Abstract: An apparatus for executing a block program includes a block table listing records corresponding to a plurality of blocks in the block program. A block library is included to hold algorithms associated with the blocks. An executing program selectively processes the blocks in the block program that receive a new input value that is different from a previous input value, in accordance with the associated algorithms in the block library.

Abstract: A building control system, such as an HVAC system, has a field unit incorporating a control panel (a field panel) with a local user interface allowing user selected parameters for collecting trend information when the system detects a change of value for a point in the system or a timed instruction in the memory of the field panel to begin collecting trend data for a point. The resulting trend data collected by the field panel can be uploaded to a workstation in the building control system, where the trend data can be formatted into a report, and then digitally authenticated.

Abstract: A method for converting a balanced valve assembly from a normally open position to a normally closed position, and a method for converting a balanced valve assembly from a normally closed position to a normally open position is shown. The method allows the same balanced valve body to be used with both normally open position and normally closed position by changing the connection of the plug and stem assembly and by replacing the cap and bonnet assemblies.

Abstract: A data storage system includes a database that is configured as a static data file containing static data and a dynamic data file containing dynamic data. The static data file is stored in a static memory device and the dynamic data file is stored in a dynamic memory device. A catalog included in the database defines whether the data is static or dynamic and further defines an arrangement of a set of data fields and data records included in the database. A database manager uses a file system to access the files in a rapid manner using an address pointer and, because the data is stored in files, the data may be accessed remotely without need for additional communication strategies/protocol. To enable editing of the static data, the database manager creates a mirror image of the static data in the dynamic memory where editing may occur. The mirror image of data having the edited data is later returned to the flash memory.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying event information from a building system includes a display device coupled to a processing circuit. The processing circuit is operable to cause the display to display information regarding a building system in a first portion of the display, the information being selectable and changeable by a user. The processing circuit is further operable to cause the display to display, independent of the displayed information in the first portion, an alarm graphic element in a second portion of the display, the alarm graphic element including building system event information.

Abstract: A method of operating a control device having a setpoint value, an error signal, and a control output is disclosed. The error signal is representative of a difference between a controlled variable and the setpoint value, the control output operable to affect the controlled variable. The method includes generating the control output based at least in part on the error signal and holding the control output at a held value independent of the error signal when the error signal is within a dead zone. The method also includes causing an integrating portion within the control device to track the error signal and the held value when the error signal is within the dead zone.

Abstract: A damper actuator for a ventilation damper serves as both a control device for the ventilation damper and a fire and smoke rated device for the ventilation damper. The damper actuator includes a modulating motor controller, a two-point motor controller, and a thermal switch or switch like device that is operative to switch control of the motor from the modulating motor controller used during normal operation, to the two-point motor controller during a fire and smoke condition. The damper actuator provides an automatic and permanent disabling (by-passing) of the modulating motor controller functions the first time a pre-determined temperature level (switch point) is reached via the thermal switch or switch like device. Once the modulating motor controller is disabled, the actuator no longer supports the advanced motor control functions (i.e. the modulating control).

Abstract: A system and method generates test vectors and a corresponding test program to manipulate terminal units in a building system so pressure and flow measurements correspond to independent modeling equations. The pressure and flow responses of the building system to the test program manipulation may be used to compute loss coefficients for the modeling equations. The modeling equations may then be updated with the computed loss coefficients so a building simulation may be performed. The simulated static pressure response of the modeling equations may be compared to measured static pressures to evaluate the sufficiency of the modeling equations.

Abstract: An environmental control system is configured to accept network variable outputs from a plurality of sources on a single network variable input and the update values are stored in a data structure for the computation of control variable values. The system includes a sink controller having a network variable input and a plurality of sources, each having at least one network variable output coupled to the network variable input of the sink controller. A data structure is provided so that update values from the sources may be stored in the structure with reference to the sources that provided the update values. Aggregate values, such as a mean average, minimum value, maximum value, standard deviation, variance, sum, or product may be computed from the values stored in the data structure.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system (FIG. 4) for servicing messages between device controller nodes and control applications via a Lon Network, wherein the device controller nodes includes a plurality of network variables for defining parameters of the Lon Network. The system includes a server for servicing the messages from at least one control application, a proprietary communication value for indicating a network variable value from the control applications, and a Lon value for indicating a network variable value exposed on the Lon Network. There is also a method that includes the steps of reading a message from the control application, verifying whether the message is valid, determining the requested function for a specified network variable from the message when the message is valid, executing the requested function for the specified network variable, and sending subscribed reports in response to a change of value of the network variables independently of the foregoing steps (170).

Abstract: A method of displaying status information of a plurality of smoke detectors includes obtaining first data including a first measurement value representative of a maintenance condition of a first smoke detector, the first measurement value falling within a first range. The method also includes obtaining second data including a second measurement value representative of a maintenance condition of a second smoke detector, the second measurement value falling within a second range, the second range different from the first range. The method further includes displaying first information representative of the first measurement value and second information representative of the second measurement value, the first information and the second information falling within a uniform range.

Abstract: A valve body is provided that be used as a balanced normally open valve, a balanced closed valve, or as a three way valve. The valve body incorporates a valve plug provided with a pressure port such that pressure chambers are created in the valve body when the valve is being used as either a normally open valve or a normally closed valve.

Abstract: A building control system, such as an HVAC system, has a field unit incorporating a control panel (a field panel) with a local user interface allowing user changes and/or modifications (events) to be made at the field panel to various objects or control points of the field panel, such as the point database, control programs, configurations and other data. A log of the changes made at the control panel is maintained, compiled and/or stored locally (i.e. at the field control panel level). The local log maintains the changes as events. The local log identifies data regarding the change itself, who made the change and when the change was made (identification data). The local log can be viewed locally or uploaded to a workstation where it can be stored, viewed and combined with a system wide log.

Abstract: A system and method for providing data to a model of a building system includes a building control system with a communications network, a control subsystem for generating module deployment data and transmitting the module deployment data over the communications network, a memory for storing a three dimensional model of at least a portion of a building and a computer. A computer program executed by the computer includes computer instructions for associating module deployment data received from the communications network with the three dimensional model and modifying the three dimensional model based upon the module deployment data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus uses a stored model of a building system to render an image showing a condition sensed of the building control system on a mobile display unit. The mobile display unit may be wirelessly integrated into the building control system. The mobile display unit may operate based upon voice commands and/or eye tracking.

Abstract: A user interface for controlling and displaying information about devices in a system is disclosed. The user interface is designed to meet the needs for different types of users. A user with no familiarity with the system is provided with a customized message on the display of the user interface. A user with limited experience using the interface may be provided with one or more dedicated input devices for obtaining further information about the system. For a more experienced user, a touch screen is provided allowing the user to control devices from the user interface.

Abstract: A device driver for a system controller having a plurality of pre-programmed controller operating functions for controlling at least one device operatively connected to the system controller. The device driver may set an operating mode of the device from a plurality of predetermined device operating modes, select the device operating mode in accordance with one of the controller operating functions, and define the select controller operating functions based on user specified predetermined system operating modes.

Abstract: A controller for controlling a plurality of end devices in a control network includes a space controller for monitoring and receiving data from a space being maintained by the controller, a supervisory controller in communication with the space controller and a device driver. The device driver includes a first selector for selecting a plurality of first output signals from a plurality of first input signals, a second selector for selecting at least one second output signal from the first output signals, and a third selector for selecting an operating mode of the end device from a plurality of predefined operating modes based on the second output signal.

Abstract: A device driver for a network device controller for selectively controlling an end device in a control network includes a first selector for selecting a plurality of first output signals from a plurality of first input signals, a second selector for selecting at least one second output signal from the first output signals, and a third selector for selecting an operating mode of the end device from a plurality of predefined operating modes based on the second output signal.

Abstract: A portable, preferably hand-held device is provided which may be used to test device loops in fire safety systems for short circuits, open circuits, ground faults and can test the response of the devices in the loop before or after the device loop is connected to the system.