Floor air diffuser system

Abstract

An automated and adjustable air diffuser mechanism for placement in a floor opening in a raised access flooring system having an air distribution plenum under the floor. The mechanism comprises a first, fixed circular hanging frame member, and a second, movable, generally circular dust trap member concentric with the first hanging frame member. The second member is movable relative to the first member to adjust the free area of the air passages located along the circumference of the first and second members, whereby to vary the airflow delivery from the distribution plenum to the room area above the mechanism.

1 . In combination with a raised floor access system, where the floor consists of an upper surface and a lower surface, a generally circular opening within said floor for receiving an air diffuser mechanism in communication with an underfloor air distribution plenum, 
 an adjustable air diffuser mechanism for controlling the quantity of air passing from said distribution plenum through said air diffuser mechanism into the area above said upper surface, said air diffuser mechanism comprising: 
 a.) a first, generally circular, stationary hanging frame member having an annular body portion for seating within said floor opening, where said body portion features an outwardly directed flange at an upper edge to overlie said upper floor surface and a series openings about said annular body portion;  
 b.) a second, generally circular dust trap member concentric with said first frame member, where said second dust trap member is movable relative to said first frame member from a first operating position for full air flow to a second operating position for air shut off, and to selected positions therebetween, said second dust trap member having a peripheral wall containing a series of openings comparable to the openings in said first member;  
 c.) means to effect movement of said second dust trap member between said first and second operating positions, and to position same at said selected positions; and,  
 d.) a removable and open grill member for seating on said first frame member.  
   
     
     
         2 . The combination according to  claim 1 , wherein said first hanging frame member is defined by a continuous annular upper portion, and said series of openings are formed by plural spaced apart arms, where said arms are laterally spaced a predetermined distance, and said second dust trap member is characterized by a lower peripheral member having a series of upwardly directed, spaced apart arms extending therefrom, said latter defined arms having a lateral dimension about equal to said predetermined distance, whereby the spaces between said respective arms cooperate to control the quantity of air passing from said distribution plenum through said air diffuser mechanism.  
     
     
         3 . The combination according to  claim 1 , including a third fixed member below said second hanging frame member for mounting said means to effect said movement, said means comprising in part an electric reversible motor.  
     
     
         4 . The combination according to  claim 2 , wherein said second dust trap member is movably vertically, whereby to selectively position its said arms over said openings.  
     
     
         5 . The combination according to  claim 1 , wherein said removable and open grill member is seated on said generally circular, stationary hanging frame member, said grill member having an upper surface planarly aligned with said outwardly directed flange.  
     
     
         6 . The combination according to  claim 3 , where said reversible motor allows for the adjustment of the free area of the air passage between said first hanging frame member and said second dust trap member to vary the airflow delivery through said grill member.