Abstract: A louver system for controlling airflow in a duct from a forced air heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system with a housing and a louver located on a mounting fascia. The system having a longitudinal slat located in the perimeter wall that is movable between the fully open position and the fully closed position via a slat positioning assembly. The slat positioning assembly is powered by a mainspring assembly. A winding assembly is operatively coupled to the mainspring assembly which is wound by a motor or a hand crank. A local control system having a microprocessor, a transmitter, and a receiver sends a positioning signal to the slat positioning assembly that rotates the slat to a specified position via power from the mainspring assembly.

Abstract: Various devices, systems, and methods may be presented. A sensor unit may be presented that includes a housing and a chamber arranged within the housing and configured to receive air from outside of the housing of the sensor unit. Also present may be a sensor arranged within the housing and configured to measure a characteristic within the chamber. The sensor unit may include a fan arranged within the housing in relation to the chamber, the fan configured to clear air from the chamber of the sensor unit. Further, the sensor unit may include a controller in communication with the fan and the sensor, the controller configured to operate the fan.

Abstract: Self-closing vent assemblies configured to provide ventilation during normal ambient conditions and to close during a fire are provided. In one embodiment, the self-closing vent assembly includes a base vent plate having a plurality of apertures and a floating vent plate having a plurality of apertures offset from the apertures in the base vent plate. The floating vent plate is configured to move between a first position spaced apart by a distance from the base vent plate and a second position abutting the base vent plate.

Abstract: An air delivery system is configured to deliver air to an enclosed structure and may include at least one air channel configured to deliver air to or receive air from the enclosed structure, at least one component disposed within the at least one air channel, and at least one flame-blocking filter removably and adjustably secured within the at least one air channel. The at least one flame-blocking filter is configured to isolate the at least one component from a source of excessive temperature or flames. The at least one flame-blocking filter is configured to allow air to pass therethrough under normal operating conditions, and to block air and flames from passing therethrough when exposed to the excessive temperature or the flames.

Abstract: The invention provides door and window sensors, which can be incorporated into building pressurisation and depressurisation systems, for use in protecting a building's escape routes against smoke ingress during a fire.

Abstract: A non-directional smoke control damper includes a central blade (11), a plurality of outer blades (12) and a blade advancing/retreating device; an outer edge of the central blade (11) overlaps with an opening edge of the plurality of outer blades (12); a support shaft (110) is disposed to pass through the overlapping portion of the edges; a rear end of the support shaft (110) is coupled through a shaft coupling plate (230); and if the central blade (11) advances forwards, the plurality of outer blades (12) advance forwards in order so that a gap is formed at each edge between the central blade (11) and an adjacent outer blade and between a prior-order outer blade and a posterior outer blade to form a blowing passage, thereby allowing an air current to flow into the vestibule through the blowing passage.

Abstract: A control system, comprising one or more smoke sensors, each configured to measure a level of smoke at a location within a building and to output a smoke level signal based at least in part upon the measured level of smoke. A controller configured to receive the smoke level signals and to control an operation of one or more energy recovery ventilation systems in a first mode of operation to recover energy when the smoke level signal is below a predetermined value and in a second mode of operation to evacuate smoke when the smoke level signal is above the predetermined value.

Abstract: A system configured to provide cooling of electronic equipment in a shelter in combination with an air conditioning (A/C) system. The system includes one or more blowers for drawing air into the shelter, a damper arrangement for controlling air exhaust. The system further includes a DC powered controller coupled to the one or more blowers, the damper arrangement, and the A/C system. The controller is configured to receive at least a first analog input signal associated with a shelter-interior temperature, a second analog input signal associated with a shelter-exterior temperature, and a plurality of alarm input signals and to generate the one or more first control signals to control blower rotational speed, the second control signal to open/close the damper arrangement, and a third control signal to inhibit/activate the A/C system based on at least the first analog input signal, or the second analog input signal, or a plurality of alarm input signals, or a combination of these.

Abstract: A system configured to provide cooling of electronic equipment in a shelter in combination with an air conditioning (A/C) system. The system includes one or more blowers fur drawing air into the shelter, a damper arrangement for controlling air exhaust. The system further includes a DC powered controller coupled to the one or more blowers, the damper arrangement, and the A/C system. The controller is configured to receive at least a first analog input signal associated with a shelter-interior temperature, a second analog input signal associated with a shelter-exterior temperature, and a plurality of alarm input signals and to generate the one or more first control signals to control blower rotational speed, the second control signal to open/close the damper arrangement, and a third control signal to inhibit/activate the A/C system based on at least the first analog input signal, or the second analog input signal, or a plurality of alarm input signals, or a combination of these.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protection device for ventilation ducts where at least one duct opening for the supply and/or evacuation of air is provided, in particular for fire protection of air conditioned rooms for information technology installations. To separate the protection zones in the event of an emergency according to high safety standards, it is suggested that said protection device comprises at least one protection slide that is supported in a vertically displaceable manner and furthermore includes a sliding mechanism by means of which said protection slide is movable from an open position to a closed position of said duct opening, said duct opening being completely covered by said protection slide in said closed position.

Abstract: A self-closing vent intended for use in attics, crawl spaces, joist cavities, exterior walls, interior walls, or other structural element which allows for the free flow of air from outside a building to interior spaces during normal use. The vent includes a damper blade pivotally connected to, and disposed within, the vent housing, which is held in an open position by a temperature sensitive fusible link. Two, and preferably three, permanent magnets provide the force for driving the damper blade into a closed and locked position. A first magnet disposed in a side of the vent housing and a second magnet disposed on the damper blade are disposed with opposing (repelling) polarities when the damper blade is held in the open position. A third magnet disposed proximate the back of the vent housing is oriented so as to attract the magnet disposed on the damper blade.

Abstract: A high-rise building has a stairwell, an air supply shaft, inlet openings connecting the air supply shaft to the stairwell, and a pressure system for keeping the stairwell free from smoke. The stairwell is vertically divided into several partial spaces. The separation is performed by at least one partition. Each partition has a door enabling a passage from one partial space of the stairwell into an adjacent partial space.

Abstract: An integrated environmental control system for a cargo stowage compartment in a mobile platform, for example in a commercial passenger jet aircraft. A fire detection/suppression subsystem is integrated together with an airflow management system. The airflow management system operates to circulate, and optionally to heat or cool, air withdrawn from a cargo stowage compartment of the aircraft before the air is released back into the cargo stowage compartment. A fire suppression substance, for example, Halon gas, can be discharged directly into a recirculation duct of the airflow management system, thus reducing the duct work required to achieve fire suppression and ventilation operations for the cargo stowage compartment. The integration of the fire detection/suppression and airflow management system operations reduces the overall amount, complexity and weight of the ducting employed in a cargo stowage compartment of a commercial jet aircraft.

Abstract: A transporting system with a fire door (100) is provided with: a rail (1) installed within a facility; a transporting carriage (3), whose wheel (4) is set so as to roll over a surface for rolling of the rail; a fire door plate (7) for segmenting a space within the facility in a direction intersecting the rail at a predetermined position of the rail; and a door plate moving device (8) capable of moving the fire door plate from an open position for the transporting carriage to pass through the predetermined position, to a close position for the fire door plate to segment the space. A first cut (1a) is formed obliquely with respect to a width direction of the rail when planarly seen on the surface for rolling, in the rail at the predetermined position. The fire door plate has a shape capable of passing through the first cut when being moved to the close position.

Abstract: A fresh air ventilation system in a building having an outside wall exhausts contaminants, such as stale or noxious air, through the outside wall and takes in fresh air. A remote switch sets a mode of operation of the ventilation system. One or more strategically placed air quality sensors are located within the building. The sensors may be connected wirelessly through a multiplexer interconnect system to operationally control the fan of the exhaust system. In response to the detection of a contaminant above a pre-selected level by a sensor, the relay controller for the sensors resets the remote switch for continuous high speed operation to evacuate the contaminants from the building through either special ducts or the conventional air ventilation ducts within the building.

Abstract: Fireblocking device for preventing transfer of fire through ventilating apertures or similar passages, in openings for thermal fire ventilation, in ventilation ducts, in process plants or in vented facade exteriors, in vented fire blankets, vented fire protective curtains or vented protective screens against explosions. The device includes a combination of a heat absorbing and heat storing body, and an element which includes and/or adsorbs and intumescent material.

Abstract: A fire damper assembly has a damper mounted in an air duct for movements between an open, air passing position in which the damper enables air to flow through the duct and a closed position in which the damper blocks the passage of air through the duct. A strut composed of joined but separable components normally underlies the damper and supports the latter in the open position. The strut may be moved from its damper engaging position to a damper-free position while the separable components remain joined. At least one end of the strut is pivotally connected to a support arm for swinging movements of the strut between damper engaging and damper-free positions and may have its opposite end manually detached from the second support arm, thereby enabling the damper to swing to its closed position. The respective support arms are removably maintained in strut-supporting position by releasable latches which enable a tactile sensing of their positions.

Abstract: A fire damper assembly has a damper mounted in an air duct for movements between air passing position in which the damper enables air to flow through the duct and another position in which the damper blocks the passage of air through the duct. A strut composed of joined but separable components normally underlies the damper and supports the latter in the air passing position. The strut may be moved from its damper engaging position to a damper-free position while the separable components remain joined. One end of the strut is pivoted to the frame for swinging movements between damper engaging and damper-free positions and may have its opposite end manually detached from the frame, thereby enabling the damper to move to its air-blocking position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a combination air purifier and ventilator. The air purifier in accordance with the present invention includes a case being provided on a ceiling or a wall and having a fan therein, a first passage communicating with an outside, an inside of the case and an room, having an air purifying member being provided between the inside of the case and the room, and guiding the external air into the room, a second passage communicating with the room, the fan, and the outside, and guiding the room air to the outside, and a damper provided in the case for isolating the first passage from the second passage for supplying the external air into the room and discharging the room air to the outside, or communicating with the fist and second passages to guide the room air drawn into the second passage back into the room after passing through the air purifying member.

Abstract: An axial fan has a blade support wheel coupled to a drive shaft. A disk is positioned about the drive shaft adjacent the wheel. A torsion spring is coupled to the wheel and to the disk. When the torsion spring is in tension, the disk is poised for a relative rotation about the drive shaft. A lock couples the disk to the wheel when the torsion spring is in tension. Fan blades are supported by the wheel, and are coupled to the disk. Rotation of the drive shaft rotates the fan blades generating a specific flow direction. To reverse the flow direction, a release mechanism uncouples the lock from the disk and wheel causing the disk to experience rotation about the drive shaft as tension in the torsion spring is released. The disk's relative rotation re-positions the fan blades reversing the flow direction as the drive shaft continues to rotate.

Abstract: A ceiling damper system that comprises a damper housing having an input opening to accept air from a heating, ventilation and air conditioning HVAC system, and an output opening to supply the HVAC air to a room. The system further comprises a damper mechanism to substantially block the flow of air through the damper housing when the temperature around the housing reaches a predetermined level. Two or more cross members are included, each of which is mounted between fixed points in the ceiling in a position to allow the cross members to support and hold the damper housing. The damper housing rests on the cross members and is mounted to the cross members. A method for mounting a ceiling damper that comprises providing a ceiling damper having a damper housing for accepting air from a HVAC system and providing the HVAC system air to a room. It further comprises mounting at least two cross members across fixed points in a room ceiling in a position to support the damper housing.

Abstract: A fire damper in an air duct (2) is formed by a flap (12) which in its closed position bears on a flange (6) which extends inward from the duct wall, to form a seal. The flap (12) is biased to the closed position and held open by a cable (24) which is gripped by a releasable mechanism, such as a ball clutch. The release is triggered by a fusible cartridge (34) which extends into the duct (2).

Abstract: A fire/smoke damper control system is provided for use in monitoring and controlling operation of one or more fire/smoke dampers in a building. The system includes a local damper controller associated with each fire/smoke damper for controlling the opening and closing of each fire/smoke damper, a remote router for controlling the operation of one or more local damper controllers, and circuit communication between the remote router and each local damper controller. The control system allows for localized power supply for damper actuation, eliminating the pulling of wire from each damper back to a central power panel.

Abstract: A fire resistant air transfer grille or damper (10), suitable for use as a ventilating means in fire resistant doors, walls and ventilation ducts, includes an outer frame (12) and a plurality of slats (14). Each of the slats (14) is provided with an intumescent core and is positioned in one of a number of predetermined positions within the outer frame (12). The predetermined positions are determined by a number of recesses (26) provided in the outer frame (12). The outer frame (12) may be formed as two separate frame components (16, 18), and is preferably made from steel. The slats (14) are preferably formed from aluminium with an intumescent material provided within the aluminium slat (14) to provide an intumescent core. Each of the slats (14) also preferably includes an elongate channel member (30, 32) along each of two of its side edges, wherein the elongate channel members (30, 32) of each of the slats (14) engage within the recesses (26) in the outer frame (12).

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for preventing contamination of building regions or zones from unwanted chemical or biological agents during and after a chemical or biological attack. One or more inflatable occlusion devices are preferably provided for occluding or filling selected regions within a building. The occlusion devices can be inflated to, for example, help prevent the building HVAC system or corresponding duct work from delivering a chemical or biological agent from one location to another within a building. The occlusion devices can also be used to occlude or occupy entire building regions or sections, such as entire rooms, hallways, windows, doorways, etc., or parts thereof, to help protect these regions from a harmful agent during an attack, and/or to provide a protective shell over or around selected equipment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an air supply device for fire accident, comprising an air supply pipe covered by a protective insulating layer buried at the bottom of a cement wall in the building, and such pipe tube having an air valve and an indicating sign at appropriate interval along the pipe for the survivors to obtain oxygen by hooking up the pipe.

Abstract: An air cleaning system and method employs both particulate and gaseous contaminant removal from a flowing air stream to improve air quality in a selected environmental space. Particulate contaminants are removed by an appropriate filter. Gaseous contaminants such as VOCs, CO, and O3 are removed using a catalyst to oxidize such contaminants. The air stream is selectively heated to provide an adequate catalyst reaction temperature and the heat energy is then recovered by a heat exchanger. Various sensors are employed to monitor flow rate, air composition, temperature and pressure. A controller is programmable to control air quality for either minimizing contaminants or minimizing energy usage required to achieve a selected minimum air quality over a period of time.

Abstract: A room in a building serving as a safe haven for human inhabitants against harmful agent attack such as chemical or biological weapon attack. The room provides an environment sealed from air-carried harmful agents wherein the sealing can be accomplished by blocking air ducts and air leakage around doors. The room can be specially built, retrofitted, or rapidly adapted to serve as a safe haven. The room can include an oxygen source such as an oxygen generator. One oxygen generator utilizes a chemical process to generate gaseous oxygen. The room preferably includes a carbon dioxide scrubber. The invention includes kits and methods for rapidly converting a room to a safe haven.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and modifying the quality and temperature of air within a conditioned space includes a blower unit, a damper unit for selectively admitting outside air into the conditioned space, a temperature moderating unit and a control unit. The control unit includes a thermostat and conventional temperature control apparatus for selectively activating the temperature moderating unit to maintain the desired temperature in the conditioned space. The control unit also incorporates CO2 concentration measuring and control apparatus which includes a small CO2 sensor. The CO2 sensor includes a cathode, an anode and a solid electrolyte disposed intermediate and electrically in contact with each of the cathode and the anode to effect a primary electrical cell. A heater and a heater thermostat serve to maintain the temperature of the cell at about 250° C.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which reduces flame emissions from an electronics enclosure in the event of a fire within the enclosure. At least one fan is utilized to provide air flow along an air flow path between an air intake port and an air exhaust port of the enclosure. At least one heat sensor, such as a linear heat detector cable, detects an over-temperature condition within air flow path when the temperature in the air flow path exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature. The sensors are coupled to a fan controller. In response to the detection by the controller of the over-temperature condition indicated by one or multiple sensors disposed within the air flow path, the fans are disabled to avoid the fanning of flames within the enclosure and the exhaust of flames from the enclosure.

Abstract: A fire damper having a surrounding frame positioned rearwardly of a register or grill diffuser within a construction wall installation is fixedly secured to a sleeve assembly having a rear surface aligned substantially co-linearly with the rear surface of the fire damper. In such manner, the rear surface of the sleeve assembly and the rear surface of the fire damper are constrained to rest substantially flat against the construction wall installation in a way so as to prevent the snaking around of flames to enter into ductwork within the wall in otherwise by-passing the fire damper protector.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for alerting an operator to the need to change a temperature control system filter includes a mechanism for selecting and setting a primary period of filter use to assure replacement before the filter becomes clogged; a mechanism for counting out the selected primary period; a mechanism for activating a signalling device to signal the operator to replace the filter, absent replacement of the filter; a mechanism for sensing replacement of the filter; a mechanism for resetting the mechanism for counting to begin the counting out the selected primary period again upon replacement of the filter; a mechanism for counting out a secondary period measured from the end of the primary period; a mechanism for shutting down the system at the end of the secondary period absent replacement of the filter; and a mechanism for detecting a fire within the building. The apparatus preferably additionally includes a mechanism for shutting down the temperature control system upon detection of a fire.

Abstract: A protective damper for controlling the flow of fluid through a ceiling diffuser has a frame defining an opening through which the fluid flows. A barrier has a closed position which prevents the flow of fluid through the opening and an open position which allows fluid flow through the opening. The barrier is restricted to linear movement between the open and closed positions. A spring is operably coupled with a shaft and exerts a bias on the shaft tending to rotate the shaft on its longitudinal axis in one direction. An actuator is operably coupled with the shaft and rotates the shaft about its longitudinal axis in the opposite direction when the actuator is energized. An elongated rigid element is pivotally coupled with the shaft and with the barrier, respectively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for circulating air. The apparatus includes a motor for rotating the blades of a fan. The apparatus also includes a housing for the fan having a wall which is disposed proximate to the blades in the fan in a spaced relationship thereto. In addition, the apparatus includes a motor mount which is operable to support the wall of the housing so as to substantially maintain the spaced relationship between the wall and the blades of the fan.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided to engage a resettable link in a curtain-type fire damper and release and reset that link so that the blades of the damper can unfold. The mechanism is actuated remotely and mechanically without the need for an access door.

Abstract: An electric motor acts through a gear train to rotate an output shaft in one direction while a torsion spring rotates the shaft in the opposite direction when the motor is de-energized. When the output shaft stops abruptly at a limit position after being rotated by the spring, a lost-motion drive connection permits the output gear of the drive train to rotate relative to the shaft in order to dissipate kinetic energy through the gear train and to avoid impact loading of the gear train and the motor.

Abstract: A combination fire alarm/air conditioner, which can immediately detect a fire. The device includes a temperature-sensor and/or a smoke-sensor installed in the room-side air inlet of the air conditioner. Signals generated by the sensor are received by a microcomputer which monitors them based on a threshold and a rate of change of the signals. When the rate of change of the signals exceeds the threshold, the microcomputer produces signals which set off an alarm.

Abstract: A butterfly valve is utilized to control air flow in the environmental control air distribution system of an aircraft. A linkage system enables the valve to be manually controlled under normal conditions but to be shut off remotely in case of an emergency condition.

Abstract: A fire damper comprising a plurality of interconnected blades is provided with a pair of primary negator type springs which are attached to the leading blade and a pair of auxiliary negator type springs which are attached to an intermediate blade. The blades are normally maintained in a folded condition with the springs exerting a biasing force urging movement of the blades to an extended closed position. Upon release of the blades in response to detection of fire or smoke conditions, the springs cooperate to move the blade assembly to the completely closed position. The auxiliary springs increase the rate of closing of the assembly and facilitate unfolding of a portion of the blade assembly to enhance the closing of the assembly even under high air flow conditions.

Abstract: A tensioned fire damper assembly and method are disclosed. The assembly includes a damper tensioning frame for tensionably mounting a fire damper within a duct or other mounting aperture, thereby allowing substantially unrestricted thermal damper expansion into an expansion gap located between the aperture and the tensioning frame. Screw type tensioning fasteners can be employed to tensionably mount the frame, and the degree of frame tension can be regulated by using tensioning fastener bushings which limit the threadable movement of the fasteners. Additional embodiments are disclosed in which multiple dampers can be accommodated in a tensionable frame.

Abstract: An air exchange system is disclosed for use in a building having a plurality of stories each having a base floor, finished floor, finished ceiling and rough ceiling. The system comprises a plurality of main distribution ducts each adapted to be located in the space defined between the finished ceiling of a lower story and the finished floor of an upper story lying immediately above the lower story. The main ducts are located on alternate floors and adapted to supply sufficient air for the two adjacent floors. Each of the main ducts are provided with at least one upper duct which communicates with an upper story through the base floor and at least one lower duct which communicates with a lower story through the rough ceiling thereof. A variable air volume control unit is connected to each upper and lower duct controlling the volume of conditioned air entering a story of the building in order to control the temperature within the user space therein.