Abstract: A method for adjusting a plurality of controlled subsystems in a building or plant that facilitates cooperative energy usage with a utility provider. By referring to a single profile of adjustments that correspond to changes in the value of a utility signal and distributing this to each relevant controller for each subsystem, a single setback delta can be applied to each subsystem for each change in utility signal value (i.e., pricing information). Alternatively, multiple profiles can be used to provide for firmer control and thereby allow for different zones to respond differently to a single change signal sent by the utility provider.

Abstract: A graphical user interface system for a thermal comfort controller. The user interface system has a central processing unit coupled to a memory and a touch sensitive display unit. The memory stores a temperature schedule data structure and perhaps a temperature history data structure. The temperature schedule data structure is made up of at least one set-point. The temperature history data structure is made up of at least one Actual-Temperature-Point. The display presents the set-points and/or the Actual-Temperature-Points. One representation of the display is a graphical step-function. The user uses a finger or stylus to program the set-points by pointing and dragging a portion of the step-function.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the asynchronous serial data transmission between a transmitter and a receiver over a radio transmission link, whereby a synchronization data frame and a carrier recognition frame is arranged in front of the useful data frame. The data frames are each enframed at the beginning and end by a start bit and a stop bit at the beginning and end. The coding of all data frames results such that, in addition to the start and stop bits, an equal number of zero and one bits exists.

Abstract: A damper unit for an air circulation system. The damper unit includes a frame defining an air flow opening, a damper vane for opening and closing the air flow opening, and a stepper motor for turning the damper vane between the open and closed positions. The stepper motor is directly coupled to the damper vane to move the vane between the open and closed positions. A shaft of the stepper motor extends through a frame of the damper unit and is coupled to the damper vane by a hub. A controller is coupled to the stepper motor to control the stepper motor.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a plurality of controlled subsystems in a building or plant that facilitates cooperative energy usage with a utility provider. By referring to a single profile of adjustments that correspond to changes in the value of a utility signal and distributing this to each relevant controller for each subsystem, a single setback delta can be applied to each subsystem for each change in utility signal value (i.e., pricing information). Alternatively, multiple profiles can be used to provide for firmer control and thereby allow for different zones to respond differently to a single change signal sent by the utility provider.

Abstract: A drive circuit including a motor for positioning a damper from a rest position to a stalled position and protect the drive mechanism from damage due to increased current to the drive motor when the damper stalls by including a current limiter to prevent the current in the motor from exceeding a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a fume hood. A containment condition, i.e., a condition that may affect containment of potentially harmful substances in the hood, may be detected, and information regarding the detected condition sent by wireless signal. A fume hood controller may control at least airflow in the hood based on the information contained in the wireless signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling a climate control system for an enclosure, including a controller for operating a cooling system and a humidification system. The cooling system is operated to maintain the temperature of the air within the enclosure at a specified value, and the humidification system is operated to maintain the humidity of the air within the enclosure at a specified value. Provisions are made to help ensure that the humidification system does not provide water to the air during periods when the minimum value of the temperature of the air provided by the cooling system is below the dew point temperature of the air.