Ceiling Type Patents (Class 454/292)
  • Publication number: 20080064318
    Abstract: A ventilation fan and hanging light arrangement includes a ventilator assembly located in a ceiling of the room and a cover in the form of a ceiling medallion disposed in covering relation to the ventilator assembly. The ventilator assembly includes a ventilator having an impeller and an airduct attachment opening for ventilating air from the room through the airduct attachment opening. The cover disposed over the ventilator assembly conceals the ventilator assembly from view by a person in the room. However, the cover has at least one ventilation opening disposed therein that allows airflow there through from the room to the ventilator assembly. A hanging light fixture is suspended from the ceiling directly below the ventilator assembly. The cover preferably is a decorative ceiling medallion that compliments the hanging light fixture. The arrangement hides the ventilator assembly such that a person in the room will not immediately appreciate that the room is ventilated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: Brushstrokes Design Studio, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin Bohrer Wellner, Lana McClanahan Rubright
  • Publication number: 20080045137
    Abstract: An insulated plenum box, such as a ceiling box or any other metal plenum box, for heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) duct systems is produced faster and cheaper than prior art devices by having insulation sprayed onto either the inside or the outside of the plenum box to match the R-value of the connecting insulated HVAC duct, saving time, labor, and cost for the end user by eliminating the step of insulating the plenum box at installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventor: Floro Rosal
  • Patent number: 7331854
    Abstract: A building protection system comprises a filtration unit, an air handling unit, an emergency exhaust subsystem, a first damper positioned between the filtration unit and the air handling unit, and a second damper positioned between the emergency exhaust subsystem and the filtration unit. The first damper is selectively opened and the second damper is selectively closed to filter outside air as it enters a building, and the first damper is selectively closed and the second damper is selectively opened to filter inside air as it is exhausted from, the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Robert H. Fleming, D. James Schooley
  • Patent number: 7204096
    Abstract: An air discharge outlet comprises line air discharge outlets (35) and corner air discharge outlets (36). The line air discharge outlets (35) are so formed as to extend, respectively, along four sides of a casing bottom part having four side parts and four corner parts wherein the side and corner parts are formed in contiguous relationship to one another. The corner air discharge outlets (36) are formed, respectively, in the four casing corner parts so that each corner air discharge outlet (36) establishes connection between adjacent ones of the line air discharge outlets (35). And, each line air discharge outlet (35) is provided with a swing vane (38) swingable about a longitudinal shaft (41) of each line air discharge outlet (35). Each corner air discharge outlet (36) is provided with a fixed stationary vane (39).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Iwata, Masakazu Hirai
  • Patent number: 7185504
    Abstract: An operational air conditioning mode is allowed to set to a temperature uniformization mode and a spot air conditioning mode, and is selectively switched between these modes automatically by a control means (53) or manually. In such an embodiment, a comfortably air-conditioned state is obtained in all the areas of a space to be air-conditioned W during air conditioning performed in the temperature uniformization mode, and the comfort is ensured by intensively air-conditioning the surroundings of a person during air conditioning performed in the spot air conditioning mode. At the same time, since an unnecessary air conditioning is not provided to a region without the presence of a person, energy conservation is improved, for example, and thus the comfort of air conditioning and energy conservation are both achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Daikin Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaya Kasai, Sumio Shiochi, Ryuuji Akiyama, Kazuhisa Shigemori
  • Patent number: 7156892
    Abstract: A filter protection apparatus includes a frame of a closed curve defining an inner space isolated from surroundings, the frame having a shape of a filter securing part for securing an air filter, an attaching part for attaching the frame to a filter securing part, and a protection part, which is coupled on the inner surface of the frame to occupy the inner space with a plurality of minute holes through which air passes, for protecting the filter from damage. In operation, the protection part is able to prevent damage to the filter that may be caused by work instruments during maintenance work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dae-Won Kim, Jung-Sung Hwang, Tae-Hyup Kim
  • Patent number: 7140960
    Abstract: The present invention relates to duct systems, registers and ductwork components used with floor or ceiling registers employed in warm air heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems, and specifically to improvements for mounting and installing the components of the duct system, including register boots, mud rings and register grilles, in the walls, floors or ceilings of buildings components, mud ring, register grille and wall, floor or ceiling opening, which reduces costs. The invention includes an adjustable boot hanger mounting bracket assembly comprising a boot hanger frame portion and a support member portion; the ductwork components, which may include a pre-fabricated can-boot/mud ring assembly; a pair of boot hanger arms; and a register grille. The boot hanger mounting bracket assembly is formed of a sturdy yet bendable material so that it can be configured and adjusted on-site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Applied Applications International, Inc.
    Inventor: Allan Pilger
  • Patent number: 7108600
    Abstract: The present invention provides an air duct registrer for adding forced air (heat, air conditioning), exhausting air or simply to balance air quality. The air duct register has a manifold and is designed with a removable manifold collar connectible to the flexible or rigid duct. The manifold has thumb cam fasteners to provide ease of installation from below the finished ceiling. With the duct in place above the ceiling elevation, the appropriate opening can be cut and all connections can be made below ceiling elevations via the manifold collar opening. The duct is routed through the manifold opening and connected onto the manifold collar retainer barbs. The manifold collar plate can then be snapped securely into the manifold. The grille then slides into the manifold and is pushed tight to the finished ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventors: Steven P. Krzyskowski, Daniel L. Ritchie
  • Patent number: 7022010
    Abstract: A ceiling has an upper surface, a lower surface and a circular aperture. A boot has a cylindrical lower section and a large circular cross sectional configuration and with a cylindrical upper section and a small circular cross sectional configuration. The diameter of the circular aperture is slightly greater than the diameter of the lower section of the boot. The boot also includes a circular flange extending radially outwardly from the lower edge of the boot with threaded apertures around the flange. A grill has an exterior diameter equal to the exterior diameter of the flange. Threaded apertures are aligned with the apertures of the flange with bolts to removably couple the grill to the boot. The grill has a plurality of slots for the flow of air there through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Keith Cardon
  • Patent number: 7011578
    Abstract: A plenum and diffuser for use with an HVAC system for distributing air through an opening in a ceiling, the plenum having a large diameter bottom opening by which air is passed through an opening in the ceiling, and having an air inlet opening. A hanger bar extends through the plenum housing over the large diameter opening. A junction box is secured to the hanger bar for supporting a light fixture or ceiling fan. A diffuser is in the form of a planar, circular structure of thin, rigid material having a circumferential outer edge and a central opening dimensioned to accommodate a junction box. The diffuser has a plurality of radially extending fins and a radially extending air slot opening in conjunction with each fin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: R.C. Air Devices, LLC
    Inventor: William Roger Core
  • Patent number: 6986708
    Abstract: Multiple methods of supplying conditioned air to a room and components therefor are provided. A dual plenum system has a supply plenum for delivering supply air to the room and a return plenum for returning room air to an air handling unit. Conduits are provided to permit passage of the return air through the supply plenum without breaching the integrity of the supply plenum. Modular units permit a user to customize the supply and return apparatuses. A terminal unit having a controllable damper blade can be applied to a diffuser to permit the unit to be convertible between a constant volume unit and a variable volume unit. A thermostat generates signals that open and close the damper blade at determined intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: AirFixture L.L.C.
    Inventor: Stanley J. Demster
  • Patent number: 6945866
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering conditioned air using short duty cycles during which a damper is fully open for a time and fully closed for the remaining time. Conditioned air is continuously supplied to a plenum at low pressure and is applied to the space when the damper is open and blocked when the damper is closed. The proportion of on to off time during each duty cycle is adjusted to meet the load. When several supply terminals serve a space, their duty cycles are staggered to avoid fan instability. A special motor is coupled directly to the damper shaft for fast opening and closing of the damper. A magnetic latch holds the damper open or closed until the motor moves it again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: AirFixture L.L.C.
    Inventor: Stanley J. Demster
  • Patent number: 6866579
    Abstract: The present invention relates to duct systems, registers and ductwork components used with floor or ceiling registers employed in warm air heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems, and specifically to improvements for mounting and installing the components of the duct system, including register boots, mud rings and register grilles, in the walls, floors or ceilings of buildings. The invention includes an adjustable boot hanger mounting bracket assembly comprising a boot hanger frame portion and a support member portion; the ductwork components, which may include a pre-fabricated can-boot/mud ring assembly; a pair of boot hanger arms; and a register grille. The boot hanger mounting bracket assembly is formed of a sturdy yet bendable material so that it can be configured and adjusted on-site. Once configured, the boot hanger mounting bracket assembly is secured to the building structure by securing a pair of boot hanger arms to the ceiling joists, wall studs or other support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Applied Applications International, Inc.
    Inventor: Allan Pilger
  • Patent number: 6837787
    Abstract: A sleeve assembly (2) for supporting flexible duct (4) includes a frame (6) with first and second frame sections (10a, b). The frame sections are secured together by fastener subassemblies (8). The sleeve assembly accommodates flexible duct in various angular and straight configurations. The frame can comprise various suitable materials and skeletal or solid-exterior construction. The sleeve assembly is adapted for various installations in air distribution systems of heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Flexible Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Dale J. Crook
  • Publication number: 20040237572
    Abstract: Air conditioning and ventilating system including air conditioner installed on a ceiling, having air outlets for discharging air having heat heat exchanged at an indoor heat exchanger, and a device for controlling a direction of air discharged from the air outlets, a first air passage for guiding outdoor air to a room, and a second air passage for guiding room air to an outdoor. The first, and second air passages cross at a part, where a regenerative heat exchanger is provided. The deflecting plate is tilted at an angle from a ceiling surface for directing the air from the air outlet, not vertical to the ceiling surface, but at an angle from the ceiling surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Gi Seop Lee, Kyung Hwan Kim, Jeong Yong Kim
  • Publication number: 20040185772
    Abstract: The present invention relates to duct systems, registers and ductwork components used with floor or ceiling registers employed in warm air heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems, and specifically to improvements for mounting and installing the components of the duct system, including register boots, mud rings and register grilles, in the walls, floors or ceilings of buildings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Allan Pilger
  • Publication number: 20040050077
    Abstract: An indoor unit (Z1) has a casing (1) which is embedded or suspended in/from a ceiling (50), and an indoor panel (2) which is provided on a lower side of the casing (1) and installed in an indoor exposed state. The indoor panel (2) is provided with an air inlet (3), a plurality of air outlets (4) which surround the air inlet (3) in a rectangular shape and have a rectangular shape. An infrared sensor (15) is provided on an exposed portion of the indoor panel (2). The indoor unit (Z1) further has an airflow changing unit (52) for changing characteristics of airflow blown out from each of the air outlets (4), and a control unit (53) for controlling the airflow changing unit (52) based on output information of the infrared sensor (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Masaya Kasai, Sumio Shiochi, Tomohiro Yabu, Ryuuji Akiyama, Kazuhisa Shigemori
  • Publication number: 20030207666
    Abstract: A sleeve assembly (2) for supporting flexible duct (4) includes a frame (6) with first and second frame sections (10a, b). The frame sections are secured together by fastener subassemblies (8). The sleeve assembly accommodates flexible duct in various angular and straight configurations. The frame can comprise various suitable materials and skeletal or solid-exterior construction. The sleeve assembly is adapted for various installations in air distribution systems of heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: Dale J Crook
  • Patent number: 6554880
    Abstract: Apparatus for a discharge vent on an air circulation system includes structures for controlling the direction and quantity of airflow. Filter elements may be provided to help reduce contaminants that might otherwise be discharged through the vent. Preferred methods for assembling and using the apparatus are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: David T. Northcutt
  • Patent number: 6533656
    Abstract: A counterweight biased duct vent closure and door for a conventional overhead or surface mounted forced hot/cool air supply vent opening. The closure door includes a covering sized to fit over and sealably cover the register or vent opening from communication with the conditioned space when the HVAC system is not in use while automatically opening the cover to provide for treated or forced hot/cool air to be allowed into a space. The duct vent closure provided with an extension forming a counterweight spaced from and rotatable along with the door about a hinge in response to an increase and decrease in air pressure from the duct. Upon generation of a positive air pressure through the duct, the force of air pressure overcomes the gravitational bias provided by the counterweight and the covering is automatically pushed open away from the frame of the apparatus thus enabling the forced air to emanate from the vent and into the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Peter H. Hertel
  • Patent number: 6511522
    Abstract: A clean room filter support system has a filter unit comprising a perimetrical frame having four sides of a predetermined vertical extent with upper and lower edges and filtering material held within the frame for air flow between a first plane incorporating rear face of the filter material and a second plane incorporating a front face of the filter material, at least one side of the perimetrical frame defines an outwardly projecting bracket. There is a connector extending vertically between the support surface and the filter unit frame that has a rod supported from the support surface and an anchor structure supported by the rod. A spring-loaded pin engages with the bracket and is adjustable to selectively engage the anchor structure to couple the filter unit by its bracket to the anchor structure, the pin being adjustable for selectively engaging the anchor structure. A clip interposed between the pin head and the bracket blocks shifting of the filter unit against the resiliency of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: HEPA Corporation
    Inventors: Tony Gomez, Matthew Wharton, Richard Braman
  • Patent number: 6478673
    Abstract: A diffuser for a heating and air conditioning system includes a body portion and an adapter. The body portion includes a flange with a cylindrical portion. Flexible arms having projections are located about the cylindrical portion. Clamp guides are positioned about the cylindrical portion as well. The adapter includes multiple, different size cylindrical sections. One of the sections includes openings for receiving the projections on the arms to secure the adapter to the body. A tear-away strip is provided to remove unneeded sections of the adapter. Two attachment mechanisms are provided for securing the diffuser to a ceiling. The diffuser further includes a removable vane unit. The vane unit includes multiple projections for engaging prongs on the base to secure the vane unit to the base. A ribs on the projections contact the prongs to limit vibrations. The diffuser baffles include a collar for reducing vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Continental Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald D. Haynes
  • Patent number: 6458028
    Abstract: A diffuser for a ceiling allows a ceiling fan to be mounted directly below the diffuser so that the fan may distribute the air being delivered out of the diffuser. The diffuser includes an upper box section mounted on a lower section that mounts the diffuser on the ceiling. The down rod of the ceiling fan is connected to the diffuser to support the ceiling fan. The down rod may be supported above the upper section so that the electrical connections between the ceiling fan and an electrical source may be positioned outside of the diffuser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: Darryl L. Snyder
  • Publication number: 20020119747
    Abstract: A fan unit is provided comprising:
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventor: Lee Zong Tang
  • Patent number: 6435963
    Abstract: Devices, methods of using the devices, and kits are described that provide a protective barrier device between an air delivery structure of an air conditioning unit and the ceiling components that are adjacent to the air delivery structure. The device is a unitary water-impermeable structure having surfaces that act as barrier, preventing condensation collecting on the air delivery structure from passing to the sorrounding ceiling components. A preferred embodiment of the invention has a surface projecting into the space being cooled, said surface deflecting air from the adjacent ceiling structures, thereby reducing or preventing collection of dirt or other particles, or moisture, from depositing on the adjacent ceiling components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: W. Larry Dill
  • Patent number: 6405644
    Abstract: The present invention describes an apparatus useful for maintaining perishable products in a controlled environment as a modular unit. This modular unit, or self-contained apparatus, encompasses all the equipment necessary for installation while offering temperature stability, simplified maintenance requirements, and ultimately, precise control of ripening. Designed for efficiency, typical labor and equipment costs and energy consumption of a ripening room are reduced with the palletized ripening cabinet. The present invention may also be easily adapted for the combination of units or for various temperature requirements and otherwise from pre-cooler to freezer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: Robert J. Windecker
  • Patent number: 6354937
    Abstract: A sleeve assembly for supporting flexible duct includes a frame with first and second frame sections. The frame sections are secured together by fastener subassemblies. The sleeve assembly accommodates flexible duct in various angular and straight configurations. The frame can comprise various suitable materials and skeletal or solid-exterior construction. The sleeve assembly is adapted for various installations in air distribution systems of heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: Dale J. Crook
  • Publication number: 20020007934
    Abstract: An air-conditioning device especially for ceiling placement with low build-in height and comprising at least one preferably vertically oriented heat exchanger, with substantially horizontal percolation of the room air and at least one ventilation channel for fresh air provided substantially parallel to and within a small distance from the heat exchanger, at its outlet side, a downwards open air chamber provided between the ventilation channel and the heat exchanger, and air nozzles provided in the channel side wall of the ventilation channel facing the air chamber, which are directed towards the outlet of the air chamber. The ventilation channel is provided with a preferably convex channel wall which diametrically extends substantially from the upper corner of the ventilation channel to the lower corner of the ventilation channel. The heat exchanger and the ventilation channel are arranged with a downwards, diverging open air space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventor: Goran Hultmark
  • Publication number: 20010027086
    Abstract: A diffuser for a ceiling allows a ceiling fan to be mounted directly below the diffuser so that the fan may distribute the air being delivered out of the diffuser. The diffuser includes an upper box section mounted on a lower section that mounts the diffuser on the ceiling. The down rod of the ceiling fan is connected to the diffuser to support the ceiling fan. The down rod may be supported above the upper section so that the electrical connections between the ceiling fan and an electrical source may be positioned outside of the diffuser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventor: Darryl L. Snyder
  • Patent number: 6267666
    Abstract: A single flow of incoming air through a closed sound-absorbent air-conditioned ceiling is used for air conditioning a room. The flow of incoming air can be temperature controlled. Part of the flow of heat associated with the flow of incoming air is conveyed into the room in the form of heat radiation emitted from the air-conditioned ceiling. The air-conditioned ceiling is manufactured from materials with a high level of heat conductivity for this purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Wilhelmi Werke AG
    Inventor: Frank H. Wilhelmi
  • Patent number: 6251007
    Abstract: An air diffuser plenum for use with climate control systems to direct air to desired locations within the interior of a building. An inlet receives air from the climate control system. Within the air diffuser plenum is a cavity which receives the incoming air. The bottom of the housing has a diffuser insert mounted thereon which directs air from the cavity to outlets connected to the sides of the diffuser. The diffuser has a rectangular inlet to cooperate with a transition duct which preferably installed from the roof into a building. The diffuser also has a transition portion directing air from the inlet to a substantially square cross section area prior to directing air out of the vents. A method for making the diffuser is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: Randall L. Smith
  • Patent number: 6206778
    Abstract: An air diffuser plenum for use with climate control systems to direct air to desired locations within the interior of a building. An inlet receives air from the climate control system. Within the air diffuser plenum is a cavity which receives the incoming air. The bottom of the housing has a deflector which is formed from the interior sides of a bottom portion of the diffuser. The deflector directs air from the cavity to outlets connected to the sides of the diffuser. Since the deflector is formed from the opposing sides of the bottom portion of the diffuser, there is no need for a separate bottom plate to hold a diffuser insert in place. Additionally, the deflector may extend a distance beyond the side wall intersection to direct air in direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: Randall L. Smith
  • Patent number: 6193603
    Abstract: A wind outlet plate of an air conditioner for cleaning air comprises a wind outlet panel, an upper cover, a wind guiding plate, a filter, a negative ion generator, an ultraviolet lamp. The wind outlet panel has a wind outlet. The upper cover is installed above the wind outlet panel and has respective wind inlet and wind outlet. The wind guiding plate is installed below the wind outlet panel for guiding air flow. The filter is installed on the wind guiding plate for filtering dust, and at least one rotary groove is installed at the lateral side thereof, by rotation, the rotary groove is buckled to the rotary hook at the wind inlet of the upper cover for engagement or detachment. A negative ion generator is installed at the bottom of the upper cover near the wind inlet; and an ultraviolet (UV) lamp is installed at the bottom of the upper cover near the wind inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: Kuo-Cheng Tai
  • Patent number: 6168517
    Abstract: An air circulation and mixing device is disclosed which can cover a ceiling air ventilation duct, taking air discharged from the duct and drawing air at the room's ceiling, mixing the two, and redirecting the mixed air so that it is discharged radially and parallel to the ceiling, rather than directly downwardly. The device has an open frame whose sides may be covered with removable air filtration media and which forms a primary interior having a lower aperture and normally an upper aperture. An open-sided grille below the lower aperture forms a secondary space. A fan is mounted within the primary space and turns blades within the lower aperture and a disk at the bottom of the secondary space. An annular plate surrounding the fan housing blocks downward flow of incoming air and forces the air to flow radially outwardly around the edge of the plate, thus also insuring good mixing with the incoming ceiling air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: E. F. Cook
  • Patent number: 6077160
    Abstract: A ripening room is disclosed for ripening perishable products, such as fruits and vegetables, and more particularly bananas, in which the air flow and temperature are closely controlled by the room construction and by a cooling control system that archives uniform ripening of the fruit regardless of the physical location of the fruit within the room. These desired results are accomplished using a minimum quantity of energy and cooling capacity by use of an improved cooling controller that gradually changes the temperature setpoint over time to allow the cooling (refrigeration) system to operate near its full capacity without any periods of intense cooling (due to sudden changes of the temperature setpoint, as in the prior art). The uniform ripening is also achieved by an improved air distribution system that provides a greater back pressure in portions of a ripening room that, in conventional designs, receives far too much air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Chiquita Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanislaw Franaszek, Grzegorz Pawel Mizera
  • Patent number: 6070383
    Abstract: A clean room filter unit mounting system including a bracket, a bracket and fastener assembly, and individually mounted filter units. The bracket and fastener assembly includes a bracket having a relatively fixed member and a relatively movable member to allow misaligned mounting of parts such as the filter units in a clean room ceiling to fixed suspension rods without perfect registration of the bracket fixed member with the suspension rods, and a fastener able to pass through both bracket members in a first arrangement and to block such passage in a second disposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: HEPA Corporation
    Inventor: Peter Jeanseau
  • Patent number: 6030287
    Abstract: A system for distributing air through an opening in a ceiling into a room, the ceiling being supported by spaced apart joists or other ceiling structural members, the air being supplied by a duct located above the ceiling, including a plenum having an open top connected to the duct and an open bottom in communication with the ceiling opening. A support bar extends through the plenum and secured at its opposed ends to ceiling structural member. A motor hanger is secured to the support bar. An air diffuser is positioned in communication with the plenum open bottom. A fan motor is supported to the lower end of the motor hanger. A plurality of generally horizontally extending fan blades are attached to and rotated by the motor. Air is passed from the duct through the plenum and diffuser into the room, distribution of the air being augmented by the fan blades as rotated by the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventor: William Roger Core
  • Patent number: 5946875
    Abstract: A clean room filter unit mounting system including a bracket, a bracket and fastener assembly, and individually mounted filter units. The bracket and fastener assembly includes a bracket having a relatively fixed member and a relatively movable member to allow misaligned mounting of parts such as the filter units in a clean room ceiling to fixed suspension rods without perfect registration of the bracket fixed member with the suspension rods, and a fastener able to pass through both bracket members in a first arrangement and to block such passage in a second disposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: HEPA Corporation
    Inventor: Peter Jeanseau
  • Patent number: 5795220
    Abstract: A system for distributing air in a room, the air being supplied by duct work. A plenum having an open top and an open bottom, the open top being in communication with the duct work. An air diffuser is positioned within the room in communication with the plenum providing passage for air flowing from the plenum into the room. A motor is supported within the diffuser having a downwardly extending motor shaft with a lower portion that extends below the diffuser. A plurality of fan blades extend horizontally from the motor shaft so that as air flows into the room through the diffuser the air is effectively distributed in the room by the action of the rotating fan blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: William Roger Core
  • Patent number: 5658196
    Abstract: An air duct diffuser is shown for attachment to a ceiling grid. The diffuser includes a frame which mounts to the ceiling grid and a louvre which mounts to the frame for directing diffused air within an associated air space. A pre-formed, composite housing of insulating material mounts to the frame and has punch-out duct openings of varying sizes provided therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Marjorie L. Trigg
    Inventor: Danny L. Swaim
  • Patent number: 5569078
    Abstract: A diffuser introduces air into a conditioned space to obtain a desired indoor atmospheric environment. The diffuser has a diffuser body and an inlet through the diffuser body. The inlet has an inlet area to receive the air within the diffuser. The diffuser has a primary outlet through the diffuser body. The primary outlet has a fixed primary area to direct air from within the diffuser into the conditioned space. The diffuser has a secondary outlet through the diffuser body. The secondary outlet is provided to direct the air from within the diffuser into the conditioned space. The secondary outlet has a secondary area that is adjustable in size between a predetermined minimum secondary area and a predetermined maximum secondary area. The predetermined minimum area may be chosen to be zero to provide for a fully closed secondary outlet when the secondary area is adjusted to its minimum area. The diffuser may be implemented with a plurality of primary outlets and a plurality of secondary outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Colorado State University Research Foundation
    Inventor: Allan T. Kirkpatrick
  • Patent number: 5564980
    Abstract: An air circulation system includes an inflow system which includes a tube enclosure or cowl suspended from a ceiling of a room or from a roof above the room. The tube enclosure or cowl is fitted with a ceiling fan. An air supply unit external to the room (e.g., outdoors) includes an in flow fan connected to air supply duct and a variable air volume box having an inlet connected to the air supply duct and an outlet connected to the interior of the tube enclosure or cowl. The system also includes an outflow system which includes an exhaust grill which may be either suspended from the ceiling or be fitted to the wall of the room. An exhaust riser duct is connected to the exhaust grill. An exhaust fan is connected to the outlet from the exhaust riser. The exhaust fan is operated in conjunction with the inflow fan to exhaust, via the outflow system, substantially all the volume of air inflowing through the air inflow system into the inside room through the outflow system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Inventor: Sydney J. Becker
  • Patent number: 5564975
    Abstract: A pair of elongated channel supports each defining inwardly open channels are secured to the undersurfaces of a parallel pair of ceiling rails. The channel supports are positioned on each side of a ceiling air flow vent. A pair of generally planar control panels are slidably movable within the channels and extend between the channel supports. The panels are movable between alternative positions within the channels to cover all or part of the air flow vent and thereby control air flow therethrough. In an alternate embodiment, the pair of generally planar control panels are replaced by a single larger panel which is similarly movable within the channels of the channel supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Inventor: David T. Northcutt
  • Patent number: 5410782
    Abstract: A clip device for locating an object such as a diffuser in an aperture in a panel comprises a mounting member, a pivotal member, a spring for retaining the pivotal member in either of a first position and second position, and an actuating device comprising a rod and lug whereby the pivotal member can be moved form the first position to the second position. The rod is moveable between an operative condition wherein an end protrudes so as to contact the ceiling panel during insertion of the diffuser in the aperture, and an inoperative condition wherein the end is retracted. The clip can thus be selectively set so as not to operate when the diffuser is installed in the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Holyoake Industries Limited
    Inventor: Scott N. Holyoake
  • Patent number: 5411438
    Abstract: At an outlet of a heating, ventilating or air conditioning system air passes from the ducting through a plenum chamber, a damper provided with a set of blades which are movable between open and closed positions and a diffuser which directs the air in a desired direction. The plenum chamber is provided with internal vanes which act to guide a flow of air through the chamber between its inlet and outlet. The damper defines a plurality of predetermined blade positions between the open and closed positions and a resilient finger and teeth for retaining the blades in a selected one of said predetermined positions. The damper has a frame comprising a plurality of discrete frame elements interconnected at each corner joint of the frame by a friction fit pin passing through interdigitated projections on the frame elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Hunter Technical Developments Limited
    Inventors: David White, Colin Sawyer, Pater Bartingale
  • Patent number: 5338255
    Abstract: A mounting shoulder (34) attached to an air duct fitting (20) for securing an air duct register (24) over the end of the fitting. The fitting protrudes through an opening (26) in a wall member (22). The mounting shoulder comprises an attachment strip (36), a floor plate (32), and three side walls (40, 42, 44) all formed from a single plate of metal having properly placed cuts and bends. The attachment strip (36) affixes the shoulder to the fitting and is attached to the fitting such that its lower edge (52) is flush with the lower edge of the fitting. The width of the attachment strip is substantially equal to the thickness of the wall member. The floor plate, to which the air duct register may be secured, is attached along one edge to the attachment strip and lies in a plane substantially parallel to the wall member. The three side walls extend in a direction away from wall member from edges of the floor plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Noll Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Kenneth S. Akehurst
  • Patent number: 5297326
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for converting a fixed-opening air diffuser (21) to an individually-controlled variable air volume diffuser. The fixed-opening diffuser (21) includes a diffuser housing (26) mounted to a support structure (25) and coupled to receive air from a supply conduit (24) positioned behind the support structure (25) and a diffusion assembly (27) mounted across the housing (26) to distribute the air from the housing (26). The method includes the steps of removing the diffusion assembly (27) from a position across the diffuser housing (26) to provide access to the housing, mounting a thermally-powered diffuser actuator assembly (31) having a movable vane (32) coupled to actuator assembly (31) inside the diffuser housing (26) in a position for control of air discharged from the diffuser housing (26) by thermally-driven displacement of the vane (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Acutherm Limited
    Inventor: James R. Kline
  • Patent number: 5292282
    Abstract: An air guard assembly used to direct air forced through an overhead air diffuser toward the floor of a building. The assembly has a plurality of elongated linear baffles. Each baffle has a strip of magnetic material that adheres directly to metal ceiling structures to surround and enclose the diffuser within the assembly. A gripping tool having an elongated handle is used to locate the baffle adjacent the metal ceiling surface and remove the baffle therefrom. The baffle has a pair of grooves preventing the gripping tool from slipping off the baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Inventor: Mike T. Callas
  • Patent number: 5281187
    Abstract: A unitary vent and duct assembly for installation within a framed section of a suspended ceiling structure comprises a cowling having a substantially closed top end and a substantially closed bottom end. The bottom end of the cowling is covered with a foraminous grill that allows passage of air into or out of the assembly. The assembly is sized to fit within a framed section of a suspended ceiling structure and has a plurality of spring biased barb bearing clips arrayed about its periphery. A semi-rigid flexible and lengthwise expandable duct is coupled to the top portion of the cowling and communicates with the interior thereof. In use, the vent and duct assembly is pressed into place within a framed section of a suspended ceiling structure, whereupon the peripheral clips engage and fasten to the struts of the ceiling structure to hold the assembly firmly but releasibly in place. The flexible duct can then be pulled away from the cowling and toward a main supply or return duct to which it is to be coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Inventor: Harry R. Whitney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5279090
    Abstract: In a method of constructing a ceiling frame to support a filter at the ceiling of a clean room, the method is characterized in that a number of divisional frame units are formed, each in a rectangular frame, to frame a filter unit to be installed, that those divisional frame units are positioned one after another at the ceiling of the clean room, that the ceiling frame is formed by connecting, to unify, abutting frame members of the divisional frame units, and that the divisional frame units are hanged at the ceiling with hangers applied at the abutting portions of the divisional frame units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignees: Asahi Kogyosha Co., Ltd., Nippon Donaldson Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigehisa Yamaguchi, Yoshiaki Kashiwase, Kazutomo Isono, Hiroshi Kagoyama