SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THE DELIVERY OF FLUIDIC SUBSTANCES IN AN HVAC SYSTEM

Abstract

Systems and methods for the delivery of fluidic substances in an HVAC system are provided herein. Described herein are various examples of a prisoner cell fluidic substance delivery system. The delivery system installs on an HVAC duct servicing one or more cells. The delivery system includes a removable hatch that allows personnel to access the interior of the HVAC duct. The hatch and its access into the interior of the HVAC duct may be sized to allow for the ability of personnel to clear any debris or other foreign material from the interior prior to the insertion of a fluidic substance, such as tear gas or pepper spray. The various examples described herein allow the introduction of substances to a single cell or a limited number of cells without the need to generally disperse the substance.

Description

BACKGROUND

In secured facilities, such as jails or prisons, when there is a riot or other extreme situation, corrections officers may be required to use fluidic substances such as tear gas or pepper spray. In conventional systems, the officers often disperse these substances by throwing a canister of the substance into the general area to be controlled. This general dispersion of the substances can cause significant issues. For example, the dispersion causes other prisoners to be affected by the substance despite potentially their compliance with officer directives or not being a party to the situation that created the need for the substance to be dispersed. Further, because of the dispersion into a larger general area, more of the substance is often needed because of the general nature of fluidic substances, especially gases, to disperse in open air, reducing their concentration at any given point. Thus, in order to be an effective measure, officers may need to use a higher amount of the substance in order to achieve a desired concentration. Additionally, in conventional uses, the canisters used to introduce the substance into the area are sometimes used as weapons or projectiles against the officers.

It is with these and other concerns that an improved system and method for delivering a fluidic substance is described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items or features.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an example prisoner cell fluidic substance delivery system, in accordance with various embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view illustration of the prisoner cell fluidic substance delivery system 100, in accordance with various embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter,

FIG. 3 is a side view illustration of a prisoner cell fluidic substance delivery system, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a top down view illustration of a prisoner cell fluidic substance delivery system, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a top down view illustration of an HVAC system indicating where a fluidic substance delivery system may be installed on one or more HVAC ducts, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates the use of a site window in a hatch, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples of the present disclosure can comprise systems and methods for the delivery of fluidic substances in a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. The examples provided herein are directed to a use in a prison or jail (a secured space), though it should be understood that the principles and technologies described herein may be applied in other uses, and thus, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited to a use in a prison or jail. As used herein, a “substance” or “fluidic substance” includes, but is not limited to, gases, fluids, and combinations thereof such as tear gas or pepper spray. A substance or fluidic substance may also include germ fighting agents such as anti-microbial/anti-viral/anti-bacterial agents in aerosol form.

Examples of the presently disclosed subject matter include a security access panel installed on an inlet to a cell or multiple cells of a secured facility. As used herein, a “cell” is a holding area for a prisoner or other person. As used herein, a “secured facility” includes a jail, prison, or other similar structure. In a large number of secured facilities, HVAC is provided through individual vents to individual cells within the secured facility. Most secured facilities are constructed so that rows of cells sit back to back with each other with a utility corridor running between the cells. The utility corridors often house the HVAC ducting. At each individual cell, or multiple cells, there is an HVAC supply providing heating or air conditioning to that cell or group of cells. The HVAC supply of the secured access panel may be provided to a subset of secured spaces (such as prison cells) than that serviced by the HVAC system.

An injection location according to various examples described herein is installed at an appropriate location to the cell or group of cells. The injection location may be a door or access panel that, when opened, allows a person to insert the desired substance into the cells serviced by the HVAC ducting to which the injection port is installed. For example, a particular cell may have HVAC ducting leading directly to only the particular cell. Thus, if it is desired to introduce a substance into the cell, the injection location may be installed and used on the HVAC ducting that leads only to the particular cell. In another example, it may be desired to introduce a substance to a group of cells serviced by a common HVAC line. In this example, an injection location may be installed at a common point of the HVAC ducting that leads to the group of cells.

In some examples, the injection location is an opening in HVAC ducting that is temporarily accessible using a door or other structure that, during normal use, closes the location to allow for the normal operation of the HVAC system. To insert a substance, an officer may access the appropriate HVAC ducting, open the access door, insert the substance, and then close the access door to cause the substance to be carried to the cell or cells serviced by the accessed HVAC ducting. In some examples, the access door is of a size to reduce the probability of its use as a means of escape by a prison. In further examples, the access door is installed at a location that allows the person inserting the substance to clear the HVAC ducting, using a rod or other tool, prior to the insertion of the substance to be dispersed. For example, once the access door is opened, a corrections officer can clear any debris or blockages from the HVAC ducting (sometimes referred to as a “return”), insert a riot control agent disbursement tool, inject the riot control agent (substance) and allow the air from the HVAC to disperse the agent into the cell. The corrections officer withdraws the disbursement tool and closes the access door. It is preferable that when the access door is closed, an airtight or nearly airtight seal is created between the access door and the HVAC ducting. In some examples, the use of the access door allows a Corrections Officer to inject riot control gases or chemicals into an individual cell without the fear of being assaulted by an inmate. The access door also allows the clearance of obstructions in the HVAC return by inmates without fear of being assaulted by an inmate.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an example prisoner cell fluidic substance delivery system 100, in accordance with various embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. Illustrated in FIG. 1 is an HVAC duct 102. The HVAC duct receives heating or cooling air from an HVAC system (not shown) and directs the air in the enclosed HVAC duct 102 to a cell or group of cells (not shown). The solid arrows indicate a typical airflow through the HVAC duct 102. The HVAC duct 102 includes straight duct portion 104A and straight duct portion 104B. To connect the straight duct portion 104A to the straight duct portion 104B, and to allow for the change of direction between the straight duct portion 104A and the straight duct portion 104B, the HVAC duct 102 includes duct elbow 106. The straight duct portion 104A, the straight duct portion 104B, and the duct elbow 106 may be constructed of one, hollow piece of cylindrical metal or may be multiple, hollow pieces of cylindrical metal. The presently disclosed subject matter is not limited to any particular type of construction or material, as materials other than metal may be used and are considered to be within the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter.

Also illustrated in FIG. 1 is access door 108. The access door 108 is used by personnel to introduce a substance into the HVAC duct 102, thus carrying the substance to the cell or cells serviced by the HVAC duct 102. The access door 108 includes a duct interface unit 110. The duct interface unit 110 is used to install the access door 108 onto the HVAC duct 102, providing a port through which personnel can access the interior of the HVAC duct 102. To install the duct interface unit 110 in a previously existing HVAC duct 102, a technician cuts an opening into the HVAC duct 102 and installs the duct interface unit 110 over the opening, defining a passageway through the duct interface unit 110 into the HVAC duct 102. In some examples, a section of the HVAC duct 102 may be removed and replaced with a section already having the duct interface unit 110 installed. In the example wherein the section of HVAC duct 102 is installed into a pre-existing HVAC system, the HVAC duct 102 can include a first end for installation onto a first end of the HVAC system and a second end for installation onto a second end of the HVAC system. The HVAC duct 102 can have the various components described herein pre-installed on the HVAC duct 102 or may have a hole and space to allow for the installation. Conventional methods of connecting metal may be used, such as, but not limited to, soldering and welding. In some examples, the interface between the duct interface unit 110 and the HVAC duct 102 is intended to be an airtight interface.

The access door 108 further includes door interface 112. The door interface 112 is a flat or significantly flat surface upon which a gasket or other sealing material may be used to provide an airtight interface between the duct interface unit 110 and a removable hatch 114. It should be understood that the sealing material or gasket may not be used in some examples, as the interface between the duct interface unit 110 and the removable hatch 114 may be constructed so that an airtight or nearly airtight interface may be realized without the need for a gasket or other material.

The removable hatch 114 includes a hatch panel 116 that is configured and sized to interface with the duct interface unit 110. In some examples, when the hatch panel 116 is removed, personnel will be able to access the inner portion of the HVAC duct 102 through the duct interface unit 110 (shown by a dashed arrow). To secure the hatch panel 116 to the duct interface unit 110, securement bolts 118 may be used. The securement bolts 118 may be a threaded system that may be removably installable. When removed, the hatch panel 116 may be removed from the duct interface unit 110 to allow access to the inner portion of the HVAC duct 102, defining a second passageway through the door interface 112. The passageways provide a path to allow personnel to introduce a fluidic substance into the HVAC duct 102. When installed, the hatch panel 116 may be removably affixed to the duct interface unit 110. It should be understood that the use of securement bolts 118 are merely an example of a hatch panel 116 securement technology, as other securement technologies may be used and are considered to be within the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter.

To provide a way for personnel to hold the hatch panel 116 when either securing or removing the hatch panel 116 from the duct interface unit 110, a handle 120 is provided. The handle 120 is designed to allow personnel to grab onto the hatch panel 116. The hatch panel 116 may also include a panel chain 122. The panel chain 122 is affixed to the hatch panel 116 and another component, like the duct interface unit 110, so that when the hatch panel 116 is removed from the duct interface unit 110, the hatch panel 116 does not fall to the floor. Other technologies for securing the hatch panel 116 may be used and are considered to be within the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter.

In some examples, the size of the opening when the hatch panel 116 is removed is sized to reduce the probability that a prisoner can use the opening to either escape or for other nefarious reasons. In another example, the size of the opening when the hatch panel 116 is removed is sized to allow personnel to clear debris or other materials from the opening or in the inner portion of the HVAC duct 102, debris which may block or otherwise hinder the ability to insert a substance to be dispersed into a cell. In one example, the opening through the hatch panel 116 when the hatch panel 116 is removed may be approximately 9″ by 9″ in dimension (height-length). Other dimensions may also be used for the same purpose and functionality and are considered to be within the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter.

To install, a method of installing a security access panel onto a heating, ventilation, and cooling (“HVAC”) duct of a pre-existing HVAC system of a secured facility, the HVAC duct providing air to a subset of secured spaces serviced by the HVAC system, the method comprising: providing the existing HVAC duct; removing at least a portion of the HVAC duct to create an opening in the HVAC duct; installing a duct interface unit over the opening of the HVAC duct defining a first passageway through the duct interface unit into the HVAC duct, wherein the first passageway is sized to allow personnel to clear the first passageway of debris in the HVAC duct; installing a door interface onto the duct interface unit; installing a removable hatch, the removable hatch comprising: a hatch panel removably affixed to the duct interface unit; and removable securement bolts to secure the hatch panel to the duct interface unit when the securement bolts installed and allow the removal of the hatch panel from the duct interface unit when the securement bolts are removed, wherein a second passageway is defined through the door interface when the hatch panel is removed, the second passageway and the first passageway providing a path to allow the introduction of the fluidic substance into the HVAC duct.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view illustration of the prisoner cell fluidic substance delivery system 100, in accordance with various embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. Illustrated in FIG. 2 is the HVAC duct 102. The HVAC duct 102 includes the straight duct portion 104A and the straight duct portion 104B. The HVAC duct 102 includes the duct elbow 106. Also illustrated in FIG. 2 is the access door 108. The access door 108 is used by personnel to introduce a substance into the HVAC duct 102, thus carrying the substance to the cell or cells serviced by the HVAC duct 102. The access door 108 includes the duct interface unit 110. The duct interface unit 110 is used to install the access door 108 onto the HVAC duct 102, providing a port 202 through which personnel can access the interior of the HVAC duct 102.

The access door 108 further includes the door interface 112. The door interface 112 is a flat or significantly flat surface upon which a gasket or other sealing material may be used to provide an airtight interface between the duct interface unit 110 and the removable hatch 114. The removable hatch 114 includes the hatch panel 116 that is configured and sized to interface with the duct interface unit 110. In some examples, when the hatch panel 116 is removed, a personnel will be able to access the inner portion of the HVAC duct 102 through the duct interface unit 110 and the port 202. To secure the hatch panel 116 to the duct interface unit 110, the securement bolts 118 may be used. The securement bolts 118 may be a threaded system that may be removably installable. It should be understood that the use of securement bolts 118 are merely an example of a hatch panel 116 securement technology, as other securement technologies may be used and are considered to be within the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter.

The handle 120 is designed to allow personnel to grab onto the hatch panel 116. The hatch panel 116 may also include the panel chain 122. The panel chain 122 is affixed to the hatch panel 116 and another component, like the duct interface unit 110, so that when the hatch panel 116 is removed from the duct interface unit 110, the hatch panel 116 does not fall to the floor. Other technologies for securing the hatch panel 116 may be used and are considered to be within the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3 is a side view illustration of the prisoner cell fluidic substance delivery system 100, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure. Illustrated in FIG. 3 is the HVAC duct 102. Also illustrated in FIG. 2 is the access door 108. The access door 108 includes the duct interface unit 110 and the door interface 112. The removable hatch 114 includes the hatch panel 116, the handle 120, and the panel chain 122.

FIG. 4 is a top down view illustration of the prisoner cell fluidic substance delivery system 100, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure. Illustrated in FIG. 4 is the HVAC duct 102. Also illustrated in FIG. 4 is the access door 108. The access door 108 includes the duct interface unit 110 and the door interface 112. The removable hatch 114 includes the hatch panel 116 and the handle 120.

FIG. 5 is a top down view illustration of an HVAC system 500 indicating where a fluidic substance delivery system 100 may be installed on one or more HVAC ducts, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure. As noted above, in a large number of secured facilities, HVAC is provided through individual vents to individual cells within the secured facility. Most secured facilities are constructed so that rows of cells sit back to back with each other with a utility corridor (an unsecured space) running between the cells. The utility corridors often house the HVAC ducting. At each individual cell, or multiple cells, there is an HVAC supply providing heating or air conditioning to that cell or group of cells.

In FIG. 5, illustrated is a utility corridor 502 that houses HVAC ducts 504 serviced from an HVAC unit 506 through headers 508. The HVAC ducts 504 receive air (heating or cooling) from the HVAC unit 506 to service cells 510A-510D. Illustrated in FIG. 5 are fluidic substance delivery systems 512A and 512B. As illustrated, the fluidic substance delivery system 512A is installed on the header 508 that services multiple cells, i.e. the cells 510A and 510B. Thus, if used to insert a substance, the substance will be delivered to the cells 510A and 510B. The fluidic substance deliver system 512B is installed on the header 508 that services only the cell 510D. Thus, if used, the fluidic substance deliver system 512B will allow the introduction of a substance only into the cell 510D.

FIG. 6 illustrates the use of a site window 602 in a hatch, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure. In some instances, it may be valuable or desired to be able to inspect the interior of an HVAC duct before opening the HVAC duct to the outside for the insertion of a substance, such as tear gas or pepper spray. For example, there may be the potential of a dangerous object or blockage inserted by a prison or other personnel into the HVAC duct. Opening the HVAC duct may expose personnel to danger. Further, being able to inspect the interior of the HVAC duct prior to opening the hatch may allow the personnel to select the appropriate tools or equipment in order to clear any potential issues present in the interior of the HVAC duct.

Thus, illustrated in FIG. 6 is an alternative hatch 604 that includes the site window 602. The site window 602 may be constructed of clear or semi-clear glass, plexiglass, or other suitable material. When installed, the interface between site window 602 and the hatch 604 may be airtight or nearly airtight. The site window 602 may be used by personnel to view into an HVAC duct to determine if there are any potential issues prior to opening the hatch 604 for the insertion of a substance.

The presently disclosed examples are considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. A method of installing a security access panel onto a heating, ventilation, and cooling (“HVAC”) duct of a pre-existing HVAC system of a secured facility, the HVAC duct providing air to a subset of secured spaces serviced by the HVAC system, the method comprising: providing the HVAC duct;removing at least a portion of the HVAC duct to create an opening in the HVAC duct;installing a duct interface unit over the opening of the HVAC duct defining a first passageway through the duct interface unit into the HVAC duct, wherein the first passageway is sized to allow personnel to clear the first passageway of debris in the HVAC duct;installing a door interface onto the duct interface unit;installing a removable hatch, the removable hatch comprising: a hatch panel removably affixed to the duct interface unit; andsecurement bolts that are removable to secure the hatch panel to the duct interface unit when the securement bolts installed and allow the removal of the hatch panel from the duct interface unit when the securement bolts are removed, wherein a second passageway is defined through the door interface when the hatch panel is removed, the second passageway and the first passageway providing a path to allow an introduction of a fluidic substance into the HVAC duct.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising installing a handle onto the hatch panel.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising installing a panel chain between the removable hatch and the duct interface unit.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the removable hatch further comprises a site window to allow an inspection prior to removing the removable hatch.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first passageway defined by the duct interface unit and the HVAC duct is sized to reduce a probability of a human entering an unsecured space from a secured space.

6. A heating, ventilation, and cooling (“HVAC”) apparatus for fluidic substance delivery, the HVAC apparatus comprising: a duct interface unit connected to a portion of an HVAC duct defining a first passageway though the duct interface unit into the HVAC duct;a door interface providing an airtight interface between the duct interface unit and a removable hatch; andthe removable hatch comprising: a hatch panel removably affixed to the duct interface unit; andsecurement bolts that are removable to secure the hatch panel to the duct interface unit when the securement bolts installed and allow the removal of the hatch panel from the duct interface unit when the securement bolts are removed, wherein a second passageway is defined through the door interface when the hatch panel is removed, the second passageway and the first passageway providing a path to allow an introduction of a fluidic substance into the HVAC duct.

7. The HVAC apparatus of claim 6, wherein the removable hatch further comprises a handle.

8. The HVAC apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a chain for securing the removable hatch to the duct interface unit.

9. The HVAC apparatus of claim 6, wherein the removable hatch further comprises a site window to allow an inspection prior to removing the removable hatch.

10. The HVAC apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first passageway defined by the duct interface unit and the HVAC duct is sized to reduce a probability of a human entering an unsecured space from a secured space.

11. The HVAC apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first passageway defined by the duct interface unit and the HVAC duct is sized to allow personnel to clear the first passageway of debris.

12. A heating, ventilation, and cooling (“HVAC”) duct for installation into an HVAC system, the HVAC duct used for fluidic substance delivery, the HVAC duct comprising: a first end of the HVAC duct to be installed on a first end of the HVAC system;a second end of the HVAC duct to be installed on a second end of the HVAC system;the HVAC duct comprising: a duct interface unit connected to a portion of an HVAC duct defining a first passageway though the duct interface unit into the HVAC duct;a door interface providing an airtight interface between the duct interface unit and a removable hatch; andthe removable hatch comprising: a hatch panel removably affixed to the duct interface unit; andsecurement bolts that are removable to secure the hatch panel to the duct interface unit when the securement bolts installed and allow the removal of the hatch panel from the duct interface unit when the securement bolts are removed, wherein a second passageway is defined through the door interface when the hatch panel is removed, the second passageway and the first passageway providing a path to allow an introduction of a fluidic substance into the HVAC duct.

13. The HVAC duct of claim 12, wherein the removable hatch further comprises a handle.

14. The HVAC duct of claim 12, further comprising a chain for securing the removable hatch to the duct interface unit.

15. The HVAC duct of claim 12, wherein the removable hatch further comprises a site window to allow an inspection prior to removing the removable hatch.

16. The HVAC duct of claim 12, wherein the first passageway defined by the duct interface unit and the HVAC duct is sized to reduce a probability of a human entering an unsecured space from a secured space.

17. The HVAC duct of claim 12, wherein the first passageway defined by the duct interface unit and the HVAC duct is sized to allow personnel to clear the first passageway of debris.