Abstract: The invention comprises a system for calculating a value for the effective thermal mass of a building. The climate control system obtains temperature measurements from at least a first location conditioned by the climate system. One or more processors receive measurements of outside temperatures from at least one source other than the control system and compare the temperature measurements from the first location with expected temperature measurements. The expected temperature measurements are based at least in part upon past temperature measurements obtained by said HVAC control system and said outside temperature measurements. The processors then calculate one or more rates of change in temperature at said first location.

Abstract: The invention comprises systems and methods for evaluating changes in the operational efficiency of an HVAC system over time. The climate control system obtains temperature measurements from at least a first location conditioned by the climate system, and status of said HVAC system. One or more processors receives measurements of outside temperatures from at least one source other than said HVAC system and compares said temperature measurements from said first location with expected temperature measurements. The expected temperature measurements are based at least in part upon past temperature measurements.

Abstract: The invention comprises systems and methods for estimating the rate of change in temperature inside a structure. At least one thermostat located is inside the structure and is used to control an climate control system in the structure. At least one remote processor is in communication with said thermostat and at least one database stores data reported by the thermostat. At least one processor compares the outside temperature at least one location and at least one point in time to information reported to the remote processor from the thermostat. The processor uses the relationship between the inside temperature and the outside temperature over time to derive a first estimation for the rate of change in inside temperature assuming that the operating status of the climate control system is “on”.

Abstract: The invention comprises systems and methods for verifying the occurrence of a change in operational status for climate control systems. The climate control system measures temperature at least a first location conditioned by the climate control system. One or more processors also receive measurements of outside temperatures from at least one source other than the climate control system, and compares the temperature measurements from the first location with expected temperature measurements. The expected temperature measurements are based at least in part upon past temperature measurements obtained by the climate control system and the outside temperature measurements. A server transmits changes in programming to the climate control system based at least in part on the comparison of the temperature measurements with the expected temperature measurements.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal system including a cleat attached to a rider's shoe, and a pedal including a pedal body and, in one embodiment, two spring plates, each formed from spring-tempered steel and shaped with a flat portion attached to the pedal body and arms extending to form the mechanisms for clamping both edges of the cleat engaging the opposite side of the pedal. Using spring-tempered steel allows the clamping mechanism itself to flex.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal system including a cleat attached to a rider's shoe, and a pedal including a pedal body and, in one embodiment, two spring plates, each formed from spring-tempered steel and shaped with a flat portion attached to the pedal body and arms extending to form the mechanisms for clamping both edges of the cleat engaging the opposite side of the pedal. Using spring-tempered steel allows the clamping mechanism itself to flex.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal system including a cleat attached to a rider's shoe, and a pedal including a pedal body and, in one embodiment, two spring plates, each formed from spring-tempered steel and shaped with a flat portion attached to the pedal body and arms extending to form the mechanisms for clamping both edges of the cleat engaging the opposite side of the pedal. Using spring-tempered steel allows the clamping mechanism itself to flex.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal system including a cleat attached to a rider's shoe, and a pedal including a pedal body and, in one embodiment, two spring plates, each formed from spring-tempered steel and shaped with a flat portion attached to the pedal body and arms extending to form the mechanisms for clamping both edges of the cleat engaging the opposite side of the pedal. Using spring-tempered steel allows the clamping mechanism itself to flex.