Abstract: A method is disclosed for measuring the atmosphere within an enclosure. A sensor well is provided comprising a drilling head and a drill point such that the sensor well may be directly inserted into the enclosure using a drill. A sensor may be provided in the sensor well before or after the sensor well is inserted into the enclosure. Once the sensor well is inserted into the enclosure using the drill, and a sensor is provided within the bore of the sensor well, the sensor may be connected to a measuring device such that the atmosphere within the enclosure may be measured.

Abstract: A sensor well mechanism is disclosed for that may be directed inserted into an enclosure where a measurement of the atmosphere within the enclosure is desired. The sensor well is provided with a drilling head and a drill point allowing the sensor well to be directly inserted into an enclosure using a tool. The sensor well is provided with a bore and slots such that a sensor may be provided within the bore of the sensor well and may be exposed to the atmosphere of an enclosure after the sensor well is inserted into the enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an application which is used to program building systems such as fire safety systems. It is an object of the invention to provide a method for creating one or more configuration files for the control panel of a fire safety system to allow the control panel to more efficiently control the fire safety system. The present provides a method for creating one or more system configurations. The configuration file may be comprised of one or more user created views.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for securing wiring to a device housing. The device housing is provided with a base capable of securing different types of wiring. A reversible clamp strap is provided that may be used to further provide for the securing of different types of conductors into the device housing.

Abstract: A fire detection system comprising a control panel comprised of one or more controllers for controlling a plurality of devices. A pair of lines are operably connected to the control panel and the devices for communicating signals between said control panel and said devices. A circuit for providing a polarity sensing power and signal interface is provided between the control panel and devices to reduce to reduce system maintenance. The circuit includes a rectifier circuit operably connected the pair of lines wherein the rectifier circuit is comprised of at least two transistors for providing the circuit with a low-impedance path to ground and providing the circuit with a polarity insensitive output. Capacitors may be operably connected to the transistors in the rectifier circuit to keep the transistors turned on when a low voltage is applied to the rectifier circuit.

Abstract: A device driver for a network device controller for selectively controlling an end device in a control network includes a first selector for selecting a plurality of first output signals from a plurality of first input signals, a second selector for selecting at least one second output signal from the first output signals, and a third selector for selecting an operating mode of the end device from a plurality of predefined operating modes based on the second output signal.

Abstract: A device driver for a network device controller for selectively controlling an end device in a control network includes a first selector for selecting a plurality of first output signals from a plurality of first input signals, a second selector for selecting at least one second output signal from the first output signals, and a third selector for selecting an operating mode of the end device from a plurality of predefined operating modes based on the second output signal.

Abstract: A fume hood control apparatus for controlling the flow of air through the fume hood in a manner whereby the effective size of the total opening to the fume hood, including the portion of the opening that is not covered by one or more sash doors will have a relatively constant average face velocity of air moving into the fume hood. The apparatus includes a simple and reliable sash door sensing means for sensing the position of the moveable sash door by using a rotary position sensor with a lever arm mechanism which translates horizontal or vertical movement to rotary movement for determining the position of the sash door. The apparatus compensates for nonlinearity that result from the translation.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling at least one variable output parameter in response to a variable predetermined input parameter in a process system, such as a digital thermostat. The apparatus provides adaptive control of the output variable by utilizing a controller means that includes an adaptive controller means, an identifier means and a tuner means. The identifier means defines a model having parameters which represent the operational characteristics of the process system, and the identifier means monitors the operation of the adaptive controller means and selectively changes the parameters of said model to improve the operation of the adaptive controller means. The tuner means receives the model parameters from the identifier means and calculating robust and reliable values of said predetermined gain factors and applying the same to the adaptive controller means for use thereby.

Abstract: A factory made building such as a mobile home (10) utilizing a connector (32, 60) attached to each of a plurality of outrigger beams (18) for stabilizing the mobile home (10) against strong winds. The mobile home (10) includes a structural support beam such as an I-beam (16) and a plurality of outrigger beams (18). An outrigger connector (32, 60) with an L-shaped portion (34) including a slot (46) and a protruding portion (56) extending outward from the L-shaped portion (34) at a substantially perpendicular angle is attached to each outrigger beam (18) at the protruding portion (56). A hurricane strap (48) is attached to the slot (46) and to a ground anchor (88) to secure the mobile home (10).

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the volume of air that is supplied and exhausted from a electronic semiconductor manufacturing wet bench is disclosed. The volume of air that is exhausted from the wet bench is increased during predetermined portions of the manufacturing process and is reduced during noncritical times as a function of predetermined conditions that may be detected or otherwise determined during the manufacturing process.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for determining setpoint information in a HVAC system. Setpoint values are determined using occupant feedback provided by individual occupants over at least one of an Internet or Intranet communications network. According to a first aspect of the invention a setpoint is determined using fuzzy logic. According to a second aspect, historical setpoint data determined using occupant feedback is used to develop a neural network for predicting setpoint values.

Abstract: An insulated framing system for providing improved thermal insulation in a building such as a home includes structural supports such as dimensional lumber studs or metal studs having a rigid insulator attached along at least one edge thereof. The resulting composite member provides a thermal break between the structural support and the sheathing, wallboard, or other structure supported thereby. Further, the addition of the insulator deepens wall cavities, permitting installation of more insulation material. One or more wings extending from the insulator into the cavities facilitates installation and retention of insulation material in the cavities prior to installation of sheet good finish materials such as gypsum wallboard.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in installing a through-the-wall sensing device in a laboratory fume hood. The apparatus includes a sample tube with an outlet and a plurality of apertures and the tube is interconnected to an anemometer. The method includes placing the outlet in a number of positions inside of a fume hood to simulate a sidewall adapter for a through-the-wall sensing device in order to locate an optimum position for a through-the-wall sensing device. The method also includes fixing the sample tube in a number of positions within the fume hood while variably covering some of the apertures to simulate numerous locations and configurations for an averaging tube used with a through-the-wall sensing device. Therefore, an optimum location and configuration for an averaging tube can be readily determined.

Abstract: An electronic thermostat having high and low voltage control capability and varied functional capabilities. The thermostat is particularly suited for use with fan coil heating and cooling units.

Abstract: An electromechanical actuator is adapted to be connected to an external device for displacing the external device to a predetermined position and maintaining the external device at that position. The actuator includes a housing which holds a drive motor for driving the external device to the predetermined position when the motor is energized and a brake mechanism for maintaining the external device at the predetermined position when the brake mechanism is activated. A switching device generates switching signals for energizing the motor to drive the external device to the predetermined position and for de-energizing the motor and activating the brake mechanism when a predetermined time has passed from a moment the drive motor is energized, to maintain the external device at the predetermined position.

Abstract: A computer based equipment scheduling system uses activity definition data to schedule equipment. The method may be carried out by a networked computer system that receives activity definition data representing an activity, such as a volleyball game or board meeting, that occurs in a building. This data is stored in a database for use by multiple nodes. The activity definition data may include text or graphical data indicating an activity name, data representing a list of zones that the activity will affect and data representing the mode of possible operation of each building zone affected by the activity. The method also includes assigning zone mode data to the activity data for use in controlling building resources and then automatically controlling the building resources to attain a zone mode of operation assigned to the activity definition data.

Abstract: A fume hood exhaust terminal for controlling gas flow in an exhaust duct has an electrically powered ultrasonic motor driven actuator for angularly positioning a damper in the terminal. The circuitry of the terminal includes a power failure detection circuit which includes the capability of storing sufficient power to place the damper in a preferred position until power is restored to the exhaust terminal.

Abstract: A controller for heating, ventilating and air-conditioning distribution systems, which includes a feedforward and feedback control strategies. The controller has a feedforward control strategy that generates a control signal based on control set points and identified characteristics of the system, and which adaptively adjusts such set points based on changes that are measured with respect to the identified characteristics. The controller is particularly adapted for controlling the differential air pressure in a controlled space relative to adjacent spaces.

Abstract: An electromechanical actuator maintains an external device to which the actuator is connected at an operating position when power is applied to the actuator, and allows the external device to return to a default position when the power is removed. Included in the actuator is a housing and an output coupling rotatably mounted thereon. The output coupling is configured to be connected to the external device and displaces the external device between the operating position and the default position. A driving device is mounted in the housing for providing a torque to the output coupling to displace the external device between the default position and the operating position when the driving device is energized. Also provided is a torque transmitting device for transmitting and changing the torque from the driving device to the output coupling. The torque transmitting device is cooperatively engaged to and is located between the driving device and the output coupling.