Remote autonomous intelligent air flow control system and network
OwnerPeter Aronstam, Charles Knoblochinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention provides one or more autonomous in-duct or register grill mounted flow control devices, each of which has the capability to restrict or boost air flow through the duct or vent to which it is attached. The individual flow control devices may be in communication with other flow control devices in the duct works, having an ability to adapt in a cooperative fashion to optimize the environment served by the ductwork. In a preferred embodiment, each of the flow control devices provides its own power and does not require changing the existing ductwork or register boxes for installation.
Claims32
A device for controlling air flow through a duct, the device comprising:
- a flow control member configured to selectively control air flow through the device;
- a controller member configured to autonomously control the flow control member;
- and
- a power member for supplying power to the device.
A method of using one or more flow control devices in a system of ducts, the method comprising:
- placing at least one flow control device at a selected location in the system of ducts, the at least one flow control device comprising an air flow control member, a controller member, and a power member;
- controlling the airflow through a portion of the system of ducts by selectively manipulating the at least one flow control flow device through the execution of a series of program instructions within the controller member;
- and
- modifying an environmental condition in an area adjacent the selected location by an autonomous decision process within the at least one flow control device.
An apparatus for controlling an environmental condition in an area, the apparatus comprising:
- an air flow control member configured to selectively control air flow through the apparatus;
- a controller member configured to autonomously control the air flow control member based upon the environmental condition;
- a power member for supplying power to the device;
- and
- a sensor member configured to measure and send data to the controller member regarding the environmental condition in the area.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.