Room And Ambient Temperature Sensors Patents (Class 165/257)
  • Patent number: 10761547
    Abstract: A building HVAC system includes a waterside system and an airside system. The waterside system consumes one or more resources from utility providers to generate a heated and/or chilled fluid. The airside system uses the heated and/or chilled fluid to heat and/or cool a supply airflow provided to the building. A HVAC controller performs an integrated airside/waterside optimization process to simultaneously determine control outputs for both the waterside system and the airside system. The optimization process includes optimizing a predictive cost model that predicts the cost of the resources consumed by the HVAC system, subject to a set of optimization constraints including temperature constraints for the building. The HVAC controller uses the determined control outputs to control the HVAC equipment of the waterside system and the airside system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Risbeck, Robert D. Turney, Christos T. Maravelias
  • Patent number: 10705579
    Abstract: Custom cooling strategies may be implemented for different regions in computers, servers, and other information handling systems. Chassis architecture may have multiple cooling fans, with each fan cooling a different region via dedicated duct work. A user or administrator may thus implement different cooling strategies for internal components, based on different thermal curves defined for each different region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.
    Inventors: Andrew O. Ingalls, Travis C. North
  • Patent number: 10598179
    Abstract: Embodiments to help detect operation conditions of a compressor of a TRU in real time by a genset are disclosed. The operation conditions of the compressor can be determined by monitoring a parameter pattern of the genset, such as value changes of a horsepower, a torque, an exhaust temperature, fuel consumption and/or a RPM of a prime mover of the genset, or a current drawn from a generator of the genset, over a period of time. In one embodiment, when a scroll compressor is used in the TRU, the scroll compressor may start a periodical load/unload duty cycle when the TRU reaches its setpoint. The periodical load/unload duty cycle of the scroll compressor can be detected based on a corresponding fluctuation pattern in genset parameters. When this periodically fluctuating pattern of ECU parameters and/or current drawn is detected, the prime mover can be switched to a low operation speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Thermo King Corporation
    Inventors: Randy Scott Burnham, David Jon Renken, Erich Albert Lucht, Cullen Evan Hall
  • Patent number: 10451304
    Abstract: An air-conditioning control system, which controls a central-type air-conditioning system, includes a plurality of auxiliary controllers set in respective areas of a plurality of areas and a main controller capable of communicating with each auxiliary controller. Each auxiliary controller includes a sound wave receiving unit, which receive sound waves that are outputted from a portable apparatus, and a sound wave strength information transmitting unit which transmits, to the main controller, sound wave strength information indicating sound wave reception strength. B the main controller, when specific sound wave strength information is present among the sound wave strength information received from the auxiliary controllers, a first operating mode is set for the area in which the auxiliary remote controller that is a transmission source of the specific sound wave strength information indicating the highest sound wave strength is set, and a second operating mode is set for all the remaining areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Taku Isono, Takahiro Miyajima
  • Patent number: 10372847
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a processor. The processor is configured to provide for time synchronization between execution of a power production modeling and simulation system (PPMSS) model and a power distribution modeling and simulation system (PDMSS) model, wherein the PPMSS model comprises a power production system simulation and wherein the PDMSS model comprises a power distribution system simulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Marc Harold McKinley, Brian Thomas, Sajjad Mahmood
  • Patent number: 10352772
    Abstract: An integrated temperature sensor device has a temperature sensor providing an analog signal corresponding to an ambient temperature, an analog-to-digital converter coupled to the sensor conditioning circuit and receiving the analog temperature signal, and a timer and control circuit which is operable to be configured to control the temperature sensor device to perform a sequence of temperature measurements and shut-down time periods, wherein multiple temperature measurements are taken during the measurement period, wherein the timer and control circuit is further operable to be programmed to set the number of temperature measurements and the length of the shut-down period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Ezana Haile, Patrick Richards
  • Patent number: 10267529
    Abstract: A system and method for a controller of economizers operatively connected to HVAC equipment. The controller is adapted to maintain the temperature within a facility based on inside air setpoints and outside air setpoints. The controller receives inside air temperature readings and compares them to inside air setpoints in order to determine the cooling demand for the facility. The controller also receives outside air temperature readings and compares them to outside air setpoints in order to determine which economizers may be activated. The outside air setpoints may be dynamically adjusted to adapt and meet the cooling demand of the facility. The controller compares the outside air setpoints to predetermined maximum and minimum setpoints in order to determine whether to adjust the outside air setpoints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Quest Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Earl Nickel, Scott Hicks, Edward F. Goggin, David Charles Moore
  • Patent number: 10204186
    Abstract: A model is provided that produces predicted sensor data as a function of at least one input feature that includes an adjustable setting of a cooling infrastructure. The model is able to model a non-linear relationship between the predicted sensor data and the adjustable setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT LP
    Inventors: Manish Marwah, Cullen E. Bash
  • Patent number: 10154541
    Abstract: A mechanism for indicating ambient temperature of an enclosure from temperatures determined within the enclosure. The temperatures may be obtained from two or more sensors at each of two or more locations within the enclosure. The enclosure may include an apparatus inside such as electronics of which power consumption may be determined. Data including temperatures of two locations within the enclosure at various electronics power consumption levels may be entered into a 2-D plot. An approximation of the 2-D plot may be effected with an appropriate equation to be solved for ambient temperature. The data of the 2-D plot plus temperatures of a third location and air flow levels in the enclosure may be entered into a 3-D plot. An approximation of the 3-D plot may be effected with an appropriate equation to be solved for ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Mohammad A. Aljabari
  • Patent number: 10137758
    Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner includes a heat pump cycle and a refrigerant-circuit controller. The heat pump cycle includes an inside heat exchanger and a refrigerant-circuit switching device. The inside heat exchanger performs heat exchange between a refrigerant and a blown air that is to be blown into a vehicle compartment. The refrigerant-circuit switching device switches between a refrigerant circuit of a cooling mode and a refrigerant circuit of a non-cooling mode. The refrigerant-circuit controller selects the cooling mode or the non-cooling mode based on an air-conditioning load, the refrigerant-circuit controller controlling an operation of the refrigerant-circuit switching device. Upon selecting the non-cooling mode, the refrigerant-circuit controller starts performing a cooling-mode unallowable control in which the refrigerant circuit of the cooling mode is prohibited from being selected regardless of the air-conditioning load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Yokoo, Terukazu Higuchi, Yoshinori Yanagimachi
  • Patent number: 10090685
    Abstract: Disclosed is a power supply system. A power supply system according to an embodiment includes a system control unit configured to set a first system droop curve for a plurality of batteries and a charging control unit configured to control charging/discharging of the plurality of batteries on the basis of the first system droop curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: LSIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jae Seong Shim
  • Patent number: 10072867
    Abstract: An air-conditioning control system, which controls a central-type air-conditioning system, includes a plurality of auxiliary controllers respectively set in a plurality of areas and a main controller capable of communicating with each auxiliary controller. Each auxiliary controller includes a sound wave receiving unit, which receive sound waves that are outputted from a portable apparatus capable of outputting sound waves, and a sound wave strength information transmitting unit which transmits, to the main controller, sound wave strength information indicating sound wave reception strength. By the main controller, a first operating mode is set for at least a single area in which the auxiliary controller of a transmission source for specific sound wave strength information, which indicates a sound wave strength that is a predetermined threshold or higher is set, and a second operating mode is set for at least one of the remaining areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Taku Isono, Takahiro Miyajima
  • Patent number: 10001292
    Abstract: Fan coil thermostats can provide energy savings by, for example, not unnecessarily heating and/or cooling an unoccupied room or other space. Fan coil systems employing such a fan coil thermostat may be more energy efficient. A fan coil system may include a fan coil that is configured for fluid communication with a source of heated fluid and/or a source of cooled fluid, a valve that controls fluid flow through the fan coil, a fan that blows air across the fan coil and a fan coil thermostat. The fan coil thermostat may include a controller that implements a control algorithm that may include an unoccupied temperature setting. The controller may be programmed to permit a user to enter a user-chosen temperature setting. In response, the controller may initiate a timer, and may automatically return to the unoccupied temperature setting once the timer has expired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Sullivan, Camel J. Zhang, Levi Geadelmann, Gary Yang, Angela Zhao
  • Patent number: 9920941
    Abstract: An air-conditioning control apparatus controls an air-conditioning unit used in a central air-conditioning system that conditions a plurality of rooms in a house by a single air-conditioning unit. In the apparatus, a microcomputer starts an output of an ON command signal when started, subsequently continues the output of the ON command signal when a detected temperature inside a room is lower than a predetermined determination temperature, and stop the output of the ON command signal when the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined determination temperature. A protective opening and closing unit closes a first power supply path between a voltage input terminal and an internal alternating-current power supply line when the ON command signal outputted from the microcomputer is supplied, and opens the first power supply path when the supply of the ON command signal is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Numazaki, Wataru Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 9494953
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for activating and deactivating heating or cooling stages of a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit, which includes activating a heating or cooling stage of the HVAC unit based on a determined need for heating or cooling. A monitored temperature is compared with a first temperature setpoint and a monitored on-time of the heating or cooling stage is compared with a first time period setpoint. The heating or cooling stage is deactivated based on the comparison of the monitored temperature with the first temperature setpoint, when the monitored on-time is greater than the first time period setpoint. The monitored temperature is then compared with a second temperature setpoint. The heating or cooling stage is reactivated based on a comparison of the monitored temperature with the second temperature setpoint, when a monitored off-time is greater than the second time period setpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies Retail Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis R. Morrow, Timothy D. Campbell, Samuel Smith, John Wallace
  • Publication number: 20150136379
    Abstract: In an air-conditioning system, during precooling or preheating control, a setting temperature is controlled such that a first temperature difference between the setting temperature and an indoor temperature is not less than a temperature difference at which a compressor performs operation, and the setting temperature is controlled to be changed to a target temperature when a second temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature is less than the first temperature difference. Since the compressor can be operated in the range from a low capacity to a medium capacity, operation efficiency of the air-conditioning apparatus can be increased, and the energy-saving operation with less power consumption can be realized. Since the operation capacity of the compressor can be readily suppressed with adjustment of the setting temperature, control is facilitated and the precooling control can be incorporated in various types of air-conditioning apparatuses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Emi Takeda, Shinichi Ito, Fumitake Unezaki, Mamoru Hamada, Toshiaki Yoshikawa, Takashi Matsumoto, Hirotoshi Yano
  • Publication number: 20150108230
    Abstract: A multiple heating/cooling zone control system is disclosed. A heating/cooling system control device continuously monitors heating/cooling zone demand and matches the heating/cooling device output capacity to the total space or heat input required. Within the calculated heating/cooling device output capacity the heating/cooling device is modulated based on zone temperature setpoint to further adjust heating/cooling device output. As heat/cooling loss is increased heating/cooling device capacity and modulation are increased. Should heat/cooling loss decrease heating/cooling device capacity and modulation are decreased. Since heat/cooling output is adjusted based on the heat loss(gain) the heating/cooling device can be immediately adjusted to the proper or matching heating/cooling rate even before water/air temperature based adjustments can be made.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicants: BURNHAM HOLDINGS, INC., U.S. BOILER COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Peter Michael CLOONAN, Christopher Read DREW
  • Publication number: 20150102120
    Abstract: A method for adjusting the setpoint temperature of a heat transfer medium circulating in a heating or cooling system (9) inside a building or at least inside a surrounding part of a building. The heating or cooling circuit includes a plurality of heat transferring units, each with a temperature controlled valve. A sum opening degree (OD) of all temperature controlled valves is determined in a time dependent manner and a setpoint temperature Tw,ref of heat transferring medium is controlled according to a predetermined sum opening degree (OD) of all temperature controlled valves. A heating system (9) is provided for supplying heat to a building or a part of the building via a liquid heat transfer medium circulated in a circuit. The heating system (9) includes heat transferring units, each being equipped with a temperature controlled valve. The system is controllable according to the method for adjusting the setpoint temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Erik Baasch SØRENSEN, Hakon BØRSTING, Thomas BLAD
  • Publication number: 20150096734
    Abstract: A temperature control device has a housing, a configuration unit, a microcontroller unit (MCU) and a temperature-sensing unit. After the configuration unit is used to configure a requested temperature and a temperature tolerance, the MCU adds a temperature outside the housing sensed an external temperature-sensing element of the temperature-sensing unit to the temperature tolerance, then determines if the sum is higher or lower than the requested temperature, starts a cooling unit or a heating unit to operate until a temperature inside the housing sensed by an internal temperature-sensing element of the temperature-sensing unit, thereby achieving an thermostatic effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: MING-CHIEN CHANG
  • Publication number: 20150034293
    Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus according to the present invention includes at least indoor heat exchangers. In response to a request to increase heat exchange performance from the indoor heat exchanger, the air-conditioning apparatus decreases a heat exchange capacity of an outdoor heat exchanger and controls an opening degree of an expansion valve corresponding to the indoor heat exchanger a to decrease a flow rate of a refrigerant that flows through the indoor heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keisuke Takayama, Osamu Morimoto, Daisuke Shimamoto
  • Publication number: 20150027681
    Abstract: An HVAC controller may be programmed to control an HVAC system according to a comfort mode and an economy mode. When the HVAC system is operating according to the comfort mode, the HVAC system may primarily draw energy from a locally generated energy source or local energy storage system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Amy Ragland, David Quam, Brad Paine
  • Publication number: 20150013958
    Abstract: A controller sets a target setting temperature for an air-conditioning space, compares a value obtained by subtracting an outdoor temperature detected by an outdoor temperature sensor from the target setting temperature, with a first threshold related to the value, compares a value obtained by subtracting the outdoor temperature from an indoor temperature detected by an indoor temperature sensor, with a second threshold related to the value, compares a value obtained by subtracting a heat load in the air-conditioning space from a cooling capacity, with a third threshold related to the value, and controls operation of a heat pump type air-conditioning device and a ventilating device on the basis of these comparison results. The first threshold, the second threshold, and the third threshold are set in accordance with the number of people detected by a human detection sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazuya Kubo
  • Publication number: 20140196880
    Abstract: Apparatus for controlling an environment in a green-house, the apparatus comprising: first and second heat exchangers, each comprising a radiator and a fan system for driving air through the radiator; a first refrigerant circulation system that circulates a refrigerant fluid between and through the radiators; a heater controllable to heat the refrigerant; a controller that controls the apparatus to operate selectively in a maintenance mode or a flush mode, wherein in the maintenance mode the heater heats the refrigerant and the first and second fan systems drive air from outside to inside the greenhouse and through the radiators to acquire heat from the refrigerant, and in the flush mode the first fan system vents air from inside to outside the greenhouse through its respective radiator to deposit heat in the refrigerant and the second fan system drives air from outside to inside the greenhouse and through its respective radiator to acquire the heat deposited in the refrigerant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventor: Omer Pinchuk
  • Publication number: 20140158336
    Abstract: An Electronically-Controlled Register vent (ECRV) that can be easily installed by a homeowner or general handyman is disclosed. The ECRV can be used to convert a non-zoned HVAC system into a zoned system. The ECRV can also be used in connection with a conventional zoned HVAC system to provide additional control and additional zones not provided by the conventional zoned HVAC system. In one embodiment, the ECRV is configured have a size and form-factor that conforms to a standard manually-controlled register vent. In one embodiment, a zone thermostat is configured to provide thermostat information to the ECRV. In one embodiment, the zone thermostat communicates with a central monitoring system that coordinates operation of the heating and cooling zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Nest Labs, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence KATES
  • Publication number: 20140041848
    Abstract: A controller performs a first control that controls a temperature of water (heat medium) flowing out of a heat source device on the basis of an outside air temperature and a temperature difference between chronologically preceding and following outside air temperatures that are detected by an outdoor temperature sensor. The controller controls the temperature of the subject to be controlled to a target temperature by performing the first control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yohei Kato, Koji Matsuzawa
  • Patent number: 8626345
    Abstract: Techniques are described that may be implemented in an adaptive control device to regulate multiple zone environmental units based upon multiple temperature values and multiple airflow values, where each temperature value and each airflow value is related to the temperature and the airflow in a specific zone. In an implementation, the input interface of the adaptive control device is configured to receive multiple temperature values and multiple air flow values from multiple zone sensors. The adaptive control device may calculate multiple operational values based on the multiple temperature values and the multiple air flow values. An operational value indicates a power state (e.g. power on/power off) for a zone environmental unit's fan, compressor, heater, exhaust fan, and damper. The adaptive control device's output interface is operable to transmit multiple sequencing commands to the plurality of zone environmental units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Nutech Ventures, Inc.
    Inventor: Haorong Li
  • Patent number: 8590595
    Abstract: One embodiment is a method. The method includes providing a casting apparatus including a first chamber and a second chamber, wherein the first chamber is isolated from the second chamber. The method includes charging an alloy composition into a crucible present in the first chamber and melting the alloy composition in the crucible to form a molten alloy composition. The method includes discharging the molten alloy composition into a casting mold present in the second chamber; applying a positive pressure to the first chamber to create a first chamber pressure; and applying a vacuum to the second chamber to create a second chamber pressure, wherein the first chamber pressure is greater than the second chamber pressure. The method further includes casting a filament or a turbine component from the molten alloy composition in the casting mold. An apparatus for casting a filament or a turbine component is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Laurent Cretegny, Bernard Patrick Bewlay
  • Patent number: 8369995
    Abstract: A central air-conditioning system conditions a house having a plurality of rooms. When a person is not present in any of the rooms, each room is conditioned in energy-saving conditioning mode having a low load. On the other hand, when the person is detected in any of the rooms, a controller switches an operating mode for conditioning the room, in which the person is detected, from the energy-saving conditioning to rapid conditioning. Air-conditioner ducts respectively connected to the remaining rooms are closed. Therefore, cold air or warm air from an air-conditioning unit is supplied to the room in which the person is detected, while the cold air or warm air is not supplied to the rooms in which the person is not present. As a result, the room that has been switched from energy-saving conditioning to rapid conditioning is conditioned in a concentrated manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Denso Wave Incorporated
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Nanami
  • Patent number: 8280556
    Abstract: An HVAC system for conditioning air of an associated room includes one or more power consuming features/functions including at least one temperature controlling element for one of heating and cooling air. A controller is operatively connected to the one or more power consuming features/functions. The controller is configured to receive and process a signal indicative of a utility state. The controller operates the HVAC system in one of a plurality or operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode in response to the received signal. The controller is configured to at least one of selectively adjust and deactivate at least one of the one or more power consuming features/functions to reduce power consumption of the HVAC system in the energy savings mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John K. Besore, Michael F. Finch, Timothy Dale Worthington, Daniel Ryan Capelle
  • Patent number: 8219252
    Abstract: Regarding rooms other than a room being targeted, a controller controls the rooms in energy-saving conditioning mode when a person is not detected in the rooms, even when the rooms are scheduled to be controlled in ordinary conditioning mode in a temperature control schedule. At this time, when the controller judges that the person has exited the room, the controller controls the targeted room in energy-saving conditioning mode, in rapid conditioning mode. As a result, the room is rapidly conditioned such that the temperature changes from an energy-saving temperature t to an ordinary set temperature by the time the person who has exited the room enters the room. As a result, unnecessary conditioning of the room set to be conditioning in ordinary conditioning mode can be reduced, and energy consumption can be reduced. In addition, comfort of the person entering the room can be ensured by prediction of the movement of the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Wave Incorporated
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Nanami
  • Patent number: 8209059
    Abstract: In an energy efficient building, a thermostatic controller receives temperature and humidity input signals indicative of an inside, outside and air mass buffer. According to one or more algorithms, the thermostatic controller controls the operations of various actuators, such as blower speed, a fresh air intake vent damper, an exhaust vent and a heat pump, so as to adjust the internal climate of the energy-efficient building towards a control point (e.g., an inside temperature and humidity comfort level).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Zeta Communites, Zero Energy Technology & Architecture
    Inventor: John Stockton
  • Publication number: 20120067561
    Abstract: An HVAC system includes an HVAC unit having a cooling mode and a heating mode for conditioning the air in an inside space, and a programmable thermostat located remotely from the HVAC unit. The HVAC unit may have an onboard controller configured to control when the HVAC unit is in the cooling mode or heating mode, and whether the HVAC unit is activated or not. In some cases, the onboard controller of the HVAC unit may use a common temperature setpoint when controlling in the cooling mode and the heating mode. The programmable thermostat may have a programmable schedule with a plurality of time periods, where each time period has a heating setpoint and a cooling setpoint separated by a dead band. The onboard controller of the HVAC unit may be configured to accept input signals from the remotely located thermostat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Gabriel Albert Bergman, Chris Mullarkey, Cary Leen, David Schultz, Milos Cabel
  • Patent number: 8032254
    Abstract: An HVAC controller is described that is configured to be more intuitive and user friendly to program and operate than convention HVAC controllers. In some instances, the HVAC controller may include a touch screen interface that provides greater flexibility in displaying information to the user and/or soliciting information from the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Amundson, Robert D. Juntunen
  • Patent number: 7894943
    Abstract: A building heating/cooling system energy optimization method for a building having a heating/cooling system includes the steps of providing a mathematical model of the heating/cooling system, obtaining real-time weather information, reading the input water temperature (IWT), the output water temperature (OWT) and the supply air temperature (SA) output to the building, periodically transferring the IWT, the OWT and the SA to an optimization system which is operative to analyze the real-time data in coordination with the mathematical model by assigning at least three selected values in a range surrounding and including the current values of each of the IWT, the OWT and the SA and calculating the efficiency profile of the components of the heating/cooling system for each of the selected values, then cooperatively optimizing and selecting those values calculated to provide the highest efficiency profile, then periodically resetting the system values to those selected by the optimization system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventors: Charles J. Sloup, Daniel Karnes, Gregor P. Henze
  • Patent number: 7701721
    Abstract: An easily disassembling cooling apparatus is assembled onto a circuit board. The circuit board has an electronic element. The cooling apparatus includes a pair of fastening blocks, one or two heat conducting blocks, a heat pipe, a fastening plate, and a plurality of locking elements. The fastening blocks are fastened onto the circuit board and each has a track slot. The heat conducting block is installed between the fastening blocks and contacts the electronic element. One end of the heat pipe is installed with the heat conducting block. The fastening plate is installed in the track slots of the fastening blocks, and has a flexible arm that flexibly presses onto the heat pipe. Each of the locking elements respectively is combined with the fastening block. Thereby, the welding process is not required in the assembling process. The electronic element is reliably cooled, and the assembling time is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Cooler Master Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yu-Cheng Lin
  • Patent number: 6904967
    Abstract: A system and method for structure heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) that uses a heat exchanger to transfer heat between the structure and a subsurface storm water discharge chamber system is disclosed. Coils for heat management exchange are located in permanently collected runoff within a storm water management system beneath the frost line; the use of coils located within the retained runoff allows for improved heat exchange over coils placed within soil. Also described are a sensing device and feedback loop for HVAC control, to improve efficiency at ambient temperatures near the subsurface temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: Melvin D. McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 6769482
    Abstract: A heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) device (104) which includes both heating and cooling operating modes provides an easy-to-use interface (110) for selecting the operating parameters of the device (104). The interface (110) allows the input of a setpoint temperature at which the HVAC device (104) conditions the ambient temperature of a space (102). A mode switch-over algorithm (200) uses the setpoint temperature, the sensed temperature from the conditioned space, and prestored threshold values that depend on the device's operating capacities, to determine when to change the device between heating and cooling modes. Also, within each of the respective modes, a heating (300) or cooling (400) algorithm controls the engaging and disengaging of the heating and cooling elements of the device (104) to maintain the temperature of the conditioned space (102) within a desired comfort zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Ranco Incorporated of Delaware
    Inventors: Phillip Ryan Wagner, John Gilman Chapman, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030221821
    Abstract: A device for sensing at least one environmental condition in a data center. The device includes a chassis, a propelling mechanism, a power supply, a steering mechanism, and a controller supported on the chassis. The chassis also supports at least one environmental condition sensor and is operable to travel through the data center and sense at least one environmental condition at various locations throughout the data center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Chandrakant D. Patel, Ratnesh K. Sharma, Cullen E. Bash, Abdlmonem H. Beitelmal
  • Publication number: 20020166659
    Abstract: A heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) device (104) which includes both heating and cooling operating modes provides an easy-to-use interface (110) for selecting the operating parameters of the device (104). The interface (110) allows the input of a setpoint temperature at which the HVAC device (104) conditions the ambient temperature of a space (102). A mode switch-over algorithm (200) uses the setpoint temperature, the sensed temperature from the conditioned space, and prestored threshold values that depend on the device's operating capacities, to determine when to change the device between heating and cooling modes. Also, within each of the respective modes, a heating (300) or cooling (400) algorithm controls the engaging and disengaging of the heating and cooling elements of the device (104) to maintain the temperature of the conditioned space (102) within a desired comfort zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: Ranco Incorporated of Delaware
    Inventors: Phillip Ryan Wagner, John Gilman Chapman
  • Patent number: 6382306
    Abstract: A geometrical streamline flow guiding and heat-dissipating structure is formed by a heat-transferring seat, a heat-dissipating device and a fan. The heat-transferring seat has at least one heat conductive surface for being connected to the heat source. The heat-transferring seat further has at least one heat-transferring seat for heat dissipation with the radiating surface. The radiating surface has a three dimensional form, i.e. one side of the radiating surface is higher than another side thereof so as to be beneficial to guide the airflow. The heat-transferring seat is covered with the heat-dissipating device having a shape matching with the bottom thereof. The heat-transferring seat is formed by many pieces or is formed by a continuous folded structure, or is formed integrally through die casting, forging or slitting. The heat-dissipating device is buckled to the heat source through a buckle; the heat-dissipating device is connected to the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Hul Chun Hsu
  • Publication number: 20010022222
    Abstract: A vehicle air conditioning system includes a space air conditioning unit for blowing conditioned air into a passenger compartment, a seat air conditioning unit for blowing air into a vehicle seat, and a control unit for controlling the space air conditioning unit and the seat air conditioning unit. The control unit includes space controlling means for controlling the space air conditioning unit in accordance with a space control value calculated based on a space target air temperature, and seat controlling means for controlling the seat air conditioning unit in accordance with a seat control value calculated based on the space target air temperature. Further, the seat controlling means includes a first seat air conditioning means which determines the seat control value in a steady air conditioning state of the passenger compartment, and a second seat air-conditioning means which determines the seat control value in a transition air-conditioning state of the passenger compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Shinji Aoki, Takeshi Yoshinori, Koji Sakai, Yuichi Kajino
  • Publication number: 20010010265
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning unit is provided. The system includes a conditioning unit having a heating stage, a cooling stage, and a fan. The conditioning unit operates in an active mode where one of the heating stage and cooling stage is activate to condition air in an enclosure. The conditioning unit also operates in a ventilation mode to provide supply air to the enclosure. A supply temperature sensor is provided to sense the temperature of the supply air. A central control operates to activate one of the heating stage and cooling stage when the conditioning unit is operating in the ventilation mode and the temperature of the supply air is outside of a predetermined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Publication date: August 2, 2001
    Applicant: York International Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald R. Rayburn, Neil A. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20010010266
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning unit is provided. The system includes a conditioning unit having a heating stage, a cooling stage, and a fan. The conditioning unit operates in an active mode where one of the heating stage and cooling stage is activate to condition air in an enclosure. The conditioning unit also operates in a ventilation mode to provide supply air to the enclosure. A supply temperature sensor is provided to sense the temperature of the supply air. A central control operates to activate one of the heating stage and cooling stage when the conditioning unit is operating in the ventilation mode and the temperature of the supply air is outside of a predetermined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Publication date: August 2, 2001
    Applicant: York International Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald R. Rayburn, Neil A. Hughes
  • Patent number: 6012515
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically controlling cabin air temperature T.sub.CBN in an aircraft having a cabin and a mixed air delivery system. The mixed air delivery system provides a flow of mixed air having an actual mixed air temperature into the cabin. The mixed air delivery system comprises a hot bleed air sub-system for providing a flow of hot bleed air, a cool air sub-system for providing a flow of cool air, and an ambient air sub-system for providing a flow of ambient air. The method comprises the steps of defining a selected cabin air temperature T.sub.CBN SEL, and then controlling the flow of hot bleed air, the flow of cool air, and the flow of ambient air such that the mixed air temperature is driven toward a target mixed air temperature defined as k(T.sub.CBN SEL -T.sub.CBN)+T.sub.CBN SEL, wherein k is a gain factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
    Inventors: P. Lars R. Stubbendorff, Hercules Georgeou, Michael D. Loschiavo
  • Patent number: 5573180
    Abstract: A thermostat monitors the indoor air temperature indicated by the thermostat's indoor air temperature sensor. The monitored indoor air temperature must be within a predefined range of acceptable temperatures to be considered valid. In the event the monitored temperature is outside this predefined range, the thermostat proceeds to read the outdoor air temperature and activate a heating system if the outdoor air temperature reading is below a predefined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Laurie L. Werbowsky, William F. Van Ostrand, Peter G. Pierret, Hall Virgil, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5558436
    Abstract: A thermally isolated flush mounted room temperature sensing apparatus has a sensor assembly with sensor elements mounted on a printed circuit board and generates a value that is indicative of the sensed temperature. The apparatus has a generally sealed box structure with a wall plate attached to an open end of the box structure, and the sensor assembly extends through an opening in the wall plate. The assembly is mounted to an insulating block located in the box structure and is supported by spring retainers to have the assembly float away from the block to provide thermal isolation. Other thermal isolating features are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Landis & Gyr, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael F. Richards