Abstract: A thermostat, of the type that employs latching relays to connect thermostat power to the various wires of the thermostat run, has a re-pulse feature that supplies latching pulses at a given interval, e.g., three hours, to ensure that the relays are in their proper state agreeing with the thermostat mode and the room temperature relative to the setpoint(s). In the case that the room air temperature is changing in a manner contrary to the current heating or cooling mode, which may indicate the latching relay has been knocked or bumped and needs to have its proper state re-established, the thermostat microprocessor issues pulses to the latching relay(s) more frequently, e.g., each 30 minutes, and the re-pulses may have a longer pulse width, e.g., increased from 20 ms to 25 ms.

Abstract: A battery powered thermostat senses a battery voltage drop to a low-battery voltage level. At that point, the thermostat microprocessor provides a LOW BATTERY alert message, visible on the thermostat display. If the occupant fails to replace the power cells or does not notice the LOW BATTERY message, when the battery voltage drops further the microprocessor alters the thermostat set points. This reduces the number of heating or cooling cycles per day, and reduces the number of actuations of the latching relays in the thermostat, conserving remaining battery life. At a further drop in battery voltage the set points are changed additionally. Additional functions, such as second level heat, second level cooling, and fan speed, are disabled. The change in heat or cooling cycles induces the occupant to check the thermostat where he or she will notice the LOW BATTERY message.

Abstract: A battery powered thermostat senses a battery voltage drop to a low-battery voltage level. At that point, the thermostat microprocessor provides a LOW BATTERY alert message, visible on the thermostat display. If the occupant fails to replace the power cells or does not notice the LOW BATTERY message, when the battery voltage drops further the microprocessor alters the thermostat set points. This reduces the number of heating or cooling cycles per day, and reduces the number of actuations of the latching relays in the thermostat, conserving remaining battery life. At a further drop in battery voltage the set points are changed additionally. Additional functions, such as second level heat, second level cooling, and fan speed, are disabled. The change in heat or cooling cycles induces the occupant to check the thermostat where he or she will notice the LOW BATTERY message.

Abstract: A thermostat, of the type that employs latching relays to connect thermostat power to the various wires of the thermostat run, has a re-pulse feature that supplies latching pulses at a given interval, e.g., three hours, to ensure that the relays are in their proper state agreeing with the thermostat mode and the room temperature relative to the setpoint(s). In the case that the room air temperature is changing in a manner contrary to the current heating or cooling mode, which may indicate the latching relay has been knocked or bumped and needs to have its proper state re-established, the thermostat microprocessor issues pulses to the latching relay(s) more frequently, e.g., each 30 minutes, and the re-pulses may have a longer pulse width, e.g., increased from 20 ms to 25 ms.

Abstract: Property-management or lock-setting thermostats have maximum and minimum set points locked in to prevent abuse of management-provided heating and/or air conditioning. An ePROM or similar internal memory device stores heating and cooling limit parameters that are set in by a technician at the time of installation. A plug-in flash memory module contains an unlock code to match the unlock code stored in said ePROM, to unlock the thermostat and allow the settings to be adjusted; when said flash memory module is removed the thermostat reverts to its lock condition. The thermostat can also respond to unusual rates of change of temperature to block furnace or A/C operation temporarily.

Abstract: Property-management or lock-setting thermostats have maximum and minimum set points locked in to prevent abuse of management-provided heating and/or air conditioning. An ePROM or similar internal memory device stores heating and cooling limit parameters that are set in by a technician at the time of installation. A plug-in flash memory module contains an unlock code to match the unlock code stored in said ePROM, to unlock the thermostat and allow the settings to be adjusted; when said flash memory module is removed the thermostat reverts to its lock condition. The thermostat can also respond to unusual rates of change of temperature to block furnace or A/C operation temporarily.