Abstract: A system for maintaining a desired air flow through a fume hood having a sash. The system comprises a mechanism for controlling air flow through the fume hood based on at least one gain. The system is also comprised of a mechanism for automatically tuning the gain connected to the controlling mechanism. Additionally, the system is comprised of a mechanism for manually inputting information to the tuning mechanism so the tuning mechanism automatically provides a desired gain to the controlling mechanism based on information received from the input mechanism. Additionally, the present invention pertains to a qualitative tuning system for a processor. The present invention also pertains to a method for controlling air flow through a fume hood with a sash. The method comprises the steps of providing information concerning flow of air through the fume hood to a processor. Then, there is the step of manually inputting information concerning gain into a qualitative tuning system connected to the processor.

Abstract: A system for controlling laboratories having fume hoods comprising a network along which information is carried. The system is also comprised of a controller in contact with the network for receiving information from and providing information to the network. Additionally, the system is comprised of means for sensing a laboratory's state. The sensing means is disposed in each laboratory. There is additionally a microprocessor disposed in each laboratory for receiving information concerning the laboratory from the respective sensing means and the controller in order to maintain the laboratory in a predetermined state, and to provide information about the laboratory to the controller.