Mechanical Linkage Actuated Patents (Class 236/49.5)
  • Patent number: 12127367
    Abstract: This application provides a composite cooling system. The composite cooling system includes an indoor air duct and an outdoor air duct that are independent of each other. The indoor air duct and the outdoor air duct intersect in a heat exchange area of the composite cooling system. A first-stage heat exchanger core, a second-stage heat exchanger core, and a first side air duct are disposed in the heat exchange area. The heat exchange area is constructed as a part of the outdoor air duct. The first-stage heat exchanger core, the first side air duct, and the second-stage heat exchanger core are sequentially arranged along a flow direction of the outdoor air duct. An inner cavity of the first-stage heat exchanger core and an inner cavity of the second-stage heat exchanger core each are further constructed as a part of the indoor air duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Assignee: Huawei Digital Power Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jinliang Song, Wei Chen
  • Patent number: 12111063
    Abstract: An air intake and exhaust assembly includes a first air pipe and a second air pipe. A first air duct is formed in the first air pipe and configured to be communicated with one of an air outlet of an air exhaust volute of an packaged air conditioner and an air inlet of the packaged air conditioner. The second air pipe is arranged adjacent to the first air pipe. A second air duct is formed between an inner wall of the second air pipe and an outer wall of the first air pipe. The second air duct is configured to be communicated with another one of the air outlet of the air exhaust volute and the air inlet of the packaged air conditioner. At least part of the outer wall of the first air pipe along a length direction of the first air pipe is fixedly connected to the second air pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: GD MIDEA AIR-CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhigang Xing, Eli Zhao
  • Patent number: 12072115
    Abstract: There is described a controller and method for managing a flow unit. A measured full flow corresponding to a full open position of a flow control element of the flow unit is detected. A calibration nominal is established based on the measured full flow, and calibration relative flows are calculated based on the calibration nominal and calibration measured flows corresponding to calibration positions of the flow control element. Subsequent to calibration, an operation measured flow of the flow unit and an operation position of the flow control element are detected. A dynamic nominal is determined based on the operation measured flow and a particular calibration relative flow corresponding to the operation position of the flow control element. An operation relative flow and a relative flow setpoint are determined based, in part, on the dynamic nominal. The operation position of the flow control element is controlled based the operation relative flow and relative flow setpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Soo, Gregory Kempf
  • Patent number: 11991992
    Abstract: A method to inhibit bees from escaping a hive through a hive entrance, including the steps of providing a source for cooling air, and operating the source for cooling air to provide air cooling at the hive entrance to a temperature below 14° C. to provide thermal conditions at the hive entrance that inhibit bees from leaving the hive through the hive entrance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Inventor: Iurii Silvestrovych Dron
  • Patent number: 11882644
    Abstract: A cooling device for improving the cooling of computing devices in a data center is disclosed. The cooling device comprises an air deflector that is configured to be attached to a hot aisle air barrier at an angle to direct computing device exhaust air toward the nearest hot aisle exhaust vent. The device may comprise a mounting mechanism for fixing the air deflector in position, such as eyelets or clips that attach to the computing device's exhaust fan grille. The air deflector may be rotatable so that the angle between the hot aisle air barrier and the air deflector may be adjusted. The cooling device may further comprise a visual air flow indicator to assist in positioning of the air deflector and airflow monitoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Core Scientific Operating Company
    Inventor: Lawrence Kom
  • Patent number: 11833890
    Abstract: A coupling rod for manipulating air guiding louvers of a louver assembly which are used in an air vent for vehicles. The coupling rod has a multiplicity of bearing regions, each bearing region being configured to receive a bearing shaft (bearing journal, bearing pin, etc) which is assigned to one of the air guiding louvers in such a way that, in the case of a movement of the coupling rod in an adjusting direction relative to the air guiding louvers, the corresponding bearing shaft which is received in the bearing region is suitably guided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Werner Lottes
  • Patent number: 11812586
    Abstract: An electronic device system, a manufacturing method, and a method for controlling the electronic device system, in field of heat dissipation technologies. The electronic device system includes a heat source, a plurality of fans, and a plurality of air guiding apparatuses. The heat source is located on air inlet sides of the plurality of fans, and the plurality of air guiding apparatuses are located on air outlet sides of the plurality of fans. The plurality of air guiding apparatuses are configured such that, when there is a faulty fan, an air guiding direction of an air guiding apparatus corresponding to the faulty fan and an air guiding direction of an air guiding apparatus corresponding to a neighboring fan deviate from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Baosheng Li, Tao Yan, Xiaojing Hou, Lujun Zhou, Liang Zhang
  • Patent number: 11758684
    Abstract: A method and system improve the cooling of computer power supply unit by eliminating a reverse flow of hot air caused by an imbalance in airflow between a power supply fan and a system fan. The method determines a correlation between a system fan speed and a heightened power supply fan speed that prevents the reverse flow of hot air into the power supply unit. During the operation of the power supply unit, the system fan speed is obtained and the heightened power supply fan speed is determined from the correlation. The power supply fan is then controlled using the heightened power supply fan speed setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: ZT Group Int'l, Inc.
    Inventors: Ankit Kalani, Ting Yu Lin, Mark D. Chubb
  • Patent number: 11692730
    Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system may be zoned into one or more zone. The HVAC system may include HVAC components, sensors, and one or more register vents that may include vent dampers (e.g., electronically controllable vent dampers or manually operated vent dampers). Opening and closing of the vent dampers may facilitate creating zones or sub-zones in the HVAC system configuration. An HVAC control system may receive a request for conditioned air in one or more of the zones, determine a damper setting for at least one of the vent dampers, communicate the determined damper setting to a vent damper or user interface, determine which HVAC components should be active, if any, and/or provide controls signals to activate or keep active the HVAC components that are determined to be active.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Ademco Inc.
    Inventors: James Flaherty, Nathaniel D. Kraft, Preston Gilmer
  • Patent number: 11523534
    Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed of a baffle unit. The baffle unit includes an elastic member and one or more baffle blades. Each baffle blade has a first edge and a second edge, and each baffle blade has its first edge coupled to the elastic member, so that each baffle blade rotates about and deforms the elastic member in response to aerodynamic forces applied to the one or more baffle blades. Implementation of one or more of the baffle units preventing or reduces thermal impact of the airflow on liquid cooling devices and enables airflow management optimization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: BAIDU USA LLC
    Inventor: Tianyi Gao
  • Patent number: 10746430
    Abstract: A centralized automatic control system includes a master diffuser including a sensor box unit and a controller provided with a hot-wire unit to which power is supplied, a piston connected to the hot-wire unit, a supply air damper connected to the piston, and a discharge port connected to the supply air damper to be opened and closed; a remote control unit included in a building automation system (BAS) and installed with control software to monitor room temperature sensed by the master diffuser and supply air temperature of supply air supplied into a room and input a preset temperature into the master diffuser; and a second diffuser installed with a terminal box unit and operating in subordination to the master diffuser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: YOUONE ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Seong Kyu Park
  • Patent number: 10655885
    Abstract: Entrance of cold air from near a wall of an indoor space is avoided. An airflow direction adjusting flap is provided at a main outlet opening, and changes the direction of airflow coming from the main outlet opening in a vertical direction. A load detector detects a load of an indoor space. When the load of the indoor space is higher than a predetermined value in a heating operation, the airflow direction adjusting flap guides the air coming from the main outlet opening in a horizontal direction or in an upward direction with respect to the horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Kojima, Akira Komatsu, Ryouta Suhara, Masaaki Murata, Natsumi Furo
  • Patent number: 10043507
    Abstract: A method includes sensing sound pressure at a specified location, and a controller automatically adjusting a position of one or more fans among a plurality of fans to reduce the sound pressure sensed at the specified location. The position of the one or more fans may, for example, be adjusted using an actuator to change the distance from the fan and the specified location, which may be a location of a user. Optionally, the method may further include the controller automatically adjusting a speed of one or more fans among the plurality of fans to reduce the sound pressure sensed at the specified location. The position and speed of one or more fans may be adjusted to provide destructive interference at the specified location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Bryan L. Young, Gary D. Cudak, Amy L. Rose, Jennifer J. Lee-Baron, John S. Crowe, Nathan J. Peterson
  • Patent number: 9439327
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for cooling electronic equipment in a data center. Ambient air is vertically circulated from a workspace across a plurality of rack-mounted electronic devices. The electronic devices are located in a plurality of trays such that each tray has a major plane that is substantially parallel to a side plane of the rack. The circulated air is cooled with a heat exchanger that is connected to a vertical end of the rack via a sealed interface. Multiple racks can be arrayed in a distributed cooling arrangement, which increases reliability and scalability of the data center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Honggang Sheng, Sangsun Kim
  • Patent number: 9174254
    Abstract: An adjustable profile plate assembly for use with an air make-up system. According to an exemplary embodiment, the adjustable profile plate assembly includes a slidable profile plate, a scissor-type linkage mechanism attached to the profile plate, and an actuator attached to the linkage mechanism for driving the profile plate back and forth in a widthwise direction B. The adjustable profile plate assembly may use a feedback control loop that uses one or more operational parameters, such as the operational state of fans that draw air into the system, in order to control the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Nicolae Marga, Joseph B. Zavitz
  • Patent number: 8936203
    Abstract: A control system for an HVAC system serving at least two zones, each zone receiving conditioned air by way of a zone duct, each zone duct including a zone damper having a first portion and second portion controlled by a actuator to move between an open and a closed position in response to a zone thermostat, a second portion responsive to the static pressure in a HVAC system to open and bleed an amount of conditioned air past the damper when the static pressure of the system increases above a selected level, and a weight adjustment for modifying the torque exerted by the second portion against the system static pressure to adjust the selected level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventor: Ronald E Jackson
  • Patent number: 8875534
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a housing and an airflow regulating device. The housing defines an accommodating space therein, and an air inlet that places the accommodating space in fluid communication with the external environment. The airflow regulating device includes a cover panel for covering and uncovering the air inlet, and an actuating mechanism coupled to the cover panel and driving movement of the cover panel to adjust the degree of opening of the air inlet in response to a change in temperature in the accommodating space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Wen-Chin Wu, Chi-Sung Chang, Ming-Chih Chen, Sung-Yu Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20140238654
    Abstract: A control system for an HVAC system serving at least two zones, each zone receiving conditioned air by way of a zone duct, each zone duct including a zone damper having a first portion and second portion controlled by a actuator to move between an open and a closed position in response to a zone thermostat, a second portion responsive to the static pressure in a HVAC system to open and bleed an amount of conditioned air past the damper when the static pressure of the system increases above a selected level, and a weight adjustment for modifying the torque exerted by the second portion against the system static pressure to adjust the selected level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventor: Ronald E. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20140238655
    Abstract: A control system for an HVAC system serving at least two zones, each zone receiving conditioned air by way of a zone duct, each zone duct including a zone damper having a first portion responsive to the static pressure in a HVAC system to open and bleed an amount of conditioned air past the damper when the static pressure of the system increases above a selected level, a second portion controlled by a actuator to move between an open and a closed position in response to a zone thermostat, and a coupling mechanism coupling the first and second portions to limit the relative movements of the two portions with respect to each other, and a biasing mechanism exerting a torque against the system static pressure differential. The first portion can be a single one-piece undivided blade pivotally mounted with a shell surrounding the zone damper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventor: Ronald E. Jackson
  • Patent number: 8646287
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a housing and an airflow regulating device. The housing defines an accommodating space therein, and an air inlet that places the accommodating space in fluid communication with the external environment. The airflow regulating device includes a cover panel for covering and uncovering the air inlet, and an actuating mechanism coupled to the cover panel and driving movement of the cover panel to adjust the degree of opening of the air inlet in response to a change in temperature in the accommodating space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Wen-Chin Wu, Chi-Sung Chang, Ming-Chih Chen, Sung-Yu Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8464961
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a housing and an airflow regulating device. The housing defines an accommodating space therein, and an air inlet that places the accommodating space in fluid communication with the external environment. The airflow regulating device includes a cover panel for covering and uncovering the air inlet, and an actuating mechanism coupled to the cover panel and driving movement of the cover panel to adjust the degree of opening of the air inlet in response to a change in temperature in the accommodating space so as to enhance the heat-dissipating efficiency of a cooling fan, minimize crashing and other problems due to poor heat dissipation, avoid the use of a heat-dissipating module that is high in cost and complicated in structure, and reduce manufacturing costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Wen-Chin Wu, Chi-Sung Chang, Ming-Chih Chen, Sung-Yu Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20130146272
    Abstract: A zone damper having a first portion and second portion controlled by a actuator to move between an open and a closed position in response to a zone thermostat, a second portion responsive to the static pressure in a HVAC system to open and bleed an amount of conditioned air past the damper when the static pressure of the system increases above a selected level, and a weight adjustment for modifying the torque exerted by the second portion against the system static pressure to adjust the selected level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: Ronald E. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20130061765
    Abstract: An automated temperature control system for a barbecue grill or other structure comprises an automated damper assembly coupled to a vent of said grill, which damper assembly opens and closes selectively to adjust the flow passage area of the grill's vent. The system further comprises an operating area temperature probe for communicating the temperature of the operating area of the grill to the automated damper assembly, such that the automated damper assembly may maintain a user-specified target operating temperature by way of affecting combustion rates within the grill. A remote control may also be provided to allow the user to input a desired temperature for the system to obtain and/or to change temperature information for the grill or other structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: Eric Reinhart
  • Patent number: 8385066
    Abstract: A flow control device and a related cooled electronic system are provided. The electronic system comprises a first heat dissipation component and a second heat dissipation component. The flow control device controls an amount of an air flow to the first heat dissipation component and the second heat dissipation component. In one illustrative embodiment, the flow control device comprises: a memory metal component coupled to the first heat dissipation component and the second heat dissipation component and a movable component comprising a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to a point between two ends of the memory metal component and the second end is movable with respect to the first end. In response to a temperature difference between the first heat dissipation component and the second heat dissipation component, the second end approaches the first heat dissipation component or the second heat dissipation component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chris S C Chang, Edward Y C Kung, Bill K P Lam, Ian Y Y Lin, Morgan Y L Wu
  • Patent number: 8282451
    Abstract: A system for directing airflow within a plenum comprising sizeable, shapeable, and interconnectable baffles that can be nondestructively attached to plenum support structures. The system includes means for removably interconnecting the baffles and also for removably and non-destructively attaching the baffles to plenum support structure without tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: CompuSpace LC
    Inventor: Laurie Taylor
  • Patent number: 8249731
    Abstract: A system to control energy consumption in a building having a plurality of rooms with a wireless data transceiver; an occupancy sensor; a temperature sensor; a processor coupled to the wireless data transceiver, the occupancy sensor and the temperature sensor; and an air register including a motor coupled to the processor, the motor opening or closing one or more air vents in response to sensed motion or room temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventors: Alexander Bach Tran, Alan An-Thuan Tran, Bao Q. Tran
  • Patent number: 8120910
    Abstract: A heat dissipating structure includes a frame. An accommodating space is formed inside the frame for accommodating a fan, and an opening is formed on a lateral side of the frame. The heat dissipating structure further includes at least one shutter connected to the frame in a rotatable manner. The fan is disposed on a side of the shutter. The shutter prevents airflow driven by the fan from flowing back to the other side of the shutter through the opening when the shutter rotates to a close position. The heat dissipating structure further includes a resilient component for providing a resilient force to the shutter so as to drive the shutter to the close position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Wei-Ling Hong
  • Patent number: 7874172
    Abstract: An air flow control mechanism for a refrigerator or freezer is disclosed comprising at least one knob to regulate by its adjustment, air flow within a compartment, the knob including at least one end, and wherein said knob is configured to rotate, a cam including a base, a groove and a receiving end, wherein the cam base includes the groove, wherein the groove is a semi-circular shape and is un-centered with regards to the cam base and wherein said receiving end receives said knob end, a crank having a first end a second end, wherein said first end is inserted in the semi-circular groove of said cam base and is configured to run said groove when the user adjusts the knob, a rod having a front end and a back end, wherein said front end is connected to said crank second end, and an obturator connected with said rod back end. Said cam base has the same rotation degree than the knob and wherein the rotational movement of said knob is transformed and transmitted to the crank and consequently the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: MABE, Mexico S. DE R.L. DE C.V.
    Inventors: Marco Antonio Solis Cruz, Victor Hugo Miranda Razo
  • Publication number: 20100318226
    Abstract: An HVAC system includes a grid of intersecting ducts having one or more inlets, outlets, and intersections. Air may be received into the inlets and directed through the outlets into one or more zones of a building. One or more HVAC units may be connected to the inlets and mechanical valves may be located at the intersections to control the air flow through the grid. A control system may be provided to control the temperature of each zone by adjusting the mechanical valves (and/or turning selected HVAC units “on” or “off”). In certain embodiments, the HVAC system includes at least one reading device to read temperature preference information associated with an occupant of a zone. The control system may then align the temperature of the zone with the temperature preference information when the occupant is inside the zone. A corresponding method and apparatus are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Leonardo R. Augusto, Lucas G. Franco, Carlos E. Seo
  • Patent number: 7837127
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ventilation system for exchanging the air in a room with outside air, which system comprises: A fine wire heat exchanger having a first channel and a second channel, which channels are in heat-exchanging contact with each other, and wherein the first channel has an inlet connected to outside air and an outlet connected to the air in the room, and wherein the second channel has an inlet connected to the air in the room and an outlet connected to the outside air; balancing means for balancing the flow in both channels, such that the heat transfer is maximized. The invention also relates to a combination of a façade, a room on the inside of and adjacent to the façade and a ventilation system, wherein the inlet of the first channel of the system is connected to outside air on the outside of the façade and the outlet is connected to the air in the room, and wherein the inlet of the second channel is connected to the air in the room and the outlet is connected to the outside air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignees: Kristinsson-Reitsema B.V., Fiwihex B.V.
    Inventors: Jon Kristinsson, Björn Kristinsson, Eleonoor Europeo Van Andel, Eleonoor Van Andel
  • Patent number: 7828224
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an air conditioning diffuser having a function of changing an air supply direction. The diffuser of the present invention includes a frame (10) and a temperature sensing cylinder (20), which is coupled to the frame (10). A wax (21) is charged in the cylinder (20), and a piston rod (22) is provided in the cylinder (20). The diffuser further includes a blade support body (50), coupled to the cylinder (20), a pushing member (23), coupled to the piston rod in the blade support body, and a vertical movable member (40), which is provided in the blade support body (40) and is pushed downwards by the pushing member (23) when the wax is expanded. The diffuser further includes air guide blade assemblies (30), which are supported by the blade support body (50) and are coupled to the vertical movable member (40) so that, when the vertical movable member is moved upwards or downwards, blades (35) are rotated. An elastic member is provided under the vertical movable member (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Sun IL Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hong Sun Yang
  • Publication number: 20100258642
    Abstract: An environmental control system of 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. A switching unit is used to selectively couple the inlet and outlet of an environmental control system to the upper and lower vents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: Douglas A. Newcomer, Bryan Levy
  • Patent number: 7775451
    Abstract: The invention relates to a variable flow mixing valve for use in a Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning module. The module is particularly suited for use in a vehicle. The variable flow mixing valve includes drive means which drive a mixing door and a baffle between various positions in order to allow a relatively warm flow of air, from a first chamber, to mix with a relatively cool flow of air from a second chamber. The baffle and door are linked in such a way as to provide an aperture therebetween through which, in use, the first and/or second flows of air pass. A parking area is also provided for the baffle and is shaped in order to reflect airflow back toward the first and second chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederic Leoni
  • Patent number: 7665320
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a housing defining a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment, a fan configured to provide airflow through the compartments, and a damper assembly. The damper assembly includes an airflow passage configured to allow cold air to flow from the freezer compartment to the fresh food compartment, a damper configured to be in an open position under the pressure of airflow flowing through the airflow passage and in a closed position due to a weight of the damper when cold air is flowing through the fresh food compartment. The damper assembly also includes a solenoid element configured to maintain the damper in the closed position regardless of airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Art W. Scrivener, Kristen Kamath, Richard DeVos, William Newton
  • Publication number: 20100012737
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventor: Lawrence Kates
  • Patent number: 7641125
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: E.H. Price Ltd.
    Inventors: Julian Douglas Tyldesley Rimmer, Richard James Steinburg, Nabil Sabet, Davis John Dyck, Andrew Garth McCorrister, Alfred Theodor Dyck, Jerry M. Sipes
  • Patent number: 7578734
    Abstract: An HVAC unit ventilator, particularly suited for schools and hotels, includes a single damper blade driven directly by a motor to control a supply air's mixture of return air and outside air. The damper blade is selectively pivotal to a full outside air position, a full return air position, and various intermediate mixed-air positions. The damper blade has flexible edge and end seals that create little if any frictional drag as the damper blade pivots to the intermediate positions, yet the seals provide a positive, tight seal when the damper stops at either the full outside air position or the full return air position. The unit ventilator includes a filter frame that not only supports an air filter but also provides the damper blade with sealing surfaces and structural support. For rigidity, the damper blade has somewhat of a box-like structure that is bi-directionally reinforced by ribs and triangular gussets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Syed S. Ahmed, Kevin W. Sawyer, Bryan M. Herzog, Kim L. Hall, Kirk W. Beason
  • Publication number: 20090001179
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining an acceptable level of outside air exchange rate in a structure. The natural ventilation rate is determined as a function of the outdoor air temperature, and the amount of mechanically induced ventilation that is used to supplement the natural air ventilation is controlled such that the sum of the natural occurring ventilation and the mechanically induced ventilation is maintained by a substantially constant predetermined level. One approach is to use a stepper motor to modulate the position of the damper, while another approach is to use an on/off motor damper and to close the damper at outdoor temperatures below a threshold level and to otherwise leave the damper open and use the regular on/off cycle of the system blower to control the flow of outdoor air, with provision for allowing the fan to remain on for a calculated period of time after the system is cycled off to thereby maintain the desired level of ventilation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventor: Daniel J. Dempsey
  • Publication number: 20080210767
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an air conditioning diffuser having a function of changing an air supply direction. The diffuser of the present invention includes a frame (10) and a temperature sensing cylinder (20), which is coupled to the frame (10). A wax (21) is charged in the cylinder (20), and a piston rod (22) is provided in the cylinder (20). The diffuser further includes a blade support body (50), coupled to the cylinder (20), a pushing member (23), coupled to the piston rod in the blade support body, and a vertical movable member (40), which is provided in the blade support body (40) and is pushed downwards by the pushing member (23) when the wax is expanded. The diffuser further includes air guide blade assemblies (30), which are supported by the blade support body (50) and are coupled to the vertical movable member (40) so that, when the vertical movable member is moved upwards or downwards, blades (35) are rotated. An elastic member is provided under the vertical movable member (40).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2005
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Hong Sun Yang
  • Publication number: 20080116288
    Abstract: A plurality of duct dampers for use with ducts having a plurality of sizes in an HVAC system having zone control. Each of the plurality of duct dampers has a blade for controlling air flow in a duct, an actuator for controlling the position of the blade within a duct, and a shaft attached to the blade for transmitting the actuator control to the blade. The plurality of dampers includes a plurality of blade sizes to correspond to the plurality of duct sizes. A single shaft length is configured for use with the plurality of blade sizes, where one end of the shaft is positioned on each blade according to the size of the blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Eugene J. Takach, Bart W. Baxter, Paul G. Schwendinger
  • Publication number: 20070290057
    Abstract: An HVAC unit ventilator, particularly suited for schools and hotels, includes a single damper blade driven directly by a motor to control a supply air's mixture of return air and outside air. The damper blade is selectively pivotal to a full outside air position, a full return air position, and various intermediate mixed-air positions. The damper blade has flexible edge and end seals that create little if any frictional drag as the damper blade pivots to the intermediate positions, yet the seals provide a positive, tight seal when the damper stops at either the full outside air position or the full return air position. The unit ventilator includes a filter frame that not only supports an air filter but also provides the damper blade with sealing surfaces and structural support. For rigidity, the damper blade has somewhat of a box-like structure that is bi-directionally reinforced by ribs and triangular gussets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Syed S. Ahmed, Kevin W. Sawyer, Bryan M. Herzog, Kim L. Hall, Kirk W. Beason
  • Patent number: 7031154
    Abstract: A rack has a frame for supporting one or more electronic components. A front panel and a rear panel are attached to the frame. At least one of the front panel and the rear panel comprises a vent having at least one movable louver configured to vary airflow through the vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Cullen Edwin Bash, Ratnesh K. Sharma
  • Patent number: 6935571
    Abstract: A diffuser comprising a casing (10), a first temperature sensitive element (32) for sensing room temperature variations and including a body and a piston which move relatively to one another in response to temperature variations, a second temperature sensitive element (38), an airflow control structure including a damper blade (72) having a first position in which airflow is restricted and a second position in which a greater air flow is permitted, and an actuator (18) for displacing the blade (72) between said first and second positions in response to room temperature variations, the actuator (18) including a cam follower (56) which is displaced by the first element (32) as the piston and body of the first element (32) move relatively to one another with room temperature variations, and a spindle (36) connecting the cam (56) to the second element (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Rickard Air Diffusion (Proprietary ) Limited
    Inventor: Gustav Johann Van Der Merwe
  • Patent number: 6910340
    Abstract: An airflow control device has a fixed damper element and a movable damper element. Shape memory wires are connected to the fixed damper element and the movable damper element. The shape memory wires are alternately electrified to cause the contraction thereof to move the movable damper element in opposite directions. A heater can be provided along with the damper elements to overcome frost buildup in cold environments, such as refrigeration systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Nowak, Robert Dam, Anthony Caringella
  • Patent number: 6871842
    Abstract: A hand winch that includes a drum for carrying a strand wound thereon and including gear teeth, a drive gear having teeth thereon mounted in a driving relation to the gear teeth of the drum, and a handle assembly mounted on the drive gear for rotating the drive gear as the handle assembly is rotated. An engagement assembly 8 is positioned intermediate the drive gear and the handle assembly for winding the strand onto or off of the drum by the handle assembly when the strand is under tension and disengaging the handle assembly from the drive gear when tension on the strand is released to allow the drum to rotate while the handle assembly is stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventor: James A. Sutton
  • Patent number: 6857577
    Abstract: A thermally powered VAV diffuser assembly (21, 221) having a housing (42, 242) formed for coupling to a supply air duct or conduit (22, 222), a damper (24, 224) mounted across a supply air opening (27, 227) for movement relative thereto to vary the volume of supply air discharge from the diffuser and a thermally powered damper position controlled device or assembly (28, 228). The control assembly (28, 228) includes not more than two sensor-actuators (31, 32, 231, 232) and a movable linkage assembly. The linkage assembly transmits movement of the sensor-actuators (31, 32, 231, 232) to the damper (24, 224) for displacement of the damper (24, 224) to vary the volume discharged and to produce change-overs between heating and cooling modes. The heating mode and cooling mode set point temperatures are each independently adjustable, and the movable linkage assembly includes a lever (33, 233) pivoted about two pivot points by axles (82, 83, 282, 283) which slide in slots (87, 88, 287, 288).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Acutherm L.P.
    Inventor: Robert S. Hunka
  • Patent number: 6776349
    Abstract: A damper for allowing some degree of air flow (winter ventilation) through a roof mounted, conduit to aid in preventing the growth of black mold in an attic while aiding in heat retention during colder periods of the year. The low profile damper is comprised of a housing having a plurality of louvers pivotably mounted therein. A linkage strip interconnects the louvers together whereby a bimetal coil move the louvers in unison between their open and closed positions in response to temperature. The damper includes an air flow selector means that allows a “selected” closed position to be selected at which a predetermine volume of air is allowed to flow through the damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas L. Clark
  • Patent number: 6736326
    Abstract: A thermally powered VAV diffuser assembly (21, 221) having a housing (42, 242) formed for coupling to a supply air duct or conduit (22, 222), a damper (24, 224) mounted across a supply air opening (27, 227) for movement relative thereto to vary the volume of supply air discharge from the diffuser and a thermally powered damper position controlled device or assembly (28, 228). The control assembly (28, 228) includes not more than two sensor-actuators (31, 32, 231, 232) and a movable linkage assembly. The linkage assembly transmits movement of the sensor-actuators (31, 32, 231, 232) to the damper (24, 224) for displacement of the damper (24, 224) to vary the volume discharged and to produce change-overs between heating and cooling modes. The heating mode and cooling mode set point temperatures are each independently adjustable, and the movable linkage assembly includes a lever (33, 233) pivoted about two pivot points by axles (82, 83, 282, 283) which slide in slots (87, 88, 287, 288).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Acutherm L.P.
    Inventor: Robert S. Hunka
  • Patent number: 6702187
    Abstract: A diffuser (10) for controlling flow of air in an air conditioning system, the diffuser comprising two temperature sensitive elements (20, 22) for respectively sensing room temperature and duct temperature variations. The elements (20, 22) are axially aligned. Links (68) are provided for displacing an air flow control baffle (78). A control structure is provided for displacing the links (68) in dependence on sensed room temperature thereby to displace the baffle (68) and vary air flow. The control structure has two components (34, 36) which act on the links (68). When the element (22) is detecting cooled air the component (34) acts on the links (68). The component (36) acts on the links (68) when the element (22) is detecting warmed air. Switch over between these conditions occurs automatically as supply of air is changed from hot to cold and visa versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Richard Air Diffusion (proprietary) Limited
    Inventor: Gustav Johann van der Merwe
  • Publication number: 20040035945
    Abstract: A diffuser comprising a casing (10), a first temperature sensitive element (32) for sensing room temperature variations and including a body and a piston which move relatively to one another in response to temperature variations, a second temperature sensitive element (38), an airflow control structure including a damper blade (72) having a first position in which airflow is restricted and a second position in which a greater air flow is permitted, and an actuator (18) for displacing the blade (72) between said first and second positions in response to room temperature variations, the actuator (18) including a cam follower (56) which is displaced by the first element (32) as the piston and body of the first element (32) move relatively to one another with room temperature variations, and a spindle (36) connecting the cam (56) to the second element (38).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: RICKARD AIR DIFFUSION (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED
    Inventor: Gustav Johann Van Der Merwe