Having Portion Or Element Movable During Normal Use Patents (Class 454/297)
-
Patent number: 11443859Abstract: A nuclear plant including a nuclear reactor and a natural circulation air cooling system configured to provide cooling of the nuclear reactor based on circulating ambient air from an air inlet opening to absorb nuclear reactor rejected heat through an outlet air opening, due to natural circulation of said ambient air induced by the ambient air absorbing said rejected heat, may further include a pile structure covering at least one opening of the air inlet opening or the air outlet opening. The pile structure may include a pile of packing objects covering the at least one opening, such that the at least one opening is obscured from direct exposure to the ambient environment by the pile of the packing objects.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2020Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLCInventors: Derek Bass, Eric Paul Loewen, Haaken Lysne
-
Patent number: 11378305Abstract: An air duct includes a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber being defined between an air handling device and the second chamber, and the second chamber being defined between the first chamber and an environment exterior to the air duct, a plurality of first openings between the first chamber and the second chamber, a plurality of second openings between the second chamber and the environment exterior to the air duct, and a sound absorbing material defining at least a portion of an interior surface of at least one of the first chamber and the second chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2017Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: BOMBARDIER INC.Inventors: Alexis Caron-L'Ecuyer, Andre Brodeur
-
Patent number: 11371744Abstract: A ceiling system is provided that has a ceiling structure suspended within a space of a building thereby dividing the space into an occupied space below the ceiling structure and a plenum space above the ceiling structure; a panel structure supported by the ceiling structure and having an opening; a pressurized air passageway aligned with the opening, the pressurized air passageway having an outlet; and an inductive air passageway adjacent the pressurized air passageway, the inductive air passageway having an inlet and an outlet. Wherein the pressurized air passageway and the inductive air passageway are configured such that pressurized air passing through the outlet of the pressurized air passageway induces an induced air flow out of the outlet of the inductive air passageway.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2017Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Assignee: AWI Licensing LLCInventor: William H. Frantz
-
Patent number: 11268705Abstract: A pneumatic radiation unit according to the present invention includes: a first chamber including a first air discharger configured to discharge air-conditioning air to a second chamber; and the second chamber including a second air discharger configured to discharge the air-conditioning air to a space to be air conditioned, the second chamber being configured to take in the air-conditioning air from the first chamber and discharge the air-conditioning air and radiate heat to the space to be air conditioned. A second aperture ratio of the second air discharger is set to be greater than a first aperture ratio of the first air discharger, or a cross-sectional area of a flow passage of the air-conditioning air in the first chamber is gradually reduced from an upwind side to a downwind side of the flow passage of the air-conditioning air.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2019Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: KIMURA KOHKI CO., LTD.Inventors: Keiichi Kimura, Katsuhiro Urano
-
Patent number: 10858829Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to suspension ceiling grids, for example, suitable for holding a suspension ceiling composed of ceiling tiles. The present disclosure relates more particularly to a vented suspension ceiling support beam including an elongate body extending in a longitudinal direction. The body includes a vertical web, and opposing first and second flanges protruding laterally from the vertical web. A vent is formed through the first flange.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2019Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: CertainTeed Ceilings CorporationInventors: Matthew Rapposelli, Robin C. Czyzewicz, Isabelle Etchart Randlett, Michael J. Lembo, David E. Woolley
-
Patent number: 10787054Abstract: In order to provide a motor vehicle, the roof of which is composed of a transparent material at least in some sections, wherein persons located in the motor vehicle are cooled by means of escaping air, air outlet openings are formed on both sides on opposite roof frame longitudinal segments, in each case in accordance with the number of seat rows. Air lines are provided, which convey air conditioned by at least one present air conditioning system to at least one air outlet opening. Sensors that detect occupancy of the present seats by a person are provided, and a controller for the present air conditioning system is provided, which adjusts an air conditioning system from the number of present air conditioning systems in such a way that an air flow having a predetermined temperature and having a predetermined air outlet speed is applied to an upper region of a person located on a seat.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2017Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventor: Stefan Wiedemann
-
Patent number: 10563887Abstract: An air control system 20 and associated methods including a flexible duct 30 having air exit holes 40, 42 and a flexible liner 50, 60 sheet within the duct 30 and extending longitudinally along the duct, the liner 50 sheet having opposite longitudinal edges 52, 54 connected to the duct 30 along the longitudinal length of the duct 30, the liner 50 sheet being permeable in one aspect and regulating air flow through the exit holes 40, 42 when the sheet is pressed against the portion of the duct having the exit holes. The duct 30 may also have multiple liner sheets 50, 60 arranged end-to-end and/or layered in various duct segments such that the different liners may be independently controlled to regulate the outflow of air from the duct as desired.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2016Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: Leiterman & Associates, Inc.Inventor: Ryan Leiterman
-
Patent number: 10384513Abstract: A housing for a ventilation, heating, and/or air conditioning system of a motor vehicle, wherein the housing is made of multiple parts and forms at least one air flow path in the interior and optionally has at least one heat exchanger, whereby the housing has first regions and has second regions, whereby the first regions have a greater strength than the second regions.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2014Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: MAHLE International GmbHInventors: Andreas Grieb, Thorsten Moellert
-
Patent number: 9759444Abstract: An arrangement for ventilating a room contains a supply air duct arranged above an aisle region for delivering air into a room and, arranged above the supply air duct, an exhaust air duct for discharging exhaust air. The supply air duct contains two lateral air delivery portions which extend along the aisle region and each contain air outlet openings from which the supply air exits laterally. A substantially airtight central separating portion separates the first and the second air delivery portions from one another. The exhaust air duct contains two slot-like suction openings which extend substantially parallel to the supply air duct and are arranged in the ceiling such that there is formed on both sides of the aisle region a rolling air flow via which supply air heated in the region of work tables passes in a vertical direction into the region of the ceiling.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2011Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: H. Luedi + Co. AGInventor: Hansjürg Lüdi
-
Patent number: 9599362Abstract: An air control system and associated methods including a flexible duct having air exit holes and a flexible liner sheet within the duct and extending longitudinally along the duct, the liner sheet having opposite longitudinal edges connected to the duct along the longitudinal length of the duct, the liner sheet being permeable in one aspect and regulating air flow through the exit holes when the sheet is pressed against the portion of the duct having the exit holes. The duct may also have multiple liner sheets arranged end-to-end and/or layered in various duct segments such that the different liners may be independently controlled to regulate the outflow of air from the duct as desired. The duct having a liner which closes or inhibits air flow from the exit holes may also be rotated to accommodate use of a single duct for different seasons and where the internal liner adjusts to assist with the downward control of air flow based on alignment of various perforations with the different exits holes.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Leiterman and Associates, Inc.Inventor: Ryan Leiterman
-
Patent number: 9451730Abstract: A system for conveying air from one location to another includes a soft duct having a passage and an air flow control device. The air flow control device can be operated to vary a cross sectional area of a portion of the passage of the soft duct.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2013Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Brock Robert Gardner
-
Patent number: 9439328Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a modular fluid-handling system may comprise a fluid-handling unit and an exhaust duct coupled to and in fluid communication with the fluid-handling unit. The fluid-handling unit may be configured to exhaust air from an exhaust source in a substantially horizontal direction. The exhaust duct may be configured to redirect air flowing in the substantially horizontal direction from the exhaust source in a substantially vertical direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2012Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Mark Bailey, Ty Schmitt
-
Patent number: 9158275Abstract: A blower pipe includes an inlet port, an outlet port, a flow path that connects the inlet port and the outlet port and is bent at least in one location, and plural flow control members that are provided in mutually different regions in a direction in which air in the flow path is caused to flow and that control the flow of the air, wherein a flow control member of the plural flow control members closest to the inlet port (a) cuts off a portion of a bent portion of the flow path while air crossing the portion, (b) makes an elongated gap to pass air, and (c) satisfies following condition; when a virtual straight line which passes through both end portions of the elongated gap is drawn, the virtual straight line lies downstream of an extension line of a wall immediately before the flow path is bent.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2013Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.Inventors: Kazuki Inami, Yasunori Momomura, Yuki Nagamori, Koji Otsuka, Masafumi Kudo
-
Patent number: 9152191Abstract: A Mobile Soft Duct System includes a soft duct that can be extended and retracted along a track to deliver an air supply to various locations. A vent attached to a part of the soft duct system can include a flow control element that can be adjusted to direct air to a target location. Managing a soft duct system can include monitoring an environment to detect temperature hotspots and configuring the soft duct system, in response to detection of a hotspot at a particular location, to deliver air to the particular location to mitigate the hotspot. Configuring the soft duct system can include extending the soft duct along the track and adjusting a flow control element in a vent to direct air to the particular location. Soft duct system management can be implemented by one or more computer systems.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2013Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Brock Robert Gardner
-
Patent number: 9057542Abstract: A connector is provided and includes a first and second side wall that are connected by a base. The side walls have recesses such that a structural member's protrusions can be interposed between the side wall's recesses and snapped into place to connect the connector to the structural member.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2009Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Assignee: UNIRAC, INC.Inventors: Nathan Schuit, Jim Webb, Chris M. Meier, Jason Mayfield, Juan Suarez
-
Patent number: 9039503Abstract: An air duct assembly includes upper and lower pliable sheets that can be assembled in a sequence that makes the assembly easier to install and later easier to remove for periodic cleaning. To install the assembly, the upper sheet can be installed first by inserting the edges of the upper sheet within a pair of tracks and then fastening the upper sheet to a vertical supply air duct. An optional airflow modifier (e.g., filter, airflow turning vane, or noise attenuator) can be install where the supply air duct connects to the upper sheet. Once the upper sheet is suspended from the tracks and fastened to the main supply air duct, the lower sheet can be installed separately. Pliable end panels and pliable fasteners (e.g., zipper or VELCRO fastener) can make most of the air duct assembly machine washable. The upper and lower sheets can have different degrees of air permeability.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2008Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: Kevin J. Gebke, Frank Heim, Nicolas B. Paschke
-
Patent number: 8808075Abstract: In some example pliable air duct systems, inflatable ducts of various diameters and lengths are created by selectively assembling pre-existing stock pieces in different combinations. In some examples, the stock pieces include disconnectable longitudinal joints and disconnectable circumferential joints, wherein the longitudinal joints enable interconnecting multiple stock pieces to achieve a desired tube diameter, and the circumferential joints allow connecting multiple tube segments end-to-end to produce an air duct assembly of a desired length. To control the volume and/or the direction of air discharged from the duct, the duct assembly, in some examples, includes an adjustable register comprising a movable pliable sheet that overlies a discharge opening in a pliable sidewall of the duct. In some examples, the inflatable duct includes one or more cutout patterns on the duct's sidewall to provide guidance in creating a sidewall discharge opening of a proper size and location.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2010Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Kevin J. Gebke, Frank Heim, Michael Hermes, Michael A. Jacobson, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, William A. Niehaus
-
Patent number: 8539784Abstract: An adjustable orifice for use in an aircraft air conditioning system includes a first orifice element which has an orifice frame as well as a first orifice area. When the orifice is assembled at a duct, the first orifice area of the first orifice element leaves open a part of a cross section of the duct. The orifice also includes a second orifice element with a second orifice area. When the orifice is assembled at the duct, the second orifice area of the second orifice element leaves open a part of the cross section of the duct. The second orifice element is rotatable about an axis, so that the second orifice area is rotatable relative to the first orifice area in order to set a desired flow cross section in the duct.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2009Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbHInventors: Gunnar Heuer, Birgit Meiser
-
Publication number: 20090221226Abstract: An air duct assembly includes upper and lower pliable sheets that can be assembled in a sequence that makes the assembly easier to install and later easier to remove for periodic cleaning. To install the assembly, the upper sheet can be installed first by inserting the edges of the upper sheet within a pair of tracks and then fastening the upper sheet to a vertical supply air duct. An optional airflow modifier (e.g., filter, airflow turning vane, or noise attenuator) can be install where the supply air duct connects to the upper sheet. Once the upper sheet is suspended from the tracks and fastened to the main supply air duct, the lower sheet can be installed separately. Pliable end panels and pliable fasteners (e.g., zipper or VELCRO fastener) can make most of the air duct assembly machine washable. The upper and lower sheets can have different degrees of air permeability.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 29, 2008Publication date: September 3, 2009Inventors: Kevin J. Gebke, Frank Heim, Nicolas B. Paschke
-
Patent number: 6960130Abstract: A fabric air duct of an HVAC system includes a discharge air register with an air deflector that extends along the length of the duct. Rotating or twisting the deflector adjusts the volume and/or direction of the air being discharged from the register. Even though the deflector is disposed inside the duct, the deflector can be twisted or rotated by manipulating the exterior fabric wall of the duct.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2003Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventors: Kevin J. Gebke, Robert J. Harter, Matthew C. McNeill
-
Patent number: 6648751Abstract: An airflow balancer for mounting on a ventilation outlet includes an air guider including a supporter having a bottom surface for rotatably supporting on the ventilation outlet and an airflow baffle coaxially mounted to the supporter such that the airflow baffle is suspendedly supported on the ventilation outlet. The airflow baffle has a plurality of ventilating slots for allowing an airflow passing therethrough and a rotor coaxially mounted on the air guider. The rotor is shaped and sized such that, in response to the airflow passing through the rotor, the rotor is driven to rotate, so as to drive the air guider to rotate, wherein a rotational movement of the air guider is adapted for evenly diffusing the airflow through the ventilating slots toward the ventilation outlet.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2002Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Inventor: Juni Pong
-
Patent number: 6135877Abstract: A supply air terminal device (1) of box-like or screen-like construction has a front wall (5) in which there are disposed a plurality of groups (10) of slots (7) with the groups and the slots in each group mutually spaced apart. Each group of slots is allocated a nozzle module (11) mounted on the inside of the wall (5). Each nozzle module (11) includes a number of nozzles (12) corresponding to the number of slots, wherein each nozzle functions to repeatedly deflect the part-flows (B) through an angle of 90.degree. from a delivered main flow. To this end, each nozzle (12) of a nozzle module (11) carries at its ends curved deflecting parts (12b) which project progressively further out in the direction of the main flow. The deflected part-flows mutually collide and exit with a low impulse through the slots (7) allocated to respective nozzles (12). The invention also relates to a nozzle module for a supply air terminal device (1) of the aforesaid kind.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1998Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Inventor: Leif Lind
-
Patent number: 5782689Abstract: An induction diffuser (100), radial flow diffuser (130), linear diffuser (150) and supply or return grille (170) use a fabric face (102, 132, 152, 172) to form the exposed portion thereof. The fabric face is preferably made of fiberglass or Kevlar coated with teflon. The use of the fabric face increases reflectivity of incident light, reduces sound levels, provides a durable and easily cleanable surface and provides other significant benefits.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1996Date of Patent: July 21, 1998Assignee: Tomkins Industries Inc.Inventors: Michael E. Woolsey, G. Michael Kaler, Jr., Gordon G. Jones
-
Patent number: 5655963Abstract: A fabric air dispersion device system with a fabric tube, and a closure attached to an open end of the tube, the closure being movable between a closed, blocking position, and an air-releasing position wherein forced air in the tube can flow past the closure and out of the tube. The closure moves to the air-releasing position when the end of the tube is compressed from an inflated configuration to a compressed configuration. The closure is preferably formed of a plurality of closure members which include free edges, the members being in an overlapped configuration to prevent the free passage of forced air when the tube end is in the inflated configuration. Upon compression of the tube end, the free edges of the flaps move relative to one another to expose an area through which the forced air can flow. A compression member is provided to compress the end of the tube to move the closure to the air-releasing position.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1995Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Assignee: Rite-Hite CorporationInventors: Nick Paschke, Ron Snyder
-
Patent number: 5649860Abstract: A method of air-conditioning a space, including: delivering pressurized air into the space from a hollow body connected to a source of pressurized air, elastically flexing an elastic flap of the hollow body under an action of the pressurized air such that a passage section at the flap varies in size as a difference in pressure between the inside of the hollow body and the space being air-conditioned varies, automatically modulating a delivery speed of the pressurized air into the space so as to avoid unpleasant effects on occupants in the space being air-conditioned, reducing pressure losses at the delivery outlet of the hollow body, and reducing energy consumption required to air-condition the space.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1995Date of Patent: July 22, 1997Assignee: Paolo LeonelliInventor: Giuseppe Giuffrida
-
Patent number: 5476419Abstract: A thermally actuated deflector structure for automatically varying the air discharge pattern of a ceiling diffuser in response to a sensed change in the temperature of air being delivered to the diffuser includes a multi-bladed damper assembly positioned over a central outlet portion of the diffuser and having a frame portion secured to the diffuser. The blades in the damper assembly are drivable between a cooling orientation in which they block the central diffuser portion and preclude supply air flow downwardly therethrough, and a heating orientation in which they uncover the central diffuser portion and permit supply air flow downwardly therethrough. A coiled bimetallic actuating strip is positioned above the damper assembly and has an inner end anchored to the damper frame, and an outer end secured to a drive member linked to the damper blades.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1994Date of Patent: December 19, 1995Assignee: Eljer IndustriesInventor: Henry J. Meurer
-
Patent number: 5413278Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for controlling airflow in a given direction in an air circulating system in which the method comprises the steps of:(a) placing a motor driven fan in the air circulating system in such a manner that the fan, when driven by the motor, creates pressure in a direction opposing the given direction of airflow, and(b) activating the motor to drive the fan to cause the airflow moving in said given direction to be diminished because of said opposing pressure.The apparatus is directed to an air flow controllable register for controlling a flow of air through the register from a register air flow supply duct in response to an externally provided control signal that commands differing airflow rates through the register. More specifically, the air flow controllable register includes a register flow control unit that includes a rotary mounted fan positioned within the register airflow supply duct. The fan is coupled to a motor.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1994Date of Patent: May 9, 1995Inventor: Evans W. Erikson
-
Patent number: 5346130Abstract: A thermally powered change over diffuser for controlling the flow orientation of air discharged from a ceiling mounted duct outlet includes a pair of vanes pivotably mounted on a platform for scissor-wise movement between an open and a closed position, and a thermally responsive actuator. Discharge of cooled air from the duct causes the actuator to move the vanes together into the closed position, blocking the center of the flow path, and forcing the discharge air to exit in a substantially horizontal orientation. Discharge of heated air causes the actuator to move the vanes apart, into the open position, allowing warm air to flow vertically downwardly into a building space.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1992Date of Patent: September 13, 1994Assignee: Hart & Cooley, Inc.Inventor: Johan Rademaker
-
Patent number: 5295905Abstract: An air nozzle (1) for directed discharge of air into a room (A) and comprising a nozzle head (2) with an air channel (3) being adjustably provided in a mounting opening (4) in a surface (5), e.g., the wall of a compressed air channel or a compressed air chamber. Nozzle head (2) is provided to be rotatable in mounting opening (4) and with its axis of rotation (B) normal to the plane of mounting opening (4). The air channel (3) extends from its inlet opening (3a) to its outlet opening (3b) with a decreasing cross sectional area (C), at least along its first longitudinal portion (3'). The air channel shows a change of direction in order to provide an approximately laminar discharge flow of air at an angle (.alpha.), preferably in the range of 10.degree.-45.degree., with the plane of mounting opening (4).Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1992Date of Patent: March 22, 1994Inventor: Per B. Simble
-
Patent number: 5156569Abstract: A ceiling outlet and process for producing same is provided with outlet slits and air deflector slats for blowing supply air from an air-guide system into a room, wherein mountings for holding slats are bent in a metal sheet, a steel plate or a plate of another material.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1991Date of Patent: October 20, 1992Assignee: Schako Metallwarenfabrik Ferdinand Schad KGInventors: Gottfried Muller, Paul Hipp
-
Patent number: 5103869Abstract: A piezoelectric on-off value for air conditioning comprises a bendable metal plate fixed at one end thereof; a valve member mounted on the other end of the metal plate along a ceiling plate, the value member having vent holes corresponding to vent holes in the ceiling plate, and the valve member changing the relative closure of the vent holes when the metal plate is deformed by application of voltage to the piezoelectric ceramic.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1990Date of Patent: April 14, 1992Assignees: Toshiba Ceramics Co., Ltd., Shin Nippon Air Conditioning Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshimichi Kimura, Yuzo Kimoto, Yukio Sato, Yukio Anekoji, Osamu Yabuta, Mitsuhisa Fukuda, Shoji Hirose, Takao Chiba
-
Patent number: 5069114Abstract: A device for introducing a low turbulence air displacement flow into an enclosed space, has a first housing section enclosing an air distribution space having an air inlet on one side and air flow passages through another side, and a second housing section having a perforated outer jacket and a non-perforated central core pipe. One central air flow passage connects the core pipe to the air distribution space. A ring of holes or a ring gap leads into a ring space formed between the perforated jacket and the core pipe. A third air passage permits forming an air skirt around the outer surface of the jacket. Control elements permit selectively opening and closing the flow passages, so that all or part of the fresh air may pass through the core pipe and air skirt or through the ring space. The perforated jacket may have a cylindrical portion and a frustum portion connecting the cylindrical portion to a perforated bottom plate.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1990Date of Patent: December 3, 1991Assignee: H. Krantz GmbH & Co.Inventors: Franc Sodec, Werner Veldboer