Abstract: A system for communication between multiple remote meter interfaces (RMI)s and a central office. The system includes multiple RMIs for reading meters and transmitting wireless data signals including meter readout information; multiple base repeater stations for receiving the wireless data signals where each particular base repeater station recognizes the wireless data signal only from particular RMIs that have been identified to the base repeater station, concentrates the information from the identified RMIS, and passes the concentrated information through a master base station and a wide area network (WAN) to a central office. The base repeater station includes a receiver for receiving the wireless data signal, a transmitter for passing concentrated information to the master station, and a microcontroller including an identification (ID) list including the IDs of the RMIs with which the base repeater station is enabled to communicate.

Abstract: A system for operating a plurality of motors with a single controller is disclosed. This system includes a first motor, a second motor that is matched to the first motor but has a lower power rating than the first motor and a controller electrically driving the first and second motors with a modulated voltage at one frequency selected from one or more frequencies over a complete range of frequencies. The controller generates a frequency of the modulated voltage from the range of frequencies which is proportional to the desired speed for the first and second motors. A method for building such a system is also disclosed. This system and method have particular application to HVAC systems.

Abstract: A user-responsive system has a controller and a plurality of remotes. Each remote typically has a corresponding sensor and/or actuator. Applications for this system include, but are not limited to heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems, lighting systems, security systems, energy management systems, home automation systems, and home entertainment systems.

Abstract: A multi-unit automated space management and communication system for use in association with a structure having a plurality of units. The system includes circuitry that monitors various utility related aspects of each of the plurality of units. The system further includes an automated subsystem disposed in each one of the plurality of units. This subsystem includes at least one appliance, at least one communication medium means, at least one interface means for connecting the at least one appliance apparatus into a signal exchanging relationship with the at least one communication medium means, at least one communication source, operably connected to the at least one communication medium means. The system further includes an external communication interface linking the automated subsystem to the monitoring means in a signal-exchanging relationship. The system still further includes data storage circuits.

Abstract: A smart thermostat having a transceiver for two-way communication with an energy provider. The smart thermostat includes a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature, a user interface for displaying and receiving information to and from a user, a port connecting to a cooling or heating device, a processor, and the transceiver. The transceiver receives a current energy price from an energy provider. The user interface receives temperature setpoints and associated acceptable energy costs. The processor issues a control signal to the cooling or heating device to operate when the temperature is different than the temperature setpoint and the acceptable energy cost is not greater than the current price of energy. The transceiver transmits information for the control signal, temperature setpoints and associated costs to the energy provider.

Abstract: A fault-tolerant HVAC system capable of continued operation in the event of a thermostat malfunction. An HVAC controller controls the operation of an HVAC unit in accordance with a temperature signal output from the thermostat and indicative of air temperature of a conditioned space proximate the thermostat. The HVAC controller detects a thermostat malfunction and, in response thereto, instead controls the operation of the HVAC unit in accordance with a temperature sensor outputting a signal indicative of return air temperature from the conditioned space.

Abstract: An indoor environmental conditioning system and a method for controlling the circulation of non-conditioned air. The system comprises a conditioning source, air distribution source and air distribution conduit. The air may be propelled at at least two different flow rates.

Abstract: A method for bringing an appliance and/or an electrical or mechanical system of a residence into communication with another, or with a control device within the residence, or with an other communication source outside the residence, so as to establish a home automation system, or enlarge upon an existing automation system. An appliance interface module apparatus is also provided for facilitating communication between an appliance, and the automation system as a whole. The appliance interface module may be capable of controlling, upon command, the specific detailed operations of the appliance to which it is attached, and may, upon inquiry, transmit data which has been recorded, stored and/or calculated by the module.

Abstract: A fault-tolerant HVAC system for use in a single or multi-zoned system, capable of continued operation in the event of a thermostat, or other sensing device malfunction. An HVAC controller controls the operation of an HVAC unit in accordance with a temperature signal output from the thermostat and indicative of air temperature of a conditioned space proximate the thermostat. The HVAC controller detects a thermostat malfunction and, in response thereto, instead controls the operation of the HVAC unit in accordance with a temperature sensor outputting a signal indicative of return air temperature from the conditioned space.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing an indoor environmental conditioning system for spaces, for operation. The apparatus and method are advantageously configured for use with an indoor environmental conditioning system in which the spaces are provided with an indoor environmental conditioning input and an indoor environmental conditioning sensor, both operably connected to an indoor environmental conditioning source. Each space is further provided with means for actuating the indoor environmental conditioning source. The apparatus and method enable the indoor environmental conditioning system to be placed in an initial condition such that no space can receive, and no sensor report, indoor environmental conditioning. The indoor environmental conditioning inputs are actuated one at a time, and operably linked thereafter with the indoor environmental conditioning sensor which reports a change in environmental conditioning status.

Abstract: A control system for a fluid-fuel burner, such as a furnace for an HVAC system. The furnace has a variable flow of fuel into the burner. In addition, the circulating air blower is also variable. The furnace heat exchanger plenum is maintained at a substantially constant temperature, as a means for providing substantially constant temperature air to the spaces to be heated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the circulation of heat transfer fluid for thermal conditioning systems for spaces, in which the temperatures of several at least partially thermally separate spaces are monitored and averaged, and compared with a predetermined set point temperature, for purposes of controlling the operation of a source of thermal conditioning. In addition, the temperature differentials between the several spaces are also monitored, for purposes of controlling the circulation of the heat transfer fluid. The present invention permits the continued circulation of the heat transfer fluid, even if no heating or cooling is required, for purposes of reducing the temperature differentials between the several spaces.