Abstract: A method can include collecting time traces for N calibration instances of a device and identifying a key feature for the device based on the time traces. The method can also include using an equation to determine a key feature variation based on a predicted value and a measured value for each new qualified instance of the device. The method can also include generating an alert based on the key feature variation.

Abstract: A method can include detecting a positive transition in a time trace disaggregation process (TTDP), creating a new instance j, capturing a positive transition data block for the instance j, creating a time trace feature description for power, reactive power, and current, and matching the instance j to a device type by performing a quick match based on at least one quick match parameters. Responsive to a positive identification based on the quick match, the instance j may be assigned to the device type.

Abstract: A method of identifying multi-phase devices in a time trace disaggregation process can include detecting a multi-phase transition, identifying multi-phase devices based on the detecting, and processing the multi-phase devices separate from single-phase devices. The method can also include initializing a multi-phase array and, for each of a plurality of supply legs, determining whether a qualified transition exists. If so, the method can further include determining whether there is a pending multi-phase transition. If so, the method can further include determining whether the pending multi-phase transition is positive. If so, the method can further include creating a multi-phase instance. The method can also include storing the multi-phase instance in the multi-phase array.

Abstract: A method can include collecting time traces for N calibration instances of a device and identifying a key feature for the device based on the time traces. The method can also include using an equation to determine a key feature variation based on a predicted value and a measured value for each new qualified instance of the device. The method can also include generating an alert based on the key feature variation.

Abstract: A method can include detecting a positive transition in a time trace disaggregation process (TTDP), creating a new instance j, capturing a positive transition data block for the instance j, creating a time trace feature description for power, reactive power, and current, and matching the instance j to a device type by performing a quick match based on at least one quick match parameters. Responsive to a positive identification based on the quick match, the instance j may be assigned to the device type.

Abstract: A method of identifying multi-phase devices in a time trace disaggregation process can include detecting a multi-phase transition, identifying multi-phase devices based on the detecting, and processing the multi-phase devices separate from single-phase devices. The method can also include initializing a multi-phase array and, for each of a plurality of supply legs, determining whether a qualified transition exists. If so, the method can further include determining whether there is a pending multi-phase transition. If so, the method can further include determining whether the pending multi-phase transition is positive. If so, the method can further include creating a multi-phase instance. The method can also include storing the multi-phase instance in the multi-phase array.

Abstract: A method can include receiving raw data having power samples that correspond to various types of electrical devices. A cycle detector can process the power samples to detect a masking data cycle and determine masking parameters that characterize the masking data cycle. The power samples can be stored in a circular data buffer, and the masking parameters can be stored in a circular cycle parameter buffer. A cycle characterization can determine whether there is masking data within the raw data and, if there is, call a removal process to remove the masking data.

Abstract: The invention is a remote controlled vehicle adapted for navigating inside HVAC supply trunks. It is equipped with a moveable camera and a powered tool for snagging a string or parachute propelled into the trunk by other methods. A command box is provided to view the image from the camera and control the vehicle's various functions. The installation technician inserts the vehicle into the trunk through an access hole and uses the command box to navigate the vehicle inside a HVAC trunk and locate and secure the string to the vehicle. The technician then controls the vehicle to pull the string back to the access or the technician manually pulls the vehicle back to the access by its tether.

Abstract: Methods and mechanisms for processing a plurality of electrical parameters of a common alternating current service that supplies power for multiple electrical devices. In an embodiment, an instance data structure is identified based on a data set which is generated from samples of an alternating current service, the instance data structure corresponding to an on-off cycle of an electrical device. Based on the instance data structure, a contribution by the on-off cycle is subtracted from the data set to determine a residual data set. In another embodiment, the residual data set is processed to determine whether the residual data set includes a contribution by an on-off cycle of another electrical device.

Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms for evaluating a plurality of electrical devices variously powered by a common alternating current service. In an embodiment, a set of transition reports are processed to determine a cluster of transition reports including on-transition reports for an electrical device. In another embodiment, a data structure is created based on such an identified cluster, the data structure characterizing a first device of the plurality of electrical devices. The data structure is provided in one embodiment for an automatic determining of whether a first transition report subsequent to the set of transition reports corresponds to the first device.

Abstract: A control circuit for linear motors driving pumps or compressors that provides a programmable pressure versus flow behavior. The duty cycle of a pulse width modulated drive signal to a coil in the motor is controlled by a parameter determined by the shape of the back EMF signal generated by that coil when it is not driven. The measured parameter value is compared to a target value for the present drive pulse width, and the pulse width is adjusted to reduce the difference between the measured value and the target value. The target value is stored in a table of calibrated values that determines the desired pressure versus flow behavior and can also compensate for manufacturing differences between individual pumps.

Abstract: In a multi-zone control system for central forced air HVAC systems where the minimum conditioned airflow produced by the HVAC equipment significantly exceeds the airflow capacity to many of the zones, the invention is an energy saving method for choosing non-calling zones to receive excess airflow in. When satisfying calls for conditioning from one or a few zones, excess conditioned airflow is directed to non-calling zones. The method chooses occupied non-calling zones using a priority that provides comfort, and chooses unoccupied non-calling zones using a different priority that provides energy savings. Limits are provided for each zone to prevent excessive over conditioning in non-calling zones.

Abstract: The invention is a method for measuring and processing a plurality of electrical parameters of a common alternating current (AC) service that supplies multiple different electrical devices such that the power use rate and total power used by each of multiple devices is determined. Sensors provide high resolution signals corresponding to the current and voltage of the AC power supplied to the service panel typical of those used in residential construction. Analog-to-digital conversion and processing circuits determine multiple electrical parameters with high resolution at a sampling rate sufficient to determine the electrical parameters for approximately each AC cycle. The electrical parameters are stored as a large data set in a memory with sufficient capacity to store several months of electrical parameters representing each AC cycle. The data set is processed to extract complete on-off cycles of the devices. The on-off cycles are represented by instance structures.

Abstract: The invention is a method for measuring and processing a plurality of electrical parameters of a common alternating current (AC) service that supplies multiple different electrical devices such that the power use and total power used by each of multiple devices is determined. Sensors provide high resolution signals corresponding to the current and voltage of the AC power supplied to the service panel typical of those used in residential construction. Analog-to-digital conversion and processing circuits produce multiple electrical parameters with 16- to 24-bit resolution at a sampling rate sufficient to characterize rapid transitions. The electrical parameters change rapidly when electrical devices transition between on and off. These transitions are detected, measured, characterized, and stored. The transition characterizations of multiple on-off cycles are grouped and analyzed to produce unique transition characterizations for each device or set of devices that are essentially electrically identical.

Abstract: In a multi-zone control system for central forced air HVAC systems where the minimum conditioned airflow produced by the HVAC equipment significantly exceeds the airflow capacity to many of the zones, the invention is an energy saving method for choosing non-calling zones to receive excess airflow in. When satisfying calls for conditioning from one or a few zones, excess conditioned airflow is directed to non-calling zones. The method chooses occupied non-calling zones using a priority that provides comfort, and chooses unoccupied non-calling zones using a different priority that provides energy savings. Limits are provided for each zone to prevent excessive over conditioning in non-calling zones.

Abstract: A control circuit for linear motors driving pumps or compressors that provides a programmable pressure versus flow behavior. The duty cycle of a pulse width modulated drive signal to a coil in the motor is controlled by a parameter determined by the shape of the back EMF signal generated by that coil when it is not driven. The measured parameter value is compared to a target value for the present drive pulse width, and the pulse width is adjusted to reduce the difference between the measured value and the target value. The target value is stored in a table of calibrated values that determines the desired pressure versus flow behavior and can also compensate for manufacturing differences between individual pumps.

Abstract: The invention is a method for threading a thin string through an HVAC duct system from a vent to the HVAC equipment supply plenum where the vent is connected to a small supply duct which in turn is connected to a large supply trunk connected to the plenum. The method uses a high speed blower at the vent to propel a small resistance object connected to the string through the small duct until it reaches the trunk. Then a capture mechanism is used from the HVAC plenum to capture the object and pull the string to the plenum. In an example of the method, the resistant object includes a packed parachute that is released after it travels a predetermined distance.

Abstract: The invention is an inflatable bladder assembly for use in HVAC zone control systems. The bladder has a nozzle for inflating and deflating the bladder. The nozzle connects to a small air tube that is connected to the control system that provides pressure and vacuum for inflating and deflating the bladder. The bladder has at least two mounting tabs for attaching the bladder to a mounting fixture. A restraint fixture is attached to the mounting fixture. The restraint fixture firmly grips the nozzle and air tube. The restraint fixture allows the nozzle and air tube to be easily inserted into the fixture such that an airtight seal is made between the nozzle and air tube. The restrain fixture strongly resists forces that would remove the nozzle or air tube from the restraint fixture. The mounting fixture is attached to the duct system.

Abstract: The invention is a remote controlled vehicle adapted for navigating inside HVAC supply trunks. It is equipped with a moveable camera and a powered tool for snagging a string or parachute propelled into the trunk by other methods. A command box is provided to view the image from the camera and control the vehicle's various functions. The installation technician inserts the vehicle into the trunk through an access hole and uses the command box to navigate the vehicle inside a HVAC trunk and locate and secure the string to the vehicle. The technician then controls the vehicle to pull the string back to the access or the technician manually pulls the vehicle back to the access by its tether.

Abstract: An HVAC system controller which estimates the energy cost or savings incurred due to a user-instigated change in a climate control schedule. The HVAC system controller is adapted to operate a multi-zone climate control system in a building, and is especially adapted to operate a retrofit zone climate control system in a residence. The HVAC controller displays the estimated cost or savings to the homeowner, enabling him to make an informed decision about whether to keep the change in the climate control schedule.