Abstract:
An internally adjustable damper for use in a commercial kitchen includes a housing having a sidewall defining an interior, a first open end, and a second open end in fluid communication with the first open end. A damper blade is disposed within the housing and is rotatable about an axis of rotation to allow a selectable air flow resistance. An arch extends from the damper blade and adjacent to the sidewall, the arch being symmetric about the axis of rotation. A threaded stud extends from the sidewall into the interior of the housing and is disposed adjacent the arch. A fastener is operatively coupled to the threaded stud, wherein the fastener is adapted to selectively press down against the arch, thereby fixing the location of the damper blade, and retract from the arch, thereby allowing the damper blade to rotate about the axis of rotation. The fastener and the baffle are accessible from inside the housing through either the first open end or the second open end.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to exhaust hoods and, more particularly, to a internally adjustable damper device for use with exhaust hoods in commercial kitchens for varying the resistance that an exhaust fan has to overcome thereby controlling the volume of air being exhausted through the hood. 
         [0002]      FIG. 1  shows a known kitchen ventilation system (KVS). Cooking equipment such as a stove  10  creates heat, smoke, volatile organic compounds, grease particles, vapor, and other effluents  12  during cooking A kitchen ventilation system  14  is used to capture, contain and exhaust these effluents  12  to avoid health and fire hazards. The typical KVS  14  includes a hood  16 , an exhaust plenum  18  with a filter  20  disposed within the hood  16 , an exhaust duct  22  in fluid communication with the plenum  18 , and a fan  24  and a make up air system  28 . The makeup air is distributed via diffuser  29 . The space within the hood  16  upstream of the filter  20  is sometimes referred to as the recess or canopy region  21  of the hood; and the region downstream of the filter is sometimes considered a part of the exhaust plenum  18 . The fan  24  pulls kitchen air and the effluents  12  into the hood  16 , through the filter  20  and into the exhaust plenum  18 , then through the duct  22  and out to the atmosphere. In this example, the duct  22  is disposed completely within the ceiling  23 . The flow rate at which the air is pulled from the kitchen and through the exhaust system  14  is known as the exhaust rate. This set-up is disclosed in  Design Guide  2 —Optimizing Makeup Air —Updated Mar. 15, 2004 (©2002 California Energy Commission). 
         [0003]    It is important that the exhaust rate be the minimum required to capture and contain the effluents. As can be imagined, all air pumped out of the kitchen must be replaced with fresh air, known as makeup air. If the exhaust rate is higher than necessary, an excess amount of exhaust air is taken out of the kitchen and an equal amount of makeup air must be pumped back into the kitchen. Unnecessarily high hood exhaust flow rates increase energy consumption as well as negatively affect the working environment of the kitchen by creating additional noise, and air turbulence as well as exhausting expensive conditioned air from the kitchen. A high flow rate of makeup air may disturb the path of the effluents from the cooking surface into the hood, thus lowering the effectiveness of the exhaust system. The makeup air may also require conditioning, either cooling or heating, so that the kitchen staff can be comfortable in their work environment. It is another unnecessary expense to condition the unneeded makeup air. If the makeup air flow rate is less than the exhaust rate, the kitchen will become negatively pressurized, again negatively affecting the exhaust system&#39;s effectiveness. On the other hand, if the exhaust rate becomes too low for any reason, the exhaust system will not pull all the effluents into the plenum. 
         [0004]    The required exhaust rate depends on numerous factors. This includes the type and use of the cooking equipment under the hood, the style and geometry of the hood itself, and how the makeup air is introduced into the kitchen. Certain cooking appliances create different levels of grease and smoke, have different thermal plumes, and may have inconsistent surges of thermal plumes. Of course, larger levels of grease and smoke and stronger thermal plumes require a larger exhaust rate. Moreover, wall-mounted canopy hoods (such as shown in  FIG. 1 ) and island canopy hoods have different capture areas and are mounted at different heights and require different exhaust rates. The location of the makeup air distribution point, open widows and doors also can disrupt the thermal plume and hinder capture and containment. 
         [0005]    Over the life of the exhaust system, the required exhaust rate may change. For example, the cooking appliances could be replaced with new cooking appliances that have different requirements. Windows may be kept open during summer to allow breezes to enter the kitchen (thereby disrupting the thermal plume), but closed during winter. Moreover, the performance of the exhaust fan may deteriorate over time, thereby lowering the exhaust rate to below optimum performance. 
         [0006]    In another set-up disclosed in  FIG. 2 , a first kitchen hood  26 , a second kitchen hood  28 , and a third kitchen hood  30  are all connected to and in fluid communication with a common exhaust duct  32 . Due to configuration of the exhaust system, the exhaust air flowing through the first hood  26  will encounter the highest resistance to air flow, while the flow of the exhaust through the third hood  30  will experience the lowest resistance to air flow. If the exhaust fan is set to provide the first hood  26  with the proper exhaust rate, then the exhaust rate of the third hood  30  may be too high. Accordingly, the owner of the building will be required to pump a high and equal amount of makeup air back into the kitchen, thereby increasing the costs as outlined above and potentially disturbing the working environment or effectiveness of the KVS. If the exhaust fan is set to provide the third hood  30  with the proper exhaust rate, then the exhaust rate of the first hood  26  may be too low. Again, where the exhaust rate is too low, the hood will not capture and contain the thermal plume as noted above. 
         [0007]    In another set-up disclosed in  FIG. 2 , a first kitchen hood  26 , a second kitchen hood  28 , and a third kitchen hood  30  are all connected to and in fluid communication with a common exhaust duct  32 , it may be beneficial to have different exhaust rates through each hood as each hood could be installed over varying cooking equipment that generate varying degrees of temperature an effluent plume. 
         [0008]    There is a need to be able to accurately control the exhaust rate and adjust the amount of air that is being pulled out of the kitchen through each exhaust hood to accurately achieve the minimum exhaust rate continuously over the life of the exhaust system. This need is particularly acute in systems with multiple kitchen hoods connected to a common exhaust duct as disclosed in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0009]    Previously known duct dampers have been designed to allow for the adjustment of damper devices. However, mechanisms for adjusting and locking the damper devices in place have generally been located on the outside of the damper apparatus. This external adjustment adds complications when the damper or its adjustment mechanisms are not easily accessible by their operators. For example, a large percentage of kitchen ventilation hoods are installed in close proximity to ceilings or walls, such as shown in  FIG. 1  and as a result, the ducts exiting the hood may immediately pass through ceilings or walls or have obstructions that make accessing the outside of the damper apparatus to make adjustments, lock or unlock, difficult or impossible. In this manner, ceilings walls or obstructions may prevent the making of adjustments to position the apparatus, such as dampers, disposed in the most desired position which is in close proximity to the hood. 
         [0010]    There is therefore a need for a damper device that may be used with exhaust hoods that do not suffer from the above-described shortcomings. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0011]    The present invention provides an internally adjustable damper for use in a commercial kitchen hood. The hood includes: a housing having a sidewall defining an interior, the housing further including a first open end and a second open end in fluid communication with the first open end; a damper blade disposed within the housing and rotatable about an axis of rotation to allow a selectable resistance to air flow; a first arch extending from the damper blade and adjacent to the sidewall, the first arch being symmetric about the axis of rotation; a threaded stud extending from the sidewall into the interior and disposed adjacent the first arch; and a fastener operatively coupled to the threaded stud, wherein the fastener is adapted to selectively press down against the first arch, thereby fixing the location of the damper blade, and retract from the first arch, thereby allowing the damper blade to rotate about the axis of rotation; wherein the fastener and the damper blade are accessible inside the housing through either the first open end or the second open end. 
         [0012]    In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of adjusting the resistance to air flow of a commercial kitchen hood. The method includes removing a first filter from a first hood to expose an interior of a first plenum in the first hood and an inside of a first housing operatively coupled to the first plenum, the first housing having an open first end in fluid communication with the first plenum and an open second end in fluid communication with the first end; loosening a fastener disposed within the first housing to release a first damper blade disposed within the first housing, the fastener and the first damper blade being accessible through the first plenum and the open first end; and rotating the first damper blade about an axis of rotation to adjust a first exhaust rate. 
         [0013]    For a further understanding of the nature and advantages of the invention, reference should be made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a simplified side view of a kitchen appliance and a prior art kitchen exhaust system with a single kitchen appliance and hood. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a prior art kitchen exhaust system with multiple hoods and a common exhaust duct. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a kitchen exhaust system with multiple hoods, where each hood has an internally adjustable damper device and an electronic component enclosure associated with it, and a common exhaust duct, in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a bottom perspective view of a hood, damper device, and enclosure as disclosed in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a top perspective view of the enclosure and damper device of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the damper device and enclosure of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged bottom perspective view of the damper device of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is an exploded view of a damper blade used in the damper device of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a section view of the damper device taken along line A-A in  FIG. 5 , where the damper blades are in the fully closed position. 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is a section view of the damper device taken along line A-A in  FIG. 5 , where the damper blades are in the fully open position. 
           [0024]      FIGS. 11   a - 11   g  are a series of cross sectional views depicting alternative designs of the panels of the housing of the damper device. 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  is a front section view of the electronic component enclosure taken along line B-B in  FIG. 5 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  is an isometric cutaway view of the enclosure and the removable cover. 
           [0027]      FIGS. 14   a  and  14   b  are cross sectional views depicting alternative designs of the side panels of the enclosure. 
           [0028]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the enclosure. 
           [0029]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment, where the damper device has multiple electronic enclosures associated with it. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0030]      FIG. 3  shows pertinent details of a kitchen hood exhaust system  34  that addresses the foregoing issues. The kitchen exhaust system  34  includes a first hood  36  with a first variable volume damper device  38  and a first electronic component enclosure  40  mounted to the first hood  36 . It further includes a second hood  42  with a second damper device  44  and second enclosure  46  mounted to the second hood  42 , and a third hood  48  with a third damper device  50  and a third enclosure  52  mounted to the third hood  48 . 
         [0031]    Each damper device  38 ,  44 ,  50  is disposed between its respective kitchen hood  36 ,  42 ,  48  and a common exhaust duct  54 . Each of the first damper device  38 , second damper device  44 , and third damper device  50  are connected to a first exhaust duct  56 , a second exhaust duct  58 , and a third exhaust duct  60 , respectively. Each of the first exhaust duct  56 , the second exhaust duct  58 , and the third exhaust duct  60  are connected to the common exhaust duct  54 . A single exhaust fan, such as shown in  FIG. 1 , pulls all exhaust from the first, second and third hoods  36 ,  42 ,  48  through the common exhaust duct  54 . Each damper device  38 ,  44 ,  50  allows for independent adjustment of its air flow resistance, and thus the exhaust flow through its respective kitchen hood  36 ,  42 ,  48  such that each kitchen hood  36 ,  42 ,  48  can be set to have an equal, un-equal and/or proper exhaust rate. 
         [0032]    Each electronic component enclosure  40 ,  46 ,  52  allows a probe to be positioned in its associated damper device  38 ,  44 ,  50  or kitchen hood  36 ,  42 ,  48  to monitor, for example, temperature. For brevity, each internally adjustable damper device  38 ,  44 ,  50  is alternately referred to herein as simply a damper device. Moreover, the electronic component enclosure  40 ,  46 ,  52  is alternately referred to as simply an enclosure. 
         [0033]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view as viewed from underneath of the first hood  36 , the first damper device  38 , and the first enclosure  40 . Typically, air filters are installed in-the hood  36  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ), but in this view the filters has been removed to allow for visualization of inside an exhaust plenum  18  of the hood  36 , thus revealing the first damper device  38  and the first enclosure  40 . As will be readily understood, only the first damper device  38  and first enclosure  40  will be described herein, but both the second and third damper devices  44 ,  50  can be the same as the first damper device  40 , and both the second and third enclosures  46 ,  52  can be the same as the first enclosure  40 . 
         [0034]    As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the damper device  38  is operatively coupled to the hood  36 , is installed adjacent the hood  36 , and can be installed between the hood  36  and the first exhaust duct  56 . The damper device  38  is located above and in fluid communication with the hood  36 . On the other hand, the damper device  38  could be installed within the hood  36  itself. Moreover, it can be seen that upon removing the filter from the hood  36 , both the damper device  38  and the enclosure  40  are visible and accessible by reaching inside the exhaust plenum  18 . 
         [0035]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , an enlarged isometric view of the damper device  38  and enclosure  40  are shown without the kitchen hood. The damper device  38  includes a housing  64  having a sidewall  66  defining an interior  68 , the sidewall  66  including a left end panel  70 , a right end panel  72 , a front panel  74 , and a rear panel  76 . The housing  64  also defines a first open end  78  and a second open end  80 , where the second open end  80  is in fluid communication with the first open end  78 . Although the disclosed housing  64  is depicted as having four generally rectangular flat panels  70 ,  72 ,  74 ,  76 , other sidewall configurations such as a cylinder are also contemplated. As will be described more fully herein, disposed within the housing  64  is a pair of rotatable, generally rectangular damper blades  82 ,  84  that extend from the left end panel  70  to the right end panel  72 . The damper blades  82 ,  84  are rotatable to allow a user to vary the resistance that the exhaust fan has to overcome thereby varying the volume of air being exhausted through the damper relative to the capabilities of the exhaust fan and the other demands of the exhaust system. 
         [0036]    The enclosure  40  can house electronic components adjacent the exhaust plenum  18  and is accessible through the exhaust plenum  18  once the filter is removed. Moreover, the components stored inside the enclosure  40  are accessible from inside the exhaust plenum  18 . While the enclosure  40  is adjacent to and accessible from inside the exhaust plenum  18 , the enclosure  40  protects the components from the airborne grease and other effluents that are pulled into the exhaust plenum  18  and removed from the kitchen by the exhaust system  34 . As will be described more fully herein, in this embodiment a probe  86  such as a temperature probe extends from inside the enclosure  40  and into the housing  64 . 
         [0037]    The enclosure  40  houses all necessary electronic components to facilitate the temperature probe  86  and allows the components to be connected to a computer or other component. In one embodiment, the computer is also connected to a controller of the exhaust fan, such that as the temperature probe reads a higher temperature, the computer can direct the exhaust fan to run faster. As will be seen, the configuration of the plenum  62  and enclosure  40  allows for a user to have easy access to the electronic components stored inside the enclosure  40 . 
         [0038]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5-10 , the dampening device  38  having two dampening blades  82 ,  84  are disclosed. Although the disclosed device includes two dampening blades, only the first dampening blade  82  will be described herein. It is understood that that second dampening blade  84  can have the same construction as the first dampening blade  82  and can be a mirror image to the first blade  82 . The second dampening blade  84  can be independently movable from the first dampening blade  82 , although it is envisioned that the second dampening blade  84  can also be interconnected to the first dampening blade  82  through, for example, gearing and/or belts such that movement of one blade will move the other. Moreover, although two dampening blades  82 ,  84  are described, the system could function with a single dampening blade  82  or three or more dampening blades. 
         [0039]    Referring now to the first dampening blade  82  and in particular to  FIGS. 6 and 8 , a rod  88  extends from the left end panel  70  to the right end panel  72  and is connected on its ends to the end panels  70 ,  72 . In one example, the rod  88  is welded to the housing  64 . The rod  88  defines an axis of rotation  90  about which the first damper blade  82  rotates. The damper blade  82  includes a generally rectangular baffle  92  having a leading edge  94  and a trailing edge  96 . The damper blade  82  further includes a sandwich panel  98  connected to the baffle  92 . The sandwich panel  98  can be welded to the baffle  92 . The sandwich panel  98  includes a triangular recess  100  extending along its length. The rod  88  is disposed within the recess  100  between the sandwich panel  98  and the baffle  92  in a relatively tight fit. The rod  88  simultaneously supports the damper blade  82  and allows the damper blade  82  to rotate about the rod  88  and the axis of rotation  90 . Other configurations to support and allow a damper blade to rotate within the housing can be used. 
         [0040]    Extending generally perpendicular from an end of the baffle  92  is a semicircular panel  102  and a semicircular arch  104 , which can best be seen in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . Both the panel  102  and the arch  104  are generally adjacent to and parallel to the sidewall  66  of the housing  64  and are symmetric about the axis of rotation  90 . A semicircular gap  106  is defined between the panel  102  and the arch  104 . In this example, the baffle  92 , panel  102 , and arch  104  are made from a single piece of sheet metal that is stamped to form the baffle  92 , panel  102 , arch  104 , and gap  106  in a single sheet, where that sheet is then bent such that the panel  102  and arch  104  are perpendicular to the baffle  92 . The naming convention of the semicircular panel  102  and semicircular arch  104  is for ease of reference, and no limitation should be read therein. For example, the panel  102  can also be considered an arch. 
         [0041]    A threaded stud  108  extends inwardly from the sidewall  66  into the interior  68  of the housing  64 . The stud  108  is disposed within the semicircular gap  106 , adjacent both the semicircular panel  102  and the semicircular arch  104 . A fastener  110  such as a locking bolt is screwed onto the threaded stud  108 . While the disclosed fastener  110  may require a wrench, other known fasteners such as wing nuts may also be used that do not require a tool. When fully screwed down, the fastener  110  presses against the panel  102 , the arch  104 , and the sidewall  66 , thereby securing the damper blade  82  in its location by friction against the sidewall  66 , seen best in  FIGS. 7 ,  9 , and  10   
         [0042]    To adjust the air flow resistance of the damper device, a user can remove the filter  20  from the exhaust plenum  18  to gain access to the damper device  38 . He or she can reach inside the exhaust plenum  18 , into the housing  64 , and unscrew the fastener  110  to release the damper blade  82 . The user can then rotate the damper blade  82  manually to increase or decrease the resistance to air flow created by the exhaust fan. The user can then refasten the fastener  110  to fix the damper blade  82  in the desired orientation. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the damper blades  82 ,  84  can be rotated to a fully open position where the blades are parallel to the direction of air flow. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the damper blades  82 ,  84  can also be rotated to a fully closed position. However, in the fully closed position, the damper blades  82 ,  84  maintain a gap between them at their trailing edges  96 ,  96   a , for example, it is 5% open relative to the first open end or the second open end (95% fully closed), to allow a small amount of exhaust to pass through. Based on this construction, it is possible to adjust the resistance of the damper device and hence the exhaust rate by reaching inside the hood  36  and housing  64 . Accordingly, the problem of prior art devices having their adjustment hardware on the outside of the housing  64  is solved by this configuration. Moreover, in setups as shown in  FIG. 3 , the problem of multiple kitchen hoods connected to a common exhaust duct is also solved. The user can independently adjust the exhaust rates of each kitchen hood such that the exhaust rates of each hood is substantially equal or unequal whichever best meets the demands of the cooking equipment being exhausted under each hood. 
         [0043]    In other examples not shown, labels can be disposed adjacent the arch that identify the resistance value or exhaust rate for various rotational orientations of the damper blades  82 ,  84 . In other words, the label will identify the air flow resistance or exhaust rate that will be achieved when the damper blades  82 ,  84  are placed in a particular angular orientation. Moreover, means known in the art can be employed to allow setting of discrete, predetermined angular locations corresponding to various exhaust rates. 
         [0044]    Referring generally now to  FIGS. 11   a - 11   g , the sidewall  66  of the housing  64  can have a number of different cross sections that allow for different types of duct and hood connections in the field.  FIG. 11   a  depicts that the sidewall  66  is simply straight at the first open end  78  and the second open end  80 .  FIG. 11   b  depicts that the sidewall  66  includes a flange  112  extending perpendicularly outward at the first open end  78 . In  FIG. 11   c , the sidewall  66  includes an inset ridge  114  at the first open end  78 . In  FIG. 11   d , the sidewall includes flanges  112  extending perpendicularly outward at both the first open end  78  and the second open end  80 . In  FIG. 11   e , the sidewall  66  includes an outset ridge  116  at the second open end  80 . In  FIG. 11   f , the sidewall  66  includes a flange  112  extending perpendicularly outward at the second open end  80  this is the configuration shown in  FIG. 5 . Finally, in  FIG. 11   g , the sidewall includes a flange  112  extending perpendicularly outward at the first open end  78  and an outset ridge  116  at the second open end  80 . 
         [0045]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4 ,  5 ,  12  and  13 , the electronic component enclosure  40  is shown. The enclosure  40  is operatively coupled to the hood  36 . The enclosure  40  should be so situated relative to the hood  36  such that the probe  86  can extend out of the enclosure  40  and into the air flow captured by the hood  36 . Moreover, the enclosure  40  should be accessible from inside the hood  36 . In this embodiment, the enclosure  40  is disposed above the hood  36  and is mounted to the hood  36 . As mentioned earlier, the enclosure  40  safely houses electronic components away from the harsh high temperature grease laden unclean environment of the plenum  62 , yet allows easy access to the components from inside the hood  36 . 
         [0046]    The enclosure  40  is essentially a container  117  with four side panels  118 , a top panel  120 , and an open bottom  122  with a removable cover  124  that is secured over the open bottom  122 . The enclosure  40  defines an interior  125 . When the cover  124  is attached to the container  117 , the interior  125  is sealed from the exhaust plenum  18 . When the cover  124  is detached from the container  117 , the interior  125  is exposed to the exhaust plenum  18 . The enclosure  40  can be placed adjacent to the damper device  38 , where a side panel  118   a  of the enclosure  40  butts up against the sidewall  66  of the housing  64  of the damper device  38 . 
         [0047]    Referring particularly to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , an L-shaped flange  126  is welded to the side panels  118  adjacent the open bottom  122  and extends inwardly along the perimeter of the open bottom  122 . The L-shaped flange  126  includes internally threaded slugs  128  extending upwardly. The removable cover  124  includes through holes  130  coincident with the slugs  128  such that the cover  124  can be fastened to the housing  64  with screws  132  through the through holes  130  into the slugs  128 . A gasket  134  is disposed around the perimeter of the removable cover  124 , such that when the cover  124  is fastened to the housing  64 , the gasket  134  presses against the L-shaped flange  126  to seal the enclosure  40  tightly. 
         [0048]    The enclosure  40  includes a continuous fire stop  136  disposed about its side panels  118 . The fire stop  136  is a high temperature paste disposed in a gap between the L-shaped flange  126  and the enclosure panels  118 . In this example, the L-shaped flange  126  is spot-welded to the enclosure panels  118 . Thus, there are gaps between the spot welds and between the flange  126  and the panels  118 . The fire stop  136  fills up the gaps and prevents fire and smoke from penetrating into the enclosure  40  between the side panels  118  and the L-shaped flange  126 . 
         [0049]    In this example, the enclosure  40  includes an access port  138  in its first side panel  118   a . Likewise, the housing  64  of the damper device  38  includes a coincident access port  140  in its side wall  66 . An electronic element such as the temperature probe  86  can be disposed within the enclosure  40 , extend through the access port  138  in the first side panel  118   a  in the enclosure  40 , the access port  140  in the sidewall  66  of the housing  64 , and into the interior  68  of the housing  64 . An electronic component  142  such as a controller is mounted within the enclosure  40  and connected to the probe  86 . 
         [0050]    The access port  138 ,  140  in the enclosure  40  and housing  38  can be sealed with a quick seal  144  such as one manufactured by Evergreen Tool Co., Model #171 or 899. The quick seal  144  includes an externally threaded nipple  146  and a locking nut  148 . Moreover, the nipple  146  can also be internally threaded, with the temperature probe  86  being externally threaded and screwed into the pipe nipple  146 . In this manner, the temperature probe  86  can extend into the housing  64  and pass data to the controller  142  without compromising the integrity of the enclosure  40  or subjecting the controller  142  to the harsh high-temperature grease-laden unclean exhaust. Also shown is a conduit extending from controller  142  to allow for the control signal from the controller  142  to be used by other systems that receive the signal, for example, the fan control logic. 
         [0051]    If the controller  142  or temperature probe  86  need to be replaced or updated, a user can again simply remove the filter to open the exhaust plenum  18  and gain access to the enclosure  40 . As can be seen in  FIG. 4 , the screws  132  are easily accessible from within the exhaust plenum  18 . After removing the screws  132 , the removable cover  124  can be removed, and, if necessary, the temperature probe  86  can be screwed out of the quick seal  144 . The probe  86  and controller  142  can then be addressed. Once the necessary actions have been taken, the probe  86 , controller  142 , and quick seal  144  can be reinstalled, the removable cover  124  can be fixed to the enclosure  40 , and the filter can be reinstalled. 
         [0052]    Referring generally now to  FIGS. 14   a  and  14   b , the side panels  118  of the enclosure  40  have a number of different cross sections that allow for different types of connections to the removable cover.  FIG. 14   a  depicts that the side panels  118  are simply straight.  FIG. 14   b  depicts that the side panels  118  include a flange  150  extending outwardly. 
         [0053]      FIG. 15  shows a second embodiment of the enclosure  152 . Here, the access port is not in the side panel of the enclosure as is shown in  FIG. 12 . Instead, the access port  154  is disposed within the removable panel  156  itself. Thus, in this example, the temperature probe  86  would extend downwardly into the exhaust plenum  18  of the hood  36  instead of extending into the housing  64  of the damper device  38 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 16  shows another embodiment where a first enclosure  158  and a second enclosure  160  are both associated with the damper device  38 . In this example, a first temperature probe  86  can extend into the housing  64  from the first enclosure  158 , while a second temperature probe  86  can extend into the housing  64  from the second enclosure  160 . In another example similar to the example shown in  FIG. 16 , two enclosures are associated with a single damper device, with a first temperature probe extending into the housing from the first enclosure, and a second temperature probe extending into the exhaust plenum  18  from the second enclosure as shown in  FIG. 15 . 
         [0055]    Other uses of the electrical component enclosure can be envisioned. For example, the probe  86  can be a flow meter that can measure the actual exhaust rate, or could be a pitot tube used to measure fluid flow velocity. Over time, the performance of the exhaust fan may deteriorate, thereby lowering the exhaust rate. A flow meter can be used to ensure that the exhaust rate stays at the optimum level or the pitot tube could be used to measure pressure variations. If the exhaust rate dips, the user can simply rotate the damper blades to a position that allows more air to flow. In another example, the damper blades are connected to a small electric motor, through known elements such as belts and/or gears, where a controller is electrically connected to both the temperature sensor, the flow meter and the electric motor. The controller can read the exhaust rate based on the reading of the flow meter and adjust the angular position of the damper blades to ensure that the exhaust rate stays at the optimum level. Similarly, the controller can read the fluid flow velocity using a pitot tube as described herein, and rotate the damper blades according to the exhaust requirements based on the pressure variation. Similarly, the controller can read the temperature of the exhaust using a temperature probe as described herein, and rotate the damper blades according to any exhaust needs required by a temperature increase. For example, if the temperature increases, it may be necessary to increase the exhaust rate. 
         [0056]    As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. Many other embodiments are possible without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. These other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention, which is set forth in the following claims.