1597 results about "Conduit system" patented technology

The present invention provides one or more autonomous in-duct or register grill mounted flow control devices, each of which has the capability to restrict or boost air flow through the duct or vent to which it is attached. The individual flow control devices may be in communication with other flow control devices in the duct works, having an ability to adapt in a cooperative fashion to optimize the environment served by the ductwork. In a preferred embodiment, each of the flow control devices provides its own power and does not require changing the existing ductwork or register boxes for installation.

A method for processing messages is provided where at least one algorithmic conduit is defined, and at least one conduit rule for controlling at least one algorithmic conduit is defined. An algorithmic conduit is a persistent connection, controlled by explicit, independent, dynamic rules, and capable of processing messages among data communicators such as devices, systems, or programs. Messages can be monitored, filtered, transformed, correlated, or processed in other ways without modifying the data communicators. A message conduit hub system allows creation and management of algorithmic conduits to serve as active, virtualized links carrying rules-based data streams among configurable endpoints. These “smart” connections are managed using parameters, logic, and other control interfaces for tailoring behavior to a particular application, site, or user. A message conduit hub system may be implemented as a stand-alone device, as part of a larger system, or as an “encapsulation layer” for an existing application.

A cooling unit includes a first module having a first intake opening and a first exhaust opening formed therein. At least one first air moving device may be configured to draw air along a first flow path from the first intake opening to the first exhaust opening. A first heat exchanger may be positioned in the first flow path. The cooling unit may further include a second module having a second intake opening and a second exhaust opening. At least one second air moving device may be configured to draw air along a second flow path from the second intake opening and direct air to the second exhaust opening. A second heat exchanger may be positioned in the second flow path. A conduit system is in fluid communication with the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. The conduit system may be configured to deliver coolant from the first heat exchanger of the first module to the second heat exchanger of the second module and from the second heat exchanger of the second module to the first heat exchanger of the first module. Methods of cooling a space with a cooling unit are further disclosed.

A method to model a complex system of pipes. The model takes into account the physical processes in a tree-type piping system and provides for an accurate modeling of a real world tree-type piping system. In a preferred embodiment, a computer program is provided for analyzing models of dry pipe systems. The computer program includes a user interface and a computational engine. The user interface allows a model of a dry pipe system to be defined and the computational engine determines a liquid flow time through the model of the dry pipe system. The computational engine provides a verification of the liquid flow time in a model of a referential dry pipe system within 20% of an actual liquid flow time in the referential dry pipe system.

This invention relates to respiratory humidifiers and heated breathing conduits used to couple a patient to the humidifier. A conduit overheating detection system for a conduit having heating wire or element is disclosed. The overheating detection system may be utilized with a in a single limb conduit system or dual limb system. In each of these systems the conduit overheating detection system monitors the current in the heating element(s) and alters the power to the heating element(s) to prevent the occurrence the heating element(s) and/or conduit from overheating.

A robotic apparatus and method for treatment of system of conduits and lateral sub-conduits comprising a remotely controlled robotic vehicle which navigates main conduits which delivers a series of tools to locations within the conduit. The mule's tools comprise a variety of devices including a tape head and a transport housing for a second remotely controlled robotic vehicle, or mouse which can be deployed for traversing and treating sub-conduits. Further, a method to install one or more small diameter flexible elongate members, such as conductors or sheathes to the inside of the system of conduits comprises advancing an elongate member through the conduit system with the mule or mouse, anchoring the elongate member and then taping the elongate member with the taping head while retreating out of the conduit. Preferably the tape is pre-shaped to minimize wrinkling upon application and more preferably, greater security and tape bonding strength is achieved by spraying over the tape and elongate member.

A system and method for testing plumbing systems for leaks by which the original plumbing system is cleaned and flushed using ambient temperature water followed by cleaning and flushing with pressurized recirculating elevated temperature water to filter debris and contaminants, shocking the plumbing system with elevated temperature and high pressure surges followed by a hydrostatic pressure test designed to expose the existence of any leaks in the plumbing system in the rough plumbing stage of construction prior to enclosing the plumbing system in a structure.

The invention relates to a three-arm tube system (11) for a ventilation appliance (13) suitable for invasive ventilation. Such a ventilation appliance comprises an active inhalation valve and an active exhalation valve (29). The tube system (11) comprises an inhalation tube arm (17), an exhalation tube arm (27) and a ventilation tube arm (37) for attachment to a mask (57), and also a flow sensor (23). According to the invention, a defined leakage (39) is established in the ventilation tube (37), and the flow sensor (23) is arranged between leakage (39) and mask (57). The invention further relates to a ventilation appliance having such a tube system, and to a method for operating a ventilation appliance.

A system for providing a user with water at a desired temperature comprising a piping system that includes a hot water pipe and a cold water pipe, a pump coupled to the piping system and a smart water delivery device coupled to the piping system and to the pump and operative to allow circulation of water from the hot water pipe to the cold water pipe prior to delivery of water at a desired temperature to the user. The smart water delivery device includes two smart valves coupled to hot and cold water inlets, a smart outlet valve coupled to a device outlet, a microcontroller for controlling the actuation of the pump and of the smart valves, and at least one temperature sensor coupled to the microcontroller and used for sensing the water temperature.

An HVAC control system provides a central controller that controls registers/vents which capture energy of air flowing in the duct system and convert it to an electrical current that is stored locally in energy storage units in the register/vent. Further, wireless communication between the central controller and the register/vents alleviates the need for wire runs and maintenance. Use of unique register identifiers allows the central controller to individually control each register based on user settings. As such, the user can install one or more registers and individually control one or more registers for desired temperature control in each zone. A wireless network allows user interaction with the central controller via a Web-page utilizing a Web browser on a PC that wirelessly connects to the central controller (e.g., via a wireless network). The register/vent combination is preferably and all-in-one unit that slides into the air duct opening in each zone.

A conduit system for laying cables along the floor of a passenger cabin of an aircraft includes longitudinal and transverse cable guide elements respectively forming cable channels, and cable branch junctions at intersections of the longitudinal and transverse guide elements. Each guide element includes a lower part secured to the cabin floor, and an upper part secured (e.g. snap fitted) onto the lower part to cover the cable channel. The cable branch junction includes a lower section secured to the floor and covered by an upper section, and allows the cables to continue straight through the junction or to be deflected by 90° or by 180°. With this arrangement, a greater number and greater diameter of cables can be laid out with a minimal installation effort. The components of the system are easily adaptable to any required installation layout, while providing a continuous covered protected enclosure for the cables.

The invention relates to a method of using a pipeline system for storing and transporting compressed air energy generated by wind turbines, wherein the pipeline preferably extends along a predetermined route, between a remote location where wind conditions are relatively consistent and predicable, and a power grid or community needing the power located a distance away. The remote location is preferably provided with a large number of windmill stations for generating electrical and mechanical energy, which is used to compress air into the pipeline. The route is preferably extended along an existing road or easement, and can incorporate abandoned existing piping when available. Turbo expanders and alternators are preferably provided at the user end of the pipeline, to release the compressed air and generate electricity for the grid or community.

An reversible engine (10) is disclosed having a conduit system (11), a first electrochemical cells (12), and a second electrochemical cell (13). The conduit system (11) includes a first conduit (15) extending from the first electrochemical cell (12) to the second electrochemical cell (13), and a second conduit (16) extending from the second electrochemical cell (13) to the first electrochemical cell (12). The heat engine (10) also includes a heater (18) mounted in thermal communication with the conduit system (11) adjacent the second electrochemical cell (13), a cooler (19) mounted in thermal communication with the conduit system (11) adjacent the first electrochemical cell (12), and a regenerative heat exchanger (20) thermally coupled to the first and second conduits (15) and (16) for the transfer of heat therebetween.

A heater control system that utilizes electronic temperature control at each of a number of interconnected heaters is provided for monitoring and operating heaters within a narrow temperature range. In one embodiment, a heater control system is provided that is adapted for controlling a number of heaters positioned on pipe and components of a piping system from a remote location. The heater control system includes satellite controllers mounted on each heater connected daisy chain fashion and includes a monitoring station with a user interface for allowing a user to monitor and to remotely control the operating status or temperature of each heater in the heater control system. To satisfy the user's space requirements, the size of each controller is maintained at a small form factor and a single cord is used to provide power and communications lines to and between the controllers. Each controller integrates power supply and control with electronic temperature control to minimize the use of mechanical switching and to increase the accuracy of temperature control. The temperature set point is adjustable at each controller and, in one embodiment, the temperature set point is remotely adjustable from a remote monitoring station. The operating status of each controller is displayed on the exterior of the controller's housing and in one embodiment, the operating status, such as temperature, is displayed at a base station for each line of controllers and heaters and on a user interface monitor at a monitoring station.

A high integrity protection system (HIPS) for the protection of a piping system downstream of a wellhead has an inlet connected to the wellhead and an outlet connected to the downstream piping system and includes: two sets of series-connected surface safety valves (SSVs) in fluid communication with the inlet, the two sets being in parallel fluid flow relation to each other, each set of SSVs consisting of two SSVs in series, either one or both of the two sets of SSVs operable as a flowpath for fluids entering the inlet and passing through the HIPS outlet to the piping system; two vent control valves (VCVs), each of which is connected to piping intermediate each of the two series-connected SSVs, each of the VCVs being in fluid flow relation to each other, each set of SSVs consisting of SSVs in series, either one or both of the two sets of SSVs operable as a flowpath for fluids entering the inlet and passing through the HIPS outlet to the piping system; two vent control valves (VCVs), each of which is connected to piping intermediate each of the two series connected SSVs, each of the VCVs being in fluid communication with a vent line, whereby, upon opening of a VCV, process pressure between the two SSVs is vented; a signal-generating safety logic solver, in accordance with preprogrammed safety and operational protocols; and pressure sensing transmitters attached to piping upstream of the HIPS outlet. The HIPS performs independent, tight shut-off tests of each of the series-connected SSV sets and all valves are closed in the event of an electrical and/or hydraulic system failure.

An innovative method and apparatus for disposing of waste fluids, especially human body fluids such as are generated during surgery, into a hospital's sanitary sewer system is provided. A conduit system is adapted to transport waste fluid from a receptacle to a sanitary sewer using an eductor having a venturi device. The conduit system includes first and second conduits. First and second connectors are used to easily connect the first conduit to the second conduit. The second connector includes a flap that acts as a check valve.

Fuel conduit systems for internal installation in a gas turbine engine are provided which are low cost and easy to manufacture. First and second members co-operate to provide a channel to define a discrete fuel carrying conduit. The direction of fuel flow can be adapted to provide desired cooling effect.

A structural component for use in oil, gas, exploration, refining and petrochemical applications in the form of a pipe system is provided. The pipe system contains at least two pipe sections are that fusion bonded together, each pipe section comprises a plurality of layers, an inner layer in contact with the corrosive petroleum product comprising a thermoplastic material, a structural layer comprising a composite material, and an outer layer comprising a fire resistive material. In one embodiment, the pipe system meets level II fire endurance standard according to IMO A 18/Res.753 fire testing protocol.

A flow sensor having an inlet and an outlet comprising: a plate moving in response to fluid flow therethrough, being displaced further as flow increases; a sensor for determining moving plate's position and creating an electronic signal related thereto; a biasing means for biasing the plate towards the sensor's inlet end. The sensor may include a sealing means for preventing flow therethrough until a specified differential pressure is reached allowing the device to be used as a bypass mechanism. The sealing means may also constitute a check valve means to prevent flow in an undesired direction. The check means comprises: a bullet rod adapted to be received within an orifice defined in a moving plate, such that the bullet rod prevents flow through the orifice until the moving plate is displaced past a terminal end of the bullet rod; and a plate means sealingly and slidingly received within a cylinder, which is closed for a portion of its length and open for another portion of its length, such that flow is prevented until the plate is displaced past the closed portion of the cylinder. The method using the sensor in multipurpose piping systems includes use of the apparatus in a system incorporating at least one fire sprinkler, the piping system also preferably providing at least one other use in the structure. The other use in the structure may be supplying domestic needs, or supplying heating/cooling water for a heating/air conditioning system.

A multiple conduit system for a gas turbine engine, the multiple conduit system extending between a plurality of conduit inlet and outlets. A channel is formed in a surface of a gas turbine engine component, and the channel is adapted for conveying a fluid flow from an inlet to an outlet. At least a first sealing member is disposed within the channel and divides the channel into at least a first discrete conduit and a second discrete conduit. A second sealing member encloses the channel to define the second discrete conduit. The first and second discrete conduits are each adapted to direct an independent fluid flow from respective inlets to respective outlets.

The present invention provides a monitoring system for a conduit network including one or more conduit sections joined at one or more conduit nodes, including: one or more sensor devices disposed at selected ones of the one or more conduit nodes, wherein each of the one or more sensor devices is operable for sensing a blockage or breakage in an associated conduit section, and wherein each of the one or more sensor devices is operable for communicating blockage or breakage information to a central location. Optionally, each of the sensor devices includes one of an audio sensor device and a radio frequency sensor device. Each of the sensor devices is operable for sensing the blockage or breakage in the associated conduit section by measuring an attribute of a transmitted/received signal, alone or in combination with another sensor device. Each of the sensor devices is operable for communicating the blockage or breakage information to the central location via a wireless link.

Portable cooling systems, employing a high pressure reservoir adapted to ergonomically interface with a user and/or a wearable article to deliver a flow of cooling gas through a conduit system are provided. Such a system is adapted to provide powered cooling to locations where only very small and portable cooling systems can fit. Various user retainable appliances or articles may have cooling features incorporated therein. The molded plastic high pressure reservoir may have other uses as well.