air-permeable portions through which at least some air may advantageously pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Leonard R. Hadlock, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080121734
    Abstract: A refillable receptacle containing scented liquid or gel is mounted on the supply side of a heating/cooling duct system of a residential, commercial or industrial building. A wick system absorbs the scented liquid or gel from the receptacle to the top of the wick. As forced air passes through the duct system, scent/fragrance from the mounted air deodorizer is pushed through the duct system and distributed to the entire building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Cappellina
  • Patent number: 7323024
    Abstract: Chemical processing apparatuses which incorporate a process vessel, such as a crucible or retort, and which include a gas separation or filtration system. Various embodiments incorporate such features as loose filtration material, semi-rigid filtration material, and structured filtration material. The vessel may include material that is a microwave susceptor. Filtration media may be selected so that if it inadvertently mixes with the chemical process or the reaction products of such process, it would not adversely affect the results of the chemical process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Technical Services Y-12, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan S. Morrell, Edward B. Ripley, David M. Cecala
  • Publication number: 20070281602
    Abstract: A ventilation mechanism for air exhaust from beneath an article of clothing or apparatus such as a Suit Coat, Bullet Proof vest, Flak Jacket or task protective covering, to prevent heat discomfort of the wearer. The inventive device includes a small air moving assembly powered by batteries, worn beneath an outer covering, which exhausts the warmer and high humidity air from beneath the covering causing fresh external air to infiltrate the exhausted volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Morris Lucian Barwick
  • Patent number: 7166024
    Abstract: A ventilation member having: a breathable film transmitting gas passing through an opening portion of a housing in a state in which the breathable film is fixed to the opening portion; and a support including a supporting portion for supporting the breathable film and an insertion portion to be inserted into the opening portion of the housing; wherein a lock structure for locking the support in the housing by rotating the support around a central axis of the support is formed in the insertion portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Mashiko, Toshiki Yanagi, Hiroyuki Nishii
  • Patent number: 7039653
    Abstract: Computer-based method and system for providing guidance to a purchaser for selecting an appliance that generally requires venting are provided. The guidance includes recommendations regarding a venting arrangement for the appliance. The method allows providing a database for storing appliance-related information that includes a respective identifier for each appliance. The appliance-related information further includes venting requirements data for each appliance. A vent wizard is configured to provide a set of prompts over a communications network to elicit information from the purchaser regarding a respective appliance of interest to the purchaser, and vent parameters for the venting arrangement for the appliance. The database is accessed in view of the information supplied by the purchaser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Beyerle, Brian A. Brislin, Timothy L. O'Connell
  • Patent number: 6994621
    Abstract: A ventilation member having: a breathable film transmitting gas passing through an opening portion of a housing in a state in which the breathable film is fixed to the opening portion; and a support including a supporting portion for supporting the breathable film and an insertion portion to be inserted into the opening portion of the housing; wherein the insertion portion has a lock portion in an insertion-start-side end portion thereof, the lock portion having a tapered forward end, while the insertion portion is divided into a plurality of parts circumferentially at least on an insertion start side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Mashiko, Toshiki Yanagi, Hiroyuki Nishii, Yoshiki Ikeyama
  • Patent number: 6945868
    Abstract: A camouflaged outdoor fan system includes a housing, a fan inserted into the housing, and a camouflaged lid removably connected to the housing. The housing is buried in the ground, or in alternative embodiment, mounted to the underside of a deck, the fan is inserted into the housing, and the camouflaged lid is placed over the fan to hide the fan and housing from view. The fan is operable to generate and propel an air stream out of the housing that can be used for cooling purposes. The system also may include optional features, such as a water-misting device, a heater, motion detectors, an evaporative cooling assembly, a temperature switch, a humidity switch, a rain gauge switch, a wind sensor switch, a dc power source, solar cells, or a remote control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: James Cameron Gautney
  • Patent number: 6946103
    Abstract: An air purifier device with an electrode assembly insertion lock comprises a housing, a removable electrode assembly, and a gravity-operated lock which prevents the removable electrode assembly from being inserted into the housing while the housing is in a vertical orientation, thereby preventing the electrode assembly from free-falling within the housing during insertion into the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Sylmark Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Peter Spiegel
  • Patent number: 6935944
    Abstract: A vehicle with an air system for directing a flow of air at the rear of a head and/or neck of a person occupying the vehicle and/or for directing a flow of air to a space under a roof or canopy of the vehicle to dissipate hot air beneath the roof or canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: Floyd E. Bigelow, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6874541
    Abstract: A duct cover for installation on a duct having a known sectional area defined by the duct exterior margin, includes a cover envelop having a body, the body having an open end and an opposed closed end with a center portion extending between the open end and the closed end to define an envelop enclosure, the body being substantially impermeable relative to airborne particulate and moisture, and an elastic member being operably coupled to the body open end and having a relaxed disposition and an expanded disposition, the expanded disposition defining an opening that is area that is greater than the duct sectional area, the elastic member being contractable from the expanded disposition to a duct conforming disposition in compressive sealing engagement with the duct exterior margin. A method of installing a duct cover on a duct is further included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Ductcap Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Vossen
  • Patent number: 6835129
    Abstract: An HVAC duct boot seal is disclosed which may be installed on vent openings during construction and prior to protect the ventilation system from contamination by construction debris entering the vent openings and to improve the vent seal after construction is complete. The boot seal includes a selectively removable cover portion, at least one side wall disposed at a substantially right angle to the cover portion and defining a recess for engagement with the edge of a duct boot opening, and a flange disposed outwardly from the exterior surface of the side wall. Also disclosed is a method of using the inventive duct boot seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Posi-Seal, Inc.
    Inventor: Danny R. Harris
  • Publication number: 20040224628
    Abstract: Personal air supply devices integrated with chairs are adapted for use in conjunction with building or vehicle ventilation systems. The personal air supply devices include ducts, a tube and a nozzle arranged to direct a portion of the air from the building or vehicle ventilation system at the facial zone of a person sitting in the chair. The personal air supply devices include airflow regulating devices for regulating the flow of air through the nozzle. The tubes and nozzle are configured to release air from the ventilation system very close to the nose and mouth of a person in the chair to prevent mixing with ambient air and maximize the cooling and refreshing effect of the conditioned air. The building or vehicle ventilation system may be operated at lower ventilation rates without causing discomfort to persons provided with personal air supply devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventor: Jianlei Niu
  • Patent number: 6672956
    Abstract: A venting apparatus for chemical containers comprises a vent duct having a plurality of vent ports, a flow control mechanism, and a damper. A closure of a chemical container is coupled to one of the vent ports using suitable tubing, and a second coupling connects the chemical container to equipment that uses the contents of the container. A distal end of the vent duct is coupled to an exhaust fan. In this configuration, vapors evaporating from the contents of the chemical are safely exhausted outside a work facility. As a result, a chemical container that normally would be classified as Use-Open under applicable fire codes is converted to Use-Closed, effectively enabling the work facility to substantially increase the volume of chemicals that may be contained or used in the facility under the code, without requiring upgrade of existing facilities to Hazardous Occupancy standards, or building new facilities that qualify as Hazardous Occupancy and that can use Use-Open chemical containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Integrated Engineering Services
    Inventor: Rizik Michael
  • Patent number: 6669556
    Abstract: A camouflaged outdoor fan system includes a housing, a fan inserted into the housing, and a camouflaged lid removably connected to the housing. The housing is buried in the ground, or in alternative embodiment, mounted to the underside of a deck, the fan is inserted into the enclosure, and the camouflaged lid is placed over the fan to hide the fan and enclosure from view. The fan is operable to generate and propel an air stream out of the housing that can be used for cooling purposes. The system also may include optional features, such as a water-misting device, a heater, motion detectors, an evaporative cooling assembly, a temperature switch, a humidity switch, a rain gauge switch, a wind sensor switch, a dc power source, solar cells, or a remote control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: James Cameron Gautney
  • Patent number: 6666647
    Abstract: Provided is a neck fan for personal cooling which can be supported by a lanyard around a wearer's neck so that a cooling breeze may be directed to cool the wearer's face and neck area while the wearer's hands are free to be engaged in ordinary activities of work, leisure, play, —, —, etcetera. The geometry of the construction of the fan device is such that it lay close to the body of the wearer so as to minimize the fan device from coming into undesirable contact with other items in the wearer's environment. The lanyard which supports the fan device about the wearer's neck may be provisioned with an optional break-away safety link so that should the fan device become accidentally entangled with the environment, the breakaway safety link will permit the lanyard to separate before the wearer will be seriously injured. The lanyard system also provided length and angle adjustments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Russell B. Trask
  • Publication number: 20030220071
    Abstract: A duct cover for installation on a duct having a known sectional area defined by the duct exterior margin, includes a cover envelop having a body, the body having an open end and an opposed closed end with a center portion extending between the open end and the closed end to define an envelop enclosure, the body being substantially impermeable relative to airborne particulate and moisture, and an elastic member being operably coupled to the body open end and having a relaxed disposition and an expanded disposition, the expanded disposition defining an opening that is area that is greater than the duct sectional area, the elastic member being contractable from the expanded disposition to a duct conforming disposition in compressive sealing engagement with the duct exterior margin. A method of installing a duct cover on a duct is further included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventor: Steve Vossen
  • Patent number: 6589111
    Abstract: A snow removal device for use with an air handler or HVAC system includes an extractor plate and a heater for heating the extractor plate. The extractor plate has a plurality of holes and may be bent to define a series of connected “Vs”. The heater may be a heater core, which may be coupled with a snow sensor. Air deflectors may be provided to deflect incoming air towards the hottest part(s) of the extractor plate. The holes in the extractor plate should be sized such that it does not act as a filter. If the heater is a heater core, it may be coupled with the extractor plate using bent metal retainers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Conderv*A*Therm
    Inventor: Arthur J. Giroux
  • Patent number: 6575827
    Abstract: A temporary vent opening cover is disclosed which is securable over a vent opening in a floor or other surface during building construction to prevent debris from entering the vent opening and accumulating in duct work associated therewith. The cover includes a generally flat cover plate which is sized and shaped to cover the vent opening. The cover plate is spaced outwardly from the surface when the vent opening cover is secured over the vent opening. A plurality of air passages allow air to flow past the cover plate between the duct work and the workspace. A layer of air filter material covers the air passages and prevents debris from passing therethrough. A portion of cover plate may be dedicated to the display of promotional indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Rutland, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay B. Rutler, Spencer B. Hawerlander, Tony Robert Plunkett
  • Patent number: 6537013
    Abstract: One embodiment of a picking tool for an automated library of disk drives has an electromagnet, a tapered hole, and a ventilation system. The ventilation system has a box fan with an impeller for moving air through ducting located within the picking tool. The ducting includes a vents located adjacent to one surface of the picking tool. The picking tool is designed to work in conjunction with a disk drive carrier having a front bezel equipped with a tapered guide pin that is complementary to the tapered hole, and vent ports. The guide pin provides alignment between the carrier and the picking tool. The automated disk drive library has a rack with drawers for containing the carriers. The picking tool is mounted to a robotic arm for selectively engaging and interfacing with the carriers. After the picking tool aligns with a desired carrier, the picking tool moves toward the carrier to insert the guide pin into the tapered hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert George Emberty, Craig Anthony Klein, Daniel James Winarski
  • Patent number: 6532682
    Abstract: A ventilated foot rest for a motor vehicle, in particular for a passenger vehicle, has a housing which contains at least one air-inlet opening and at least one air-outlet opening, and which has a foot-depositing board on its upper side. In order to better utilize this foot rest, it is proposed to form a storage space and at least two flow paths which are independent of each other in the housing. A first flow path ventilates the storage space, while a second flow path bypasses the storage space and ventilates the foot-depositing board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Hans-Dieter Futschik, Peter Pfeiffer, Norbert Weber
  • Patent number: 6475080
    Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the amount of fumes escaping into the surrounding atmosphere from an open container and from a chemical dispenser, and a method of use thereof comprising a bung slot ventilation apparatus and a chemical dispenser holder apparatus and a method of use thereof. The bung slot ventilation apparatus includes an inlet passageway comprising a fume exhaust port and a bunghole adapter, and a fume exhaust system adapter. And the chemical dispenser holder apparatus includes a holder comprising an inlet and a fume exhaust system adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Roche Colorado Corporation
    Inventor: Marc T. Rothney
  • Patent number: 6461235
    Abstract: A temporary vent opening cover is disclosed which is securable over a vent opening in a floor or other surface during building construction to prevent debris from entering the vent opening and accumulating in duct work associated therewith. The cover includes a generally flat cover plate which is sized and shaped to cover the vent opening. The cover plate is spaced outwardly from the surface when the vent opening cover is secured over the vent opening. A plurality of air passages allow air to flow past the cover plate between the duct work and the workspace. A layer of air filter material covers the air passages and prevents debris from passing therethrough. A portion of cover plate may be dedicated to the display of promotional indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Rutland, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay B. Rutler, Spencer B. Hawerlander, Tony Robert Plunkett
  • Patent number: 6447391
    Abstract: An actuating device for actuating a shutter is provided with a vertical guiding plate formed on both sides of the shutter to extend in a lengthwise direction thereof, a united guiding groove divided into a triangular guiding groove having a widened width for guiding the vertical guiding plate and an inclined guiding groove having a narrow width and formed in an inclined form at a predetermined angle, a vertical movement member having a movement member protuberance provided with a hinge at which one end of an actuating rod is connected, the other end of the actuating rod being connected to a shutter protuberance formed on a rear surface of the shutter, and a slip prevention protuberance having a tooth shaped configuration protruding from a front surface thereof, a roller resiliently contacted on the slip prevention protuberance of the vertical movement member; and a driving motor whose rotating shaft is inserted into the roller for actuating the vertical movement member upwardly and downwardly by being supplie
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Mando Climate Control Corporation
    Inventors: Jung-suk Kim, Seung-dae Yang
  • Publication number: 20020098794
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for preventing contamination of building regions or zones from unwanted chemical or biological agents during and after a chemical or biological attack. One or more inflatable occlusion devices are preferably provided for occluding or filling selected regions within a building. The occlusion devices can be inflated to, for example, help prevent the building HVAC system or corresponding duct work from delivering a chemical or biological agent from one location to another within a building. The occlusion devices can also be used to occlude or occupy entire building regions or sections, such as entire rooms, hallways, windows, doorways, etc., or parts thereof, to help protect these regions from a harmful agent during an attack, and/or to provide a protective shell over or around selected equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Brian C. Krafthefer