Patent ID: 6066042
Filing Date: 2000-05-23
Classification: F24F,H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
In an enclosure for a device capable of emitting a gas having a density lower than the density of ambient air, wherein the enclosure defines a substantially air-tight interior space having upper and lower ends and a surrounding exterior space, a passive ventilation system for exhausting the low-density gas, the system comprising:a first passageway extending through the enclosure into the upper end of the interior space, and including an inlet disposed in the interior space at the upper end and an outlet disposed in the exterior space, the first passageway providing gaseous communication between the interior and exterior spaces so that low-density gas is ventilated from the upper end of the interior space; anda second passageway extending through the enclosure into the lower end of the interior space, and including an inlet disposed in the exterior space and an outlet disposed in the interior space adjacent the upper end, the second passageway providing gaseous communication between the exterior and interior spaces, and including a generally horizontal section extending across the lower end of the interior space, the generally horizontal section having a heat conductive surface exposed to the interior space so that heat is transferred between the second passageway and the interior space of the enclosure, equalizing the temperature of the gas in the second passageway with the gas in the lower end of the interior space to minimize thermally-induced gas flow through the passageways.