Abstract: A programmable thermostat usable to program their thermostat in a more intuitive manner using the fewer commands. The programmable thermostat provides a simplified level of programming that is intuitive and quick, based on a common set of settings, such as a nighttime setback programming that automatically adjusts the thermostat setpoint down in the evening and resetting the setpoint up in the morning, and a “five and two” programming reflecting the normal five-day work week and two-day weekend, as well as four events per day during the work week but only two events during the two weekend days. By compromising infinite flexibility and customization of programming for the efficiency of assuming that the most common settings are sufficient for most users, and these most common settings can be accomplished with a greatly reduced set of intuitive commands, making it easier for users to making use of thermostat programming.

Abstract: A heating system is configured to optimize the speed and accuracy of the system in achieving various ambient air temperature setpoints, by modulating the heated water supply water setpoint to optimize the slope of the system's response curve. Optimized response curves are automatically determined by analyzing differences between ambient air temperatures over time in response to modulated supply water temperatures as they are reset upward or downward to achieve response times prioritized for improved occupant comfort. The controller of the heating system calculates a temperature slope, and adjusts the supply water setpoint to increase/decrease the speed of ambient temperature rise to achieve a desired slope.

Abstract: A thermostat assembly powered by line voltage and capable of wireless communication with a heat source, comprising a first portion and a second portion separated by a barrier. The first portion receives power via internal housing wiring at a first high voltage level and converts the power from the first high voltage level to a second low voltage level. The second portion is removably connected to the first portions to receive power at the second low voltage level, which powers at least a temperature sensor that measures an ambient temperature of an outside environment and a communication chip for wireless communication with a primary heat source. The barrier inhibits dissipation of heat between the first and second portions to reduce an effect of a temperature of the first portion on the temperature sensor, and prevents a user from contacting any high voltage components when the second portion is removed.

Abstract: A programmable thermostat usable to program their thermostat in a more intuitive manner using the fewer commands. The programmable thermostat provides a simplified level of programming that is intuitive and quick, based on a common set of settings, such as a nighttime setback programming that automatically adjusts the thermostat setpoint down in the evening and resetting the setpoint up in the morning, and a “five and two” programming reflecting the normal five-day work week and two-day weekend, as well as four events per day during the work week but only two events during the two weekend days. By compromising infinite flexibility and customization of programming for the efficiency of assuming that the most common settings are sufficient for most users, and these most common settings can be accomplished with a greatly reduced set of intuitive commands, making it easier for users to making use of thermostat programming.

Abstract: A radiant panel having a U-shaped channel or groove with substantially parallel vertical sides. Because varied diameter tubing pressed into curved channels of varying radius will change their shape from round to oval by different amounts, channel width will be reduced at curved channel areas as appropriate, based on tubing size and channel radius. This reduction in curved channel width compared to straight channel width allows for a consistent friction force to be developed upon pressing the tubing into a channel. The depth of groove may be varied to allow for the increased vertical dimension of tubing which is deformed from round to oval by bending forces, so that tubing can be installed consistently flush with the surface of the radiant panel. Varying width and depth will also tend to maximize the contact area of tube to conductive surface, thereby improving the flow of heat from tube to radiant panel.

Abstract: A heating system is configured to optimize the speed and accuracy of the system in achieving various ambient air temperature setpoints, by modulating the heated water supply water setpoint to optimize the slope of the system's response curve. Optimized response curves are automatically determined by analyzing differences between ambient air temperatures over time in response to modulated supply water temperatures as they are reset upward or downward to achieve response times prioritized for improved occupant comfort. The controller of the heating system calculates a temperature slope, and adjusts the supply water setpoint to increase/decrease the speed of ambient temperature rise to achieve a desired slope.

Abstract: A thermostat assembly powered by line voltage and capable of wireless communication with a heat source, comprising a first portion and a second portion separated by a barrier. The first portion receives power via internal housing wiring at a first high voltage level and converts the power from the first high voltage level to a second low voltage level. The second portion is removably connected to the first portions to receive power at the second low voltage level, which powers at least a temperature sensor that measures an ambient temperature of an outside environment and a communication chip for wireless communication with a primary heat source. The barrier inhibits dissipation of heat between the first and second portions to reduce an effect of a temperature of the first portion on the temperature sensor, and prevents a user from contacting any high voltage components when the second portion is removed.

Abstract: A radiant panel having a U-shaped channel or groove with substantially parallel vertical sides. Because varied diameter tubing pressed into curved channels of varying radius will change their shape from round to oval by different amounts, channel width will be reduced at curved channel areas as appropriate, based on tubing size and channel radius. This reduction in curved channel width compared to straight channel width allows for a consistent friction force to be developed upon pressing the tubing into a channel. The depth of groove may be varied to allow for the increased vertical dimension of tubing which is deformed from round to oval by bending forces, so that tubing can be installed consistently flush with the surface of the radiant panel. Varying width and depth will also tend to maximize the contact area of tube to conductive surface, thereby improving the flow of heat from tube to radiant panel.

Abstract: A radiant panel having a channel or groove is manufactured using, for example, a simple U shaped channel with substantially parallel vertical sides is one embodiment. Because varied diameter tubing pressed into curved channels of varying radius will change their shape from round to oval by different amounts, channel width will be reduced at curved channel areas as appropriate, in light of tubing size and channel radius. This reduction in curved channel width compared to straight channel width will allow for a consistent friction force to be developed upon pressing the tubing into a channel, for retention purposes, regardless of whether the channel is straight or curved. In other embodiments the depth of groove may be varied as well to allow for the increased vertical dimension of tubing which is deformed from round to oval by bending forces.

Abstract: A radiant panel having a channel or groove is manufactured using, for example, a simple U shaped channel with substantially parallel vertical sides is one embodiment. Because varied diameter tubing pressed into curved channels of varying radius will change their shape from round to oval by different amounts, channel width will be reduced at curved channel areas as appropriate, in light of tubing size and channel radius. This reduction in curved channel width compared to straight channel width will allow for a consistent friction force to be developed upon pressing the tubing into a channel, for retention purposes, regardless of whether the channel is straight or curved. In other embodiments the depth of groove may be varied as well to allow for the increased vertical dimension of tubing which is deformed from round to oval by bending forces.

Abstract: A water tank as part of a system that limits the pressure in the system and eliminates the need for a separate expansion tank. The water tank includes a hot water pipe with an inlet positioned a first distance below the top of the water tank, the first distance is determined so that the volume above the hot water pipe inlet exceeds a volume that water in the tank will expand when changing from a first low temperature to a second higher temperature. In a closed loop hydronic system embodiment, when dissolved air in the water separates, the separated air is caught by the volume of air at the top of the water tank which prevents the separated air from traveling through the closed loop system.

Abstract: Intra-vaginal devices and methods are disclosed for a broad range of applications in the women's health field. The devices and methods provide for placement in the cervical region, and for transferring heat to a cervical region, a barrier contraception method, collection of menstrual fluid, and release of drugs and/or hormones intra-vaginally. The device also can address multiple women's health issues.