Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
NOVEL LOUVER SYSTEM
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Energy in various forms has been used to bring safety and comfort to
the
homes of people for generations. Even though there are numerous benefits
associated
with energy and its use, the associated costs can become quite significant.
Fossil fuels
are a frequently used, yet limited resource that must be managed wisely to
preserve its
availability for future generations. Conservation of energy not only helps
today's user
with their personal expenses, but it also helps society as a whole. The
present
invention teaches a system to control airflow from a duct from a forced air
heating
ventilation and air conditioning system to conserve energy.
SUMMARY
[0002] The present invention features a louver system for controlling airflow
in a duct
from a forced air heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. In
some
embodiments, the system comprises a housing and a movable louver located on a
mounting fascia.
[0003] In some embodiments, the system comprises a longitudinal slat located
in the
perimeter wall. In some embodiments, the system comprises a slat positioning
assembly operatively coupled to the slat. In some embodiments, the system
comprises
a mainspring assembly operatively coupled to the slat positioning assembly. In
some
embodiments, the system comprises a winding assembly operatively coupled to
the
mainspring assembly. In some embodiments, the system comprises a motor and a
hand crank operatively coupled to the winding assembly.
[0004] In some embodiments, the system comprises a local control system having
a
microprocessor, a transmitter, and a receiver that is operatively connected to
the slat
positioning assembly. In some embodiments, the local control system receives
an
activation signal then sends a positioning signal to the slat positioning
assembly. In
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some embodiments, the slat positioning assembly rotates the slat to a
specified position
via power from the mainspring assembly.
[0005] In some embodiments, in the first position, the slat allows airflow. In
some
embodiments, in the second position, the slat inhibits airflow. In some
embodiments, in
a position between the first position and the second position, the slat allows
a reduced
airflow. In some embodiments, the mainspring assembly is wound via the winding
assembly. In some embodiments, the winding assembly is actuated via the hand
crank
or the motor.
[0006] In some embodiments, the local control system is operatively connected
to the
motor. In some embodiments, the system comprises a power supply operatively
connected to the motor and the local control system. In some embodiments, the
system comprises an electricity generator comprising a turbine operatively
connected to
the power supply.
[0007] Any feature or combination of features described herein are included
within the
scope of the present invention provided that the features included in any such
combination are not mutually inconsistent as will be apparent from the
context, this
specification, and the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art.
Additional
advantages and aspects of the present invention are apparent in the following
detailed
description and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a front view of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the present invention.
[0011] HG. 4 is a side view of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view in a sagittal plane of the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view in a sagittal plane of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view in a transverse plane of the present
invention.
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[0015] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view in a sagittal plane of an alternate
embodiment
of the slat of the present invention. (figures continued on page 21 paragraph
[00140])
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] Following is a list of elements corresponding to a particular element
referred to
herein:
[0018] 100 Louver system
[0019] 110 Duct
[0020] 200 Housing
[0021] 210 Housing perimeter wall
[0022] 220 Housing front edge
[0023] 230 Housing rear edge
[0024] 240 Mounting fascia
[0025] 250 Mounting aperture
[0026] 260 Fastener
[0027] 300 Louver
[0028] 400 Slat
[0029] 410 Slat first end
[0030] 420 Slat second end
[0031] 430 Slat first side edge
[0032] 440 Slat second side edge
[0033] 442 Slat third side edge
[0034] 444 Slat fourth side edge
[0035] 450 Slat first surface
[0036] 460 Slat second surface
[0037] 462 Slat third surface
[0038] 464 Slat fourth surface
[0039] 470 Bearing
[0040] 480 Slat positioning wheel
[0041] 500 Slat positioning assembly
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[0042] 510 Manual slat positioner
[0043] 530 Main shaft
[0044] 532 Main shaft first end
[0045] 534 Slat positioner gear
[0046] 540 Main shaft positioning wheel
[0047] 550 Drive belt
[0048] 560 Positioning gear
[0049] 570 Solenoid actuator
[0050] 580 Engagement tip
[0051] 600 Mainspring assembly
[0052] 610 Ratcheting mechanism
[0053] 620 Spring coil
[0054] 650 Winding assembly
[0055] 660 Hand crank
[0056] 700 Motor
[0057] 750 Local control system
[0058] 752 Remote system
[0059] 760 Microprocessor
[0060] 762 User interface
[0061] 764 Thermostat
[0062] 766 Wireless network communication card
[0063] 768 Communication port
[0064] 770 Transmitter
[0065] 780 Receiver
[0066] 800 Power supply
[0067] 810 Rechargeable battery
[0068] 850 Electricity generator
[0069] 860 Turbine
[0070] 900 Light emitter
[0071] 910 Sound emitter
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[0072] Referring now to FIG. 1-9, the present invention features a louver
system (100)
for controlling airflow in a duct (110) from a forced air heating,
ventilation, and air
conditioning (HVAC) system.
[0073] In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a housing (200) having
a
housing perimeter wall (210), a housing front edge (220), a housing rear edge
(230),
and a mounting fascia (240) located on the housing front edge (220). In some
embodiments, the mounting fascia is able to be mounted (abutted) against an
outside
surface of a wall. In some embodiments, the housing perimeter wall (210)
connects
with a duct (110) in a wall. In some embodiments, the housing perimeter wall
(210)
connects with a duct (110) not located in a wall.
[0074] In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises an adjustable louver
that
can be rotated (300) located on the mounting fascia (240). In some
embodiments, the
positional louver (300) is manually positioned.
[0075] In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a longitudinal slat
(400). In
some embodiments, the slat (400) comprises a slat first end (410), a slat
second end
(420), a slat first side edge (430), a second side edge (440), a slat first
surface (450),
and a slat second surface (460). In some embodiments, the slat first end (410)
is
located in the housing perimeter wall (210) where it can rotate. In some
embodiments,
the slat second end (420) is located in the housing perimeter wall (210) where
it can
rotate. In some embodiments, a slat positioning wheel (480) is located on the
slat first
end (410). In some embodiments, a slat positioning wheel (480) is located on
the slat
second end (420).
[0076] In some embodiments, the longitudinal slat (400) comprises a slat third
surface
(462) and a slat fourth surface (464). In some embodiments, the longitudinal
slat (400)
comprises a slat third side edge (442), and a slat fourth side edge (444). In
some
embodiments, the longitudinal slat (400) comprises slat surfaces that are
evenly spaced
with respect to the angular position relative to one another when viewed from
a sagittal
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plane.
[0077] In some embodiments, in a fully open position, the slat first side edge
(430) is
positioned toward the housing front edge (220) and the slat second side edge
(440) is
positioned toward the housing rear edge (230). In some embodiments, in a fully
open
position, the slat second side edge (440) is positioned toward the housing
front edge
(220) and the slat first side edge (430) is positioned toward the housing rear
edge
(230).
[0078] In some embodiments, the slat (400) is positioned fully in-line with a
direction of
airflow from a duct (110). In some embodiments, in the fully open position the
slat (400)
does not impede the airflow in the duct.
[0079] In some embodiments, in a fully closed position, the slat first side
edge (430) is
located toward the housing perimeter wall (210) and the slat second side edge
(440) is
located toward the housing perimeter wall (210). In some embodiments, the slat
(400)
is positioned fully perpendicular to the direction of airflow from the duct
(110). In some
embodiments, the slat first surface (450) or the slat second surface (460)
faces the
direction of airflow from the duct (110). In some embodiments, in the fully
closed
position the slat (400) impedes the airflow in the duct.
[0080] In some embodiments, the slat (400) is able to be rotated in a single
continuous
direction. In some embodiments, the slat (400) is able to be rotated in any
direction. In
some embodiments, the slat (400) is infinitely adjustable between the fully
open position
and the fully closed position.
[0081] In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a slat positioning
assembly
(500) located in the housing (200). In some embodiments, the slat positioning
assembly (500) comprises a centrally located main shaft (530). In some
embodiments,
the main shaft (530) has a main shaft positioning wheel (540) located on the
main shaft
(530) close to a main shaft first end (532). In some embodiments, the main
shaft (530)
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is located parallel to the slat (400). In some embodiments, a drive belt (550)
is located
on and engages the main shaft positioning wheel (540) and the slat positioning
wheel
(480).
[0082] In some embodiments, a positioning gear (560) is located on the main
shaft
(530) close to the main shaft first end (532). In some embodiments, a solenoid
actuator
(570) is located in the housing (200). In some embodiments, the solenoid
actuator
(570) comprises an engagement tip (580) for engaging the positioning gear
(560). In
some embodiments, the solenoid actuator (570) comprises an engagement wheel
for
engaging the positioning gear (560). In some embodiments, the solenoid
actuator (570)
comprises an engagement gear for engaging the positioning gear (560).
[0083] In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a mainspring assembly
(600) located in the housing (200). In some embodiments, the mainspring
assembly
(600) comprises a ratcheting mechanism (610) operatively coupled to the main
shaft
(530). In some embodiments a spring coil (620) is operatively coupled to the
ratcheting
mechanism (610). In some embodiments, the ratcheting mechanism (610) holds the
spring coil (620) in a static position of potential energy. In some
embodiments, the
ratcheting mechanism (610) allows the spring coil (620) to be wound into a
position of
potential energy.
[0084] In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a winding assembly
(650)
located in the housing (200) operatively coupled to the mainspring assembly
(600). In
some embodiments, the winding assembly (650) comprising a hand crank (660). In
some embodiments, the hand crank (660) projects through an aperture disposed
on the
mounting fascia (240). In some embodiments, upon actuation of the hand crank,
the
mainspring assembly is rewound. In some embodiments, the hand crank (660) is a
knob. In some embodiments, the hand crank (660) is a crank.
[0085] In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a motor (700) located
in the
housing (200) operatively coupled to the winding assembly (650). In some
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embodiments, the winding assembly (650) comprises a safety mechanism connected
to
the spring coil (620) to avoid over winding, for example, a ratcheting
mechanism or a
clutch mechanism.
[0086] In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a local control system
(750)
located in the housing (200) having a microprocessor (760), a transmitter
(770), and a
receiver (780). In some embodiments, the local control system (750) is
operatively
connected to the slat positioning assembly (500). In some embodiments, the
local
control system (750) is operatively connected to the motor (700). In some
embodiments, the local control system (750) is operatively connected to the
solenoid
actuator (570).
[0087] In some embodiments, the local control system (750) comprises a
position
sensor disposed on the main shaft (530). In some embodiments, the position
sensor is
disposed on the slat positioning assembly (500). In some embodiments, the
position
sensor is operatively connected to the microprocessor (760). In some
embodiments,
the position sensor sends a signal to the microprocessor (760) corresponding
to the
position of the slat (400).
[0088] In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a power supply (800)
located in the housing (200) operatively connected to the motor (700) and the
local
control system (750). In some embodiments, the power supply (800) is
alternating
current electricity. In some embodiments, the power supply (800) is direct
current
electricity.
[0089] In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises an electricity
generator
(850) located in the housing (200) comprising a turbine (860). In some
embodiments,
the electricity generator (850) and the turbine (860) can rotate. In some
embodiments,
the electricity generator (850) is operatively connected to the power supply
(800). In
some embodiments, when airflow is present, the turbine (860) rotates the
electricity
generator (850) thereby producing a current. In some embodiments, the current
CA 2907531 2018-11-01
charges the power supply (800).
[0090] In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a plurality of
electricity
generators (850) comprising turbines (860) located in the housing (200). In
some
embodiments, the electricity generators (850) and turbines (860) can rotate.
[0091] In some embodiments, upon receiving an activation signal, the local
control
system (750) sends a positioning signal via the microprocessor (760) to the
solenoid
actuator (570). In some embodiments, the solenoid actuator (570) releases the
stored
energy from the mainspring assembly (600) via the disengagement of the
engagement
tip (580) from the positioning gear (560) to actuate the slot positioning
assembly (500).
In some embodiments, the slat positioning assembly (500) rotates the slat
(400) to a
specified position. In some embodiments, the specified position is determined
by the
position sensor.
[0092] In some embodiments, in the fully open position, the slat (400) allows
airflow.
In some embodiments, in the fully closed position, the slat (400) inhibits
airflow. In
some embodiments, in a position between the fully open position and the fully
closed
position (partially open), the slat (400) allows an inhibited rate of airflow.
[0093] In some embodiments, the mainspring assembly (600) is wound via the
winding
assembly (650). In some embodiments, the winding assembly (650) is actuated
via the
hand crank (660) or the motor (700). In some embodiments, the mainspring
assembly
(600) provides potential energy to rotate the slat positioning assembly (500).
In some
embodiments, the ratcheting mechanism (610) allows for winding the spring coil
(620)
in a manner to avoid overwinding.
[0094] In some embodiments, a sound emitter (910) located in the housing (200)
is
operatively connected to the microprocessor (760). In some embodiments, upon
receiving a signal from the microprocessor (760), the sound emitter (910)
emits a
sound. In some embodiments, operating power is supplied to the sound emitter
(910)
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via the power supply (800), via the microprocessor (760). In some embodiments,
the
sound from the sound emitter (910) is an alarm sound. In some embodiments, the
sound from the sound emitter (910) is music, for example background music. In
some
embodiments, the sound from the sound emitter (910) is a voice, for example
from an
intercom system.
[0095] In some embodiments, a light emitter (900) located in the housing (200)
is
operatively connected to the microprocessor (760). In some embodiments, upon
receiving a signal from the microprocessor (760), the light emitter (900)
emits light. In
some embodiments, operating power is supplied to the light emitter (900) via
the power
supply (800), via the microprocessor (760). In some embodiments, the light
from the
light emitter (900) is an emergency light. In some embodiments, the light from
the light
emitter (900) is a night light. In some embodiments, the light from the light
emitter (900)
is a standard light for room illumination. In some embodiments, the light from
the light
emitter (900) flashes.
[0096] In some embodiments, the light emitter (900) comprises a light emitting
diode.
In some embodiments, the light emitter (900) comprises a fluorescent light
unit. In
some embodiments, the light emitter (900) comprises an incandescent light
bulb. In
some embodiments, the light emitter (900) comprises a xenon light unit. In
some
embodiments, the light emitter (900) comprises a halogen light unit.
[0097] In some embodiments, a manual slat positioner (510) is located on the
housing
(200). In some embodiments, the manual slat positioner (510) is operatively
connected
to the slat positioning assembly (500) via the slat positioner gear (534). In
some
embodiments, the slat positioner gear (534) is disposed on the main shaft
(530)
proximal to the main shaft first end (532). In some embodiments, the manual
slat
positioner (510) is operatively connected to the main shaft (530) via the slat
positioner
gear (534). In some embodiments, the manual slat positioner (510) engages a
ratcheting mechanism operatively coupled to the main shaft (530). In some
embodiments, the ratcheting mechanism is operatively coupled to the slat
positioner
CA 2907531 2018-11-01
gear (534). In some embodiments, the ratcheting mechanism allows the main
shaft
(530) to rotate independent of the manual slat positioner (510) using standard
will know
practices.
[0098] In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a plurality of slats
(400) that
can be rotated, located in the housing perimeter wall (210). In some
embodiments, in
the fully closed position, a first slat first side edge (430) closely
approaches a second
slat second side edge (440) without interfacing. In some embodiments, a
divider is
positioned between the first slat first side edge (430) and the second slat
second side
edge (440). In some embodiments, in the fully closed position, a first slat
first side edge
(430) closely approaches the divider without interfacing. In some embodiments,
in the
fully closed position, a second slat second side edge (440) closely approaches
the
divider without interfacing.
[0099] In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises four slats (400). In
some
embodiments, the system (100) comprises three slats (400). In some
embodiments,
the system (100) comprises two slats (400). In some embodiments, the system
comprises more than four slats (400).
[00100] In some embodiments, the slats (400) traverse the housing perimeter
wall (210)
in a series. In some embodiments, the slats (400) are operatively coupled
together via
a slat positioning wheel (480), a drive belt (550), and a main shaft
positioning wheel
(540). In some embodiments, in the fully open position, the slats (400) allow
airflow. In
some embodiments, in the fully closed position, the slats (400) inhibit
airflow. In some
embodiments, in a position between the fully open position and the fully
closed position
(partially open), the slats (400) allow an inhibited rate of airflow.
[00101] In some embodiments, the power supply (800) is a rechargeable battery
(810).
[00102] In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a user interface (762)
located in the housing (200). In some embodiments, the user interface (762) is
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operatively connected to the microprocessor (760). In some embodiments, the
user
interface (762) comprises a keypad. In some embodiments, the user interface
(762)
comprises an infrared sensor. In some embodiments, the user interface (762)
comprises an alphanumeric display. In some embodiments, the user interface
(762) is
a liquid crystal display. In some embodiments, the user interface (762)
comprises light
emitting diodes.
[00103] In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a thermostat (764)
located
in the housing (200). In some embodiments, the thermostat (764) is operatively
connected to the microprocessor (760). In some embodiments, the thermostat
controls
the louver system (100) on which it is located. In some embodiments, the user
interface (762) comprises a thermostat (764). In some embodiments, the local
control
system (750) comprises a thermostat (764).
[00104] In some embodiments, the slat positioning assembly (500) is coupled to
the
winding assembly (650). In some embodiments, upon receiving an activation
signal via
the microprocessor (760), solenoid actuator (570) and engagement tip (580) can
disengage from the slat positioning gear (560) to allow the slat (400) to spin
freely via
the airflow that passes through the housing (200). In some embodiments, upon
spinning freely, the slat (400) activates the winding assembly (650) to wind
the
mainspring assembly (600). In some embodiments, the slat (400) rotates in a
direction
opposite to the specific rotational direction of operation for slat (400)
positioning in order
to wind the mainspring assembly (600).
[00105] In some embodiments, a plurality of adjustable louvers (300) are
located on the
mounting fascia (240) and are able to be rotated. In some embodiments, the
louvers
(300) are coupled together and operate as a single unit.
[00106] In some embodiments, the housing (200) is generally rectangular. In
some
embodiments, the housing perimeter wall (210) is generally rectangular. In
some
embodiments, the housing (200) is generally circular or elliptical. In some
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embodiments, the housing perimeter wall (210) is generally circular or
elliptical.
[00107] In some embodiments, the housing (200) comprises a power supply status
indicator located thereon.
[00108] In some embodiments, the slat (400) comprises a curved shaped slat
first
surface (450) or slat second surface (460). In some embodiments, the slat
(400)
comprises a curved shaped slat third surface (462) or slat fourth surface
(464). In some
embodiments, a cross-section of the slat (400) in a sagittal plane is "S"
shaped. In
some embodiments, a cross-section of the slat (400) in a sagittal plane is "C"
shaped.
In some embodiments, a cross-section of the slat (400) in a sagittal plane is
"0" shaped.
In some embodiments, a cross-section of the slat (400) in a sagittal plane is
"I" shaped.
In some embodiments, a cross-section of the slat (400) in a sagittal plane is
"X" shaped.
[00109] In some embodiments, the slat first end (410) comprises a bearing
(470). In
some embodiments, the slat second end (420) comprises a bearing (470). In some
embodiments, the slat first end (410) is located in the housing perimeter wall
(210) via
the bearing (470) and able to be rotated. In some embodiments, the slat second
end
(420) is located in the housing perimeter wall (210) via the bearing (470) and
able to be
rotated.
[00110] In some embodiments, the local control system (750) is operatively
connected
to a remote system (752). In some embodiments, the receiver (780) of the local
control
system (750) receives a signal from the remote system (752). In some
embodiments,
the transmitter (770) of the local control system (750) sends a signal to the
remote
system (752). In some embodiments, the signal is sent via radio spectrum. In
some
embodiments, the remote system (752) is a central heat and air conditioning
(HVAC)
system for a building.
[00111] In some embodiments, the local control system (750) is operatively
connected
to a remote system (752). In some embodiments, the receiver (780) of the local
control
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system (750) receives a signal from the remote system (752). In some
embodiments,
the transmitter (770) of the local control system (750) sends a signal to the
remote
system (752). In some embodiments, the signal is sent via infrared spectrum.
In some
embodiments, the remote system (752) is a central heat and air conditioning
(HVAC)
system for a building.
[00112] In some embodiments, the local control system (750) is operatively
connected
to a remote system (752). In some embodiments, the receiver (780) of the local
control
system (750) receives a signal from the remote system (752). In some
embodiments,
the transmitter (770) of the local control system (750) sends a signal to the
remote
system (752). In some embodiments, the signal is sent via analog signals or
digital
signals through the metal duct work. In some embodiments, the signal is send
via
digital signals riding on analog waves through the metal duct work. In some
embodiments, the remote system (752) is a central heat and air conditioning
(HVAC)
system for a building.
[00113] In some embodiments, the local control system (750) comprises a
wireless
network communication card (766) operatively connected thereto. In some
embodiments, the local control system (750) can be operated via a computer, or
a
mobile phone. In some embodiments, the local control system (750) is connected
via
wires, for example, an Ethernet (network) cable. In some embodiments, the
local
control system (750) comprises a communications port (768) operatively
connected
thereto.
[00114] In some embodiments, a plurality of louver systems (100) is used. In
some
embodiments, the plurality of louver systems (100) is operated by the remote
system
(752). In some embodiments, the plurality of louver systems (100) is operated
by the
local control system (750) of a master louver system (100).
[00115] In some embodiments, the housing (200) comprises a plurality of
mounting
apertures (250). In some embodiments, the housing (200) mounts to and
interfaces
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with a duct (110) via fasteners (260) located through the mounting apertures
(250).
[00116] As used herein, the term "about" refers to plus or minus 10% of the
referenced
number. For example, an embodiment wherein the device is about 10 inches in
length
includes a device that is between 9 and 11 inches in length.
[00117]
[00118] Various modifications of the invention, in addition to those described
herein, will
be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such
modifications
are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.
[00119] Although there has been shown and described the preferred embodiment
of the
present invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art
that modifications
may be made thereto which do not exceed the scope of the appended claims.
Therefore, the scope of the invention is only to be limited by the following
claims.
[00120] The reference numbers recited in the below claims are solely for ease
of
examination of this patent application, and are exemplary, and are not
intended in any
way to limit the scope of the claims to the particular features having the
corresponding
reference numbers in the drawings.
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