Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for synchronizing communication actions between multiple communication devices by accounting for discrepancies between timing functionality in communicating devices. A time value indicative of a remote device's view of current time is received. Where it is determined that the time value differs from a locally generated view of current time by at least an established amount, the range of time in which communications signals with the remote device will be monitored and transmitted is extended.

Abstract: A motion detector having a bandpass filter is described herein. One device includes a passive infrared (PIR) sensor configured to generate a signal, and a bandpass filter configured to filter the signal, wherein the bandpass filter comprises a plurality of high pass filters, a plurality of low pass filters, and two operational amplifiers, wherein a portion of the plurality of high pass filters include a capacitor and two resistors.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for synchronizing communication actions between multiple communication devices by accounting for discrepancies between timing functionality in communicating devices. A time value indicative of a remote device's view of current time is received. Where it is determined that the time value differs from a locally generated view of current time by at least an established amount, the range of time in which communications signals with the remote device will be monitored and transmitted is extended.

Abstract: A motion detector having a bandpass filter is described herein. One device includes a passive infrared (PIR) sensor configured to generate a signal, and a bandpass filter configured to filter the signal, wherein the bandpass filter comprises a plurality of high pass filters, a plurality of low pass filters, and two operational amplifiers, wherein a portion of the plurality of high pass filters include a capacitor and two resistors.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for synchronizing communication actions between multiple communication devices by accounting for discrepancies between timing functionality in communicating devices. A time value indicative of a remote device's view of current time is received. Where it is determined that the time value differs from a locally generated view of current time by at least an established amount, the range of time in which communications signals with the remote device will be monitored and transmitted is extended.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for communicating messages via frequency hopping and utilizing multiple different frequency hopping sequences to facilitate the message or other data exchange. A transmitter frequency hopping sequence is provided that is derived from a set of available frequencies. A receiver frequency hopping sequence is also derived from those frequencies. The transmitter frequency hopping sequence differs from the receiver frequency hopping sequence, at least in regards to the order that the frequencies of the respective sequence will be involved in the message communication. The next frequency in the transmitter frequency hopping sequence is identified in which to transmit data. The data is transmitted at the identified communication frequency when that same frequency arises in the receiver frequency hopping sequence.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for selecting an appropriate frequency hopping sequence in a system of communicating devices. A random seed value is generated at the host device at its point of deployment. A frequency hopping sequence is generated using the random seed value. Other embodiments involve verifying whether the randomly generated seed value is indeed random in the operational vicinity.

Abstract: A programmable controller for homes and/or buildings and their related grounds, such as thermostat, that has a display and an external interface. The external interface may be use for uploading electronic images and/or other information from an external data source, and may use the uploaded electronic images and/or other information for programming and/or updating the controller and/or for viewing the electronic images and/or other information on the display of the controller.

Abstract: A switch state assurance mechanism of a power stealing circuit for connection to a thermostatically controlled or other kind of operational system. The mechanism may be an interface for the power stealing circuit to the operational system. A switch or relay of the mechanism may have several states but have an appropriate state for a given status of the power stealing circuit and the operational system. The switch or relay may have a latching characteristic relative to its states. The mechanism may have a detection circuit and a drive circuit connected to the relay, and a control circuit connected to the detection circuit and the drive circuit. The mechanism may check the relay state and change the relay to a desired state. The mechanism may be incorporated in other circuits beside a power stealing circuit.

Abstract: A power stealing system having a switch and a circuit that takes power from equipment to operate control electronics. The system may be such that power stealing occurs while the equipment is not powered to avoid disruption or false signals in the electronics or equipment. The circuit may convey taken power to a storage device. The electronics may be powered by the storage device. The storage device may have a capacitor, a rechargeable battery, a non-chargeable battery, a solar cell, fuel cell, line power, and/or the like.

Abstract: The present invention, in illustrative embodiments, includes methods and devices for reducing power consumption in a thermostat by adjusting pulse levels (duration and/or voltage) that are used to control an HVAC relay in light of variations of ambient conditions or other relay conditions. In some illustrative embodiments, an ambient condition is observed using existing thermostat features, such as, for example, a temperature sensor, and used to adjust pulse parameters.

Abstract: HVAC controllers can include at least some written instructions on, in or near the HVAC controller. In some instances, an HVAC controller can include a wall plate, a controller module that is releasably securable to the wall plate, and an instruction card slot that is disposed between the wall plate and the controller module. In some instances, a removable, slide-out instruction card may be disposed within the instruction card slot.