Abstract: An example HVAC system includes an HVAC component, and an HVAC controller configured to selectively control the HVAC component in a first operating mode and a second operating mode. The system also includes a sensor in communication with the HVAC controller. The sensor is configured to detect one or more parameters of the HVAC system and periodically transmit the one or more detected parameters to the HVAC controller. The sensor is also configured to transmit the one or more detected parameters according to a first transmission interval when the HVAC controller is operating in the first operating mode, and to transmit the one or more detected parameters according to a second transmission interval when the HVAC controller is operating in the second operating mode. The first transmission interval is different than the second transmission interval. Example methods of controlling an HVAC system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting occupancy of a conditioned space are provided. The method includes controlling an environmental parameter of the conditioned space to a first selectable value using a first output signal of a process controller. The process controller configured to receive an indication of the environmental parameter of the conditioned space. The method also includes receiving a first indication of occupancy of the conditioned space using a passive occupancy sensor, receiving a second indication of occupancy of the conditioned space using an active occupancy sensor, and determining an occupancy state of the conditioned space based on a correlation between the first indication of occupancy and the second indication of occupancy. The method further includes controlling the environmental parameter of the conditioned space to a second selectable value based on the determined occupancy state.

Abstract: An example HVAC system includes an HVAC component, and an HVAC controller configured to selectively control the HVAC component in a first operating mode and a second operating mode. The system also includes a sensor in communication with the HVAC controller. The sensor is configured to detect one or more parameters of the HVAC system and periodically transmit the one or more detected parameters to the HVAC controller. The sensor is also configured to transmit the one or more detected parameters according to a first transmission interval when the HVAC controller is operating in the first operating mode, and to transmit the one or more detected parameters according to a second transmission interval when the HVAC controller is operating in the second operating mode. The first transmission interval is different than the second transmission interval. Example methods of controlling an HVAC system are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of climate control system controllers and methods for staging controller functions. In an exemplary embodiment, a climate control system controller generally includes power stealing circuitry, charge storage device(s) for storing charge provided by the power stealing circuitry and for providing power for controller functions, and a processor. For each controller function, the processor predefines a maximum wait time corresponding to the controller function. Before performance of one of the controller functions, the processor compares at least once the current level of charge on the charge storage device(s) to a predefined voltage level. Based on the comparing, the processor delays performance of the controller function until the corresponding predefined maximum wait time has passed and/or the current level of charge on the charge storage device(s) has reached the predefined voltage level.

Abstract: Certain exemplary aspects of the present disclosure are directed towards an apparatus in which a base deck and a forged base deck cover are coupled to one another, via a weld joint, to provide a hermetically sealed cavity within. The base deck includes an outer region, and the base deck cover includes a lip that interfaces with the outer region of the base deck to provide the weld joint. Similarly, the base deck is formed by an outer region of a base deck bottom portion interfacing with a lip of the shroud to form, via welding, the base deck.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of climate control system controllers and methods for staging controller functions. In an exemplary embodiment, a climate control system controller generally includes power stealing circuitry, charge storage device(s) for storing charge provided by the power stealing circuitry and for providing power for controller functions, and a processor. For each controller function, the processor predefines a maximum wait time corresponding to the controller function. Before performance of one of the controller functions, the processor compares at least once the current level of charge on the charge storage device(s) to a predefined voltage level. Based on the comparing, the processor delays performance of the controller function until the corresponding predefined maximum wait time has passed and/or the current level of charge on the charge storage device(s) has reached the predefined voltage level.

Abstract: Certain exemplary aspects of the present disclosure are directed towards an apparatus in which a base deck and a forged base deck cover are coupled to one another, via a weld joint, to provide a hermetically sealed cavity within. The base deck includes an outer region, and the base deck cover includes a lip that interfaces with the outer region of the base deck to provide the weld joint. Similarly, the base deck is formed by an outer region of a base deck bottom portion interfacing with a lip of the shroud to form, via welding, the base deck.

Abstract: A control system for a water heater generally includes a water heater controller configured to receive upper and lower sensor temperatures associated with water in the respective upper and lower portions of the tank. The water heater controller is configured to determine a value indicative of a portion of water in the tank at a desired set-point temperature as a function of the upper sensor temperature, the lower sensor temperature, and the desired set-point temperature. The water heater controller is configured to wirelessly transmit at least one signal indicative of said value indicative of the portion of water in the tank at the desired set-point temperature. A user interface includes a plurality of selectively illuminated segmented portions. The user interface is configured to receive said value from the water heater controller and to selectively illuminate a number of segmented portions representative of said value.

Abstract: A testing device and method for testing scissors are disclosed. The testing device includes a mount device. The mount device includes a first mount feature for mounting a first grip end of the scissors thereon and a second mount feature movable with respect to the first mount feature for mounting a second grip end of the scissors thereon. The testing device additionally includes a feed device positioned to provide a test media between a first blade and a second blade of the scissors. The testing device further includes a position sensor associated with the mount device for measuring movement of the second grip end, and a load sensor associated with the mount device for measuring a load required for the scissors to cut the test media.

Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of a heating or cooling system includes a system controller, a memory in which system parameter information relating to the heating or cooling system is stored, and a communication device through which the system controller is configured to transmit and receive signals to/from at least one component controller. The system controller is configured to receive via the communication device a data signal from the at least one component controller that includes information relating to operational parameters for at least one system component installed in the heating and cooling system. The system controller is configured to store in the memory the received operational parameters corresponding to the at least one system component. The stored operational parameters may be retrievable for communication to a replacement component controller in the event that the at least one component controller is replaced.

Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of a heating or cooling system includes a system controller, a memory in which system parameter information relating to the heating or cooling system is stored, and a communication device through which the system controller is configured to transmit and receive signals to/from at least one component controller. The system controller is configured to receive via the communication device a data signal from the at least one component controller that includes information relating to operational parameters for at least one system component installed in the heating and cooling system. The system controller is configured to store in the memory the received operational parameters corresponding to the at least one system component. The stored operational parameters may be retrievable for communication to a replacement component controller in the event that the at least one component controller is replaced.

Abstract: A control for a water heater is provided that comprises a pressure switch for sensing a predetermined level of airflow sufficient for maintaining proper burner operation, and a temperature sensing means for sensing the temperature of the water in the tank. The control further comprises a processor for controlling the operation of the burner to maintain the water temperature above a predetermined value. When the processor receives a signal from the pressure switch or temperature switch indicating a malfunction, the processor shuts down the burner and subsequently attempts to restart the burner. The processor will lock-out further burner operation after a predetermined number of consecutive shut downs occurs, and will communicate any malfunction information to a remote display device.

Abstract: The invention is a sailboat rigging system and method for forming same. It is formed from a plurality of resin prepreg high strength fiber strands, tows or roving. The fiber are laid out in a preferred rigging configuration with the fiber strands, tows or roving being placed under generally equal tension. The resin in the prepreg fibers bonds the fiber strands, tows or roving to consolidate them together substantially without open spaces therebetween. If desired, the fiber strands, tows or roving can be branched out at branching points to provide for continuous rigging, and selective fibers can be dropped at various sections of the rigging for weight savings.

Abstract: A control system for a water heater generally includes a water heater controller configured to receive upper and lower sensor temperatures associated with water in the respective upper and lower portions of the tank. The water heater controller is configured to determine a value indicative of a portion of water in the tank at a desired set-point temperature as a function of the upper sensor temperature, the lower sensor temperature, and the desired set-point temperature. The water heater controller is configured to wirelessly transmit at least one signal indicative of said value indicative of the portion of water in the tank at the desired set-point temperature. A user interface includes a plurality of selectively illuminated segmented portions. The user interface is configured to receive said value from the water heater controller and to selectively illuminate a number of segmented portions representative of said value.

Abstract: A control for a water heater is provided that comprises a pressure switch for sensing a predetermined level of airflow sufficient for maintaining proper burner operation, and a temperature sensing means for sensing the temperature of the water in the tank. The control further comprises a processor for controlling the operation of the burner to maintain the water temperature above a predetermined value. When the processor receives a signal from the pressure switch or temperature switch indicating a malfunction, the processor shuts down the burner and subsequently attempts to restart the burner. The processor will lock-out further burner operation after a predetermined number of consecutive shut downs occurs, and will communicate any malfunction information to a remote display device.

Abstract: A system controller is disclosed that includes a communication means for transmitting and receiving information from an installed blower motor controller, and a removable memory device connected to the system controller. The removable memory device includes system parameter information stored thereon that relates to the particular heating or cooling system, where the system parameter information includes at least motor related parameters relating to the operation of one or more types of blower motors. The system controller further includes a processor configured to receive via the communication means the communication of identifying information from the blower motor controller that identifies the type of blower motor installed in the system. The processor is configured to retrieve motor related parameters corresponding to the specific identified blower motor controller from the memory device, and to send said corresponding motor related parameters to the blower motor controller.

Abstract: A system controller is provided that includes a communication network for transmitting and receiving information from an installed blower motor controller, and a removable memory device connected to the system controller. The removable memory device includes stored system parameter information related to a particular heating or cooling system, which information includes at least motor related parameters related to one or more types of blower motors. The system controller further includes a processor that receives, via the communication network, identifying information from the blower motor controller that identifies the type of blower motor that is installed. The processor is configured to retrieve motor related parameters corresponding to the specific identified blower motor from the memory device, and to send the corresponding motor related parameters to the blower motor controller.

Abstract: A control for a water heater is provided that comprises a pressure switch for sensing a predetermined level of airflow sufficient for maintaining proper burner operation, and a temperature sensing means for sensing the temperature of the water in the tank. The control further comprises a processor for controlling the operation of the burner to maintain the water temperature above a predetermined value. When the processor receives a signal from the pressure switch or temperature switch indicating a malfunction, the processor shuts down the burner and subsequently attempts to restart the burner. The processor will lock-out further burner operation after a predetermined number of consecutive shut downs occurs, and will communicate any malfunction information to a remote display device.

Abstract: A thermostat for controlling a climate control system is provided that comprises a network interface for establishing an internet connection with a website of a remote service provider, and a microprocessor for controlling the operation of a climate control system. The microprocessor is in communication with the network interface for establishing an internet connection and receiving user-specified information from a remote service provider that maintains a user-profile of information requested by the user. The thermostat further comprises a display device responsive to the microprocessor for displaying user-specified information received via the network controller from the remote service provider.

Abstract: A control for a water heater is provided that comprises a pressure switch for sensing a predetermined level of airflow sufficient for maintaining proper burner operation, and a temperature sensing means for sensing the temperature of the water in the tank. The control further comprises a processor for controlling the operation of the burner to maintain the water temperature above a predetermined value. When the processor receives a signal from the pressure switch or temperature switch indicating a malfunction, the processor shuts down the burner and subsequently attempts to restart the burner. The processor will lock-out further burner operation after a predetermined number of consecutive shut downs occurs, and will communicate any malfunction information to a remote display device.