Flexible Ducts Used For Carrying Air Patents (Class 454/903)
  • Patent number: 11524548
    Abstract: An air distribution arrangement for an air conditioning unit is provided. The air distribution arrangement includes a main body coupled to a housing of the air conditioning unit, and provided with a distribution chamber fluidically connected to at least one air transport conduit formed within the housing of the air conditioning unit, and a plurality of distribution pipes connected to the main body and configured to be connected to respective air outlets for distributing air within a cabin of a vehicle. Each of the distribution pipes is flexible and at least partially inflatable due to an air flow within it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: DENSO THERMAL SYSTEMS S.p.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Carbone, Fabrizio Nicoleā€², Paolo Seja, Luca Crepaldi
  • Patent number: 11512868
    Abstract: An air control system 20 and associated methods including a flexible duct 30 having air exit holes 40, 42 and a flexible liner 50, 60 sheet within the duct 30 and extending longitudinally along the duct, the liner 50 sheet having opposite longitudinal edges 52, 54 connected to the duct 30 along the longitudinal length of the duct 30, the liner 50 sheet being permeable in one aspect and regulating air flow through the exit holes 40, 42 when the sheet is pressed against the portion of the duct having the exit holes, and an air deflector positioned externally the duct to modify airflow exiting the duct. The duct 30 may also have multiple liner sheets 50, 60 arranged end-to-end and/or layered in various duct segments such that the different liners may be independently controlled to regulate the outflow of air from the duct as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Leiterman & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan Leiterman
  • Patent number: 8808776
    Abstract: A produce chamber (1) is provided to subject produce in a crate (7) to a controlled atmosphere. The chamber (1) has at least one inflatable/deflatable balloon seal structure (15) for sealingly engaging with a side wall of a produce crate (7) which has at least one opening (13) in a side wall (11) thereof. The balloon seal structure (15) has at least one discharge opening (19) that aligns with the at least one crate opening (13). Crates (7) with produce therein can be loaded in the chamber (1) with the balloon seal structure (15) deflated. The balloon seal structure (15) can then be inflated and controlled atmosphere allowed to circulate through the balloon seal structure (15) and discharged from the opening (19) and through the crate opening (13) to expose the produce to a controlled atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventors: Scott Andrew North, Gary Martin North
  • Patent number: 8808075
    Abstract: In some example pliable air duct systems, inflatable ducts of various diameters and lengths are created by selectively assembling pre-existing stock pieces in different combinations. In some examples, the stock pieces include disconnectable longitudinal joints and disconnectable circumferential joints, wherein the longitudinal joints enable interconnecting multiple stock pieces to achieve a desired tube diameter, and the circumferential joints allow connecting multiple tube segments end-to-end to produce an air duct assembly of a desired length. To control the volume and/or the direction of air discharged from the duct, the duct assembly, in some examples, includes an adjustable register comprising a movable pliable sheet that overlies a discharge opening in a pliable sidewall of the duct. In some examples, the inflatable duct includes one or more cutout patterns on the duct's sidewall to provide guidance in creating a sidewall discharge opening of a proper size and location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin J. Gebke, Frank Heim, Michael Hermes, Michael A. Jacobson, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, William A. Niehaus
  • Patent number: 8353745
    Abstract: An apparatus for the extraction of gases has a flexible duct with an interior therein, a polymeric support extending in the interior of the flexible duct, a first anchor that secures an end of the polymeric support, a second anchor that secures an end of the flexible duct, and a duct connector. The first anchor secures the end of the polymeric support to the duct connector. The second anchor secures the end of the flexible duct to the duct connector. The polymeric support is elongated. The polymeric support has a taper and a thickness suitable for holding the flexible duct in a fixed position. The polymeric support is formed of a polycarbonate material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventor: Bryan Rossnagel
  • Patent number: 8298057
    Abstract: The invention relates to a simple hollow space, in particular a channel, a cellar or a living room, aerating device (10) comprising several paddles (12) which are fixed to a hub (14) and surrounded by a fan housing (16) provided with input and output (17, 18) sides and a motor (20) which is mounted on the axis of rotation (15) of the hub (14) for driving the hub (14) and the paddles (12). According to said invention, a cover arrangement (30; 40) can be positioned on the output side (17) in such a way that a part thereof is covered, wherein said cover arrangement (30; 40) is provided with at least one opening (34-36; 44, 45) for connecting to a respective discharge hose (37-39; 47, 48).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Huber Kunststoff & Technik GmbH
    Inventor: Maximilian Huber
  • Patent number: 8235331
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for supporting a flexible duct. The apparatus comprises a concave duct support structure with a convoluted anterior end and one or more straps. The concave duct support structure is placed in contact with outer surface of the flexible duct. The convoluted anterior end supports curved surfaces of the flexible duct. The concave duct support structure comprises multiple slits. The straps pass through the slits of the concave duct support structure. Distal ends of the straps may be affixed to a structural member for suspending the flexible duct supported on the concave duct support structure. The concave duct support structure prevents the flexible duct from sagging and crimping, thereby allowing free flow of air, liquids, etc. through the flexible duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: David J. McIntosh
  • Patent number: 7806951
    Abstract: The present invention is a mobile air contaminant control system that includes a filter assembly enclosed by a mobile outer chamber. The filter assembly is tapered to create a large volume air way downstream from the filter assembly that enables more even air flow and filter loading. One or more exhaust fans pull the air through the filter assembly and exhaust it to the exterior of the chamber. The system is functionally attached to an exterior structure having at least one air intake and housing a work piece. As airborne contaminants are generated from the work piece(s), the control system exhausts them from the exterior structure through the filter assembly and into the external environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: NIF Solutions Corp.
    Inventor: Timothy P. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 7497774
    Abstract: A whole house fan system and installation methods configured to reduce noise generated by the fan are provided. The system generally includes a fan, a register, and a flexible duct extending between the fan and the register. The flexible duct has acoustical insulation properties, which helps to reduce sound transmission from the fan to the register. The fan system is configured to be mounted in the attic space of a house. The fan motor is suspended in the attic so that it does not have direct contact with any part of the building structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: QC Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Dana Charles Stevenson, Ronnie Keith Stone
  • Patent number: 7442121
    Abstract: A textile duct for an air circulation system, the duct having an inner gas-permeable layer and an outer gas-impervious layer, and one or more spaces therebetween. An air circulation system having one or more ducts and one or more air treatment units and/or air handling units. The ducts are formed from laminates suitable for forming a duct for an air circulation system, the laminate has an inner gas-permeable layer and an outer gas-impervious layer, and one or more spaces therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Wellman Defence Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Cassidy, Brian Hunt, Niels Thomsen
  • Patent number: 7238106
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for delivering temperature and flow rate controlled warmed air to outlets for use in various apparatus. The system is typically in residential structures, such as homes, but could easily be adapted for apartment buildings as well as commercial buildings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventor: James L. Scott
  • Patent number: 7210995
    Abstract: A system for introducing make-up air into a building from above the roof for smoke control includes air shafts extending from the roof into a space in the building below a layer of smoke. The air shafts can be rigid or can be made of a flexible material which folds up when not in use. Air shafts of a flexible material have a contraction at the exit to inflate the shaft, unless the shaft extends to within one diameter from the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: FM Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Gunnar Heskestad
  • Patent number: 7022008
    Abstract: An HVAC duct sealing system has an air duct wall, a sealing surface, such as an HVAC case, against which the air duct wall is biased, and a seal member interposed between the duct wall and the sealing surface. The seal member is interposed between the air duct wall and the sealing surface and is molded directly onto the air duct wall using a two-shot or double shot method of forming. The seal can be rubber or any flexible, pliable material capable of creating a seal with a surface. The seal has a seal base that is attached to and surrounds an end part and two sides of the air duct wall. The seal has a flexible tip portion extending from the seal base that is biased against and bends against the sealing surface in accordance with an amount of pressing force to create a seal. The flexible tip bends between 0 and 100 degrees from its pre-installation position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Denso International America, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn Crocker
  • Patent number: 7022011
    Abstract: An apparatus for directing air away from a register grill includes a shroud covering that is applied over the grill and a flexible conduit that is attached over an opening provided in the shroud. The flexible conduit is used to discharge air away from the grill where desired. A plurality of flexible conduits may be used with each grill. If desired, a detachable cover is used to obstruct air flow out of a discharge end of each flexible conduit. According to a modification, a section of rigid conduit is used in place of the flexible conduit. An intermediate section that is adapted to flex is attached to the shroud and disposed intermediate the grill and the rigid conduit to allow directional placement of the rigid conduit, where desired. The shroud is attached to the grill by screw fasteners, adhesive, magnetic means, or otherwise, as desired or it may be formed as an integral part of a replacement type of grill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventors: Dwayne Wilson Rickman, Thomas Joseph Garbez
  • Patent number: 6958011
    Abstract: A fabric air duct with main discharge openings includes additional, much smaller openings that help ventilate the surface of the duct. Ventilating the surface of the duct with a slight yet even amount of airflow helps inhibit the accumulation of condensate and dust on the surface of the duct. In some embodiments, the duct includes a pliable sheet consisting of a rather porous fabric base material. To achieve an appropriately low level of airflow, a plastic coating on the fabric reduces, but does not eliminate the fabric's porosity. A calendering process then reduces the porosity even further. In some embodiments, the calendering process occurs before the plastic coating process. In other embodiments, the pliable sheet is substantially air impermeable, except for its main discharge openings. The sheet is then perforated with numerous smaller openings to achieve the desired amount of surface ventilation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corp.
    Inventor: Kevin J. Gebke
  • Patent number: 6953396
    Abstract: A fabric flow restriction and method for conveying a volume of air through a fabric duct prevents the violet popping that may occur with a fabric duct upon start-up. The fabric ducts are air permeable and/or include discharge openings that evenly disperse supply air from within the duct to a room being heated, cooled, ventilated, or otherwise conditioned by the air. The ducts are typically in a collapsed positioned prior to blower start-up. With the initial airflow, the ducts quickly fill with air and may make a popping sound at their distal ends as the airflow fills the entire fabric duct. The flow restrictions disclosed may be formed of a flexible fabric that has an airflow resistance that varies with radius across the flexible fabric. The flow restrictions may have a first region and a second region each with different resistances, for example. Varying the resistance across the fabric flow restriction reduces or eliminates the popping condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Nicolas B. Paschke, Kevin J. Gebke
  • Patent number: 6902473
    Abstract: A vehicle ventilation conduit system for distributing heating or cooling air from an air vent to a rear vehicle compartment in a vehicle such as a police cruiser. The system includes an elongated main air flow conduit having an inlet end and a discharge end. A front sealing adaptor is provided on the main air flow conduit at the inlet end for releasably and sealingly engaging the air vent. A rear sealing adaptor is provided on the main air flow conduit at the discharge end for releasably and sealingly engaging the rear vehicle compartment. At least one auxiliary air flow conduit is typically provided in pneumatic communication with the main air flow conduit to facilitate cooling an electronic accessory such as a laptop computer in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Goobeck
  • Patent number: 6899615
    Abstract: An air duct system includes a conical fabric filter disposed within a cylindrical air duct. In some embodiments, both the filter and the air duct are inflatable. A fabric collar and a pair of zippers not only allow the filter to be readily removed for cleaning, but also allow the air duct system to continue operating with the filter removed. Pleats can provide the filter with more surface area, and the pleats can be interconnected in an alternating pattern to inhibit the filter from over-inflating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin J. Gebke
  • Patent number: 6884159
    Abstract: A hose assembly for directing conditioned air from an air outlet vent of a vehicle's air conditioning system to various locations within the vehicle. The hose assembly comprises a boot which is selectively attachable to the vent, and a length of hose selectively attachable to the boot. The length of hose is divided into interconnecting segments which are selectively attachable to one another, thereby allowing a user to vary the overall length of the hose as desired. The terminal segment of the hose has a louver having a plurality of slats, and a handle in mechanical contact with the slats. Rotation of the handle changes the direction in which the slats point, and thereby allows the user to direct the conditioned air in any desired direction. The terminal segment has a mounting clamp for selectively attaching the hose to a projecting surface on the inside of the vehicle, in order to immobilize the hose at an optimal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Robert Ferraud, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6843717
    Abstract: An automobile vent extender that decreases discomfort by allowing hot and cold air to be directed from an automobile vent directly onto a body portion of an automobile passenger. Preferably, the automobile vent extender removably attaches to a vent diffuser embedded within the dash of an automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventor: Scott Bennett
  • Patent number: 6745586
    Abstract: A module is provided for attachment to the roof of a bus and includes all of necessary components for conditioning the return air from the passenger compartment and delivering conditioned air thereto. Each module includes an evaporator section, a condenser section and a power section including a compressor and an inverter. The evaporator sections have a return air compartment that extends a substantial distance across the roof of the bus such that a single design can meet the needs of various return air duct installations of various types of buses. Provision is made to interconnect a evaporator discharge opening with a supply air duct for the bus by way of a flexible duct having integrally formed end plates for connection by way of fasteners. The lower end plate which is secured to the supply air duct also includes an upstanding flange for connecting a protective cover thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Reimann, Peter R. Bushnell, Stephen Stopyra, Belin Czechowicz
  • Patent number: 6746323
    Abstract: An airflow system adapted for receiving airflow from a refrigeration unit mounted on a front of a lead trailer. The airflow system is also adapted for transferring and receiving airflow from a pup trailer pulled behind the lead trailer. The airflow system uses heated or cooled airflow discharged from the refrigeration unit inside the lead trailer to heat or cool goods at a constant temperature stored inside both of the trailers. The airflow system includes a modified air chute attached to the refrigeration unit and a lead airflow transfer hole in a rear door of the lead trailer. A transfer tube is connected to the transfer hole and to a pup airflow intake hole in the front of the pup trailer for circulating the airflow through the pup trailer. A return tube is connected to a pup airflow return hole in the front of the pup trailer and a lead airflow return hole in the lead trailer's rear door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Navajo Express Inc.
    Inventor: Don Digby, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6669552
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for ventilating tunnels and other confined spaces. The apparatus includes a telescopic ventline assembly. The telescopic ventline assembly includes a plurality of tubes wherein each inner tube or first intermediate tube is slidably disposed within an second intermediate tube or an outer tube, in a telescoping type arrangement. One method involves constructing a ventilation system that includes a plurality of ventline assemblies. Another method involves using the telescopic ventline to ventilate a tunnel or other confined space, e.g., a mine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: Ralph G. Beer
  • Patent number: 6632134
    Abstract: A building fire extinguisher system for promptly removing smoke and flammable gases from a room upon detection of a fire. The building fire extinguisher system includes a vacuum unit, a housing having a door with a powered door latch, and an intake nozzle connected to the vacuum unit by a flexible tube. When smoke detectors detect the presence of a fire within a room, the powered door latch is opened thereby allowing the door to open. When the door is opened, the intake nozzle is dropped from the housing downwardly while the vacuum is activated. The intake end of the intake nozzle draws smoke and flammable gases from within the room into the flexible tube and out through an exhaust port externally of the building. The vacuum continues to operate until the presence of a fire is no longer detected or for a fixed period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: Wallace A. DePonio
  • Patent number: 6626754
    Abstract: An air duct system includes a conical fabric filter disposed within a cylindrical air duct. In some embodiments, both the filter and the air duct are inflatable. A fabric collar and a pair of zippers not only allow the filter to be readily removed for cleaning, but also allow the air duct system to continue operating with the filter removed. Pleats can provide the filter with more surface area, and the pleats can be interconnected in an alternating pattern to inhibit the filter from over inflating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Gebke, Cary W. Pinkalla
  • Patent number: 6616524
    Abstract: A raised floor air handling system for use in a building that is used in combination with and set into an elevated floor assembly that is mounted on a principal floor of a building so as to provide an air plenum between the two floors. An air handling assembly is mounted below an integral raised or elevated floor tile to pull air via a radial impeller fan from the air plenum and directs it vertically through the integral raised floor tile into air distribution ducting (flexible, anti-static fabric with nozzles, linear vents, or other types of perforations) and onto the equipment/location being served air. The raised floor tile is designed to match the load rating of other floor tiles to become an integral part of the elevated floor assembly. The ducting attaches to the top of the raised floor tile via removable duct collars and is supported vertically/horizontally by miscellaneous hardware attached to existing/new structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventors: Gary A. Storck, Jr., Wesley W. Weigel, Jay D. Ray
  • Patent number: 6565430
    Abstract: A fabric air duct with main discharge openings includes additional, much smaller openings that help ventilate the surface of the duct. Ventilating the surface of the duct with a slight yet even amount of airflow helps inhibit the accumulation of condensate and dust on the surface of the duct. In some embodiments, the duct includes a pliable sheet consisting of a rather porous fabric base material. To achieve an appropriately low level of airflow, a plastic coating on the fabric reduces, but does not eliminate the fabric's porosity. A calendering process then reduces the porosity even further. In other embodiments, the pliable sheet is substantially air impermeable, except for its main discharge openings. The sheet is then perforated with numerous smaller openings to achieve the desired amount of surface ventilation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin Gebke
  • Patent number: 6558250
    Abstract: A fabric flow restriction and method for adjusting the flow resistance through a fabric duct enables balancing the airflow through a network of fabric ducts. The fabric ducts are air permeable and/or include discharge openings that evenly disperse supply air from within the duct to a room being heated, cooled, ventilated, or otherwise conditioned by the air. Disclosed embodiments include flow restrictions that are adjustable by tightening a drawstring that constricts an annular web disposed within the duct or constricts the fabric duct itself, selectively masking portions of a fabric mesh installed inside the duct, or by interchanging fabric meshes of various flow resistance. In any case, the flow restriction consists of flexible fabric that tends to conform to the changing shape of a fabric duct as the duct alternately inflates and deflates due to changes in air pressure within the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Nicolas B. Paschke
  • Patent number: 6402613
    Abstract: A portable environmental control system for evacuating particulate laden, toxic, and explosive gasses from an interior space includes a flexible partition for erection at the interior space, and a first section of flexible duct connected to the partition and to an electric motor driven blower unit having an explosion proof ducted fan. A second section of duct is connected to the blower unit and may be connected to a filter unit mountable in a window of an interior room or to a collapsible plenum having plural filter units mounted therein for treating and returning air evacuated from the space back into the space. The blower unit may be placed within a space having a high concentration of explosive gasses for evacuating the gasses by way of an elongated duct section connected to an elevating mechanism to discharge gasses out of doors above ground level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: David B. Teagle
  • Patent number: 6230418
    Abstract: System for installation of a complete, safe, compact, and efficient dryer exhaust. Provides access to internal areas of conduit for dryer lint build-up removal. Allows dryer placement in tight confines: laundry closets, pantry areas, first floor apartments. System may be used to route dryer exhaust conduit inside of dwelling walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Dennis R. Gomulinski
  • Patent number: 6131645
    Abstract: An individualized system used in a motor vehicle that has a system supplying conditioned air to selectively heat and cool an interior of the motor vehicle. The system comprises tubular apparatus to route a portion of the conditioned air to a chosen location inside the motor vehicle. An input connector places the tubular apparatus in fluid communication with the portion of the conditioned air. An output connector places the tubular apparatus in fluid communication with an interior of clothing worn by an individual positioned at the chosen location inside the motor vehicle to supply the portion of conditioned air to the individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: Raymond S. Barr
  • Patent number: 5829210
    Abstract: A method of preparing an installation of channel using units in several rooms on the one and same floor so as to allow a subsequent completion of units with multiple channel elements. Onto a flooring support between a distributing central unit and the rooms on the floor, the flexible channel elements which are enclosed in an exterior casing, are enclosed. These channel elements are a) a separate channel or conduit for the flow of a hot or cold brine to and from radiators in the rooms, b) channels for supplying electricity and/or for communicating with the units; and c) a channel space for fresh air between the elements. The floor is then finished to cover the multiple channel elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: Goran Bernhardsson
  • Patent number: 5794683
    Abstract: A beverage cooler for heating and cooling beverages using a vehicle air conditioning system including a flexible hose with a securing attachment at one end to secure the hose to an outlet of the air conditioning system and a holding attachment at the other end for attachment to a standard beverage container. When the coupling attachment is attached to the air conditioning system outlet, the hose directs heated or cooled air through the holder and onto the beverage container to regulate the temperature of the beverage therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Andrew F. Kutzner
  • Patent number: 5769708
    Abstract: An air dispersion system is provided for conveying and distributing a source of forced air to a room, building, or other enclosure. The air dispersion system includes a fabric tube having a proximal end coupled to the source of forced air, a distal end opposite the proximal end, at least one vent formed in the tube, and an air dispersing panel covering each vent. The tube is constructed of an air-porous (i.e., air-permeable) fabric material which allows air from the source of forced air to leak therethrough. The panels, in turn, are constructed of a material having a different relative porosity than that of the tube which causes the air flow dispersion (or leakage) rate through each panel to be different from the air flow dispersion (or leakage) rate through the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Corporation
    Inventor: Nick Paschke
  • Patent number: 5720656
    Abstract: A hose for an aircraft parked at a remote location from a source of pre-conditioned air through which the pre-conditioned air, under pressure, is delivered through the hose, wherein the hose construction uses to advantage a length portion having a bellows, in that the bellows folds are constrained by an internal strap from longitudinal expansion and thus are not "blown out" by the pressure air and yet, retain degrees of rotation and contraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventor: Brian T. Savage
  • Patent number: 5655963
    Abstract: A fabric air dispersion device system with a fabric tube, and a closure attached to an open end of the tube, the closure being movable between a closed, blocking position, and an air-releasing position wherein forced air in the tube can flow past the closure and out of the tube. The closure moves to the air-releasing position when the end of the tube is compressed from an inflated configuration to a compressed configuration. The closure is preferably formed of a plurality of closure members which include free edges, the members being in an overlapped configuration to prevent the free passage of forced air when the tube end is in the inflated configuration. Upon compression of the tube end, the free edges of the flaps move relative to one another to expose an area through which the forced air can flow. A compression member is provided to compress the end of the tube to move the closure to the air-releasing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Corporation
    Inventors: Nick Paschke, Ron Snyder
  • Patent number: 5575714
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a stream of fluid around fresh produce, which produce is stored in containers provided with openings in the sides. A consecutive row of a multiplicity of such containers is arranged along a wall some distance from the latter, in such a way that an interspace is formed between the wall and the row. At least one bag which extends along at least one edge of the row is inflated in the interspace by feeding a fluid to the bag, in such a way that the bag produces a seal against the wall on one side and against the row on the other. The fluid fed to the bag flows via outflow openings made in the bag into the interspace and builds up an elevated pressure here. The fluid then flows from the interspace, via the openings in the sides of the container, around the fresh produce. The invention can be used in particular in storage rooms in which rows of containers containing fresh produce can be arranged along opposing side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Binair Groep B.V.
    Inventor: Johannes C. M. Rijs
  • Patent number: 5404865
    Abstract: A portable outdoor heater comprises a plurality of hollow, rigid drum sections releasably connected in an end-to-end relationship so as to form an elongated conduit having a horizontally disposed longitudinal axis. Adjacent drum sections are releasably secured to one another by hasps. A propane burner extends into one end of the conduit to provide heat into the drums. The drums each have a plurality of holes therein through which the heat dissipates. A container is provided for holding balls, gloves and other objects to be warmed. In use, the heater can simultaneously warm many people standing adjacent the drum sections, leaning against the drum sections, or sitting upon the drum sections. The heater can be quickly and easily disassembled for storage and transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Inventor: Dale J. Huls
  • Patent number: 5403232
    Abstract: A ventilation system is provided for communicating ventilation air through a modular furniture arrangement, such as open office partition panel systems or the like. The ventilation system includes an air source, and a collapsible duct connected to the air source. The collapsible duct can be routed through interior spaces in partition panels in a collapsed state to facilitate routing and installation. After installation, the collapsible duct can be inflated for use, at which time the collapsible duct inflates to a maximum size to minimize resistance to air flow. Multiple secondary openings distribute the ventilation air in the collapsible duct to various worksurfaces as desired. A pressure relief valve is attached to the collapsible duct to prevent over-pressurization of the collapsible duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Randall S. Helm, James R. Ahart
  • Patent number: 5399121
    Abstract: A vehicle heating and cooling system has an air duct arrangement that makes efficient use of the available duct space. The initial duct in the system is forced to run through a body area of limited size, and so has a limited cross sectional area and consequently limited air handling capacity. It also contains side window defroster vents that should not be allowed to vent cold air. Therefore, it would be normally not be considered possible to run both hot and cold air through the duct. The arrangement provides a sealed, expansible and collapsible sleeve running through the rigid duct, which expands full size when cold air is fed into it, and which collapses almost completely when hot air is forced past it and through the rigid duct only. Therefore, both hot and cold air can be run through the same volume, and cold air is kept away from the defroster vents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Gerard P. Gray, Todd M. Irwin
  • Patent number: 5362273
    Abstract: An exhaust fumes distribution system for use within a structure adjacent to a space in which a vehicle having an engine coupled to a vertically oriented, open ended, exhaust stack is to be located to discharge exhaust fumes out of the structure. The system comprises an actuatable blower, an elongated guide tube, a collapsible conduit, and a wireless transmitter and receiver. The guide tube has a hollow interior and a slot extending therealong and is mounted horizontally above the space so that the slot extends from a first position adjacent an entrance to the structure to a second, remote position. The collapsible conduit is located within the guide tube and is coupled to the blower. The conduit has an end portion including an inlet opening and is biased into an extended position within the guide tube so that the inlet opening is located adjacent the first position to receive the open end of the stack through the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Exhaust Track, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward A. Pfeiffer, Jr., Paul Hamilton
  • Patent number: 5344364
    Abstract: A circulation air distributing system for supplying fresh conditioned, hot or cold air through the use of cells metal cellular flooring. Distribution box inserts are uniformly distributed along the cellular flooring units prior to concrete placement. Selected distribution box inserts are activated to provide individual control means including diffuser means, for supplying individual workstations with fresh air at the volume, the temperature, and in the direction desired by the occupant. Air movement is from the floor surface upwardly toward the ceiling and into a return plenum space provided above the ceiling structure. In the event of a fire, selected diffuser means may be replaced by mask assembly which provide fresh, breathable air to an individual. Signal means activated on connection of the mask assembly to the control means, alerts the fireman as to the location where rescue is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: United Dominion Industries
    Inventor: John J. Michlovic
  • Patent number: 5219403
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system of adjustable preformed ductwork for the conveyance of a fluid. The system uses a distribution box which includes an upper portion having a plurality of walls and a bottom plate. The distribution box may act either as a diffuser boot or as a splitter box. The distribution box is joined to interconnecting duct lines by adaptor conduits. The adaptor conduits are duct line which are adapted at one end for connection to an opening in a wall and are adapted at the other end for connection to adjoining duct line. A valve having a housing, a first cone and a second cone is also included in the system either in a duct line or in an adaptor conduit. The first and the second cone have matching apertures. The second cone is rotatable within the first cone such that the matching apertures may be selectively aligned or misaligned to adjust the flow of the fluid through the ductwork system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: Gerard C. Murphy
    Inventor: Gerard C. Murphy
  • Patent number: 5165732
    Abstract: A combination of metallurgical and vent engineering design solutions that result in a superior product, lower installed cost, and corrosion-free performance for venting modern fan-assisted gas appliances by using a flexible, compressible, corrugated gas vent connector. Preferably the connector is constructed from a material having a heat conductivity substantially equal to or greater than aluminum. Other forms of the invention include the use of stainless steel; a double wall corrugated wall in the flex section; and the use of flat flex in the corrugated section.By providing the flex connector with twist lock couplings the connector may be assembled in the field more quickly with a greater assurance of its integrity under adverse conditions such as earthquakes or other building moving conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Assignee: Simpson Dura Vent Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald M. Townsend
  • Patent number: 5137057
    Abstract: A flexible duct adapted to be suspended from a support and method of making same. The duct comprises a conduit of heat-sealable plastic film having a longitudinally extending fin on the conduit for suspending the conduit. The fin comprises first and second face-to-face layers of heat sealable film. The fin includes spaced apart reinforced regions which are adapted for engagement with fasteners for suspending the conduit. The reinforced regions comprise portions of the first and second layers which are heat-sealed together. According to the method, a duct is made from an elongate tube of flexible heat sealable material. The sidewall of the tube is joined to itself along a longitudinal line to define a first relatively larger tube forming a longitudinally extending conduit, and a second relatively smaller tube forming a longitudinally extending double-walled fin for suspending the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Inventor: August H. Hummert, III
  • Patent number: 5121948
    Abstract: Disclosed is a metal dryer exhaust duct assembly using a pair of flexible corrugated metal ducts capable of linear extension and capable of reorientation of the duct ends, a pair of elbow connectors, one for attachment to a dryer exhaust outlet and the other for attachment to a wall inlet. Each duct has a swivel connection to its respective elbow connector, using a sleeve which interfits with the elbow connector by a peripheral projection and recess arrangement. Each duct can also be interfit with another such duct. The two ducts can be attached respectively to an dryer and a wall spaced from each other, and are vertically self supporting, whereby when the dryer is moved adjacent the wall, a person can readily telescopically interconnect the ends of the ducts over the top of the dryer. One or more pieces of the duct may be used to span the distance between the dryer and the wall outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: Builder's Pride, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles B. Anderson, Charles R. Kenrick
  • Patent number: 5111739
    Abstract: A duct to carry air has openings along it and a flexible sheet extending longitudinally within it. The end of the sheet adjacent the point of air intake can be brought against one side of the duct or the other, either to allow air to be blown through the duct along the side thereof in which the holes are located or to force the air to go through the duct along the other side, thereby not being able to emerge from those holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Inventor: James F. Hall
  • Patent number: 5104194
    Abstract: A self-propelled continuous mining machine which includes a mobile frame assembly having a material dislodging device, and a conveying system. A dust collecting system is positioned on the mobile frame assembly for inducing a flow of air through a duct system. As material is dislodged from a mine face, the dust collecting system draws airborne dust created by the dislodging device through the duct system and into the collecting system mounted on the mobile frame assembly. The duct system has two sets of vertical walls each connected to and spaced by a horizontal wall with one set of vertical walls fitting channel-like into the other set of vertical walls. The duct assembly has a gasket, seal or other means of preventing airborne dust from escaping through the two sets of vertical walls. The duct assembly is expandable to increase the capacity of the duct system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Tamrock World Corporation, N.V.
    Inventors: Maurice K. LeBegue, Clarence H. Woodford, II, Leonard M. Sanders, John A. Baird
  • Patent number: 5095942
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system of adjustable preformed ductwork for the conveyance of a fluid. The system uses a distribution box which includes an upper portion having a plurality of walls and a bottom plate. The distribution box may act either as a diffuser boot or as a splitter box. The distribution box is joined to interconnecting duct lines by adaptor conduits. The adaptor conduits are duct line which are adapted at one end for connection to an opening in a wall and are adapted at the other end for connection to adjoining duct line. A valve having a housing, a first cone and a second cone is also included in the system either in a duct line or in an adaptor conduit. The first and the second cone have matching apertures. The second cone is rotatable within the first cone such that the matching apertures may be selectively aligned or misaligned to adjust the flow of the fluid through the ductwork system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Inventor: Gerard C. Murphy
  • Patent number: 5094273
    Abstract: Ventilation ducting having a substantially oval and/or elliptical cross-section includes an intermediate section, and an end section at opposite ends of the intermediate section. Both the intermediate and the end sections include a pair of adjacent ducts. The ducts in the intermediate section are separated along their length by a common wall. The common wall may be perforated sheet, mesh or net material. The ducts at each end section are separate tubular members. An engaging device is provided at the intermediate section for suspending the ducting above the ground. A coupling device is provided at each end of the intermediate section for joining together adjacent lengths of the ventilation ducting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: Acme Group Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Anthony C. Eagleton