US7331852B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for sampling and controlling ventilation airflow into a structure
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 2003-06-12
•
Granted: 2008-02-19
•
Expires: 2023-06-12
Abstract
Abstract A totally integrated ventilation system is contained in the outside air inlet stream. The system samples and controls ventilation airflow as it enters a structure. An air valve connecting the outside air inlet stream to the return plenum is controlled by a valve positioning device and a processor that monitors sensors located in the outside air inlet stream, air quality data provided by a telecommunications link and the HVAC system control signals. The air quality data includes locally broadcast air pollution data or air quality alert data related to accidents or terrorist attacks. The processor and valve positioning device simultaneously control a separate pressure relief valve that allows contaminated air to be exhausted from the structure. An alternate configuration uses a supplemental fan to introduce the outside air inlet stream directly into the structure where HVAC systems are not used. A status and control panel that provides an interface to the occupants or an automation system is provided along with a test box that can monitor the processor to determine the total volume of ventilation air introduced into the structure. This test data is used to program processor timing inputs to achieve desired ventilation results.
Inventors
- 👤 George D. Ezell
- 👤 Lynn B. Heitman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 09:29
CPC Classifications
F; F24; F24F; F24F11/00; F24F11/30; F24F11/50; F24F11/56; F24F11/57; F24F11/58; F24F11/62; F24F11/63; F24F11/70; F24F11/72; F24F11/74; F24F2110/00; F24F2110/50; F24F2221/00; F24F2221/44; Y; Y02; Y02B; Y02B30/00; Y02B30/70
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 54
Claim 1
Independent Claim
116 words
The method of monitoring locally broadcast air contamination data to control ventilation airflow into a structure, comprising the steps of: receiving locally broadcast air contamination data using any data communication means; providing said air contamination data to at least one processor that produces a control signal in response to said air contamination data; disposing at least one air control device in at least one outside ventilation air stream; fully opening at least one air control device in response to the control signal that provides for outside ventilation airflow into a structure; and fully closing at least one air control device in response to the control signal that provides for no outside ventilation airflow into a structure.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
116 words
The method of monitoring locally broadcast air contamination data to control ventilation airflow into a structure, comprising the steps of: receiving locally broadcast air contamination data using any data communication means; providing said air contamination data to at least one processor that produces a control signal in response to said air contamination data; disposing at least one air control device in at least one outside ventilation air stream; fully opening at least one air control device in response to the control signal that provides for outside ventilation airflow into a structure; and fully closing at least one air control device in response to the control signal that provides for no outside ventilation airflow into a structure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the locally broadcast air contamination data includes terrorist attack air quality alerts.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the locally broadcast air contamination data includes disaster related air quality alert data.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
139 words
The method of sampling and controlling an outside ventilation air stream to determine if it is suitable for introduction into at least one inlet end of an HVAC system, comprising the steps of: receiving locally broadcast air contamination data; providing locally broadcast air contamination data to a processor that produces an air valve control signal in response to the data input and the HVAC system controls; disposing at least one air valve between at least one outside ventilation air stream and at least one HVAC system inlet; fully opening at least one air valve in response to the air valve control signal that provides for outside ventilation airflow into the HVAC system; and fully closing at least one air valve in response to the air valve control signal that provides for no outside ventilation airflow into the HVAC system.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
139 words
The method of sampling and controlling an outside ventilation air stream to determine if it is suitable for introduction into at least one inlet end of an HVAC system, comprising the steps of: receiving locally broadcast air contamination data; providing locally broadcast air contamination data to a processor that produces an air valve control signal in response to the data input and the HVAC system controls; disposing at least one air valve between at least one outside ventilation air stream and at least one HVAC system inlet; fully opening at least one air valve in response to the air valve control signal that provides for outside ventilation airflow into the HVAC system; and fully closing at least one air valve in response to the air valve control signal that provides for no outside ventilation airflow into the HVAC system.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the locally broadcast air contamination data includes terrorist attack air quality data that are displayed on a remote panel with optional audible output capabilities.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the locally broadcast air contamination data includes disaster related air quality alert data that are displayed on a remote panel with optional audible output capabilities.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
145 words
A method for sampling and controlling an outside ventilation air stream to determine if it is suitable for introduction into at least one inlet end of an HVAC system, comprising the steps of: disposing at least one sensor in an outside ventilation air stream; sampling at least one sensor with a processor; producing an air valve control signal in response to at least one sensor input and the HVAC system controls; disposing at least one air valve between at least one outside ventilation air stream and at least one HVAC system inlet; fully opening at least one air valve in response to the air valve control signal that provides for outside ventilation airflow into the HVAC system; and fully closing said at least one air valve in response to the air valve control signal that provides for no outside ventilation airflow into the HVAC system.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
145 words
A method for sampling and controlling an outside ventilation air stream to determine if it is suitable for introduction into at least one inlet end of an HVAC system, comprising the steps of: disposing at least one sensor in an outside ventilation air stream; sampling at least one sensor with a processor; producing an air valve control signal in response to at least one sensor input and the HVAC system controls; disposing at least one air valve between at least one outside ventilation air stream and at least one HVAC system inlet; fully opening at least one air valve in response to the air valve control signal that provides for outside ventilation airflow into the HVAC system; and fully closing said at least one air valve in response to the air valve control signal that provides for no outside ventilation airflow into the HVAC system.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the step of sampling comprises monitoring at least one sensor for a period of time sufficient to obtain an output that is an accurate representation of the outside ventilation air stream.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the step of controlling is augmented by processor inputs from the HVAC system and a processor fan control output to the HVAC system which allows supplemental ventilation cycles of outside ventilation airflow.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 9 wherein supplemental ventilation cycles of outside ventilation airflow are terminated upon the end of a cooling cycle to reduce condensate ingress from the cooling coils.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method of claim 9 wherein supplemental ventilation cycles of outside ventilation airflow are overridden when at least one sensor indicates the outside air inlet stream is not suitable for introduction into at least one inlet end of an HVAC system at the end of the previous outside ventilation airflow period.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 9 wherein the desired lengths of said supplemental ventilation cycles of outside ventilation airflow are determined by calculating the average volumetric rate of outside ventilation air that is introduced into the HVAC system over long periods of time to achieve a desired average daily volumetric rate.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the step of producing an air valve control signal is augmented by controlling the length of time that the air valve is open.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
90 words
The method of claim 7 wherein: at least one pressure relief valve is disposed between any interior space in the structure and any exterior space outside the structure; said at least one pressure relief valve is fully opened in response to said air valve control signal that additionally provides for contaminated air to be exhausted from a structure; and said at least one pressure relief valve is fully closed in response to said air valve control signal that additionally provides for contaminated air to not be exhausted from a structure.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 7 wherein at least one sensor is a temperature sensor.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 15 wherein one temperature sensor is used to provide both a high temperature limit and a low temperature limit.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 7 wherein at least one sensor is a humidity sensor.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 17 wherein the humidity sensor is ignored when the HVAC system is in a heating mode.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
124 words
A ventilation airflow sampling and control system for receiving and using locally broadcast air contamination data to control ventilation airflow into a structure comprising: a receiver that decodes locally broadcast air contamination data from any data communication system; a processor that monitors locally broadcast air contamination data to produce a control signal in response to the data input; at least one air control device disposed in at least one outside ventilation air stream; at least one air control device positioned fully open in response to said control signal that provides for outside ventilation airflow into a structure; and said at least one air control device positioned fully closed in response to said control signal that provides for no outside ventilation airflow into a structure.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
124 words
A ventilation airflow sampling and control system for receiving and using locally broadcast air contamination data to control ventilation airflow into a structure comprising: a receiver that decodes locally broadcast air contamination data from any data communication system; a processor that monitors locally broadcast air contamination data to produce a control signal in response to the data input; at least one air control device disposed in at least one outside ventilation air stream; at least one air control device positioned fully open in response to said control signal that provides for outside ventilation airflow into a structure; and said at least one air control device positioned fully closed in response to said control signal that provides for no outside ventilation airflow into a structure.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 19 wherein said locally broadcast air contamination data includes terrorist attack air contamination data that are displayed on a remote panel with optional audible output capabilities.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 19 wherein said locally broadcast air contamination data includes disaster related air contamination data that are displayed on a remote panel with optional audible output capabilities.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
155 words
A ventilation airflow sampling and control system for controlling an outside ventilation air stream to determine if it is suitable for introduction into at least one inlet end of an HIVAC system, comprising: a receiver that decodes locally broadcast air contamination data from any data communication system; a processor that monitors locally broadcast air contamination data to produce an air valve control signal in response to the data input and in response to the HVAC system heat, cool and fan signals; at least one air valve disposed between at least one outside ventilation air stream and at least one HVAC system inlet; at least one air valve positioned fully open in response to said air valve control signal that provides for outside ventilation airflow into a structure; and said at least one air valve positioned fully closed in response to said air valve control signal that provides for no outside ventilation airflow into a structure.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
155 words
A ventilation airflow sampling and control system for controlling an outside ventilation air stream to determine if it is suitable for introduction into at least one inlet end of an HIVAC system, comprising: a receiver that decodes locally broadcast air contamination data from any data communication system; a processor that monitors locally broadcast air contamination data to produce an air valve control signal in response to the data input and in response to the HVAC system heat, cool and fan signals; at least one air valve disposed between at least one outside ventilation air stream and at least one HVAC system inlet; at least one air valve positioned fully open in response to said air valve control signal that provides for outside ventilation airflow into a structure; and said at least one air valve positioned fully closed in response to said air valve control signal that provides for no outside ventilation airflow into a structure.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 22 wherein said locally broadcast air contamination data includes terrorist attack air quality data that are displayed on a remote panel with optional audible output capabilities.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 22 wherein said locally broadcast air contamination data includes disaster related air quality data that are displayed on a remote panel with optional audible output capabilities.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
152 words
A ventilation airflow sampling and control system for controlling an outside ventilation air stream to determine if it is suitable for introduction into at least one inlet end of an HVAC system, comprising: at least one sensor disposed in at least one outside ventilation air stream; at least one sensor monitored by a processor; an air valve control signal produced in response to at least one sensor input and in response to the HVAC system heat, cool and fan signals; at least one air valve disposed between the outside ventilation air stream and at least one HVAC system inlet; at least one air valve fully opened in response to the air valve control signal that provides for outside ventilation airflow into the HVAC system; and said at least one air valve fully closed in response to the air valve control signal that provides for no outside ventilation airflow into the HVAC system.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
152 words
A ventilation airflow sampling and control system for controlling an outside ventilation air stream to determine if it is suitable for introduction into at least one inlet end of an HVAC system, comprising: at least one sensor disposed in at least one outside ventilation air stream; at least one sensor monitored by a processor; an air valve control signal produced in response to at least one sensor input and in response to the HVAC system heat, cool and fan signals; at least one air valve disposed between the outside ventilation air stream and at least one HVAC system inlet; at least one air valve fully opened in response to the air valve control signal that provides for outside ventilation airflow into the HVAC system; and said at least one air valve fully closed in response to the air valve control signal that provides for no outside ventilation airflow into the HVAC system.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 25 wherein at least one sensor is monitored for a period of time sufficient to obtain an output that is an accurate representation of the outside ventilation air stream.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 25 wherein said HVAC system fan signal is controlled by the processor to allow supplemental ventilation cycles of outside ventilation airflow.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 27 wherein supplemental ventilation cycles of outside ventilation airflow are terminated upon the end of a cooling cycle to reduce condensate ingress from the cooling coils.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
52 words
The system of claim 27 wherein said supplemental ventilation cycles of outside ventilation airflow are overridden when at least one sensor indicates the outside air inlet stream is not suitable for introduction into at least one inlet end of an HVAC system at the end of the previous outside ventilation airflow period.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
44 words
The system of claim 27 wherein the desired length of said supplemental ventilation cycles of outside ventilation are determined by using a test box to determine the volume of outside ventilation air that is introduced into the HVAC system over long periods of time.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 25 wherein the volume of outside ventilation airflow introduced into the HVAC system is controlled by the length of time that at least one air valve is open.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
89 words
The system of claim 25 wherein: at least one pressure relief valve is disposed between any interior space in the structure and any exterior space outside the structure; at least one pressure relief valve is fully opened in response to said air valve control signal that additionally provides for contaminated air to be exhausted from a structure; and said at least one pressure relief valve is fully closed in response to said air valve control signal that additionally provides for contaminated air to not be exhausted from a structure.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 25 wherein at least one sensor is a temperature sensor.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 33 wherein one temperature sensor is used to provide both a high temperature limit and a low temperature limit.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 25 wherein at least one sensor is a humidity sensor.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 35 wherein the humidity sensor is ignored when the HVAC system is in a heating mode.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
123 words
The method of monitoring locally broadcast air contamination data to control ventilation airflow into a structure, comprising the steps of: receiving locally broadcast air contamination data using any data communication means; providing said air contamination data to a processor that produces an air valve control signal in response to said air contamination data; disposing at least one air valve between at least one supplemental fan and at least one outside ventilation air stream; fully opening at least one air valve in response to the air valve control signal that provides for outside ventilation airflow into a structure; and fully closing at least one air valve in response to the air valve control signal that provides for no outside ventilation airflow into a struture.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
123 words
The method of monitoring locally broadcast air contamination data to control ventilation airflow into a structure, comprising the steps of: receiving locally broadcast air contamination data using any data communication means; providing said air contamination data to a processor that produces an air valve control signal in response to said air contamination data; disposing at least one air valve between at least one supplemental fan and at least one outside ventilation air stream; fully opening at least one air valve in response to the air valve control signal that provides for outside ventilation airflow into a structure; and fully closing at least one air valve in response to the air valve control signal that provides for no outside ventilation airflow into a struture.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 37 wherein the locally broadcast air contamination data includes terrorist attack air quality data that are displayed on a remote panel with optional audible output capabilities.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 37 wherein the locally broadcast air contamination data includes disaster related air quality alert data that are displayed on a remote panel with optional audible output capabilities.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
130 words
A method for sampling and controlling an outside ventilation air stream to determine if it is suitable for introduction into a structure, comprising the steps of: disposing at least one sensor in an outside ventilation air stream; sampling at least one sensor with a processor; producing an air valve control signal in response to at least one sensor input; disposing at least one air valve between at least one supplemental fan and at least one outside ventilation air stream; fully opening at least one air valve in response to the air valve control signal that provides for outside ventilation airflow into a structure; and fully closing said at least one air valve in response to the air valve control signal that provides for no outside ventilation airflow into a structure.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
130 words
A method for sampling and controlling an outside ventilation air stream to determine if it is suitable for introduction into a structure, comprising the steps of: disposing at least one sensor in an outside ventilation air stream; sampling at least one sensor with a processor; producing an air valve control signal in response to at least one sensor input; disposing at least one air valve between at least one supplemental fan and at least one outside ventilation air stream; fully opening at least one air valve in response to the air valve control signal that provides for outside ventilation airflow into a structure; and fully closing said at least one air valve in response to the air valve control signal that provides for no outside ventilation airflow into a structure.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
137 words
A ventilation airflow sampling and control system for controlling an outside ventilation air stream to determine if it is suitable for introduction into a structure, comprising: a receiver that decodes locally broadcast air contamination data from any data communication system; a processor that monitors locally broadcast air contamination data to produce an air valve control signal in response to the air contamination data input; at least one air valve disposed between at least one supplemental fan and at least one outside ventilation air stream; at least one air valve positioned fully open in response to said control air valve signal that provides for outside ventilation airflow into a structure; and said at least one air valve positioned fully closed in response to said air valve control signal that provides for no outside ventilation airflow into a structure.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
137 words
A ventilation airflow sampling and control system for controlling an outside ventilation air stream to determine if it is suitable for introduction into a structure, comprising: a receiver that decodes locally broadcast air contamination data from any data communication system; a processor that monitors locally broadcast air contamination data to produce an air valve control signal in response to the air contamination data input; at least one air valve disposed between at least one supplemental fan and at least one outside ventilation air stream; at least one air valve positioned fully open in response to said control air valve signal that provides for outside ventilation airflow into a structure; and said at least one air valve positioned fully closed in response to said air valve control signal that provides for no outside ventilation airflow into a structure.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 41 wherein said locally broadcast air contamination data includes terrorist attack air quality data that are displayed on a remote panel with optional audible output capabilities.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 41 wherein said locally broadcast air contamination data includes disaster related air quality alert data that are displayed on a remote panel with optional audible output capabilities.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
130 words
A ventilation airflow sampling and control system for controlling an outside ventilation air stream to determine if it is suitable for introduction into a structure, comprising: at least one sensor disposed in an outside ventilation air stream; at least one sensor monitored by a processor; an air valve control signal produced in response to at least one sensor input; at least one air valve disposed between at least one supplemental fan and at least one outside ventilation air stream; at least one air valve fully opened in response to the air valve control signal that provides for outside ventilation airflow into a structure; and said at least one air valve fully closed in response to the air valve control signal that provides for no outside ventilation airflow into a structure.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
130 words
A ventilation airflow sampling and control system for controlling an outside ventilation air stream to determine if it is suitable for introduction into a structure, comprising: at least one sensor disposed in an outside ventilation air stream; at least one sensor monitored by a processor; an air valve control signal produced in response to at least one sensor input; at least one air valve disposed between at least one supplemental fan and at least one outside ventilation air stream; at least one air valve fully opened in response to the air valve control signal that provides for outside ventilation airflow into a structure; and said at least one air valve fully closed in response to the air valve control signal that provides for no outside ventilation airflow into a structure.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2011-02-18 | 2011-08-20 | 2012-02-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2015-02-18 | 2015-08-20 | 2016-02-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2019-02-18 | 2019-08-20 | 2020-02-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |