Abstract: An air permeable grate or screen for selectively precluding passage of items, such as birds and rodents, through a duct is disclosed. The screen has a pivot mount on one end for pivotally mounting the screen to the exit of a hood opening to allow easy access into the hood for cleaning the hood and screen as desired. A retaining device for retaining the screen in a closed position is provided on the hood. The screen may be provided with aerodynamically designed bars for preventing lint build up. The invention further includes a method for using the vent screen within the hood.

Abstract: A system for defogging/defrosting an automobile side window, which extends upwardly from an interior panel, in which a window strip extends along an upper edge of the interior panel between the panel and the window. The window strip includes a length of hollow tubing having a flange integrally extending upwardly adjacent to the interior window surface, a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings along an upper surface of the tubing on a side of the flange remote from the window, a fitting at one end of the tubing for connection to a vehicle HVAC system and a cap at the opposing end of the tubing. In the preferred embodiment, the flange tapers narrowingly to an edge in abutment with the window. Air from a vehicle HVAC system fed into the tubing is directed through the openings upwardly along the interior surface of the window for defogging/defrosting the window. The flange in engagement with the window interior surface prevents moisture from flowing downwardly past the window strip.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning apparatus that includes a control device and a flap controlled by the control device. The control device includes a control member and a kinematic control linkage of the direct-coupling type arranged between the control member and the flap. The kinematic linkage includes a cable fixed close to its ends and at least one elastic element arranged in such a way as to confer deformability by flexing the kinematic linkage when the flap is at an end stop position. The provided flexibility makes it possible to dispense with the setting-up of the control device and reduces the spring effect in the kinematic linkage.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for heating water. In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to a portable apparatus for heating water that may also be self-contained such that connection to additional sources of fuel or electrical power are not required. Certain embodiments of the present invention may be used to provide heated water for showers, cleaning, food preparation, and the like.

Abstract: A side visor with a ventilation function for a car, comprising: a side visor body (10) having an upper portion attached to a car body (1) and having a lower portion incurved toward a window glass (6) and provided with an airflow hole (12), when the side visor body (10) is seen in cross-sectional view; a filter casing (15) including a filter (21) and having airflow holes (15a, 15b), the filter casing (15) being attached to the lower portion and moored to the side visor body (10) through a strap (16); and a rubber packing (22) extending on a side of the filter casing (15) facing the window glass (6) so that the rubber packing (22) abuts against the window glass (6); whereby when the window glass (6) is moved down, ventilation between inside and outside of the car is ensured through the first and second airflow holes (12, 15a, 15b) and the filter (21), while dust, insects, etc. outside the car are prevented from intruding into the car.

Abstract: A plumbing assembly maintains temperature equilibrium of a hydronic heating system irrespective of the type of heat source used. The assembly facilitates all control methods characteristic of such heating systems through use of a heat loop, a pair of heat traps, a balancing valve and a controller. The plumbing assembly includes a zone supply conduit and a zone return conduit. The heat loop includes a first conduit with a supply end and a return end. A bypass valve is coupled between the supply end and the return end for controlling the flow of fluid through the heat loop. Two heat traps are provided, which comprise a first looped conduit connected to the first conduit upstream from the bypass valve, and a second looped conduit connected to the first conduit downstream from the bypass valve. An injection pump connected downstream from the first looped conduit draws fluid from the heat source injecting it into the system via the supply conduit.

Abstract: A ventilation baffle for use in building roofs includes a rectangular sheet dived by a plurality of fold lines into a rectangular central portion and a pair of side edge portions on opposite sides of the central portion. The edge portions are further divided into a pair of flange portions and a pair of spacer portions. The edge portions are bendable upward to form upstanding sides, the first pair of flange portions being bendable outwardly to form tabs which are attachable to the roof sheeting, said spacer portions separating the central portion of the sheet from the tabs and defining an air-flow passageway between the central portion and the roof sheeting. The sheet also has an end portion which can be bent downwardly to define an outer end wall between adjacent roof rafters which can be further positioned to contact the top plate of the roof for attachment.

Abstract: A water heating apparatus having structure for recovering sensible and latent heat from flue gases generated in a heater thereof and transferring the heat to water to be heated. The apparatus has a closed circuit for liquid, such as water, in which are positioned two heat exchangers. One of the heat exchangers is positioned in the heater of the apparatus for transferring heat from a burner of the heater to liquid in the closed circuit. The other heat exchanger is positioned in a water pass-through system to heat the water therein. The apparatus has an air pass-through system for carrying flue gases from the heater out an exhaust pipe. The flue gases travel through a third heat exchanger positioned in the water pass-through system whereby sensible and latent heat from the flue gases are transferred to water in the water pass-through system, further heating the water therein.

Abstract: A modular manifold is adapted for use with hydronic circulation systems including a plurality of first and second thermal exchange zones having respective zone supply and zone return lines. The modular manifold includes a plurality of modules, each of which includes a selectively actuatable fluid control mechanism having an inlet and an outlet. The outlet of each selectively actuatable fluid control mechanism is in fluid communication with a respective zone supply line of the zone of the hydronic circulation system. Each module further includes a common return conduit section secured to the selectively actuatable fluid control mechanism. A common supply conduit section is secured to the selectively actuatable fluid control mechanism of each module. The common supply conduit section is in fluid communication with the inlet of the selectively actuatable fluid control mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention is an economizer that is capable of mixing outside air and inside air while incurring a significantly low pressure drop across the return air damper. In one embodiment, the economizer comprises a mixing chamber, a return air vent, and an outside air vent. The economizer further comprises a plurality of curved return air dampers moveable from an open position to a closed position to control the flow of return air to the mixing chamber. The economizer further comprises a plurality of straight dampers moveable from an open position to a closed position to control the flow of outside air to the mixing chamber. During operation of the economizer, a significantly lower pressure drop exists across the curved return air dampers than in conventional economizers thereby reducing the amount of energy needed to operate fans to maintain the desired air flow.

Abstract: An improved roof ridge ventilation system utilizing a mat of randomly-aligned natural fibers which formed into a web by air-laying on a polyester mesh and bonded with a heat-cured latex bonding agent. The natural fiber mat provides improved airflow while excluding water, dust and pests such as insects and rodents and is more economical that competing materials. The mat is conveniently manufactured in rolls for ease of transport and installation.

Abstract: The present invention of an automobile air-conditioning outlet deflection device comprising a main body which is in ring shape, a plurality of crossing rods are disposed within said main body, the intersection point of said crossing rods is connected to a set of deflection blades, said set of deflection blades having a plurality of blades disposed within a ring part, a set of spinning blades located at the other side of said main body, said set of spinning blades spins when air-conditioning blow on it, thus move said set of deflection blades to spin also, a set of gears is disposed on an axial rod of said set of spinning blades, said set of gears is connected to an axial rod of said deflection blades, few blades of said set of spinning blades are relatively shorter than the rest, a speed-slowing blade is connected to each of said short spinning blade, said axial rod of said set of spinning blades is connected to a cover body, said cover body having a circumference side and a plurality of crossing rods, accord

Abstract: A plug or plenum fan is located near two walls of the plenum such that they tend to act as the scroll for the fan. Additionally, a partition separates the fan from an adjacent corner further enhancing the formation of a scroll while providing a flow passage and a location for at least a part of the active noise control structure.

Abstract: A compact vehicle heating system and method is provided which includes mechanisms to selectively shut down heating systems. For example, when domestic hot water is required, space heating and engine preheating systems can be shut down in order to provide priority heating to the domestic hot water. When the demand for domestic hot water is lower, the space heating and engine preheat systems can be reactivated.

Abstract: A fluid extraction apparatus comprises a passage 20 for the pumped flow therealong of a first fluid, for example air. A fluid flow area control device in the form of an apertured plug 22 is present in the passage. An inlet 26 to the passage 20 is provided at or downstream of the downstream side of the plug 22. When, in use, the first fluid is pumped along the passage through the aperture 23 of the plug 22 the fluid pressure at the inlet 26 is reduced causing a second fluid to be drawn into the passage 20 via the inlet 26 to flow with the first fluid towards the downstream end of the passage 20. The downstream end of the passage may be provided with a filter 6 in the form of a tank 8 containing an oil dissolving agent 10. The apparatus has a particular application to a cooker hood assembly for extracting a gas from a cooker hood 2, without having to pass the gas through a pump 4, and then treating the extracted gas to remove pollutants such as water, oil droplets and smoke therefrom.

Abstract: In a hydronic heating system including a heating element that is a length of tubing that conducts water and is against a radiating metal plate, all mounted in a floor, wall or ceiling, the element being held by two spaced apart providing an elongated space for holding the tubing adjacent the plate, the metal plate is in two separate pieces that are attached to an edges of the spaced apart boards and combine when they abut each other at installation to provide a metal groove into which the tubing is inserted and held snugly with a substantial part of the tubing in direct intimate thermal contact with the metal.

Abstract: A humidifier for installation in gas fired fireplaces of the type having an air intake opening and an air outlet opening and an airflow passage there between, in which air is warmed by a fireplace firebox, and exhausted into a room to be heated. The humidifier includes a water supply for supplying water to a water control valve. The water valve communicates with a humidifier pan for filling said pan with water and selectively controlling the water depth in said pan. The pan stores water and is mounted in close proximately to said warmed air such that water in said pan evaporates thereby humidifying the warmed air being exhausted.

Abstract: A ventilation assembly for ventilating an attic of a building through an opening in the roof or wall of the building. The ventilation assembly includes a vent structure having a mounting portion securing the vent structure to the building over the opening. The vent structure further includes a vent portion having a series of walls defining a series of unimpeded fluid passageways for providing unobstructed fluid flow through the vent portion over the opening. The ventilation assembly includes a partially porous membrane mounted to the roof or wall over the opening and spaced from the fluid passageway to maintain the unobstructed fluid flow through the fluid passageway. The membrane also creates a barrier for preventing the intrusion of particles, debris, insects and the like into the opening while allowing the ventilating to occur.

Abstract: A mobile heating system for providing hot liquids is provided. The system includes a trailer mounted liquid boiler, an exit manifold for distribution through hoses, a return system communicating with a return manifold in communication with a reservoir for storing heated liquid and a bypass valved shunt such that by providing incremental heat through the liquid boiler back to the reservoir via the bypass valved shunt and then back to the boiler through the exit manifold and back to the reservoir by means of the return manifold, sufficient energy is maintained to allow atmospheric 205+ degree liquid to be circulated within the system. In one aspect of the system, by means of contact with the hot hoses, a substance is used for thawing ground, heat, melting snow and ice, curing cement, and the like. In another aspect, the liquid is water used to provide for example, hygienic liquid or hot water for field showers.

Abstract: Method to operate a combustion device in a house or similar building, with fossil fuel furnaces, such as wood or oil furnaces. Outdoor air is supplied to a heat exchanger that is connected to the smoke tube of the furnace, in such an amount that an interior excess pressure is created, as excess air is led out of the interior of the building through one or more exhaust openings, especially exhaust devices, which are located at low places in the building at its outer side. This offers better combustion efficiency, better energy-utilization and a more uniform temperature in the building. A device for operating the method, comprises a fan (23) which takes in air from an inlet (19) near the outer walls of the building, through a tube (24) leading to the furnace, with a heat exchanger (33, 34) enclosing some of the smoke tube (18) of the furnace (17). The fan (23) is dimensioned and operated to create an overpressure in the building.