Abstract: An outer frame (71) is formed by orderly connecting four connecting blocks (74) arranged at predetermined intervals with four beam members (75). The connecting block (74) is made of heat insulating synthetic resin as well as the beam member (75). A lower cover (73) is fitted in a lower surface of the outer frame (71) and an upper cover (72) is fitted in an upper surface of the outer frame (71). Foamable synthetic resin is charged into a panel space (P) enclosed by the outer frame (71) and both the covers (72), (73) from a filling port (84).

Abstract: An actuator and associated linkage assembly combined to multiply the force applied by the actuator in moving a flow control disk of a centrifugal fan against the air pressure generated by the fan. The actuator includes an internal spring mechanism for closing the disk against the fan air pressure. For some applications the closing force provided by the return spring may be supplemented with an auxiliary spring mechanism that is mounted for providing maximum assistance in closing the control disk, yet not prohibiting the actuator from reopening the disk.

Abstract: A grate of rigid intersecting strips is positioned across the inlet cone of a fan for diffusing the vortex of inlet air to the fan and to induce a uniform velocity gradient at the fan blades. This conditioning of the inlet air reduces turbulence during operation of the fan and, therefore, noise and vibration.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for buildings includes a plurality of air conditioners on the different floors, a cooling gravity type heat pipe connecting vaporizers in the air conditioners with a cold thermal source installed at the top of the building and a warming gravity type heat pipe connecting a condenser of the air conditioners with a hot thermal source installed in the basement of the building. The heat pipes are, respectively, provided with flow control valves at the inlet of each vaporizer and the outlet of each condenser. Each air conditioner is provided with a thermistor for detecting the temperature of the returning air and a liquid level detection switch for detecting the liquid level of the thermal medium in the vaporizer. The flow control valves are respectively controlled based on the detection signals issued by the thermistor and the liquid level detection switch.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for a building according to the present invention essentially has a first thermal storage tank as a cold thermal source which is installed at a high place in the building, a second thermal storage tank as a hot thermal source which is installed at a low place in the building, air conditioners which are installed at various levels between the first thermal storage tank and the second thermal storage tank, and heat pipes of a gravity type with which the air conditioners are connected to the first thermal storage tank and the second thermal storage tank. This system dispenses with passages for water, typically used as a thermal medium, at the places where air conditioners are installed. The system makes it possible to lower the capacities of the air conditioning equipment, especially the capacity of the regrigerator included in the cold thermal source equipment.

Abstract: A wind velocity sensor provided with a stationary base having a permanent magnet or a Hall element fixed thereon, an elastic plate having the other of the permanent magnet and the Hall element fixed to a portion opposite to the one of the permanent magnet and the Hall element, and an inversion amplifier having the outputs of the Hall element inputted thereto, the inversion amplifier developing a liner output with respect to wind velocity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to automatic control devices generally for the purpose, in the terminal equipment of an air-conditioning system which blows conditioned air, flowing thereinto through the duct from the central air conditioner, out into the room, of keeping the rate of flow at a certain fixed level. More specifically, the present invention relates to a new and improved type of automatic control device which is worked in a stabilized condition at as low wind pressure as possible and which is capable of blowing air out always at a certain prefixed rate of flow irrespective of fluctuations of the pressure inside the duct.