Inventor(s): Eli Elyakim

Title: POSITIVE PRESSURE MOISTURE REDUCTION BETWEEN

DOUBLE GLAZED WINDOW PANES - ALC 9900

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a system for reducing moisture between window panes.

International Patent Application Publication no. WO1982003652 appears to disclose that, "‘The outer side of the leaf (4) carries a wall frame (12). It is necessary to prevent the formation of condensation on the windows (6, 14) and to ensure sufficient thermal and acoustic insulation. For this purpose, a labyrinth seal (18, 22) arranged between the two frames (4, 12) is arranged so as to obtain an equalization of the vapor pressure between the outer side of the glazing and the space between the two panes.”

US Patent no. 10024098 appears to disclose, “a production method of multiple panes which can be simple and nevertheless produce a multiple pane in its finished state which does not include any undesired protrusion from an external surface of a glass panel. The production method includes: hermetically bonding, with a sealing member, peripheries of paired glass panels disposed facing each other at a predetermined distance to form a space to be hermetically enclosed between the glass panels; evacuating air from the space through an outlet to make the space be in a reduced pressure state; and dividing, after the space is made be in the reduced pressure state, the space by a region forming member into an outlet region including the outlet and a reduced pressure region other than the outlet region.” and that, “It is expected that the multiple pane in which the pressure of the inside space is reduced shows great thermally insulating effects, dew prevention effects, and sound insulating effects, as a result of presence of a vacuum layer whose pressure is lower than the atmospheric pressure between the pair of glass panels, relative to a multiple pane constituted by two glass plate simply bonded to each other. Therefore, such multiple pane atracts great attentions as one of eco-glass in current situations in which the importance of energy strategy rises.'’

US Patent no. 3771276 appears to disclose. “A multiple-glazed unit provided with breather apparatus comprising a capillary tube connected to an elongated column of desiccant material.”

European Patent Application Publication no. EPO 180498 appears to disclose that, “This glazed frame, capable of closing an opening an exterior wall of a building, is fitted with a window (23) of glazing arranged on the face of the chassis intended to be located on the outside of the wall and means for circulation air from the outside to the inside. These means com take air inlets (22), communicating with the space (26) between the panes (12,23), formed at level of the lower crossmember (5) on the outer face of the chassis and air outlet holes (25), communicating with the space (26) between the panes, formed at the level of the upper crossmember (4) on the inside of the frame sis. Application, in particular, tor door leaves and windows.”

Chinese Utility Model no. CN209924209U appears to disclose, “a narrowcavity double-layer glass curtain wall structure in hot summer and warm winter areas, which comprises a story building wall surface, an inner curtain wall mechanism, a cross beam, an air inlet device, an outer curtain wall mechanism, a sun-shading curtain, an air exhaust fan and a drying box, wherein the air inlet device, the air exhaust fan and the drying box are arranged, the air inlet, device and the air exhaustfan can ensure the indoor and outdoor air circulation, and the drying box is filled with a drying agent, so that the moist air can be dried during ventilation, and the moist air is prevented from entering the indoor; the arrangement of the sun-shading curtain can play a role in shading when the sunlight is strong, so that indoor workers are prevented from being influenced by reflection; the C-shaped auxiliary part and the glass claws are arranged, so that the outer curtain wall is clamped on the C-shaped auxiliary part and is fixed with the outer curtain wall hanger through the glass claws, and the phenomenon that the outer curtain wail falls from high altitude due to falling off is prevented; the setting of interior curtain and interior curtain face frame can guarantee the activity of interior curtain, can realize opening and closing of interior curtain, guarantees the ventilation effect.”

Additional background art includes US Patent Application Publication no. 20180216396, SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the invention, there is provided a system for drying including: a plurality of enclosed spaces; a source of gas at positive pressure; a distribution circuit connecting the source to the plurality of enclosed spaces.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the plurality of enclosed spaces includes a plurality of spaces between panes of multi paned windows.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the windows are prefabricated.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the source of gas includes an air compressor.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the system further includes a drier between the air compressor and the distribution circuit.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the distribution circuit includes a loop.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the plurality of enclosed spaces include multiple windows on a single floor of a multi-floor building.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the system further includes a sensor sending output to a controller configured to activate the system in response to the output.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the sensor indicates a presence of moisture.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the sensor is located in one of the plurality of enclosed spaces.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the system further includes a relief valve configured io release pressure from one of the enclosed space when a pressure in the one enclosed space is greater than a threshold.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the system further includes a flow limiter between the distribution circuit and one space of the plurality of enclosed spaces. According to some embodiments of the invention, the system further includes a second plurality of enclosed space and a second distribution circuit connecting the source to the second plurality of spaces.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the system further includes a sensor indicating a moisture level in at least a portion of the second plurality enclosed spaces and valve controlled by the controller to facilitate or inhibit gas flow between the gas source and the second plurality of enclosed spaces in response to an output of the sensor.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the invention, there Is provided a window including: two panes of glass; a space enclosed between the two panes; an air inlet to the space, the inlet configured to attach to a source of positive pressure gas.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the inlet connects to an upper half of the the window. According to some embodiments of the invention, the window further includes a relief valve for releasing gas from the space when a pressure in the space passes a threshold pressure.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the window further includes a flow limiter on the inlet. According to an aspect of some embodiments of die invention, there is provided a building including: a plurality of enclosed spaces; a source of gas at positive pressure; a distribution circuit connecting the source to the plurality of enclosed spaces.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the plurality of enclosed spaces includes a plurality of spaces between panes of multipaneci windows.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the windows are prefabricated.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the source of gas includes an air compressor. According to some embodiments of the invention, the building further includes a drier between the air compressor and the distribution circuit.

According to some embodiments of the Invention, the distribution circuit includes a loop. According to some embodiments of the invention, the plurality of enclosed spaces include multiple windows on a single floor of a multi-floor building.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the building further includes a sensor sending output to a controller configured to activate the building in response to the output.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the sensor indicates a presence of moisture.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the sensor is located in one of the plurality of enclosed spaces. According to some embodiments of the invention, the building further includes a relief valve configured to release pressure from one of the enclosed space when a pressure in the one enclosed space is greater than a threshold.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the building further includes a flow limiter between the distribution circuit and one space of the plurality of enclosed spaces.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the building further includes a second plurality of enclosed space and a second distribution circuit connecting the source to the second plurality of spaces.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the building further includes a sensor indicating a moisture level in at least a portion of the second plurality enclosed spaces and valve controlled by the controller to facilitate or inhibit gas flow between the gas source and the second plurality of enclosed spaces in response to an output of the sensor.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the invention, there is provided a method for drying an enclosed space including: supplying gas at positive pressure to the enclosed space; allowing air to leak from the enclosed space as a result of the positive pressure.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further includes releasing pressure from the enclosed space in response to the pressure rising above a threshold.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further includes sensing a moisture content in the enclosed space and wherein the supplying is in response to the sensing. According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further includes sensing a redaction in the moisture content, and stopping the supplying in response to the sensing a reduction.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method farther includes maintaining the positive pressure after the stopping.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further includes limiting a flow rate of the gas into the enclosed space.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the gas includes air and further including drying the air.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below, in case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

Implementation of the method and/or system of embodiments of the invention can involve performing or completing selected tasks manually; automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, according to actual instrumentation and equipment of embodiments of the method and/or system of the invention, several selected tasks could be implemented by hardware, by software or by firmware or by a. combination thereof using an operating system.

For example, hardware for performing selected tasks according to embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a chip or a circuit. As software, selected tasks according to embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a plurality of software instructions being executed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, one or more tasks according to exemplary embodiments of method and/or system as described herein are performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for executing a plurality of instructions. Optionally, the data processor includes a volatile memory for storing instructions and/or data and/or a non-volatile storage, for example, a magnetic hard-disk and/or removable media, for storing instructions and/or data. Optionally, a network connection is provided as well. A display and/or a user input device such as a keyboard or mouse are optionally provided as well.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

In the drawings'.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a drying system in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a drying system for multiple zones in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention,

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a multi-pane window in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention ;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an enclosure of a dtying system in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention,

FIG. 5 Is a block diagram of a distribution loop of a window drying system in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention,

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a distribution loop of a window drying system in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram with details of a gas source of a drying system in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention,

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustration of a method of drying windows in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of a building including a window drying system in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a system for reducing moisture between window panes.

Overview In some embodiments, a positive pressure system blows dry air into the space between window panes at positive pressure. Optionally, the air leaks out of the space between the panes. In some embodiments, a sensor senses when moisture is building up between panes of a double pane glass. Optionally, a building may be divided into zones (for example various walls and/or floors of the building). Each zone may include its own distribution circuit for supplying the air to windows in the zone.

Additionally or alternatively, each zone may include a sensor and/or control system and/or may be dried separately. For example, for a multistory building, a set of compressors and/or air dryers may blow air into space between panes of different windows along a shared pathway. Optionally, there are pressure releases to prevent pressure build up. Optionally, there may be flow limiters

Exemplary Embodiments

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a window- drying system in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. In some embodiments, dry air is pumped at positive pressure from a dry air source 101 into an enclosed space 106, for example between panes of a double-glazed window. Optionally the dry air is supplied to the space 106 and/or moisture leaks out of the space 106 For example, moist air may be replaced with dry air. In some embodiments a number of spaces 106 are connected together to a dry air distribution circuit 104. Optionally, rate and/or pressure limiters 105 are supplied, for example to limit the flow and/or pressure and/or to prevent damaging the space. The system optionally includes one or more controllers 102 and/or sensors. For example, based on sensor data and/or other data and/or schedules, the controller 102 may controller the timing, pressure and/or volume of dry air is one or more distribution circuits 104. For example, the system may supply a desired level of dryness and/or protect the spaces 106 from damage.

In some embodiments, a building will include one or more sources 101 of dry air at positive pressure. For example, a central system may supply air at a relatively high pressure to multiple distributions circuits. For example, the central system may supply air at a pressure of between 0 to 0.5 bar and/or between 0.5 to 2 bar and/or between 2. bar to 6 bar and/or between 6 bar to 10 bar and/or between 10 bar to 20 bar. The system will include a drier (for example, the drier may include a primary drier (e.g., coalescing, refrigerated, and/or deliquescent) and/or a secondary drier (e.g., desiccant, absorption, and/or membrane). For example, there may be a drier in the central air source 101 and/or in one or more of the distribution circuits 104.

In some embodiments, one air source 101 may be connected to multiple distribution circuits 104. Optionally, each distribution circuit 104 will be connected to a one or more enclosed spaces 106. For example, a distribution circuit 104 may channel air to spaces 106 (e.g., windows) of one or more floors of a building and/or one or more walls of the building. For example, each distribution circuit 104 may supply air to enclosed spaces 106 that are expected to have similar tendencies to build up moisture. For example, the upper part of the Southern wall of a building in the Northern Hemisphere may be expected to get relatively more sun than the rest of the building and may have its own distribution circuit 104. Alternatively or additionally, a lower floor of a tall building may be exposed to a more constant climate than the upper floor and/or may be on a different circuit 104 then an upper floor. Alternatively or additionally, the division of different circuits 104 may be arranged to bring about efficient routing of air pipes and/or tubes. For example, a pressure source may be connected to between 1 to 10 distributions circuits 104 and/or between 10 to 75 and/or between 75 to 200 distribution circuits 104. Optionally, the pressure in a distribution circuit 104 may be limited to between 0.01 bar to 0.2 bar and/or between 0.2 to 1 bar and/or between 1 to 5 bar and/or between 5 to 25 bar. Optionally, a distribution circuit 104 may be between 1 to 50 m long and/or between 50 to 500 m long and/or between

500 to 1000 m long and/or between 1000 to 5000 m long Optional the distribution circuit 104 will include one or more closed circuit paths. Optionally piping of a distribution circuit 104 will include a main tine of diameter between 0.1 to 0.5 inch and/or between 0.5 to 3 inch and/or between 3 to 6 inches. Optionally a distribution circuit 104 will be connected to between 1 to 10 enclosed spaces 106 (e.g., spaces between window panes) and/or between 10 to 40 spaces and/or between 40 to 150 spaces and/or between 150 to 500 spaces and/or between 500 to 1500 spaces. In some embodiments, the working of the air source 101 and/or the distribution of the dry air may be controlled by a controller 102. For example, the controller 102 may be connected to one or more electric valves to route air from the air source 101 to a particular distribution circuit 104. Alternatively or additionally, the controller 102 may control a compressor and/or drier In some embodiments, the controller 102 may receive data from a moisture sensor and/or a pressure sensor and/or a flow sensor. For example, there may be one or more sensors sensing moisture content in one or more spaces in each distribution circuit 104. For example, a sensor may be placed in a representative space 106 that is expected to be similar to a typical space 106 in the circuit 104 and/or a sensor may be placed in an extreme space 106 (e.g., that is expected to have higher moisture and/or lower moisture than the typical space 106 in the circuit). Optionally, a pressure sensor may be placed in a space 106 of the system and/or in a tube of a distribution circuit 104 and/or in a tube connected a compressor to the distribution circuit 104. For example, when the pressure is low, the compressor may be activated and/or a valve to the appropriate distribution circuit 104 (e.g , to keep the system at positive pressure and/or avoid dry and/or contaminated air from entering the system). Alternatively or additionally, the controller 102 may activate a compressor and/or valve in accordance with an external factor such as weather conditions and/or time. For example, the system may activate a compressor and/or distribution circuit 104 in response to moist weather and/or a high-pressure front moving through the area (e.g., the system may receive weather updates periodically for example from the Internet) and/or according to a schedule (e.g., periodically). Alternatively or additionally, the controller 102 may schedule drying of different circuits 104 to limit the number of circuits being dried simultaneously, e.g., allowing a relatively small air source dry a large number of circuits 104 and/or spaces 106. Alternatively or additionally, the controller 102 may plan drying sessions to give a compressor a limited load and/or avoiding running a compressor for too long a continuous period. In some embodiments, a drying system include one or more flow limiters 105 and/or pressure limiters 105 Optionally, a limiter 105 may be passive and/or active. Optionally, an active limiter 105 may be controlled manually and/or automatically (e g.. by controller 102). For example, a limiter 105 may include a regulator and/or a limiter orifice and/or a relief valve and/or an electric valve. Optionally, a limiter may be positioned between a pressure source 101 and a distribution circuit 104 and/or between the distribution circuit 104 and a space 106 and/or between a space 106 and an external atmosphere. For example, the limiters 105 may be designed to prevent a buildup of pressure in a space 106 between windows panes that may cause a window to blow out.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a window drying system for multiple zones in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. For example, in a large system their may be an intermediate manifold 203 between the pressure source 101 and the distribution circuits 104. For example, there may be multiple zones, each zone having between 1 to 10 distributions circuits 104 and/or between 10 to 75 and/or between 75 to 200 distribution circuits 104. For example, each zone may be a different building and/or a different part of a single very large building.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a multi -pane window in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. Exemplary window 306 includes a frame 308 holding and/or surrounding two panes 310a, 301b of glass with an enclosed area 318 in between the panes (in FIG. 3 frame 308 is illustrated with the near side cut out to show panes 310a, 310b and enclosed area 318) For example, window 306 may be similar to prefabricated double-glazed windows for example in large office buildings. For example, the enclosed area 318 may have a height and/or width ranging between 0. 1 to 0.5 m and/or between 0.5 to I m and/or between 1 to 2 m and/or between I to 2 m and/or between 2 to 4 m and/or between 4 to 8 m. For example, the enclosed area 318 may have a thickness of between 0.1 cm to 0.5 cm and/or between 0.5 cm to 2.5 cm and/or between 2.5 to 8 cm and/or between 8 to 24 cm and/or between 24 to 50 cm. For example, the enclosed area 318 may have a volume ranging between 0.1 to 0.3 nr' and/or between 0.3 to 1 .0 nr' and/or between 1.0 to 3.0 nr’ and/or between 3.0 to 10 me Optionally the enclosed area is sealed as is customary in the art. Alternatively or additionally, ventilation may be provided and/or a one-way valve. In some embodiments, an access tube 314 is supplied to the enclosed area 318. For example, the access tube 314 may be used to inject positive pressure and/or dry gas (e.g., air) into the enclosed area 318. For example, access tube 314 may connect enclosed area 318 to a positive pressure system (e.g., a distribution circuit 104, 504 as disclosed in FIGs. 1 , 2 and/or 5), Optionally, a pressure relief valve 316 connects between the enclosed area 318 and an external atmosphere (e.g., outside a building, inside the building and/or in an area inside a wall of the building. Optionally access tube 314 may be installed in the enclosed area 318 above relieve valve 316. For example, access tube 314 may be installed into the top >4 and/or top 1/3 and/or top 14 and/or top 1/8 of the enclosed area 318 For example, pressure relieve 316 may be installed into the bottom 14 and/or bottom 1/3 and/or bottom 14 and/or bottom 1/8 of the enclosed area 318.

In some embodiments, access tube 3 14 may include a flow limiter 312. For example, flow limiter 312 may include a flow limiting aperture For example, flow limiter 312 may include a small aperture (for example between 0.1 to 0.5 mm and/or between 0.1 to 0 2 mm and/or between 0.2 to 0.5 mm and/or between 0.5 to I mm and/or between I to 2 mm and/or between 2 to 4 mm and/or between 4 to 8 mm diameter)

In some embodiments relieve valve 316 may be configured to vent gas out of enclosed space 318 when the pressure in the enclosed space rises past a threshold. Optionally, relieve valve inhibits flow into the enclosed space. For example, valve 316 may remain closed until the pressure inside enclosed area 318 reaches 40pa (e.g., greater than the outside atmosphere) and/or 100 pa and/or 250 pa and/or 500 pa and/or 1000 pa and/or 2000 pa and/or 4000 pa. Optionally, at the opening pressure the relieve valve may support a flow rate of up to 1 Lpm and/or 2 Lpm and/or 4 Lpm and/or 8 Lpm and/or 16 Lpm and/or 32 Lpm and/or 64 Lpm.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an enclosure 406 of a drying system in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. Exemplary enclosure 406 includes an enclosed area 418. For example, enclosure 406 may be similar to window 306 and/or to prefabricated double glazed windows for example in large office buildings. For example, the enclosed area 418 may have a height and/or width ranging between 0.1 to 0.5 m and/or between 0.5 to 1 m and/or between 1 to 2 m and/or between 1 to 2 m and/or between 2 to 4 m and/or between 4 to 8 m. For example, the enclosed area 418 may have a thickness of between 0.1 cm to 0.5 cm and/or between 0.5 cm to 2.5 cm and/or between 2.5 to 8 cm and/or between 8 to 24 cm and/or between 24 to 50 cm. For example, the enclosed area 418 may have a volume ranging between 0. 1 to 0.3 m ³ and/or between 0.3 to 1.0 m ³ and/or between 1.0 to 3.0 m ³ and/or between 3.0 to 10 m ³ . Optionally the enclosed area 418 is sealed as is customary in the art. Alternatively or additionally, ventilation may be provided and/or a one-way valve. In some embodiments, an access tube 414 is supplied to the enclosed area 418. For example, the access tube 414 may be used to inject positive pressure and/or diy gas into the enclosed area 418. For example, access tube 414 may connect enclosed area 418 to a positive pressure system (e.g., a distribution circuit 104, 504 as disclosed in FIGs. 1, 2 and/or 5). Optionally, a pressure relief valve 416 connects between the enclosed area 418 and an external atmosphere (e.g., outside a building, inside the building and/or in an area inside a wall of the building). Optionally access tube 414 may be installed in the enclosed area 418 above relieve valve 416. For example, access tube 414 may be installed into the top 14 and/or top 1/3 and/or top 14 and/or top 1/8 of the enclosed area 418. For example, pressure relieve 416 may be installed into the bottom 14 and/or bottom 1/3 and/or bottom 14 and/or bottom 1/8 of the enclosed area 418.

In some embodiments, access tube 414 may include a flow limiter 412. For example, flow limiter 412 may include a flow limiting aperture. For example, flow limiter 412 may include a small aperture (for example between 0.1 to 0.5 mm and/or between 0.1 to 0.2 mm and/or between 0.2 to 0.5 mm and/or between 0.5 to 1 mm and/or between 1 to 2 mm and/or between 2 to 4 mm and/or between 4 to 8 mm diameter.

In some embodiments relieve valve 416 may be configured to vent gas out of enclosed space 418 when the pressure in the enclosed space rises past a threshold. Optionally; relieve valve inhibits flow into the enclosed space. For example, valve 316 may remain closed until the pressure inside enclosed area 418 reaches 40pa (e.g., greater than the outside atmosphere) and/or 100 pa and/or 250 pa and/or 500 pa and/or 1000 pa and/or 2000 pa and/or 4000 pa. Optionally, at the opening pressure the relieve valve may support a flow rate of up to 1 Lpm and/or 2 Lpm and/or 4 Lpm and/or 8 Lpm and/or 16 Lpm and/or 32 Lpm and/or 64 Lpm.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a distribution loop of a window drying system in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. Optionally a plurality of enclosed space, for example including spaces between panes of dual pane windows 506a, 506b, 506c, 506d, 506e, are in fluid connection with a distribution circuit 504. Optionally, dry gas is introduced into the distribution circuit 504 at a desired positive pressure. The positive pressure is to the spaces between the panes and/or gas leaks slowly out the spaces such that a slow flow of dry gas passes from the distribution loop 504 through the space between the panes of the windows 506a-506e drying the windows 506a-506e .

In some embodiments, a controller 520 controls pressure and/or flow into the distribution circuit For example, the controller 520 may control the pressure and/or volume and/or quality (e.g., temperature, dryness) of the gas being supplied by an air source 501. Optionally, air source 501 may be connected to multiple distribution circuits 504. An electric valve 524 may control flow from the source 501 to each, some and/or all of the circuits 504. Optionally, controller 520 will selectively open or close valve 524 to connect an individual circuit 504 and/or group of circuits 504 to the gas source 501. Additionally or alternatively, a pressure and/or flow regulator 512 may be located on the flow path between the gas source 501 and the distribution circuit 504. For example, the regulator may be fixed (for example, the regulator may include a fixed aperture of for example between 0.5 to 2 mm and/or between 2 to 6 mrn and/or between 6 to 12. mrn and/or between 12 to 24 mm). Alternatively or additionally, the regulator may be adjustable and/or controlled by controller 520.

Optionally, a one-way valve 517 may prevent pressure leaking back from the distribution circuit 504 towards the gas source 501 , for example, when the gas source 501 is deactivated.

In some embodiments, some of the spaces, e.g., windows 506a and 506d include a sensor 522 (tor example a humidity sensor 522). For example, the sensors 522 may be connected to wireless transmitters and/or may transmit data on the humidity content of the space in window 506a and 506d to a controller 520. For example, windows 506a and 506b may be a representative sample of the set of windows 506a-506e and/or windows 506a and 506b may be extreme examples of windows 506a-506e (for example 506a may be on a sunny spot high on a Southern wall while 506d may be on a lower section of a northern wall where there is little sun and/or 506a may be on an Eastern wall that receives sun in the morning and 506d on a Western wall that receives sun light in the evening. Optionally a sensor 523 sends data on the pressure and/or humidity and/or flow volume in distribution circuit 504

In some embodiments, the pressure in a distribution circuit is limited. For example, there may be a relief valve 516 that releases gas from the distribution circuit 504 when the pressure in the circuit rises above a threshold. Alternatively or additionally, there may be a limitation on pressure arriving at the (e.g., a relief valve positioned between the gas source and one or more circuits).

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a distribution circuit 604a, 604b, 604c of a window drying system in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention In some embodiments the distribution circuit 604a, 604b, 604c may bring dry gas from a source 601 to a plurality of enclosed spaces (e g. , spaces between panes in windows 606). Optionally, the circuit includes a closed circuit (e.g., a loop 604a and/or a looping branch 604b) and/or a dead-end branch 604c. In some embodiments, if pressure builds up in one of the enclosed spaces (e.g., windows 606), for example if the relieve valve 616 of that window 606 fails, then pressure will be released back to the distribution circuit, where it can leak out a relief valve 616 of another window 606. In some embodiments, the closed-circuit distribution circuit (e.g., 604a, 604b) has the advantage that if the distribution circuit is blocked at one point, gas can enter and/or escape from the opposite direction. In some embodiments, the closed-circuit distribution circuit (e.g , 604a, 604b) may facilitate even pressure along the circuit (e.g., avoiding possible pressure differentials between the connected end and/or dead end of a one-way charmer.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram with details of a gas source of a drying system in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. In some embodiments, gas is transported from the gas source 701 through a manifold 738 to a plurality of distribution circuits 704. Optionally, each distribution circuit 704 may be reversibly connected and/or disconnected to the gas source 701, for example by means of an electronic valve 724. For example, a controller 720 may control the valves 724. Optionally, the controller is connected to sensors 722 that measure a representative pressure and/or humidity and/or flow rate in a circuit 704 and/or an enclosed area 106. The controller 720 may also receive data from and/or control various aspects of the air source (for example, activating and/or deactivating a compressor 730 and/or a regulator 712 and/or a gas drier 734). Optionally, the system includes a gas and/or pressure storage reservoir 732 and/or buffer. Optionally, the gas source includes a drier 734 to dry gas and/or a filter 736, for example to clean the gas before entering the distribution circuits 704. Optionally, the gas source may Include a relief valve 716, for example to prevent over pressure building up and/or being sent to the distribution circuits 704.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustration of a method of drying windows in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. In some embodiments, a dry gas (for example air) is introduced 830 at positive pressure to an enclosed space, for example to prevent and/or remove moisture accumulation. The pressurized gas stream may be flow 806 for a period of time (e.g., less than I minute, between 1 to 10 minutes between 10 minutes to an hour, between 1 to 10 hours, between 10 hours to a week). Existing gas and/or moistures leaks out from the space slowly and/or is replaced with the flowing 806 dry gas which optionally soaks up residual moisture. After the space is dried, the space and/or a distribution circuit including the space is closed 842. Optionally, the residual positive pressure causes gas to leak out of the space and/or prevents moisture from returning for a period of time. Optionally, if and when moisture builds up again, dry air is again introduced 830.

In some embodiments, there may be sensor that senses 822 moisture build up. For example, a sensor may be placed in one of a plurality of spaces (optionally the spaces are interconnected by a distribution circuit) and/or when moisture is sensed 822 up it may be dried by sending gas as positive pressure to all of the spaces. For example, the gas source may be activated to introduce 830 gas and/or a valve may be opened 824 between the fluid source and the space (e.g., the valve may be positioned between the gas source and a distribution circuit)). Alternatively or additionally, the drying may be triggered periodically (for example, unconditionally and/or when there a certain moisture threshold is sensed) Alternatively or additionally, other events may trigger a drying cycle (for example, wet weather, high humidity in the environment, changes in temperature etc.). In some embodiments, there may be multiple conditions and/or limitations. For example, in some embodiments, there may be a limit to the number of a distribution circuits that are activated at a given time. For example, if conditions (e.g., sensing moisture) exist that, would trigger activation of 4 circuits simultaneously, a controller may be configured to only activate 3 simultaneously and the 4 ^U will optionally be activated when one or more of the others is stopped 842 (e.g., by closing 842 the valve between the distribution circuit and the fluid source) and/or after a rest period after one or more of the 3 zones is finished. Optonally, when a valve is closed 842 to a distribution circuit, the circuit may be cut-off and/or sealed for example preserving 844 the positive pressure to leak slowly out the enclosed spaces and/or inhibit infiltration of moisture.

In some embodiments, a pump (e g., a compressor) is activated 830 to produce pressure when pressure is low and/or the system is drying a space. Optionally, there is a reservoir of pressurized gas so that drying can continue even when the compressor is not activated 830. For example, the compressor may only be activated 830 periodically during drying. In some embodiments, a dryer dries 834 air leaving the compressor and/or the reservoir. For example, the drier may be mechanical and/or chemical based.

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of a building including a window drying system in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. In some embodiments, a building will include one or more enclosed spaces that occasionally build up moisture. For example, the spaces may include space enclosed and/or sealed between panes of multi-pane windows (e g., double glazed windows 906). Optionally the spaces are connected to a source of dry air. For example, air may be provided from an air source 901 and/or transported through a distribution circuit 904a, 904b, 904c, 904d. For example, a distribution circuit 904a may connect all the windows 906 on one or more floors 952d, 952c of the building. Alternatively or additionally, a distribution circuit 904b, 904c may connect some of the windows 906 on one or more floors 952a, 952b of the building. Alternatively or additionally, a distribution circuit 904d may connect some or all of the windows 906 on one or more sections 950a of the building. Alternatively or additionally, a few distribution circuits 904a, 904b, 904c may connect some or all of the window's 906 on one or more sections 950b, 950c of the building 950a. Optionally, air is introduced into the window through a connection to the distribution circuit 904a, 904b, 904c, 904d. Optionally, air leaks out of the space through leakage. For example, even nominally sealed spaces (such as the volume between window 906 panes) often has a slow leakage.

In some embodiments, a distribution circuit 904a, 904b, 904c, 904d will be in the form of a loop. For example, a loop circuit will allow pressure to enter or escape by multiple routes and/or facilitate relatively even distribution of pressure and/or avoid problems due to clogging one leg of the circuit. In some embodiments, dry air will be introduced into an upper portion of the window (e.g., as shown in 904a, 904b, 904d. Alternatively or additionally, air may be introduced into other portions of the window (for example a lower section), e.g , as illustrated in circuit 904c It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from this application many relevant technologies will be developed and the scope of the terms is intended to include all such new technologies a priori.

As used herein the term “about” refers to ± 10%

The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", “having” and their conjugates mean "including but not limited to".

The term “consisting of'' means “including and limited to”.

The terra "consisting essentially of" means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.

As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term "a compound" or "at least one compound" may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof. Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be presented in a range format It should be understood that, the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This appl ies regardless of the breadth of the range. Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first, indicate number and a second indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number “to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween. When multiple ranges are listed for a single variable, a combination of the ranges is also included (for example the ranges from 1 to 2 and/or from 2 to 4 also includes the combined range from 1 to 4).

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub com bi nation or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.