Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a climate control system having an automatic climate control system and a manual climate control system for an automobile having a convertible top. The method includes the step of detecting whether the convertible top is retracted. A signal indicating whether the convertible top is open is delivered to a climate control unit which includes an algorithm which assists in controlling the mode selection logic based on the results of the detection. The climate control unit creates a mode selection signal based on the results of the algorithm, and sends the mode selection signal to the mode selection logic, the mode selection signal being such that the mode selection actuator actuates the automatic climate control mode when the convertible top is up and the mode selection actuator actuates the manual climate control system when the convertible top is retracted.

Abstract: An air cleaner with a smoke alarm unit for a forced air recirculating system is disclosed. The smoke alarm unit is housed within a module that fits within the frame of the air cleaner with minimal impact on the cleaning ability of the cleaner. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a battery capacity tester and air cleaner functionality detector are included in the module. Signals from the battery tester and functionality detector are used by the smoke alarm unit to drive an alarm generator with different signals to produce distinguishable alarms for a smoke condition, low battery condition, and an air cleaner failure. A control unit may receive any of the alarm conditions to execute different control actions in the forced air system.

Abstract: A wall mounted thermostat or zone sensor designed for sensing the temperature in the zone in which the thermostat is mounted. The thermostat is in communication with and controls a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. The thermostat includes a temperature sensor contained within an internal space defined by a cover. The temperature sensor is adapted for sensing the temperature of the air in the zone in which the thermostat is mounted. An electrostatically powered fan for generating a continual flow of zone temperature air to the sensor is positioned within the thermostat. The cover has openings to facilitate the drawing of room temperature air from the zone in a direction generally perpendicular to the zone wall to which the thermostat is mounted and for directing the air to the fan for discharge across the temperature sensor and out of the thermostat in a direction generally parallel of the zone wall.

Abstract: An air conditioning system suitable for use in an electric vehicle for air-conditioning the driver and passenger room of the vehicle. The system basically comprises environment sensors, a warning device and a control device. The environment sensors detect the state of the environment in the vehicle room. In the control device, an air-conditioning switch is activated so that the output of the environment sensor is read. When the environment sensors produce an output indicative of an improper state of environment in the vehicle room, such an open window, an open door or an unmanned state of the vehicle room, the warning device is operated for a predetermined time period. Further, the air conditioner is deactivated when the output of any one of the environment sensors continues to indicate an improper environment condition after the predetermined period has elapsed.

Abstract: An air conditioner for railway vehicles controlled in accordance with the air temperature in the car and data on at least one selected from the group consisting of underfoot temperature, radiant heat, air flow, humidity, outside air temperature, number of passengers and door opening operation. In this way, environment conditions which momentarily change are detected so as to prevent excessive cooling or heating in the car.

Abstract: A compartmentalized transport refrigeration system having refrigeration control, and interconnected host and remote refrigeration units for respectively conditioning the air in front and rear compartments of a trailer. The trailer has front and rear doors for access to the front and rear compartments, respectively, and a door switch connected to the refrigeration control which modifies the operation of the refrigeration system when the front access door is opened. When the front access door is opened, the host refrigeration unit is operated in null and the remote refrigeration unit is cycled between heating and cooling modes. A door switch may also be provided for the second access door which modifies the operation of the transport refrigeration system by effectively turning the remote refrigeration unit off.

Abstract: An automatic venting system for a vehicle having a plurality of motor operated vents in which the interior of the vehicle is monitored for the temperature as well as the presence of a living being, and a separate sensor is included for sensing precipitation outside the vehicle. When the interior of the vehicle is above a preselected threshold temperature, at least one of the vehicle vents is at least partially opened to cool the vehicle. Then, if precipitation is sensed, the open vent or vents are automatically closed unless a living being is sensed within the interior of the car, in which case one or more of the vents remains at least partially open even during the precipitation to provide sufficient ventilation and safety for the being in the car.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electronic control apparatus which will shut off a heating or airconditioning system when a door or window is opened. The apparatus provides a magnetic switch and transmitter attached to a door or window which will emit an infrared or sonic signal when the door or window is opened. The signal is received by an infrared or sonic receiving means which shuts off the thermostat from operating for at least three minutes to prevent damage to the heating or cooling system, in particular the compressor.

Abstract: A gas heated direct fired center tube revolving ironer for use in an automated fabric ironing environment features improved roller surface temperature distribution control. An adjustable hot air recirculation system with a venturi throat, a high momentum gas burner, an improved temperature control system and an exhaust blower cooperate to provide an even temperature along the ironing surface. Multiple high and low temperature controls provide backup and ensure accuracy and safety. The gas fuel consumption is minimized thereby reducing operating costs.

Abstract: Voice commands of two types are recognized by an air conditioner: (1) a first command to jump to a different air delivery (below-out) temperature, after which a gradual automatic return to the previously set temperature occurs, or (2) a second command which will stop the automatic return at some arbitrary temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring the viscosity of a fluid by drawing a sample of the fluid through a first flow restrictor (24) and forcing the sample through a second flow restrictor (28) having flow restriction characteristics which are identical to the flow restriction characteristics of the first flow restrictor. The difference in pressures of the sample at the exit of the first flow restrictor and at the entrance to the second flow restrictor provides a measure of the viscosity of the fluid and may be used to vary the temperature of the fluid to control its viscosity.

Abstract: An energy-saving electronic thermostat operates by means of a single temperature probe. The rapid decrease in temperature of the probe when a window is opened causes the heating to be switched off or reduced by means of a comparator circuit combined with a network having a large time-constant. The device is employed in a fixed or mobile electric heating convector.

Abstract: A dual thermostat apparatus includes two thermostats which generate fluid control signals proportional to room air temperature. The thermostats are matched leakport pressure sensors having a signal orifice and a bimetal lid element to generate back pressure signals linearly related to temperature. The bimetal elements have adjustment cams to set the reference position with respect to the orifice. The cams are connected to a common shaft and dial to provide simultaneous and opposite readjustment with respect to the reference pressures. The signals are applied to separate signal chambers of the duplex relay, with a pressure regulator connected to the heat signal chamber to limit the operative pressure level of the heating signal to a selected maximum switchover pressure. The duplex relay controls a pressure supply valve for supplying a proportional pressure signal to a common output line to pneumatic operators of a heating valve and a cooling valve.

Abstract: A control apparatus for regulating a building perimeter temperature change system, which may be a heating system, a cooling system, or both. The control apparatus operates in conjunction with a central heating system which operates to adjust temperatures in the building. The building is characterized by net heat gains or losses at the building perimeter. These net heat gains and losses are made up by the building perimeter temperature change system under the regulation of the present control apparatus. The apparatus includes a heat flow sensor for mounting upon an exterior building element to generate a sensor signal proportional to the direction and magnitude of heat flow to or from the building element. A controller responsive to the sensor signal operates the temperature change system so that the rate of perimeter heating or cooling is directly proportional to the measured rate of heat loss or gain through the building element.

Abstract: An electronic thermostat includes digital electronic apparatus for simulating heat anticipation so that in operation, the temperature of the room being heated or cooled does not exhibit excessive overshoot. A sensor generates a signal representative of temperature in the room. In a preferred embodiment, the system compares the temperature signal with a composite set point signal. The composite set point signal is generated by a data processor to effect the following system characteristics: (1) when the temperature signal remains constant and is equal to the set point, the system can cycle approximately six times an hour with a fifty percent duty cycle; (2) a relatively small change in temperature or set point will modify the duty cycle substantially; and (3) if the temperature and set point signals differ by more than a predetermined amount, the system will lock on or off, depending on which is greater.

Abstract: A closed loop control apparatus utilizes a cooling effect sensor to measure the cooling capacity of a fluid in a supply conduit connected to one or more thermal loads. The sensor includes an electrical heater that is regulated to heat a sampled portion of the cooling fluid at a known rate, and a temperature sensor positioned downstream of the heater to measure the temperature of the heated fluid and thereby determine the cooling effect or capacity of the fluid. A control signal developed by the temperature sensor is fed back to a flow modulating valve that adjusts the flow of cooling fluid to the thermal loads.

Abstract: The environmental temperature in an area is controlled by the detection of the presence or absence of personnel in a room. A microphone detects sound in the room and actuates a control circuit to establish a set point for a temperature system which supplies heating and cooling to the room. The presence of people in the room is accompanied by sounds which are detected by the microphone to set the set point at an appropriate temperature to provide a comfortable environment. The absence of sound permits a new set point to be used to reduce the energy consumption of the heating or cooling system. A time delay circuit is optionally incorporated to eliminate undesirable cycling.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to automated drain valves for pressurized fluid conduits such as steam conduits. Recognizing that there is a direct relationship between steam temperature and steam pressure at the saturation line; the saturation line is used to derive a variable set point for an automated drain system and method. The saturation temperature is compared with the actual temperature to determine the positioning of the conduit drain valves.

Abstract: An environmental control system for enclosures that accommodate human activities. The system includes an environmental conditioner such as a heating or air conditioning unit for supplying temperature conditioned air to the enclosure and a sensor for detecting the presence of humans occupying the enclosure. In response to an absence of humans within the enclosure, the sensor fails to produce a signal causing a control system to either reduce or terminate the flow of conditioned air into the enclosure and thereby reduce the level of energy consumed by the unoccupied enclosure.

Abstract: A door lock, particularly appropriate for a hotel or motel room, which is effectively operated from either the room side or the corridor side to lock the door closed for security purposes, and from the latter or corridor side, additionally is effective to terminate electrical services within the room, e.g. the air conditioner, to thereby minimize the wasteful use of electricity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a simple apparatus for turning off a heating or air conditioning unit when a door or window is opened. Switches activated by the opening of doors or windows control the operation of a heater or air conditioner through a relay system that doubles as a burglar alarm when an alarm circuit is activated.

Abstract: The invention involves a closed loop control method and apparatus for starting up a steam-heated heat exchanger by controlling the heating-steam pressure. According to the invention a correcting variable is established by a controller from an actual pressure value, measured by an actual value transmitter, and from a reference value, generated by a reference value generating device, the heating-steam pressure being modified by at least one control valve on the basis of said correcting variable. The pressure reference value S is selected from three pressure set values, S.sub.T, S.sub.P1 and S.sub.P2, the lesser value of S.sub.T and S.sub.P1 being established as an intermediate pressure set value S' (that is, S' = Min (S.sub.T, S.sub.P1)), and the pressure reference value S is selected as being the greater value of S' and S.sub.P2 (that is, S = Max (S', S.sub.P2)), where S.sub.T represents that permissible maximum desired pressure value which is a function of the momentary metal temperature T.sub.