Abstract: A system for detecting the presence of smoke within a building and providing means to remove the smoke, into the airspace above the ceiling thereby preventing or at least alleviating smoke inhalation, property damage, and allowing more time for the safe evacuation from the premises. The system is comprised of a conventional smoke detector which activates control means for raising and lowering a generally planar panel which is installed in a ceiling. Smoke is removed from the airspace below the ceiling to the airspace above the ceiling. An optional fan, remote fan relay, exhaust vent and back draft damper further aid in the exhausting of the smoke from the building. A fusible link in the control means protects the ceiling fire rating.

Abstract: An air control device, having a panel which opens and closes in response to changes in environmental conditions in a building, preferably is sized to replace a ceiling tile in a conventional drop ceiling. The air control device may be responsive, for example, to a change in temperature of the air space above a conventional drop ceiling, raising the panel when the temperature drops to near freezing, allowing air from below the drop ceiling to commingle with air above the drop ceiling. A support in rolling contact with the underside of the panel maintains the panel open, the support including a fusible fire link which fails or fractures in the event of a fire, thus allowing the panel to fall, insuring that the fire rating of the ceiling is not compromised.