Abstract: A visual display system for use with a menu driven digital thermostat is provided. The visual display system provides a relative indication of the total number of menu items in the displayed menu on the thermostat's user interface display. A relatively sized and positioned scroll bar is utilized in one embodiment to provide such relative visual cue to a user of the position of the currently selected menu item and the total number of menu items available in the list. Directional icons may also be utilized to provide as visual cue regarding which way within the list the user is able to maneuver during operation. Both vertical and horizontal scroll bars and/or directional icons may be provided.

Abstract: A display system for a digital thermostat having a backlit user display screen to indicate user intervention or attention is required is provided. The display system flashes the backlight display in a predetermined pattern to draw the attention of the user to the thermostat. Different patterns may be used for different levels of warnings and/or system reminders. An additional visual indication may also be provided on the user display screen in addition to the flashing of the backlight display. Resumption of normal backlight operation occurs during user interaction. If the issue that resulted in the visual indication has not been properly resolved, flashing of the backlight will resume.

Abstract: An electronic sensing circuit for an electrochemical gas sensor cell providing high dynamic range is described. The electronic circuit utilizes an amplifier with a resistive feedback element to provide high sensitivity linear sensing of low detected gas concentrations. The electronic circuit also provides the ability to source sufficient current to prevent the electrochemical gas sensor cell from becoming biased under very high gas concentration conditions. This operation is enabled by adding a non-linear element in the feedback path of the amplifier, which non-linear element begins to conduct during the high gas concentration conditions.

Abstract: An air conditioning device for heating and/or an environment is provided. The air conditioning device includes a heat exchanging apparatus, a passage, and a corona discharge apparatus. The passage is in thermal communication with the heat exchanging apparatus and extends between an inlet and an outlet. The corona discharge apparatus is disposed within the passage to draw a fluid from the environment into the passage through the inlet, move the fluid through the passage to permit the heat exchanger to remove or heat the fluid, and expel the fluid through the outlet into the environment. As such, the environment is cooled or heated. Embodiments of the present invention include package terminal air conditioners (PTACs), room air conditioners (RACs), and mini-split heating and cooling systems.

Abstract: A method of testing the interconnect between remotely distributed hazardous condition detectors is provided. The method utilizes the detector's self-test button to initiate a detector self-test. Once the self-test is complete, the detector's alarm is silenced and an interconnect test signal is sent to the interconnected remote hazardous condition detectors. The transmission of this signal continues so long as the test button remains depressed. The remote detectors, on receipt of this signal, sound their alarm. The user, with the local detector's alarm now silenced, is better able to hear the remotely interconnected detector's alarm.

Abstract: An adaptive energy usage management and thermal control system is provided to reduce the energy consumption and cost of operation of a vending machine. The system monitors actual usage of the vending machine to construct a vend profile. This vend profile is used to control periods of normal and conservation operation so as to maintain an adequate supply of product at an appropriate vend temperature based upon the anticipated requirement at any particular time of day, on any particular day of the week. Deviations in the actual demand for product from the vending machine are used to adjust the operating profile. The system may take advantage of information received from external networks the thermal storage capability of the products as well as the cost of energy to reduce energy consumption and the cost of operating the vending machine by varying its operating profile in view of such information.

Abstract: An inline air handler system and associated method of use is disclosed. This includes a member, at least one sensor operatively attached to the member, at least one ultraviolet light operatively attached to the member, at least one electronic input device, at least one electronic output device, a control unit, which includes a processor, that is electronically in communication with the at least one sensor, the at least one ultraviolet light, the at least one electronic input device and the at least one electronic output device, a water purification mechanism that includes an ultraviolet radiation chamber to allow water to flow between the inlet and the outlet through the ultraviolet radiation chamber and the ultraviolet radiation chamber can be positioned adjacent to at least one ultraviolet light. The air filtration unit and the member are positioned in a chamber located within a heating, ventilation, evaporative cooling and/or air conditioning system.

Abstract: A coolant flow valve for controlling the distribution and flow of coolant to replace the radiator thermostat and heater valve currently used in automotive applications. The valve includes a valve rotor rotationally received in a valve housing wherein the rotational orientation thereof determines which combination of flow paths through four different outlet ports is selected.

Abstract: An interface circuit and method for use in interconnected hazardous condition detectors is provided. This circuit and method prioritizes the various hazardous condition alarms to ensure that only the highest priority or greatest threat alarm is sounded when such a condition is detected. In this way a lower priority alarm that may be sounding will be switched to a higher priority alarm so that all interconnected detectors that have the capability will sound the higher priority alarm. This will reduce occupant confusion during a hazardous condition. The circuit and method also provides the ability to silence all interconnected detectors except for those sensing the hazardous condition to allow the occupant to locate the triggering alarm, and there for the location of the sensed hazardous condition.

Abstract: Provided is a reversing valve for reversing flow in a refrigeration system. The reversing valve includes a valve body having first, second, third, and fourth ports disposed into the valve body. A valve member inside the valve body can be selectively moved between a first position intersecting the second and third ports and a second position intersecting the second and fourth ports. The valve member defines a channel that directs flow between the selected pairs of ports. The channel is generally shaped as a curve that bends the flow between the selected ports. To reduce the pressure drop across the reversing valve, a flow splitter is included that divides the channel into multiple sub-channels. Dividing the channel into multiple sub-channels increases the curve ratio of the channel, which reduces the generation of turbulent secondary flows in the channel. The flow splitter also provides additional structural support to the valve member.

Abstract: A wide input voltage range relay drive circuit allowing a more than 2:1 input voltage variation is provided. The circuit utilizes a scaled and rectified bulk voltage to drive the relay coil. As the monitored bulk voltage increases beyond the relay coil rated voltage, the circuit pulse width multiplexes this bulk voltage to protect the relay coil. The bulk voltage switching does not begin, however, until the relay energizes. To reduce the power dissipation during the PWM switching, of the relay coil, a power dissipating switch is included and held on during the PWM switching events. To further increase relay life, the circuit controls the energizing of the relay coil to actuate the contacts of the relay at or near a zero cross of the power switched thereby.

Abstract: An electronic universal defrost timer (UDT) utilizes an electronic microprocessor controlled timer that is capable of operating over a supply voltage range of 120 Volt AC to 240 Volt AC (nominal) with no customer configuration or moving of wires, jumpers, etc. is provided. The UDT provides the ability for a user to initiate a non-scheduled defrost interval at any time. Further, the UDT provides diagnostic capability to indicate miswiring or an internal fault during detected failure conditions. The UDT provides variable defrost duration times for each scheduled defrost period. The setting and indication of these defrost intervals are provided on an LCD display styled to resemble current mechanical dial faces with customer installed trippers. The UDT also resumes operation at the correct time after a power outage without requiring a user to reset the timing mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wearable mobile device that receives hazardous condition threat messages from a hazardous condition detection system. The device includes a receiver that receives the warning transmissions generates a physical sensation to alert a user of the warning. The device further includes a display that can provide the user with helpful information relating to the warning. Priority logic prioritizes the received threat messages for display and notification based on their urgency. A user input is further included to enable the user to input control functions to the device. A transmitter allows the device to transmit signals to the hazardous condition detection system.

Abstract: Provided is a mounting structure for mounting a pilot valve assembly to a flow reversing valve assembly. The mounting structure includes a mounting bracket and a cover plate. Disposed through a face panel of the mounting bracket is an aperture that defines an axis line. The cover plate is generally parallel to and offset from the face panel. A solenoid coil having a central bore is placed between the face panel and the cover plate such that the central bore aligns with the axis line. A pilot valve body included with the pilot valve assembly is partially inserted through the aperture and into the central bore. Extending over the un-inserted portion of the pilot valve body is a sleeve including a spring. The sleeve and spring are arranged such that the spring urges the mounting bracket, the solenoid coil, and the cover plate toward one another.

Abstract: Upgraded firmware for a microcontroller is created and encrypted to construct a file (116) that can be distributed and installed by technicians in the field. The encryption includes character encryption (210) of the data as well as a second level of block encryption (216). Within the encrypted file (116), information about the firmware and the target microcontroller (104) is included. The distributed firmware file (116) is stored on a portable device, such as a PDA, that can communicate with the target microcontroller (104) to effect a firmware transfer from the PDA (112) to the microcontroller (104). The microcontroller (104) includes a programming routine that receives the encrypted data stream from the PDA and decrypts the data before storing the new firmware image. The programming routine also identifies when updating the firmware has left the firmware in an unusable condition and prevents operation of the microcontroller until the firmware is restored.

Abstract: A water purification system utilizing a plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes and associated method of use is disclosed. This includes an inlet, an ultraviolet radiation chamber, and an outlet, wherein the inlet is connected in fluid relationship to the ultraviolet radiation chamber and the outlet is connected in fluid relationship to the ultraviolet radiation chamber to allow water to flow between the inlet and the outlet through the ultraviolet radiation chamber, wherein the ultraviolet radiation chamber is positioned adjacent to a plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes. The plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes may be mounted on a flexible electrical circuit board and/or in the form of an array. Moreover, the ultraviolet radiation chamber can be a transparent tube with the plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes positioned on the outside of the transparent tube or positioned within the transparent jacket.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation and air conditioning diagnostic system and associated method of use is disclosed. The system includes a controller for operating a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, a plurality of sensors for monitoring various parameters associated with the operation of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system that are in electronic communication with the controller, at least one input device that is in electronic communication with the controller, wherein the at least one input device is able to modify variables utilized by the controller to improve performance of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system; and at least one output device that is in electronic communication with the controller. The variables can include non-safety timing values and text-based information. The system may include counters that can be read-only, reset to zero and overwritten through the plurality of input devices. Historical data can be recorded, reviewed and selectively analyzed.

Abstract: An inline air handler system and associated method of use is disclosed. This includes a member, at least one sensor operatively attached to the member, at least one ultraviolet light operatively attached to the member, at least one electronic input device, at least one electronic output device, a control unit, which includes a processor, that is electronically in communication with the at least one sensor, the at least one ultraviolet light, the at least one electronic input device and the at least one electronic output device, a water purification mechanism that includes an ultraviolet radiation chamber to allow water to flow between the inlet and the outlet through the ultraviolet radiation chamber and the ultraviolet radiation chamber can be positioned adjacent to at least one ultraviolet light. The air filtration unit and the member are positioned in a chamber located within a heating, ventilation, evaporative cooling and/or air conditioning system.

Abstract: A hazardous condition detector is provided. The hazardous condition detector comprises a body, a hazardous condition sensor, and at least one corona discharge apparatus. The body defines a passage therethrough. The passage extends between an inlet and an outlet. The hazardous condition sensor is positioned within the passage. The at least one corona discharge apparatus is positioned within the passage to draw a fluid into the passage through the inlet and to expel the fluid through the outlet.

Abstract: An indoor air quality system for a structure is provided. The indoor air quality system comprises a ventilation system and a corona discharge apparatus. The ventilation system directs air through the structure. The corona discharge apparatus is positioned within the ventilation system and is operable to filter the air and to move the air through the ventilation system.

Abstract: A ledger assembly for a continuous rod cut-off includes a rigid beam (12) carrying ledger tubes (10) and pivotally supported by fibreglass springs (16,22). Vertical springs (22) resist the cutting force of the cut-off knife (30) and allow reciprocal movement of the tubes (10) while imparting a vertical displacement to the beam (12) so that the tubes follow a straight path along the rod line (28). A horizontal spring (16) allows this vertical displacement while providing lateral stiffness for the base of the beam (12). A drive arrangement for the beam (12) includes a lubricating system for a bearing (42) of a connecting rod (36) in which lubricant is collected for return by action of centrifugal force in a housing (72) located on the side of the bearing opposite a lubricant supply path (86, 88) through a crankshaft (40).