Abstract: An air conditioner having a controller configured to process multiple temperature inputs, to provide a cycle of operation to provide comfort during sleeping, to provide an automatic cycle of operation wherein a burst of cooling air is provided on demand and/or which is configured to receive and respond to remote signals having different protocols.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling operation of diagnostic test modes with a remote control for a room air conditioner. Program keys are selected and activated to allow a user to input a particular diagnostic test mode to the air conditioner. The user then monitors the actions of the room air conditioner to ensure that the room air conditioner successfully completes the selected diagnostic test. Two remote control units are utilized, one to operate the room air conditioner in a conventional way while a second remote unit transmits codes to cause the air conditioner to run a diagnostic test. The remote control units includes a microprocessor to accept and process the entered selections for the diagnostic tests.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling operation of a delayed operation cycle of a room air conditioner. A program set key is selected and activated to allow a user to input the delayed operation modes to the air conditioner. The user then enters the activation time of the delayed operation mode along with possible other operation parameters. The program set key is then again activated to complete the delayed operation program. A start key and program stop key respectively enable or disable the previously entered delayed operation parameters. A remote control including a microprocessor is utilized to process the entered delayed operation cycle.

Abstract: An automatic control for an air conditioner having a compressor motor and a fan motor and a method for its operation are provided. While the control operates both motors to cool an enclosed space, a temperature indicative of the air temperature in the space is sensed and compared with a first preselected temperature value. When the sensed temperature is no longer greater than the preselected temperature, operation of the compressor motor is terminated. Thereafter the fan motor is operated for a first preselected time period. During the first time period, a currently sensed temperature indicative of the air temperature in the space is compared with a second preselected temperature value. When the sensed temperature is no longer less than the second preselected temperature during the first time period, operation of the compressor motor is resumed and the process described above with respect to cooling the space is repeated.

Abstract: A control system for automatically changing the operational mode of appliances and the like, particularly environmental-affective appliances such as air conditioners, and in particular room air conditioners, as a function of the activity level prevalent in the environment being served, wherein the environmental activity level is monitored by detecting the level of ambient light and the detected light level is used to produce a signal for changing the previously-set operational parameter, e.g., room temperature. In a preferred embodiment, a lens system is utilized for focusing ambient light received at a detecting port upon a photodetector which is spaced from such port, and the resulting electrical signal is utilized in a circuit to control a heater mounted adjacent the appliance control, e.g., the air conditioner thermostat, to thereby vary the set-point in accordance with a predetermined relationship.

Abstract: An automatic water level control is provided which utilizes a single pneumatic pressure sensor for detecting minimum water level, maximum water level and tub motion during agitation. Relative tub movement change during agitation and filling is used to determine an optimum water level for washing. A horizontal portion of the sensor fills with water during the tub filling process and provides the arrangement for detecting tub motion. A microprocessor stores and compares successive peak pressure signals to determine relative changes in tub motion amplitude.