Abstract: A method for estimating temperature drift and drive curves comprises the steps of: (1) obtaining a plurality of temperature data samples over a period of time, the period of time corresponding to one of a drive operation or a drift period of an environmental control unit; (2) if the period of time corresponds to a drive operation, calculating a plurality of drive curves, each curve calculated using a different data sample subset; (3) else if the period of time corresponds to a drift period, calculating a plurality of drift curves, each curve calculated using a different data sample subset; (4) determining which curve best fits the data samples; and (5) using the best fit curve to predict one of a future temperature at a known time or a future time at which a known temperature will be reached.

Abstract: A method for logging data from an HVAC system comprises the steps of: collecting, within a thermostat, a plurality of data elements corresponding to a current time, at least one user setting, at least one HVAC system state, and at least one environmental measurement; correlating, within the thermostat, the collected data elements according to the current time; and storing, within the thermostat, the collected data elements. The method may further comprise the steps of: transmitting the stored data elements from the thermostat to an external device; and analyzing, within the external device, the transmitted data to determine energy savings. The data may be transmitted from the thermostat when the thermostat receives a request from the external device. The data may be transmitted from the thermostat to the external device over a communication link comprising one of a hard-wired communication link or a radio frequency communication link.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting an operating level of an HVAC system uses historic and predicted drive durations to ensure that drive periods fall within the recommended minimum and maximum drive times, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing strain on the system. The method comprises the steps of: receiving a minimum and a maximum drive time of the HVAC system; determining a current temperature of a room; estimating, based on a prior drive operation of the HVAC system, a time to drive the current temperature to a predefined desired temperature; and selecting an operating level of the HVAC system based on a relationship of the calculated drive time to the minimum drive time and the maximum drive time. Selecting the operating level comprises at least one of: selecting a fan speed; activating a compressor; activating an auxiliary or emergency heating element; or activating an auxiliary or emergency cooling element.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of making an orthopaedic implant. An orthopaedic implant body is formed which has a supporting surface. A porous metal pad is formed to fit the supporting surface of the body. The porous metal pad is clamped and/or adhesively bonded to the supporting surface. A laser beam is coupled between the porous metal pad and the implant body at a plurality of locations so as to form a coalescence of metal between the porous metal pad and the body.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of forming an implant having a porous surface using an organic binder compound to enhance the bonding between the porous surface layer and implant. Preferably, the binder is formed from a water-soluble protein that carbonizes during the sintering process to alloy with the metal of the porous surface layer. The porous surface layer may be in the form of beads or of fiber metal and can be preformed to fit with an implant or formed over the surface of the implant.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant body is formed which has a supporting surface. A porous metal pad is formed to fit the supporting surface of the body. The porous metal pad is clamped and/or adhesively bonded to the supporting surface. A laser beam is coupled between the porous metal pad and the implant body at a plurality of locations so as to form a coalescence of metal between the porous metal pad and the body.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of forming an implant having a porous surface using an organic binder compound to enhance the bonding between the porous surface layer and implant. Preferably, the binder is formed from a water-soluble protein that carbonizes during the sintering process to alloy with the metal of the porous surface layer. The porous surface layer may be in the form of beads or of fiber metal and can be preformed to fit with an implant or formed over the surface of the implant.

Abstract: A method of forming an orthopaedic implant having a porous surface, the method including the steps of providing a porous surface including a porous layer attached to a substantially solid layer; positioning the porous layer on the orthopaedic implant; providing a high energy density welding device capable of producing a high energy density weld beam; and forming a weld bead substantially about the periphery of the porous layer by directing the high energy density weld beam about the periphery of the porous layer, wherein the weld bead bonds the porous layer to the implant. Two shaped porous pads may also be welded together about an implant body to avoid welding the body itself.

Abstract: A method of forming an orthopaedic implant having a porous surface, the method including the steps of providing a porous surface including a porous layer attached to a substantially solid layer; positioning the porous layer on the orthopaedic implant; providing a high energy density welding device capable of producing a high energy density weld beam; and forming a weld bead substantially about the periphery of the porous layer by directing the high energy density weld beam about the periphery of the porous layer, wherein the weld bead bonds the porous layer to the implant.

Abstract: The method and material of this invention eliminates the necessity of removing imbedded particles remaining after shot blasting by providing a method for surface finishing an orthopaedic implant wherein the blasting medium is bioactive. The surface finishing with bioactive material may also be used to clean the porous surface after sintering or diffusion bonding. Since the particles are made from bioactive material, it is not a concern if particles remain in the porous surface after blasting.