Abstract: The infrared detector contains an entrance window for infrared radiation, an infrared sensor with an evaluation circuit and an anti-masking device having an optical transmitter and an optical receiver for detecting phenomena or optical changes immediately in front of the detector and/or changes in the optical properties of the entrance window. The signals of the anti-masking device are evaluated in two channels, wherein one channel responds to temporally limited phenomena or changes and the other channel responds to temporally stable phenomena or changes. A combined evaluation of the signals in the two channels takes place. In the combined evaluation, the channel processing the signals of the infrared sensor is preferably also included. As a result, the infrared detector acquires an increased immunity to false alarms and a higher sensitivity.

Abstract: A device having an image-providing sensor, hereinafter designated as “image sensor,” operating in the visible and near-infrared range, an thermal image-providing sensor, hereinafter designated as “thermal-image sensor,” operating in the thermal radiation range and having a lower resolution than the image sensor, and an electronic evaluation system. The evaluation system determines whether one or both of the signals generated by the sensors are used for determining whether an alarm condition exists. As a result, the detectability of low-contrast objects is increased, the false alarm rate is reduced, and object classification is made possible.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the volume of air that is supplied and exhausted from a electronic semiconductor manufacturing wet bench is disclosed. The volume of air that is exhausted from the wet bench is increased during predetermined portions of the manufacturing process and is reduced during noncritical times as a function of predetermined conditions that may be detected or otherwise determined during the manufacturing process.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for determining setpoint information in a HVAC system. Setpoint values are determined using occupant feedback provided by individual occupants over at least one of an Internet or Intranet communications network. According to a first aspect of the invention a setpoint is determined using fuzzy logic. According to a second aspect, historical setpoint data determined using occupant feedback is used to develop a neural network for predicting setpoint values.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in installing a through-the-wall sensing device in a laboratory fume hood. The apparatus includes a sample tube with an outlet and a plurality of apertures and the tube is interconnected to an anemometer. The method includes placing the outlet in a number of positions inside of a fume hood to simulate a sidewall adapter for a through-the-wall sensing device in order to locate an optimum position for a through-the-wall sensing device. The method also includes fixing the sample tube in a number of positions within the fume hood while variably covering some of the apertures to simulate numerous locations and configurations for an averaging tube used with a through-the-wall sensing device. Therefore, an optimum location and configuration for an averaging tube can be readily determined.

Abstract: An electronic thermostat having high and low voltage control capability and varied functional capabilities. The thermostat is particularly suited for use with fan coil heating and cooling units.

Abstract: A controller for heating, ventilating and air-conditioning distribution systems, which includes feedforward and feedback control strategies. The controller has a feedforward control strategy that generates a control signal based on control set points and identified characteristics of the system, and which adaptively adjusts such set points based on changes that are measured with respect to the identified characteristics. The controller is particularly adapted for controlling the temperature during a heating or cooling operation in a controlled space.

Abstract: An electromechanical actuator is adapted to be connected to an external device for displacing the external device to a predetermined position and maintaining the external device at that position. The actuator includes a housing which holds a drive motor for driving the external device to the predetermined position when the motor is energized and a brake mechanism for maintaining the external device at the predetermined position when the brake mechanism is activated. A switching device generates switching signals for energizing the motor to drive the external device to the predetermined position and for de-energizing the motor and activating the brake mechanism when a predetermined time has passed from a moment the drive motor is energized, to maintain the external device at the predetermined position.

Abstract: A computer based equipment scheduling system uses activity definition data to schedule equipment. The method may be carried out by a networked computer system that receives activity definition data representing an activity, such as a volleyball game or board meeting, that occurs in a building. This data is stored in a database for use by multiple nodes. The activity definition data may include text or graphical data indicating an activity name, data representing a list of zones that the activity will affect and data representing the mode of possible operation of each building zone affected by the activity. The method also includes assigning zone mode data to the activity data for use in controlling building resources and then automatically controlling the building resources to attain a zone mode of operation assigned to the activity definition data.

Abstract: A fume hood exhaust terminal for controlling gas flow in an exhaust duct has an electrically powered ultrasonic motor driven actuator for angularly positioning a damper in the terminal. The circuitry of the terminal includes a power failure detection circuit which includes the capability of storing sufficient power to place the damper in a preferred position until power is restored to the exhaust terminal.

Abstract: A controller for heating, ventilating and air-conditioning distribution systems, which includes a feedforward and feedback control strategies. The controller has a feedforward control strategy that generates a control signal based on control set points and identified characteristics of the system, and which adaptively adjusts such set points based on changes that are measured with respect to the identified characteristics. The controller is particularly adapted for controlling the differential air pressure in a controlled space relative to adjacent spaces.

Abstract: An electromechanical actuator maintains an external device to which the actuator is connected at an operating position when power is applied to the actuator, and allows the external device to return to a default position when the power is removed. Included in the actuator is a housing and an output coupling rotatably mounted thereon. The output coupling is configured to be connected to the external device and displaces the external device between the operating position and the default position. A driving device is mounted in the housing for providing a torque to the output coupling to displace the external device between the default position and the operating position when the driving device is energized. Also provided is a torque transmitting device for transmitting and changing the torque from the driving device to the output coupling. The torque transmitting device is cooperatively engaged to and is located between the driving device and the output coupling.

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.