BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to air supply registers for forced air heating and cooling, and more specifically to an air supply register that allows multiple, adjustable redirection of the flow of air from the supply register.
2. Brief Description of the Background Art
Air supply registers frequently consist of fixed vertical slats with adjustable horizontal metal damper slats behind the vertical slats. This allows the air to be distributed from the register in a limited direction, as determined by fixed slats and moving horizontal dampers. An alternative register may be a ventilation diffuser which contains a ventilation deflector adjustably displaceable in an in-and-out direction in the open end and curved to produce an outward flow parallel to and against the ceiling. This is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,182,227 to Roy, issued Jan. 8, 1980. In another “ceiling vent air diverter”, the apparatus is configured to cover beneath an existing air vent supplying air to a room of a building. The diverter body has a flat bottom and upstanding sides, with the flat bottom having a rectangular configuration and four right angular rounded corners and an internal space free of obstructions. Each upstanding side has only one discharge air slot diagonally opposed from each other, permitting air to be distributed in four separate directions from the diverter. This is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,651,390 to Profeta et al., issued Jan. 26, 2010. There are also air supply registers which include air filters, and which have decorative designs on the cover face of the register, for example.
There are numerous drawbacks to current air supply registers. Every building has a unique layout and the occupants each have their own preferences. In addition, the efficiency of performing the desired task is not always met. It may be desirable to direct the air away from an adjacent room, or from a sensitive area such as a baby's crib, for example. At the same time, it may be desirable to direct the air to two sitting areas where TV is watched, or to a meeting room, so that those in the sitting area will feel the immediate results of the air directly on their skin. Since those in the area feel the results directly on their skin, it is not necessary to heat the entire space to the desired temperature, and therefore the thermostat adjusted so that the heater temperature set point is lower and the air conditioning temperature set point is higher, resulting in less energy wasted. Control of the direction and placement of the supplied air not only results in improvement in the effect of the directed air, but also avoids higher energy costs.
There is a need for a more precise, efficient, and easy to operate air supply apparatus which is useful in directing the flow of air from a central air supply source.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is related to an apparatus and to a method of using the apparatus, which provides an air supply to a particular location from a central air supply source. Typically the heated or cooled air is transported through an insulated conduit to the general areas within a building or enclosure which is being serviced.
An advantageous air supply register directs the air from the incoming source toward a desired, defined space within a given room or enclosure. The present invention provides air direction by using an air supply register which comprises at least one, and typically a plurality of active elements which may be individually controlled to provide redirection of the air supplied from a central air supply source. The activity of each element may be adjusted to control the volume, velocity and direction of the air flow provided to the element from an incoming air supply source.
The volume, velocity and direction of the air flow from a given active element is achieved using at least one, and typically a plurality of rotatable spheres, with each sphere having at least one internal conduit through which supplied air travels. The air supplied travels from a general conditioned air supply source to the air supply register which comprises the at least one rotatable sphere. The rotatable spheres are typically, but not necessarily mounted on a fixed framework which is attached to the floor, wall, and/or ceiling of a room or enclosure. The rotatable spheres act on a principal similar to a ball valve. Each rotatable sphere is in contact with at least one other surface which controls whether supplied conditioned air may enter into an entrance opening to a conduit within the sphere, and/or exit from the conduit through an exit opening toward the room or enclosure. The sphere typically is designed to travel 360 degrees in the x, y, or z axis, and turning the sphere in a manner which closes off air flow through the air conduit present inside the sphere is easily done.
The mounting framework which supports the at least one rotating sphere includes at least one holding socket into which a sphere may be placed. The size of individual spheres may vary. The size and shape of the conduit passing through a sphere may vary. The portion of a sphere which is covered by a holding socket may vary. An air supply register which covers an opening in a ceiling, wall, or floor surface may be flat, or may be of a shape so that the cover plate extends away from the ceiling, wall, or floor surface in the form of an arc, for example. This permits a sphere to turn at an angle which permits increased air flow in a direction across the surface of the ceiling, wall, or floor.
A sphere may be rotated so that the conduit exit opening is totally covered (no air flow), so that the exit opening is totally exposed (maximum flow), or so that the exit opening is partially exposed, for example. One of skill in the art of fluid flow controlling devices will recognize that it is possible to control the amount of conditioned air which is permitted to enter the conduit entrance, as well as to control the amount of conditioned air which exits the conduit exit.
In one embodiment, the spheres may be mounted on a framework such that the exit opening from the conduit within a sphere is totally exposed at the available rotations (or the sphere may not be rotatable), and a sliding eyelid cover may be adjusted over the exit opening from the conduit, to control conditioned air flow.
In another embodiment, the fluid flow channel through a sphere may be tapered, so that a sphere may be rotated in a manner which affects the velocity of the conditioned air leaving a sphere.
Typically, the conduit through the sphere is of a constant diameter. In this instance, the size of the conduit determines the volume and velocity at which conditioned air which enters the sphere leaves the sphere, for a given conditioned air pressure entering a sphere from the general conditioned air supply source. A marking may be placed on an exterior surface of a sphere which identifies a direction in which the air flow conduit is present within the sphere.
Most often a sphere is held in place within a socket which is mounted on a framework attached to the air supply register. The amount of the sphere surface which is in contact with the socket affects the angle at which air is permitted to leave the sphere without reducing the amount of air flow. In one embodiment, spheres can be snapped into or out of a socket, where the socket is made of a flexible material, such as an elastomer or a flexible plastic. The material which makes up the socket affects the ease with which the spheres can be snapped into or out of a socket, as well as the expected lifetime of the socket. In a second embodiment, a first portion of the socket is mounted on a first portion of a support framework, while a second portion of the socket is mounted on a second portion of the support framework. When the two portions of the framework are locked together, a sphere is held firmly in place. When the two portions of the support framework are separated, the spheres can be easily removed and exchanged or replaced. This permits the use of a more rigid socket material, while still permitting easy alteration of the specific volume and velocity of air flow from a given location on the air supply register by a substitution of spheres having differently sized internal air flow conduits, for example.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows an air flow register 100, comprising a cover plate 107 having an upper surface 102, and active devices 101, 103, and 105. Active device 101 comprises socket 104, and sphere 106, where the opening (not shown) in sphere 106 is facing away from the upper surface 102 of cover plate 107. Active device 103 comprises a socket 104, and sphere 106, where the opening 108 is facing perpendicular to the upper surface of cover plate 107, full open, so that conditioned air (not shown) can exit from cover plate 107. Active device 105 comprises a socket 104, and sphere 106, where the opening 110 is smaller than the opening on active device 103 and is oriented at an angle with respect to the upper surface 102 of cover plate 107.
FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an assembly 200 including an air flow register 230 comprising active devices of the kind shown in FIG. 1. The air flow register includes an insulated conduit 202 bringing conditioned air from a central source (not shown) of conditioned air. The insulated conduit is attached to a plenum chamber 204. The air flow register, 230 comprises a face plate 208, sockets 212, and spheres 214, 216, and 218. A face plate 208 is attached to the plenum chamber and to the ceiling, wall, or flooring using the fastener 210. Sphere 216 contains an internal conduit 220A which is slightly larger in diameter than the internal conduit 220B in sphere 218, while sphere 214 has a considerable smaller sized opening which is the diameter of conduit 219.
FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C show an embodiment of a sphere 304 with socket 302, where the diameter 306 (D1) of a conduit 307 passing through the spheres is equal to the height 308 (H1) of the socket 302 which holds the sphere 304.
FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C show an embodiment of a sphere 404 with socket 402, where the diameter 406 (D2) of a conduit 407 passing through the spheres is less than the height 408 (H1) of socket 402 which holds sphere 404.
FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C show an embodiment of a sphere 504 with socket 502, where the diameter 506 (D3) of a conduit 507 passing through the spheres is less than the diameters 306 and 406 shown in FIGS. 3A, and 4A, for example, and where the diameter 506 is less than the height 508 (H1) of socket 502 which holds sphere 504.
FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C show an embodiment of a sphere 604 with socket 602, where the diameter 606 (D3) is the same as the diameter in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, but where the height 608 (H2) of the socket is less than the height of the socket shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, for example.
FIG. 7 shows an air register 700 which comprises a face plate 702 which is formed to have elevated areas 701, 703, 705, and 707. Spheres 706 and sockets 704 of air direction active devices are present on each of the elevated areas.
FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of an air flow assembly 800, including an air flow register 830 comprising the active devices of the kind shown in FIG. 1. The assembly 800 includes an insulated conduit 802 bringing conditioned air from a central source (not shown) of conditioned air. The insulated conduit is attached to a plenum chamber 804. The air flow register, 830 comprises a face plate 808, sockets 831, 814, and 820, and spheres 832, 816, and 822, respectively. A face plate 808 is attached to the plenum chamber and to the ceiling, wall, or flooring using a fastener 810. Sphere 832 includes a conduit 834 which is rotated so that there will be no air flow from sphere 832. Sphere 816 includes a conduit 818 which is larger than conduit 834, and which is open to an unrestricted flow of air. Sphere 822 includes a conduit 824, which is smaller than conduits 818 and 834, and which is also open to unrestricted flow of air.
FIG. 9 shows cross-sectional view of an air flow assembly 900, including an air flow register 908 comprising the active devices of the kind shown in FIG. 1. The assembly 900 includes a plenum chamber 904 which is attached to an insulated conduit (not shown) which brings conditioned air from a central source (not shown). The air flow register, 905 comprises a face plate 908, sockets 912, and spheres 914. A face plate 908, which forms the connective framework of the air flow register 905, is attached to the plenum chamber 904 and to the ceiling, wall, or flooring 906 using a fastener 910. Sphere 914 includes a conduits 916, 918, and 920 of varying sizes, which are all oriented to provide maximum air flow in the direction shown in FIG. 9, with the direction of air flow varying.
FIG. 10A shows one kind of fastener 1004, which is used to fasten an upper portion 1002 and a lower portion 1003 of a socket 1001 which holds a sphere 1006.
FIG. 10B shows another kind of fastener 1013, which is a threaded fastener, used to fasten an upper portion 1012 and a lower portion 1014 of a socket 1010 which holds a sphere 1016.
FIG. 10C shown another kind of fastener 1023, a snap-in fastener, used to fasten an upper portion 1022 and a lower portion 1025 of a socket 1020 which holds a sphere 1026.
FIG. 11A shows a top view 1100 of a drilled multiple circular conduit pattern 1102 through the center of sphere 1106.
FIG. 11B shows a top view 1110 of a drilled multiple slot conduit pattern 1112 through the center of sphere 1116.
FIG. 11C shows a top view 1120 of a drilled multiple “honeycomb” conduit pattern 1122 through the center of sphere 1116.
FIG. 11D shows a sphere 1136 which comprises a center conduit 1138 with inserts 1139 which direct air flow threaded 1137 into the entrance and exit portals to conduit 1138.
FIG. 11E shows a sphere 1146 which comprises a center conduit (not shown) into which an insert 1144 has been force fitted. The insert 1144, is held in place by pressure produced at protrusion 1142.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
As a preface to the detailed description presented below, it should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
When the word “about” is used herein, it is intended that “about” means±10% of the recited value.
The present invention is related to an apparatus and to a method of using the apparatus, which provides an air supply to a particular location from a central air supply source. Typically the heated or cooled air is transported through an insulated conduit to the general areas within a building or enclosure which is being serviced.
An advantageous air supply register directs the air from the incoming source toward a desired, defined space within a given room or enclosure. The present invention provides air direction by using an air supply register which comprises at least one, and typically a plurality of active elements which may be individually controlled to provide redirection of the air supplied from a central air supply source. The activity of each element may be adjusted to control the volume, velocity and direction of the air flow provided to the element from an incoming air supply source.
The volume, velocity and direction of the air flow from a given active element is achieved using at least one, and typically a plurality of rotatable spheres, with each sphere having at least one internal conduit through which supplied air travels. The air supplied travels from a general conditioned air supply source to the air supply register which comprises the at least one rotatable sphere. The rotatable spheres are typically, but not necessarily mounted on a fixed framework which is attached to the floor, wall, and/or ceiling of a room or enclosure. FIG. 1 shows an air flow register 100, comprising a cover plate 107 having an upper surface 102, and active devices 101, 103, and 105. Active device 101 comprises socket 104, and sphere 106, where the opening of an air conduit (not shown) in sphere 106 has been rotated to face away from the upper surface 102 of cover plate 107. This shuts off air flow from the sphere, and the rotation is accomplished by adjusting the position of the sphere 106 with the hand, for example and not by way of limitation. The sphere typically is designed to travel 360 degrees in the x, y, or z axis, and turning the sphere in a manner which closes off air flow through the air conduit present inside the sphere is easily done.
Active device 103 comprises a socket 104, and sphere 106, where the opening 108 is facing perpendicular to the upper surface of cover plate 107, full open, so that conditioned air (not shown) can exit from cover plate 107.
Active device 105 comprises a socket 104, and sphere 106, where the opening 110 from a conduit (not shown) passing through sphere 106 is smaller than the opening on active device 103, by way of example and not by way of limitation, and is oriented at an angle with respect to the upper surface 102 of cover plate 107.
FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an assembly 200 including an air flow register 230 comprising active devices of the kind shown in FIG. 1. The air flow register includes an insulated conditioned air conduit 202 bringing conditioned air from a central source (not shown). The insulated conditioned air conduit 202 is attached to a plenum chamber 204. The air flow register, 230 comprises a face plate 208, sockets 212, and spheres 214, 216, and 218. A face plate 208 is attached to the plenum chamber and to the ceiling, wall, or flooring using the fastener 210. Sphere 216 has an opening 220 A which is equal to the diameter of the conduit through sphere 216. Sphere 218 has an opening 220B, which is slightly smaller and which is equal to the diameter of the conduit through sphere 218. Sphere 214 has a smaller sized opening, which is the diameter of internal conduit 219. By changing the diameter of the conduit present within a sphere, it is possible to increase or decrease the volume of air flow through that particular sphere, and to alter the velocity of the air (provided the air pressure in plenum 204 is relatively constant and uniform). By changing the rotation of the spheres, it is possible to orient the direction of air flow or to shut off air flow, as discussed below. A marking may be placed on an exterior surface of a sphere which identifies a direction in which the air flow conduit is present within the sphere.
The air seal between the socket interior surface and a portion of a conduit opening which has been turned so that air will not exit from that portion of the conduit is affected by the degree of contact between the exterior surface of the sphere and the interior surface of the socket. In addition, the amount of force required to turn the sphere within the socked when touched by a hand, and the ability of the sphere to remain where it has been placed, despite forces from the air traveling out from the conduit, are important considerations. The sealing and frictional performance properties of a rotatable air flow control sphere within the socket are affected by the size of the sphere, the size and shape of the socket, the precision in molding of the spheres and the sockets, and by the materials of construction of the spheres and the sockets. One of skill in the art can select from materials having the properties desired, and based on cost, performance and appearance select the materials of construction which are most beneficial for individual applications. For example, an “O” ring fabricated from an elastomeric material may be placed within a socket to facilitate a seal and provide the desired friction to hold the sphere in place, despite air pressure forces upon the sphere.
FIG. 3A shows a sphere 304, present in a socket 302, where the diameter 306 (D1) of conduit 307 is equal to the height 308 (H1). FIG. 3B shows the sphere rotated so that air flow is closed, because the open ends of conduit 307 are shut off by the inside surface 303 of socket 302. FIG. 3C shows the sphere rotated so that the air flowing from conduit 307 is directed to be centered “X” degrees from the centerline of conduit 307. Due to the presence of the interior walls 303 of socket 304, which make contact with the surface 301 of sphere 304, the amount of air flow possible diminishes as soon as the sphere is rotated from a position in which the centerline is vertical with respect to the socket. The reduction if air flow is dependent on the number of degrees from the socket centerline 305 which the sphere 304 is rotated.
FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C show an embodiment of a sphere 404 with socket 402, where the diameter 406 (D2) of a conduit 407 passing through the spheres is less than the height 408 (H1) of socket 402 which holds sphere 404. This decrease in diameter 406 of conduit 407 makes it possible to rotate the sphere within the socket in the manner illustrated (based on the aspect ratio of the diameter of the conduit to the height of the sphere illustrated). In this particular instance, the aspect ratio of the height of the sphere to the diameter of the conduit which is illustrated permits a rotation of about 11 degrees from conduit centerline before the contact between the sphere surface and the socket walls begins to diminish the air flow rate through the conduit.
FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C show an embodiment of a sphere 504 with socket 502, where the diameter 506 (D3) of a conduit 507 passing through the spheres is less than the diameters 306 and 406 shown in FIGS. 3A, and 4A, for example, and where the diameter 506 is less than the height 508 (H1) of socket 502 which holds sphere 504. In this particular instance, the aspect ratio of the height of the sphere to the diameter of the conduit which is illustrated permits a rotation of about 22 degrees from conduit centerline before air flow rate through the conduit begins to diminish.
It is possible to increase the amount of directional rotation of the sphere for purposes of directing air flow without a loss in air flow rate from the conduit, by decreasing the height of the socket wall in which the sphere is contained. FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C show an embodiment of a sphere 604 with socket 602, where the conduit diameter 606 (D3) is the same as the conduit diameter in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, but where the height 608 (H2) of the socket is less than the height of the socket shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, for example. In this particular instance, the height of the socket is reduced to less than the height of the sphere, and based on the relative dimensions illustrated for the height of the socket, in combination with the height of the sphere and diameter of the conduit in FIGS. 6A through 6C, a rotation of about 36 degrees is possible without diminishing the air flow rate through the conduit. Further decreases in socket height can lead to further freedom in rotation without diminishment of flow rate. However, one of skill in the art will recognize that if the height of the socket is excessively reduced, the sealing surface between the sphere and the socket and the overall mechanical strength of the sphere and socket structure may be negatively affected.
FIG. 7 shows an air register 700 which comprises a cover plate 702 which is formed to have elevated areas 701, 703, 705, and 707. Spheres 706 and sockets 704 of air direction active devices are present on each of the elevated areas. The elevation of areas 701, 703, 705, and 707 make it possible to direct air flow toward a ceiling, wall, or floor in which the air register is mounted, in larger volume than is possible with the spheres and sockets mounted on a flat cover plate. FIG. 7 shows varying sizes of conduit diameters, 708, 720, and 712, varying direction of orientation of the conduit opening relative to the surface of the cover plate 702, as illustrated by conduits 712, 798, 710, and 706 (where air flow is shut off), for example.
FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of an air flow assembly 800, including an air flow register 830 comprising the active devices of the kind shown in FIG. 1. The assembly 800 includes an insulated conduit 802 bringing conditioned air from a central source (not shown) of conditioned air. The insulated conduit is attached to a plenum chamber 804. A face plate 808 is attached to the plenum chamber and to the ceiling, wall, or flooring using a fastener 810. The air flow register, 830 comprises a face plate 808, sockets 831, 814, and 820, and spheres 832, 816, and 822, respectively. Sphere 832 includes a conduit 834 which is rotated so that there will be no air flow from sphere 832. Sphere 816 includes a conduit 818 which is larger than conduit 834, and which is open to an unrestricted flow of air. Sphere 822 includes a conduit 824, which is smaller than conduits 818 and 834, and which is also open to unrestricted flow of air.
FIG. 9 shows cross-sectional view of an air flow assembly 900, including an air flow register 908 comprising the active devices of the kind shown in FIG. 1. The assembly 900 includes a plenum chamber 904 which is attached to an insulated conduit (not shown) which brings conditioned air from a central source (not shown). The air flow register, 905 comprises a face plate 908, sockets 912, and spheres 914. A face plate 908, which forms the connective framework of the air flow register 905, is attached to the plenum chamber 904 and to the ceiling, wall, or flooring 906 using a fastener 910. Sphere 914 includes a conduits 916, 918, and 920 of varying sizes, which are all oriented to provide maximum air flow in the direction shown in FIG. 9, with the direction of air flow varying. This design permits excellent freedom in the direction of air flow and is easy to maintain.
FIG. 10A shows one kind of fastener 1004, which is used to fasten an upper portion 1002 and a lower portion 1003 of a socket 1001 which holds a sphere 1006. This fastener is simply a kind of bolt which is typically inserted into a threaded section made to receive the bolt.
FIG. 10B shows another kind of fastener 1013, which is a threaded fastener, used to fasten an upper portion 1012 and a lower portion 1014 of a socket 1010 which holds a sphere 1016. This kind of fastener permits ease of changing out a sphere without the need for any tools
FIG. 10C shown another kind of fastener 1023, a snap-in fastener, used to fasten an upper portion 1022 and a lower portion 1025 of a socket 1020 which holds a sphere 1026. Again, this fastener permits ease of changing out a sphere without the need for tools, but the threaded fastener shown in FIG. 10B is stronger and likely to last longer without failing.
One of skill in the art will recognize that a number of different fasteners may be used to secure the face plates to ceilings, walls and floors, and that a number of different kinds of fasteners may be used to secure one portion of a socket to another portion of a socket so that a sphere will be secured in place.
FIG. 11A shows a top view 1100 of a drilled multiple circular conduit pattern 1102 through the center of sphere 1106. FIG. 11B shows a top view 1110 of a drilled multiple slot conduit pattern 1112 through the center of sphere 1116. FIG. 11C shows a top view 1120 of a drilled multiple “honeycomb” conduit pattern 1122 through the center of sphere 1116. One skilled in the art will recognize that an number of possible drilling patterns may be used to create a plurality of openings through a sphere. further, it is possible to use an insert within the air transfer conduit of a sphere to act as an adjustment to the air flow through the air flow path within a sphere. Such inserts may be used to alter air velocity as the air approaches the exit from the sphere if desired. FIG. 11D shows a sphere 1136 which comprises a center conduit 1138 with inserts 1139 which direct air flow threaded 1137 into the entrance and exit portals to conduit 1138. FIG. 11E shows a sphere 1146 which comprises a center conduit (not shown) into which an insert 1144 has been force fitted. The insert 1144, is held in place by pressure produced at protrusion 1142. In another embodiment, the fluid flow channel through a sphere may be tapered, so that a sphere may be rotated in a manner which affects the velocity of the conditioned air leaving a sphere.
In an alternative embodiment to restricting air flow by contact between the sidewalls of a sphere and the sidewalls of a socket holding the sphere, the spheres may be mounted on a framework such that the exit opening from the conduit within a sphere is totally exposed at the available rotations (or the sphere may not be rotatable), and a sliding eyelid cover may be adjusted over the exit opening from the conduit, to control conditioned air flow.
While the invention has been described in detail above with reference to several embodiments, various modifications within the scope and spirit of the invention will be apparent to those of working skill in this technological field. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be measured by the appended claims.
Patent Application
20120052787
