Abstract: The present invention is a control range display for an electronic thermostat. A plurality of individually actuable display segments are disposed in a line. Each of these display segments represents a particular temperature. The control range of the electronic thermostat is displayed by actuating the display segments representing the upper and lower preselected temperatures and all display segments therebetween. In the preferred embodiment each of these display segments is a liquid crystal display device. The preferred embodiment enables indication of the present temperature by actuation of a single display segment representing that temperature upon selection of a normal mode and an indication of the control temperature range by actuating display segments in the manner noted above upon selection of a program mode.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for bidirectional alteration of a multivalue parameter from an initial value using a two-state manual input. In accordance with the present invention, the multivalue parameter is altered from its initial value in a first direction if the manual input is in a preselected state for less than a predetermined period of time. If the manual input is in the preselected state for a period of time longer than this first interval of time, then the multivalue parameter is altered from its initial value in the opposite direction. Additionally, if the manual input remains in the preselected state for additional periods of time, the value of the multivalue parameter is further altered in the opposite direction for each such additional interval. This invention is taught as useful in providing programs for programmable memory devices, in particular programmable thermostats.

Abstract: A programmable thermostat employing means for sensing the ambient temperature on the thermostat, a clock for generating digital electrical signals representative of real time, a programmable digital memory for retaining a schedule of times and temperature ranges for a particular repetitive time cycle, display means for indicating selected information including programming mode, time, and temperature conditions during the programming and operation of the device, and control means for interrogating the current temperature range in the times-temperatures schedule, determining whether the ambient temperature on the thermostat is within that range, and generating a control signal to the furnace or air conditioner when appropriate.

Abstract: A wall mounted programmable thermostat is provided with a cover plate that normally overlies a portion of a keyboard selector portion and is pivotally mounted so as to open downwardly. The inner cover face has written operating instructions thereon.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for a wall mounted thermostat to accept and convert manually generated instructions to binary encoded electronic impulses to control ambient air conditions in the environment in which the thermostat is located. The parameters of operation include a building heating control which reduces the desired ambient temperature at night, beginning at a prescribed time and returning to a higher daytime level at a different prescribed time. The system may also adjust desired temperature depending upon humidity conditions and alter the timing of heating and air conditioning control by predicting when a desired temperature will be reached in order to avoid overshoot. The system includes a liquid crystal or light emitting diode display and communicates with a power source and with heating and air conditioning switches such as relays or contactors.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for a wall mounted thermostat to accept and convert manually generated instructions to binary encoded electronic impulses to control ambient air conditions in the environment in which the thermostat is located. The parameters of operation include a building heating control which reduces the desired ambient temperature at night, beginning at a prescribed time and returning to a higher daytime level at a different prescribed time. The system may also adjust desired temperature depending upon humidity conditions and alter the timing of heating and air conditioning control by predicting when a desired temperature will be reached in order to avoid overshoot. The system includes a liquid crystal or light emitting diode display and communicates with a power source and with heating and air conditioning switches such as relays or contactors.

Abstract: A plug in igniter unit for an igniter system for a fuel burning apparatus having at least one electrical receptacle, the plug in igniter unit being provided with a housing having an electrical igniter therein and at least one terminal member electrically interconnected to the electrical igniter and projecting from the housing so as to be adapted to be received in the receptacle for electrical interconnection thereto. The terminal member has opposed ends respectively being operatively interconnected to the igniter and being adapted to be plugged in the receptacle and being twisted between the opposed ends thereof to define a twisted section thereof. The housing has a body portion provided with a chamber passing therethrough and receiving the twisted section whereby the opposed ends of the terminal member extend outwardly from the body portion in opposite directions. A potting compound is disposed in the chamber to secure the twisted section of the terminal member to the body portion.

Abstract: An electrical furnace heater construction having electrical heaters carried by a frame and having a current fused drawer-like lead unit movably carried by the frame and having leads for directly and electrically interconnecting to terminals of the heaters when the unit is in one position relative to the frame, the frame having terminals for electrically interconnecting the leads of the unit to power source leads so that the power source leads will be directly and electrically interconnected to the terminals of the heaters by the unit. A temperature responsive power device is carried by the frame and is responsive to the output temperature effect of the electrical heaters, the temperature responsive power device being operatively associated with the unit to move the unit out of the one position thereof to disconnect the leads thereof from the terminals of the heater when the temperature responsive device senses a certain adverse output temperature effect of said electrical heaters.

Abstract: An electrical primary control system for furnaces and method of making the same, the system comprising burner control means, an isolated low voltage control circuit and means for interfacing between the isolated low voltage control circuit and the burner control means; the interfacing means including a pair of resilient, magnetic reeds disposed within a hermetically sealed envelope, and a pair of electrically insulated independently wound coils having a differential in ampere turns and encompassing the envelope, the magnetic flux generated by such coils being additive whereby energization of both of the coils is required to close the contacts but energization of one of the coils is sufficient to maintain the contacts closed, at least one of the coils having a resistance wire of predetermined calibrated resistance electrically connected in parallel circuit therewith.

Abstract: An electrical control housing and support package including a mounting base, a support member floatingly mounted on said base and a cover secured to said base, said package having improved heat sink, heat transfer and heat dissipation qualities, providing improved environmental protection and support for the components of electrical control systems, and also being susceptible of manufacture and assembly with automated techniques.

Abstract: A solid state stack switch control system for furnaces and the like including burner control means, means including solid state means effective to control said burner control means in response to thermally actuated, magnetically operated heat detection means, line voltage safety switch means, and means for interfacing between an isolated low voltage control circuit and said burner control means.