Abstract: A thermally-actuated switch assembly is capable of controlling an associated device in the event of a sensed temperature exceeding a predetermined threshold. A first switch in the form of for example a fuse is used to sense the temperature to which the device is sensitive. The first switch is carried by a housing which also carries a second switch. The second switch is arranged such that it is actuated if the housing is mounted on a support in a predetermined orientation. The first and second switches are connected to an output and arranged such that the output indicates an alarm condition if either the first switch is actuated or the second switch is not actuated. Thus one switch is used to sense the temperature, and the other switch is used to sense whether or not the switch assembly as a whole is correctly positioned.

Abstract: A mechanical dual temperature damper closing mechanism having a primary link that separates when the ambient temperature reaches approximately 74° F., closing the damper. The new mechanism provides a reliable means for reopening the damper to allow airflow for the control of smoke spread. A secondary link is engaged within the new mechanism to reopen the damper. When the ambient temperature reaches 180° F. the secondary link separates, closes the damper such that it cannot be reopened.

Abstract: A powered damper assembly in which closure of the damper blades is controlled by a powered actuator which can be powered by a pneumatic drive, an electric motor drive, or other suitable power source. The powered actuator moves a drive shaft attached to the damper blades which causes the damper blades to cycle between an open position and a closed position. The actuator can be controlled by sensors in a remote location, which allows the damper to be modulate it to set up pressure differentials and to be closed well in advance of oncoming smoke, fire, or other detected toxic fumes. The powered actuator maintains pressure on the damper blades to seal the damper tightly and prevent both smoke and fire from easily penetrating the damper. Optional remote placement of the sensors allow the damper be closed well in advance of the arrival of smoke, fumes, fire, etc. The remote sensors communicate with the dampers via direct wiring or, alternatively, via wireless transmission.

Abstract: A ceiling vent to reduce the temperature in a room that is subject to becoming uncomfortably hot. The vent contains two concentric tubes, one movable and the other stationary. The movable tube is attached to a damper plate so that when the movable tube is lowered, the vent opens. Attached to the stationary tube is a plastic fuse pin in a metal sleeve that engages a notch in the stepped upper portion of the movable tube. There is a spring attached at one end to the metal sleeve and at the other end to the damper plate. When the vent is opened, the spring is stretched. Should there be a fire in the room being vented, hot air rising through the vent would cause the plastic fuse pin to soften or melt, which would cause the plastic fuse pin to disengage from a notch and allow the spring to resume its rest position and close the vent.

Abstract: An apparatus for extinguishing fires in enclosures having an air ramp with an automatic trap door. When the trap door is tripped, the air flow is reduced. Fires can be extinguished through the reduced air flow. The air ramp includes a center section having an upwardly ramped center area, a trap door which is moveably attached to the center area and a front section which is connected to the center section. The front section allows the air ramp to be mounted in an enclosure.

Abstract: A fire responsive, closing air vent includes a main frame enclosing an air flow passageway with a hingeable cover connected to the main frame which can open and close. The frame has a mechanism for biasing the cover towards the closed position and a preformed mass of material, e.g. meltable wax positioned at least in part between the frame and the cover to hold the cover in the open position. The material is at least partially moveable (e.g., shrinkable or meltable) in response to an increase in ambient temperature in excess of 140.degree. F. so as to cease from holding the cover in an open position and permitting the weight to close the cover. In one embodiment, the vent is made up of a flat plate and a subframe for insertion into a building structure and is positioned at right angles to the flat plate. In another embodiment, the main frame of the closing air vent has a plurality of air passageways and the cover is capable of covering all of the air passageways.

Abstract: A fire and smoke damper includes a flat-coil spring actuator to rotate the blades included within the damper between the "normally open" position to the "closed" position when a fire or smoke condition occurs. The damper may include one or more blades, using a linkage connector to ensure simultaneous operation of each blade. The flat-coil spring is held under tension by an actuator (such as a fusible link) to maintain the blades in the "normally open" position. Once the spring is released, a pivot arrangement coupled between the spring and the blade(s) functions to quickly rotate the blade(s) into the closed position, thereby blocking the passage of smoke or fire. The blades may include blade seals to ensure a tight seal.

Abstract: In a high-temperature protective arrangement for an electronic device, which as such generates heat, the electronic device is enclosed by a heat protective enclosure provided with gaps for permitting heat removal by air convection. The heat protective enclosure is coated with a material which is subject to swelling under the action of heat to a multiple of the thickness of the original coating whereby a heat-insulating layer is formed and the gaps are closed. Electronic components of the electronic device are disposed within a housing. The heat generated by the electronic components is passed to the housing which is surrounded at a spacing substantially on all sides by the heat protective enclosure.

Abstract: A method and system for preventing smoke and fire damage in a clean room within which a tool including an electrically powered element is located. The method includes the step of providing the tool with a system including a fire proof housing, a sensor, an environmental sealing mechanism, an operator panel and a controller. The fire proof housing is secured over the tool and includes a door and at least one port to the tool. The sensor monitors an environmental condition within the housing and generates a sensor signal. The environmental sealing mechanism seals the at least one port and the door to the housing in response to the control signals to render the housing environmentally sealed. The operator panel includes visual indicators responsive to actuation signals. The controller is adapted to receive and process the sensor signals and to execute a shutdown control sequence during which the control signals and the actuation signals are generated.

Abstract: An electromechanical actuator maintains an external device to which the actuator is connected at an operating position when power is applied to the actuator, and allows the external device to return to a default position when the power is removed. Included in the actuator is a housing and an output coupling rotatably mounted thereon. The output coupling is configured to be connected to the external device and displaces the external device between the operating position and the default position. A driving device is mounted in the housing for providing a torque to the output coupling to displace the external device between the default position and the operating position when the driving device is energized. Also provided is a torque transmitting device for transmitting and changing the torque from the driving device to the output coupling. The torque transmitting device is cooperatively engaged to and is located between the driving device and the output coupling.

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

Abstract: A B-channel for use in a damper frame or sleeve is disclosed which is formed from a blank of sheet metal. The blank has a rectangular barrier wall, a pair of side walls formed along two opposing edges and end walls formed along opposing edges of the barrier wall. The side walls and end walls are folded perpendicularly to the barrier wall and tabs are formed on the end walls to be folded into the planes of the side walls. The B-channel is particularly useful in conjunction with a fire damper sleeve.

Abstract: An adjustable damper for controlling air flow between portions of a building includes a plurality of vanes positioned in a frame opening, which vanes are selectively, simultaneously rotatable between open and closed positions. A reversible motor and an actuating linkage on one side of the damper drives a first vane axle about an axis, and a vane linkage on the opposite side, rotates the other vanes along with the first vane. The actuating linkage includes a shaft which is offset from the first vane axis, which shaft is turned by the motor between open and closed positions. A linkage arm pivotally connects the shaft and the vane axle and the linkage arm is bent at an angle such that, when the shaft is rotated to the closed position, the linkage arm is rotated to an over center position in which it securely latches the vanes in a closed position. The damper, motor and drive linkage fit within a single, integrated housing which can be secured within a wall opening from a single side thereof.

Abstract: A pressure differential indicating apparatus has a wall duct with first and second ends, first and second flange like mounting plates respectively disposed around and attached to the first and second ends, a low speed airflow indicator mounted at one of the ends on a side of the mounting plate opposite that to which the wall duct is mounted, and a fire damper with a closable fire damping door that is disposed in the duct. The fire damper includes an actuation device for keeping the door open until the actuation device is caused to close the door. One particular embodiment of the actuation apparatus has a spring counter loaded solenoid that keeps the door open when energized and a spring operably connected to the solenoid so as to close the door when the solenoid is de-energized.

Abstract: A damper door system that includes an opening in a planar wall, a retractable damper door and a track extending through said opening. The damper door includes slots that are conformable to the track when the door is in a closed position. In addition, the slots in the damper door include an intumescent material for sealing the door shut in the event of a fire.

Abstract: A damper is provided which is adapted to be positioned in a building conduit to control the flow of fluid through the conduit. The damper includes a frame and barrier structure coupled to the frame which is movable between open and closed positions. The barrier structure permits fluid to flow through the conduit when positioned in the open position and substantially blocks fluid flow through the conduit when positioned in the closed position. The damper further includes an actuator which is coupled to the barrier structure for effecting movement of the barrier structure. A control circuit is also provided and is connected to the actuator for controlling the operation of the actuator. The control circuit includes a thermal responsive switch which, preferably, is located outside of the conduit. The thermal responsive switch prevents operation of the actuator when the temperature of fluid surrounding the switch exceeds a first predetermined value.

Abstract: A fire damper is provided with a central flange for mounting within a wall. The flange having a plurality of holes allowing any plaster material in the wall construction to pass through the holes and retain the damper. A miter cut is provided at the corners of the damper and the flange to allow for expansion during a fire. The damper is positioned within an opening in the wall with the flange positioned within the opening of the wall. The wall is built up by applying mortar against the damper and extending flange. With the mortar being forced through the holes in the flange to hold the damper in place.

Abstract: An adjustable damper for controlling air flow between portions of a building includes a plurality of vanes positioned in a frame opening, which vanes are selectively, simultaneously rotatable between open and closed positions. A reversible motor and an actuating linkage on one side of the damper drives a first vane axle about an axis, and a vane linkage on the opposite side, rotates the other vanes along with the first vane. The actuating linkage includes a shaft which is offset from the first vane axis, which shaft is turned by the motor between open and closed positions. A linkage arm pivotally connects the shaft and the vane axle and the linkage arm is bent at an angle such that, when the shaft is rotated to the closed position, the linkage arm is rotated to an over center position in which it securely latches the vanes in a closed position.

Abstract: A fail-safe closed damper for installation in a system of ducts. The damper includes at least one damper blade connected to a spring-loaded shaft. A power-actuated unit is employed to disengage a coupling which interconnects the spring-loaded shaft to an operating linkage. The use of the power-actuated unit ensures that the damper will be tripped at the appropriate predetermined temperature and will not be affected by the large frictional forces imparted on the components of the damper by the biasing spring or by such external factors as dust, humidity and dirt. The damper employs a sensor having dual sensing devices and which is centrally disposed in the duct to ensure receipt of a representative sample of airflow. The damper further includes a damper blade position indicator for sensing whether the damper blade is open or closed.

Abstract: A damper is provided with a plurality of lugs on one side opposite to its face which lugs can be rotated to interfere with removing the damper from the wall in which it is mounted. The lugs can be rotated from the outside and fastened in position without having to go around the wall.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for securing a damper in an opening formed in a wall includes four generally L-shaped segments surrounding the damper sleeve. Each segment has a generally planar wall-engaging plate and a generally planar sleeve-engaging plate. The wall-engaging plate and the sleeve-engaging plate form the L-shape of the segment. Each segment also includes a land extending generally perpendicular to the wall-engaging plate. Two of the segments are end segments and the other two of the segments are intermediate segments. The land of each end segment is connected to the land of its adjacent intermediate segment and the lands of the intermediate segments are connected together. The segments can be removed from and replaced around the damper sleeve by bending of the land connections between the segments.

Abstract: A fail-safe closed damper for installation in a system of ducts. The damper includes at least one damper blade connected to a spring-loaded shaft. A power-actuated unit is employed to disengage a coupling which interconnects the spring-loaded shaft to an operating linkage. The use of the power-actuated unit ensures that the damper will be tripped at the appropriate predetermined temperature and will not be affected by the large frictional forces imparted on the components of the damper by the biasing spring or by such external factors as dust, humidity and dirt. The damper also employs a sensor which may be mounted at any remote location within the ventilation system. Alternatively, a plurality of interconnected sensors capable of providing additional sensing capability may be employed.

Abstract: A fire shutter comprises a plurality of substantially planar fire plate elements each having first and second opposite edges and supported so that they are adjacent to each other and turnable about respective parallel axes from a flow-through open position, in which gas-flow passages are formed between the plate elements, to a closed position, in which the first edge of one plate element of each pair of adjacent plate elements is close to the second edge of the other plate element of the pair and the fire plate elements together form a closed barrier.

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

Abstract: Apparatus for sealing a duct comprises an enclosed body having inlet and outlet passages communicating with the duct. A duct sealing member is located within the enclosed body and is movable between an open position to permit flow through the enclosed body and a closed position to block one of the passages of the enclosed body to prevent flow through the body. An actuating system moves the duct sealing member from the open position to the closed position. A sensing system for detecting a pre-determined condition such as excessive heat is provided to activate the actuating system and seal the duct. A ducting system incorporates the sealing apparatus and permits ventilation of heating appliances in apartment dwellings and the like in a significantly reduced area leading to material cost savings.

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

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