Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring and controlling fluid flow include an orifice plate defining a variable opening. The orifice plate includes an outer assembly comprising a central opening and an inner assembly extending through the central opening. The flow device regulates high and very low volumes of fluid with precision, inexpensively, with superior acoustics, reduced energy, and simpler design. The high turndown device permits use at lower velocities, thereby reducing noise generation and eliminating need for sound-attenuating liners. The high rangeability device combines several part numbers into fewer parts, thereby streamlining product portfolios. In some cases, cost benefits associated with the flow device allow equipment to be scaled back 100:1 rather than 10:1, providing energy savings, fewer product variations, simple and more robust applications. The device meets new and old building fresh air, comfort and energy codes.

Abstract: An induction assembly (100) for a high efficiency air filter includes a primary intake plenum (102), a primary throat aperture (106), a secondary intake plenum (112), a momentum transfer section (114), a static regain section (116), and a discharge opening (122). The primary intake plenum (102) directs primary air at high pressure to the primary throat aperture (106), which constricts the flow of the primary air and consequently increases the primary air velocity. The primary throat aperture (106) directs the high velocity primary air into the momentum transfer section (114), thus creating a negative pressure region by the Bernoulli principle and drawing a substantially equal quantity of the secondary air into the momentum transfer section (114). After the primary and secondary gasses mix in the momentum transfer section (114), the gas mixture continues on into the static regain section (116).

Abstract: A compact air handling system includes an inlet channel which defines an inlet flow path in a first direction along a flow axis and a discharge channel which defines a discharge flow path in a second direction, opposite to the first direction along the flow axis. Air enters the air handling system through an inlet port and is discharged via an discharge port. The inlet channel is provided with acoustical buffering to attenuate inlet noise. The discharge channel is also provided with acoustical buffering in the form of a discharge silencer to attenuate noise in the discharge channel. An acoustical inlet plenum couples the inlet channel to the discharge channel. The cross-sectional area of the discharge channel adjacent the discharge port is larger than the cross-sectional area of the discharge channel adjacent the acoustical inlet plenum.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composite branch take-off and silencer for an air distribution system wherein an air stream from an input duct may be coupled to an output duct and one or more branch ducts. The take-off and silencer includes two series-coupled sections: a static pressure regain section and a channel section adapted for coupling the input duct to the output duct and the branch ducts. The static pressure regain section outer wall and the outer path-defining wall of the associated channel section have a composite cross section characterized by a continuous curve which results in smooth changes in air flow velocity without discontinuity in either magnitude or direction thereby providing efficient conversion of velocity pressure to static pressure. These continuous curves have a direction component along their length which is increasingly directed radially from the central axis of the input duct.

Abstract: An air distribution system for a building including a mixing plenum for receiving and mixing outside and return air. An input flow concentrator and integral silencer is disposed within and coupled to the mixing plenum. The flow concentrator and integral silencer is adapted to establish a substantially axially symmetrical flow path for air from the plenum to an output port. A fan is coupled to the output port to drive the air from the output port to the main duct for distribution throughout the building.

Abstract: An air distribution system for a building including a mixing plenum for receiving and mixing outside and return air. An input flow concentrator and integral silencer is disposed within and coupled to the mixing plenum. The flow concentrator and integral silencer is adapted to establish a substantially axially symmetrical flow path for air from the plenum to an output port. A fan is coupled to the output port to drive the air from the output port to the main duct for distribution throughout the building.

Abstract: A damper assembly for an air passage. A damper assembly includes a disk element associated with a circular orifice of an air passage, and an actuator having an associated drive element. The disk is coupled to the drive element and a fixed reference point by a linkage so that as the actuator drive element is displaced from a first limit position to a second limit position, the disk moves between a sealing position and an open position. In the sealing position, the disk perimeter is flush against the perimeter of the orifice establishing an air-tight seal between the disk and the perimeter of the orifice. In an open position, the disk is displaced from the orifice perimeter and forms an angle with a plane defined by the orifice perimeter. An array of damper assemblies may be configured with a controller for selectively controlling the position of each actuator between the respective limit positions.