Air exchange control apparatus and system

Abstract

An air exchange control apparatus to help prevent air exchange through a window in a cantilevered building alcove, comprising: forced air generation means adjacent but outside the cantilevered area; and air passage means connected at a first open end to the forced air generation means for receiving forced air, and having a second open end disposed within the cantilevered area adjacent the window, such that the forced air is directed into and across the cantilevered area in a plane generally parallel to the window.

1 . An air exchange control apparatus for use with a cantilevered area having an aperture, the apparatus comprising:
 forced air generation means positioned adjacent but outside the cantilevered area; and   air passage means connected at a first open end to the forced air generation means for receiving forced air therefrom, and having a second open end disposed within the cantilevered area adjacent the aperture;   such that the forced air is directed into and across the cantilevered area in a plane generally parallel to the aperture.   
     
     
         2 . Air passage means for use with a forced air source adjacent a cantilevered area having an aperture, the air passage means comprising:
 a first channel for receiving forced air;   a second channel connected at a first point thereon to the first channel and for directing the forced air into the cantilevered area; and   an opening in the second channel at a second point thereon spaced from the first point, for directing the forced air across the cantilevered area in a plane generally parallel to the aperture.   
     
     
         3 . An air exchange control system for use with a cantilevered area having an aperture, the system comprising:
 a power source;   a forced air source outside the cantilevered area and powered by the power source;   flow direction means in communication with the forced air source for receiving and channelling forced air into the cantilevered area; and   a forced air outlet in communication with the flow direction means, adjacent to the aperture and for directing the forced air across the cantilevered area in a plane generally parallel to the aperture.   
     
     
         4 . The air exchange control apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the aperture comprises a selectively openable window, wherein the apparatus further comprises detection means for detecting opening of the openable window, such that the opening of the openable window activates the forced air generation means. 
     
     
         5 . The air exchange control apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the forced air generation means comprise at least one blower. 
     
     
         6 . The air exchange control apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the air passage means comprise a plenum having a portion thereof angled into and adjacent the aperture. 
     
     
         7 . The air exchange control apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the second open end comprises a final portion disposed in a plane generally parallel to the aperture. 
     
     
         8 . The air passage means of  claim 2  wherein the first and second channels are sealingly mated at the first point to avoid loss of forced air therefrom. 
     
     
         9 . The air passage means of  claim 2  wherein the first and second channels comprise a plenum configured to mate with a forced air source. 
     
     
         10 . The air passage means of  claim 2  wherein the opening comprises a final portion disposed in a plane generally parallel to the aperture. 
     
     
         11 . The air passage means of  claim 2  wherein the first point is at a first end of the second channel and the opening is at a second end of the second channel. 
     
     
         12 . The air exchange control system of  claim 3  wherein the forced air source comprises at least one blower. 
     
     
         13 . The air exchange control system of  claim 3  wherein the flow direction means comprise a generally hollow channel connected at a first open end to the forced air source and connected at a second open end to the forced air outlet. 
     
     
         14 . The air exchange control system of  claim 3  wherein the flow direction means comprise:
 a first generally vertical receiving portion for transporting the forced air toward the cantilevered area; and   a second angled redirecting portion for redirecting the forced air into the cantilevered area and toward the aperture.   
     
     
         15 . The air exchange control system of  claim 3  wherein the aperture comprises a selectively openable window, wherein the system further comprises detection means for detecting opening of the openable window, such that the opening of the openable window causes the power source to provide power to the forced air source.