Abstract: A totally integrated ventilation system is contained in the outside air inlet stream. The system samples and controls ventilation airflow as it enters a structure. An air valve connecting the outside air inlet stream to the return plenum is controlled by a valve positioning device and a processor that monitors sensors located in the outside air inlet stream, air quality data provided by a telecommunications link and the HVAC system control signals. The air quality data includes locally broadcast air pollution data or air quality alert data related to accidents or terrorist attacks. The processor and valve positioning device simultaneously control a separate pressure relief valve that allows contaminated air to be exhausted from the structure. An alternate configuration uses a supplemental fan to introduce the outside air inlet stream directly into the structure where HVAC systems are not used.

Abstract: A totally integrated ventilation system is contained in the outside air inlet stream. The system samples and controls ventilation airflow as it enters a structure. An air valve connecting the outside air inlet stream to the return plenum is controlled by a valve positioning device and a processor that monitors sensors located in the outside air inlet stream, air quality data provided by a telecommunications link and the HVAC system control signals. The air quality data includes locally broadcast air pollution data or air quality alert data related to accidents or terrorist attacks. The processor and valve positioning device simultaneously control a separate pressure relief valve that allows contaminated air to be exhausted from the structure. An alternate configuration uses a supplemental fan to introduce the outside air inlet stream directly into the structure where HVAC systems are not used.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for controlling fire ants using electrical and mechanical stimulus methods. A stimulating source is provided, that when activated, attracts the fire ants, causes the fire ants to cluster around the stimulating source, and agitates the fire ants to the point that ants from a common colony attack each other. An AC voltage may be used as the stimulating source. A conical shaped container that extends downward to an apex may be used to force the stimulated fire ants closer together and thereby exacerbate the attack reaction. Periodic or continuous vibration applied in an area proximate to the stimulating source may be used to attract additional fire ants and may be interrupted by the detection of frequency or amplitude variations in the stimulating source output caused by the fire ants proximate to the stimulating source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the location of subterranean pipe includes sensors 24 and 26 which detect seismic energy. A pulsing valve (20) is disposed on one end of a water line (10) to allow water to intermittently flow and be shut off. This results in a water hammer effect which send shock waves (22) outward from the pipe (10). This is detected by the sensors (24) and (26) and then transmitted to a detector (32) to provide a differential indication. The locations of the sensors (24) and (26) will determine the differential balances therebetween such that when the sensors (24) and (26) are directly over the pipe (10), an indication of the location of the pipe is provided. Further, a reference sensor (19) is provided to allow distance measurement along the pipe by measuring the difference between the received energy at sensor (19) and either of sensors (24) or (26).

Abstract: A flow control device (34) is provided and is interfaced with at least one of the HVAC ducts (14). The flow control device (34) is operable to control the flow of air through the HVAC ducts (14) in response to flow control signals. A flow control command device (24) is disposed proximate to one efferent end (16) of the HVAC duct (14) for generating flow control commands. An ultrasonic transmitter (23) is provided and is coupled to the flow control command device (24). The transmitter (24) is operable to generate and transmit an ultrasonic carrier (26) modulated with the flow control commands to the flow control device (34) through the HVAC duct (14). An ultrasonic receiver (28) is provided for receiving the ultrasonic carrier modulated with the flow control commands and extracting the flow commands therefrom. A control system (30) is provided for converting the flow control commands to flow control signals for transfer to the flow control device (34) to control the operation thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the location of subterranean pipe includes sensors 24 and 26 which detect seismic energy. A pulsing valve (20) is disposed on one end of a water line (10) to allow water to intermittently flow and be shut off. This results in a water hammer effect which send shock waves (22) outward from the pipe (10). This is detected by the sensors (24) and (26) and then transmitted to a detector (32) to provide a differential indication. The locations of the sensors (24) and (26) will determine the differential balances therebetween such that when the sensors (24) and (26) are directly over the pipe (10), an indication of the location of the pipe is provided. Further, a reference sensor (19) is provided to allow distance measurement along the pipe by measuring the difference between the received energy at sensor (19) and either of sensors (24) or (26).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the location of subterranean pipe includes sensors 24 and 26 which detect seismic energy. A pulsing valve (20) is disposed on one end of a water line (10) to allow water to intermittently flow and be shut off. This results in a water hammer effect which send shock waves (22) outward from the pipe (10). This is detected by the sensors (24) and (26) and then transmitted to a detector (32) to provide a differential indication. The locations of the sensors (24) and (26) will determine the differential balances therebetween such that when the sensors (24) and (26) are directly over the pipe (10), an indication of the location of the pipe is provided. Further, a reference sensor (19) is provided to allow distance measurement along the pipe by measuring the difference between the received energy at sensor (19) and either of sensors (24) or (26).