Abstract: A system and a method are provided for returning oil in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system by determining when an ambient zone temperature is equal to or less than a temperature limit and reversing a direction of refrigerant flow of the HVAC system based on the length of time. Also, a system and a method are provided for monitoring the length of operation in a first and a second heating mode and for reversing a direction of refrigerant flow based on the length of time operation occurs in the first and second heating modes. A system and a method having a first compressor, a first heating mode, a second heating mode, a defrost mode, and a controller is disclosed. The controller selectively controls initiation of the defrost mode in response to an HVAC system operating in a heating mode of operation for a predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: A detection mechanism for monitoring airflow in an electronics enclosure includes a first thermal sensor positioned proximate the enclosure for measuring an ambient air temperature and a second thermal sensor positioned proximate an exit air stream for measuring the temperature of air that is heated by the electronics in the enclosure. A control circuit is coupled with the first and second thermal sensors and is configured for determining a temperature differential between the measured temperatures of the thermal sensors. The control circuit may initiate an alarm when the temperature differential exceeds a setpoint thereby indicating restricted airflow in the enclosure. The control circuit might also take other remedial steps prior to initiating the alarm.

Abstract: In a climate control system for buildings, a number of renewable energy sources (photovoltaic and/or eolic, geothermal and the like) are utilised to obtain a flux of constant temperature fluid to be circulated into radiating pipes placed in continuous spaces or gaps defined in the perimetral walls and floors of said buildings. A desired variable flux of air is made to circulate in said spaces or gaps, to be heated or coiled by said radiating pipes. One said flux of air reaches the desired temperature, its circulation is stopped, to obtain a thermal insulating layer of air, in thermal equilibrium with the rooms to be air conditioned.

Abstract: The disclosure includes an HVAC data processing and communication network and a method of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment the network includes a duct, a blower and a controller. The blower is configured to receive a control message from a data bus. The duct is configured to direct air flow from the blower. The controller is configured to publish the control message to the data bus. The controller thereby commands the blower to provide air to the duct at an initial volume rate and to increase the volume rate until the controller detects onset of a cutback mode of the blower.

Abstract: A method of controlling a cooling element in order to decrease the thermal load on animals includes the step:—to start the cooling element when the air temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold value and/or a parameter, dependent on the relative humidity of air, exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: The first cold air flow door 26 and the first hot air flow door 24 for adjusting the blowout air temperature are arranged in the first air passage, and the second cold air flow door 27 and the second hot air flow door 25 for adjusting the blowout air temperature are arranged in the second air passage. When a larger target air flow volume between the target air flow volume on the first air passage side and the target air flow volume on the second air passage side is selected so as to determine an air flow volume of the blower, in an air passage to which the smaller target air flow volume is applied, while the ratio of the cold air flow volume to the hot air flow volume is being maintained constant, the passage opening area is throttled by the cold air flow door and the hot air flow door.

Abstract: The invention provides a rotatable fan assembly adapted for being connected to a generator that produces electric power in response to rotation of the fan assembly. The fan assembly can be mounted inside an HVAC duct of a building, or used in various other environments.

Abstract: A sensor in a bathroom continuously senses the humidity level therein at periodic intervals and provides the sensed humidity values to a processor, which stores the sensed values and continuously calculates an average humidity value over a time period. The processor continuously checks if the current sensed value exceeds an upper threshold value related to the calculated average humidity value and, if so, turns on an exhaust fan. Once the upper threshold value has been exceeded, the processor continuously checks if the current sensed value has dropped below a lower threshold value related to the calculated average humidity value and, if so, turns off the exhaust fan and, if not, leaves the exhaust fan on for a period of time. If the processor is not controlling the exhaust fan in the on position, a user can manually activate a switch to turn on the exhaust fan for a certain period of time.

Abstract: An energy saving air quality control system modulates supply fan speed by use of controlled, variable-frequency drive controls for automatic dampers or suction pressure to maintain adequate air flow across the evaporator coil at partial cooling loads. Indexing the fan speed to maintain the suction pressure of the energized coil controls the maximum relative humidity of the conditioned space. Demand ventilation in the system balances air quality and energy consumption by controlling the outdoor air damper in response to indoor CO2 and humidity levels.

Abstract: A ventilation system comprising a fan to bring air into a building or exhaust air out of the building, a rechargeable battery to power the fan in the absence of an alternative energy source, and an alternative energy harnessing device to power the fan and to recharge the rechargeable battery in the presence of an alternative energy source. A sensor may be operatively connected to a controller or logic circuit to measure environmental factors, wherein the controller utilizes the measured environmental condition to select the power source with which to activate the fan. The ventilation system is configured to be a modular device with versatile fasteners for easy installment in windows or attics without the need for modification of the building, such as cutting holes.

Abstract: A humidity-activated switch comprising a humidity sensor and a microcontroller, wherein the switch may be automatically activated and/or deactivated in response to detected ambient humidity.

Abstract: A heating and cooling system for a building utilizes lower vents which open into lower portions of rooms of a building, and upper vents which open into upper portions of rooms of the building. When the system is operating in a heating mode, heated air is delivered into the upper portions of the rooms through the upper vents and air is removed from the rooms through the lower vents. When the system is operating in a cooling mode, cool air is delivered into the rooms through the lower vents, and air is removed from the rooms through the upper vents. Operating the heating and cooling modes in this fashion provides the most efficient operation of the heating and cooling system.

Abstract: An appliance for conditioning air of a room comprises one or more power consuming features/functions including a temperature controlling element for one of heating and cooling air. A controller is operatively connected to the one or more power consuming features/functions. The controller is configured to receive and process a signal indicative of a utility state. The controller operates the appliance in one of a plurality of operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode in response to the received signal. The controller is configured to at least one of selectively adjust and deactivate at least one of the one or more power consuming features/functions to reduce power consumption of the appliance in the energy savings mode.

Abstract: Use of compressed air for indoor ambient temperature conditioning is disclosed. Thermal energy is imparted to or extracted from a quantity of compressed air, and the compressed air is then directed to be released inside a structure enclosing a space, whose ambient temperature needs to be controlled. Thus, the compressed air may be used as a direct heat conduction/extraction medium. A flow of external air is created over a heat exchanger mass (a “heating mass” or a “cooling mass”), so that thermal energy of the compressed air flowing inside the heat exchanger mass is transferred to the external flow of air flowing outside the heat exchanger mass. Thus, in addition to being a direct heat conduction/extraction medium, the compressed air is being used as a heat transfer medium, that ultimately gets mixed with the flow of external air. A fresh supply of external air may be used rather than using re-circulated air, in order to maintain a high quality of breathable air.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling a room environment including both the temperature and humidity of the air space within a room, regardless of the type and size of the terminal heat exchanger and regardless of variations in the temperature, flow rate, or other parameters of the cooling/heating medium supply received from the central heating and cooling supply system, and that improves the efficiency of operation of the terminal heat exchanger within the room, and the efficiency of operation of the central heating and cooling system supply for the facility.

Abstract: The present invention applies a slope predictive control method to a Variable Temperature Control (VTC) system, measuring the slope of the discharge temperature as a function of flow regulation device position, and using this slope to predict the position of the flow regulation device needed to achieve the desired discharge temperature. The present invention also monitors the response of the VTC over time and utilizes a self-learning algorithm to predict the response time of the system in order to determine when further control adjustments need to be taken.

Abstract: A temperature controller for a positive pressure room air purification unit is provided with a sensor for ambient room air temperature and supply duct air temperature. Based on the desired temperature, supply duct air may be drawn or drawn and heated.

Abstract: An amount of time that air has been delivered from an air handler to a space is tracked, and based on the tracked amount of time, at least one turn-on time or one turn-off time of the delivery of air from the air handler to the space is controlled. Other features relate, among other things, to controlling a replacement air vent, and to user interfaces.

Abstract: An HVAC system for work vehicle having an operator compartment for an operator is disclosed. The HVAC system includes a pressurizer blower and an air-conditioning system coupled to an electronic circuit. The electronic circuit is configured to reduce the output of the pressurizer blower when the operator selects a high output from the air-conditioning system. The HVAC system is also configured to provide defog operation in both a manual mode and an automatic mode of operation. The HVAC system is configured to reset the defog operation when the vehicle ignition is turned off or turned back on. The HVAC system is also configured not to reset the defog operation when the operator switches rapidly between the automatic mode and the manual mode of operation.

Abstract: The room heater has, in an outer case 1, both a first air flow passage that leads to a vent hole 12 through a section in which the main heat exchanger 6 is arranged and a second air flow passage that does not pass through the section in which the main heat exchanger 6 is arranged but leads to the vent hole 12 through a section in which a supplementary heat exchanger 6? is arranged provided. At least one of the first damper 20 which can freely block the first air flow passage and the second damper 21 which can freely block the second air flow passage is provided, and the first air flow passage or the second air flow passage is blocked in a weak combustion period.

Abstract: A remote climate control system is for an electric vehicle without a combustion engine and having a rechargeable electrical power source and an electrical Ventilation blower selectively powered thereby, a sensor associated with the rechargeable electrical power source, and a data communications bus extending throughout the hybrid vehicle. At least one of the electrical Ventilation blower and the sensor is coupled to the data communications bus. The remote climate control system includes a remote transmitter and a receiver to be positioned at the hybrid vehicle for receiving signals from said remote transmitter. A vehicle remote climate controller cooperates with said receiver and to be coupled to the data communications bus extending within the hybrid vehicle for communication thereover to selectively operate the electrical Ventilation blower responsive to the sensor and said remote transmitter.

Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Outside or ambient temperature, evaporator temperature, and coolant temperature are measured with sensors. These values, along with a TAO, which is a calculated value of outlet temperature in the vehicle, are sent to a controller. The controller determines a predicted heater core outlet temperature based upon the coolant temperature. Based upon the outside air temperature and coolant temperature, the controller will decide whether to use the previously determined estimated heater core outlet temperature or to substitute an alternate value for the heater core outlet temperature to determine a position for the air mix door. After calculating the air mix door position, the controller signals an air mix door movement device to adjust the air mix door to the required position. Position of the air mix door affects the air temperature inside of the vehicle.

Abstract: A modular Electronically-Controlled Register Vent (ECRV) that can be easily installed by a homeowner or general handyman is disclosed. The ECRV can be used to convert a non-zoned HVAC system into a zoned system. The ECRV can also be used in connection with a conventional zoned HVAC system to provide additional control and additional zones not provided by the conventional zoned HVAC system. In one embodiment, the modular ECRV can be configured to various sizes and form-factors that conform to a standard manually-controlled register vent. In one embodiment, a zone thermostat is configured to provide thermostat information to the ECRV. In one embodiment, the zone thermostat communicates with a central monitoring system that coordinates operation of the heating and cooling zones. In one embodiment, the zone thermostat communicates with a central monitoring system that coordinates operation of the heating and cooling zones and provides heating and cooling to the various zones according to a cost budget.

Abstract: An apparatus situated in a space for controlling an air terminal device to affect at least one environmental condition in the space includes: (a) at least one sensor unit for presenting at least one sensed indication related with at least one respective environmental condition of the at least one environmental condition; and (b) a local control unit coupled with the air terminal device and coupled with at least one respective sensor unit of the at least one sensor unit. The local control unit responds to a relationship of at least one predetermined requirement with the at least one sensed indication to effect the controlling.

Abstract: An inside and outside air return control system for a HVAC unit that includes an outside air conduit connected to the inside air return duct and a flap valve that selectively moves to control the delivery of inside air or outside air to the air return duct in the HVAC unit. The system also includes a programmable control panel connected to the HVAC unit's air conditioner or heat pump and to the furnace or air handler. The control panel is also connected to an inside thermometer and an outside thermometer. During operation, the control panel continuously monitors the air temperatures inside and outside the residence. During setup, a control temperature is selected in the control panel. The readings from the two thermometers are compared with the control temperature and used to control the movement of the flap valve so that the cooler air source is delivered to the air return duct.

Abstract: An air conditioning control system allows a supply air switching controller to alternately switch outside air control and return air control at a preset switching interval. The supply air switching controller is connected to an air conditioner placed to correspond to each room inside as an air conditioning control subject. The outside air control takes outside air into a temperature/humidity adjustment coil of the air conditioner by opening a first damper provided in the air conditioner in order to adjust an intake volume of the outside air into the air conditioner and by closing a second damper provided in the air conditioner in order to adjust an intake volume of return air from the room inside. The return air control takes the return air from the room inside into the temperature/humidity adjustment coil of the air conditioner by closing the first damper and opening the second damper.

Abstract: A variable air volume ceiling diffuser includes a damper that is raised and lowered by a linkage that is controlled by a duct temperature sensor/actuator and one or more room temperature sensors/actuators. The linkage includes a heating slide movable for the heating mode and a cooling slide movable for the cooling mode. The duct temperature sensor/actuator selects the heating slide for movement by the room temperature sensors/actuators in the heating mode and selects the cooling slide for movement by the room temperature sensors/actuators in the cooling mode. The differential movement between the heating and cooling slides moves a roller that engages a profiled cam surface attached to two lever arms. As the roller moves along the cam surface, the lever arms pivot about their axis of rotation so that the damper moves upward to close the air inlet and downward to open the air inlet.

Abstract: A system is provided for use in a multi-unit building by which an occupant of a unit of the multi-unit building controls an appliance associated with the unit and includes an actuator which is accessible to the occupant, a processing unit to control the appliance, operative in the first mode, based on occupant instructions, to change the mode of the appliance based on an actuation of the actuator and to control the appliance, operative in the second mode, according to a preselected schedule, and a networking unit to inform, via communications, a monitor of the multi-unit building as to when the appliance operates in the second mode.

Abstract: An energy saving air quality control system modulates supply fan speed by use of controlled, variable-frequency drive controls for automatic dampers or suction pressure to maintain adequate air flow across the evaporator coil at partial cooling loads. Demand ventilation in the system balances air quality and energy consumption by controlling the outdoor air damper in response to indoor CO2 levels.

Abstract: Frost in a freezer and/or traffic between the freezer and an anteroom is controlled. The frost is controlled by estimating a condition of the anteroom that promotes the frost in the freezer and by opening a door in the doorway in response to the estimated condition in order to supply cold air from the freezer to the anteroom. The traffic between the freezer and the anteroom is controlled by detecting the traffic approaching the doorway and by opening the door in the doorway in response to the detected traffic.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to ventilation systems and methods, and more particularly to selectively configurable climate control systems and methods for use in data centers and the like. A method includes receiving or obtaining input data, generating at least one actuation signal to change a flow configuration of a re-configurable duct system based upon the input data, and transmitting the at least one actuation signal.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to ventilation systems and methods, and more particularly to selectively configurable climate control systems and methods for use in data centers and the like. A device includes a support element and a plurality of ducts connected to the support element. The device also includes a manifold in fluid communication with each one of the plurality of ducts and a plurality of valves. Each respective one of the plurality of valves is associated with a respective one of the plurality of ducts. Moreover, there is at least one actuator operatively connected to the plurality of valves, which is structured and arranged to individually actuate each one of the plurality of valves.

Abstract: A storage unit (10) for electronic devices that comprises an openable housing and a mounting system (40) for receiving and retaining one or more electronic devices within the housing. The mounting system (40) has a hinging assembly (44) that supports two or more brackets (42), each bracket being arranged to receive and retain one or more electronic devices and being hingedly moveable relative to any other bracket by virtue of the hinging assembly to thereby enable access to the bracket for the installation, maintenance or removal of an electronic device or devices.

Abstract: A speed control system is provided for controlling temperature within a chassis. The chassis includes therein a temperature sensing device for producing a temperature signal representative of temperature within the chassis, a fan, and a fan speed controller. The fan speed controller produces a nominal fan speed control signal comprising a train of pulses, successive pulses having a duty cycle related to the temperature signal produced by the temperature sensing device, such time durations decreasing with increasing temperature. The speed control system includes a decoupling circuit responsive to the nominal fan speed control signal for, in response to relatively a low duty cycle, coupling the nominal fan control signal to an output of the decoupling circuit, and, in response a relatively high duty cycle, producing a preset fan speed signal at the output of the decoupling circuit. The fan has a speed in accordance with the signal at the output of the decoupling circuit.

Abstract: A damper for controlling fluid flow includes a main body, a stator and a rotor. The stator may be carried by the main body and include at least one blade having a predetermined shape. The rotor may be moveably connected to the stator and carried by the main body. The rotor may include at least one blade having a predetermined shape and may be moveable between an opened position and a closed position. The predetermined shape of the at least one stator blade and the at least one rotor blade may form a converging-diverging nozzle, and the stator and the rotor may be carried by the main body so that fluid flows through the main body substantially perpendicular thereto. The opened position may be defined as the at least one stator blade being aligned with the at least one rotor blade, and the closed position may be defined as the at least one stator blade being offset from the at least one rotor blade.

Abstract: A wireless remote-control cooler assembly adapted to be used with a motherboard include a fan, and a circuit unit electrically connected with the fan and adapted to be electrically connected with the motherboard for obtaining power supply from the motherboard. A first signal transceiver module is electrically connected to the circuit unit and provided with a first transmitter for transmitting a feedback signal indicating the operation status of the fan, and a first receiver. A second signal transceiver module is adapted to be electrically connected to the motherboard and provided with a second receiver for receiving the feedback signal, and a second transmitter for transmitting a control signal to the first receiver to regulate the operation status of the fan via the circuit unit.

Abstract: When outside temperatures in the warmer months are high temperatures, inside a vehicle passenger compartment can be dangerously high while a vehicle is parked directly in the sun. There are several infant deaths caused by being left alone in the parked vehicle each year. A solar powered ventilation system is independent of the existing ventilation system of at least one fan and connected to a control system that has a thermostat and a disabling switch. The fan(s) is powered independently by the solar cell(s) or solar panel so as not to drain the vehicle's battery needlessly. The vehicle must be parked and off in order to operate the solar powered ventilation system.

Abstract: A system and methods providing real-time monitoring, management and control of a variable frequency drive retrofit to a constant volume air handling unit without making significant mechanical or control system changes. Customers and vendors are provided with a more informative and economically attractive air handling unit. The system also provides a finer granularity of control over conditioned air properties such as temperature, humidity and air quality.

Abstract: A method for controlling the fan speed by detecting different power supplies of a mobile electronic device is proposed. When an external power source is used for mobile electronic device and detected by the embedded controller, the first fan control table is used to control the fan speed to increase the heat dissipation capability of the mobile electronic device. When battery power is used as the power source and detected by the embedded controller, a second fan control table is used to control the fan speed to extend the battery life. The first fan control table and the second fan control table become the relation control table between the temperature of the processor and the fan speed or the relation fan control table between the temperature of the processor and the input voltage of the fan for controlling the fan speed according to the temperature of the processor.

Abstract: A system to support the testing of electronic devices and a temperature control unit for the system are disclosed. A temperature controlling method for a chamber of the system is also disclosed. Low or high temperature air is supplied to the inside of the chamber when the electronic devices are tested at low or high temperature. External air is supplied to the inside of the chamber when the electronic devices are tested at room temperature.

Abstract: A ventilator control optimizer allowing the control of a ventilator without the need for manual input. The ventilator control optimizer analyzes trends in indoor environmental conditions (dew point, relative humidity, etc.) and makes decisions based on these trends. The ventilator control optimizer is able to change ventilator fan speeds depending on the detected trends. This will prevent the ventilator from operating under conditions which might aggravate the humidity problem indoors. The ventilator control optimizer also allows auxiliary systems (dehumidifier, etc.) to be controlled automatically to deal with high humidity conditions.

Abstract: A climate controller is mounted to a wall having an exterior surface. The climate controller includes a mounting bracket recessed within the wall and having a cavity therein. A faceplate is mounted to the mounting bracket and has an opening aligned with the cavity and wherein the face place is juxtaposed the exterior surface of the wall. A control module is positionable within the mounting bracket and wherein the control module comprises a control panel. When the control module moves in a first direction, the control panel is accessible through the opening in the faceplate. When the control module moves in an opposite direction, the control panel concealed from view through the opening and a visual impact of the climate controller in relation to the wall is minimized.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting heat from a heat source comprising a housing having a first end with a first opening and a second end with a second opening. The housing includes an internal compartment therein and the first end of the housing is connected to said heat source. A channel extends from the housing for providing access to the internal compartment. A hollow conduit is positioned within the internal compartment extending between the first opening and the second opening. A plurality of members are positioned on an exterior surface of the conduit and along the length thereof. The members are able to absorb heat from within the conduit and release the absorbed heat into the internal compartment creating heated air. The apparatus includes a means for drawing air through and expelling air from said conduit and means for moving said heated air out from said internal compartment to a second compartment. The apparatus is activated via means connected to each of the drawing means and the moving means.

Abstract: A fan control apparatus and method that sets a stop period constant at a starting time by adding a fan control in a time axis to a fan control by a temperature sensor. The fan control apparatus includes a temperature sensor that detects the temperature in the equipment body; and a CPU and a sub-microcomputer that has a temperature control function, that perform the control of the cooling fans according to the detected temperature value. The CPU performs a communication with a server connected to the equipment body via a network; and the sub-microcomputer performs the control of the cooling fans according to the time value based on the communication commencement.

Abstract: An ice harvesting storage vessel (10) having an outer structural shell and insulated to maintain a frozen environment for ice filled containers (11) in a subterranean environment. The intake vent damper (16) opens during natural climatic sub-zero temperatures via temperature sensors (24,25) allowing cold air to flow into said vessel. The exhaust vent damper (17) operates in conjunction with the intake damper to allow warmer internal air to exit the vessel. Thermal sensors in conjunction with a thermostat control module close the vent dampers when external atmospheric temperatures exceed internal vessel temperatures. In addition, refrigerant line (22,23) circulate an antifreeze fluid via pump (30) throughout the vessel transferring cold temperatures to a heat transfer medium or antifreeze fluid for transfer to an adjacent facility or point of use.

Abstract: A system for reducing effects of adverse air re-circulation in a room containing at least one heat generating component includes an air conditioning unit configured to cool airflow in the room and at least one cooling vent tile operable to deliver the cooled airflow to the at least one heat generating component. The system also includes at least one secondary vent tile positioned and operated to one of, introduce airflow into a re-circulating airflow and remove airflow from a re-circulating airflow, to thereby respectively divert or vary the temperature of the re-circulating airflow and thereby reduce the effects of air re-circulation in the room.

Abstract: An ventilating and air conditioning apparatus includes a circulating fan for sucking air from a sucking port open to a first indoor space and blowing the air through a blowout port into the first indoor space, a ventilating fan for sucking air from an exhausting port open to a second indoor space and evacuating the air to the outdoors for ventilation, and a refrigerant circuit formed of a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, a first heat exchanger for exchanging heat of air blown into the first indoor space by the circulating fan with the refrigerant, an expanding mechanism for expanding the refrigerant, and a second heat exchanger for exchanging heat of air blown into the second indoor space by the ventilating fan with the refrigerant. The compressor, first heat exchanger, expanding mechanism, and second heat exchanger are coupled together with pipes for the refrigerant to circulate therethrough in this order.

Abstract: In a method for predicting an airflow rate of at least one air delivery device, a plurality of airflow rates through the at least one air delivery device at a plurality of airflow rates of at least one air moving device are received. A conditional probabilistic model is generated with the air moving device flow rates as inputs and the airflow rates through the at least one air delivery device as outputs. Moreover, the airflow rate of the at least one air delivery device is predicted from the conditional probabilistic model.

Abstract: When a target blown air temperature TAO is in a predetermined intermediate temperature zone, a blower is automatically stopped (S80), an outside air mode is selected when the blower 8 is automatically stopped. When an outside air temperature Tam is a first predetermined temperature (15° C.) or lower, an opening degree of an air mix door is corrected to a high temperature side in comparison with the time of the operation of the blower (S120), and when the outside air temperature Tam is a second predetermined temperature (25° C.) or higher, the opening degree of the air mix door is corrected to the low temperature side in comparison with the time of the operation of the blower (S130).

Abstract: A device enabling limitation of the risk of formation of an explosive atmosphere in the furnace of a continuous heat treatment line of metal strips the sections of which are under an atmosphere consisting of a mixture of inert gas and hydrogen the hydrogen volume content of which is between 5 and 100%, provided with a rapid induction heating section and a rapid cooling section comprising: a chamber (9) maintained under inert gas at the inlet of the rapid heating section of the furnace and at the outlet of the rapid cooling section, the pressure in the chamber (9) being equal to or greater than the atmospheric pressure when the heating of the furnace operates normally; a device (10) for entering the strip into the chamber (9), from the atmospheric air; a device (11) for atmosphere separation and for entering the strip in the heating section of the furnace from the chamber (9) under inert gas, said device (11) being provided with a gas take-off (4); a device (13) for atmosphere separation and for removing the s