Abstract: A temperature control system used in association with a heating and cooling system supplying warm or cool air to a duct system for maintaining accurate temperature in a zone of multiple zones utilizing a microcomputer based thermostat for modulating a damper assembly in the duct system feeding the zone, thereby controlling the volume of air flow in the duct system to the zone to match the load in each zone. The thermostat has a digital readout display thereon indicating the temperature to be maintained in the zone and which can selectively display the duct temperature of air and/or the zone temperature of the air. The thermostat controls a damper assembly which includes a stepper motor for pivoting the damper blade between open and closed positions with the duct temperature sensor located before the damper blade in the duct. Calibration to provide setting of the zone temperature to conform with an accurate thermometer is provided in the thermostat, as well as selectable stop positions for the damper blade.

Abstract: A zoned variable volume system is provided with a pair of non-connected dampers in each zone. The first damper controls flow through a cooling coil. The second damper controls flow through a heating coil and provides heated or neutral air depending upon whether or not the heating coil is actuated. The fan speed is adjusted to cause at least one damper to be fully open so that the system operates at a minimum static pressure. The system is adapted to provide tenant metering by determining the amount of conditioned air provided to each zone. Each zone is controlled through a single temperature and flow sensor.

Abstract: An electrically-powered zone condition control apparatus includes a first multiplexing means adapted for receiving analog status signals emanating from a plurality of passive signaling devices such as temperature or humidity sensors or potentiometers and transmitting these status signals in multiplex fashion to an analog-to-digital converter. The converter changes these analog status signals to digital data signals and directs them to a microcomputer. A second multiplexing means receives binary input signals which may indicate, for example, that an electrical contact is open or closed and also transmits these signals in multiplex fashion to the microcomputer. The microcomputer is adapted to perform algorithmic decisional functions relative to the signals received therein and is adaptable to periodically, selectively transmit digital output signals to one or more of a plurality of digitally-addressable load devices coupled to it by a two-wire communication bus.

Abstract: An air conditioner comprising temperature detectors for respectively detecting air temperatures at suction and discharge sides, a fan motor whose rotational speed is controllable, a motor driven wind directing plate, and a control section for controlling the discharge angle by the wind directing plate and for controlling the air flow amount by the fan motor. Thus, the air flow amount and the discharge angle are controlled by the control section to heat a room such that the heating operation is effected with a small amount of warmed air of a high temperature immediately after the start of operation, and the amount of warmed air is gradually increased and the discharge angle is also gradually changed as the room temperature rises.

Abstract: An electrically-powered zone condition control apparatus includes a first multiplexing means adapted for receiving analog status signals emanating from a plurality of passive signaling devices such as temperature or humidity sensors or potentiometers and transmitting these status signals in multiplex fashion to an analog-to-digital converter. The converter changes these analog status signals to digital data signals and directs them to a microcomputer. A second multiplexing means receives binary input signals which may indicate, for example, that an electrical contact is open or closed and also transmits these signals in multiplex fashion to the microcomputer. The microcomputer is adapted to perform algorithmic decisional functions relative to the signals received therein and is adaptable to periodically, selectively transmit digital output signals to one or more of a plurality of digitally-addressable load devices coupled to it by a two-wire communication bus.

Abstract: In a data transmission system having a main controller for transmitting polling messages in a polling sequence and a plurality of terminal controllers responsive to a polling message to transmit data to the main controller, the finally polled terminal controller transmitting an END code for informing the main controller of the end of data transmission.

Abstract: A zoned variable volume system is provided with a pair of non-connected dampers in each zone. The first damper controls flow through a cooling coil. The second damper controls flow through a heating coil and provides heated or neutral air depending upon whether or not the heating coil is actuated. The fan speed is adjusted to cause at least one damper to be fully open so that the system operates at a minimum static pressure.

Abstract: A variable volume multizone unit is disclosed for simultaneously supplying variable amounts of cool, warm or neutral air to each zone, as required. The unit is under the overall control of a computer and controls dampers located at the unit to regulate the flow of cool and neutral or warm air to each zone individually and to control the total amount of air supplied to all of the zone.

Abstract: A motorized, automatic mechanism for installation in an air register damper housing attachable to damper blades for the purpose of converting said blades from a manual mode of operation to an electrically controlled operation through motor interlock with thermostatic and furnace combustion means. System is comprised of electric motor, with switch operator and lever arm attachable to motor shaft; said lever arm being fastened to linkage mechanism that transfers motor rotation to pivotally mounted damper blades, thereby opening and closing said blades in accordance with thermostatic demands.

Abstract: A variable volume multizone unit is disclosed for simultaneously supplying variable amounts of cool, warm or neutral air to each zone, as required. The unit is under the overall control of a computer and controls dampers located at the unit to regulate the flow of cool and neutral or warm air to each zone individually and to control the total amount of air supplied to all of the zone.

Abstract: In a control unit for a heating and/or air conditioning for automobiles with individual temperature control elements for two areas and with a common inside temperature sensor, the temperature of both areas can be adjusted or changed individually and independently of each other by directly activating both control elements by means of associated delay-value setters and by delaying the signal modification at the input of a common controller through the desired time setters for a sufficient time until it is offset by a corresponding signal modification of the inside temperature sensor.

Abstract: An automatic air regulating device for use in a forced air heating or cooling system whereby air vents or ducts leading to various rooms within a building may be automatically opened or closed to conserve energy. The automatic air regulating device of the present invention utilizes airfoil shaped dampers rotatable between open and closed positions within the building's air ducts. This airfoil shape thus provides for efficient and inexpensive operation of the dampers by utilizing the forced air flowing through the system for its operating forces. The dampers are further controlled by operation of restraining means which establish opening and closing conditions of the dampers in response to programmed or timed parameters set according to desired occupancy or use patterns within the building.

Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of a refrigerator of a type having a capacity control mechanism adapted to control the capacity of the refrigerator in such a manner as to make the temperature of the cold water supplied to an air conditioner coincide with a predetermined set temperature of cold water. The apparatus is adapted to vary the set temperature of the cold water in accordance with the level of the load imposed on the air conditioner, and to determine the difference of the new set temperature of the cold water with the actually measured temperature of the cold water. The apparatus effects the control of the capacity control mechanism of the refrigerator such that the above-mentioned difference of the temperature is nullified. In consequence, the efficiency of the refrigerator during partial-load operation is remarkably improved.

Abstract: Central air conditioning equipment which performs air conditioning for a plurality of rooms, comprises a terminal air quantity control unit which is installed in order to communicate with each room and which controls the quantity of the air stream which is distributed to each room through a duct, and an air quantity control device, attached to an air conditioner, which controls a blower to reduce the blown air quantity until at least one of dampers reaches a first position to allow air flow when all of the dampers are not in the first position, which controls the blower to decrease the blown air quantity when an air quantity detected by an air quantity sensor is smaller than an air quantity set by a setter while at least one of the dampers is located in the first position, and which controls the blower to maintain the blown air quantity when the air quantity detected by the air quantity sensor is equal to the air quantity set by the setter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling principle power consuming components such as compressors and fans for a refrigeration or air conditioning system so it will operate automatically with minimal energy consumption despite changing environmental and system conditions. The apparatus comprises a series of sensors to provide input data including the temperature from selected conditioned zones, valves for controlling coolant and refrigerant flow; switching devices for on-off control of the power components; and computing elements for receiving input data and constantly recomputing operating instructions for the power components that control their operation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for providing a relatively constant temperature level flow of discharge air from a reverse cycle air conditioning system. Air temperature of the air being discharged from the indoor heat exchanger of the refrigeration circuit is measured and used to control indoor fan speed to maintain the supply air temperature to the enclosure at a relatively constant temperature level. A secondary zone may be provided for receiving conditioned air from the indoor heat exchanger. A damper regulated in response to the leaving air temperature from the indoor heat exchanger is used to control the volume flow rate to the secondary zone such that as the indoor fan speed is decreased the damper decreases the volume flow rate to the secondary zone while maintaining a constant volume flow rate to the primary zone. An outdoor thermostat is provided for operating the indoor fan at normal speeds when the ambient temperature is within a predetermined range.

Abstract: The environmental control system of the present invention is used in a multiple room structure which includes independently actuatable heating and cooling devices in each room. This system operates by monitoring the ambient air temperature in each room and by controlling the operation of each heating and cooling device to achieve a desired ambient air temperature in each room. The structure of the present invention includes a room status indicator which indicates the occupied or vacant status of each room. A centrally located control panel permits an operator to assign heating mode and cooling mode temperature limits to each room. A temperature sensing and control unit is positioned in each room and is coupled to the heating and cooling device in each room. The temperature sensing and control unit measures the ambient room air temperature, determines the operating mode of the heating and cooling device and controls the operating mode of the heating and cooling device in response to a control signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to thermostatic apparatus for controlling the heating fluid supply temperature in a central heating installation having at least two radiators in different rooms. With each room having a thermostat for controlling the radiators therein, the apparatus operates so that the most active thermostat is given priority in controlling the temperature of the heating fluid.

Abstract: An energy control system for selectively controlling permissible temperature ranges in a plurality of remote zones from a central control location where the zones each have a heat transfer unit for controlling temperature in the zone. The system is intended for use where the zones are interconnected by pairs of conductors, preferably telephone circuits, with the control location. The system includes a switching arrangement for selectively controlling voltages on the conductors, as by reversing the polarity of normal DC voltage across a conductor pair. Voltage responsive circuits at each zone are interconnected with such conductors. Heat transfer control switching circuits in each zone are associated with the voltages responsive circuits for altering normal operation of the heat transfer unit in the zone in response to a detected change in voltage on the conductor by the voltage responsive circuit.

Abstract: In a system for limiting power consumption during peak power consuming periods, a proportional demand limit controller is disclosed having a condition sensor for sensing the condition of air being supplied to a space, a reset circuit responsive to the condition sensor for controlling a load connected thereto for in turn controlling the condition of the air being supplied to the space, and a proportional demand controller for sensing load consumption of the loads within a building and for resetting the reset circuit in a manner to maintain the power consumption of the building loads below a predetermined demand limit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination heating and cooling valve assembly having a housing with horizontally aligned inlet and outlet ports and a second outlet port which opens downwardly at right angles to the other two ports. A movable valve plate having an aperture and upper and lower closure portions cooperates with the first outlet port. The valve plate has two closed positions corresponding to heating and cooling operations with either the upper or lower closure portion thereof covering the outlet port. A valve rod unit connected to the valve plate has a temperature responsive expansible link for lengthening and shortening the effective length of the rod unit depending on whether the valve assembly is controlling a cooling or heating medium. The expansible rod link is accessible to the heating or cooling medium which supplies the heat or cold for operating the link.

Abstract: A control device and process for heating an installation, having one zone or a plurality of zones, so that a desired temperature within the installation is attained wherein a comparison is made between the heating medium temperature and the temperature outside the installation and the results of said comparison are used to regulate the temperature of the heating medium to the lowest temperature required to maintain the desired temperature in the installation where said heating medium is constantly circulating through at least one zone of said installation and a temperature sensing means in each of said one zone or plurality of zones is activating the circulators used to circulate the thermal fluid within the installation, provided that at least one circulator will operate as long as the heating medium temperature is higher than a predetermined low temperature set point.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for conditioning the air in a plurality of enclosed areas in a building. Conditioned air at a temperature level which may be varied is supplied to a first terminal for discharge into an area. Conditioned air at a relatively constant temperature level is delivered to a second terminal for discharge into the area. The quantity of constant temperature air discharged into the area is regulated in accordance with the temperature level therein. The quantity of the variable temperature air stream discharged into the area is regulated in accordance with the quantity of constant temperature air discharged into the area.

Abstract: A dual duct variable volume air conditioning system has a first, cold duct for supplying cold air and a second, reset duct for supplying either hot air in a first mode of operation or cold air in a second mode of operation. A self-contained system regulator positions first and second valves in the first and second ducts in response to changes in room temperature. The regulator is effective to reverse the direction of response of the second valve to temperature in the second mode of operation from the direction of response of that valve to a similar temperature change in the first mode of operation so that the reset duct can be used as a hot duct with the system supplying warm or cold air on demand in the heating season (without mixing) and as a cold duct to double the cooling capacity of the system in the cooling season.

Abstract: A temperature control system for individual rooms within a home is disclosed having a pair of thermostatically controlled switches settable to "occupied" and "unoccupied" temperatures respectively with a clock controlled switching arrangement for determining which thermostatically controlled switch is effective during predetermined hours of the day. The clock selected thermostatically controlled switch is coupled by way of a relay to control a forced air duct opening and closing louver arrangement so that the duct may be opened for either heating or cooling during unoccupied periods of time a lesser percentage than it is opened during periods of the day when the room is typically occupied.

Abstract: A multiple zone air conditioning control system is disclosed in which air temperatures in respective individual zones are governed according to signals derived from sensed air temperatures in the respective zones and sensed temperature of air discharged to the respective zones.A zone set back unit is employed for setting back the air temperatures in all or any individual ones of the zones. The set back unit superimposes a set back signal on the temperature signals from the set back zones to effect a reduction of the air temperature in those zones as well as to prevent the sensed temperatures of air discharged to those zones from affecting the set back signal. The maintenance of air temperatures in zones which are not set back is unaffected by operation of the set back unit.