Abstract: Devices and methods for assessing the performance and efficiency of an HVAC system using a tuple including a percentage of runtime over a lookback window coupled with a ?T value for the difference between the HVAC setpoint and the outdoor temperature. The performance monitoring may be done using a device that is independent of the HVAC thermostat or may be incorporated within a smart thermostat. Trends in measured tuples over time can warn of system degradation.

Abstract: A method of operating a tankless beverage brewing apparatus that includes a digital controller for dynamically varying the water temperature and/or the brew flow rate of the dispensed beverage is shown. In some embodiments, a main supply line of the tankless beverage brewing apparatus includes a pressure reducer, a pressure sensor, a linear heater, a temperature sensor, and a spray valve; all supplying a hot water spray head and/or a hot water spigot. The inlet of the main supply line of the tankless beverage brewing apparatus may be connected directly to the local cold water supply. The controller uses feedback from the temperature sensor and/or the pressure sensor to dynamically vary the water temperature and/or the brew flow rate depending on the type of beverage being brewed.

Abstract: A tankless beverage brewing apparatus that includes a digital controller for dynamically varying the water temperature and/or the brew flow rate of the dispensed beverage is disclosed. In some embodiments, a main supply line of the tankless beverage brewing apparatus includes a pressure reducer, a pressure sensor, a linear heater, a temperature sensor, and a spray valve; all supplying a hot water spray head and/or a hot water spigot. The inlet of the main supply line of the tankless beverage brewing apparatus may be connected directly to the local cold water supply. The controller uses feedback from the temperature sensor and/or the pressure sensor to dynamically vary the water temperature and/or the brew flow rate depending on the type of beverage being brewed.

Abstract: A tankless beverage brewing apparatus that includes a digital controller for dynamically varying the water temperature and/or the brew flow rate of the dispensed beverage is shown. In some embodiments, a main supply line of the tankless beverage brewing apparatus includes a pressure reducer, a pressure sensor, a linear heater, a temperature sensor, and a spray valve; all supplying a hot water spray head and/or a hot water spigot. The inlet of the main supply line of the tankless beverage brewing apparatus may be connected directly to the local cold water supply. The controller uses feedback from the temperature sensor and/or the pressure sensor to dynamically vary the water temperature and/or the brew flow rate depending on the type of beverage being brewed.

Abstract: A method for interactive programming of a beverage brewing apparatus is presented. The method includes activating a beverage brewing apparatus; initiating a beverage brewing process within a microprocessor installed within the beverage brewing apparatus when commanded by a user; recording user responses to setup instructions presented as audible, vocal instructions from a speech circuit the verbal speech element associated with the beverage brewing apparatus; and brewing a selected beverage in accordance with the recorded user responses.

Abstract: An interactive programmable beverage brewing apparatus providing audible setup and control instructions for ease of use is presented. The beverage brewing apparatus includes the ability to audibly instruct a user in the steps for setup of the beverage flavor characteristics when a beverage is to be brewed, and provide audible instructions in the use of the machine during normal brewing operations. The beverage brewing apparatus also provides a visual display to present phrases and icons to assist the user in performing setup and brew operations in conjunction with the audible instructions. Visual phrases and icons presented to a user also provide instruction in how to setup and control timers and how to turn on and off one or more warming plates to keep a beverage hot during and after brewing.

Abstract: An interactive programmable beverage brewing apparatus providing audible setup and control instructions for ease of use is presented. The beverage brewing apparatus includes the ability to audibly instruct a user in the steps for setup of the beverage flavor characteristics when a beverage is to be brewed, and provide audible instructions in the use of the machine during normal brewing operations. The beverage brewing apparatus also provides a visual display to present phrases and icons to assist the user in performing setup and brew operations in conjunction with the audible instructions. Visual phrases and icons presented to a user also provide instruction in how to setup and control timers and how to turn on and off one or more warming plates to keep a beverage hot during and after brewing.

Abstract: A tankless beverage brewing apparatus that includes a digital controller for dynamically varying the water temperature and/or the brew flow rate of the dispensed beverage is disclosed. In some embodiments, a main supply line of the tankless beverage brewing apparatus includes a pressure reducer, a pressure sensor, a linear heater, a temperature sensor, and a spray valve; all supplying a hot water spray head and/or a hot water spigot. The inlet of the main supply line of the tankless beverage brewing apparatus may be connected directly to the local cold water supply. The controller uses feedback from the temperature sensor and/or the pressure sensor to dynamically vary the water temperature and/or the brew flow rate depending on the type of beverage being brewed.

Abstract: An interactive programmable beverage brewing apparatus providing audible setup and control instructions for ease of use is presented. The beverage brewing apparatus includes the ability to audibly instruct a user in the steps for setup of the beverage flavor characteristics when a beverage is to be brewed, and provide audible instructions in the use of the machine during normal brewing operations. The beverage brewing apparatus also provides a visual display to present phrases and icons to assist the user in performing setup and brew operations in conjunction with the audible instructions. Visual phrases and icons presented to a user also provide instruction in how to setup and control timers and how to turn on and off one or more warming plates to keep a beverage hot during and after brewing.

Abstract: An audible interactive and programmable heating and cooling digital thermostat providing voice setup instructions for easy and precise temperature management during four different time periods in a twenty-four hour day and the option of distinct weekday and weekend programming temperature setpoints. The audible interactive thermostat includes an alerting means including a visual display device and/or a verbal announcing device to alert a user of current status of programmable time and temperature parameters, to alert a user of different choices within the time and temperature parameters and/or to alert a user of chosen parameters selected from the group including: current status of selectable functions, ambient conditions, programming status and/or response to activation of a triggering means.

Abstract: An audible interactive and programmable heating and cooling digital thermostat providing voice setup instructions for easy and precise temperature management during four different time periods in a twenty-four hour day and the option of distinct weekday and weekend programming temperature setpoints. The audible interactive thermostat includes an alerting means including a visual display device and/or a verbal announcing device to alert a user of current status of programmable time and temperature parameters, to alert a user of different choices within the time and temperature parameters and/or to alert a user of chosen parameters selected from the group including: current status of selectable functions, ambient conditions, programming status and/or response to activation of a triggering means.

Abstract: An electronic HVAC monitoring computer continuously monitors the general condition and efficiency of an HVAC system and notifies a central station computer via modem link or other signal transmission means, when the general condition or efficiency of the HVAC system falls below certain industry standard values by a pre-set amount.