Abstract: A leafless joint apparatus that couples a housing structure to a hatch structure such as a cover or door. Similar to previous hinge apparatuses, the leafless joint apparatus can include a knuckle and a pintel or pin to facilitate pivot operations (e.g., the cover pivoting open). However, the leafless joint apparatus does not rely on leafs that attach by means of fasteners (e.g., screws or the like) and therefore can facilitate sliding operations (e.g., the cover can slide open). Thus, the leafless joint apparatus can facilitate access to an interior of the housing structure by way repositioning the hatch structure via a pivot or hinging operation or via a sliding operation that can partially or fully expose the interior of the housing structure and even, if desired, slide entirely off, decoupling from the housing structure.

Abstract: The LFFC technology allows for accurate measurement and metering of fluids in a HVAC system-based on parameters such as pressure, velocity, volume, particles, and temperature. A procedure in a processor allows for the calibration of the aperture devices thru various methods in real time based on the actual system performance. The fluid aperture device calibration curves can be developed in a lab environment, on calibrated flow stands and/or field calibration methods using adaptive learning software based on sensor data. The procedure can rely on calibration curves, characterizations, equations, predictive analysis, machine learning, artificial intelligence, simulation software, calibrated flow stands, duplicating environmental conditions, various sensor data and programming software executed by a processor or system software. Upstream and downstream reference points for temperature, flow, particles, and pressure can be used as additional data to auto calibrate/commission the system thru the software.

Abstract: An all-inclusive fluid flow device that can variably magnify differential pressure, measure, and control a flow of a fluid is described. Various procedures, including measuring, controlling, balancing, or calibration procedures can leverage a variably magnified differential pressure measurement. Differential pressure measurements can be measured across the fluid flow device such that a first pressure measurement is taken upstream of the fluid flow device while a second pressure measurement is taken downstream of the fluid flow device. Moreover, one or more of the various pressure measurements, and in particular the downstream pressure measurement, can be performed at stagnation zone where the flow has stagnated. Such can provide significant magnification and/or turndown capabilities and the magnification can vary based on a damper position and/or apertures dimensions.

Abstract: A fluid flow device that can measure and control a flow of a fluid is described. Various procedures, including measuring, controlling, balancing, or calibration procedures can leverage differential pressure measurement. These differential pressure measurements can be measured across the fluid flow device such that a first pressure measurement is taken upstream of the fluid flow device while a second pressure measurement is taken downstream of the fluid flow device. Moreover, one or more of the various pressure measurements, and in particular the downstream pressure measurement, can be performed at stagnation zone where the flow has stagnated. Such can provide significant amplification and/or turndown capabilities.

Abstract: A leafless joint apparatus that couples an enclosure housing to an enclosure cover or door. Similar to previous hinge apparatuses, the leafless joint apparatus can include a knuckle and a pintel or pin to facilitate pivot operations (e.g., the cover pivoting open). However, the leafless joint apparatus does not rely on leafs that attach by means of fasteners (e.g., screws or the like) and therefore can facilitate sliding operations (e.g., the cover can slide open). Thus, the leafless joint apparatus can facilitate access to an interior of the enclosure by way repositioning the cover of the enclosure via a pivot or hinging operation or via a sliding operation that can partially or fully expose the interior of the enclosure and even, if desired, slide entirely off, decoupling from the enclosure housing.

Abstract: Architectures and techniques are presented that can facilitate improved design and function of certain air handler devices. Architectures directed to an improved air handler device can be designed to improve temperature control demands such as, e.g., concurrently heat and cool air and reducing device dimensions (e.g., size, weight) that can reduce costs and mitigate shipping and installation difficulties. Architectures directed to U-bend structures can further reduce footprint on leasable space and provide improved acoustics, service access, and reduced energy consumption and infrastructure costs.

Abstract: A method/structure for calibrating a product fluid flow device having one or more apertures with aggregate area Ao, where fluid flows along a fluid flow path therethrough in response to pressure differentials ?P across the apertures. Calibration is effected relative to a calibration fluid flow device having a geometry and operational parameters corresponding to those of the product fluid flow device. A piecewise curved calibration controller establishes calibration conditions and generates a discrete point calibration flow rate (dpCFR) Function by measuring at a sparse set of points in a range of interest and determining a piecewise curved mathematical representation of fluid flow through the calibration fluid flow device. Data representative of the CFR function is transferred to a product blade controller, which processes the mathematical representation, and controls fluid flow through product fluid flow device based on values extracted from the received dpCFR Function.

Abstract: An intelligent self-balancing downstream device (e.g., air fixture or diffuser) that can obtain accurate flow measurements that can be used to perform the self-balancing in situ and during operation to satisfy a set point. The downstream device may be controllable by a single software system or network accessible locally on site or remotely off site. The downstream device can operate in a single zone or be coupled with multiple like apparatuses for multi-zone operation. It is a high turndown ratio and self-balances, which can allow for continuous commissioning with built-in fault diagnostic systems and that may be used as a supply, return, or exhaust system, or a combination thereof. The downstream device can include multi-stage airflow control systems that operate progressively based on unique actuation mechanisms and/or algorithms that allow for precise flow control and feedback to self-balance and commission the system.

Abstract: An intelligent self-balancing downstream device that can obtain accurate flow measurements (e.g., flow of a liquid or gas through a tube) that can perform the self-balancing in situ and during operation to satisfy a set point and without k factors or the use of TAB balancers. The downstream device may be controllable by a single software system or network. The downstream device can operate in a single zone or be coupled with multiple like apparatuses. It has a high turndown ratio and self-balances, which can allow for continuous commissioning with built-in fault diagnostic systems. A fluid metering device can include control systems that operate progressively based on unique actuation mechanisms and/or algorithms that allow for precise flow control and feedback to self-balance and commission the system.

Abstract: A fluid distribution apparatus that can serve as a fluid metering device that is operable on a single platform by building automation systems. The building automation system may be controllable by a single software system or network accessible locally on site or remotely off site. The fluid distribution apparatus can operate independently or coupled with multiple like apparatuses for system operation. It is a high turndown, self-balancing system which allows for continuous commissioning with built-in fault diagnostic systems and that may be used as a supply system, exhaust system, or a combination thereof. The fluid distribution apparatus includes fluid metering devices that operate progressively based on unique actuation mechanisms and/or algorithms that allow for precise flow control and feedback to self-balance and commission the system.

Abstract: Architectures and techniques are presented that can facilitate improved design and function of certain air handler devices. Architectures directed to an improved air handler device can be designed to improve temperature control demands such as, e.g., concurrently heat and cool air and reducing device dimensions (e.g., size, weight) that can reduce costs and mitigate shipping and installation difficulties.

Abstract: A leafless joint apparatus that couples an enclosure housing to an enclosure cover or door. Similar to previous hinge apparatuses, the leafless joint apparatus can include a knuckle and a pintel or pin to facilitate pivot operations (e.g., the cover pivoting open). However, the leafless joint apparatus does not rely on leafs that attach by means of fasteners (e.g., screws or the like) and therefore can facilitate sliding operations (e.g., the cover can slide open). Thus, the leafless joint apparatus can facilitate access to an interior of the enclosure by way repositioning the cover of the enclosure via a pivot or hinging operation or via a sliding operation that can partially or fully expose the interior of the enclosure and even, if desired, slide entirely off, decoupling from the enclosure housing.

Abstract: Architectures and techniques are presented that can facilitate improved design and function of certain heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) devices. Architectures directed to an improved evase device can be designed with rounded corners that can facilitate, e.g., mitigation of reverse flow that traditionally grows back from corners of a transition from an axial fan to a rectangular duct. Architectures directed to an improved intake device can be designed to limit intake from certain flow directions and to smoothly change flow direction, which can facilitate, e.g., reduction in noise. Architectures directed to an improved fan intake device can be designed to reduce noise without significantly reducing total pressure. Architectures directed to an improved air handler device can be designed to concurrently heat and cool air and to reduce dimensions (e.g., size, weight) that can reduce costs and mitigate shipping and installation difficulties.

Abstract: A self-balancing system that can obtain accurate flow measurements that can be used to perform the self-balancing in situ and during operation to satisfy a set point and without k factors or the use of TAB balancers. The building automation system may be controllable by a single software system or network accessible locally on site or remotely off site. The air distribution apparatus can operate in a single zone or coupled with multiple like apparatuses for multi-zone operation. It is a high turndown, self-balancing system which allows for continuous commissioning with built-in fault diagnostic systems and that may be used as a supply, return, or exhaust system, or a combination thereof. The air distribution apparatus can include multi-stage airflow control systems that operate progressively based on unique actuation mechanisms and/or algorithms that allow for precise flow control and feedback to self-balance and commission the system.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a product fluid flow valve disposed along a flow path in a site duct, and including damper blades, an actuator coupled thereto, a differential pressure sensor, and a blade controller adapted to define adjustable product flow apertures, comprising the steps: with a calibration fluid flow valve in a calibration duct remote from the product fluid flow valve, and characterized by a geometric shape and operational parameters corresponding to those of the product fluid flow valve, and with a calibration controller, establishing a plurality of calibration conditions including pressure drop across the calibration blades and area of the calibration apertures, determining a calibration flow rate (CFM) function, transferring the CFM function to the product blade controller and adjusting the adjustable product flow apertures so that a parameter set point is attained. In a form, fluid flowing through the product flow apertures forms a vena contracta.

Abstract: A variable aperture orifice plate assembly for controlling and/or measuring fluid flow therethrough, from an upstream end to a downstream end. The orifice plate assembly includes a damper assembly having an array of adjustable cross-section apertures having an aggregate aperture area, upstream and downstream pressure sensors on opposite sides of the damper assembly, an actuator assembly for adjustably controlling the aggregate area of the apertures, and a processor configured for feedback operation in a closed-loop, to effect operation as an orifice plate. The processor is responsive to differential pressure across the damper assembly, and the aggregate area of the respective apertures normal to the flow paths of fluid flowing therethrough, to control the differential pressure and/or the aggregate area in a closed-loop manner so that fluid flowing between the array of apertures and the downstream end, is characterized by a corresponding array of vena contractae.

Abstract: An air distribution apparatus that serves as a single sensing device for both lighting, LiFi, and HVAC functions that are operable on a single platform by building automation systems. The building automation system may be controllable by a single software system or network accessible locally on site or remotely off site. The air distribution apparatus can operate in a single zone or coupled with multiple like apparatuses for multi-zone operation. It is a high turndown, self-balancing system which allows for continuous commissioning with built-in fault diagnostic systems and that may be used as a supply, return, or exhaust system, or a combination thereof. The air distribution apparatus includes multi-stage airflow control systems that operate progressively based on unique actuation mechanisms and/or algorithms that allow for precise flow control and feedback to self-balance and commission the system.

Abstract: An air distribution apparatus that serves as a single sensing device for both lighting, LiFi, and HVAC functions that are operable on a single platform by building automation systems. The building automation system may be controllable by a single software system or network accessible locally on site or remotely off site. The air distribution apparatus can operate in a single zone or coupled with multiple like apparatuses for multi-zone operation. It is a high turndown, self-balancing system which allows for continuous commissioning with built-in fault diagnostic systems and that may be used as a supply, return, or exhaust system, or a combination thereof. The air distribution apparatus includes multi-stage airflow control systems that operate progressively based on unique actuation mechanisms and/or algorithms that allow for precise flow control and feedback to self-balance and commission the system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring and controlling fluid flow comprises an orifice plate defining a variable opening, wherein the orifice plate includes an outer assembly comprising a central opening and an inner assembly extending through the central opening. Another embodiment comprises a plurality of blades disposed parallel to each other, wherein the blades are pivotable along its longitudinal axis and include at least one low-flow blade or partial blade and a plurality of high-flow blades The flow device regulates high and very low volumes of fluid with precision, inexpensively, with superior acoustics, reduced energy, a simpler design, and prevents building infiltration. The high turndown device permits use at lower velocities, thereby reducing noise generation and eliminating need for sound-attenuating liners. The high rangeability device combines several part numbers into fewer parts, thereby streamlining product portfolios.

Abstract: An air distribution apparatus that serves as a single sensing device for both lighting, LiFi, and HVAC functions that are operable on a single platform by building automation systems. The building automation system may be controllable by a single software system or network accessible locally on site or remotely off site. The air distribution apparatus can operate in a single zone or coupled with multiple like apparatuses for multi-zone operation. It is a high turndown, self-balancing system which allows for continuous commissioning with built-in fault diagnostic systems and that may be used as a supply, return, or exhaust system, or a combination thereof.