Abstract: A variable-air-volume (VAV) conditioning system having at least one diffuser (27a-27d) for discharging supply air (SA) into a room (22a-22d) a flow control element (53) movably mounted in the diffuser for control of the volume of supply air (SA) discharged from the diffuser (27a-27d) in response to thermal loading in the room (22a-22d). The VAV system also includes a ventilation air source (41), independent of the supply air source (23), which is fluid coupled to a ventilation air opening defining structure (59), such as a nozzle, located in the diffuser housing (15) at a position downstream of the flow control element (53).

Abstract: A variable-air-volume (VAV) conditioning system having at least one diffuser (27a-27d), a flow control element (53) movably mounted for control of the volume of supply air (SA) discharged from the diffuser (27a-27d). The VAV system also includes an air induction nozzle (50,58) mounted to induce room air (RA) flow over a room air temperature sensor (28a, 28a') which controls movement of the flow control element (53). The induction air nozzle (50,58), however, is fluid coupled to a ventilation air assembly for the discharge of ventilation air (VA) into the rooms (22a-22d). Preferably, the induction air assembly is provided by a ventilation conduit assembly (44, 46a-46d) and a ventilation air treatment and supply assembly (41) fluid coupled to a ventilation air source. The ventilation air is discharged through the air induction nozzles (58).

Abstract: The present invention provides an interlock assembly for joining adjacent building panels, said assembly comprising:(a) a pair of interlock assembly elements, each assembly element having integral therewith:(i) first complementary means for matingly engaging the assembly elements in an engaged position; and(ii) second complementary means for forcing and maintaining the first complementary means in the engaged position, wherein said second complementary means are separate and disposed away from said first complementary means.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for converting a fixed-opening air diffuser (21) to an individually-controlled variable air volume diffuser. The fixed-opening diffuser (21) includes a diffuser housing (26) mounted to a support structure (25) and coupled to receive air from a supply conduit (24) positioned behind the support structure (25) and a diffusion assembly (27) mounted across the housing (26) to distribute the air from the housing (26). The method includes the steps of removing the diffusion assembly (27) from a position across the diffuser housing (26) to provide access to the housing, mounting a thermally-powered diffuser actuator assembly (31) having a movable vane (32) coupled to actuator assembly (31) inside the diffuser housing (26) in a position for control of air discharged from the diffuser housing (26) by thermally-driven displacement of the vane (32).

Abstract: A decorative, light transmitting panel including opposite inner and outer faces is formed on a substrate comprising injection molded clear plastic resin having a low level of process induced internal stress and at least one optical quality surface finish underlying the outer panel surface for optimizing light transmission through the resin. A thin, hard, transparent, abrasion and chemical resistant and ultraviolet light resistant protective layer or coating of plastic resin is permanently bonded to the optical quality surface finish of the low stress substrate to form at least one outer surface of the whole panel and the coating provides a hard, tough abrasion resistant outer surface capable of lasting a long time without substantial diminishment of light transmission through the panel. The low internal stress of the molded resin substrate provides superior adhesion for permanently bonding the hard protective coating to prevent micro-cracking and/or delamination during normal thermal cycling between - 40.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for converting a fixed-opening air diffuser (21) to an individually-controlled variable air volume diffuser. The fixed-opening diffuser (21) includes a diffuser housing (26) mounted to a support structure (25) and coupled to receive air from a supply conduit (24) positioned behind the support structure (25) and a diffusion assembly (27) mounted across the housing (26) to distribute the air from the housing (26). The method includes the steps of removing the diffusion assembly (27) from a position across the diffuser housing (26) to provide access to the housing, mounting a thermally-powered diffuser actuator assembly (31) having a movable vane (32) coupled to actuator assembly (31) inside the diffuser housing (26) in a position for control of air discharged from the diffuser housing (26) by thermally-driven displacement of the vane (32).

Abstract: An architectural building block is formed of light transmitting, molded plastic material to resemble a common glass block or brick and comprises a plurality of hollow half members joined together along a seam to form a hollow block enclosure with the seam spaced intermediately between a pair of opposite planar outer side faces of the block. Each half member has an inner surface and an outer surface comprising one of the outer side faces of the block integrally joined around its periphery to an inwardly directed peripheral edge flange having a free edge providing one joining edge of the seam. At least one of the outer opposite side faces of the block is provided with a thin, hard, transparent, abrasion, chemical and ultraviolet light resistant protective coating of plastic resin permanently bonded to an outer side face of the block to provide protection from the environment and weather.

Abstract: An architectural building block is formed of light transmitting, molded plastic material to resemble a common glass block or brick and comprises a pair of halves joined together along a seam to form a hollow block with the seam spaced intermediately between a pair of opposite planar outer side walls of the block. Each half has an inner surface and an outer surface comprising one of the outer side walls of the block integrally joined around its periphery to an inwardly directed peripheral edge wall having a plurality of planar wall segments and having a continuous free edge providing one joining edge of the seam. Integrally formed snap lock connectors are provided adjacent each corner of the block for interconnecting an adjacent block laid up in a wall structure and a flange structure is formed along each wall segment between the connectors providing a surface for backing up joint adhesive applied between adjacent wall segments of laid up blocks.

Abstract: A thermally-powered active master and passive satellite or slave diffuser system is disclosed. The system includes a master diffuser (24) with a displaceable damper assembly (41) mounted in the diffuser housing (31) and a thermal sensor-actuator assembly (46) positioned proximate the damper assembly (41) and proximate the master outlet (34, 58). An induction channel (47) communicates secondary air from proximate the master discharge outlet (34, 58) to the thermal sensor-actuator assembly (46) for accurate control of modulation by the damper assembly (41) of air flow to both the master (24) and passive slave (26) diffusers. The thermal sensor-actuator assembly (46) is capable of both cooling and heating and employs opposed sensor-actuator units (81, 102, 111) with override mountings (126, 128, 141) to effect changeover between heating and cooling.

Abstract: An improved thermally actuated diffuser is disclosed. The diffuser comprises three thermal sensor actuators. A first thermal sensor actuator is responsive to changes in the room air temperature and is engaged when cool air is supplied through the duct into the room. A third thermal sensor actuator is responsive to changes in the room air temperature and is engaged when warm air is supplied to the room. A second thermal sensor actuator is responsive to changes in the duct air temperature and brings either the first or second thermal sensor actuator into engagement with the diffuser when the appropriate temperature of air is supplied through the duct and disengages the thermal actuator not being used with that duct air temperature.

Abstract: A thermally powered change-over diffuser is disclosed which includes a housing having an outlet and movable blade assembly mounted with respect to the outlet for displacement between a first position producing a Coanda flow across a surface, such as a ceiling, and a second position producing a detached stream in a generally normally extending direction with respect to the surface. The diffuser is preferably thermally powered and includes a rapid change-over assembly enabling substantially immediate shifting between the two positions so as to provide a cooling mode of discharge and heating mode of discharge. Additionally, means for adjusting the volume of air discharged is provided.