Abstract: A zone controller having an electronic board with a plurality of electronic components attached thereto. The electronic components are constructed and arranged to receive a plurality of signals from a plurality of thermostats and to transmit a plurality of signals to a plurality of air control devices for controlling airflow in ducts. The electronic components include a first grouping of electronic components that are not accessed to perform either installation or operation functions, a second grouping of electronic components that are accessed to perform installation functions, and a third grouping of electronic components that are only accessed to perform operation functions. A first cover is provided that covers and prevents access to the first grouping of electronic components. A second cover is provided that selectively covers and prevents access to the second grouping of electrical components but not the third grouping of electrical components.

Abstract: A zone control panel for use with an HVAC system having zone control and a variable speed blower, and a method for controlling a fluid temperature conditioning device. In one aspect, the zone control panel includes a plurality of thermostat terminals for receiving thermostat signals, a plurality of damper terminals for transmitting damper control signals, and one or more terminals for transmitting signals to control a fluid temperature conditioning device having a variable speed blower. The zone control panel also includes a blower terminal for transmitting a signal to a dehumidification terminal associated with the fluid temperature conditioning device, where the dehumidification terminal is labeled or indicated for use with a dehumidification operating mode or for initiating a dehumidification operating mode of the variable speed blower.

Abstract: Electronic devices that include batteries can be adapted to provide one or more indications of a low battery condition. An electronic device such as a controller can include a battery and can be adapted to determine a first low battery condition. A first indication can be provided in response to the first low battery condition. In some cases, a second battery condition can be determined and a second indication can be provided in response to the second battery condition. The indications provided to the user can be made progressively more noticeable over time, until the battery is replaced.

Abstract: An electrical terminal assembly for an HVAC device is disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, the terminal assembly includes one or more quick-connect or screwless type terminal blocks mounted on a printed circuit board. The terminal assembly may also include one or more test pads electrically connected to the one or more quick-connect or screwless terminals via one or more traces on the printed circuit board. The one or more test pads may include a recessed portion.

Abstract: A switch state assurance mechanism of a power stealing circuit for connection to a thermostatically controlled or other kind of operational system. The mechanism may be an interface for the power stealing circuit to the operational system. A switch or relay of the mechanism may have several states but have an appropriate state for a given status of the power stealing circuit and the operational system. The switch or relay may have a latching characteristic relative to its states. The mechanism may have a detection circuit and a drive circuit connected to the relay, and a control circuit connected to the detection circuit and the drive circuit. The mechanism may check the relay state and change the relay to a desired state. The mechanism may be incorporated in other circuits beside a power stealing circuit.

Abstract: A power stealing system having a switch and a circuit that takes power from equipment to operate control electronics. The system may be such that power stealing occurs while the equipment is not powered to avoid disruption or false signals in the electronics or equipment. The circuit may convey taken power to a storage device. The electronics may be powered by the storage device. The storage device may have a capacitor, a rechargeable battery, a non-chargeable battery, a solar cell, fuel cell, line power, and/or the like.

Abstract: A zone control panel for use with an HVAC system having zone control and a variable speed blower, and a method for controlling a fluid temperature conditioning device. In one aspect, the zone control panel includes a plurality of thermostat terminals for receiving thermostat signals, a plurality of damper terminals for transmitting damper control signals, and one or more terminals for transmitting signals to control a fluid temperature conditioning device having a variable speed blower. The zone control panel also includes a blower terminal for transmitting a signal to a dehumidification terminal associated with the fluid temperature conditioning device, where the dehumidification terminal is labeled or indicated for use with a dehumidification operating mode or for initiating a dehumidification operating mode of the variable speed blower.

Abstract: A zone controller having an electronic board with a plurality of electronic components attached thereto. The electronic components are constructed and arranged to receive a plurality of signals from a plurality of thermostats and to transmit a plurality of signals to a plurality of air control devices for controlling airflow in ducts. The electronic components include a first grouping of electronic components that are not accessed to perform either installation or operation functions, a second grouping of electronic components that are accessed to perform installation functions, and a third grouping of electronic components that are only accessed to perform operation functions. A first cover is provided that covers and prevents access to the first grouping of electronic components. A second cover is provided that selectively covers and prevents access to the second grouping of electrical components but not the third grouping of electrical components.

Abstract: An electrical terminal assembly for an HVAC device is disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, the terminal assembly includes one or more quick-connect or screwless type terminal blocks mounted on a printed circuit board. The terminal assembly may also include one or more test pads electrically connected to the one or more quick-connect or screwless terminals via one or more traces on the printed circuit board. The one or more test pads may include a recessed portion.

Abstract: A thermostat includes a number of control parameters including a temperature set point, a selected cycle rate, a room temperature swing setting, and/or any other suitable control parameter. In one illustrative embodiment, the thermostat includes a push button for providing a signal each time it is depressed and a controller coupled to the push button. The controller is adapted to receive a sequence of one or more signals from the push button, and is further adapted to set a control parameter such as the cycle rate or room swing setting to a value that corresponds to the sequence of one or more signals. In another illustrative embodiment, the thermostat includes a mechanical user interface such as a rotating selector or slider. The thermostat is adapted to receive a signal that relates to the current position of the mechanical user interface, and sets a control parameter of the thermostat based thereon.