With Timing Element Patents (Class 236/46R)
  • Patent number: 6119950
    Abstract: A thermostat for an environmental control load that includes a temperature sensor, a timer, and a controller, and a method of controlling the thermostat that allows temporary system outages including, but not limited to, outages caused by lockouts or failure of pulsed relays to operate, to be corrected automatically, by the thermostat itself. The environmental control load may include a heating system such as a heat pump or a millivolt heating system, although the thermostat and its method of operation could also be employed with cooling systems, or heating and cooling systems. The controlled load may be one that has a "lockout" mode to prevent activation when a problem is detected, such as a reduction in gas pressure. The temperature sensor detects whether, for example, a request for heat issued by the controller has been satisfied, or alternately, if the ambient temperature has risen within some period of time, usually about two hours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventors: Frank A. Albanello, Bartholomew L. Toth, Scott J. Brunk, Carl J. Mueller, David L. Perry
  • Patent number: 6032867
    Abstract: The present invention provides preferably one or optionally two printed circuit boards that project from supports on a single cover plate into the wall opening formed preferably for a standard 3.5 inch by 2 1/16 inch junction or outlet box. Screw holes are provided in the cover plate to match the standard screw holes in the single junction box and a high degree of functionality is provided in the programmable thermostat via the components on the printed circuit board such that the printed circuit boards are about only as long as the distance between those screw holes and still fit within the width of the single junction box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventors: Steve Dushane, Terry Zimmerman, Grant Bohm, John Staples
  • Patent number: 6006996
    Abstract: This invention relates to an electronic digital thermostat consisting of a single p-n junction as the temperature sensing element connected to an A-D converter, a sensitivity and Offset Correction circuit, digital comparators, digital noise filters, a control latch, an output drive and protection circuit and a solid-state switch to produce the desired output, with user input in either analogue form using a potentiometer or digital form using a switch, with calibration and control data stored in non-volatile memory, and a display unit for displaying sensed or user-set temperature.This invention further relates to the application of the said electronic digital thermostat in a multipoint temperature controller for Refrigeration and Heating systems, using a plurality of the said electronic thermostat control units with a logic circuit, Central Control Unit, System Timers, and a Starting Relay circuit to provide application-specific functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Varma Trafig Limited
    Inventor: Rajiv Bhatnagar
  • Patent number: 5988516
    Abstract: A heating and cooling system, particularly for water, provides advantages in safety, reliability and efficiency of temperature regulation systems for liquids. A temperature regulation unit is controlled by a controlling device. A sensing unit is relied upon to detect a particular liquid temperature and a safety unit enables the temperature regulation unit to be disabled. A reset device connectable to a power source via a transforming unit is adapted to lower the voltage level of the power source to a level safe for use by a user. The reset device is operable to reset the safety unit, thus enabling a controller unit to again operate the temperate regulation unit. In a preferred embodiment, the controller unit operates the temperature regulation unit through the safety unit, such that when the safety unit is activated, power cannot be transferred to the temperature regulation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Sola-Kleen Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Malcolm Gilmour
  • Patent number: 5968393
    Abstract: This is a system for controlling the heating of water in the tank, water in tank adapted to be heated by a first heater and a second heater, the system comprises a timer adapted to keep time, and a sensor to monitor the temperature of the water in the tank at a first position and the temperature of the water in the tank at a second position. The system is adapted to set a first set point temperature at a specified time and the first set point temperature is varied by the system over time. The system is also being adapted to set a second set point temperature the second set point temperature also being varied by the system over time. The system has an activator to activate the first heater to maintain the temperature of water in the tank at the first position at about the first set point temperature at a specified time. The system has an activator to activate the second heater to maintain the temperature of water in the tank at the second position at about the second set temperature at a specified time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: John Tracey Demaline
  • Patent number: 5950709
    Abstract: A thermostat which is configurable to be used with conventional fossil fuel furnaces, electric furnaces, heat pumps and other air conditioning equipment and fans. A setup program is included which requires an installer to enter data specific to the type of HVAC plant installed in the building with the thermostat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Krueger, Jeffrey R. Meyer, T. Michael Tinsley
  • Patent number: 5934554
    Abstract: A thermostat control having improved user controls wherein an analog version contains a binary coded switch for selectively setting a setpoint temperature. The binary coded switch is configured to have discrete positions corresponding to a plurality of setpoint temperature settings. It contains, among other things, a resistor network configured to produce a setpoint signal indicative of the binary coded switch position and a setpoint adjust switch for setting the binary coded switch position. Also, digital version having a man-machine interface port, wherein point information from a controller can be viewed and modified with the thermostat control device controls when a hardware passkey is inserted into the man-machine interface port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Charles, Christopher Wojtowicz, Kenneth F. Wolfinger
  • Patent number: 5932127
    Abstract: A spa is maintained at a ready-to-use temperature by a daily heating cycle that is initiated by a filter cycle clock, which traditionally has been used only for programming the circulation of the spa water through a filter. Once a daily heating cycle has been initiated, it normally concludes only when the temperature of the spa water reaches a desired temperature that the user has preset into a thermostat. However, for safety the heating cycle is terminated immediately in the event the heater temperature becomes excessive, since this event could result from lack of water or inadequate circulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Harold D. Maddox
  • Patent number: 5927598
    Abstract: An energy management system designed to reduce the costs of electrical energy particularly applicable to service businesses such as restaurants, service stations, convenience and grocery stores and the like. The system includes controllers to sequentially and in a predetermined manner initiate operation of a plurality of loads such as appliances and other devices thereby to reduce the demand rate for electricity. A plurality of operating modes are designed for the particular loads or devices and determine the quantity of energy needed under various operating conditions, the operating modes consuming reduced power and generally being associated with a duty cycle. A capacitance bank is associated with those loads having motors to increase the power factor when the motors are under operation. A timer may automatically initiate and terminate operation of the motor and the associated capacitance bank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: WeXL
    Inventor: Thomas Kenneth Broe
  • Patent number: 5926390
    Abstract: A programmed temperature controller including a difference detector which detects a temperature difference .DELTA.T between a quick-response temperature TC2 and a slow-response temperature TC3 at a quickly-responding portion and a slowly-responding portion of a workpiece (e.g., on the surface and core portions thereof). Also included is a comparator which compares the temperature difference .DELTA.T against an allowable difference limit preset by a difference setter. When the temperature difference .DELTA.t is found to be outside the allowable difference limit, a slope operator is actuated by the comparator, so as to calculate a slope of temperature change with respect to time of a program pattern PP which keeps the temperature difference .DELTA.t within the allowable limit. The above-mentioned slope in the program pattern PP is modified to the calculated value, and the temperature difference .DELTA.T is maintained within the allowable difference limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Ohkura Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Isamu Koyama
  • Patent number: 5926776
    Abstract: A smart thermostat having a transceiver for two-way communication with an energy provider. The smart thermostat includes a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature, a user interface for displaying and receiving information to and from a user, a port connecting to a cooling or heating device, a processor, and the transceiver. The transceiver receives a current energy price from an energy provider. The user interface receives temperature setpoints and associated acceptable energy costs. The processor issues a control signal to the cooling or heating device to operate when the temperature is different than the temperature setpoint and the acceptable energy cost is not greater than the current price of energy. The transceiver transmits information for the control signal, temperature setpoints and associated costs to the energy provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventors: Charles A. Glorioso, William Wade Bassett, Robert M. Russ, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5924486
    Abstract: An indoor environmental condition control and energy management system includes a plurality of inputs. A user input receives user input parameters including a desired indoor environmental condition range for at least one energy unit price point. An indoor environmental condition input receives a sensed indoor environmental condition. An energy price input receives a schedule of projected energy unit prices per time periods. A processor, coupled to the inputs, computes an environmental condition deadband range for multiple energy unit price points based on the user input parameters and controls at least one energy-consuming load device to maintain the indoor environmental condition within the computed deadband range for a then-current energy unit price point. In an embodiment, the environmental condition includes at least temperature and the at least one load device includes a heating and cooling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Tecom, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Ehlers, Richard M. Silva
  • Patent number: 5909378
    Abstract: The multi-function energy management system has a plurality of predetermined operating programs stored in memory in or around a micro controller. The micro controller may be pre-set to operate a plurality of heating ventilation, air conditioning and other operating devices according to selected ones of such operating programs for maintaining the temperature in a room of a building at a desired ambient temperature condition and other loads at various operating conditions. The system has a continuously operating internal clock with a back up battery having a life span of ten years. Adjustment allowance is provided in the clock for leap years and daylight savings time. The system is capable of selectively operating the heating, ventilation, air conditioning devices and other energy consuming devices such as lighting, thermal storage heaters according to the occupancy of the room to provide a maximum saving of energy consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Inventor: Hugues De Milleville
  • Patent number: 5873519
    Abstract: An electronic thermostat is provided with multiple program options respecting particular days per week and particular periods in each day for which the temperature setpoint is discretely programmable. The user may select from among four program options. The first option allows the user to select the number of programmable periods per day and to enter the temperature setpoint for each selected period separately for each day of the week. The second option allows the user to select the number of programmable periods per day and the temperature setpoint for each selected period for the days Monday through Friday separately from the days Saturday and Sunday. Further, Saturday and Sunday are also separately programmable. The third option is the same as the second option, except that the program settings for Saturday and Sunday are the same. The fourth option corresponds to each day of the week having the same program settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Heatcraft Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Beilfuss
  • Patent number: 5862981
    Abstract: A ventilation control device is disposed in a bathroom. The ventilation control device has a switch board, a controller connected to the switch board, a sensor connected to the controller, and a fan motor connected to the controller. The controller outputs a signal to initiate the fan motor to change a rotating speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Yiue Feng Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuo-Liang Weng
  • Patent number: 5831250
    Abstract: A water heater comprising a water tank and an electric resistance heating element extending into the water tank for heating water in the tank, including a proportional band temperature controller for conducting electric power to the electric resistance heating element in bursts, each burst of electric power followed by a period during which the temperature controller does not conduct power to the electric resistance heating element, wherein, each burst of electric power comprises about 95% or less of a cycle comprised of one burst of electric power followed by the period during which the temperature controller does not conduct electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Bradenbaugh
  • Patent number: 5822997
    Abstract: A thermal conditioning system is provided which is configured for setback operations. The source of thermal conditioning is preferably a gas driven heat pump. Control is provided such that during the recovery process, the operation of the heat pump is varied to accommodate changes in loading on the system. In addition, the control apparatus is configured to vary the start time of the recovery period as a function of recent system performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventor: William G. Atterbury
  • Patent number: 5816491
    Abstract: A method and control apparatus are described for limiting peak-load contribution by HVAC systems and other systems, and for measuring the effect of energy-conservation expedients. The control apparatus reduces the percentage of on-time and thus fuel and power consumption and demand for utility capacity to a predetermined extent during peak-load periods, by inhibiting fuel-on signals from the thermostat of each HVAC system to the furnace, fuel-pump, or air conditioner of the HVAC system, or other system, so that the total on-time during a load-measuring interval is reduced to a predetermined amount. During non-peak periods, the control apparatus is inactive and the thermostat controls the HVAC system. The measurement aspect of the invention measures and records on and off state time intervals for the HVAC system, and temperatures associated with such intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Arnold D. Berkeley
    Inventors: Arnold D. Berkeley, Donald E. Jefferson
  • Patent number: 5805443
    Abstract: A programmable control apparatus for a heating installation of the type that comprises a clock (8) and a processing unit (2) is provided to control one or more heating appliances of the installation according to programming data. The programming data are either programming data stored in the memory of a card (11), of the type that is known as "smart cards." This data is read out when such a card (11) is introduced into a reader (10) of the apparatus. The programming data resident in the processing unit (2) operates the heating system when no card is introduced into the reader (10). The stored programming data can be manually modified only if a card (11), known as a "key card", is introduced into the reader (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Societe Delta - Dore S.A.
    Inventors: Patrick Raffray, Alain Roger
  • Patent number: 5782296
    Abstract: The invention is a method for programming a programmable thermostat having a default program set and one or more pre-programmed program sets, wherein each pre-programmed program set has a plurality of times and a plurality of temperatures. The method includes the steps of selecting one of the plurality of pre-programmed program sets; programming the programmable thermostat with the times and temperatures of the selected pre-programmed program set; and altering the times and temperatures of the selected pre-programmed program set to create a tailored program set. An auto-programmable thermostat may include a first memory having a default program set which receives at least one of a plurality of pre-programmed program sets, wherein each pre-programmed program set includes a plurality of times and at least a plurality of temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Hunter Fan Company
    Inventor: Vinay Mehta
  • Patent number: 5743464
    Abstract: A temperature program pattern PP for desired change of surface temperature TC1 of a work 11 with time is set by a temperature setter 31. Work temperature-difference .DELTA.t.sub.pv between the surface temperature TC1 and inside temperature TC2 of the work 11 is determined by a difference detector 34. Set value of the above temperature-difference .DELTA.t.sub.sp is given by a difference setter 35 in the form of a difference pattern DP of its change with the above surface temperature TC1. For each actual surface temperature TC1, the work temperature-difference .DELTA.t.sub.pv is compared against its set value on the difference pattern DP by a comparator 36. A slope operator 37 responds to the output from the comparator 36 and modifies slope of the temperature program pattern PP so as to cause the work temperature-difference .DELTA.t.sub.pv to follow the difference pattern DP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Ohkura Electric Co., Ltr.
    Inventor: Isamu Koyama
  • Patent number: 5720176
    Abstract: An air conditioner having a controller configured to process multiple temperature inputs, to provide a cycle of operation to provide comfort during sleeping, to provide an automatic cycle of operation wherein a burst of cooling air is provided on demand and/or which is configured to receive and respond to remote signals having different protocols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Larry J. Manson, Chris A. Scriber, Mark T. Elliott, Saleh A. Saleh, John K. Paustian, Jerry L. McColgin, Patrick J. Glotzbach, Byron E. Askin, II
  • Patent number: 5678758
    Abstract: A temperature control device of a heating apparatus comprising: an input unit for receiving input of a set temperature; a heating/cooling unit for raising/dropping temperature of a medium, from which a person receives heat; a set temperature reaching unit for controlling the heating/cooling unit so that temperature of the medium is raised to the set temperature and maintained afterwards; a time judgement unit for judging whether a given time has passed after the temperature of the medium is raised to the set temperature; and an imperceptible temperature change unit for controlling the heating/cooling unit, if the time judgement unit judges that the given time has passed, so that the temperature of the medium drops/rises by an amount within a given range by which human beings cannot perceive changes in temperature at a temperature change rate by which human beings cannot perceive changes in temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirozo Takegawa, Yuji Inoue, Hisashi Kodama, Tomoko Kitamura, Shigeyuki Inoue
  • Patent number: 5673850
    Abstract: The invention is directed towards a programmable thermostat which includes a programming device for generating programs and a temperature comparison device to operate a temperature-modifying device, such as a furnace or air-conditioning system. This programming device may include a microprocessor which is capable of generating at least one weekday program and weekend program. The programming device of the present invention is also capable of generating a signal indicative of at least the current time of day, which signal can be used by the programming device in establishing its programs. The present invention also includes a rotatable, settable controller which controls the operation of the programming device. The rotatable controller includes a position for setting at least one weekday program, setting at least one weekend program, setting the current time, and controlling the temperature-modifying device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Lux Products Corporation
    Inventor: Greg S. Uptegraph
  • Patent number: 5660328
    Abstract: A water heater control modifies a temperature differential setting in a hot water heater according to elapsed time between calls for heat. This allows the temperature setting of the hot water heater to remain low, which reduces the risk of scalding, yet allows the hot water heater to deliver hot water consistently. For example, a hot water heater temperature setting is 120.degree. F. and the temperature differential is normally set to 20.degree. F. After six hours without a call for heat, during which time period the water in the tank has destratified, the water heater control could set the differential to 15.degree. F., which would cause a call for heat when the water temperature drops to 105.degree. F. Once a call for heat is generated, the temperature differential can be set back to 20.degree. F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventor: Gregory J. Momber
  • Patent number: 5640059
    Abstract: A power supply system including a thermal current limiting device operating due to high temperatures. At predetermined temperatures, the device acts to incrementally control the output of a power supply. An implementation of the device may be found in a voltage or power regulator wherein a constant output voltage or power is desired. As temperature increases, the power supply system is not switched off, rather current output is adjusted in a controlled manner thereby eliminating the need for the device to be entirely shut down for a time period. A back-up battery is used to provide supplementing current needed by the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Reltec Corporation
    Inventors: Neil A. Kammiller, Brian D. Goodlive, Zissis L. Kalivas
  • Patent number: 5635896
    Abstract: A communication system comprises a remote switching module having two signal terminals connected by just two conductors to the signal terminals of a local decoding module. Power is directly provided only to the local decoding module, which applies DC voltage of a first level across the conductors. The remote switching module has a voltage regulator which provides power of a second voltage level lower than the first level for operating a control unit in the switching module. The control unit controls a variable impedance having higher and lower impedance levels and which is connected across the switching module's signal terminals. The decoding module can detect the different impedance levels by sensing the current flow on the conductors. The switching module communicates with the decoding module by modulating the time intervals between changes in impedance levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Tinsley, Edward L. Schwarz
  • Patent number: 5622310
    Abstract: An adaptive recovery process and apparatus for use in temperature control devices for controlling different kinds of HVAC plants. The process and apparatus include main and auxiliary heat ramps in the adaptive recovery portion for dealing with both conventional and auxiliary stages within one process and apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. Meyer
  • Patent number: 5611484
    Abstract: A thermostat has terminals to receive at least two temperature sensor signals, and changes the one of these terminals which provides the feedback signal for temperature control responsive to a detected condition. This condition may be a manual input, expiry of a time interval, reaching a time of day, or the relative magnitudes of the temperatures encoded in the sensor signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel T. Uhrich
  • Patent number: 5588589
    Abstract: An air conditioner for reduction of energy consumption without impairing the comfortable feeling, which comprises a room temperature detector for detecting the room temperature of an air-conditioned room, temperature setting apparatus for setting a target temperature, air conditioning device for performing an air conditioning operation to bring the room temperature detected by the room temperature detector toward the target temperature, and target temperature charger, which corrects the target temperature to rise and fall periodically in accordance with a predetermined rule after the room temperature has substantially reached the target temperature through use of the air conditioning devices. The charger shifts the average value of the target temperature after the start of the correction in such a direction that the air conditioning load of the air conditioning device is reduced from that for attaining the target temperature before the correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Manabu Ishihara, Tsuyoshi Rakuma, Hiroshi Kanai, Takashi Fudo, Masato Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5582233
    Abstract: In a forced air heating and cooling system including a blower fan for circulating air in an air ambient use-space, a timer circuit and a power output control circuit for augmenting control and for regulating operation of the blower fan. The timer and associated circuitry functions to activate the blower fan for finite limited periods of operation at each end of each heating and cooling cycle and at time-spaced intervals when neither heating nor cooling is called for in the controlled use-space. The timer device and supporting control circuitry are simply and readily incorporated into the conditioning system with a minimum of physical disruption of disturbance of leads and connections. Heating and cooling efficiencies are enhanced, comfort level is elevated, and objectionable temperature fluctuations are smoothed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventor: Paul V. Noto
  • 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: 5570837
    Abstract: A programmable digital thermostat is adapted to be powered by the conventional AC power source to which the thermostat is normally connected when installed in a dwelling. The thermostat has no provision for mounting a battery therein. Means are provided for enabling a temporary connection of a battery to the thermostat to provide power for programming the thermostat so as to enable the user to program the thermostat before installing it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Bernard T. Brown, David L. Perry, Horst E. Jaeschke, Krishna H. Patil
  • Patent number: 5566879
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for centralized controlling of a plurality of temperature regulating devices by an existing network of power lines comprising a central control means provided to send or receive predetermined commands to and from a plurality of temperature regulating devices. Each of those devices comprises a communication means adapted to provide two way communication with the central control means, a microprocessor means adapted to store predetermined information received from the central control means, a temperature sensor means adapted to send signals to the microprocessor means and an output means adapted to supply power to temperature varying units. The system further includes a network protecting means adapted to regulate the supply of power to output supply means during sudden change in power supply or due to changes in temperature conditions and a locking means adapted to prevent an unauthorized entry to change temperature condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Comptel Domotique Inc.
    Inventor: Pierre Longtin
  • Patent number: 5560422
    Abstract: A controller for an air conditioner is provided wherein an operation mode is not unnecessarily changed in accordance with variations in temperature. When room temperature t is in a range of T+3.0>t.gtoreq.T+1.5, and when a timer expires (steps 212, 214), it is determined whether the room temperature has a tendency to fall (step 218). When the room temperature has a tendency to fall, it is predicted that the room temperature will be in an observing region although the operation mode is not changed. For this reason, the current operation mode is kept. On the other hand, when the room temperature does not have a tendency to fall, a cooling mode is set (step 210). Further, when the room temperature t is in a range of T-3.0<t.ltoreq.T-1.5, and when the timer expires (steps 222, 224), it is determined whether the room temperature has a tendency to rise (step 228).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Matumoto, Hikaru Katuki, Masayuki Simizu
  • Patent number: 5555927
    Abstract: An adaptive recovery method for a setback thermostat using the intersection of the space temperature with a sloped recovery temperature line which approximates the change in temperature as a function of time during recovery of the temperature controlled space from a setback temperature, to determine the time at which recovery to the occupancy temperature should begin. The thermostat starts recovery when the current space temperature crosses the recovery temperature line. A useful feature of the apparatus and method which implement the invention, computes and constantly updates the slope of the temperature recovery line. The update of the temperature recovery line slope is based on miss time, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: Dipak J. Shah
  • Patent number: 5508655
    Abstract: Pulse techniques are used to periodically monitor a desired environmental condition, such as pressure. A solid-state switch is connected between a power source and a load. In the off state of the switch, power from the source drives a timer circuit which supplies a short voltage pulse to a circuit for sensing the environmental condition. At the same time, the pulse is supplied to associated circuitry for temperature compensation, amplification of the resulting sensing circuit signal, and a comparator circuit which determines whether or not a signal of the condition sensed exceeds a predetermined threshold. If such signal exceeds the threshold, the solid-state switch is turned on to connect the voltage source to the load. Turning on the switch results in substantially eliminating the voltage drop between the switch terminals, which previously was used to actuate the timer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Eldec Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory F. Cederlind
  • Patent number: 5499504
    Abstract: A personal environment system for creating a user-definable local environt within a localized zone in an ambient space, comprises a modular housing mountable in said localized zone and having an air inlet, an air outlet incorporating a diffuser for distributing conditioned air into said localized zone, an air flow channel between said air inlet and said air outlet, and a channel for a thermal fluid for supplying or carrying away heat. a blower means causes air to flow through the air channel. A heat exchanger between the air flow channel and the thermal fluid channel and includes a thermoelectric heat pump to effect transfer of heat between air flowing through the air flow channel and the thermal fluid channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: Scots Pine Enterprises Ltd., c/o Perly-Robertson Panet, Hill & McDougall
    Inventors: Peter D. Mill, Richard Tice
  • Patent number: 5495984
    Abstract: An energy saving, optoelectronic system provides a means for energizing and deenergizing electrical loads. The system includes a continuous light transmission source and a light receiving circuit that senses a light pattern and, in response, develops a first or a second output signal. The system also includes a gating circuit that receives the output signal. The gating circuit comprises a logic circuit arranged such that the receiving circuit will transmit the second output signal upon receiving a predetermined light signal. The system further includes a power switch that is open in response to an open circuit signal from the gating circuit and is closed in response to close circuit signal from the gating circuit. This system further includes a timing circuit for periodically energizing and deenergizing heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Novedades Electronicas Internacionales S.A. de C.V.
    Inventor: Juan Santarriaga
  • Patent number: 5485954
    Abstract: A thermostat that includes a subbase having a back surface designed to be mounted conformal with a surface and an inner surface that has a portion of selected electrical components mounted thereon, including a first electrical communication device. The subbase has first mechanical connectors formed integral therewith. A cover that has a front surface designed to carry selected components for communication with an operator and an inner surface that has a portion of selected electrical component supported thereby, including a second electrical communication device. The inner surface has second mechanical connectors formed integral therewith. During installation, the cover is brought into registry with the subbase to form a thermostat housing that has a reduced profile and that substantially encloses the electrical components of the thermostat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen E. Guy, Louis E. Sulfstede, Eric Hillmer
  • Patent number: 5482209
    Abstract: A programmable electronic thermostat which utilizes time and temperature pairs. This thermostat utilizes a first display which displays the current status information of the thermostat which includes the current time as well as the current temperature. A second display is incorporated in which the programmed information is included. This second display is located near the programming buttons and displays program information including the day, the period, the start time and the temperature setting. By separating the displays, the thermostat is easier to program and read.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: Edward L. Cochran, Stephen V. Metz
  • Patent number: 5470019
    Abstract: A device for heating boilers (1) in heating plants comprises a means (2) for heating a heat carrying medium present in the boiler and circulating out thereof in the heating plant as well as a means (11) adapted to detect the temperature of the heat carrying medium present in the boiler and send signals to the heating means (2) to start and stop the heating of the medium when a first lower temperature level is underpassed and a second higher temperature level is exceeded, respectively, by the medium in the heating boiler (1). The device comprises further means (12) adapted to delay the start of the heating means (2) when the first temperature level is reached by the medium and this is detected by the detecting means (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Riverlake Investments Ltd.
    Inventor: Goran Martensson
  • Patent number: 5467921
    Abstract: An electronic thermostat having a short circuit protection feature has a controller which sends control signals to circuitry used for activating and deactivating a system for conditioning air. Short circuit protection circuitry monitors the circuitry within the thermostat and indicates to the controller when a short circuit has occurred. When a short circuit is detected, the controller sets its control signal to deactivate the system for conditioning air for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: William O. Shreeve, Laurie L. Werbowsky, Thomas W. Essig
  • Patent number: 5467245
    Abstract: An anti-abuse circuit and method is described for shutting down a load wherein the load is connected to a controller having a predetermined range and demanding operation of the load through a relay until the predetermined temperature range is achieved. The anti-abuse circuit is positioned between the controller and the load. The anti-abuse circuit controls the relay when a demand signal is present indicating the operation of the load. The anti-abuse circuit energizing the relay during the predetermined time period and receipt of the regulated demand signal. The anti-abuse circuit de-energizing the relay when either the predetermined time period expires or the regulated demand signal stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Inventor: John M. Newbould
  • Patent number: 5460327
    Abstract: An electronically controlled thermostat has an emergency power configuration which only provides long term emergency power to a real time clock. All other components of the thermostat function only for a limited period of time following a power outage. Emergency power to the other components is monitored during power outage with appropriate action being taken to assure that control information has been stored in nonvolatile memory before emergency power deteriorates to a critical level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Hill, Laurie L. Werbowsky
  • Patent number: 5456407
    Abstract: A two terminal line voltage thermostat includes a switch which effectively connects line voltage to a heater load. The entire process is controlled by an integrated circuit microcontroller which is powered by a rectified voltage from a transformer secondary connected to a primary which is in series with the heater load. Backup battery power is provided to maintain limited functions of the microcontroller in the event of overall power loss. The microcontroller is programmed to meet the temperature sensing and control requirements specific to a two terminal electric baseboard heating installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Stalsberg, Jim E. Ingalls, Steve R. Hoglund
  • Patent number: 5454511
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for controlling the operative setpoint of a thermostat during transition from a currently scheduled setpoint temperature to the next scheduled setpoint temperature. The operative setpoint is changed by small amounts at calculated time intervals. The time intervals are a function of the transition periods allocated for different types of systems for air conditioning air that may be operatively connected to the thermostat as well as the difference between the currently scheduled setpoint temperature and the next scheduled setpoint temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: William F. Van Ostrand, Rajendra K. Shah, Laurie L. Werbowsky, Peter G. Pierret
  • Patent number: 5443206
    Abstract: A boiler controller for hydronic heating systems that reduces the standby heat losses from boiler to a minimum and activates the boiler automatically when hot water or/and space heating demand are present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Inventor: Isaac Cohen
  • Patent number: 5431339
    Abstract: A method of controlling temperature inside a chamber according to a temperature profile which includes a plurality of segments, each of which has an increasing or decreasing temperature period and a subsequent constant temperature period. An operator only needs to inputting a target temperature, a first period, and a second period, one time each, as parameters, for each sub-input-state which is part of an input-state and which is provided for each segment, so that the temperature is varied to match the target temperature for the first period and that the target temperature is maintained for the second period, for each segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Yamato Scientific Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuhito Yoda
  • Patent number: 5415346
    Abstract: A thermostat and method for controlling the overshoot and undershoot of the temperature in a zone that are caused by an air conditioning system responsive to a change in the setpoint of the thermostat is disclosed. The thermostat includes a sensor for detecting the temperature in the zone and being adapted to generate a signal representative of the temperature. A processor for controlling the air conditioning system is communicatively coupled to the sensor and receives the signal representative of the temperature of the zone therefrom. A setpoint input device for changing the setpoint of the thermostat is communicatively coupled to the processor and is adapted to provide a signal representative of the changed setpoint to the processor. The processor controls the air conditioning system in a static condition mode during normal operations and switches the air conditioning system to a full on mode responsive to a setpoint change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Bishop