Air Mixing Device

Abstract

A portable enclosure is configured to mix room air with a controlled amount of exterior air via one or more flexible conduits disposed between the enclosure and an exterior window. At least one flexible conduit is connected to a barrier structure which is designed for sealable placement within the window. One or more mixing dampers are employed to control the amount of exterior air supplied to the enclosure. An air moving device delivers exterior air in controlled amounts to the enclosure which is designed to be movable so that a more desirable (fresher, cooler, and more contaminant free) stream of air is deliverable to the personal space of an occupant to satisfy ventilation and temperature requirements.

Claims

1. A device for mixing air sources, said device comprising: an enclosure having a first air inlet opening for receiving outside air, a second inlet opening for receiving inside air, and an air outlet opening for exhausting air from within said enclosure; an air moving device for moving air from within said enclosure through said air outlet opening; a flexible conduit, exterior to said enclosure, attached to said first air inlet opening; and a barrier structure having an opening therein for receipt of said flexible conduit, said barrier structure being suitable for sealable placement in an exterior window, whereby a mixture of interior and exterior air is suppliable to a location in the proximity of said enclosure.

2. The device of claim 1 further including a damper to control the amount of air entering said enclosure from said first air inlet opening.

3. The device of claim 2 in which said damper comprises a pivotable plate.

4. The device of claim 3 in which said damper is disposed proximal to said window.

5. The device of claim 3 in which said damper is disposed within said enclosure.

6. The device of claim 1 further including a temperature sensor and a controller which together adjust the operation of said air moving device based on user settings.

7. The device of claim 1 further including a movable damper and a controller which together adjust the flow of air upon based on user settings.

8. The device of claim 1 further including a flow sensor, a controller and a movable damper which is adjusted based on user settings.

9. The device of claim 6 in which said temperature sensor is disposed adjacent to said enclosure.

10. The device of claim 6 in which said temperature sensor is disposed inside said enclosure.

11. The device of claim 6 in which said temperature sensor is disposed adjacent to said barrier structure.

12. The device of claim 1 in which said flexible conduit includes an air filter.

13. The device of claim 1 in which said flexible conduit includes a heater.

14. The device of claim 1 in which said flexible conduit is thermally insulated.

15. The device of claim 1 in which said enclosure includes an air filter within said enclosure at said air outlet opening.

16. The device of claim 1 in which said enclosure includes a heater disposed within said enclosure in a flow path between said first air inlet opening and said air outlet opening.

17. The device of claim 1 further including a second flexible conduit in fluid communication with said air outlet opening, whereby cooler and fresher outside air may be delivered directly to the proximity of a user.

18. The device of claim 17 in which the lengths of said flexible conduits are selected to position said enclosure closer to said window.

19. The device of claim 1 further including an overpressure valve positioned so as to exteriorly exhaust room air.

20. The device of claim 19 in which said overpressure valve is positioned in said barrier structure.

21. The device of claim 19 in which said overpressure valve is positioned in an exterior wall.

22. A device for mixing air sources, said device comprising: an enclosure having a first air inlet opening for receiving outside air, a second inlet opening for receiving inside air, and an air outlet opening for exhausting air from within said enclosure; an air moving device for moving air from within said enclosure through said air outlet opening; a flexible conduit, exterior to said enclosure, attached to said first air inlet opening and adapted for connection to an opening in an exterior wall.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of practice, together with the further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0042] FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating the exterior of the device and its relationship to a standard double-hung window;

[0043] FIG. 2 is a cross-section of a portion of the device of the present invention, which sits in a standard, the double hung window;

[0044] FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating the interior of the device of the present invention and particularly illustrating that portion which lies within the enclosure; and

[0045] FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating an alternate embodiment of the present invention in which the outer enclosure is present in a form factor which is easily placeable within a window.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] FIG. 1 provides an overall view of the structure and function of the present invention. In particular, it is seen that enclosure at 30 provides a containment system for receipt of air from two sources. Room air enters enclosure 30 through vent 32. It mixes with exterior air provided via flexible conduit 40 which attaches to enclosure 30 at coupling 38. Air is drawn into enclosure 30 from these two sources by means of an air moving device such as a fan driven by motor 34 shown in shadow view. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the fan (or other air moving device) has a speed control. Air mixed in enclosure 30 is exhausted into the surrounding room through port 36. Port 36 may also be provided with a flexible conduit (not shown) for the purpose of a more focused distribution of air to the occupant. Enclosure 30 may also be provided with internal baffles (not shown) to promote air mixing. Port 36 may be connected to another air conducting conduit with an exhaust end nearer to the personal space of a user or enclosure 30 may include a port 36 having a grill or louvers therein for distribution of air to a user. The louvers may be adjustable.

[0047] While the air moving device of the present invention is described above as a fan driven by a motor, any convenient air moving device may be employed. In particular, for more silent operation, the air moving device may be provided in the form of an array of piezoelectric devices. When multiple occupants are involved, it is generally not the intention of the present invention to be operated in a manner in which high velocity air is directed at or in the vicinity of a user. The intention is to provide a relatively small flow of air to the vicinity of a user without that airflow having significant impact on adjacent persons. As a consequence in its typical use, the air moving device of the present invention does not require significant amounts of power.

[0048] It is also noted that, in some embodiments of the present invention a temperature sensor such as sensor 39 is employed. This sensor is intended to provide an indication of the temperature of outside air being supplied to enclosure 30. The closer that enclosure 30 is to the window (or wall opening) shown, the smaller the temperature difference between external air at the window and the temperature of air in conduit 40 when it reaches enclosure 30. Since it is convenient, from the perspective of making the present invention, position of temperature sensor 39 is preferably located as shown in FIG. 1. However, if placement in this location is problematic due to high room temperatures, conduit 40 may be provided with thermal insulation (not shown). Temperature sensors are also employable to measure discharge air temperature, ambient air temperature or both.

[0049] Flexible conduit 40 may comprise any suitable material including but not limited to plastics, rubber, corrugated metal or other various polymeric substances. Its primary characteristic is that the material be substantially impervious to the passage of air and that it be flexible. Flexibility of conduit 40 renders the device of the present invention portable and mobile in that it makes it possible to position enclosure 30 in close proximity to a user of the device. Conduit 40 may also be insulated to prevent condensation. Conduit 40 is easily connected to and detached from both enclosure 30 and window baffle 20.

[0050] As part of the device of the present invention, there is provided barrier 20 which is disposable within a double hung window whose components are more particularly described below. Barrier 20 comprises any convenient material which is substantially rigid and impermeable to air. The function of barrier 20 is to provide blockage to any air entering the room when the window is opened. Furthermore, barrier 20 functions to permit air to enter the room only through opening 24 in barrier 20. The height of barrier 20 is selected to be any convenient size. Likewise, the thickness of barrier 20 is likewise chosen for convenience given its purpose. In preferred embodiments of the present invention barrier 20 includes well-known accordion pleat structures that extend outward from its ends so as to adjustably weight fit width wise into any standard double hung window. For other window structures, barrier 20 is selected to provide a convenient fit for size and for providing opening 24. Barrier 20 also optionally includes overpressure/exhaust port 27. This port provides an (adjustable) exhaust mechanism for air within a room to the exterior when the interior pressure becomes excessive.

[0051] Though not part of the present invention, a brief description of the structures shown in window 10 are provided. In particular, in a standard double hung window, there are two panes of glass, here shown as upper pane 18 and lower pane 22. The bottom portion of pane 18 is shown as reference numeral 14. Likewise, lower pane 22, shown in a slightly raised position to accommodate barrier 20, includes upper edge 12 and lower edge 16.

[0052] FIG. 2 illustrates the portion of conduit 40 which extends through barrier 20. In particular, the location of lower glass pane 22 (and its associated framing structurenot shown). In particular, it is seen that conduit 40, in this location, is preferably provided with rain guard 56. Also included in this portion of conduit 40 are air filter 52 and optional heater 54. Air filter 52 and heater 54 are also optional both as to their presence and their location. Any additional air filtration is preferably positioned at or near port 36. A heater is useful in those situations in which the outside air is extremely cold yet one wishes to provide a relatively large volume of fresh air. A heater may be disposed at any convenient location in the flow of air through the invention; however, it is most effective in the flow of outside air and preferably at port 38. It is also possible to position air filter 52 adjacent to enclosure 30, either just inside of it or just outside of it.

[0053] Of particular importance in the present invention is damper 55. In preferred embodiments of the present invention damper 55, which controls admission of exterior air, comprises a weighted, pivoted element similar to a damper structure found in a standard furnace chimney. In this configuration, damper 55 is moved into an open position by means of negative air pressure in enclosure 30 produced by the air moving device. Finer control of damper 55 is had by implementing it in the form of a motor-controlled, pivoted plate. The present invention cycles on and off or modifies damper settings and/or heater and fan speed in response to sensor input and user settings. When the present invention has turned off in its cycling sequence due to ventilation and/or temperature requirements having been met, the room is effectively sealed from the outside air. If user requirements are met, damper 55 is closed and/or the air moving device is turned off or turned to a low speed setting. The present invention may also be operated in bypass mode. In bypass mode, outside air is shut off and air within the room is recirculated through enclosure 30 for purposes of heating and/or filtration.

[0054] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the interior contents of enclosure 30. In particular, it is seen that motor 34 is employed to turn propeller or fan device 33 so as to move air from the interior of enclosure 30 to the room environment. Alternatively, exhaust outlet 36 is connected to a second flexible conduit (not shown) for those situations in which more precise control is desired in terms of the ultimate destination of processed air. This second flexible conduit may also be fitted with a grill for better directional or volume control. It is also noted that, while the air moving device shown in FIG. 3 comprises a motor and a fan, many other air moving devices are equally employable. It is the air moving device which creates a negative air pressure within enclosure 30 which in turn draws air from inlet 38 and from inlet 32. Inlet 32 provides air from the room environment in which enclosure 30 is employed. Inlet 38 provides air from the exterior environment through conduit 40 and window 10 (or wall opening). In this manner room air and external air are mixed together within enclosure 30. Additionally, room air inlet 32 is provided with flow limiting device 31; this device preferably comprises a series of angled vanes which is manually adjustable from outside the enclosure by a user. Flow limiting device 31 may also be controlled via controller 35. In this way the amount of room air input to the enclosure is controllable. Likewise, separate air flow control device 37 may be employed to control the amount of air supplied from conduit 40.

[0055] Damper 37 may be disposed within enclosure 30, placed in the window, or at the distal end of conduit 40. Damper 55 can act as the modulating damper either replacing damper 35 or operating in conjunction therewith.

[0056] The present invention may also be configured so that controller 35 is connected to a remote device such as a smartphone via a wireless connection. In such circumstances, an application running on the smartphone includes an interface with which the user can interact to control the device both in terms of temperature and flow rate.

[0057] Similarly, the present invention may also be configured to operate in conjunction with other wireless devices intended for environmental control functions. In particular, flow balancing within the space/dwelling is handled by communicating with an existing or a complementary newly installed exhaust fan or similar device. A dwelling may also be configured with a plurality of devices embodying the present invention in conjunction with other smart devices (exhaust fans, thermostats).

[0058] Enclosure 30 also includes controller 35. Based upon temperature settings inputted by a user via temperature knob 65 and also based upon flow volume settings specified by volume knob 60, controller 35 operates to determine the amount of room air, the amount of exterior air and the volume of air flowing through enclosure 30 and whether the fan is running (that is, if the device is on) and the speed of the fan. Additionally, controller 35 receives information from the above-described temperature sensor 39 and flow sensor 41. Controller 35 also operates to determine the position of damper 55.

[0059] It is also desirable to provide an exhaust port to the exterior. This port is preferably responsive to indications of higher pressure within the room in which the device is being operated. This feature provides a balancing effect so that air which is being introduced into the room from the exterior does not have to overcome positive pressure introduced into the room by the operation of the invention. The placement of such a port is illustrated by reference numeral 127 in FIG. 4. Alternatively, the exhaust port could be placed in a different window or ducted through a wall, typically an exterior wall.

[0060] The present invention does not contemplate any specific length for air conduit 40 shown in FIG. 1. Conceptually, as this conduit's length is shortened, it is seen that the limiting case is one in which main enclosure 30 is present in a form factor which is designed to fit into an open window. Fans and air conditioning units already exist which have this form factor. Accordingly, there is an alternate embodiment of the present invention which is shown in FIG. 4.

[0061] The structure of this alternate embodiment includes exterior enclosure at 130 which is designed to fit into a standard double hung window. If one were to rotate the structure shown in FIG. 4 by 90, it is seen that the resulting structure is one which is better designed to fit into a horizontal sliding window structure. However, the structure shown in FIG. 4 includes slot or groove 132 which is intended to meet with the lower frame of a double hung window.

[0062] Enclosure 130 includes port 126 (shown in phantom view) on the back side of the enclosure. This port is provided for the purpose of admitting exterior air. Likewise, enclosure 130 also includes port 132 which is provided for the purpose of admitting interior air. Interior conduits direct exterior air from port 126 two interior mixing enclosure 140. The flow in these conduits is controlled by air valve 135. These conduits are shown schematically by arrows 120 and 122. The relevant aspect is the existence of a controllable air flow path from port 126 to interior enclosure 140. Likewise, a similar controllable air flow path from port 132 to interior mixing enclosure 140 is also provided as illustrated by reference numerals 126, 128 and 145.

[0063] Interior enclosure 140 receives two streams of incoming air: one from the exterior and one from the interior of the room. Air is drawn into enclosure 140 by means of air moving device 134 which is illustrated schematically by the motor which drives it. While the air moving device is shown as being disposed within interior enclosure 140, one or more such devices may be disposed in either one of the conduits leading to interior enclosure 140; it may also be disposed outside of enclosure 140. It is, however, noted that air moving devices employed in the present invention are not necessarily ones that require the presence of an electrical motor. Piezoelectric moving devices may also be employed. It is within interior enclosure 140 that exterior and interior air is mixed in a desired ratio. Likewise, it is from interior enclosure 140 that air is directed into the room via outlet port 136. Outlet port 136 is provided with an air conduit which leads directly from the window unit shown to the vicinity of a user.

[0064] It is also to be observed that enclosures 130 and 140 in FIG. 4 are illustrated in a manner in which enclosure 140 is described above as being interior to enclosure 130. This is not necessarily the case in all embodiments. In particular, it is noted that enclosure 140 is mountable on the front of enclosure 130. The relevant relationship of these two enclosures is that they are not in flow communication with one another except as provided via conduits from ports 126 and 132.

[0065] The control mechanism illustrated in a FIG. 3 is also present in the device shown in FIG. 4. However, for drawing convenience, it is not specifically shown in FIG. 4. As used herein, the term fan refers to any air moving device.

[0066] Although the description above contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus, the scope of this invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly to be limited by the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean one and only one unless explicitly so stated, but rather one or more. All structural, chemical, and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred embodiment that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, it is not necessary for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to be solved by the present invention, for it to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 USC 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase means for.

[0067] While the invention has been described in detail herein in accordance with certain preferred embodiments thereof, many modifications and changes therein may be effected by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.