LOUVER, DAMPER AND MESH SCREEN MODULE

Abstract

A louver and damper module having a damper assembly and a louver assembly supported by a main frame, a trunking frame that is attached to the main frame and a cabling assembly. The damper assembly includes an actuator that rotates rotatable blades of the damper assembly based on a signal from a controller. The cabling system includes a bulkhead connector and a cabling system connecting the bulkhead connector to the actuator. The bulkhead connector is configured to removably receive at least one controller cable through which the signal is transmitted from the controller. The cabling system includes a connector, an actuator cable having a first end connected to the bulkhead connector and a second end connected to the connector and a cable connecting the connector to the actuator. The actuator cable and the connector are encased in the trunking frame.

Claims

1. A louver and damper module comprising: a damper assembly and a louver assembly (i) supported by a main frame and (ii) arranged such that air passes sequentially through the louver assembly and the damper assembly when the louver and damper module is in use; a trunking frame (i) that is (a) attached to the main frame or (b) a part of the main frame and (ii) having an exterior wall; and a cabling assembly; wherein: the damper assembly includes (i) rotatable blades that are configured such that a position of the rotatable blades determines airflow through the louver and damper module and (ii) an actuator that rotates the rotatable blades based on a signal from a controller; the cabling assembly includes a bulkhead connector and an actuator cabling system connecting the bulkhead connector to the actuator; the bulkhead connector is (i) supported by the trunking frame and (ii) configured to removably receive at least one controller cable through which the signal is transmitted from the controller; the actuator cabling system includes a primary actuator cable having a primary actuator cable first end connected to the bulkhead connector, a secondary actuator cable having a secondary actuator cable first end connected to the actuator and a connector connecting a primary actuator cable second end and a secondary actuator cable second end; the primary actuator cable and the connector are encased in the trunking frame; the secondary actuator cable passes through the exterior wall; and the trunking frame, the actuator and the cabling assembly are configured such that an entirety of the louver and damper module can be solely connected electrically to the controller by connecting the at least one controller cable to the bulkhead connector.

2. The louver and damper module according to claim 1, wherein the trunking frame is positioned on the main frame in a direction of the airflow through the louver and damper module.

3. The louver and damper module according to claim 1, wherein: the exterior wall has an opening; the connector is positioned in the opening; and a removable cover plate covers the opening.

4. The louver and damper module according to claim 1, wherein the actuator is attached to the main frame.

5. The louver and damper module according to claim 1, wherein the bulkhead connector passes through the exterior wall.

6. The louver and damper module according to claim 2, wherein the exterior wall is not adjacent to the trunking frame.

7. The louver and damper module according to claim 1, wherein the trunking frame is comprised of two channels connected and configured to provide an internal passageway for the cabling assembly.

8. The louver and damper module according to claim 1, further comprising cable clips attached to the trunking frame and configured to receive and retain the series of cables.

9. A louver and damper module comprising: at least two damper assemblies and at least two louver assemblies (i) supported by a main frame and (ii) arranged such that air passes sequentially through the at least two louver assemblies and the at least two damper assemblies when the louver and damper module is in use; a trunking frame (i) that is (a) attached to the main frame or (b) a part of the main frame and (ii) having an exterior wall; and a cabling assembly; wherein: each of the at least two damper assemblies includes (i) rotatable blades that are configured such that a position of the rotatable blades determines airflow through the louver and damper module and (ii) an actuator that rotates the rotatable blades based on a signal from a controller; the cabling assembly includes a bulkhead connector and an actuator cabling system connecting the bulkhead connector to the actuator of the each of the at least two damper assemblies; the bulkhead connector is (i) supported by the trunking frame and (ii) configured to removably receive at least one controller cable through which the signal is transmitted from the controller; the actuator cabling system includes at least one primary actuator cable having a first end connected to the bulkhead connector, a plurality of connectors and a plurality of cables connecting the plurality of connectors to the actuator of the each of the at least two damper assemblies; the at least one primary actuator cable has a second end connected to a connector of the plurality of connectors; the primary actuator cable and all of the plurality of connectors are in the trunking frame; the plurality of cables (i) connect the plurality of connectors to all of the actuator of the at least two damper assemblies and (ii) pass through the exterior wall; and the trunking frame, the all of the actuator of the at least two damper assemblies and the cabling assembly are configured such that an entirety of the louver and damper module can be solely connected electrically to the controller by connecting the at least one controller cable to the bulkhead connector.

10. The louver and damper module according to claim 9, wherein the trunking frame is positioned on the main frame in a direction of the airflow through the louver and damper module.

11. The louver and damper module according to claim 9, wherein: the exterior wall has openings; the plurality of connectors is a series of splitters; the series of splitters are positioned in the openings; and removable cover plates cover the openings.

12. The louver and damper module according to claim 11, wherein one of the series of splitters is positioned in a separate one of the openings.

13. The louver and damper module according to claim 9, wherein the all of the actuator of the at least two damper assemblies are attached to the main frame.

14. The louver and damper module according to claim 9, wherein the bulkhead connector passes through the exterior wall.

15. The louver and damper module according to claim 9, wherein the exterior wall is not adjacent to the trunking frame.

16. The louver and damper module according to claim 11, wherein some of the series of splitters are connected at one end to (i) another of the series of splitters and (ii) one of the actuator of the each of the at least two damper assemblies.

17. The louver and damper module according to claim 9, wherein the trunking frame is comprised of two channels connected and configured to provide an internal passageway for the cabling assembly.

18. The louver and damper module according to claim 9, further comprising cable clips attached to the trunking frame and configured to receive and retain the series of cables.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 is a front view of an LDM module of one embodiment of this invention.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a left perspective view of the LDM module illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a right perspective view of the LDM module illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a left perspective, exploded view of the LDM module illustrated in FIGS. 1-3

[0021] FIG. 5 is a front view of the trunking frame of the LDM module illustrated in FIGS. 1-4.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a left side view of the trunking frame illustrated in FIGS. 1-5.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a right side view of the trunking frame illustrated in FIGS. 1-6.

[0024] FIG. 8 is a top perspective, exploded view of the trunking frame illustrated in FIGS. 1-7.

[0025] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the trunking frame illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 5 and attached to an outer or main frame of an LDM module.

[0026] FIG. 10 is a front, enlarged view of the portion of the trunking frame illustrated in FIGS. 1-9 in circle A of FIG. 5.

[0027] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the portion of the trunking frame illustrated in FIGS. 1-10 in circle B of FIG. 7, with the cover plate removed.

[0028] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a cover plate that can be utilized in the LDM module illustrated in FIGS. 1-11.

[0029] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the portion of the trunking frame illustrated in FIG. 11, showing the cover plate attached to the trunking frame.

[0030] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the portion of the trunking frame illustrated in FIG. 13, showing the cover plate detached from the trunking frame.

[0031] FIG. 15 is a cabling diagram of an LDM module of another embodiment of this invention.

[0032] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a bulkhead connector that can be utilized in the LDM modules of certain embodiments of this invention.

[0033] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a bulkhead connector support that can be utilized in the LDM modules of certain embodiments of this invention.

[0034] FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating the bulkhead connector support of FIG. 17 attached to a trunking frame of the LDM module of one embodiment of this invention and the bulkhead connector illustrated in FIG. 16 attached to the bulkhead connector support.

[0035] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the bulkhead connector support of FIGS. 17 and 18 attached to a trunking frame of the LDM module of one embodiment of this invention and the bulkhead connector illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 18 attached to the bulkhead connector support.

[0036] FIG. 20 is a partial front view of the LDM module illustrated in FIG. 15.

[0037] FIG. 21 is a partial right side view of a portion of the LDM module illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 20.

[0038] FIG. 22 is a left perspective view of a portion of the LDM module illustrated in FIGS. 15, 20 and 21.

[0039] FIG. 23 is a right perspective view of a portion of the LDM module illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 20-22.

[0040] FIG. 24 is a right perspective, exploded, schematic view of a common LDM module.

[0041] FIG. 25 is a side view of a cable clip that can be employed to retain various cables in certain embodiments of this invention.

[0042] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the cable clip illustrated in FIG. 25 illustrating a cable received through the cable clip.

[0043] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of another cable clip that can be employed to retain various cables in other embodiments of this invention.

[0044] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the cable clip illustrated in FIG. 27 illustrating a cable received and retained by the cable clip.

[0045] FIG. 29 is a cabling diagram of an LDM module of yet another embodiment of this invention.

[0046] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a bulkhead connector support that can be utilized in the LDM module illustrated in FIG. 29.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0047] As stated, an LDM module of one embodiment of this invention, LDM module 21, is illustrated in FIGS. 1-14.

[0048] LDM module 21 includes outer or main frame 22, louver, damper and mesh screen sections (LDM module sections) 23, 25, 27 and 29, trunking frame 39 and cabling assembly 46.

[0049] LDM module sections, such as LDM module sections 23, 25, 27 and 29, are well known in the art and thus are not illustrated or described in detail herein. Typically, each LDM module section includes a damper assembly, a louver assembly, a mesh screen assembly and an actuator. The damper assembly usually includes variable or rotatable damper blades. The louver assembly usually includes fixed louver blades. The mesh screen assembly is optional.

[0050] Specifically, as shown schematically in FIG. 24, LDM module section 200, which is a common LDM module section, includes damper assembly 201, louver assembly 202, mesh screen assembly 203 and actuator 204. As also shown in FIG. 24, actuator 204 is attached to junction box 205 by cable 206 and junction box 205 is connected to the central air handling unit or controller by cable 207.

[0051] In LDM module 21 of this embodiment of the invention, each of LDM module sections 23, 25, 27 and 29 includes a louver assembly, a damper assembly, a mesh screen assembly and an actuator connected to and supported by, at least in part, outer or main frame 22. Specifically, LDM module section 23 includes damper assembly 31A, louver assembly 33A, a mesh screen assembly (not shown) and actuator 37A, LDM module section 25 includes damper assembly 31B, louver assembly 33B, a mesh screen assembly (not shown) and actuator 37B, LDM module section 27 includes damper assembly 31C, louver assembly 33C, a mesh screen assembly (not shown) and actuator 37C, and LDM module section 29 includes damper assembly 31D, louver assembly 33D, a mesh screen assembly (not shown) and actuator 37D.

[0052] Actuators 37A-37D operate to determine the positions of the blades of damper assemblies 31A-31D by rotating those blades.

[0053] While in this embodiment of the invention, each of LDM module sections 23, 25, 27 and 29 includes its own separate mesh screen assembly, in the LDM modules of other embodiments of the invention, a single mesh screen assembly that covers all of the LDM module sections of those LDM modules can be instead utilized. Also, the LDM modules of yet other embodiments of this invention may not include a mesh screen assembly or assemblies.

[0054] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, in this embodiment of the invention, LDM module section 23 is directly above LDM module section 27 and immediately adjacent LDM module section 25. LDM module section 29 is below LDM module section 25 and immediately adjacent to LDM module section 27.

[0055] While LDM module 21 of this embodiment of the invention has four LDM module sections, LDM module sections 23, 25, 27 and 29, the LDM modules of other embodiments of this invention can have any number of LDM module sections, including only one LDM module section.

[0056] Each of the damper assemblies of a particular LDM module of this invention can have either a parallel blade damper or an opposing blade damper, depending on the airflow parameters of the facility in which the LDM module is installed. In the embodiment of this invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-14 (LDM module 21), the dampers of damper assemblies 31A and 31B are parallel blade dampers and the dampers of damper assemblies 31C and 31D are opposing blade dampers. However, in other embodiments of this invention, the LDM module sections of a particular LDM module may have all parallel blade dampers, all opposing blade dampers or any combination of parallel blade dampers and opposing blade dampers, again, depending on the airflow parameters of the facility.

[0057] Trunking frame 39 includes left side member 41, top member 43, right side member 45, bottom member 47 and cover plates 48-51.

[0058] Top member 43 is attached at its ends to the upper ends of left side member 41 and right side member 45. Bottom member 47 is attached at its ends to the lower ends of left side member 41 and right side member 45.

[0059] In this embodiment of the invention, each of left side member 41, top member 43, right side member 45 and bottom member 47 includes an inner C channel and an outer C channel. Specifically, FIG. 9 is a cross section of right side member 45. Right side member 45 includes inner C channel 53 and outer C channel 55. Inner C channel 53 includes web or base 105 and legs or flanges 107 and 109. Outer C channel 55 includes web or base 110 and legs or flanges 111 and 113.

[0060] Legs or flanges 107 and 109 of inner C channel 53 and web or base 110 and legs or flanges 111 and 113 of outer C channel 53 form exterior walls of trunking frame 39.

[0061] Left side member 41, top member 43 and bottom member 47 have similar inner and outer C channels in this embodiment of the invention.

[0062] Also in this embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 9, web or base 105 of inner C channel 53 is attached to outer or main frame 22. As also shown in FIG. 9, legs or flanges 111 and 113 of outer C channel 55 are connected to legs or flanges 107 and 109 of inner C channel 53, respectively.

[0063] Trunking frame 39 is attached to outer or main frame 22 in the direction if air flow through LDM module 21.

[0064] Opening or passageway 52 is defined by inner C channel 53 and outer C channel 55. Specifically, opening or passageway 52 is defined by web or base 105 and legs or flanges 107 and 109 of inner C channel 53 and web or base 110 and legs or flanges 111 and 113 of outer C channel. Various components of cabling system 46 are housed within opening or passageway 52 in left side member 41, top member 43 and right side member 45, as described below.

[0065] While, in this embodiment of the invention, left side member 41, top member 43, right side member 45 and bottom member 47 are comprised of mating C channels forming an internal opening or passageway, other types of structural members can comprise those members in other embodiments of this invention, as long as the other types of structural members provide an opening or passageway sufficient to receive and retain components of the cabling system.

[0066] Also, while in this embodiment of the invention, trunking frame 39 is attached to main frame 22, in other embodiments of this invention, the trunking frame can be included in the main frame.

[0067] Cover plates 48 and 49 can be removably attached to left side member 41. Cover plates 50 and 51 can be removably attached to right side member 45.

[0068] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, left side member 41 and right side member 45 each include spaced openings 58 in outer C channel 55 that are covered by cover plates 48-51 when cover plates 48-51 are attached to left side member 41 and right side member 45.

[0069] More specifically, in this embodiment of the invention, each opening 58 is defined, in part, by recessed edges 57A and 57B. Recessed edges 57A and 57B are recessed inward from the outermost surfaces of outer C channel 55 of left side member 41 and right side member 45, as shown in FIG. 11. As also shown in the figures, cover plates 48-51 are attached to recessed edges 57A and 57B of the corresponding openings 58 to cover the openings. That is, every opening 58 in left side member 41 and right side member 45 is covered by one of cover plates 48-51.

[0070] In this embodiment of the invention, cover plates 48-51 have an L-shape, as shown in FIGS. 12-14. The cover plates of other embodiments can have other shapes, as long as those cover plates cover the corresponding openings.

[0071] As stated, a cabling diagram of an LDM module of another embodiment of this invention, LDM module 62, is shown in FIG. 15.

[0072] In that embodiment of the invention, cabling assembly 60 includes bulkhead connector 61, cable 63, splitter assembly 65, cable 67, cable 69, splitter assembly 71, cable 73, cable 75, splitter assembly 77, cable 79, connector assembly 81, cable 83, cable 85, splitter assembly 87, cable 89, cable 91, splitter assembly 93, cable 95, cable 97, splitter assembly 99, cable 101, cable 102, connector assembly 103, cable 104 and various cable clips, such as cable clips 133 and 141 shown in FIGS. 25-28 and described below.

[0073] Bulkhead connector 61 is illustrated in FIG. 16 and includes nuts 129 and 131 and shaft 132. Nuts 129 and 131 are threadedly received on shaft 132.

[0074] Bulkhead connector 61 is connected to trunking frame 39 as described below and as illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19. Specifically, bulkhead connector 61 is connected to trunking frame 39 via bulkhead connector support 115.

[0075] Bulkhead connector support 115 is illustrated in FIGS. 17-19 and includes top flange 117, side flanges 119 and 121, bottom flange 123 and back wall 125. Back wall 125 has hole 127. Top flange 117 is configured to be attached to top member 43 of trunking frame 39. Side flange 119 and bottom flange 123 are configured to be attached to left side member 41 of trunking frame 39.

[0076] Bulkhead connector 61 is attached to bulkhead connector support 115 as follows. At least one of nuts 129 and 131 is removed from bulkhead connector 61. Shaft 132 is inserted through hole 127 in back wall 125 of bulkhead connector support 115. Nuts 129 and/or 131 are then tightened on shaft 132 to wedge back wall 125 between nuts 129 and 131.

[0077] Cable 59 is from the central air handling unit and is connectable to one end of bulkhead connector 61.

[0078] While, in this embodiment of the invention, bulkhead connector 61 and bulkhead connector support 115 have the components and shape as described above and illustrated in FIGS. 16-19, the bulkhead connectors and bulkhead connector supports of other embodiments of the invention may have different components and shapes, as long as such other bulkhead connectors provide a simple connection for the cable from the central air handling unit and such other bulkhead connector supports firmly support the bulkhead connectors.

[0079] One end of cable 63 is connected to the other end of bulkhead connector 61. The other end of cable 63 is connected to one end of splitter assembly 65.

[0080] One end of each of cables 67 and 69 is connected to the other end of splitter assembly 65. The other end of cable 67 is connected to actuator 68. The other end of cable 69 is connected to one end of splitter assembly 71.

[0081] One end of each of cables 73 and 75 is connected to the other end of splitter assembly 71. The other end of cable 73 is connected to actuator 74. The other end of the cable 75 is connected to one end of splitter assembly 77.

[0082] One end of each of cables 79 and 85 is connected to the other end of splitter assembly 77. The other end of cable 79 is connected to connector assembly 81. The other end of cable 85 is attached to one end of splitter assembly 87.

[0083] Cable 83 extends between and is connected on its ends to connector assembly 81 and actuator 84.

[0084] One end of each of cables 89 and 91 is connected to the second end of splitter assembly 87. The other end of cable 89 is connected to actuator 90. The other end of cable 91 is connected to one end of splitter assembly 93.

[0085] One end of each of cables 95 and 97 is connected to the other end of splitter assembly 93. The other end of cable 95 is connected to actuator 96. The other end of cable 97 is connected to one end of splitter assembly 99.

[0086] One end of each of cables 101 and 102 is connected to the other end of splitter assembly 99. The other end of cable 101 is connected to connector assembly 103. The other end of cable 102 is terminated with an end of the line resistor.

[0087] Cable 104 is connected on its ends to connector assembly 103 and actuator 106.

[0088] Splitter assembly 65 is a connector between (1) cable 63 and (2) cables 67 and 69, splitter assembly 71 is a connector between (1) cable 69 and (2) cables 73 and 75, splitter assembly 77 is a connector between (1) cable 75 and (2) cables 79 and 85, splitter assembly 87 is a connector between (1) cable 85 and (2) cables 89 and 91, splitter assembly 93 is a connector between (1) cable 91 and (2) cables 95 and 97 and splitter assembly 99 is a connector between (1) cable 97 and (2) cables 101 and 102.

[0089] All of the connections between bulkhead connector 61, cables 63, 67, 69, 73, 75, 79, 83, 85, 89, 91, 95, 97, 101 and 104, splitter assemblies 65, 71, 77, 87, 93 and 99, and connector assemblies 81 and 103 are connected before LDM module 21 is installed. Thus, after LDM module 21 is physically installed in the desired facility, the only necessary electrical connections to complete the installation are between primary cable 59 and bulkhead connector 61, cable 67 and actuator 68, cable 73 and actuator 74, cable 83 and actuator 84, cable 89 and actuator 90, cable 95 and actuator 96, and cable 104 and actuator 106.

[0090] As illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 20-23, in this embodiment of the invention, cable 63, splitter assembly 65, a part of cable 67, cable 69, splitter assembly 71, a part of cable 73, cable 75, splitter assembly 77, cable 79, connector assembly 81 and a part of cable 83 are housed in opening or passageway 52 defined by inner C channel 53 and outer C channel 55 of the upper portion of left side member 41. Similarly, splitter assembly 87, a part of cable 89, cable 91, splitter assembly 93, a part of cable 95, cable 97, splitter assembly 99, cable 101, cable 102, connector assembly 103 and a part of cable 104 are housed in opening or passageway 52 defined by inner C channel 53 and outer C channel 55 of the upper portion of right side member 45. Cable 85 is housed in openings or passageways 52 defined by inner C channels 53 and outer C channels 55 of left side number 41, top member 43 and right side member 45.

[0091] In this embodiment of the invention, the lower portions of left side member 1 and right side member 45 and bottom member 47 form blank or dummy portion 40 (see FIG. 8). No part of cabling assembly 60 is received in blank or dummy portion 40.

[0092] Cables 67, 73, 83, 89, 95 and 104 pass through grommets in left side member 41 and right side member 45. For example, as shown in FIGS. 20-23, cable 67 passes through grommet 102 and cable 89 passes through grommet 100.

[0093] In this embodiment, cables 63, 67, 69, 73, 75, 79, 83, 85, 89, 91, 95, 97, 101, 102 and 104 are retained in place in openings 52 in left side member 41, top member 43 and right side member 45 by cable clips, such as cable clip 133 illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26. Specifically, cable clip 133 includes flanges 135 and 137 and loop 139. Flanges 135 and 137 are fixedly attached to one of left side member 41, top member 43 and right side member 45. The respective cable is received in loop 139.

[0094] In certain of the cable clips 133, the respective cable is firmly received in loop 139 such that the cable cannot move relative to the loop. In other of the cable clips 133, the respective cable is slidably received in loop 139. Cable clips 133 that slidably receive the respective cable may be the cable clips that receive and retain the cables from actuators, such as cables 67, 73, 83, 89, 95 and 104 in FIG. 15. All other cable clips 133 may firmly engage and retain the cable.

[0095] As stated, another cable clip that can be utilized in certain embodiments of this invention is illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28, cable clip 141. Cable clip 141 includes base 143 and tic 145. Base 143 is attached to trunking frame 39. A cable is placed on base 143 and is tied to base 143 by tie 145. Cable clip 141 may be utilized on the exterior of trunking frame 39, as illustrated in FIG. 22.

[0096] Splitter assemblies 65, 71, 77, 87, 93 and 99 are positioned such that those assemblies are accessible through openings in left side member 41 and right side member 45, such as opening 58 illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 14. That is, each of splitter assemblies 65, 71, 77, 87, 93 and 99 is positioned in a separate opening in left side member 41 and right side member 45. The positioning of splitter assemblies 65, 71, 77, 87, 93 and 99 relative to openings in left side member 41 and right side member 45 enable access to be gained to those splitter assemblies by removing the cover plate associated with the opening. That case of access reduces maintenance time and costs.

[0097] As can be determined from FIG. 15, in this embodiment, actuators 68, 74, 84, 90, 96 and 106 are connected in series.

[0098] As stated, a cabling diagram of an LDM module of yet another embodiment of this invention, LDM module 209, is shown in FIG. 29.

[0099] In that embodiment of the invention, cabling assembly 210 includes bulkhead connectors 212A-F, cables 213A-F and cables 214A-F.

[0100] Bulkhead connectors 212A-F are supported by and attached to bulkhead connector support 216, as illustrated in FIG. 30.

[0101] Cables 211A-F are from the central air handling unit and are connectable to bulkhead connectors 212A-F, respectively, as shown in FIG. 29.

[0102] Cables 213A-F are connected on their respective ends to bulkhead connectors 212A-F and cables 214A-F, respectfully, as also shown in FIG. 29.

[0103] Cables 214A-F are connected on their respective ends to cables 213A-F and actuators 215A-F.

[0104] Finally, connections 216A-F are formed by joining the ends of cables 213A-F and cables 214-F, as also shown in FIG. 29.

[0105] As can be determined from FIG. 29, in this embodiment, actuators 215A-F are connected in parallel.

[0106] The number of cables, splitter assemblies and connector assemblies for a particular LDM module of this invention is dependent on the number of LDM module sections of that particular LDM module. As stated, the LDM modules of this invention can have any number of LDM module sections and each LDM module section has its own actuator. Those actuators are electrically connected in series (as described above and illustrated in FIG. 15) or in parallel.

[0107] As set forth above, the LDM modules of this invention have a simple connection with a cable from the central air handling unit, regardless of the number of damper assemblies in the LDM module. That simple connection provides at least the following advantages.

[0108] First, the LDM modules of this invention have reduced labor installation costs due to the reduction in the time required to install the modules. That is, the LDM modules of this invention are installed in the desired location and simply and quickly attached to the central air handling unit, rather than by multiple cables to multiple junction boxes.

[0109] Second, there is increased safety during installation of the LDM modules of this invention because less time is spent by workers on elevated platforms installing the modules and fewer hand tools are required during that installation.

[0110] Third, due to the simpler installation of the LDM modules of this invention, the risk of human installation error is greatly reduced, the amount of cabling and other raw materials is reduced and less equipment and other materials is needed to install the LDM modules.

[0111] Fourth, the LDM modules of this invention can be installed, removed and/or serviced without turning off power to the central air handling unit. This reduces the possible disruptions to the operation of the facility including the modules.

[0112] What is described and illustrated herein are preferred embodiments of the invention and variations thereof. The description and figures are intended to be for illustration only, and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many embodiments and variations are possible within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.