With Adjustable Valve (e.g., Damper, Etc.) Patents (Class 454/333)
  • Patent number: 8491363
    Abstract: An air flap device (10) for a cooling or/and freezing appliance of kitchen equipment comprises an air flap (18) which is mounted so that it can pivot about a first axis of rotation (20) between an open position and a closed position, uncovers an air passage opening for the passage of air in the open position and at least substantially blocks the air passage opening against the passage of air in the closed position, and a motor-driven flap operating mechanism for pivoting the air flap. According to the invention, the flap operating mechanism comprises a rotary member (26) which is disposed so as to be driven about a second axis of rotation (28) as well as a separate force transmission member (32) which serves to transmit force between the rotary member and the air flap, is coupled to the rotary member at a point lying eccentrically to the second axis of rotation and is coupled to the air flap (18) at a point lying at a distance from the first axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: emz-Hanauer GmbH & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Albert Dirnberger, Thomas Neumann
  • Publication number: 20130137359
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an air diffuser. The air diffuser comprises at least one primary discharge element. The secondary discharge element is arranged to discharge a secondary airstream capable of flowing across at least one surface that directs the secondary airstream substantially in a plane of the diffuser discharge face in the vicinity directly downstream of the secondary discharge element. The primary discharge element is arranged to discharge a primary airstream that is induced by the secondary discharged airstream such that the direction of the primary discharged airstream is largely determined by the direction of travel of the secondary airstream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventor: Sean Michael Johl Badenhorst
  • Publication number: 20130109290
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a forced airflow control device includes multiple one-way valves for a corresponding multiple fans. The fans are configured to provide an airflow to an enclosure of a housing. Each one-way valve is mounted over a port of its corresponding fan and configured to restrict the movement of the airflow to only one direction through the port of its respective fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventor: Raytheon Company
  • Patent number: 8430731
    Abstract: A device for controlling an airflow in a ventilation duct, comprising a pivotable air flap, which prevents an airflow in the duct when in the closed position. A housing of an actuator for the air flap, which may pivot freely about the relevant longitudinal mid plane, is mounted in the inner duct wall. The air flap, symmetrically or approximately symmetrically curved about the longitudinal mid plane of the ventilation duct and supported under load in a stable position on the duct wall, is rigidly fixed to the driveshaft of the actuator, by an angled lever arm, with a separation, in the region of the apex line thereof. The air flap rests roughly centrally, permanently on the points of contact with the inner duct wall, which move with the position of the flap, in a self-centering manner and, in the closed position, contacts the inner duct wall along a sealed, endless peripheral sealing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Belimo Holding AG
    Inventor: Georg Bamberger
  • Publication number: 20130095745
    Abstract: A damper blade is moved within an air control module connected to the discharge of a high-velocity blower, thereby modulating the electric power consumption of the blower motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventor: FARHAD DAVLEDZAROV
  • Patent number: 8408981
    Abstract: An exhaust device applied to an electronic device is described. Memory deformable elements of the exhaust device are heated to shrink, and meanwhile, guide vanes located on an air outlet are driven to rotate and swing back and forth between a left outlet position and a right outlet position, such that the exhaust device reciprocatively changes an outlet position without requiring any external power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: MSI Computer (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Heng-Yung Su, Yao-Shih Leng
  • Publication number: 20130040550
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system (100) for ventilating a defined space (102), such as for example an enclosed or at least partly enclosed basement, crawlspace or attic. The system (100) comprises a control unit (110) connected to at least one inside sensor (104), at least one outside sensor (106) and a controllable fan (108), the control unit (110) being configured to operate the controllable fan (102) if the absolute humidity (AHout) outside of the defined space (102) is lower or equal to the absolute humidity (AHin) within the defined space (102), and the temperature (Tin) within the defined space (102) is above a predetermined temperature when the temperature (Tin) outside of the defined space (102) is below the temperature (Tin) within the defined space (102). Advantages of the invention include energy efficient ventilation of the defined space and a high level of protecting from moisture related problems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: DRYVENT SOLUTIONS OF SCANDINAVIA AB
    Inventors: Andreas Pfister, Mike Hoglund, Lai Kim Lim, Elisabet Ehn
  • Publication number: 20130029583
    Abstract: A wall hanging air conditioner comprises a panel (1) provided with an air outlet (10) and an air sweep blade mechanism (3). The swing blade mechanism (3) is mounted at a lower portion (102) of the air outlet (10). The invention has advantages of buffering wind power, improving the swing angle, and increasing the comfortable level of people.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCES, INC. OF ZHUHAI
    Inventors: Hui Zhang, Shaolin Chen, Jianqun Yang, Wenwei Ji, Zhi Meng, Jian Li, Liu Cao
  • Patent number: 8364318
    Abstract: A method and system for operating a demand control ventilation system with a multi-speed fan is disclosed. The control system may modulate the fan speed of a multi-speed fan and/or the position of a ventilation damper in order to achieve desired ventilation levels for a building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Cory Grabinger, Paul Wacker, Todd Kreft, Adrienne Thomle
  • Publication number: 20130023196
    Abstract: An integrated air handling system having a make-up air system that treats outside air and a recirculating system that mixes the treated outside air with building return air. The make-up air system may include a filter, a dehumidifier, a humidifier, a combination of a dehumidifier and a humidifier, and/or an exhaust fan. The mixed air is supplied to a structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: MUNTERS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark Thomas FISHER, Bryan Keith DUNNAVANT
  • Publication number: 20120324928
    Abstract: An intelligent total air climate conditioner (iTACC) that includes an optically programmed adaptive system controller in electrical communication with at least one sensor and at least one fan motor that is capable adaptive operation of the fan motor based input signals from the at least one sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Ormonde George Durham, Ormonde Ethan Durham, Francis C. Fischer, Edward E. Lakata
  • Publication number: 20120292122
    Abstract: A system for controlling a flow rate of an airstream through a compartment includes a panel configured to cover the compartment. The system also includes a first opening defined by the compartment and configured to permit the airstream to enter the covered compartment from the ambient when the compartment is covered by the panel. The system also includes a second opening defined by the panel and configured to permit at least a portion of the airstream to exit the covered compartment to the ambient. The system additionally includes a selectable position shutter assembly configured to control the size of the second opening and adjust a flow rate of the airstream through the covered compartment. A vehicle employing the shutter assembly to vary a flow rate of at least a portion of an airstream through the vehicle's under-hood area is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: David J. Verbrugge
  • Publication number: 20120282002
    Abstract: An image heating apparatus includes a rotatable fixing member; an air-blowing unit for blowing air onto an end portion of the rotatable fixing member with respect to a generating line direction of the rotatable fixing member, wherein the air-blowing unit includes a fan, a duct for guiding the air generated by drive of the fan, and a shutter, provided at an outlet of the duct, for switching an outlet width of the duct with respect to the generating line direction; and a partition, provided in the duct, for partitioning an air passing region inside the duct into a plurality of regions with respect to the generating line direction, wherein the partition extends to a neighborhood of the shutter with respect to an air-blowing direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Satoshi Murasaki
  • Publication number: 20120276837
    Abstract: A ventilation device includes a ventilation part that includes a first engagement part and that allows air to flow therethrough, and an air-feeding direction change part that includes a second engagement part, that is revolvably attached to the ventilation part by engaging the first engagement part and the second engagement part, and that changes an air-feeding direction in accordance with revolving. The ventilation part includes a revolving center B and aperture parts. The air-feeding direction change part includes an oblique member disposed to incline with respect to a rotational axis of the air-feeding direction change part and a ventilation mouth part, the ventilation mouth part communicating with the aperture parts under a state where the air-feeding direction change part is attached to the ventilation part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventor: Koji AIDA
  • Patent number: 8282452
    Abstract: An air handler (or air handler section) includes an enclosure containing various internal HVAC components and a bi-directional alignment system that during factor assembly of the enclosure helps align the enclosure's entire roof to the internal components. To help align the roof in a widthwise direction, a tapered lead-in edge in the upper corners of a block-off panel for an evaporator, filter rack, damper, fan and/or other HVAC component engages a roof rail that runs along the length of the roof. The upper corners of the block-offs also include a landing edge that engages the underside of the roof rail to help support the weight of the roof. Cross rails attached to the underside of the roof and extending along the width of the enclosure include an inclined lead-in flange that engages the upper edge of the various internal HVAC components, thereby helping align the roof in a lengthwise direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Grigsby, Jeffrey C. Marks
  • Publication number: 20120220212
    Abstract: A controller configured so that pieces of information relating to each outlet and each flap which are currently set can be collectively visible on the controller. A controller for an indoor unit provided with flaps having substantially the same shape, the flap being respectively disposed at the outlets and capable of individually changing the discharge directions of air-conditioning air. The controller is provided with a display section for simultaneously displaying information relating to an outlet selected out of the outlets and/or information relating to a flap selected out of the flaps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventor: Kaichi Tsuji
  • Publication number: 20120214398
    Abstract: An indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus includes an door unit casing and an airflow direction adjusting member. The indoor unit casing has an air inlet and an air outlet with an edge on an air inlet side forming a bulge toward the air inlet. The airflow direction adjusting member covers at least part of the air outlet. The airflow direction adjusting member has an edge on the air inlet side forming a bulge toward the air inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshiteru Nouchi
  • Publication number: 20120214399
    Abstract: An indoor unit and an air conditioner configured so that each outlet and each flap can be easily identified. An indoor unit (1) is provided with outlets (32a-32d) which discharge air-conditioning air toward the interior space, and also with flaps (35a-35d) having substantially the same shape, the flaps (35a-35d) being respectively disposed at the outlets (32a-32d) and capable of individually changing the discharge directions of the air-conditioning air. Sign sections (60a-60d) which are different from each other are formed either in the vicinities, respectively, of the outlets (32a-32d) or on the flaps (35a-35d), respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Kaichi Tsuji
  • Publication number: 20120171949
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a variable air volume control apparatus capable of effectively reducing air overflow concentrated at one side due to a damper blade biased according to an opening angle of the damper blade, thereby precisely adjusting the air volume. The variable air volume control apparatus includes a damper blade disposed rotatably inside the duct to open or close an air flow path and an actuator for rotating the damper blade. The apparatus also includes means for dividing the air flow path inside the duct at the air inlet side into an upper region and a lower region and exerting resistance to the air flow between the means and the biased damper blade. The invention effectively suppresses the air overflow occurring at high opening ratio of the damper blade with simple structural improvements, thereby accurately and precisely adjusting the air volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventor: Wan-Ki Baik
  • Publication number: 20120115411
    Abstract: An air conduction device includes main body defining a first passage through which airflow passes, and two adjusting members. A top of the main body defines a cutout communicating with the first passage. The cutout includes two opposite slanted sidewalls, and each slanted sidewall defines a plurality of slots aligned in a line along a slanted direction of the slanted sidewall. An elastic hook extends from each adjusting member. The adjusting members are accommodated in the cutout, with the elastic hooks selectively engaged in one of the corresponding slots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: HUNG-CHOU CHAN, ZHEN-XING YE, ZI-XUAN ZHANG, XIAN-XIU TANG
  • Publication number: 20120108159
    Abstract: A foldably tensioned boot loadable air damper device for controlling the flow of air through ductwork, and a method of installing same. The damper device includes an actuator having a retractable member and a pivoting member, wherein the pivoting member is operatively connected to the retractable member of the actuator. The damper device also includes at least one support base supporting the actuator and the pivoting member with respect to each other, a foldable damper blade attached to the pivoting member, and at least one tensioned hinge member operatively connected to the foldable damper blade for unfolding the damper blade. The damper device may be inserted through a register boot and into a ductwork when folded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: ARZEL ZONING TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Votaw, Dennis Laughlin, Al Zelczer, Howard Zelczer, Lenny Roth, Vladimir Sipershteyn, Joseph Ramunni, Bill Molica
  • Publication number: 20120071083
    Abstract: A damper positioner includes a lead screw to move the damper blade and a screw lock selectively engageable with the screw to permit rotation of the screw but prevent unintended rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventor: Mark Andrew Gribble
  • Publication number: 20120028564
    Abstract: A vent comprises a vent body (1) having at least one air flow channel through the body between a front face and a rear face (2) of the body. At least one float controlled flap valve (13) is pivotably mounted within the body, the or each valve having a first, normal position in which air is permitted to flow through an air flow channel and a second position in which the valve pivots in the presence of water to seal the air flow channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: Frank Kelly
  • Publication number: 20120028562
    Abstract: Example air duct systems for supplying conditioned air to comfort zones include various example inflatable tubes with various example dampers. The dampers move noticeably slowly and/or its opening is delayed to reduce the rate at which the tube is inflated by a supply air blower. Depending on the particular example, the damper can be either at the inlet end of the tube or at the tube's opposite end. In some examples, the damper is controlled by an actuator that is powered by air or driven by an electric motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Frank Heim, Jeffrey Klopfenstein, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufman, William A. Niehaus
  • Publication number: 20120003912
    Abstract: In a method for provisioning cooling resources to at least one device through at least one delivery apparatus, a recirculation value of cooling resources supplied to the at least one device from the at least one delivery apparatus and a cooling effectiveness (CE) value of the at least one delivery apparatus are computed. In addition, a determination as to whether provisioning of the cooling resources supplied to the at least one device through the at least one delivery apparatus is to be adjusted is made based upon the computed recirculation and CE values and an instruction to adjust one of a temperature of cooling resources supplied by at least one zonal actuator and an opening of the at least one delivery apparatus is outputted in response to a determination that provisioning of the cooling resource is to be adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Christopher Edward HOOVER, Cullen E. BASH
  • Publication number: 20110287707
    Abstract: The invention relates to a variable air volume control apparatus which compensates an open area ratio to be in direct proportion to an opening ratio at a low opening ratio range according to an open angle of a damper blade to achieve accurate and precise air volume control. The variable air volume control apparatus includes a damper blade disposed rotatably within the duct for opening or closing an air flow path and an actuator for rotating the damper blade. The apparatus also includes an air flow path expansion mechanism having a curved surface for expanding the air flow path in accordance with an open angle of the damper blade. The invention allows obtaining the open area ratio in direct proportion to the opening ratio at the low opening ratio range through simple structural improvements, thereby improving linear characteristics of an air volume change ratio with respect to the opening ratio to more accurately and precisely control the air volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: Wan-Ki Baik
  • Publication number: 20110264274
    Abstract: A method and system for operating a demand control ventilation system with a multi-speed fan is disclosed. The control system may modulate the fan speed of a multi-speed fan and/or the position of a ventilation damper in order to achieve desired ventilation levels for a building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Cory Grabinger, Paul Wacker, Todd Kreft, Adrienne Thomle
  • Publication number: 20110263194
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plenum box (1a, 1b) configured for use in a ventilation system (2) with flowing air in order to be able to quickly regulate flows between the ventilation system (2) and a room. The plenum box (1) comprises a pressure distribution pipe (4) which is disposed in an inlet (3) to the plenum box (1) and which itself comprises a regulating damper (5), and an outlet (6a, 6b). The inlet (3) is configured to have an air flow (7) passing through it. The pressure distribution pipe (4) extends inside the plenum box (1a, 1b) from the inlet (3), and the surface of the pressure distribution pipe (4) has perforations (8) which allow the air flow (7) to pass through them between the inside (9) and outside (10) of the pressure distribution pipe (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: CRODA, INC.
    Inventors: Goran Hultmark, Robert Salomonsson, Martin Jespersen, Anders Vorre
  • Patent number: 8043148
    Abstract: A damper is provided to suppress the abnormal noise or air noise at the small opening of the damper. The damper includes a wall surface which forms an air flow passage, a stationary portion which extends from the wall surface to the center of a flow passage, and a rotating portion rotatably disposed in the flow passage, having one end in contact with a portion of the stationary portion at a downstream side of an air flow through the flow passage. A curved wall portion as a convex curved surface protruding to the center of the flow passage is formed on a position of the wall surface on which the air flow passing between the one end and the stationary portion impinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Eguchi, Atsushi Suzuki, Tetsuo Tominaga, Mitsuhiro Nakao, Hajime Izumi, Jun Ito, Satoshi Kominami
  • Publication number: 20110244781
    Abstract: Method and apparatuses for adjusting the dimensions of the opening of a hood of an air flow measuring device using flaps is provides. Flaps of various configurations and dimensions can be used to adjust the opening of hood to have numerous dimensions at various locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Pius Ileogben
  • Patent number: 8021218
    Abstract: A damper suitable for use in a refrigerator provides for linear motion of a damper plate toward and away from a damper seat. The damper plate may be driven by an axial lead screw attached to a small DC motor and may employ a non-foam gasket to reduce water absorption and possible formation of obstructing ice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Osvatic, Joel C. Bragg
  • Publication number: 20110203206
    Abstract: Various aspects provide for ventilating a circular building, including an external wall of the building in the shape of a circular polygon, a plurality of vertical wall sections each forming a side of the polygon, each vertical wall section secured to an adjacent vertical wall section at a vertex of the polygon and a metallic frame for supporting the vertical wall section. A glass skin may be secured to the metallic frame of the vertical wall section, the glass skin including an exterior opening and a vent chamber configured for receiving air from the exterior of the building through the exterior opening in the glass skin. The vent chamber may include an interior opening for communicating air from the chamber into the interior of the building and a movable flap for controlling a flow of air through the vent chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Eli Attia
  • Patent number: 8002013
    Abstract: A device for altering the airflow pattern from a ceiling vent diffuser. The device comprises a flexible member that is secured to a diffuser vane by a spring-biased hook and one or more tabs. A release button on the outer surface of the device is depressed to pivot the hook out of engagement with the vane. The device is complementary shaped to a region of the diffuser. When installed, the device blocks the openings in that region and substantially prevents air from flowing out of the openings. One or more devices may be installed in selected regions to block airflow from those selected regions. A plurality of devices may be utilized to completely prevent airflow from the diffuser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Airvisor Inc.
    Inventors: Chad A. Brown, Robert G. Dickie
  • Publication number: 20110179732
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventors: Horst A. Ermer, Hans Gaida
  • Publication number: 20110159796
    Abstract: A displacement ventilation system includes a vertical duct located inside an enclosed space and extending between a floor and a ceiling of the enclosed space, an air inlet coupled with the vertical duct for drawing air into the displacement ventilation system, and an elongated diffuser extending adjacent the floor for diffusing at least some of the outside air over the floor of the enclosed spaced. The displacement ventilation system desirably includes a return air duct extending adjacent the ceiling and being coupled with the vertical duct for removing return air from the enclosed space and advancing the return air toward the vertical duct, a heat exchanger for transferring thermal energy between the return air and the outside air, and a heat pump for changing a temperature level of the outside air or the return air passing through the heat pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: David J. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 7967669
    Abstract: The invention relates to a variable air volume control apparatus which compensates an open area ratio to be in direct proportion to an opening ratio at a low opening ratio range according to an open angle of a damper blade to achieve accurate and precise air volume control. The variable air volume control apparatus includes a damper blade disposed rotatably within the duct for opening or closing an air flow path and an actuator for rotating the damper blade. The apparatus also includes an air flow path expansion mechanism having a curved surface for expanding the air flow path in accordance with an open angle of the damper blade. The invention allows obtaining the open area ratio in direct proportion to the opening ratio at the low opening ratio range through simple structural improvements, thereby improving linear characteristics of an air volume change ratio with respect to the opening ratio to more accurately and precisely control the air volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: Wan-Ki Baik
  • Publication number: 20110097988
    Abstract: A rooftop air conditioner having a variable speed fan and an economizer also includes a control feature for adjusting the minimum damper position in response to the speed of the fan during predetermined conditions in order to maintain a desired volume of fresh air from the economizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventor: Richard G. Lord
  • Patent number: 7874287
    Abstract: The air intake apparatus provides for additional auxiliary air to a wood or pellet burning stove. The apparatus is provided in more than one embodiment for fit to more than one type of stove. The curved T-handle controls the damper sleeve for dampened control of the auxiliary air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Wayne H. Freden
  • Publication number: 20100311317
    Abstract: A vent tile includes at least one louver, an actuator configured to control the at least one louver, a thermal imaging sensor configured to monitor temperature of a remotely located apparatus through thermal imaging of a surface of the apparatus, and a controller configured to control the actuator based upon the monitored temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Alan A. McReynolds, Geoff M. Lyon, Abdlmonem Beitelmal
  • Publication number: 20100269526
    Abstract: Systems and methods of automatically operating dehumidifiers in response to dehumidifier operating conditions are disclosed herein. A method of operating a dehumidifier configured in accordance with one embodiment includes directing air flow through the dehumidifier at a first volumetric flow rate while the dehumidifier is operating at a first operating condition. The method further includes changing the first volumetric flow rate to a second volumetric flow rate when the first operating condition of the dehumidifier changes to a predetermined second operating condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventors: Robert Pendergrass, Matthew Miller, Tom Schnelle, Larry White
  • Publication number: 20100248608
    Abstract: A passive air valve for an HVAC module allows air to flow through a conditioning passage in a single direction. The valve can be disposed on a downstream side of a heat exchanger. The valve can inhibit back airflow from one of the conditioning passages to the other one of the conditioning passages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: DENSO International America, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Belanger
  • Publication number: 20100224253
    Abstract: A plenum assembly for carrying air in a supply system includes a duct including an opening formed with an inner surface through which air can flow; a door supported for movement between multiple positions which distributes air to the desired output path; and a seal secured to the door. In a vehicles HVAC system, numerous doors are utilized to provide comfort to the passengers based upon user input. The potential exists that some positions of the doors my lead to unwanted noise. A modification to the seal of the door with variable gap widths alleviates this issue and improves satisfaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: John Azar, Grant Holaiter, Steve M. Kahrs, James Hurd
  • Publication number: 20100227541
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a substantially constant volume exhaust or ventilation air terminal system is shown for controlling exhaust and/or return airflow rates in a system having a central fan or ventilator. The system and method permits zone-by-zone or area-by-area airflow regulation or control in non-demand areas in response to a demand or call for ventilation in demand areas. In one embodiment, the system employs at least one constant airflow controller or regulator situated in a damper. Another embodiment shows a combination of a first constant airflow controller or regulator situated or mounted on a damper with a second constant airflow controller or regulator situated in a duct associated with the damper. In still another embodiment, a constant airflow controller or regulator is provided in a duct, and used in combination with a solid damper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: AMERICAN ALDES VENTILATION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dennis R. Dietz, John Robert Harrell, Dwight Ray Shackelford
  • Patent number: 7775451
    Abstract: The invention relates to a variable flow mixing valve for use in a Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning module. The module is particularly suited for use in a vehicle. The variable flow mixing valve includes drive means which drive a mixing door and a baffle between various positions in order to allow a relatively warm flow of air, from a first chamber, to mix with a relatively cool flow of air from a second chamber. The baffle and door are linked in such a way as to provide an aperture therebetween through which, in use, the first and/or second flows of air pass. A parking area is also provided for the baffle and is shaped in order to reflect airflow back toward the first and second chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederic Leoni
  • Patent number: 7766734
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a substantially constant volume exhaust or ventilation air terminal system is shown for controlling exhaust and/or return airflow rates in a system having a central fan or ventilator. The system and method permits zone-by-zone or area-by-area airflow regulation or control in non-demand areas in response to a demand or call for ventilation in demand areas. In one embodiment, the system employs at least one constant airflow controller or regulator situated in a damper. Another embodiment shows a combination of a first constant airflow controller or regulator situated or mounted on a damper with a second constant airflow controller or regulator situated in a duct associated with the damper. In still another embodiment, a constant airflow controller or regulator is provided in a duct, and used in combination with a solid damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: American Aldes Ventilation Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis R. Dietz, John Robert Harrell, Dwight Ray Shackelford
  • Publication number: 20100178863
    Abstract: An air flow control damper consisting of either a tubular or rectangular casing, an internal annular orifice and within the orifice a rotatable circular or rectangular blade with an air foil profile. The blade may be either single or multi-part. The air flow control blade is designed to rotate on a shaft from an open position to a closed position modulating the air flowing through the casing. This damper exhibits a very low pressure drop—important for energy conservation—and a linear hystersis free performance curve—important when maintaining pressures in critical spaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Charles W. Coward
  • Patent number: 7752862
    Abstract: An indoor unit of an air conditioner is provided. The indoor unit has an improved airflow structure, for a rapid air conditioning of the room, a user's convenience, and an efficiency of the air conditioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jae Buem Bae
  • Publication number: 20100125365
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator may include a freezing chamber positioned under a refrigerating chamber. A refrigerating chamber fan and a freezing chamber fan may be provided at a refrigerating chamber duct and a freezing chamber duct, respectively, and a damper may selectively open and close the refrigerating chamber duct. By controlling the refrigerating chamber fan, the freezing chamber fan and the damper, cold air may be selectively supplied to the refrigerating chamber and/or the freezing chamber based on individual cooling needs as appropriate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventors: Kwang Woon AHN, Gye Young SONG, Kyung Seok KIM
  • Publication number: 20100112930
    Abstract: An air handler (or air handler section) includes an enclosure containing various internal HVAC components and a bi-directional alignment system that during factor assembly of the enclosure helps align the enclosure's entire roof to the internal components. To help align the roof in a widthwise direction, a tapered lead-in edge in the upper corners of a block-off panel for an evaporator, filter rack, damper, fan and/or other HVAC component engages a roof rail that runs along the length of the roof. The upper corners of the block-offs also include a landing edge that engages the underside of the roof rail to help support the weight of the roof. Cross rails attached to the underside of the roof and extending along the width of the enclosure include an inclined lead-in flange that engages the upper edge of the various internal HVAC components, thereby helping align the roof in a lengthwise direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: James M. Grigsby, Jeffrey C. Marks
  • Publication number: 20100083682
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an air conditioning (AC) unit including a pre-filter and a water-repellent filter. The water-repellent filter prevents moisture and dirt in the outdoor air from entering the AC unit through depth filtration. The AC unit also includes a vertical partition separating an outside section from an inside section, with a vent allowing air flow between the outside section and the inside section, and an economizer assembly including a damper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Michael J. Koehler, Randal A. Schroeder