Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an integrated switch pad-aspirated sensor shroud for a vehicle climate control system, including: a switch pad including a base member; an opening defined through the base member through which opening ambient air may be drawn to flow across a temperature sensing element; a hinge member formed of one piece with the base member and extending therefrom; a sensor shroud formed of one piece with the hinge member, the sensor shroud being configured to provide a flow path for the ambient air; and the sensor shroud being attachable to a first element of the vehicle climate control system.

Abstract: A temperature and passive infrared sensor module in which a temperature sensor is mounted so as to not be adversely affected by heat generating electrical components of the sensor module. One embodiment comprises a wallswitch-mounted unit which is designed to be mounted in a wallswitch electrical outlet box with a semi-cylindrical front of the sensor projecting forwardly therefrom. A top section of the projecting semi-cylindrical front has a front curved window, behind which a passive infrared sensor and an ambient light sensor are positioned. A bottom section of the projecting semi-cylindrical front is formed by a removable clip-in door which is provided with air flow vents in a bottom surface and also in projecting front and side surfaces thereof to provide a circulating air flow around a temperature sensor.

Abstract: A refrigerator temperature control system includes a passageway for delivering a supply of cooling air from a freezer compartment to a fresh food compartment. A diverter member is positioned about the passageway in the freezer compartment for channeling the air through the passageway. A freezer compartment temperature sensor is routed from a temperature control unit in the fresh food compartment, through a bore formed in an insert which defines the air passageway, into a specialized chamber formed as part of the diverter member. The chamber is in fluid communication with the flow of air to the fresh food compartment through a bleed hole. To increase its surface area, the sensor is preferably coiled within the chamber and an insulation jacket extends about the sensor from within the fresh food compartment, with the insulation jacket creating a seal within the bore. In addition, a supporting sleeve extends about the sensor between the temperature control unit and the coiled portion of the sensor.

Abstract: A variable-air-volume (VAV) conditioning system having at least one diffuser (27a-27d) for discharging supply air (SA) into a room (22a-22d) a flow control element (53) movably mounted in the diffuser for control of the volume of supply air (SA) discharged from the diffuser (27a-27d) in response to thermal loading in the room (22a-22d). The VAV system also includes a ventilation air source (41), independent of the supply air source (23), which is fluid coupled to a ventilation air opening defining structure (59), such as a nozzle, located in the diffuser housing (15) at a position downstream of the flow control element (53).

Abstract: A temperature and passive infrared sensor module comprising a sensor module housing having air flow vents therein in top and bottom or side surfaces to allow air to circulate through the sensor module housing. A temperature sensor is mounted in the sensor module housing in a position which is exposed to air circulating through the sensor module housing. A passive infrared sensor is also mounted in the sensor module housing in a manner in which it is not exposed to air circulating through the sensor module housing, such that it is not adversely affected thereby. In one embodiment, a foam block is positioned around to encase and isolate the passive infrared detector. In several embodiments, the passive infrared sensor and temperature sensor are mounted on opposite sides of the printed circuit board such that air circulates around the temperature sensor only on one side of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A control unit for a vehicle air-conditioner system of the type incorporating an in-car sensor and an aspirator fan has a circuit board mounted in a casing equipped with a control panel, an aspirator fan for sucking passenger compartment air into the casing through an air intake in the panel is provided on the circuit board, and a detection element for detecting vehicle passenger compartment temperature is attached to the circuit board to be disposed in the flow path of the passenger compartment air sucked in through the air intake. Some or all necessary components requiring cooling are disposed in the flow path at points downstream of the detection element.

Abstract: A variable-air-volume (VAV) conditioning system having at least one diffuser (27a-27d), a flow control element (53) movably mounted for control of the volume of supply air (SA) discharged from the diffuser (27a-27d). The VAV system also includes an air induction nozzle (50,58) mounted to induce room air (RA) flow over a room air temperature sensor (28a, 28a') which controls movement of the flow control element (53). The induction air nozzle (50,58), however, is fluid coupled to a ventilation air assembly for the discharge of ventilation air (VA) into the rooms (22a-22d). Preferably, the induction air assembly is provided by a ventilation conduit assembly (44, 46a-46d) and a ventilation air treatment and supply assembly (41) fluid coupled to a ventilation air source. The ventilation air is discharged through the air induction nozzles (58).

Abstract: A mounting device for a temperature control switch in a freezer compartment for advantageously providing a more spacious freezer compartment, which includes a grill member provided on the rear wall having a temperature control switch support member formed on a front surface thereof and having a plurality of openings for permitting cooled air to flow into the freezer compartment; and a temperature control switch, mounted to the back side of the temperature control switch member and having a temperature control knob inserted onto a setting shaft thereof.

Abstract: A thermally isolated flush mounted room temperature sensing apparatus has a sensor assembly with sensor elements mounted on a printed circuit board and generates a value that is indicative of the sensed temperature. The apparatus has a generally sealed box structure with a wall plate attached to an open end of the box structure, and the sensor assembly extends through an opening in the wall plate. The assembly is mounted to an insulating block located in the box structure and is supported by spring retainers to have the assembly float away from the block to provide thermal isolation. Other thermal isolating features are provided.

Abstract: An average temperature sensor designed for use in an air conditioning unit, wherein the air conditioning unit has a high pressure region and a low pressure region and a method for making an average temperature measurement. The average temperature sensor senses the average temperature of air flowing in the high pressure region and comprises a device for conveying a flow of air that is in fluid communication with the high pressure region. A temperature sensor is disposed in a temperature sensing relationship to the device for conveying the flow or air. The high pressure in the high pressure region induces a flow of air in the device for conveying a flow of air. This flow of air flows from the high pressure region to the low pressure region and is at the average temperature of the air in the high pressure region.

Abstract: An air-conditioning device capable of obtaining a suitable blow-out temperature through one passage from the initial period of change even when the air-conditioning operation in which either a first passage or a second passage is closed is changed into an operation condition in which it is opened. A feet mode in which the hot air is blown to the feet of a passenger from a second passage 7, is changed to a bilevel mode in which a first passage 6 that communicates with the upper half body of the passenger is switched from the closed state to the open state. During a predetermined period of time in the initial period following the change, the temperature blown from the first passage 6 is determined based upon a blow-out temperature of the second passage 7 and a desired blow-out temperature TAOV of the first passage 6.

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: A combined motor cooler and air aspirator for use in a motor vehicle climate control system comprises a forced air ventilation blower motor having an inlet port for admitting a flow of cooling air and a plurality of housing apertures for allowing the cooling air to exit the motor, a conduit for communicating air from the motor vehicle passenger compartment to the motor inlet port, and means for aspirating air through the conduit and the motor.

Abstract: A temperature sensing device for a vehicle samples air from an interior passenger compartment to determine passenger compartment temperature by purging air in a region surrounding a temperature sensor, in favor of passenger compartment air. A sensor triggered by door operation allows the purging process to begin before a passenger enters the vehicle and the vehicle's automatic temperature control system is activated. A method of accurately measuring the temperature of air in the passenger compartment of the vehicle involves the steps of sensing that the passenger is about to enter the vehicle purging the air in the region surrounding the sensor and drawing in air from the passenger compartment, and measuring the air at the sensor after the purging step.

Abstract: An interior air temperature sensing system is provided for use with a vehicle interior compartment air temperature regulating system including an ambient air inlet duct, a blower housing connected to an air inlet duct and an air temperature modifier and a blower situated within the blower housing. The blower draws air from the air inlet duct under negative pressure and conveys the air at positive pressure past the air temperature modifier to the interior compartment. The air temperature sensing system includes an air temperature sensor and a venturi valve coupled to the negative pressure area of the blower. The valve includes an inlet port, and outlet port and a venturi section extending therebetween defining a point of minimum flow area, or valve seat.

Abstract: A temperature sensing device including a housing for attachment to a wall of a building in an inconspicuous and decoratively functional housing. The housing can come in a variety of shapes and may be designed to complement the interior decor of a room. The housing itself includes a head portion which protects the delicate sensor head from contact with a foreign object which could damage the sensor. Insulation is provided around the sensor cap to prevent the sensor from being influenced by the wall temperature. A seal is provided at the back of the sensor housing to prevent interior wall air from entering the sensor housing and providing a false reading of the ambient room air temperature.

Abstract: A sensor and control module have a housing with an internally mounted printed circuit board which supports a sensing element located in an outwardly projecting hollow portion formed at the lower part of the housing. The projecting portion is prism-shaped and includes air intake slots at its bottom side to enable external air to reach the element. The upper side of the projecting portion which is adjacent to control elements on the module is sealed. The housing is provided with an internal air passage adjacent to the printed circuit board between the air intake slots and air exit slots at a top side of the housing spaced from the control elements. In one embodiment, the module is a thermostat, and the sensing element is a temperature responsive resistor used to sense air temperature.

Abstract: An air conditioner having a thermal insulation cover forming a pocket around the thermostat bulb which is mounted to the outside wall of the air intake chamber. The cover has an aperture and the outside wall has a plurality of holes communicating with the pocket whereby, when the blower is activated, a flow of ambient room air is drawn through the pocket so that the bulb accurately reflects the temperature of the room being cooled. The cover thermally isolated the thermostat bulb from hot outside fresh air so that the thermostat bulb is not falsely biased.

Abstract: A line voltage controller/thermostat for heating and cooling systems. The controller includes a bulb-and-capillary temperature sensor operating a line voltage load current switch. The load current switch is back-mounted on a deck plate adapted for covering a single width wall outlet box with the load switch recessed therein. Separate manually operated line voltage function (fan) switches are front mounted on the deck plate and protected by an impact resistant electrically insulating plastic housing thereover retained on the deck plate by fasteners accessible only from the backside. An outer decorative cover extends over the plastic switch housing and the sensing bulb with an adjustment shaft extending therethrough with adjustment knob thereon.

Abstract: In an air-conditioning installation for vehicles with a blower for supplying fresh air to a vehicle interior space, with a temperature sensor for detecting the interior space temperature and with an air jet pump, consisting of a venturi pipe and of an air suction connection for producing an air flow over the temperature sensor, the air jet pump is arranged integrated in the blower for reducing the individual components for the temperature detection and for reducing the requisite installation space in the vehicle in such a manner that its air outlet opening lies within the blower stream. The temperature sensor is thereby so arranged that it is acted upon by the interior space air sucked-in by way of the air suction connection.

Abstract: In a self-powered diffuser for a variable volume air distribution system, an installation for the control components which facilitate adjustment, modification and system start up. A Tee fitting located in the control compartment feeds through the bulkhead and into the diffuser to sense the flow rate of air in the diffuser. One leg of the Tee fitting is available to receive a tube in order to permit servicemen to actually measure the flow rate from below the ceiling. The maximum flow rate is adjustable from below the ceiling and is carried out by an adjustment mechanism having enhanced stability and reliability. A thermostat in the control compartment can be installed, serviced and replaced if necessary from below the ceiling.

Abstract: An air blower sucks air from an area of an air heated compartment of a motor vehicle and blows out an air stream into a different area of the compartment. A temperature sensor is located in the air stream at a relatively large distance from the air blower so as to entrain ambient air from the compartment. Due to the mixing of the discharged air stream with the ambient stream, an information about the overall temperature in the compartment is detected by a single temperature sensor.

Abstract: A simple and space-saving, nevertheless effective and low-noise apparatus for the interior compartment air of a motor vehicle, to impact a temperature sensor of an automatic heating or air-conditioning system is provided. This invention achieves these results by providing, in place of a separate auxiliary fan, an auxiliary air current drawn from the interior compartment and sensing the temperature of that current with a sensor. The impeller of the fan used for circulation in the interior compartment is also equipped with supplemental blades outside its actual main air current to generate an auxiliary air current which is drawn through a separate air channel from the interior compartment passing over the sensor. This air channel, such as a flexible hose, is suitably mounted between the air discharge opening on the dashboard and an air-feed opening in the spiral housing backwall of the fan.

Abstract: An improved pneumatic thermostat is provided which is capable of generating from a variable pressure air supply a pressurized air signal indicative of ambient temperature. The thermostat is used in conjunction with an air flow regulator in an air distribution system and utilizes as an air supply a portion of the air flow being distributed. The thermostat utilizes a pressure reducing valve which is referenced to pressure downstream from the air flow regulator, a flapper and nozzle pneumatic mechanism activated by a bi-metallic lever, and a self-aspirating arrangement which insures the bi-metallic lever is continuously sensing the true ambient temperature.

Abstract: A ventilated enclosure is formed by an air duct, one end of which is closed ff by a partition pierced with ventilation apertures and the other end of which is closed off by a wall to which is attached at least two fans and which is provided with openings through which air drawn into the interior of the enclosure from its exterior is passed. Each fan is provided with a detection device for detecting inadequate ventilation. The detection device is positioned in the area which is swept by the stream of air which is produced by the associate fan when in operation and generates a signal when the output of air from this fan falls below a predetermined limiting value. Each detection device consists of a thermal detection element designed to emit a signal when its temperature becomes equal to a predetermined temperature threshold and an air non-return casing.

Abstract: An aspirator for a pneumatic thermostat including a slit restriction which provides a relatively thin and wide jet of air. The large surface area of the flat jet entrains a substantial volume of ambient air and results in a large ambient air flow past the thermostat. The slit restriction is formed either of a shallow channel in a portion of the aspirator housing or of a cutaway portion in a relatively thin sheet of material interposed between two housing halves of the aspirator.