Ceiling Or Wall Mounted Patents (Class 454/354)
  • Patent number: 11555229
    Abstract: An aluminum alloy additive manufacturing product and a method manufactures the same. The aluminum alloy additive manufacturing product is formed by molding a raw metal by an additive manufacturing method. The raw metal is made of an aluminum alloy. The aluminum alloy contains Fe and one or more of Mn and Cr. The Fe is an inevitable impurity of 0.3 weight % or less. The one or more of Mn and Cr have a total weight of 0.3 to 10 weight %. The aluminum alloy additive manufacturing product contains any one or more of an intermetallic compound and an aluminum alloy solid solution. The intermetallic compound contains two or more of Al, Mn, Fe, and Cr. One or more elements of Mn, Fe, and Cr are dissolved in the aluminum alloy solid solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignees: KOIWAI CO., LTD., TOYO ALUMINUM KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Mitsuru Adachi, Jun Kusui, Daisuke Terada, Hideharu Nakashima, Masatoshi Mitsuhara, Shigeto Yamasaki
  • Patent number: 11543150
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a fixing structure including a base, a first fastener, and a second fastener. The first fastener is disposed on the base and comprises a first hook portion, a first accommodation portion and a first opening portion. The second fastener is disposed on the base and comprises a second hook portion, a second accommodation portion and a second opening portion. A guiding groove is defined by and located between the first and second fasteners and is in communication with the first and second accommodation portions. A positioning channel is defined by the guiding groove, and the first and second accommodation portions, collaboratively. The first and second opening portions are located on the opposite sides of the positioning channel, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Ying-Huang Chuang, Chun-Wei Chen, Wen-Hsiang Lin
  • Patent number: 11375164
    Abstract: One variation of a method for monitoring occupancy in a work area includes, at a sensor block: transitioning from an inactive state into an active state when an output of a motion sensor indicates motion in a work area; during a scan cycle in the active state, recording an image through an optical sensor at a time, detecting a set of humans in the image, detecting a second set of human effects in the image, predicting a second set of humans occupying but absent the work area based on the second set of human effects, and estimating a total occupancy in the work area at the time based on the set of humans and the second set of humans; and transmitting the total occupancy to a remote computer system for update of a scheduler for the work area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: VergeSense, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Ryan, Kelby Green
  • Patent number: 10882301
    Abstract: A method of printing a part in an electrophotographic additive manufacturing system includes printing a part and associated support structure in a layer by layer manner, and providing a chamber in which printing is performed. The chamber is supported by a movable platform and the chamber is positioned about a movable platen. The movable platen is supported by the movable build platform. The movable platen is movable within the chamber on the movable build platform. An electrophotography-based additive manufacturing system for printing a three-dimensional part includes a transfer medium configured to receive and transfer imaged layers of a three-dimensional part, and a support from one or more imaging engines. The system includes a heater configured to heat the imaged layers on the transfer medium to at least a fusion temperature, and a layer transfusion assembly configured to transfuse the imaged layers to the build platen or a previously printed layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Evolve Additive Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: James Baecker
  • Patent number: 10690137
    Abstract: A ventilation fan includes a fan and a housing. The fan includes a base, a scroll casing, and an impeller. The base is used for supporting a driving device. The scroll casing has an air inlet, an air outlet, a top portion, a bottom portion corresponding to the top portion, and a slope surface connecting the top portion and an edge of the air outlet. The top portion and the bottom portion together define a channel height, and the ratio of the channel height to the height of the air outlet ranges from 1.1 to 2. The channel height ranges from 110 mm to 200 mm. The impeller is disposed in the scroll casing, and the driving device drives the impeller to rotate. The housing is used for accommodating the fan, and has an opening corresponding to the air outlet of the scroll casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Yuan-Chuan Liu, Chih-Hua Lin, Chung-We Yeh
  • Patent number: 10465930
    Abstract: A roof vent member with an integrated fan assembly is disclosed. The roof vent member includes an upper plate having fasteners that extend downward below a roof deck when installed to allow for access to the fan assembly from underneath the roof deck. Thus, the fan assembly may be installed, removed, replaced, maintained, etc. from underneath the roof without having to get on the roof or otherwise disrupt the roof envelope. The roof vent may include the upper plate, a subflashing, the fan assembly, sealing elements, screens, and other features. A secondary roof vent member may be included which may include solar panels. Associated methods of using the vent members, such as installing, removing, and replacing the vent member or various components thereof, are further disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Inventor: Gregory S. Daniels
  • Patent number: 10240614
    Abstract: A ventilator includes an opening formed on a bottom surface, a rectangular frame provided with a flange, a volute provided with a fan motor inside, and a connector connected to an air outlet of the volute. Four side surfaces of the frame excluding the top surface and the bottom surface tilt towards the outer lower side in a direction from the top surface to the bottom surface, and the opening area of the bottom surface is larger than that of the top surface. The ventilator saves packaging and installation costs, and further facilitates installation between the roof and the ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignees: PANASONIC ECOLOGY SYSTEMS GUANGDONG CO., LTD., PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Min Long, Qiuqian Liang, Yefan Weng, Shouyong Gao, Bodong Zhong, Zhengnan Zeng, Daisuke Tsubosa
  • Patent number: 10222093
    Abstract: Flow control devices for convector heaters are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Chore-Time Europe B.V.
    Inventor: Gianpiero Massimino
  • Patent number: 9494358
    Abstract: An air conditioner is provided, which can reduce a rotation direction velocity component of air being discharged from a fan and enhance fan efficiency and installed space utilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Seokho Choi, Yongcheol Sa
  • Patent number: 9464816
    Abstract: A housing has a base and upstanding interior and exterior side walls and end walls. A plurality of apertures are in the interior wall. The side walls are formed with outwardly facing flanges positionable upon a roof. A plurality of fans are coupled to the interior side wall in alignment with associated apertures. A power assembly includes cables coupling the fans to a source of potential whereby the fans when activated cause a flow of warm air from the attic and through the housing and through the fan and into the ridge vent and through the holes of the intermediate section and to atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Inventor: Michael D. Marks
  • Patent number: 9169851
    Abstract: An air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner includes a blowing fan in which a plurality of blades are provided; a fan motor rotating the blowing fan; and a motor mount supporting the fan motor, wherein cut parts are formed in the motor mount by cutting at least a part of a surface passing above the motor mount while the blades are rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Siyoung Oh, Song Choi, Yongcheol Sa, Seokho Choi
  • Patent number: 9046106
    Abstract: A fan includes a fan frame and a fan wheel. The fan frame includes a frame body and a first waved structure. The frame body has a wind enter side and a wind exhaust side, wherein the wind enter side is opposite to the wind exhaust side. The first waved structure is formed on the wind enter side of the frame body. The first waved structure has a plurality of first peaks and a plurality of first valleys, wherein the first peaks and the first valleys are arranged separately. The fan wheel is rotatably disposed in the fan frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: COOLER MASTER DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wei-Lung Chan, Chi-Jung Huang
  • Patent number: 8696419
    Abstract: A ventilation fan unit with a heater, including: a frame with an opening provided at the underside of the frame; a cover having an air outlet and an air inlet provided at the opening of the frame; a snail-shaped casing with an air exit provided in the frame; a circulating fan enclosed in the snail-shaped casing; and a heating portion including a spiral heater mounted at the air exit of the snail-shaped casing, wherein the heating portion is communicated with the circulating fan through the air exit, wherein an axis of a spiral shape of the heater is in parallel with a rotation axis of the circulating fan, wherein the rotation axis of the circulating fan is located obliquely above the axis of the spiral shape of the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignees: Panasonic Ecology Systems Guangdong Co., Ltd., Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Qiu Qian Liang, Xin Cheng Huang
  • Patent number: 8678889
    Abstract: An exhaust system includes an exhaust fan having a frame within which fan blades and a motor are secured. The frame includes an upper sidewall, a bottom sidewall, a first lateral sidewall and a second lateral sidewall, defining an inlet opening and an outlet opening on opposite sides of the frame. A flexible exhaust boot is secured to the frame of the exhaust fan adjacent the outlet opening. The exhaust boot is a flexible piece of material having a substantially tubular configuration with a first end having an opening and a second end having an opening. A support assembly secures the exhaust fan and exhaust boot in position adjacent an opening. The support assembly includes a vertical bracket having a first end and a second end, and an outwardly extending support block is mounted at the first end of the vertical bracket. The support assembly also includes a horizontal bracket extending substantially perpendicular to the vertical bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: Jerome Dean
  • Publication number: 20140057548
    Abstract: A livestock production building includes an automatically controllable ventilation system which provides ventilation to livestock containment rooms. Incoming air may be heated, cooled and/or filtered, and is mixed and tempered before being delivered to livestock rooms. Substantially all exhaust air is filtered to mitigate environmental impact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: WHITESHIRE/HAMROC LLC
    Inventors: Michael E. Lemmon, Charles M. Lemmon
  • Patent number: 8653763
    Abstract: A ventilator includes a base, a drive device disposed on the base, an impeller coupled to the drive device and driven by the drive device, and a cover assembled with the base to define a closed area between the cover and the base for receiving a first circuit board therein, wherein when an AC power source is input to the first circuit board to be converted, a DC power source is output to drive the drive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Chih-Hua Lin, Yan-Lin Chen, Te-Chung Liu, Shih-Tzung Hsu, Pei-Chang Kuo
  • Publication number: 20140034039
    Abstract: An air exchange system places the air pumps or fans outside of the main air outflow pathway through a device, such as a range hood. By using this configuration, the system is made safe, easy to maintain with less noise and may even increase the efficiency of the air pump by not subjecting it to debris, particles or turbulence in the air flow, also flexible to add more pumps with significant increase the size of the air exchange system. Air pumps can be operably connected to push air into two or more air reservoirs. Each air reservoir has a narrow air outlet slit along with a Coanda design. When air comes out of the narrow air outlet, it has high speed and generates a negative pressure due to the Bernoulli effect. Such negative pressure will bring more air around into the air flow system, thus causing a desired air exchange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: YiWei Qi, Yinghong Li
  • Patent number: 8535128
    Abstract: A buttressed hinge assembly or a flexible hinge assembly adjusts to fit a vent on a wall or a roof in order to hold a fan thereon, which fan is especially suitable for a restaurant roof or wall. The hinge assembly attaches to a roof or wall vent to hold the fan in a proper position, yet permits the fan to be easily moved for cleaning of vent and the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Omni Containment, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin R. Chwala
  • Publication number: 20130210336
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: H. LUEDI + CO. AG
    Inventor: Hansjürg Lüdi
  • Publication number: 20130143481
    Abstract: In a ceiling-embedded ventilation fan, a connection opening is formed in a side surface of a circuit case, an upper part of the connection opening and a side surface of the circuit case are covered with a shade, a bottom part of the shade is arranged at a position lower than an insertion hole of the connection opening, a drain board is arranged under the insertion hole in a frontal view of the insertion hole viewed from an end face of the shade in parallel with the top surface, and the drain board has a downward slope from a side of the connection terminal to a side of the power supply electric wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoshi Kagawa, Hideki Hayashi, Taichi Kadono
  • Publication number: 20130017775
    Abstract: A buttressed hinge assembly or a flexible hinge assembly adjusts to fit a vent on a wall or a roof in order to hold a fan thereon, which fan is especially suitable for a restaurant roof or wall. The hinge assembly attaches to a roof or wall vent to hold the fan in a proper position, yet permits the fan to be easily moved for cleaning of vent and the fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: OMNI CONTAINMENT, LLC
    Inventor: Omni Containment, LLC
  • Publication number: 20120329381
    Abstract: A ventilation device includes an impeller rotatable to move air from an air inlet end to an air outlet end of the impeller. An opening is defined in a rear end of the housing. The rear end of the housing is fixed to the air inlet end of the impeller. The housing includes a hemispherical wall defining an interior space. The hemispherical wall has a plurality of annularly spaced and a plurality of annularly spaced outer holes, with the inner holes spaced from the outer holes in a radial direction. A plurality of tubes is formed on an inner face of the semispherical wall, with each tube extending from a corresponding one of the inner and outer holes into the interior space but spaced from the rear end of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventor: Chin-Tuan Liao
  • Publication number: 20120302154
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to a kit of parts for a solar powered vent fan system for use in transporting air through a vent aperture (eg. a roof vent aperture) of a building. The kit of parts includes a motor/fan assembly, a motor/fan assembly mounting plate, a solar panel and a solar panel mounting structure. The motor/fan assembly mounting plate is configured to receive the motor/fan assembly and to substantially cover the vent aperture. The motor/fan assembly mounting plate includes a motor/fan assembly aperture to permit air to be transferred through the motor/fan assembly as a result of operation of the motor/fan assembly. The solar panel is connectable electrically to the motor/fan assembly to power the motor/fan assembly. The solar panel mounting structure is for mounting the solar panel in a suitable position to receive solar energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas Bushey
  • Publication number: 20110053489
    Abstract: An exhaust system includes an exhaust fan having a frame within which fan blades and a motor are secured. The frame includes an upper sidewall, a bottom sidewall, a first lateral sidewall and a second lateral sidewall, defining an inlet opening and an outlet opening on opposite sides of the frame. A flexible exhaust boot is secured to the frame of the exhaust fan adjacent the outlet opening. The exhaust boot is a flexible piece of material having a substantially tubular configuration with a first end having an opening and a second end having an opening. A support assembly secures the exhaust fan and exhaust boot in position adjacent an opening. The support assembly includes a vertical bracket having a first end and a second end, and an outwardly extending support block is mounted at the first end of the vertical bracket. The support assembly also includes a horizontal bracket extending substantially perpendicular to the vertical bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Jerome Dean
  • Patent number: 7641125
    Abstract: A variable air volume ceiling diffuser includes a damper that is raised and lowered by a linkage that is controlled by a duct temperature sensor/actuator and one or more room temperature sensors/actuators. The linkage includes a heating slide movable for the heating mode and a cooling slide movable for the cooling mode. The duct temperature sensor/actuator selects the heating slide for movement by the room temperature sensors/actuators in the heating mode and selects the cooling slide for movement by the room temperature sensors/actuators in the cooling mode. The differential movement between the heating and cooling slides moves a roller that engages a profiled cam surface attached to two lever arms. As the roller moves along the cam surface, the lever arms pivot about their axis of rotation so that the damper moves upward to close the air inlet and downward to open the air inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: E.H. Price Ltd.
    Inventors: Julian Douglas Tyldesley Rimmer, Richard James Steinburg, Nabil Sabet, Davis John Dyck, Andrew Garth McCorrister, Alfred Theodor Dyck, Jerry M. Sipes
  • Publication number: 20090191809
    Abstract: A ventilation system having a cylindrical reducer, a pair of adjustable structural supports and a ceiling electrical box concentrically mounted to the structural supports. The electrical box is configured to support the weight of a ceiling fan assembly. The pair of adjustable structural supports include a first member and a second member that pass through the reducer. The members are hollow so that a first slidable strut extends from within a first end of the first member to a desired length and the second slidable strut extends from within an opposing second end of the first member to a desired length. Similarly, second member is hollow so that a third slidable strut extends from within a first end of second member to a desired length and fourth slidable strut extends from within an opposing second end of second member to a desired length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: Shawn Smith
  • Publication number: 20090170421
    Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, an exhaust vent fan including a housing having an inlet through which air is received within the housing and an outlet through which the air exits the housing, a fan wheel supported in the housing and operable to generate a flow of the air out of the outlet, a louvered first grille positioned across the inlet, a heating element supported in the housing, and a second grille supported on the housing and being moveable relative to the first grille while the first grille is secured to the housing to direct a heated air flow from the heating element out of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: John R. Adrian, Brent E. Coffey, Jesse Allen Hollingsworth, Kenneth J. Jonas, David L. Pringle
  • Publication number: 20090130970
    Abstract: The present invention provides an exhaust fan including a ventilation grille having a plurality of louvers extending across an exterior face of the grille. Two of the louvers can define an opening and can be oriented such that the interior of the fan is obscured from view of a person through the opening, when the person is positioned in the room such that the person's eyes are outside an area of the room defined by a first reference plane oriented at an angle of less than 25 degrees with respect to a second reference plane and intersecting the second reference plane along a horizontal reference line and a third reference plane oriented at an angle of less than 25 degrees with respect to the second reference plane and intersecting the second reference plane along the horizontal line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Corey Scott Jacak, Mirko Zakula
  • Patent number: 7497774
    Abstract: A whole house fan system and installation methods configured to reduce noise generated by the fan are provided. The system generally includes a fan, a register, and a flexible duct extending between the fan and the register. The flexible duct has acoustical insulation properties, which helps to reduce sound transmission from the fan to the register. The fan system is configured to be mounted in the attic space of a house. The fan motor is suspended in the attic so that it does not have direct contact with any part of the building structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: QC Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Dana Charles Stevenson, Ronnie Keith Stone
  • Patent number: 7497773
    Abstract: A ceiling mounted fan ventilation device moves a fresh inflow of air from within a room such as a garage to said attic thereof in an effective manner in order to mitigate the climatic effects on the room due to adverse ambient conditions. The device is not only capable of moderating the temperature of the room, but also augments the existing ventilation system for the attic enclosure. The device may utilize the existing hole of an attic access means such as a disappearing stairway or scuttle hole thus negating the need for extensive modifications to an existing ceiling structure. Alternatively, a method is disclosed herein whereby the fan ventilation device may be mounted directly to the ceiling portion of the room. The device may be implemented in any type of room wherein it is desirous to maintain a fresh flow of air therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: Gary D. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20090013459
    Abstract: A blower system in a booth including a hollow base, an internal space, and an air outlet is disclosed and includes at least one blower assembly in the base, each blower assembly including a heating element and a motor driven fan; and a pipe assembly communicating with both the base and the space. In response to activating the at least one blower assembly, the fan of each blower assembly is adapted to blow ambient air past the hot heating element for heating the air, and the hot air is adapted to enter the space through the pipe assembly. An occupant can relax in a heat environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Yen-Ping Ma, Yen-Chung Ma
  • Patent number: 7470179
    Abstract: A screen system which can be easily disassembled and includes a screen, a frame supporting the screen where the frame includes a hook, and a housing supporting the frame. The housing defines a retainer which interacts with the hook whereby upon rotation of the frame in a first direction the hook engages the retainer and upon rotation of the frame in a second direction the hook disengages the retainer allowing disassembly of the screen system. The screen system may be part of a ventilation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Philips Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy Ritter, Robert J. Luter, II
  • Publication number: 20080318515
    Abstract: A ventilating exhaust fan has a housing having a top, four sides, and an open bottom forming an air inlet. An exhaust outlet is located in one of the sides. A motor is housed within the housing and a fan is connected to the motor. The exhaust fan is mountable within an opening in a surface. The sides of the housing have a plurality of slots through which restraints can be inserted in order to connect the housing to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Peter Yeung
  • Publication number: 20080299891
    Abstract: A ventilating exhaust fan including a housing unit, a motor module, a panel module, and an exhaust assembly is provided. The exhaust assembly fixed on a side surface of the housing unit is improved by replacing single piece stopping flake with two-piece stopping flakes in order to reduce air flow friction, thereby overcoming the shortcoming of existing technique of stopping flake which, relying on gravity for reposition, gives rise to larger air flow friction. Furthermore, the noise of the existing pipeline exhaust fan is also reduced by adopting the methods of injection molding of motor module with volute as one entity, and by adhering to volute bottom sponge layer, which in turn is adhered to the base plate of exhaust fan housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Chaohua Deng
  • Patent number: 7455583
    Abstract: The invention presents a ventilator capable of obtaining an optimum flow rate required in ordinary ventilation. The ventilator comprises an exhaust fan motor for exhausting room air by force, and a human sensor for detecting the presence of human body. It further comprises a control unit for controlling the fan motor by receiving a signal from the human sensor, and a flow rate adjusting unit for adjusting the ventilation flow rate by the exhaust fan motor. The control unit, when detecting a signal from the human sensor, operates the exhaust fan motor for a specified time at fixed flow rate, and while not detecting, it operates the exhaust fan motor all the time at ventilated flow rate adjusted by the flow rate adjusting unit. During this ordinary operation, the flow rate may be adjusted by the flow rate adjusting unit either steplessly or in multiple steps at small intervals, and thereby a ventilator capable of obtaining an optimum flow rate required in ordinary ventilation can be presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Hitoshi Taya
  • Publication number: 20080261508
    Abstract: An exhaust system with easy installation includes an exhaust fan housing unit, a panel module and a motor module installed within the housing unit. The motor module at least includes a motor, a vane wheel, a volute and a motor fixed plate. A clip-in connecting unit is provided at the inner sidewall of the housing unit for fixing the motor module to the housing unit by moving horizontally to a settled position where the clip-in connecting unit is fixed to a support plate of the motor module. The clip-in connecting unit can be bulges or check flakes. Because the positioning method of moving horizontally is adopted, the size of the exhaust fan housing unit is economically minimized in comparison to the traditional evolving style installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Chaohua Deng
  • Patent number: 7431642
    Abstract: The subject invention relates to ventilation systems that include a unitary molded housing that defines a flow path and one or more mounting structures, wherein the flow path and the mounting structures are integrated into the unitary molded housing. An exterior structure is coupled to the unitary molded housing, the exterior structure includes at least one inlet port, the at least one inlet port being concealed from view. At least one recess is coupled to the exterior structure that accommodates at least one illumination element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: J. F. Meskill Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Walter Herbst
  • Patent number: 7428149
    Abstract: An air guide device is provided on a side panel of a computer housing, and includes an air guide member and a positioning mechanism. The air guide member includes a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion disposed opposite to the first coupling portion for coupling with the first coupling portion. The positioning mechanism includes at least one positioning member for coupling a bottom portion of the air guide member to the side panel. The air guide member is convertible between a state of use where the air guide member is in the form of a hollow cylinder, and the first and second coupling portions are coupled, and an unfurled state where the air guide member is in the form of a flat sheet, and the first and second coupling members are separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Aopen Inc.
    Inventors: Sheng-Hsiung Cheng, Te-An Lin, Wu-Nan Wang, Chia-Chia Huang
  • Publication number: 20080226452
    Abstract: A modular fan housing unit designed to create a focused column or columns of downwardly moving air such that there is little deflection when the column or columns of downwardly moving air arrives at the ground level. The modular fan housing includes an elongated body element having a fluid impelling device to create the downwardly moving air. At least one plate disposed within the elongated body element directs the downwardly moving air into columns. The modular fan housing unit may be coupled to another modular fan housing unit to provide additional columns of downwardly moving air. The modular fan housing units may be coupled in various configurations, depending on the type of application. Furthermore, the modular fan housing unit or multiple modular fan housing units may be coupled to an elevated structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: William C. Weaver
  • Publication number: 20080182506
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and system for controlling an HVAC system for managing multiple indoor air quality (IAQ) parameters. An acceptable range is defined for each of the IAQ parameter. The parameters are then monitored by sensors within a controlled space. The parameters may comprise temperature, humidity, smoke, radon, VOCs, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulates, hydrocarbons, oxygen, ozone, and odors. The invention maintains the IAQ parameters within their respective acceptable ranges by automatically manipulating certain HVAC system functions including heating, cooling, humidification, dehumidification, ventilation, addition or removal of materials or compounds which affect IAQ parameters, airflow volume and air recirculation. In one embodiment of the invention, a non-HVAC-specific venting system is used to augment HVAC adjustment of airflow volume and air recirculation. This may include bathroom, kitchen and attic venting systems as well as whole-home vacuum systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Mark Jackson, Shailesh Manohar, Raymond Wojcieson
  • Publication number: 20080182503
    Abstract: A system for drying the crawlspace of a home, reducing mold in the crawlspace and in the living area of the home, and that creates healthy air exchanges in the living area of the home with fresh air from the outside. The Negative Air Supplied (NAS) crawlspace system implements multiple drying theories to efficiently dry both porous and semi-porous materials in the crawlspace down to moisture levels too low for mold to grow. The present NAS system also creates a negative air pressure in the crawlspace, which causes the airflow in the home to go from the living area to the crawlspace. This airflow pattern prevents any mold spores in the crawlspace from entering the living area of the home. The airflow created by the NAS system also forces multiple air exchanges per day in the living area of the home with outside air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Michael E. Yurcak
  • Publication number: 20080020701
    Abstract: The adjustable angle oscillating fan comprises of a base with a mounting post to which is mounted a motor housing with an enclosed electric motor. The control for the fan speed is generally located in the base but may alternatively be positioned on the mounting post. The fan is affixed to one end of the electric motor axle. A fan cage is mounted to the motor housing and encloses the fan blades. A reduction gear box is affixed to the other end of the electric motor axle. The reduction gear box conveys the torque from the electric motor at a reduced rotational speed to a vertical axle extending generally below the electric motor. The adjustable mechanism is mounted at or near the bottom end of the vertical axle. The adjustable mechanism comprises of a flexible elongated member with a narrow section between its two ends. An adjustment means is connected to an end of the flexible elongated member and moves the end of the flexible elongated member vertically up and down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventor: Garry Tsaur
  • Publication number: 20070249280
    Abstract: A lift apparatus to deploy from a storage position in a ceiling to a working position supported by the floor of a room below the ceiling where the lift apparatus is stored. A electrically motor powered drive raises a lift platform and lowers a lift platform to carry items from the room to an attic above the room. Controls are used to deploy the lift apparatus and to operate the lift platform on the lift apparatus. Preferred method of operating the lift apparatus is an acme screw drive which provides an appropriate mechanical advantage reducing the size of the motor required, but also will prevent downward movement either of the lift apparatus during the deployment procedure or of the lift platform while moving items from the attic to the room below the attic or from the room below the attic to the attic. The lift apparatus is supported by the floor and does not require any special bracing or strengthening of floor joists.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Inventor: Dennis Johnson
  • Patent number: 7143551
    Abstract: An improved building structure that eliminates condensation at exterior building walls, thereby preventing mold growth and avoiding the damage, environmental degradation and health problems associated with mold growth includes enveloping spaces that allow natural convection of air in exterior wall structures and roof structures. An embodiment of the building structure includes an exterior wall structure defining an air gap between insulation and exterior sheathing, a roof structure defining an air gap between thermal insulation and a roof deck, the wall air gap and roof air gap being in fluid communication, a roof vent to allow air to flow to an outside space, and an air ventilation grid at the lower end of the wall air gap. The air ventilation grid includes openings that allow air to freely enter the wall air gap and flow upwardly by natural convection into the roof air gap and out of the roof vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventor: Thomas N. Corwin
  • 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: 6802770
    Abstract: An exhaust fan for use in bathrooms or similar areas has a generally rectangular fan housing formed from two independent structural members to reduce manufacturing waste and decrease production cost. The fan housing includes a receptacle panel that can be installed and removed from within the housing without additional tools. The fan housing includes two series of spaced view holes formed in its back wall such that during installation of the exhaust fan, the installer can view the ceiling joist to correctly position the fan housing relative to the bottom surface of the joist. The back wall of the fan housing also includes a pair of bend down tabs that can be placed in contact with the bottom surface of the joist to correctly position the bottom edge of the fan housing the required distance from the joist to accommodate the most common drywall thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Broan-Nutone LLC
    Inventors: David M. Larson, Robert G. Penlesky, Daniel L. Karst, Robert A. Chvosta, Alan G. Klug, Kevin P. Gahagan
  • Patent number: 6669750
    Abstract: An access port for a house vacuum system that is equipped with a removable trap is described. The access port can be constructed by the components of a port body of elongated, cylindrical shape, which may have either an annular cross-section or a rectangular cross-section; a port cover that is pivotally connected to a floor panel by a hinge; a debris trap of elongated, cylindrical shape that is removable mounted inside the port body; a vacuum hose access port that is provided in the port cover; and a cover for the vacuum hose access port pivotally connected to the port cover by a hinge. The access port may also be made into a portable unit that can be moved from vacuum port to vacuum port in a cleanroom environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Jason Liao, Yeay-Cin Chen, Jun-Sheng Hsu, Wan-ly Chen
  • Patent number: 6641648
    Abstract: A filter system including a housing with an intake and an outlet, a pleated carbon filter disposed between the intake and the outlet for filtering out vapors entering the intake, and a hydrophobic solution dispersed about the pleated carbon filter to inhibit adsorption of water thereby increasing the adsorption capacity of the pleated carbon filter especially in high relative humidity environments. The hydrophobic solution is selected so that it does not decrease the adsorption capacity of the carbon filter. Also disclosed is a method of making such a filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Foster-Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Walker, Edward Godere, Harris Gold, R. Edwin Hicks, Robert Kaiser
  • Publication number: 20030140646
    Abstract: An energy efficient air distribution system placed within the conditioned space of a building comprising a duct having an interior volume for conducting air. One of the exterior surfaces may have an ornamental design providing the impression the device is actually cornice molding. An opening extends through the duct wall for releasing conditioned air from the duct interior into the conditioned space. Opening is positioned on the duct to be visibly obscured. In one embodiment, a flow control mechanism is positioned adjacent to the opening for controlling the amount of conditioned flowing through the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: J. Wayne Place, Thomas C. Howard