An air distributor or collector

摘要

An airflow apparatus is disclosed for controlled distribution or collection of low velocity air. To collect air, a fan (40) draws air (51) from the proximal end of an elongated tube (20) disposed in an air-environment (50). Airflow through the tube's distal end is controlled by a tube terminator (30). The tube terminator may be an air impermeable cap completely preventing distal-end airflow. Tube (20) receives air all along its length through openings (21) in its wall. The wall is more air permeable per unit surface area of said wall, at its distal end, than at its proximal end. Wall permeability progressively increases from the proximal end to the distal end. A preferred tube type has a substantially constant rate of air ingestion at all points along the wall. Reversal of the airflow direction in the tube converts the air collector into an air distributor.