Abstract: An improved temperature control device which is so arranged that, by obtaining an average value of digital output amount of an A/D converter, if variation of the above digital output amount average value at each sampling is within predetermined dead zone data, it is regard that there is no change, while on the other hand, if the above variation is larger than the dead zone data, control is effected on the assumption that variation has taken place by the amount obtained by removing the dead zone data from the amount of the variation.

Abstract: Voice commands of two types are recognized by an air conditioner: (1) a first command to jump to a different air delivery (below-out) temperature, after which a gradual automatic return to the previously set temperature occurs, or (2) a second command which will stop the automatic return at some arbitrary temperature.

Abstract: A duty cycle controller for an air conditioning system. Solid state switches are connected in series with the heating and cooling switches of a thermostat in circuits for energizing the cooling and heating subsystems, respectively, of an air conditioner. A switch control circuit, when enabled, causes the solid state switches to be conductive when set and nonconductive when reset. Timing signals from a counter applied to the switch control circuit determine the state of the switch control circuit and thus the duty cycles for the heating and cooling subsystem. The controller is provided with a safety circuit which disables the switch control circuit to render the solid state switches nonconductive for a predetermined period of time after a power interruption or after a cooling or heating switch of the thermostat opens. The controller assures that each heating and cooling duty cycle begins with a full energization period. The length of the heating and cooling duty cycles can be readily varied.

Abstract: A selected segment heating system including: means for heating a fluid; conduit means for conducting the fluid from the outlet to the return inlet of the means for heating through a plurality of areas; means, interconnected with the conduit, for moving the fluid through the conduit; gauging means for operating the means for moving to move a segment of the heated fluid in the conduit as far as the return point of the farthest area to be heated; and delay means for suspending operation of the means for moving for permitting a predetermined heat exchange to occur between the heating fluid and the air in the area to be heated.

Abstract: A dual probe interactive, control system for accurately controlling the temperature within a specified area has a controlling temperature probe located for fast response times and used in association with a controllable setpoint for modulating a heating/cooling source. An indicating/reference temperature probe is also placed in the same enclosure at an optimum location for indicating actual temperature. The actual temperature is compared to the desired temperature to detect any droop or offset and the controllable setpoint is then adjusted accordingly.

Abstract: A space heater, designed to maintain the temperature of a room between a lower limit T.sub.m and an upper limit T.sub.M, is controlled by a system including a sawtooth-wave generator working by way of a clipping stage into a differential amplifier also receiving a monitoring signal representing the difference between an output voltage of a temperature sensor and a reference voltage. The differential amplifier emits a train of command pulses of temperature-dependent duration which temporarily reduce the mean power of the heater to a fraction of its maximum value, as by periodically interrupting its fuel supply when that heater comprises a gas burner. The heater is cut off for an extended period when the upper range limit T.sub.M is exceeded and is then restarted when the temperature falls beneath the lower limit T.sub.m. In the case of a gas burner of the catalytic type, the cut-in is accompanied by a supply of additional gas to the burner for a limited time.

Abstract: An automobile air conditioning system is provided with a control system for controlling the flow rate of hot or cool air discharged into the passenger compartment. The air flow rate is controlled in relation to the sensed value of the ambient air temperature and the temperature of a heat source of the air conditioning system. If the sensed temperatures are lower than predetermined reference levels, the air flow rate is gradually increased at a moderate increasing rate. The air flow rate is more rapidly increased when the sensed heat source temperature is higher than the reference level.

Abstract: A sensor control device for controlling the operation of a device such as an air blower, including a sensor capable of sensing a change in the environment from a predetermined level and providing a signal corresponding to the change and a logic means capable of receiving the signal and based upon this signal control the operation of the blower device in such a manner that its operation is in proportion to the change in the environment while inhibiting small changes from affecting the operation of the blower. The sensor device is particularly advantageous in controlling the amount of circulation provided by a blower device interposed between a thermal collector and a building so as to provide the circulation of thermal energy therebetween.

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: In an air conditioner control method and apparatus, an air flow direction control device is arranged to be adjusted to at least first and second positions in which an air flow is directed respectively to first and second portions in a compartment, and the air flow direction control device is adjusted to its first and second positions in response to each lapse of first and second periods of time which are respectively calculated to maintain the air flow direction toward the first and second portions in the compartment in relation to any deviation between the actual temperature in the compartment and a desired temperature, the air flow direction control device being maintained at the adjusted position during each of the calculated first and second periods of time.

Abstract: A condition control system utilizing digital anticipation involving periodically filling a counter from a relatively high frequency source in response to a first frequency signal. The relatively high frequency signal is fed in a controlled manner into an anticipation cycle counting means to provide for digital anticipation in a condition control system. The system has been specifically disclosed as a temperature control system or thermostat. The system also provides for a bypass means to reset the system when a set point change has been made. A degulping circuit has been provided to eliminate instability at very high and very low loads.

Abstract: An electronic thermostat operative to be connected to a furnace or other temperature modifying apparatus, to control its state of operation, includes means for generating a desired temperature set point signal and means for measuring ambient temperature on the thermostat. When the ambient temperature falls below the set point the furnace is energized for a predetermined period of time. The time of energization is increased or decreased by a small increment after each heating cycle depending upon magnitude of the temperature increase which occurred at the thermostat as a result of the heating cycle in order to adaptively achieve a predetermined temperature increase during the heating cycle and the thermal overshoot period which occurs following de-energization of the furnace.

Abstract: A proportion of outside air to recirculated air is reduced when a sensed humidity in a vehicle compartment (14) drops below a first predetermined value. If the humidity is still below the first predetermined value after a certain amount of time has elapsed, a humidifier (24) is turned on. Conversely, if the humidity rises above a second predetermined value which is higher than the first predetermined value, the humidifier (24) is turned off. If the humidity is still above the second predetermined value after a certain length of time has elapsed, the proportion of outside air to recirculated air is increased.

Abstract: A rapid-response water heating and delivery system for quickly and accurately heating water to a selected set point temperature within a predetermined temperature range, and for maintaining the selected set point temperature of the water for a wide range of volumetric flow rates and for a wide range of initial water temperatures. The heating and delivery system includes a water vessel containing electrical heating elements for heating the water flowing through the vessel and a control unit automatically operable to control the supply of electrical energy to the electrical heating elements, taking into account the actual temperature of the water being discharged from the vessel, the selected set point temperature called for, and the rate at which the actual temperature of the water being discharged from the vessel changes with respect to the selected set point temperature so that the temperature of the water flowing through the vessel quickly approaches the selected set point temperature.

Abstract: A controller (10) for air conditioning units, heating units, and the like is disclosed. The controller (10) regulates the activation and deactivation of an energy consuming component of the unit, such as a compressor (12) or heating coil (14). The controller (10) includes a switch means (42, 66) operatively connected to the component and its energy source, the switch means (42, 66) being operable in a first mode wherein it interrupts the connection between the energy source and the component, a second mode wherein the connection between the energy source and the component is uninterrupted by the switch means (42, 66).

Abstract: A humidifying apparatus for equipment for conditioning the air of vehicle has a humidity detecting circuit and a humidifying device including a spray nozzle. The humidifying device is intermittently operated by a control device. Thus, humidity in the vehicle cabin can be controlled so as to be maintained at a desired value while keeping the humidity in the cabin uniform.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in a heating system wherein an enclosed region is heated by hot water flowing through a heat exchanger disposed in the region, the hot water being supplied from a boiler heated by a furnace which is electrically actuated and deactuated, the water being circulated between the boiler and the heat exchanger by a circulator pump which is electrically actuated and deactuated, a thermostat being disposed in the space to control the temperature therein and including an electrical switch which is closed when additional heat must be supplied to the region and which is otherwise open.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a compressor, a condenser fan, and an evaporator fan simultaneously energized by a temperature control system which includes a thermistor located to sense the average temperature of the cabinet air and a potentiometer manually adjustable to a desired temperature set point. The on or run time of the compressor and fans is controlled by the thermistor sensed temperature with respect to the set point. The duration of the run time is measured by a resettable counter. The off time is adaptively controlled within a predetermined range which minimizes energy consumption while maintaining good temperature control. An off time counter, which is used to determine the duration of the off cycle, is incremented when the measured run time is less than a desired minimum, is decremented when the measured run time is greater than a desired maximum, and maintains the prior off time when the measured run time is within a desired range.

Abstract: An energy-saving device is disclosed which is particularly designed to control the temperature of the refrigerant in an air conditioning or refrigeration unit by evaporating a sprayed liquid on the refrigerant-containing vessels. The device may alternatively be utilized to introduce sprayed liquid into the heated air stream of a hot air furnace plenum to provide humidification. The device includes a temperature probe (24) which preferably comprises a thermistor that is positioned adjacent a control area where the temperature is desired to be monitored. A spray nozzle (38) causes a liquid to impinge upon the refrigerant-containing vessels, or to be evaporated in the hot air stream, to effect pre-cooling of the refrigerant prior to entering the condensing coil, or to effect evaporation of the water in the hot air stream to provide humidification.

Abstract: An electronic thermostat includes digital electronic apparatus for simulating heat anticipation so that in operation, the temperature of the room being heated or cooled does not exhibit excessive overshoot. A sensor generates a signal representative of temperature in the room. In a preferred embodiment, the system compares the temperature signal with a composite set point signal. The composite set point signal is generated by a data processor to effect the following system characteristics: (1) when the temperature signal remains constant and is equal to the set point, the system can cycle approximately six times an hour with a fifty percent duty cycle; (2) a relatively small change in temperature or set point will modify the duty cycle substantially; and (3) if the temperature and set point signals differ by more than a predetermined amount, the system will lock on or off, depending on which is greater.

Abstract: Heating, ventilating and air conditioning control systems commonly use pneumatic actuators. A digital logic control has first and second output ports applied to control the actuator through dual channels, including an air supply channel and an air exhaust channel. Various sensed and related input signals are processed by the logic device and generate control signals at the control signal ports. Each channel includes an electrically controlled switch unit having an electrical operator and a pneumatic switch for controlling the flow to and from the pneumatic actuator. The switch may take the form of an electromagnetically actuated flow valve opening and closing a flow path from a supply or exhaust to the pneumatic actuator or, in the case of the supply channel, the form of a small electrically operated pump unit. The actuation of the actuator is controlled either on a time or frequency basis to set the actuator in the proper position.

Abstract: A timing mechanism to control the sequential progressive opening of a valve in a gas line leading to a gas fired kiln with the sequential progressive openings taking place at predetermined time intervals until the object being heated in the kiln has matured. Once maturation has taken place, the valve is sequentially progressively closed at predetermined time intervals in order to allow the kiln to cool down slowly. Adjustable controls are provided in order to allow the user to vary the time period between the progressive further opening of the valve and also the degree of opening of the valve to take place at each activation thereof.

Abstract: A condition responsive time proportional control means which has a relatively fast time constant when operating in its proportional band has the time constant expanded by means of a digital counter. The counter is repetitively switched by the condition responsive means and counts the switched operation. During the period that the switched operation is occurring, the time constant is expanded by simultaneously counting pulses from a pulse generating means.

Abstract: In an electronic control device for electric ranges having a plurality of individual heat settings to selectively energize a heating element of the range under the control of a digital input to produce switching pulses having different on-off ratios, each heat setting has an associated time controlled constant power period in the start-cooking or roasting range, and in the subsequent finish-cooking range there are produced switch-on and switch-off pulses having a constant time pattern at every heat setting, while the time duration of the constant power period and the duration of the switch-on pulses in the finish-cooking range are different from one heat setting to another.

Abstract: An automatic heat control apparatus for use with an electric heating element in a kiln or the like comprises a first power controller having a plurality of on and off intervals. The first controller supplies electric current to the kiln heating element during its on intervals, and further includes means for adjusting the duration of the on intervals relative to the off intervals. A constant speed electric motor is mechanically coupled to the first power controller for gradually increasing the duration of the on intervals and decreasing the duration of the off intervals; such control ensures that the temperature inside the kiln increases very gradually to lessen the risk of breaking the ceramic material being fired. Furthermore, the average speed of the motor may be controlled by means of a second power controller, similar to the first controller, having a plurality of on and off intervals which intermittently energize the motor for rotation thereof.

Abstract: A potter's oven includes an electrical heating element for controlling the temperature in the oven. Power to this heating element is controlled by a bimetallic switch and an electrically energized heater therefor and the percentage of power supplied to the oven heating element is controlled in dependence upon the value of resistance in series with the heater for the bimetallic switch. The value of this resistance is increased in stepwise fashion under control of at least one sensor which determines the outside wall temperature of the oven, the temperature at which the sensor responds being chosen to cause the temperature inside the oven to reach a predetermined value and to hold such value for a predetermined time.

Abstract: Burner control apparatus includes a control device for actuating an ignition control means, and a timing circuit for providing an ignition timing interval of precise duration. The timing circuit is actuated in response to a request for burner operation and the control device is energized in response to the actuated timing circuit. The control device is maintained energized if a signal from the flame sensor is received before the end of the ignition timing interval, and the control device is deenergized and lockout circuitry is energized in the absence of a signal from the flame sensor.