Abstract Apparatus for controlling the relative rates of flow of gases through a pair of ducts including a bellows chamber defining a substantially enclosed interior and a partition member movably mounted within the chamber dividing the interior thereof into first and second partial volumes which are fluidly sealed from each other. The first partial volume is in fluid communication with a first duct in which a gas flows while the second partial volume is in fluid communication with a second duct in which a gas flows such that a change in the rate of flow of a gas through one of the ducts changes the pressure in the associated partial volume whereby the partition member will move to accommodate the same. A linkage is associated with the partition member for transmitting the movement thereof to a damper located in one of the ducts such that the gas flow opening provided by the damper in the duct is regulated by the extent of movement of the partition member. The flow rate controlling apparatus may be associated with the exhaust and intake air ducts of a ventilating system which communicates with a heat recovery unit so that the flow rates of the exhaust and intake air are controlled in a manner to prevent freezing of the condensate formed within the heat recovery unit.
Apparatus for controlling the relative rates of flow of gases through a pair of ducts comprising: a chamber defining a substantially enclosed interior; a partition member movably mounted within said chamber dividing the interior thereof into first and second partial volumes fluidly sealed with respect to each other; first means for providing fluid communication with said first partial volume adapted to provide fluid communication between said first partial volume and a first duct in which a gas flows; second means for providing fluid communication with said second partial volume adapted to provide fluid communication between said second partial volume and a second duct in which a gas flows; and means associated with said partition member for transmitting the movement thereof exteriorly of said chamber adapted to control the extent of an opening of a damper located within one of said first and second ducts.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
144 words
Apparatus for controlling the relative rates of flow of gases through a pair of ducts comprising: a chamber defining a substantially enclosed interior; a partition member movably mounted within said chamber dividing the interior thereof into first and second partial volumes fluidly sealed with respect to each other; first means for providing fluid communication with said first partial volume adapted to provide fluid communication between said first partial volume and a first duct in which a gas flows; second means for providing fluid communication with said second partial volume adapted to provide fluid communication between said second partial volume and a second duct in which a gas flows; and means associated with said partition member for transmitting the movement thereof exteriorly of said chamber adapted to control the extent of an opening of a damper located within one of said first and second ducts.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said chamber comprises a bellows assembly wherein the chamber side walls comprise fabric folded in an accordian like configuration and the chamber end walls comprise a pair of sheet metal plates.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
71 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1, said first fluid communication means providing fluid communication between said first duct and said first partial volume and said second fluid communication means providing fluid communication between said second duct and said second partial volume, said damper being located in said second duct and wherein said first duct comprises an exhaust duct and said second duct comprises an air intake duct of a ventilating system.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
51 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 3 further including a heat recovery unit wherein said first and second ducts communicate with said heat recovery unit, whereby by controlling the relative rates of air flow through said first and second ducts, freezing of any condensate within the heat recovery unit is substantially eliminated.