Abstract: A ventilation system for a building in some cases includes a main HVAC blower for moving temperature-conditioned air through the building plus a smaller ventilation blower for providing fresh air. A controller regulates the ventilation blower's speed to provide a target ventilation flow rate regardless of changes in the pressure differential between the indoor and outdoor air. To ensure that the target rate is appropriate for a particular building, the target flow rate is determined based on a ventilation setting that reflects a specified number of bedrooms and a specified amount of floor space of the building.

Abstract: A control system can provide a linear behavior of airflow as a function of damper position of each zone damper in an HVAC system. The control system incrementally closes each zone damper from a fully open position to a fully closed position, and records static pressure measurements with each change in damper position. Then, using a mathematical model that is derived from the second fan law, a correction is calculated for each damper position of each zone damper based on the recorded static pressure measurements to provide corrected damper positions at which the airflow through the zone damper exhibits a linear behavior. The corrected damper positions are stored and used during an operational cycle of the HVAC system to obtain a precise airflow through the zone dampers.

Abstract: An air pressure measuring ventilation system, comprising: at least one duct; at least one motorized exhaust fan; one or more ultrasonic sensors; one or more infrared spark detectors; and one or more air pressure sensors. The at least one motorized exhaust fan may draw air through the at least one duct. The one or more air pressure sensors may be placed on a side of the at least one duct such that an air pressure is measured as the air is drawn through the at least one duct, such that a plurality of air pressure measurements are generated. The one or more air pressure sensors may be substantially flush with an interior side of the at least one duct and do not obstruct the air as the air is drawn through the at least one duct.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for an exhaust demand control system for measuring one or more contaminants at one or more exhaust locations within one or a plurality of exhaust ducts or plenums served by an exhaust fan system. Example systems and methods can include sensing the one or more contaminants within the one or more exhaust duct locations using a multipoint air sampling system having one or more sensors and comparing contaminant concentration measurements from the one or more of said exhaust duct or plenum locations against an action level to create a fan setback signal.

Abstract: Exhaust capture and containment are enhanced by means of automatic or manual side skirts, a sensitive breach detector based on interference effects, a combination of vertical and horizontal edge jets, and/or corner jets that are directed to the center diagonally from corners. Associated control functions are described.

Abstract: A method of controlling exhaust flow includes receiving at a digital controller at least one signal pertaining to a state of cooking appliance, controlling an exhaust flow to increase responsively to the at least one signal at a first time, and controlling the exhaust flow to decrease at a later time responsively to at least another signal indicating another state of the cooking appliance.

Abstract: A power conversion device capable of suppressing air from flowing back into a housing is provided. The power conversion device includes a power conversion unit configured to perform power conversion, a housing for accommodating the power conversion and having an air inlet and an air outlet, a fan provided inside the housing and generating airflow in such a manner that air flows to the outside of the housing via the air outlet after flowing into the housing via the air inlet, and a cover provided at the air outlet, the cover being configured to be brought into an opened state with respect to the air outlet if the airflow generated by the fan is stronger than airflow moving from the outside of the housing toward the air outlet, and to be brought into a closed state with respect to the air outlet if the airflow generated by the fan is weaker than the airflow moving from the outside of the housing toward the exhaust of the housing.

Abstract: A vapor management system includes a monitoring service system configured to communicate one or more system parameters with at least one vapor mitigation system. The monitoring service system is further configured to generate a user interface. The user interface is configured to display and permit adjustment of the one or more system parameters.

Abstract: The local air cleaning apparatus 1 causes a cleaned uniform air flow blown out from an air flow opening face 23 to collide with an air collision face W to flow outside an open region, so as to cause cleanliness to be higher inside a guide 3 and inside the open region than other regions. Additionally, the apparatus 1 includes at least one of a device for measuring pressures inside the guide 3 and inside a push hood 2, a device for measuring the cleanliness inside the guide 3 or of the open region, and a device for measuring a gap area between the guide 3 and the air collision face W, and, to ensure the cleanliness from a result of the measurement, controls such that a flow velocity of the cleaned uniform air flow blown out from the air flow opening face 23 can be decelerated or accelerated.

Abstract: A method for measuring pressure differences in different premises of a building, in which the pressure difference is measured using one or more sensors (2) that measure absolute pressure. The measurement results obtained from the sensors (2) are combined with information on the efficiency of the ventilation of the building, and the pressure difference caused by ventilation is mathematically separated from the measurement result by making use of information on the ventilation efficiency at any one time.

Abstract: A system is described that can detect pressure anomalies within a data center, generate an alert when anomalies are detected, and initiate remediative actions. The system monitors each of a plurality of fans used to dissipate heat generated by one or more servers to obtain data that indicates how an actual speed of each of the fans relates to a target speed thereof. The system compares the obtained data to reference data that indicates, for each of the plurality of fans, how an actual speed of the fan relates to a target speed thereof in a substantially pressure-neutral environment. Based on the comparison, the system determines whether or not a pressure anomaly exists. If the system determines that a pressure anomaly exists, then the system may perform various actions such as generating an alert and modifying a manner of operation of one or more of the fans or servers.

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.

Abstract: A fan array is provided having a frame including a plurality of frame members. The frame members are joined to define a plurality of chambers. Each of a plurality of fan units is configured to be positioned in one of the plurality of chambers. Each fan unit has a motor. A plurality of local motor controllers are joined to corresponding motors. The local motor controllers are configured to control an operation of the corresponding fan unit. A master controller is configured to communicate with the local motor controllers. The master controller is configured to provide the local motor controllers with target operating parameters for the corresponding fan units.

Abstract: RFID tags are used for many purpose including tracking RFID interrogators are used to retrieve information from tags. In many applications, RFID interrogators and RFID tags remain stationary during interrogation. Regions of low energy due to interference from either additional antenna or reflections from RFID tags and objects can impede or prohibit the reading of RFID tags residing in such regions. Stirring of the generated electromagnetic field is a method of moving around the regions of low energy, where tags can not be read, during the interrogation process. Mechanical stirring is accomplished by introducing a conductor into the electromagnetic field and moving it about in the field. Solid state stirring is accomplished by introducing a variable conductor into the field and varying the conductivity of the variable conductor. Mathematical stirring is accomplished by use of a plurality of antenna and controlling the phase difference between the antenna in a configuration known as phased antenna arrays.

Abstract: Energy recovery devices, systems and methods, and energy recovery control systems and methods for efficient extraction and reuse of waste heat from exhaust fumes generated from cooking appliances.

Abstract: A configurable housing includes a top surface having a closed configuration and an opened configuration in which a first plurality of perforations provide a first air flow path. The housing further includes a plurality of sidewalls connected to the top surface. The plurality of sidewalls including a first sidewall having a closed configuration and an opened configuration in which a second plurality of perforations provide a second air flow path. The housing also includes a bottom surface connected to the plurality of sidewalls.

Abstract: A user interface of frequency converter over a wireless connection is disclosed. The frequency converter can be connected to a mobile communications device over a short range wireless connection. The mobile communications device can be connected to a wide area network to a service center maintaining information associated with frequency converters. Operational information of the frequency converter can be relayed to the service center over the wide area network as a view of the frequency converter user interface. The frequency converter can be controlled by control commands from the mobile communications device, the control commands being determined based on selections received from the service center, in response to the view conveyed to the service center.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to fume hoods, and more particularly to systems and methods for controlling a fume hood airflow using an image (e.g., an optical image, an acoustic image, etc.) of a fume hood opening. A system for controlling a fume hood may include an image capture sensor, a configurator and a controller. The image capture sensor may be positioned to have a field of view that includes at least a portion of a fume hood opening, and may be configured to capture an image that includes at least part of the fume hood opening and/or a person working at the hood. The controller may then provide a control signal to a ventilation device for providing a desired airflow in the fume hood. The control signal provided to the ventilation device may depending on the current size of the fume hood opening as captured by the image capture sensor.

Abstract: A pressurization control system configured to regulate air pressure with a space includes an air supply source fluidly coupled to a damper, a room controller configured to provide a control signal to the damper. The room controller includes a flow controller configured to generate a flow feedback signal, and a pressure controller configured to generate a pressure feedback signal, wherein the room controller is configured to receive flow and pressure feedback signals and generate the control signal based on one or more of the received flow and pressure feedback signals.

Abstract: A method for determining a height of a sash opening formed by a movable sash in a fume hood. The method includes providing a laser device on the hood and providing a reflector on the sash. In addition, the method includes positioning the sash in an open position to form the sash opening and measuring a first distance between the laser device and the reflector when the sash is in the open position. The method also includes calculating the sash height based on the first distance.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the area of a sash opening in a fume hood formed by at least one movable sash panel. Fume hoods have sash panels mounted over a hood opening to an enclosure structure of the fume hood. The sash panels are moved to open or close the fume hood at the sash opening for access to a work surface. A camera is mounted in a fume hood enclosure space to capture an image of the sash opening. An area determining function is configured to receive a digital representation of the image. The image is analyzed by detecting edges in the image. The image edges corresponding to edges of the sash opening are identified. The area of the sash opening is determined by applying a scaling value to the area formed by the image edges corresponding to the area of the sash opening.

Abstract: Provided is a temperature control apparatus of a working machine that is inexpensive, energy-saving and capable of eliminating the temperature difference between a temperature in a room in which the working machine is installed and a temperature of a working area.

Abstract: A containment hood may include a first shell portion, a second shell portion and a lid portion. The first shell portion may include a first interior-facing surface. The second shell portion may be spaced apart from the first shell portion and may include a second interior-facing surface. The first and second interior-facing surfaces may oppose each other. The lid portion may extend between and engage the first and second shell portions. The lid portion may cooperate with the first and second shell portions to form at least a partial enclosure defining an interior volume. The first and second shell portions and the lid portion may cooperate to define a first opening through which a user is able to access the interior volume.

Abstract: A workpiece positioning system integrated with a fume extraction device is provided. The system comprises a movable work surface assembly and a manifold. The work surface assembly includes a plurality of work surfaces and a plurality of ventilation ports. Each of the plurality of ventilation ports is disposed on each of the plurality of work surfaces to ventilate the corresponding work zone. The manifold is disposed below the work surface assembly and coupled to a duct system through which fumes produced during welding or cutting are to be transported to the fume extraction device. When a workpiece placed on a work surface is positioned for welding or cutting, the manifold is aligned and in fluid communication with the ventilation port corresponding to the work surface.

Abstract: A system for determining a sash panel position. An example system includes a linear array of light emitting elements spaced at equal distances from one another mounted on a fume hood frame. The light emitting elements generate a light path towards a sash panel such that the sash panel blocks the light path when positioned at the light emitting element. A linear array of light sensing elements is spaced at equal distances from one another on a side opposite the sash panel. The light sensing elements receive the light path generated by corresponding light emitting elements when the sash panel does not block the light path. The light sensing elements may be on modules having shift registers with bits corresponding to the light sensing elements. The shift register stores a state of the light sensing element and outputs a series of bits indicating the state of each light sensing element.

Abstract: An autonomous ventilation system includes a variable-speed exhaust fan, a controller, an exhaust hood, and an infrared radiation (“IR”) sensor. The exhaust fan removes air contaminants from an area. The controller is coupled to the exhaust fan and adjusts the speed of the exhaust fan. The exhaust hood is coupled to the exhaust fan and directs air contaminants to the exhaust fan. The IR sensor is coupled to the controller, detects changes in IR index in a zone below the exhaust hood, and communicates information relating to detected changes in IR index to the controller. The controller adjusts the speed of the exhaust fan in response to information relating to detected changes in IR index. The autonomous ventilation system also includes an alignment laser to indicate a point at which the IR sensor is aimed and a field-of-view (“FOV”) indicator to illuminate the zone in which the IR sensor detects changes in IR index.

Abstract: An autonomous ventilation system includes a variable-speed exhaust fan, a controller, an exhaust hood, and a spillage sensor. The exhaust fan removes air contaminants from an area. The controller is coupled to the exhaust fan and adjusts the speed of the exhaust fan. The exhaust hood is coupled to the exhaust fan and directs air contaminants to the exhaust fan. The spillage sensor is coupled to the controller, detects changes in an environmental parameter in a spillage zone adjacent to the exhaust hood, and communicates information relating to detected changes in the environmental parameter to the controller. The controller adjusts the speed of the exhaust fan in response to information relating to detected changes in the environmental parameter.

Abstract: A ductless fumehood system comprising: at least one ductless fumehood comprising a housing; a workspace formed within the housing; a door for selectively closing off the workspace; an air inlet for introducing air into the workspace; a master module for receiving air from the workspace, purging unwanted substances from that air, and then exhausting that filtered air to the ambient room atmosphere; and a slave module for receiving air from the workspace, purging unwanted substances from that air, and then exhausting that filtered air to the ambient room atmosphere; wherein the slave module is in communication with the master module such that the master module central processing unit is capable of (i) controlling the operation of the active elements of the slave module, (ii) detecting a function failure of the slave module, and (iii) activating the master module alarm in the event of a failure within that slave module.

Abstract: A method for determining a height of a sash opening formed by a movable sash in a fume hood. The method includes providing a laser device on the hood and providing a reflector on the sash. In addition, the method includes positioning the sash in an open position to form the sash opening and measuring a first distance between the laser device and the reflector when the sash is in the open position. The method also includes calculating the sash height based on the first distance.

Abstract: A laboratory bench-top fume hood comprises an enclosure containing a working chamber with a frontal opening for manual access and airflow into the chamber. A plenum behind the working chamber is connectable to an air extraction system. An apertured, curved baffle plate separates the working chamber from the plenum, and is convex from the plenum side, improving airflow and increasing usable volume of the working chamber. Slots in the baffle plate may be fitted with guide vanes extending into the plenum. A slot adjacent a roof of the working chamber is effective for creating evenly-distributed air flows. The roof may be curved to encourage an airflow to follow the roof profile to the baffle plate. Sidewalls of the working chamber may bow outwardly but converge towards the opening. The baffle plate may comprise a set of separately dismountable panels, to aid cleaning and provide access to the plenum.

Abstract: An improved method and system for flue gas recirculation (FGR) from the ID Fan located downstream of a scrubber (or other Air Quality Control Equipment including cyclones, baghouses, etc., hereafter “AQC equipment”) back to the scrubber (or other AQC Equipment) inlet to maintain the minimum required flue gas throughput during low-load conditions, thereby eliminating the need for a separate booster fan. A flue gas recirculation duct is connected from downstream of the ID Fan to the inlet of the scrubber (or other AQC Equipment). A variable flow restrictor is placed in the duct downstream of the ID Fan for controlling pressure of the recirculated flue gas. The flow restrictor is controlled in accordance to a function of boiler load or flue gas flow to produce the required backpressure that enables the flue gas to flow through the recirculation duct back to the inlet of the scrubber (or other AQC Equipment) at low loads.

Abstract: A containment hood may include a first shell portion, a second shell portion and a lid portion. The first shell portion may include a first interior-facing surface. The second shell portion may be spaced apart from the first shell portion and may include a second interior-facing surface. The first and second interior-facing surfaces may oppose each other. The lid portion may extend between and engage the first and second shell portions. The lid portion may cooperate with the first and second shell portions to form at least a partial enclosure defining an interior volume. The first and second shell portions and the lid portion may cooperate to define a first opening through which a user is able to access the interior volume.

Abstract: A room pressure controlling system having a local exhaust valve, a supply air valve, a common exhaust air valve, controllers and a differential pressure sensor. The controller calculates a correction control output value for the valve operated as the room pressure controlling valve, which is either the supply air valve or the common exhaust air valve, based on a setting value and a room pressure measured by the differential pressure sensor. The controller evaluates whether or not the supply airflow rate and/or the exhaust airflow rate is changing, and if an airflow rate is changing, emphasizes rapid responsiveness of the room pressure control than a reduction in the frequency of actuation of the room pressure controlling valve, if the airflow rate is stable, the controller emphasizes the reduction in the frequency of actuation of the room pressure controlling valve than the rapid responsiveness of the room pressure control.

Abstract: An amount of time that air has been delivered from an air handler to a space is tracked, and based on the tracked amount of time, at least one turn-on time or one turn-off time of the delivery of air from the air handler to the space is controlled. Other features relate, among other things, to controlling a replacement air vent, and to user interfaces.

Abstract: An improved system and method for monitoring contamination loading of a filter in a biological safety cabinet comprising a housing defining a work chamber and a filtration chamber, a system for circulating air between the work chamber and the filtration chamber via a fan which draws air under negative pressure from the work chamber and delivers the air under positive pressure through the filter and into the filtration chamber. The filter monitoring system determines a pressure differential between the negative and positive air pressure at opposite sides of the fan, and evaluates the degree of contamination loading of the filter on the basis of the pressure differential. An air flow baffle is disposed within the filtration chamber adjacent the fan for dividing the pressurized air delivered by the fan and partially redirecting a portion thereof for more uniformly delivering the air to the filter.

Abstract: Provided are animal containment systems and components, including single-use animal containment cages and modular rack units. Also provided are methods for assembling and using components of the animal containment systems.

Abstract: A ventilation exhaust intake device is located at ceiling level of a production space and has a low profile form with combination of vertical and horizontal jets. Recesses and other feature are provided to enhance capture and containment and other functional aspects. Certain embodiments include a light source adjacent the jet registers.

Abstract: A ventilating hood and cooktop system includes safety components to reduce or eliminate the possibility of a fire in the ventilating hood. The system provides elements for sensing the temperature over the cooktop. When the temperature reaches a first predetermined level, the ventilation fan speed is increased. The system includes alarm warning elements which issue different signals depending on the temperature above the cooktop. If a maximum temperature is reached, the system shuts off the fan of the ventilating hood and shuts down the cooktop.

Abstract: Disclosed is a smart and adaptive laboratory hood or building exhaust air system and related methods of use.

Abstract: The invention is a sash operating device for a fume hood having a moveable sash. The sash operating device automatically closes the sash when a user is not near the sash for a predetermined period of time. The device may be manually controlled by the user to open, close or vary the size of the sash opening. The sash operating device has a drive wheel which contacts the sash with a normal force such that the device can open and close the sash.

Abstract: A ductless fumehood system comprising: at least one ductless fumehood comprising a housing; a workspace formed within the housing; a door for selectively closing off the workspace; an air inlet for introducing air into the workspace; a master module for receiving air from the workspace, purging unwanted substances from that air, and then exhausting that filtered air to the ambient room atmosphere; and a slave module for receiving air from the workspace, purging unwanted substances from that air, and then exhausting that filtered air to the ambient room atmosphere; wherein the slave module is in communication with the master module such that the master module central processing unit is capable of (i) controlling the operation of the active elements of the slave module, (ii) detecting a function failure of the slave module, and (iii) activating the master module alarm in the event of a failure within that slave module.

Abstract: Provided are animal containment systems and components, including single-use animal containment cages, modular rack units and controllers. Also provided are methods for assembling and using components of the animal containment systems. The single-use animal containment cages contain controllers that regulate airflow or air pressure and have a user interface and processor.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods provide energy recover, modular systems to build and revise commercial kitchen services, closed circuit exhaust, and high efficiency capture and containment of fumes from cooking processes.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying an atomized liquid solution upon a person, comprising a spray enclosure booth; an exhaust vent located below an anticipated user's facial area zone, the exhaust vent disposed within the bottom tray or a lower area of at least one wall or a lower area of a door and configured for exhausting ambient atomized liquid solution from the spray enclosure booth; a rigid conduit support defining a central air flow conduit connected to a bottom tray and pneumatically connected to an exhaust vent and providing structural integrity to the enclosure booth; an atomizing spray head assembly movably connected to the rigid conduit support and physically supported by the rigid conduit support; and an exhaust system configured to exhaust ambient atomized liquid solution from the spray enclosure booth by drawing atomized solution into the exhaust vent then through and out of the rigid conduit.

Abstract: An autonomous ventilation system includes a variable-speed exhaust fan, a controller, an exhaust hood, and an infrared radiation (“IR”) sensor. The exhaust fan removes air contaminants from an area. The controller is coupled to the exhaust fan and adjusts the speed of the exhaust fan. The exhaust hood is coupled to the exhaust fan and directs air contaminants to the exhaust fan. The IR sensor is coupled to the controller, detects changes in IR index in a zone below the exhaust hood, and communicates information relating to detected changes in IR index to the controller. The controller adjusts the speed of the exhaust fan in response to information relating to detected changes in IR index. The autonomous ventilation system also includes an alignment laser to indicate a point at which the IR sensor is aimed and a field-of-view (“FOV”) indicator to illuminate the zone in which the IR sensor detects changes in IR index.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and conversion kits, that include all necessary components, to convert any style existing prior art fume hood into a stable vortex high performance low airflow fume hood that can accommodate varying size prior art fume hoods without altering the fume hood envelope or customizing the conversion kit. The articulating rear baffle can be lifted out for cleaning debris that collects in baffle conduit. The conversion can be accomplished without drilling mounting holes into an asbestos liner and can be applied on any size or style prior art fume hood. The present invention also provides a new fume hood incorporating the features of the method and kit.

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.

Abstract: An autonomous ventilation system includes a variable-speed exhaust fan, a controller, an exhaust hood, and a spillage sensor. The exhaust fan removes air contaminants from an area. The controller is coupled to the exhaust fan and adjusts the speed of the exhaust fan. The exhaust hood is coupled to the exhaust fan and directs air contaminants to the exhaust fan. The spillage sensor is coupled to the controller, detects changes in an environmental parameter in a spillage zone adjacent to the exhaust hood, and communicates information relating to detected changes in the environmental parameter to the controller. The controller adjusts the speed of the exhaust fan in response to information relating to detected changes in the environmental parameter.

Abstract: A space conditioning system for a building including production and occupied spaces provides precise control of exhaust and space conditioning equipment by taking into account multiple conditions and by using predictive control. The control method and system are illustrated by a commercial kitchen ventilation application.