US2341296A - Ventilating means - Google Patents

Description

F. L. BLADE VENTILATING MEANS Filed March 23, 1942 Feb. 8, 1944.

2 Sheets-Sheet 1 1 JIMfM 4;; "M, 44414 rm F. L. SLADE VENTILATING MEANS Feb. 8, 1944.

Filed March 23, 1942 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Feb. 8, 1944 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE VENTILATING MEANS Franklin L. Slade, Washington, D. 0.

Application March 23, 1942, Serial No. 435,898

13 Claims. ('01. 98-40) This invention relates to apparatus for mixing gaseous fluids, and more particularly to ventilating means whereby fresh or suitably conditioned air may be introduced into the atmosphere of an enclosure such as a room in a residence, office, or factory, or a compartment in a land or air vehicle or a marine vessel.

The general object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved device of the type described which is of economical construction, quiet and efficient in operation, and susceptible of ready adaptation and modification for various special uses.

In its preferred embodiments, the invention contemplates the provision of one or more air outlet or diifuser members which are supplied with air from a duct to which they are connected either by means of branch conduits or by inserting the member in the main duct through an opening in the wall thereof. The diffuser member is in the form of a substantially cylindrlcal drum having a closed end, an inlet opening in its circular wall, and an open end from which the air is discharged-with or without the deflecting action of suitable baifies-into the room.

The inlet opening in the side wall of the cylinder is positioned, with respect to the supply ducts, for the introduction of the air diametrically of the cylinder. A novel arrangement of a substantially spiral bafiie or guide walls is disposed within the cylinder for providing a substantially circular passageway of gradually diminishing cross-section, by means of which the stream of air is caused to spill over the edge of the cylinder and diffuse into the enclosure equally in all directions radially of the outlet member. The whirling flow given to the air stream also aids in the efficient mixing of the fluids, by giving to the circular jet 2. tangential component; and, in certain of the practical embodiments of the invention, outlet baflles are provided adjacent the open end of the cylinder to divert or deflect the flow of air to control the axial component of the stream. In other embodiments, the whirling stream of air is allowed to flow substantially freely from the periphery of the cylinder, and the open end may be merely covered by a grille.

The invention also contemplates the provision of a plurality of vanes or bafiie elements within the cylindrical outlet or diffuser, thus producing several curved passageways within the device, all leading to different successive sectors of the rim. This arrangement is of particular advantage in cases where large diffuser members are employed or where the velocity of the air is high.

Another object of the invention is to provide in a diffuser of this type, simple and effective means for regulating both the total flow of air issuing from the unit and the proportioning of the flow around the circumference.

Other objects and features of novelty will be apparent from the following specification when read in connection with the accompanying drawings in which several embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 isa somewhat diagrammatic plan view of an installation showing two of the novel outlet or diffuser members connected by means of branch conduits with a main supply duct;

Figure 2 is a view in side elevation of one of the diffuser units of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a view in horizontal cross-section of a diffuser member comprising one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 is an exploded view in side elevation of the unit shown in Figure 3, illustrating the manner of assembly of the three principal parts of the device;

Figure 5 is a view in vertical section of the assembled unit;

Figure 6 is a horizontal sectional view similar to Figure 3, but showing another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 is a similar view on a smaller scale of still another embodiment;

Figures 8 and 9 are views in bottom plan and vertical cross-section, respectively, of another form of diffuser;

Figure 10 is a horizontal sectional view other embodiment;

Figure 11 is a vertical sectional view of the unit shown in Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a view similar to Figure 10 but showing the guide baffle member in an adjusted position;

Figures 13 and 14 are fragmentary views in vertical section of the rim of a diffuser such as that shown in Figure 11, illustrating the effect of varying the dimensions or configurations of the peripheral outlet bafiie flange; and

Figures 15 and 16 are views in vertical longitudinal section and vertical transverse section, respectively, of a diffuser unit installed within a supply duct.

Before describing the various embodiments of the invention in. detail, it is well to indicate that of anthe diffuser outlets comprising the present invention may be installed within or adjacent either the top or bottom walls, or the side walls, of an enclosure into which a gaseous fluid is to be introduced, although in the principal application of the invention the novel diffuser members will be installed in the top wall or ceiling of a room. Therefore, no limitation is to be drawn from the use of the terms: vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, side, upper, lower, or the like, as used in the present description, since it is obvious that the unit can be completely inverted or rotated through any angle and still perform its required functions.

In Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, the outlet units are shown diagrammatically at 10 and these diagrams may represent any of the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. In accordance with this suggested method of installation, the main air supply duct D is divided into a plurality of successive branch conduits C which provide communication between the duct D and the openings in the side walls of the diffuser members It. Each of the members it) comprises essentially a cylindrical drum !2 preferably having a' flange l3 around the margin of the lower open end thereof. In Figure 2 a flanged deflector or bafile plate 45 is shown which characterizes one embodiment of the invention as will be presently described. By certain novel provisions forming a basic conception in all of the embodiments of the invention, the air or other gaseous fluid is given a circular movement within the drum and distributed equally around the periphery thereof. In the general view shown in Figure 2, the air is discharged through the battle openin l6 between the flange or baffle plate l and the lower margin of the outlet drum or cylinder I2.

One of the simpler forms of invention but one which includes the basic idea just mentioned, is illustrated in Figures 3, 4, and 5 of the drawings. As most clearlyshown in the exploded view of Figure 4, the unit comprises essentially three separable elements. First the cylindrical casing [2 with its closed upper end portion l1 and its lower peripheral flange l3. The cylindrical side wall l8 of the unit'is provided with a substantially rectangular opening 29 in one side thereof with which the branch conduit 0 connects. The second element of the unit is the substantially circular damper member 22 which, like the other parts of the device, may conveniently be made of sheet metal. This damper is preferably of a circular extent of somewhat more than 180 so that i it may be sprung into position as shown in Figure 3 of the drawings and be retained in snugly fitting contact with the inner surface of the wall iii of the cylinder [2. Obviously, the damper cannot be of a greater circular extent than the extent of the side wall I8 less the width of the opening 20. The damper 22 is of slightly less height than the cylinder I2 and it is guided in its rotary movement between the end wall I? and the spaced lugs 24 which are formed or secured at intervals around the lower margin of the cylinder or drum l2. For rotating the damper, there is provided a handle 25 which may be soldered, welded, or otherwise secured thereto, and it will be readily apparent how the damper may be manipulated to move from the position shown in Figure 3', in a clockwise direction so as to partially or completely close the opening 26.

The third important element of the unit comprises the vane or baffle assembly which may be drawings.

designated generally by the numeral l5. This element comprises essentially a circular plate or disc 21, having the curved or flared peripheral flange 28, this flange cooperating with the rim of the lower end of the cylinder I2 and its flange iii, to provide an annular outwardly opening slot 16 through which the air is delivered. Preferably the element I5 is designed to carry the inner substantially spiral baflle element 30 which is disposed vertically of the cylinder l2 and is suitably secured to the disc 27 as by soldering or welding as indicated at 3| in Figure 5. The curved spiral bafile or vane 3ilwhich may be either a solid element or formed of sheet material as shown,is provided with a concave portion 32 terminating in a wing 33 which contacts the wall i8 of the cylinder l2 adjacent one side of the opening 20. Further portions of the baffie element 39 are convex as indicated at 34 and the curvature is such that the wall provided by the bafile member constantly approaches the side wall E8 of the cylinder so as to provide a substantially circular passageway 35 of gradually diminishing cross-section throughout the peripheral extent of the interior of the unit. The diminution of cross-section of the passageway is substantially constant. In this way the stream of air entering from the duct or conduit (2 through the opening 2|] and passing around the interior of the cylinder is gradually crowded out of the diffuser over the rim, thereof and out of the slot l6 between the rim and the bafile 28. Thus, it will be seen that the device is so designed that an even distribution of air is provided throughout the entire periphery of the arrangement. This even distribution or flow of air is also substantially maintained adjacent the edge of the device just beneath the duct C and its o gening 20 at the left-hand side of Figures and Any suitable means may be provided for securingthe several elements of the unit together in their positions for proper functioning, but one simple and effective method is illustrated in the A bolt or rod 38 passes through centrally disposed openings in the top end I! of the cylinder and the plate or disc 21. A nut 39 is applied to the threaded lower end of the bolt 38 and the element I5 is thus securely attached to the cylinder l2.

The general direction of flow of the stream'of air through the annular slot I6 is radial. However, the whirling set up within the diffuser adds a tangential component to the outflowing stream, and obviously once the stream has passed the outer peripheral edge of the flared flange 28 the body of air will expand downwardly with a slight axial component.

Optionafly the modified forms of the diffuser unit shown in Figures 6 and '7 may be used. In these arrangements, the same sort of cylinder I2 is employed either with or without the lower baflie element 15. Similarly the main baiiie member 30 is used and occupies substantially the same position as in the case of theenibodiment first described. However, in the arrange ment shown in Figure 6 an additional baiile or vane 40 is provided, which vane maybe secured to the member l5 as described in the earlier embodiment in connection with bafile 30,01 it may be soldered or welded to the top I! of the cylinder l2. This vane 40 has its advanced vertical edge 4| disposed so as to divide the incoming stream of air at the opening 20 into two substantially equal parts. The configuration of the vane 50 approximates the curvature of the portions 32, 33 and the first part of portion 34 of the wall of baflle 30 and lies substantially parallel therewith. The vane 4|] terminates in a rear vertical edge 42 at a point approximately half-way around the cylinder. This arrangement thus provides an outer diminishing passageway 45 by which the air is caused to flow over the rim of the cylinder and out of the slot I6 during the first half of the flow around the cylinder, while the other body of'air is caused to flow through the inner passageway 46 without diminution of volume until the edge 42 of the vane 40 is reached. Thereupon the air from the passageway 45 flows into the main undivided passageway and, due to the diminishing cross-section, this stream of air is diverted out wardly through the remainder of the slot Hi.

In the embodiment shown in Figure "I, the incoming stream of air is divided into three parts as by means of the baffles 40A and 4013, the batfle MIA terminating approximately one-third of the way around the cylinder and the baffle or vane 50B extending for about two-thirds of the circumference. The vane 40A gradually approaches the margin of the cylinder and functions to squeeze the air from the channel 31 out through the slot I6; the air from the channel 4B is carried around for about one-third of the periphery of the cylinder with undiminished volume and is distributed during the second approximately one-third of the travel, by the approach of the bafiie 4013 to the wall I8 of the cylinder during this sector. The inner channel 49 is of substantially undiminished cross-section until the last sector is reached, whereupon the contour of the inner baflle or vane 30 causes the air to be distributed through the slot IE along this sector. The arrangements shown in Figures 6 and 7 are particularly useful in connection with outlet drums of larger sizes.

In cases where the downward penetration of the introduced air into the habitable portions of the room is not objectionable, the flange plate I may be omitted, and if desired the open end of the cylindrical diffuser member may be covered by a grille such as shown at 50 in the embodiment shown in Figures 8 and 9. The grille 50 may be provided with an unperforated rim 5| secured as by means of the bolts 52 to the flange I3 of the cylinder I2. The grille 50 is provided with a plurality of perforations 53 through which the air may flow. The damper 22 is applied as usual and may be retained either by means of the lugs 24 as in the embodiments previously described or it may be held in place by the grille 50. In either event, however, the operating handle 25 of the damper projects through an arcuate slot 55 in the grille 50 and is guided for limited movement by said slot. In this case the spiral baiile element may be conveniently secured to the top end I! of the cylinder as indicated at 56, or if desired it may be suitably secured to the grille 50 for installation and removal therewith. With this arrangement, the annular whirling stream of air will issue from the marginal edge of the cylinder as indicated by the arrows 51 and will have a much greater downward component than in the embodiments in which the bafile plate I5 is employed.

One of the most important embodiments of the invention is illustrated in Figures 10-12 inclusive of the drawings and will now be described. The cylinder I2 with its flange I3 and inlet opening 20 may be constructed as in the embodiments previously described, and the damper 22 may be supported by the guide lugs 24 and operated by a handle 25 as in the other modifications. However, in this embodiment the flanged baiile plate H5 has a slightly smaller disc portion I21 which is disposed within the cylinder I2 at a point spaced from the plane of the open end of the cylinder. In this arrangement, the vane I30 is somewhat diminished in height and is also of a diiIerent construction adjacent the inlet end of the difiuser. This difierence resides in the omission of the tongue 33, the vane member I30 in this instance comprises merely the concave portion 32 and the convex portion 34, these portions adjoining at a rather acutely curved edge or corner 59, leaving an opening 60, between the wide entry portion of the channel I35 and the attenuated terminal portion thereof.

The baffle or vane unit II5I30 may be adjustably secured to the top plate I! of the drum or cylinder I2 by means of the bolt I38 or any suitable equivalent means. Assuming that the original diminishing of the vane I30 has been executed accurately in accordance with the pressure and volume of .the air supplied and the size of the outlet cylinder, the approximate proper position of the vane I30, in order to insure an equal flow of air throughout the margin of the difiuser, would be as indicated in Figure 10 of the drawings. However, in case of fluctuations in the air supply or any slight unavoidable departures from the proper configuration of the parts, a suitable rotative adjustment of the vane or baffle member may be made as suggested in Figure 12 of the drawings, where the bafl'le member has been moved to some extent in a clockwise direction.

Such an adjustment of the vane or bafile element may also be made in order to purposely cause an unequal distribution of air circumferentially of the diffuser as, for example, when it may be desirable to deliver more air upon one side of the device than the others.

As indicated in Figures 13 and 14, the baffle flange 28 of the members I5 or I I5 may be shortened to any desired extent in order to vary the amount of the axial component of the flow of air. Obviously, in the case of the difiusers shown in Figures 5 and 11, the fiat annular stream of air flowing through the slot I6 has very little divergence, this divergence being measured in Figure 11 by the angle a. In Figure 13 the horizontal portion of the flared flange or bafile 28A has been shortened and the air will flow over the edge of the flange and the angle of delivery of the air will be somewhat greater as indicated at 8. In Figure 14 the flange 28B is shown as very considerably shortened and the extent of the stream of air is measured by the wider angle designated 'y. 7

Instead of providing branch conduits C to connect the diffuser units [0 with the main conduit D, the units themselves may be set in openings in the main conduit as shown in Figures 15 and 16 of the drawings. The main conduit is represented in these figures at D' and is provided with a circular opening in the bottom wall indicated at 05. The flange l3 of the unit II] may be suitably secured to the bottom wall of the conduit and the baffle unit I5 projects downwardly into theenclosure. In this case no branch conduit is necessary and the opening 20 in the cylinder I2 is disposed so as to face the oncoming stream of air or other gaseous fluid indicated by thearrows 66. Cylinder I2 thus acts as a scoop. for catching a portion of the air in the conduit, diverting it through the device and delivering it tothe room in the whirling annular stream as already described. or course, any of the embodiments described in detail herein may be applied tothe main duct in the manner suggested in Figures 15 and 16, whether or not the baille plate I5is employed, and whatever the arrangement of vanes or bafiles within the. unit.

Obviously, within the scope of the. invention, the bafile element may be constructed with an opposite curvature from thatillustrated in the drawings and applied to the other edge of the inlet opening 20, so that the air swirls around the channel in a clockwise direction instead of counter-clockwise. This, of. course, requires a reversal of the direction of movement of the damper from that described, especially in the case ofv the embodiment shown in Figure 3.

It is understood that various other changes and modifications may be made in the embodiments illustrated and described herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. In a ventilating system or the like, a diffuser unit for introducing air into a room or other enclosure, said unit comprising, in combination, a hollow cylindrical member having a closed end and an open end, and aninlet opening in its side wall, means for directing flow of air into said opening and a centrally disposed baille element within said member and directly behind said opening, said element providing a generally spiral interior wall surface perpendicular to said closed end and forming with the closed end and side wall of the cylindrical member a substantially annular channel which gradually diminishes in cross-sectional area from a maximum at the inlet opening of the cylindrical member, around the member, to a minimum at a point adjacent said opening, whereby the air will be dischargedover the rim of the open end of the cylindrical member substantially equally at all points around said rim.

2. In a ventilating system or the like, a diifuser unit for introducing air into a room or other enclosure, said unit comprising, in combination, a hollow cylindrical member having a closed end and an open end, and an inlet opening in its side wall, means for directing flow of air into said opening in a direction diametrically of said cylindrical member and a centrally disposed baffle element within said member and directly behind said opening, said element providing a, curved interior wall surface perpendicular to said closed end and spaced apart from the side wall of the cylindrical member, the spacing gradually diminishing from a maximum at the inlet opening around the interior of the cylinder to a minimum at a point at one side of said inlet opening, whereby the air will be discharged over the rim oi the open end of the cylindrical member substantially equally at all points around said rim.

3. In a ventilating system or the like, a diffuser unit for introducing air into a room or other enclosure, said unit comprising, in combination, a hollow cylindrical member having a closed end and an open end, and an inlet opening in its side wall, means for directing flow of air intosaid opening and a centrally disposed bafileelement providing a generally spiral, curved, interior wall surface perpendicular to said closed end, one portion of said element disposed adjacent one margin of said inlet opening, the bailie wall surface extending from said portion with an outwardly concave configuration in front of said inlet opening and thence with an outwardly convex configuration facing the side wall of the cylindrical member, and continuing around the center of the cylinder and gradually approaching the circumference to a point adjacent the initial portion of said baflle wall near the edge of the inlet opening, the substantially annular space between the baffie wall and the outer wall of the cylinder gradually diminishing in cross section, wherebythe air will be discharged substantially equally at all points around the peripheral rim of the open end of the cylindrical member.

l. In a ventilating system or the like, a diffuser unit for introducing air into a room or other enclosure, said unit comprising, in combination, a hollow cylindrical member having a closed end and an open end, and an inlet opening in its side wall, means for directing flow of air into said opening and a centrally disposed bafile element providing a generally spiral interior wall surface perpendicular to said closed end, one portion of said element contacting the wall of said cylindrical member adjacent one margin of said inlet opening, the baffle wall surface extending from said portion with an outwardly concave configuration in front of said inlet opening and thence with an outwardly convex configuration facing the side wall of the cylindrical member, and continuing around the center of the cylinder and gradually approaching the circumference to a point adjacent the initial portion of said baffle wall near the edge of the inlet opening, the substantially annular space between the baffle wall and the outer wall of the cylinder gradually diminishing in cross section and terminating at said point, whereby the air will be discharged over the rim of the open end of the cylindrical member substantially equally at all points around saidrim.

5. In a ventilating system or the like, a diffuser unit for introducing air into a room or other enclosure, said unit comprising, in combination, a hollowcylindrical member having a closed end and an open end, and an inlet opening in its side wall, means for directing flow of air into said opening in a direction diametrically of said cylindrical member and a centrally disposed bafile element providing a curved interior wall surface perpendicular to said closed end and spaced apart from the side wall of the cylindrical member, the spacing gradually diminishing from a maximum at the inlet opening around the interior of the cylinder to a minimum at a point at one side of said inlet opening whereby the air will be discharged over the rim of the open end of the cylindrical member substantially equally at all points around said rim, and means for securing said baflle element in selected rotative adjusted positions with respect to said cylindrical member and to the inlet opening, to vary the distribution of air discharged over said rim.

6. In a. ventilating system or the like, a diffuser unit for introducing air into a room or other enclosure, saidunit comprising, in combination, a hollow cylindrical member having a closed end and an open end, and an inlet opening in its side wall, means for directing flow of air into said opening and a centrally disposed baiile element providing a curved, endless interior wall surface perpendicular to said closed end, one point on the wall surface'of said element disposed adjacent one margin of said inlet opening, the baffle wall surface extending from said portion with an outwardly concave configuration in front of said inlet opening and thence with an outwardly convex configuration facing the side wall of the cylindrical member, and continuing around the center of the cylinder and gradually approaching the circumference to a point adjacent the initial portion of said baffle wall near the edge of the inlet opening, the substantially annular space between the bafile wall and the outer wall of the cylinder gradually diminishing in cross-section, whereby the air will be discharged over the rim of the open end of the cylindrical member substantially equally at all points around said rim, and means for securing said baflle element in selected rotative adjusted positions with respect to said cylindrical member and to the inlet opening, to correct or vary the distribution of air discharged over said rim.

7. In a ventilating system or the like, a diffuser unit for introducing air into a room or other enclosure, said unit comprising, in combination, a hollow cylindrical meme br having a closed end and an open end, and an inlet opening in its side wall, means for directing flow of air into said opening, a centrally disposed baffle element within said member and directly behind said opening. said element providing a generally spiral interior wall surface perpendicular to said closed end and forming with the closed end and side wall of the cylindrical member a substantially annular channel which gradually diminishes in cross-sectional area from a maximum at the inlet opening of the cylindrical member, around the member, to a minimum at a point adjacent said opening, whereby the air will be discharged over the rim of the open end of the cylindrical member substantially equally at all points around said rim and a cover for the greater portion of the open end of said cylindrical member, the margin of said cover being spaced from the peripheral rim of the open end of said cylindrical member to provide an annular outlet opening for the air.

8. In a ventilating system or the like, a diffuser unit for introducing air into a room or other enclosure, said unit comprising, in combination, a hollow cylindrical member having a closed end and an open end, and an inlet opening in its side wall, means for directing flow of air into said opening, a centrally disposed bafile element within said member and directly behind said opening, said element providing a generally spiral interior wall surface perpendicular to said closed end and forming with the closed end and side wall of the cylindrical member a substantially annular channel which gradually diminishes in cross-sectional area from a maximum at the inlet opening of the cylindrical member, around the member, to a minimum at a point adjacent saidopening, whereby the air will be discharged over the rim of the open end of the cylindrical member substantially equally at all points around said rim and a cover for the greater portion of the open end of said cylindrical member, the margin of said cover being spaced from the peripheral rim of the open end of said cylindrical member to provide an annular outlet opening for the air, said cover being provided around its periphery with a curved flange for deflecting the air in radial directions.

9. In a ventilating system or the like, a diffuser unit for introducing air into a room or other enclosure, said unit comprising, in combination, a hollow cylindrical member having a closed end and an open end, and an inlet opening in its side wall, means for directing flow of air into said opening in a direction diametrically of said cylindrical member, a centrally disposed baflie element providing a curved interior wall surface perpendicular to said closed end and spaced apart from the side wall of the cylindrical member, the spacing gradually diminishing from a maximum at the inlet opening around the interior of the cylinder to a minimum at a point at one side of said inlet opening whereby the air will be discharged over the rim of the open end of the cylindrical member substantially equally at all points around said rim, and means for securing said baflie element in selected rotative adjusted positions with respect to said cylindrical member and to the inlet opening, to correct or vary the distribution of air discharged over said rim and a cover adjustably secured to said cylindrical member and adapted to overlie the greater portion of the open end thereof, the margin of said cover being spaced from the peripheral rim of the open end of said cylindrical member to provide an annular outlet opening for the air, said baffle element being secured to said cover, whereby rotation of the latter will effect the desired rotatable adjustment of the former.

10. In a ventilating system or the like, a diffuser unit for introducing air into a room or other enclosure, said unit comprising, in combination, a hollow cylindrical member having a closed end and an open end, and an inlet opening in its side wall, means for directing flow of air into said opening, a centrally disposed bafile (element providing a generally spiral interior wall surface perpendicular to said closed end and forming with the wall and the bottom of the cylindrical member a substantially annular channel which gradually diminishes in crosssectional area from a maximum at the inlet opening the cylindrical member, around the member, to a minimum at a point adjacent said opening, whereby the air will be discharged over the rim of the open end of the cylindrical member substantially equally at all points around said rim and a bafiie plate disposed perpendicularly to the bottom of said cylindrical member and between the centrally disposed baflle element and the outer wall of the cylinder, said bafile plate extending for a portion only of the circumference of the cylinder and conforming to the curvature of the surface of the bafile element to which it is adjacent, whereby the channel is divided for a portion of its length into two channels the inner one being of substantially the same crosssectional area throughout its length while the outer one diminishes gradually to effect the discharge of air as described.

11. In a ventilating system or the like, a diffuser unit for introducing air into a room or other enclosure, said unit comprising, in combination, a hollow cylindrical member having a closed end and an open end, and an inlet opening in its side wall, means for directing flow of air into said opening in a direction diametrically of said cylidrical member, a centrally disposed balile element within said member and directly behind said opening, said element providing a curved interior wall surface perpendicular to said closed end and spaced apart from the side wall of the cylindrical member, the spacing gradually diminishing from a maximum at the inlet opening around the interior of the cylinder to a minimum at a point at one side of said inlet opening, whereby the air will be discharged over the rim of the open end of the cylindrical member substantially equally at all points around said rim, a cover for the greater portion of the open end of said cylindrical member, the margin of said cover being spaced from the peripheral rim of the open end of said cylindrical member to provide an annular outlet opening for the air and an arcuate damper fitted to the interior surface of the cylindrical member and extending around the latter for more than 180 degrees, and means for rotatably adjusting said damper to partially or fully close the inlet opening, said adjusting means comprising a manually operable member eXtending through the annular air discharge space.

12. In a ventilating system or the like, a diffuser unit for introducing air into a room or other enclosure, said unit comprising, in combination, a hollow cylindrical member having a closed end and an open end, and an inlet opening in its side wall, means for directing flow of air into said opening in a direction diametrically of said cylindrical member, a centrally disposed bafiie element within said member and directly behind said opening, said element providing a curved interior wall surface perpendicular to said closed end and spaced apart from the side wall of the cylindrical member, the spacing, gradually diminishing from a maximum at the inlet opening around the interior of the cylinder to a minimum at a point at one side of said inlet opening, whereby the air will be discharged over the rim of the open end of the cylindrical member substantially equally at all points around said rim, and an arcuate damper fitted to the interior surface of the cylindrical member, a plurality of lugs on the wall of said cylinder adjacent the open end, said damper being guided between said lugs and the bottom of said cylindrical member, and means for rotatably adjusting said damper to partially or fully close the inlet opening.

13. In a ventilating system or the like, a diffuser unit for introducing air into a room or other enclosure, said unit comprising, in combination, a hollow cylindrical member having a closed end and an open end, and an inlet opening in its side wall, means for directing flow of air into said opening, a centrally disposed bafile element providing a generally spiral interior wall surface perpendicular to said closed end and forming with the closed end and side wall of the cylindrical member a substantially annular channel which gradually diminishes in cross-sectional area from a maximum at the inlet opening of the cylindrical member, around the member, to a minimum at a point adjacent said opening, whereby the air will be discharged substantially equally at all points around the peripheral rim of the open end of the cylindrical member, and a plurality of baffle plates disposed perpendicularly to the closed end of said cylindrical member and between the centrally disposed baffie element and the outer wall of the cylinder, each of said bafiie plates extending for portions only of the circumference of the cylinder and conforming to the curvature of the surface of the baffle element to which it is adjacent, whereby the channel is divided for certain portions of its length into a plurality of channels the inner one being of substantially the same cross-sectional area throughout its length while the outer ones diminish gradually to effect the discharge of air at successive arcs around the periphery of said unit as described.

FRANKLIN L. SLADE.

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