Abstract: An acoustic damper has a sound pickup unit defining a plurality of pickup unit passageways. Hollow flexible tubes are connected to exit openings of the pickup unit passageways and extend outwardly therefrom. The hollow flexible tubes and pickup unit passageways define acoustic paths.

Abstract: An air conditioner includes a discharge blade configured to move between a guide position at which a direction of air blown from a blower fan and discharged to an outlet is controlled, and a closing position at which the outlet is closed, wherein the discharge blade includes a plurality of blade holes through which the air is discharged through the discharge blade at the closing position, wherein the discharge blade moves between the guide position and the closing position and controls an air flow from the blower fan to a discharge plate or the outlet. Through this configuration, an air flow discharged to the outside of the housing can be controlled by operation of the discharge blade.

Abstract: This application discloses a wind pressure-driven air intake device for natural ventilation of zero power consumption. Such a device comprises multiple tunnels being arranged around a common central chamber, each having an inflow valve at its inner end connecting the central chamber and an outer end open to ambient airflow. The inflow valve allows only inward flow from a corresponding tunnel into the central chamber. The central chamber has an opening allowing airflow exit to a space to be ventilated. The device is capable of capturing ambient wind flow and wind pressure to be fed to the vented space regardless of wind flow direction towards the device, with no need for a powered air driver.

Abstract: An air terminal device for a ventilation system includes a pressure box, with an inlet admitting supply air into the pressure box and outlet openings for admitting supply air out. The air terminal device further includes a cover plate to control and change the open area of the outlet openings. The outlet openings are in a wall of the pressure box forming an outlet surface of the pressure box. The cover plates are arranged to make contact with and slide relative the outlet surface while changing the open area of the outlet openings. The cover plate is located on the high pressure side of the outlet surface. The cover plate cooperates with the outlet surface such that there is at least one outlet opening or suction opening being partly or fully covered by the cover plate also when the air terminal device is set to maximum flow.

Abstract: In an indoor unit of an air conditioner that moves a front panel, a coupling member suppresses a reduction of heat exchange performance of the indoor unit. A heat exchanger has a U-shaped pipe that returns refrigerant flowing in a longitudinal direction. A panel drive unit generates a driving force that moves the front panel by a movement of the panel drive unit itself. The coupling member is disposed behind the front panel, couples the front panel and the panel drive unit, and transmits the driving force from the panel drive unit to the front panel. At least a part of the coupling member is disposed in front of the U-shaped pipe so as to overlap the U-shaped pipe as viewed from the front.

Abstract: A damper assembly for use with an exhaust port in an upper wall of an exhaust hood comprises a mounting plate having a central opening, the mounting plate being attachable to the underside of the upper wall in overlying relation to the exhaust port. A damper plate is mounted on the mounting plate for pivotal movement about a pivot axis in a first rotational direction between a first limit position whereat the damper plate is fully removed from occluding the central opening and a second limit position whereat the damper plate occludes the central opening. A drive housing has a drive shaft drive extending therefrom for operative connection to the damper plate to drive the pivotal movement thereof. A damper actuator is mounted in the drive housing and connected to the drive shaft to effect bi-directional rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A grille shutter device including: a plurality of fins; a linkage member configured to link the fins such that the fins move together; a driving device configured to move one of the fins; an abnormality detection unit configured to detect an abnormality of the fin according to an operating state of the driving device; and a locking structure including a first locking portion being a part of each of the fins and a second locking portion being a part of the linkage member, wherein: in a motive power transmission cut-off state, a movement of the linkage member is restricted by an abutment of the second locking portion against a first locking portion of an abnormal fin.

Abstract: A ventilation fan includes: first and second electronic components attached to a back surface of a flange; a third electronic component including a claw portion on an outer portion of the third electronic component and attached to the back surface of the flange; internal wiring routed on the back surface of the flange and connecting the first and second electronic components; and a retention portion including: a first rib protruding from the back surface of the flange in a perpendicular direction to the back surface of the flange; and a second rib protruding from a side face of the first rib in a direction parallel with the plane direction of the back surface of the flange or protruding toward the back surface of the flange, the retention portion retaining the internal wiring between the undersurface of the second rib and the back surface of the flange.

Abstract: A packaged terminal air conditioner unit (PTAC) and methods of operating the same are provided. The PTAC includes a bulkhead having a vent aperture through which an auxiliary fan urges a flow of make-up air into the room and a vent door for controlling the flow of make-up air. A method for detecting the position of the vent door includes operating the auxiliary fan at a first power level to reach a target speed, switching the position of the vent door, and operating the auxiliary fan at a second power level to maintain the target speed. The first power level and the second power level are compared to determine whether the vent door is in the open position or the closed position, with an increased power level indicating that the door is closed and a decreased power level indicating that the door is open.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suction hood (3, 4, 5), preferably vortex hood or tornado hood, a) comprising a vortex generator (33, 43, 53) for generating a vortex air stream (336, 436, 536), b) wherein the vortex air stream comprises an at least substantially circular, cyclone, vortex and/or helix like air movement, c) such that fumes or smoke can be pulled into the suction hood (3, 4, 5) by the vortex air stream, d) comprising stabilizing means (32, 433, 54) for improving the stability of the vortex air stream.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a backflow prevention apparatus of a clean room for solving a negative pressure point in the clean room so as to prevent a backflow from underfloor of the clean room. An intake port sucks the air of an underfloor chamber, a fan supplies the air to an upper part in the apparatus, and a blowoff port is installed on a side surface of an upper-floor part of the apparatus for supplying the air into the clean room. By supplying the air of the underfloor chamber into the clean room, the backflow from the underfloor chamber into the clean room is prevented.

Abstract: The present method and system provides a virtual queuing technique including the method and system providing for receiving a communication request from a user for telephonic communication with a communication agent, wherein the communication request includes user information. The method and system includes receiving a call back request from the user to avoid the on-hold wait time and based on the call back request, placing the communication request and the user information associated therewith into a queuing system. The method and system thereby meters the communication request in the queuing system for a metered wait time based at least on a queuing factor relating to at least one of: the on-hold wait time and the user information and after expiration of the metered wait time, bridges a communication connection with the user and the communication agent based on the communication request.

Abstract: An adjustable regulator and lock device for a pivotally rotatable damper adapted for installation in an air duct of an HVAC system is disclosed, which includes a pivot rod rotatably attached to the air duct and arranged for rotation with the damper. The pivot rod has coupled to it, a lockdown member having a plurality of radially extending teeth extending outwardly therefrom. A plate member is fixedly spaced from the air duct and has a plurality of correspondingly shaped and dimensioned tooth-shaped cutouts adapted to receive the teeth of the lockdown member to selectively lock the rotational position of the pivot rod and the damper in a selected angular orientation. The teeth of the lockdown member are biased by a coil spring toward engagement with the cutouts of the plate member, and yet selectively releaseable therefrom.

Abstract: A damper assembly having a main body defining a continuous fluid path extending between a first opening and a second opening and a damper door rotatable within the main body to control the flow of fluid through the main body. The main body including an engagement edge extending circumferentially on an inner surface of the main body. The damper door can be rotated relative to the main body to sealingly engage an outer edge of the damper door with the engagement edge. The engagement edge of the main body can be oriented on the inner surface such that the surface area of the outer edge such that engagement of the engagement edge gradually increases as the damper door is rotated to seal the damper door to the main body.

Abstract: Described is a fail-safe actuating system, comprising an actuator with an actuator housing and an output element. The output element is couplable to a controlled device. The fail-safe actuating system also comprises a biasing element, coupled to the actuator housing, which gets biased by a movement of the actuator housing in a first predefined direction; a locking device that locks the actuator housing for holding the biasing element in a biased state; and a controller configured to operate the actuator in a first operating mode, in which the actuator housing moves with respect to the output element for biasing the biasing element, and in the second operating mode, in which the output element moves with respect to the actuator housing for moving the controlled device.

Abstract: An auxiliary device is tended and adapted to be accommodated in an air conduit forming part of an air conditioning device, to which air conduit first flow components, such as a fan, are connected for the purpose of bringing about a main airflow through the air conduit such that the whole main airflow flows through the auxiliary device. The auxiliary device has an arrangement of a number of air conditioning modules which in an active state of the relevant air conditioning module, each allow passage of a partial flow of the airflow and together allow passage of the whole main flow. Control components adjust each of the air conditioning modules between an active state, in which passage of the relevant partial flow is allowed, and a passive state in which a partial flow substantially amounts to zero or flows in opposite direction.

Abstract: An air-conditioning indoor unit causes a flow of air blown out from a blow-out port to be diverted in a predetermined direction due to the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect. The air-conditioning indoor unit includes an airflow direction adjustment vane varying a blowout angle of blown air relative to a horizontal plane, a Coand{hacek over (a)} vane turning the blown air into a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow along a bottom surface, and a control unit. The Coand{hacek over (a)} vane is provided in proximity to the blow-out port. The control unit executes an airflow direction automatic switching mode automatically switching between a Coand{hacek over (a)} effect use state in which the blown air is turned into a Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow along a predetermined surface and diverted in the predetermined direction, and a normal state in which the Coand{hacek over (a)} airflow is not created.

Abstract: An energy-reducing method and apparatus for retrofitting a constant volume HVAC system, with or without an economizer, that provides heating, cooling, and ventilation to occupants within a building space. The present invention includes the introduction of a programmable logic controller and variable frequency drive (VFD) that takes control of the existing fan, heating, cooling, and optional economizer operation. The controller is programmed fault detection of fan fault, heat/cool (temperature-based) fault, and energy consumption fault. The reduction of the fan speed in the ventilation mode when the 100% operation is not needed saves significant energy of the existing constant volume HVAC system where the fan motor is designed to run 100% of the time.

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.

Abstract: One version of the invention is a low-resistance, discharge-vent soffit frame. The inventive frame is deployed as part of a ventilation system in which air is discharged outside a building, such as a home. The frame includes a hollow connector having an intake opening and an output opening, through which air is directed to the home's exterior. The discharge-vent soffit frame typically includes two adjustable members—one on either side of the hollow connector—that attach between the eaves and side of a building. A low-resistance, discharge-vent soffit frame of the present invention is installed before, not after, a soffit is installed between the eaves of a building and the building side from which the eaves project.

Abstract: This device (D) for regulating the air flow in a pipe includes a flap (6) delimiting, relative to an inner surface (104) of a pipe (10) of the device (D), an air passage section (S), and an adjusting calibrating element (8) movable between a first position and a second position. The device includes a sealing wall (12), extending between the calibrating element and an inner surface (106) of the duct (10), suitable for preventing the passage of air from the side of the duct (10) opposite the air passage section (S). The sealing wall (12) is rotatable relative to the pipe (10) under the action of the movement of the calibrating element, and the calibrating element includes a front wall (86) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X-X?) of the duct (10) which, in the first position of the calibrating element, does not protrude past the circumference of the duct.

Abstract: A damper system includes a first plate having a plurality of openings and a second plate having a plurality of openings. A cam is coupled to the first plate, and a motor is coupled to the cam. The motor turns the cam, and the cam moves the first plate in relation to the second plate, thereby aligning or offsetting the openings of the first and second plates.

Abstract: A control system for an HVAC system serving at least two zones, each zone receiving conditioned air by way of a zone duct, each zone duct including a zone damper having a first portion and second portion controlled by a actuator to move between an open and a closed position in response to a zone thermostat, a second portion responsive to the static pressure in a HVAC system to open and bleed an amount of conditioned air past the damper when the static pressure of the system increases above a selected level, and a weight adjustment for modifying the torque exerted by the second portion against the system static pressure to adjust the selected level.

Abstract: A method performed by a zone controller for a zone of a building for improving energy efficiency in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is provided. The method includes operating in a ventilation mode. A temperature of the zone and outside air conditions for the building are monitored. A determination is made regarding whether to switch from the ventilation mode to an economizing mode based on a first set point for the temperature of the zone and based on the outside air conditions. The first set point is determined based on a second set point for the temperature that is different from the first set point. A determination is made regarding whether to activate the HVAC system based on the second set point.

Abstract: The invention proposes a device for attaching an actuator (2) to a housing (4), in particular for an automotive vehicle, the actuator being provided for driving a movable equipment (41) disposed within the housing. The device comprises attaching means for attaching the actuator on the housing. The mounting means comprise two conjugated connection flanges (20, 40), respectively mounted on a connexion face (28) of the actuator (28) and on a connection face (48) of the housing. The connexion flanges are adapted to be assembled according to a male/female type connection at the outside of the housing.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicle shutter capable of detecting a flap to which power transmission is cut off by providing turn restriction units each having a simple structure in flaps. The vehicle shutter is provided with: a plurality of flaps 13 capable of opening and closing an outside air introduction path 8 for introducing outside air into an engine compartment and arranged in parallel to each other so as to cross the outside air introduction path 8; a linkage operation section linking the flaps 13 with each other to perform an opening/closing operation of the flaps; a drive section driving the flaps 13 to be open and closed through the linkage operation section; an abnormality detection section detecting an abnormality of the flaps 13 on the basis of an operating state of the drive section; and an abnormality notification section notifying the abnormality to a user on the basis of output from the abnormality detection section.

Abstract: The present invention discloses adjustable air duct sealing systems for obstructing airflow through portions of an air duct system. Such systems may include an adjustable frame assembly configured to allow changes to a perimeter of the adjustable frame assembly. Systems may also include an actuator pole connector configured to attach the adjustable air duct sealing system to an actuator pole. Systems may include two or more support arms such that each support arm connects the actuator pole connector to the adjustable frame assembly and each support arm moveably connects to the actuator pole connector to allow the support arms to adjust to changes in the perimeter of the adjustable frame assembly. Some systems also include a sheet cover configured across the adjustable frame assembly to obstruct airflow through at least a portion of the adjustable frame assembly.

Abstract: An air handler configured with a plurality of air distribution modules, each including a fan, and at least one damper disposed within to provide and direct conditioned air or fresh air to respective multiple zones of a building.

Abstract: Embodiments of a door assembly with a door component that can open and close in response to pressure of fluids that flow in a fluid handling system. These embodiments utilize elements to seat and lock the door in position without the need for manual intervention and/or interaction, e.g., by a technician and/or maintenance personnel. However, these elements do not need to support the weight of the door and, thus, provide a more robust and cost effective design to achieve automated and reliable operation necessary for use in fluid handling systems.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hybrid ventilation apparatus capable of both natural and forced ventilation. In the case of a natural ventilation mode, a worm gear is rotated in a normal direction by drive force of a drive unit under control of a control unit so that a pressing member engages with a rotation guide protrusion and rotates a damper, thus opening a flow passage, and then the worm gear is reversely rotated by drive force of the drive unit to return the pressing member to its original position, thus allowing a user to rotate a roller upwards and downwards and rotate the damper so that the degree of opening of the flow passage can be adjusted. Thereby, rapid inflow of outdoor air can be blocked, and a cold graft phenomenon, in which the temperature of indoor air rapidly drops, can be prevented.

Abstract: A ventilator includes a body casing having an opening formed in its lower portion and an exhaust port formed on one side; a fan that is provided in the body casing, for sucking indoor air from the opening and exhausting the indoor air from the exhaust port; a resin fan casing that has a suction port and forms an air passage of the fan; a protection frame formed outside the air passage to cover a terminal block provided outside the air passage; a resin terminal block cover that watertightly seals a protection frame opening of a lower portion of the protection frame and is opened and closed; a sheet-metal case that is provided in the protection frame and stores the terminal block; and a sheet-metal terminal block cover that opens and closes a lower opening of the sheet-metal case.

Abstract: The present invention discloses removable air duct sealing systems for obstructing and directing airflow through portions of an air duct system. Some systems include a support plate having an opening and a flexible connector having a catch and a tail, the catch for connecting the connector to an air duct system component and the tail for passing through the opening in the support plate. Some systems include a fastener connected to the support plate, the fastener being capable of interacting with the connector in dependence upon the positioning of the fastener. In some systems, the fastener has a catch capable of being configured in a position that prevents the fastener from moving in a direction relative to the flexible connector but will allow the fastener to move in another direction. Some systems also include a gasket for restricting airflow when the gasket is pressed toward the air duct system component.

Abstract: A vehicle grille assembly is provided with a grille and a close-out assembly. The close-out assembly is adapted to at least partially block an airflow opening in the vehicle grille is moveable to translate and rotate with respect to the airflow opening.

Abstract: An indoor unit of an air conditioner is provided, comprising: an air duct, an air outlet in communication with the air duct, and an air deflector for guiding the direction of outflow of the air conditioner, with a volute tongue being provided at an end of the air duct proximately to the air outlet, wherein the indoor unit of the air conditioner further comprises an air deflector opening and closing mechanism in drive connection with the air deflector which is rotatably provided at the outer side of the air outlet. The indoor unit of the air conditioner can sealingly close the air outlet with respect to the air deflector and avoid any gap from being formed between the air deflector and the air outlet when the air deflector is closed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a hole sealing device (1) in particular for a main air inlet in the front face of a motor vehicle, comprising:—a support frame (5) comprising at least one shutter (3) pivoting about a pivot pin (A) between an open position and a closed position,—at least one pivot rod (7), said at least one shutter (3) having a link pin (B) linking it with said pivot rod (7),—at least one actuator (9) for moving the pivot rod (7) and controlling the position of the at least one shutter (3), said at least one shutter (3) being linked to a resilient opening means (15) at least comprising a mobile part (151), a resilient member (152) and a retaining member (153) for said resilient member (152).

Abstract: An air filter assembly is configured to deliver filtered air to a room. The assembly may include a main housing having at least first and second surfaces, wherein the first surface differs from the second surface, one or more first air filters proximate to the first surface, wherein the one or more first air filters is configured to discharge a first portion of filtered air through the first surface in a direct direction, and one or more second air filters proximate to the second surface. The one or more second air filters is configured to discharge a second portion of filtered air through the second surface in a second direction that differs from the first direction.

Abstract: A device is disclosed providing an adjustable endcap for use with distribution conduits in a greenhouse. The device provides a solution to seal off the end of a distribution tube while providing further means to regulate the distribution of substances such as air or gas. The device comprises a structure for sealing the end of a greenhouse distribution tube wherein the sealing structure can be freely adjusted to allow variable amounts of air or gas to escape from the sealed end. The device allows for further regulation of pressure and temperature inside the conduit, extension of climate control over a greater distance and the ability to regulate conduits on an individual basis.

Abstract: A damper for controlling fluid flow may include a main body, a stator that includes a plurality of stator blades, and a rotor moveably connected to the stator and including a plurality of rotor blades. The damper may also include a rotation mechanism mounted to the main body to move the rotor between an opened position and a closed position. The shape of each of the plurality of stator blades and rotor blades may combine to form a shape such that the velocity of the fluid is increased thereby reducing or eliminating back pressure when the rotor is in the opened position.

Abstract: A frame for supporting installation of an air measurement device over the opening of a duct or vent opening in the air circulation system of a building.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling airflow into an electronic device are disclosed. An airflow control system may include an airflow impedance plate having one or more airflow impeding features. The airflow impedance plate may be a passive device that may be configured to impede forceful airflow therethrough and also allow sound to pass therethrough.

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. In one embodiment, a terminal houses a plurality of sub-ducts each having an airflow regulator. At least one of the sub-ducts has a damper. When the damper is open, a maximum airflow through the terminal is a sum of maximum airflow permitted by the regulators.

Abstract: A damper for controlling fluid flow includes a main body, a stator and a rotor. The stator may be carried by the main body and include at least one blade having a predetermined shape. The rotor may be moveably connected to the stator and carried by the main body. The rotor may include at least one blade having a predetermined shape and may be moveable between an opened position and a closed position. The predetermined shape of the at least one stator blade and the at least one rotor blade may form a converging-diverging nozzle, and the stator and the rotor may be carried by the main body so that fluid flows through the main body substantially perpendicular thereto. The opened position may be defined as the at least one stator blade being aligned with the at least one rotor blade, and the closed position may be defined as the at least one stator blade being offset from the at least one rotor blade.

Abstract: A retrofitting flap damper assembly system for cone type damper variable air volume (VAV) boxes includes specifically modified mounting hardware to secure a flap damper assembly inside an existing cone type damper VAV box. A plurality of bolts secure the flap damper in place using saddle brackets.

Abstract: A damper access assembly includes an adapter and a removable damper access duct section for use in a ventilation duct system to access a damper. The adapter includes a radially outwardly directed flange. Each of the ends of the damper access duct section includes a radially outwardly directed flange. The flange of the adapter is configured to be operatively and releasably coupled to one of the flanges of the damper access duct section. The other second flange at the other end of the damper access duct section is configured to be operatively and releasably coupled to the ductwork. A technician may release the damper access duct section from the adapter and from the ductwork and remove the damper access duct section to access the damper. The damper access assembly may include one or more clamps that cooperate with the flanges of the adapter and the removable access duct section.

Abstract: A clamp assembly is provided for use in a duct system. The clamp assembly includes a clamp member including a base portion and first and second lateral portions. The first and second lateral portions extend less than the full circumferential length of the base portion. The clamp assembly may include a first member, a second member, and a hinge operatively coupling the first member to the second member. A damper access assembly includes an adapter, a damper access duct section, and an annular clamp member. A first flange of the adapter and a second flange of the duct section are configured to form a generally T-shaped joint between the adapter and the damper access duct section. The clamp member is configured to removably secure the adapter to the damper access duct section. The damper access duct section is configured to be removable relative to the damper enclosure and the ductwork.

Abstract: An air-flap device for a refrigerator and/or freezer for equipping a kitchen comprises an air flap (18) which is mounted so as to be pivotable about a first axis of rotation (20) between an open position and a closing position and which, in the open position, unblocks an air-passage aperture (16) for the passage of air and, in the closing position, blocks said air-passage aperture, at least substantially, against the passage of air, and said air-flap device also comprises a motorized flap-actuating mechanism for displacing the air flap in a pivoting manner. According to the invention, the flap-actuating mechanism comprises a movably disposed flap-actuating element (26) having a flap-engaging section (32) which can be moved, as a result of movement of said flap-actuating element, from outside the pivoting space of the air flap into said pivoting space in order, in doing so, to pass into engagement with the air flap and lift the latter out of one of the two flap positions towards the other.

Abstract: A device for altering a flow cross-section of an air passage opening (16) in a motor vehicle, for altering an air mass flow rate to a motor vehicle unit, such as a cooler, the device comprising a device frame (12) having the air passage opening (16), further comprising at least two substantially rigid shutter components (22), which are adjustable with respect to the device frame (12) between at least two different relative positions in which they cover the air passage opening (16) to different extents, and comprising a drive for providing a driving force for the relative movement of the shutter components (22) with respect to the device frame (12), is characterised in that at least two shutter components (22), which are directly adjacent in the direction of relative movement, are interconnected so as to be pivotable with respect to one another about a shutter pivot axle (24).

Abstract: An energy-reducing method and apparatus for retrofitting a constant volume HVAC system, with or without an economizer, that provides heating, cooling, and ventilation to occupants within a building space. The present invention includes the introduction of a programmable logic controller and variable frequency drive (VFD) that takes control of the existing fan, heating, cooling, and optional economizer operation. The controller is programmed for the reduction of fan speed in the heating and cooling modes. The reduction of the fan speed in the ventilation mode when the 100% operation is not needed saves significant energy of the existing constant volume HVAC system where the fan motor is designed to run 100% of the time. The fan speed may be further reduced upon a reduction in sensed occupancy levels of the space, such as with a CO2 sensor. Additionally, the fan speed may be reduced in the heating and/or cooling mode to further reduce energy consumption.

Abstract: A shelter is capable of withstanding extreme winds. The shelter comprises a concrete foundation mechanically coupled to a lower continuous track by an anchor bolt. The lower continuous track is mechanically coupled to load bearing studs and second load bearing studs. The load bearing studs and second load bearing studs are mechanically coupled to an upper continuous track. The arrangement of studs secured between two tracks provides additional stability against variable wind loads that normally damage buildings. The load bearing studs are arranged with second load bearing studs to create walls, where the walls are covered by a first exterior layer and a second exterior layer. The first exterior layer plates provide protection against live force loads and the second external layer provides protection against vibration. The upper continuous track is mechanically coupled to roofing.

Abstract: An HVAC damper includes a sheet metal frame surrounding a series of pivotal damper blades that are each supported by a pair of plastic bearing members. Each bearing member is a unitary piece that includes a radial bearing, a thrust bearing, a lug for connecting to a damper blade, a shaft-receiving feature for connecting to a drive shaft, and multiple crank pins for selectively connecting to a drive linkage. Choosing which crank pin gets connected to the linkage determines a damper blade's rotational direction relative to the other damper blades. Adjacent damper blades preferably rotate in opposite directions to ensure positive sealing engagement between their adjacent blade tips. The bearing members allow the drive linkage to be installed outside the frame to avoid obstructing the airflow through the damper. During assembly, the bearing members allow the damper blades to be placed within the frame prior to installing the bearing members.