16979results about "Ventilation systems" patented technology

An operation unit for a vehicle air conditioner includes a display device, a setting input portion of a control parameter of the air conditioner other than a set temperature, an obtaining portion configured to obtain a present set value of the control parameter, and an operating state identification portion configured to identify whether an air-conditioning operating state is in a plurality of predetermined operating states of the air conditioner. In the operation unit, a moving pattern of a pointer of the display device is changed according to the operating state of the air conditioner. For example, a pointer operation control portion can be configured to control an operation of a pointer driving motor such that the pointer moves on a dial of the display device at different moving speeds according to the air-conditioning operating state.

An interconnected wireless HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) system and wireless security system, which are interconnected and communicate with each other through the use of a common wireless technology, including the same selected frequency, modulation and a set of common protocols. The Wireless HVAC system includes wireless thermostats, which can communicate with and control both the HVAC system and the security system, and the wireless security system includes wireless controls or keypads, which can communicate with and control both the security system and the HVAC system. The universal wireless infrastructure can be expanded to provide communication or control of additional user or manufacturer installed wireless devices or systems through the universal wireless home infrastructure.

The present invention is directed at an air ventilation system for use with semiconductor manufacturing equipment. Specifically, the ventilation system of the present invention adjusts vents or outlets located on an enclosure used for semiconductor manufacturing between a restricted state and an open state. When the vents and / or outlets are in an open state, a high flow rate through the enclosure is able to properly scavenge toxic and volatile gasses to safely remove them. When the vents and / or outlets are in a restricted state, the flow rate of gases therethrough is substantially or fully restricted. Upon the sensing of a condition (or the lack thereof) or the manual operation of an operator, the vents and / or outlets are selectively adjusted between the restricted and open states.

An exhaust air removal system and method for use with a rack or enclosure containing equipment is provided. The system and method are configured for removal of exhaust air vented from equipment during operation to thereby remove heat from the equipment. In one aspect, the system includes a fan unit preferably configured to serve as a back door of an equipment rack or enclosure and configured to provide access to an interior of the rack or enclosure. The fan unit provides multiple fans coupled to internal exhaust ducts that are arranged to draw and to remove exhaust air vented from rack-mounted equipment. The fan unit is further configured to vent exhaust air to an area external to a rack or enclosure, such as an external exhaust duct or plenum. Removal of hot and warm exhaust air vented from rack-mounted equipment enables the equipment to operate effectively, drawing sufficient amounts of cooling air to meet its cooling requirements. The fan unit is constructed for portability and for easy attachment to and removal from a rack or enclosure, providing flexibility in handling equipment exhaust needs.

Embodiments of the invention comprise systems and methods for using the geographic location of networked consumer electronics devices as indications of occupancy of a structure for purposes of automatically adjusting the temperature setpoint on a thermostatic HVAC control. At least one thermostat is located inside a structure and is used to control an HVAC system in the structure. At least one mobile electronic device is used to indicate the state of occupancy of the structure. The state of occupancy is used to alter the setpoint on the thermostatic HVAC control to reduce unneeded conditioning of unoccupied spaces.

Distributed nodes, such as intelligent register controllers, of a heating, ventilating and / or air conditioning (HVAC) system wirelessly communicate with each other on a peer-to-peer basis, forming a network, and collectively control the HVAC system, without a central controller. The intelligent register controllers collectively control the amount of conditioned air introduced into each region. Each node may base its operation at least in part on information about one or more (ideally all) of the other nodes. Each intelligent register controller automatically determines how much conditioned air to allow into its region, or how much return air to allow to be withdrawn from its region, based on information collected by the register controller, such as: current temperature of the region; desired temperature of the region; calculated amount of conditioned air required to change the region's temperature to the desired temperature; temperature of conditioned air begin supplied by a duct to the register; current time, day of week, vacation or other schedule data; temperatures of other regions and their respective desired temperatures; calculated amounts of air required to be supplied or withdrawn by the other controlled registers to change their respective regions' temperatures to their desired temperatures; or combinations thereof. Each register controller automatically determines when and to what extent to operate its respective controllable damper.

A method for processing airflow distribution in a data center comprises monitoring airflow in a ventilation system including a plurality of fans in at least one server in the data center, and controlling cooling in the ventilation system as a function of the sensed airflow.

A humidifier and humidity sensor for use with a breathing assistance apparatus. The humidity sensor senses absolute humidity, relative humidity and / or temperature at both the patient end and humidifier end. The humidifier may also include provision to both control independently the humidity and temperature of the gases. Further, a chamber manifold facilitates easy connection of the humidifier to various outlets, inlets and sensors. A heated conduit provides a more effective temperature profile along its length.

A sensor unit that includes at least one sensor configured to measure an ambient condition is described. The controller can be configured to receive instructions, to report a notice level when the controller determines that data measured by the at least one sensor fails a report threshold test corresponding to a report threshold value. The controller can also be configured to obtain a plurality of calibration measurements from the at least one sensor during a calibration period and to adjust the threshold based on the calibration measurements. The controller can be configured to compute a first threshold level corresponding to background noise and a second threshold level corresponding to sensor noise, and to compute the report threshold value from the second threshold. In one embodiment, the sensor unit adjusts one or more of the thresholds based on ambient temperature.

A zone thermostat for use in connection with an Electronically-Controlled Register vent (ECRV) that can be easily installed by a homeowner or general handyman is disclosed. The ECRV can be used to convert a non-zoned HVAC system into a zoned system. The ECRV can also be used in connection with a conventional zoned HVAC system to provide additional control and additional zones not provided by the conventional zoned HVAC system. In one embodiment, the ECRV is configured have a size and form-factor that conforms to a standard manually-controlled register vent. In one embodiment, the zone thermostat is configured to provide thermostat information to the ECRV. In one embodiment, the zone thermostat communicates with a central monitoring system that coordinates operation of the heating and cooling zones.

Disclosed is a system for assisting in preventing over heating of the internal electrical components of a computer in the event of a failure of one of the adjacent fans of an array of fans employed to circulate cooling air over the components. The fans include openings through which air is forced from their inlet sides to their outlet sides. The system includes a vent for each fan arranged adjacent to and aligned with the fan opening at its outlet side. The vents are open and closed by vanes, having hinged slats construction to allow them to fall downwardly by their own weight or additional assistance. The vanes are kept open by the airflow created by the fans. Upon the failure of a fan, the absence of airflow through the opening thereof allows the slats of the vane to drop to close off the fan opening and prevent airflow into the fan opening from its outlet side.

A thermostat providing modulated or analog control of valves or dampers of an air management system. This permits operating a single cooling or heating stage with partially open valves or dampers as needed, since one full stage that is either fully on or off may not be easy to manage for effective air management of a particular type of building, zone or facility. The thermostat may also provide non-modulated control of multi-stage cooling and heating systems. The thermostat may even be used to control a modulated system having more than one stage of cooling or heating.

An exhaust air removal system and method for use with a rack or enclosure containing equipment is provided. The system and method are configured for removal of exhaust air vented from equipment during operation to thereby remove heat from the equipment. In one aspect, the system includes a fan unit preferably configured to serve as a back door of an equipment rack or enclosure and configured to provide access to an interior of the rack or enclosure. The fan unit provides multiple fans coupled to internal exhaust ducts that are arranged to draw and to remove exhaust air vented from rack-mounted equipment. The fan unit is further configured to vent exhaust air to an area external to a rack or enclosure, such as an external exhaust duct or plenum. Removal of hot and warm exhaust air vented from rack-mounted equipment enables the equipment to operate effectively, drawing sufficient amounts of cooling air to meet its cooling requirements. The fan unit is constructed for portability and for easy attachment to and removal from a rack or enclosure, providing flexibility in handling equipment exhaust needs.

An Electronically-Controlled Register vent (ECRV) that can be easily installed by a homeowner or general handyman is disclosed. The ECRV can be used to convert a non-zoned HVAC system into a zoned system. The ECRV can also be used in connection with a conventional zoned HVAC system to provide additional control and additional zones not provided by the conventional zoned HVAC system. In one embodiment, the ECRV is configured have a size and form-factor that conforms to a standard manually-controlled register vent. In one embodiment, a zone thermostat is configured to provide thermostat information to the ECRV. In one embodiment, the zone thermostat communicates with a central monitoring system that coordinates operation of the heating and cooling zones.

The invention is directed to programmable temperature control in which a controller may be programmed to control a thermal output of said temperature-modifying device, and to operate an air circulating system independently of the temperature-modifying device. The apparatus may incorporate a user input for entering air handling information to program the air circulating system to operate at predetermined intervals. The controller may be further programmed to receive air filtration information from the user input and to generate air filtration output information. The system may also be programmed to receive information regarding a characteristic of the air circulating system from an sensor for use in calculating the air filtration output information.

An Electronically-Controlled Register vent (ECRV) that can be easily installed by a homeowner or general handyman is disclosed. The ECRV can be used to convert a non-zoned HVAC system into a zoned system. The ECRV can also be used in connection with a conventional zoned HVAC system to provide additional control and additional zones not provided by the conventional zoned HVAC system. In one embodiment, the ECRV is configured have a size and form-factor that conforms to a standard manually-controlled register vent. In one embodiment, a zone thermostat is configured to provide thermostat information to the ECRV. In one embodiment, the zone thermostat communicates with a central monitoring system that coordinates operation of the heating and cooling zones.

A system for monitoring and modifying the quality and temperature of air within a conditioned space includes a blower unit, a damper unit for selectively admitting outside air into the conditioned space, a temperature moderating unit and a control unit. The control unit includes a thermostat and conventional temperature control apparatus for selectively activating the temperature moderating unit to maintain the desired temperature in the conditioned space. The control unit also incorporates CO2 concentration measuring and control apparatus which includes a small CO2 sensor. The CO2 sensor includes a cathode, an anode and a solid electrolyte disposed intermediate and electrically in contact with each of the cathode and the anode to effect a primary electrical cell. A heater and a heater thermostat serve to maintain the temperature of the cell at about 250° C. The cathode and anode materials and the chemical composition of the electrolyte are further selected such that the voltage generated across the heated cell varies in accordance with the CO2 concentration. CO2 concentration modifying apparatus is responsive to sensing a first predetermined CO2 concentration for turning on the blower unit and to sensing a second, higher, predetermined CO2 concentration for actuating the damper unit to admit outside air.

A system for cooling a data center includes a plurality of cooling racks, with each cooling rack including a housing and cooling system components supported by the housing. The system further includes a fluid communication system coupled to the cooling system components of the plurality of racks. The fluid communication system is configured to provide chilled coolant to and exhaust heated coolant from coolant system components of each cooling rack. The system also includes at least one controller coupled to each cooling rack of the plurality of cooling racks to control the operation of each cooling rack. The plurality of cooling racks and the fluid communication system are configured to be modular to allow placement of cooling racks in different locations in a row of equipment racks within the data center. Methods of cooling a data center are further disclosed.

An improved solution for cooling a data center is provided. In an embodiment of the invention, a data center design that combines physical segregation of hot and cold air streams together with a data hall variable air volume system is provided. The invention is a data center design that resolves air management issues of re-circulation, bypass and load balance. Bypass is airflow supplied by the cooling units that directly returns without cooling servers. Recirculation airflow is server discharge warm air that returns directly without being cooled. Load balance is supplying the required server airflow. An embodiment includes physical segregation of cold and hot air streams and by providing variable air volume to match server load. Air segregation is done by enclosing the hot aisle end and above the cabinets. The air conditioning system provides variable air volume to the data hall (cold side) to meet server demands. The cooling plant consists of variable-air-volume air-cooling system, which cools air by air free cooling (economizer) and is supplemented with mechanical cooling in the warmer seasons.

An efficient thermal management system (100) that utilizes a single heat exchanger (133) is provided. A refrigeration subsystem (103) cools the heat exchanger (133). A first coolant loop (139) in thermal communication with the heat exchanger (133) is used to cool the energy storage system (137). A second coolant loop (151) corresponding to the HVAC subsystem (107) is also in thermal communication with the heat exchanger (133). Preferably a third coolant loop (109) corresponding to the drive motor cooling subsystem (101) is coupleable to the HVAC coolant loop (151), thus providing an efficient means of providing heat to the HVAC subsystem (107).

A hood for a cook top is controlled preferably by an electronic controller through a touch keypad. The hood has front and side walls and attaches to a back wall. It has an internal cavity and structure to restrict airflow out of the hood. The structure also creates an air curtain. The curtain traps and moves heated air and effluents upwardly off of the cook top. At least one blower is located near the cook top for moving the air and effluents. The hood may also have at least one: filter, sensor, duct, lighting fixture, vent, display, and circuit board.

An air conditioning system for use in an over-the-road or off road vehicle is provided that allows operation during both engine on and engine off conditions. The system utilizes a variable speed, motor driven compressor controlled by an intelligent power generation management controller. This controller selects from one of the available sources of power on the vehicle to drive the compressor, and modulates the compressor speed and capacity based on operational parameters and source availability and depletion. The controller may also operate a coolant or air heater to provide heating to the interior compartments.

The present invention relates to a face recognition and / or iris recognition system and method using a mobile device equipped with a stereo camera, which acquire a stereo image of a user's face using at least two cameras or a method corresponding thereto and, even when the size of the stereo image is varied according to distance, correct the size of the stereo image. The stereo camera uses a single-focus lens with a long depth of focus to acquire a focused iris image over a wider range. When the user is not located at a position suitable for iris recognition, a message is sent to the user such that an iris image suitable for recognition is acquired. Furthermore, an iris image correction process according to distance is performed to prevent recognition rate from decreasing even when the size of the iris image is changed.

A method of constructing a multicomputer system consisting of a multiplicity of multiple computing units connected together in multiple dimensions. Furthermore, also disclosed is a novel method and arrangement for constructing a computer system constituted of multiple computing units, and wherein air ducting and plenum arrangement direct cooling air flows through the computer system so as to dissipate heat generated by the multiplicity of electronic components of the computer system.

A rack has a frame for supporting one or more electronic components. A front panel and a rear panel are attached to the frame. At least one of the front panel and the rear panel comprises a vent having at least one movable louver configured to vary airflow through the vent.

A weatherproof cabinet with multiple-compartment cooling includes a housing and a door attached to the housing. The door includes a heat exchanger core, a first duct located at least partially between the heat exchanger door and an exterior of the door, and a second duct located at least partially between the heat exchanger door and an electronics compartment. The door also includes an inlet vent and an outlet vent that are pneumatically interconnected with the first duct. A fan is located at least partially within the first duct and is operative to draw external air into the first duct via the inlet vent, direct at least the first portion of the external air across the heat exchanger core, and then direct the first portion of the external air out of the first duct via the outlet vent. A partition is located within the first duct and separates the inlet vent from the outlet vent so that external air is not drawn into the first duct via the outlet vent during operation of the fan.

An air conditioning cooling apparatus and method which includes the steps of supplying cooling air generated from a cooling apparatus into an air passageway formed below a floor; guiding the cooling air within the air passageway into an equipment assembly disposed on the floor through an opening located in the floor; communicating the cooling air introduced into the equipment assembly into a plenum and introducing the air released from within the equipment into the plenum and communicating the released air through the cooling apparatus for cooling the released air. The method permits temperature differential between the air supplied to the air passageway and the air introduced into the plenum from the equipment assembly to be 45.degree. F. to substantially 40.degree. F. so as to reduce the power necessary for operating on the fan of the blowing apparatus. The equipment assembly utilizes an air flow control mechanism so as to substantially evenly distribute cooling air to the equipment.

A stable portable fan capable of generating an exhaust air stream elevated above a support surface allowing the exhaust air stream to be directed as desired by the user is provided. The device includes an air generator assembly located within a polygonal column generating an exhaust air stream that exiting the polygonal column. The polygonal column of the device is used to disguise / conceal the fan.

A passive ventilation control system and method. The system includes passive vents throughout a building. The vents may be arranged in multiple sets, with each set being substantially vertically aligned through multiple floors or the entire height of the building. Sensors are positioned inside and / or outside the building for sensing different environmental parameters or atmospheric conditions. The sensors send signals to a controller, which automatically adjusts airflow through the vents in response to the signals from the sensors.