Abstract: A system for power distribution and communication over a two-wire network comprises a control unit (dedicated or distributed) configured to receive power from the two-wire network and provided with a transceiver circuitry connected to the two-wire network, a power converter unit having a power converter which converts incoming voltage to a DC-voltage of less than 50 V and feeds the DC-voltage to the two-wire network, and a power fuse unit with a power fuse identity connected between the power converter and the two-wire network. The power fuse unit forwards the DC-voltage to the two-wire network and comprises a transceiver circuitry connected to the two-wire network and a fuse. The system monitors an amount of power consumed in the network and activates a power switch in the power fuse unit when the amount of power consumed in the two-wire network exceeds predetermined limits.

Abstract: A need identifying device is provided with a need storing portion that receives, from an informant, a need pertaining to the surrounding environment, an environment state variable controlling portion that calculates an environment state variable for indicating the state of the surrounding environment of the informant based on an environment element measured value collected from a space occupied by the informant, and calculates, from the environment state variable, a dissatisfaction level for the surrounding environment of the informant, and an identification processing portion that identifies, based on the dissatisfaction level, a need from the informant as a temporary need or as a persistent need.

Abstract: An auto changeover mechanism for a thermostat. A heat and cool mode auto changeover with single or crossed setpoints may be an approach for doing a single setpoint auto changeover, an approach that can handle auto changeover with separate heat and cool setpoints that do not require the cool setpoint to always be higher than the heat setpoint, and also an approach that does not necessarily require a dead band between the setpoints. A hysteresis may be associated with switching to the other mode. The thermostat having the auto changeover mechanism may have a display of a mode that automatically changes between heat and cool.

Abstract: A vortex-based temperature control system comprises a test chamber configured to receive a test article therein, a sensor disposed within the test chamber for detecting a temperature within the test chamber, a first vortex tube coupled to the test chamber for providing a heating airflow to the test chamber, and a second vortex tube coupled to the test chamber for providing a cooling airflow to the test chamber. The system also comprises a temperature controller coupled to the sensor and configured to control an airflow delivered to the first and second vortex tubes to obtain a desired temperature setting within the test chamber.

Abstract: A chassis for a network storage system contains a first thermal chamber that houses conventional electronic components and a second thermal chamber that houses non-volatile solid state memory such as flash memory. A cooling system keeps the electronics in first thermal chamber below their maximum junction temperature. Meanwhile, a temperature regulating system maintains the solid state memory in the second thermal chamber within a range of a preferred operating temperature selected to extend the lifetime and/or improve the reliability of the solid state memory. Thus, the chassis provides dual zone temperature control to improve performance of the network storage system.

Abstract: A method and system for predictively controlling environmental conditions of multiple occupancy zones in an occupancy space are provided. Occupancy and environmental conditions of each of the occupancy zones are detected and identified. The detected occupancy is stored in an occupancy database. Patterns of occupancy of each of the occupancy zones are determined using the occupancy database. Future occupancy of the occupancy zones is predicted based on the occupancy patterns of the occupancy zones. The environmental conditions of the occupancy zones are controlled based on the detected occupancy and/or the predicted future occupancy. The environmental conditions of the occupancy zones in the occupancy space are thereby predictively controlled by simultaneously incorporating an occupant's desired settings, existing and historical temperature data within the occupancy space, and weather data.

Abstract: An air conditioner and a method of controlling the same are disclosed herein. The method of controlling the air conditioner includes receiving an electric power rate information, and distributing an internal air from a first indoor room to a second indoor room to reduce a temperature difference between a plurality of indoor rooms. During periods of peak power rates, costs associated with operating the air conditioner may be reduced by limiting operation of the indoor and outdoor units, while adjusting the temperatures of the indoor rooms by distributing air among the plurality of the indoor rooms.

Abstract: A cell phone location-based system is described that determines the occupancy of a home and controls home energy consumption such that energy is saved when the home is unoccupied. Occupancy is determined according to cell phone locations, occupant behavior patterns, or burglar alarm status. When an occupant is determined to be returning to their unoccupied home, the heating or cooling apparatus is activated to return the temperature in the home to a comfortable level by the time the occupant arrives.

Abstract: A thermostat includes: a controller adapted to control the function of an associated HVAC system; and user controls adapted to provide instructions to the controller including selecting between heating functions and cooling functions, wherein the controller is limited by a maximum temperature when heating functions are selected and limited by a minimum temperature when the cooling functions are selected, wherein the maximum temperature is a lower temperature than the minimum temperature.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for a hot water heating system an override thermostat; a timer operable to deactivate and reactivate the burner while a room thermostat is calling for heat; a differential temperature switch configured to disconnect the electrical supply to the water pump when the difference in temperature between the water at the boiler inlet and the water at the boiler outlet falls below an adjustable set point; and, a temperature switch configured to prevent operability of the timer until the temperature of the water at the burner outlet rises above an adjustable set point.

Abstract: A method for evaluating a temperature control equipment of a building. The temperature control equipment is communicatively coupled with a thermostat. The method may comprise calculating an ideal design temperature difference (DTD) for temperature control of the building; calculating an actual DTD associated with the temperature control equipment, the actual DTD being calculated at least partially based on: an equipment off time during a temperature control equipment work cycle, an equipment on time during the temperature control equipment work cycle, an ambient temperature, and a set point temperature of the thermostat; and evaluating the temperature control equipment based on the ideal DTD and the actual DTD, the temperature control equipment being evaluated to determine whether the temperature control equipment is at least one of: oversized for the building, undersized for the building, or generally matches with a temperature control requirement of the building.

Abstract: A method of controlling an HVAC system including programming a thermostat of the HVAC system to define a temperature set point, a temperature differential around the temperature set point, and a number of cycles per hour for a temperature control source of the HVAC system. The method also includes sensing a temperature, executing a cycling control algorithm that includes the temperature, the temperature set point, and the number of cycles per hour as inputs to determine a duty cycle, and running the temperature control source according to the duty cycle when the temperature is within the temperature differential. The method further includes executing a deadband algorithm to turn on the temperature control source when the temperature is outside of the temperature differential at one extreme and to turn off the temperature control source when the temperature is outside the temperature differential at the opposite extreme.

Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a computer readable medium is encoded with instructions for directing a processor to receive at least one model defining the energy consumption of at least one vending machine as a function of at least one parameter, receive at least one goal comprising a plurality of parameter values within which the at least one vending machine is to operate, and utilize the at least one model and the at least one goal to determine an operation regime for the at least one vending machine.

Abstract: The invention comprises systems and methods for ramping setpoints on thermostats controlling HVAC systems. At least one thermostat is located inside a structure and is used to control an HVAC system in the structure. At least one remote processor is in communication with said thermostat and at least one database stores data reported by the thermostat. At least one processor compares the outside temperature at least one location and at least one point in time to information reported to the remote processor from the thermostat. The remote processor ramps the setpoint on the thermostat so as to reduce the average spread between inside temperature and outside temperature in order to reduce energy consumption with affecting comfort. The remote processor takes into account the effect of weather conditions and occupant preferences in determining whether and when to ramp setpoints.

Abstract: A method for configuring a communicating environmental conditioning network, an apparatus for such configuring and a method for configuring a communicating air conditioning network are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method for configuring a communicating environmental conditioning network includes: (1) establishing baseline data indicating conditioned outputs of selected space interactive units of the plurality of space interactive units, (2) activating a respective environmental interactive unit of the plurality of environmental interactive units and (3) assigning to the respective environmental interactive unit a respective selected space interactive unit associated with the largest change in a conditioned output.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for a hot water heating system conserves fuel consumption and reduces carbon dioxide emissions. A heating system includes a burner that heats water and a room thermostat. The electronic circuit comprises an override thermostat which has a setting for a lower temperature limit and an upper temperature limit below those of the room thermostat. The override thermostat is operable to activate continuous operation of the burner until the upper temperature limit of the override thermostat is reached when the indoor temperature falls below the lower temperature limit of the room thermostat. The electronic circuit further comprises a timer operable to deactivate and reactivate the burner while the room thermostat is calling for heat.

Abstract: A controller equipped with a user interface having multiple-day programming capabilities, including methods of programming such devices, are disclosed. The user interface may include one or more menus or screens that can be used to program a schedule for one or more selected days during the week. An illustrative method of programming the controller may include the steps of entering a scheduling routine, selecting multiple days for schedule modification, changing the schedule parameters for one or more periods during the selected days, and then exiting the scheduling routine.

Abstract: A method for configuring a communicating environmental conditioning network having a plurality of environmental interactive units communicatingly coupled with a plurality of space interactive units, each respective space interactive unit presenting a conditioned output when engaged with a particular environmental interactive unit, includes: (a) turning on selected delivery elements associated with selected space interactive units; (b) establishing baseline data indicating conditioned outputs of the selected space interactive units; (c) engaging at least one respective space interactive unit with at least one respective environmental interactive unit; (d) waiting a predetermined time interval; (e) measuring a conditioned output associated with each the selected delivery element; and (f) selecting the respective selected space interactive unit associated with the largest change in the conditioned output as assigned to the respective environmental interactive unit.

Abstract: A vortex-based temperature control system comprises a test chamber configured to receive a test article therein, a sensor disposed within the test chamber for detecting a temperature within the test chamber, a first vortex tube coupled to the test chamber for providing a heating airflow to the test chamber, and a second vortex tube coupled to the test chamber for providing a cooling airflow to the test chamber. The system also comprises a temperature controller coupled to the sensor and configured to control an airflow delivered to the first and second vortex tubes to obtain a desired temperature setting within the test chamber.

Abstract: This invention integrates energy saving lighting with energy saving HVAC (Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning). This system is termed by the inventor “ILAC” (Integrated Lighting and Air Conditioning). An ILAC system includes light fixtures mounted in a ceiling and, emitting lamp heat into a plenum and visible light into a room. A central computer controls both lighting and HVAC systems. In a COOL mode an HVAC unit cools the room through a supply air duct and return air duct and the lamp heat exits the plenum through an exhaust duct. In a HEAT mode the HVAC heats the room through the same supply air duct, a ceiling-to-plenum duct carries the heated room air into the plenum, and an HVAC return air duct carries room and plenum heat back into the HVAC unit that uses less power to heat the lamp-warmed return air. In a thermostat-controlled OFF mode, warm room air convects through the ceiling duct into the plenum and exhausts through a plenum exhaust duct along with lamp-heated plenum air.

Abstract: A refrigerant system includes a controller that enables the system to dehumidify the air in a room without relying on a humidistat and without having to operate the system's compressor and electric heater at the same time. To dehumidify the air, the system's compressor, supply air fan, and outside air damper are controlled in a manner similar to other systems operating in a cooling mode when the room temperature is above a certain setpoint temperature. When the room temperature falls below the setpoint, however, the operation changes significantly. The controller closes the outside air damper, decreases the speed of the fan, and continues operating in this manner until the room temperature decreases to a subcooling temperature limit. The subcooling temperature limit is less than a predetermined limit that is used during the system's normal cooling mode.

Abstract: A system for analysing energy usage on a network, such as an electricity network (4) which includes a number of energy sources (1, 2, 3) and a number of energy consumers (6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12) the system including a plurality of meters (5,9) on the network which monitor energy usage on the network at intervals throughout a day, the meters supplying data to data processing apparatus (16, 17) which aggregates the data so as to provide an indication of current total energy usage, and which stores data so as to permit the retrieval of historical energy usage for predetermined intervals on days of the year, wherein the data processing apparatus further compares current total energy usage for a particular point or period of time in the year with average historical total energy usage for that point or period of time, and generates an index which indicates the difference between the average historical energy usage and the current total energy usage.

Abstract: A thermostat having a thermostat housing and a rotatable selector rotatably coupled to the thermostat housing via a support member. The rotatable selector is adapted to have a range of rotatable positions, wherein a desired parameter value is identified by the position of the rotatable selector along the range of rotatable positions. The thermostat further includes a mechanical to electrical translator that is laterally offset relative to the support member for translating the mechanical position of the rotatable selector to an electrical signal that is related to the desired parameter value.

Abstract: A thermostat having a thermostat housing and a rotatable selector disposed on the thermostat housing. The rotatable selector adapted to have a range of rotatable positions, where a desired parameter value is identified by the position of the rotatable selector along the range of rotatable positions. The rotatable selector rotates about a rotation axis. A non-rotating member or element, which may at least partially overlap the rotatable selector, may be fixed relative to the thermostat housing via one or more support member(s). The one or more support member(s) may be laterally displaced relative to the rotation axis of the rotatable selector. The non-rotatable member or element may include, for example, a display, a button, an indicator light, a noise making device, a logo, a temperature indicator, and/or any other suitable device or component, as desired.

Abstract: An air temperature control assembly has an air temperature control unit with an optical receiver. A cover houses the air temperature control unit and the optical receiver. A light guide reflects light signals to the optical receiver. The light guide may be a reflecting surface angled to direct the light signal to the optical receiver.

Abstract: A refrigerated appliance that dispenses items includes a power source and a cooling system. Power control circuitry is electrically coupled between a power source (e.g., power cord coupled to a wall outlet) and components (for example, a compressor and one or more circulating fans of the cooling system) of the appliance. A controller, which is operably coupled to the power control circuitry, is adapted to manage the supply of electrical power to such components by intelligently transitioning between a normal-operation mode and at least one power-conserving mode. To achieve efficient power conservation, the controller automatically transitions between the at least one power-conserving mode and the normal-operation mode based upon at least one temperature signal, at least one dispensing event signal, and possibly other data signals supplied to the controller.

Abstract: A strategic response control for an air conditioning system for use in an environment with increased power rates during a designated peak period. The air conditioning system includes a power board for operating the air conditioning system in one or more operating status having a controller with a processor and a real time clock, an indoor temperature sensor for generating an input signal representing the indoor temperature, an outdoor temperature sensor for generating an input signal representing the outdoor temperature, and an operating program that sets a maximum comfort level temperature, a minimum comfort level temperature and a warmup rate for the environment in which the air conditioner operates, and has a procedure for precooling the environment before the peak period, wherein on activation, the processor signals the power board to enter an operating state for precooling and an “off” or lower level operating state during the peak period.

Abstract: An air conditioning system cools air within an area. An air conditioner controller defines information based on input data from door and window open status sensors and a return air monitor sensing the dry bulb temperature and the wet bulb temperature or relative humidity of the air within the area being cooled by the air conditioning system and shuts down the system when specific conditions exist. The defined information is transmitted to a remote host device which retains and presents the transmitted information or information derived therefrom.

Abstract: A novel centralized power on/off control system for motel is comprised of, including but not limited to; 1) a PLC (Power Line Carrier) or RF (Radio Frequency) modem connected to a personal computer on the front desk of the motel, 2) PLC or RF modems in each rooms, 3) power relays connected to the PLC or RF modems in each room. A 340 KHz “ON” signal is transmitted from the main personal computer to the PLC modem installed in each room utilizing 60 Hz 110V power line as the carrier. For RF modem 900 MHz/2.4 GHz radio frequency is utilized for “ON” signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for temperature control in refrigeration systems, such as beverage coolers, and heating systems, such as coffee dispensers. In an embodiment of the present invention, a control unit of a refrigeration system in accordance with the present invention receives and records activity data such as door openings and/or human presence detection in the vicinity of the refrigeration system, and then establishes the beginning and end times of an energy saving mode for the refrigeration system over a period of time, such as a week. The control unit calculates the time to restart the compressor cycle at the end of the energy saving mode so that the product will be at the correct temperature at the time of first usage. As part of the energy saving function, the lamps and fans in the refrigeration system are controlled independently by the control unit according to the activity data.

Abstract: A temperature control system utilizes detected occupancy and activity levels to automatically condition a response of an HVAC system to a difference between a setpoint temperature and an actual temperature within a zone. The illustrated example includes an infrared sensor that provides at least one signal indicating the activity and occupancy levels in the zone. A neural network processes the sensor signal to provide an indication of the occupancy and activity levels to a controller. The controller automatically adjusts at least one control parameter of the HVAC system to compensate for changes in the occupancy or activity levels that would affect the temperature comfort setting in the zone.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for temperature control in refrigeration systems, such as beverage coolers, and heating systems, such as coffee dispensers. In an embodiment of the present invention, a control unit of a refrigeration system in accordance with the present invention receives and records activity data such as door openings and/or human presence detection in the vicinity of the refrigeration system, and then establishes the beginning and end times of an energy saving mode for the refrigeration system over a period of time, such as a week. The control unit calculates the time to restart the compressor cycle at the end of the energy saving mode so that the product will be at the correct temperature at the time of first usage. As part of the energy saving function, the lamps and fans in the refrigeration system are controlled independently by the control unit according to the activity data.

Abstract: A set back timer for an air conditioner is provided with a display screen (15) for the representation of information about normal and set back operations of the air conditioner, wherein a normal operation time period display (53) indicating a time period of the day during which period a normal operation is carried out and a set back time period display (64) indicating a time period in the normal operation time period during which period a set back operation is carried out are displayed independently of each other on the display screen (15). Such arrangement enables an air conditioner user to easily and correctly confirm, at a glance, the relationship between a normal operation time period and a set back operation time period in the normal operation time period for the day, and the contents of a setting can be confirmed remarkably easily, thereby contributing to improvements in air conditioner operability.

Abstract: A room air conditioning control system incorporates a motion detector strategically placed in the room to detect the presence of activity in the room and enable a room air conditioning unit to operate and thus adjust the room temperature to a pre-selected level. The motion detector, upon detection of motion within the room, switches a transmitter to transmit an RF signal to a receiver connected in the power line of the room air conditioning unit. The receiver connects power to the unit and maintains such power for a predetermined time after motion within the room is no longer detected. The motion detector and transmitter operate on battery power, and the control system operates without hard wiring to permit the system to be added to an existing room air conditioning system.

Abstract: A temperature control system utilizes detected occupancy and activity levels to automatically condition a response of an HVAC system to a difference between a setpoint temperature and an actual temperature within a zone. The illustrated example includes an infrared sensor that provides at least one signal indicating the activity and occupancy levels in the zone. A neural network processes the sensor signal to provide an indication of the occupancy and activity levels to a controller. The controller automatically adjusts at least one control parameter of the HVAC system to compensate for changes in the occupancy or activity levels that would affect the temperature comfort setting in the zone.

Abstract: A refrigerated soda vending machine includes sensors for monitoring various parameters such as temperature within its refrigerated chamber and for monitoring occupancy in the chamber vicinity. Sensor data is used to determine when to switch between normal and power-conservation modes of operation. In either mode, a cooling system is regulated so that a compressor goes on when an upper internal temperature threshold is reached and off when a lower internal temperature threshold is reached. In normal mode, fans circulate air to maintain a relatively uniform temperature throughout the chamber. During power-conservation mode, the fans are mostly off when the compressor is off. In the absence of circulation, the temperature within the refrigerated chamber stratifies so that a lower cool zone and an upper warm zone can be differentiated. Soda cans are held in vertical stacks so that the lowest cans are located in the cool zone.

Abstract: A railing mounting device for mounting railings to concrete slab walls includes a stanchion and an anchor insert. The stanchion is releasably mountable to the anchor insert. The stanchion is elongate and extends longitudinally between opposite first and second ends. The second end has a mounting member rigidly extending therefrom for sliding snug releasably securable mating engagement in a corresponding cavity in the anchor insert. The anchor insert is rigidly mountable into a concrete wall panel by flanges, fins or the like. The mounting member lies generally within a first plane containing the first and second ends. The first end is laterally offset in the first plane relative to the second end so as to extend over the mounting member in the first plane. Rail mounts are mountable to the stanchion towards the first end so as to mount rails to the stanchion offset relative to the second end.

Abstract: A thermostat receives requests to enter into setback modes of operation whereby at least one setpoint normally used by the thermostat is changed. The thermostat is operative to compute the integral of change in setpoint temperature over time during each setback mode of operation. The thermostat is also operative to maintain a running total of such computed integrals of change in setpoint temperature over time in order to respond to any request for such computed integrals. The thermostat is furthermore operative to set the total of such computed integrals of change in setpoint temperature over time equal to zero in response to a request to clear the total of such computed integrals of change in setpoint temperature over time.

Abstract: A method is provided for managing the energy usage of an energy consuming system adapted to determine the energy of a controlled space, the energy consuming system including a plurality of operating components having on and off states and a plurality of differing noise levels when making transitions between the on and off states. The method includes determining the noise levels of the components of the energy consuming system, selecting a relatively low noise level component of the energy consuming system to provide a selected noise masking component, and causing a relatively high noise level component of the energy consuming system differing from the selected noise masking component to make a transition between on and off states. The method further includes causing the selected noise masking component to make a transition between its on and off states after the transition of high noise level component.

Abstract: A set back timer for an air conditioner is provided with a display screen (15) for the representation of information about normal and set back operations of the air conditioner, wherein a normal operation time period display (53) indicating a time period of the day during which period a normal operation is carried out and a set back time period display (64) indicating a time period in the normal operation time period during which period a set back operation is carried out are displayed independently of each other on the display screen (15). Such arrangement enables an air conditioner user to easily and correctly confirm, at a glance, the relationship between a normal operation time period and a set back operation time period in the normal operation time period for the day, and the contents of a setting can be confirmed remarkably easily, thereby contributing to improvements in air conditioner operability.

Abstract: A method for operating a temperature controlled device includes detecting a human presence status and controlling a temperature of the temperature controlled device based upon the detected status.

Abstract: A thermal comfort controller using various recovery methods to change the indoor temperature to meet set points in a setup/setback schedule to maintain thermal comfort for occupants of an enclosure. The thermal comfort controller further comprising an apparatus to determine the expected energy savings when modifying the setup/setback schedule for the enclosure in which the temperature controller is used. The energy savings information may be displayed to the enclosure occupant for further consideration.

Abstract: A refrigerated soda vending machine includes sensors for monitoring various parameters such as temperature within its refrigerated chamber and for monitoring occupancy in the chamber vicinity. Sensor data is used to determine when to switch between normal and power-conservation modes of operation. In either mode, a cooling system is regulated so that a compressor goes on when an upper internal temperature threshold is reached and off when a lower internal temperature threshold is reached. In normal mode, fans circulate air to maintain a relatively uniform temperature throughout the chamber. During power-conservation mode, the fans are mostly off when the compressor is off. In the absence of circulation, the temperature within the refrigerated chamber stratifies so that a lower cool zone and an upper warm zone can be differentiated. Soda cans are held in vertical stacks so that the lowest cans are located in the cool zone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment such that conditioned air supplied to unoccupied building zones is reduced to effect savings in energy. In one embodiment, additional relays are disposed between a thermostat and the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment. Upon detection of a lack of occupancy of a monitored zone, the present invention causes the added relay or relays to open, thereby interrupting the thermostat's ability to maintain a previously defined temperature. In turn, the present invention is then able to vary the temperature of the unoccupied zone to a different temperature setpoint than that of the thermostat.

Abstract: A refrigerated soda vending machine includes sensors for monitoring various parameters such as temperature within its refrigerated chamber and for monitoring occupancy in the vicinity of the chamber. The sensor data is used to determine when to switch between a normal mode of operation and a power-conservation mode of operation. In either mode of operation, a cooling system is regulated so that a compressor goes on when an upper internal temperature threshold is reached and off when a lower internal temperature threshold is reached. In the normal mode of operating, fans circulate air within the chamber to maintain a relatively uniform temperature throughout the chamber. During power-conservation mode, the fans are off most of the time the compressor is off. In the absence of circulation, the temperature within the refrigerated chamber stratifies so that a lower cool zone and an upper warm zone can be differentiated. Soda cans are held in vertical stacks so that the lowest cans are located in the cool zone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manifesting the time-temperature history of a perishable object includes the providing the object with a substrate having layer that is comprised of a volatile component and at least one other component, where the volatile component has an evaporation rate related to time and temperature. The teachings herein include allowing the volatile component to evaporate, causing a color change with the remaining component that reflects a time-temperature history of the object. The other component may include a lactone dye or crystal violet lactone, The layer may include poly-p-(hydroxystyrene), ethanol, crystal violet lactone and N-methyl pyrrolidinone, or may include poly-p-(hydroxystyrene), ethanol, crystal violet lactone, ammonia, N-methyl pyrrolidinone, and formaldehyde. A barrier may be provided to control the removal of the volatile component, and at least one chromophore may be provided to bias the layer so as to reduce an amount of time required before the color change is detectable.

Abstract: A thermostat receives requests to enter into setback modes of operation whereby at least one setpoint normally used by the thermostat is to be changed at a stipulated start time for each setback mode of operation. The thermostat is operative to enter into a requested setback mode of operation at a time following the requested start time in the event there has been a delay in receiving the request to enter into a setback mode of operation. The thermostat is furthermore operative to track the time that elapses during each setback mode of operation and to report the total accumulated time that has elapsed in response to a request to do so. The thermostat is furthermore operative to set the total accumulated time to zero in response to a request to initialize the total accumulated time.

Abstract: A method is provided for managing the energy usage of an energy consuming system adapted to determine the energy of a controlled space, the energy consuming system including a plurality of operating components having on and off states and a plurality of differing noise levels when making transitions between the on and off states. The method includes determining the noise levels of the components of the energy consuming system, selecting a relatively low noise level component of the energy consuming system to provide a selected noise masking component, and causing a relatively high noise level component of the energy consuming system differing from the selected noise masking component to make a transition between on and off states. The method further includes causing the selected noise masking component to make a transition between its on and off states after the transition of high noise level component.

Abstract: A thermostat receives requests to enter into setback modes of operation whereby at least one set point normally used by the thermostat is changed. The thermostat is operative to compute the time that elapses during each setback mode of operation. The thermostat is also operative to maintain a running total of such computed times in order to respond to any request for the total accumulated time that has elapsed in the setback modes of operation. This includes computing, if necessary, the amount of time that has elapsed in a setback mode of operation occurring during a request for the total accumulated time. The thermostat is furthermore operative to set the total accumulated time to zero in response to a request to initialize the total accumulated time.

Abstract: A thermostat system for controlling activation of a temperature management system is operable in an energy-savings mode for enhancing energy savings and in a comfort mode for enhancing comfort, where the operating mode is selectable by a user. The thermostat system has operating mode control circuitry which includes (1) a manual mode control operable to cause the operating mode control circuit to switch between the energy-savings and the comfort states when pressed by the user, (2) a wireless receiver for receiving a wireless mode switching signal that causes the operating mode switching circuitry to switch between the energy-savings and the comfort states, and (3) telephone communication circuitry for receiving a telephonic mode switching signal that causes the operating mode switching circuitry to switch between the energy-savings and the comfort states. Thus, the present invention offers at least three convenient ways for the user to switch between energy-savings and comfort modes of operation.