Abstract: A DDC controller is disclosed which implements a control strategy that provides for near-optimal global set points, so that power consumption and therefore energy costs for operating a heating and/or cooling plant can be minimized. Tile controller can implement two chiller plant component models expressing chiller, chilled water pump, and air handler fan power as a function of chilled water supply/return differential temperature. The models are derived from a mathematical analysis using relations from fluid mechanics and heat transfer under the assumption of a steady-state load condition. The analysis applies to both constant speed and variable speed chillers, chilled water pumps, and air handler fans. Similar models are presented for a heating plant consisting of a hot water boiler, hot water pump, and air handler fan which relates power as a function of the hot water supply/return differential temperature.

Abstract: A method for facilitating navigation among software applications and improved screen viewing in a Windows-based environment wherein a security based configurable primary menu is generated in a foreground of a display screen and an application is automatically spawned upon dropping of an object into a graphic element in the primary menu without resorting to additional initializations or spawning steps. Also, the security based configurable primary menu is automatically minimized and the corresponding running application windows are simultaneously removed from the viewing area in addition to the minimization of the primary menu.

Abstract: A thermostat control having improved user controls wherein an analog version contains a binary coded switch for selectively setting a setpoint temperature. The binary coded switch is configured to have discrete positions corresponding to a plurality of setpoint temperature settings. It contains, among other things, a resistor network configured to produce a setpoint signal indicative of the binary coded switch position and a setpoint adjust switch for setting the binary coded switch position. Also, digital version having a man-machine interface port, wherein point information from a controller can be viewed and modified with the thermostat control device controls when a hardware passkey is inserted into the man-machine interface port.

Abstract: A repeater apparatus includes a first trunk circuit for receiving and sending data input from and to a first section of the communication link and a second trunk circuit for receiving and sending data input from and to a second section of the communication link. An Isolating circuit is connected to the first trunk circuit for electrically isolating the first section from the second section. For protecting against an overvoltage condition from the communication network, a protection circuit is operatively connected to the first and second trunk circuits. A controller has a first receiver/transmitter circuit for transmitting data from the first trunk circuit to the second trunk circuit, and a second receiver/transmitter circuit for transmitting data from the second trunk circuit to the first trunk circuit. The controller also produces a signal for indicating the completion of data transmission by the first and second receiver/transmitter.

Abstract: A fume hood controller includes detection apparatus for detecting the presence of objects within the fume hood and reduces the flow through the fume hood if there are no objects within the hood, thereby conserving energy costs associated with conditioning supply air to the room where the fume hood is located. The controller also adjusts flow as a function of the presence and also the location of objects that are detected within the fume hood. Since there is a smaller likelihood of fume spillage when the objects are located more deeply within the fume hood, the flow can be reduced in such a situation compared to that which would be required if the objects are located closer to the sash.

Abstract: The present invention is a truss anchor for attaching a truss to a wall system of a building frame. The truss anchor is a single piece of metal having a lower plate member and an upper plate member. The lower plate member has a first plate section defining an area of attachment to a vertically disposed surface of the truss. A lower extension is integral this first plate section and extends lateral the truss. An upper extension is integral the lower extension and extends upward therefrom adjacent the truss. The upper plate member forms a strap and includes a first strap section integral the upper extension and substantially perpendicular the lower plate member. A second strap section, integral the first strap section, extends laterally over the lower plate member and a third strap section, integral the second strap section, extends downward parallel the first plate section of the lower plate member.

Abstract: A tie connector for joining a modular type building or the like to the ground. One version of the tie connector having a substantially L-shaped body with an elongated slot through one side. The elongated slot provides an attachment site for a hurricane type strap to be inserted and coupled to a buckle. The opposite end of the tie connectors are attached to horizontal support members around the perimeter of the modular building. The hurricane straps are then inserted through the elongated slots and secured to a ground anchor. Another version of the tie connector provides a Substantially L-shaped body with an additional vertical flap that can be affixed to vertical support members giving additional stability. The elongated slot has the unique feature of rounded edges of sufficient radius thereby omitting any type of cutting effect that might occur when the straps are under high stress conditions.

Abstract: An earthquake and severe weather resistant, fail-safe building block and construction method for fabricating the blocks and structures therefrom. The blocks are hollow and include at least two subassemblies joined by interconnecting webs with provisions for single subassemblies to square off wall edges. Each subassembly includes upper and lower frames joined together by a plurality of structural columns perpendicular to the planes of the upper and lower frames. The upper and lower frames are dimensioned to form interfitting male and female receptacles that permit the blocks to be interconnected so that an assembly of blocks with structural integrity may be created by snapping together courses of blocks with each course staggered relative to the adjacent course.

Abstract: An oil recycling system and method which uses the same container to supply new oil and recycle old oil is accomplished through the use of a transfer tube designed for draining oil from the container into an engine and mutually exclusively oil from the engine oil sump into the container. The invention includes an oil collection bag which receives oil draining from an interface between the engine and an oil filter and transfers the oil via an oil collection bag tube into the container concurrently with oil draining from the engine via the transfer tube into the container.

Abstract: A molded container block for fluidic material is fabricated with opposing sides comprised of a plurality of offset parallel planes interconnected to form interfitting geometric surfaces to allow interlocking and nesting of a plurality of container blocks by the geometric shapes of their exterior surfaces. A port allows filling and removal of materials from the container block. It is recessed into a corner of the container block so it will not interfere with the nesting function or detract from the container block structural strength. The shape of the container block is designed to provide nesting of any exterior surface of the container block with a mating exterior surface of a similar container block and to provide rigidity calculated to enable the container block to be used as a structural building unit.