Abstract: An operation mode of an air condition is automatically set during an intermediate season so that the set operation mode can match the actual sensation of a user. A plurality of temperature zones are set defining a plurality of room-temperature ranges and a respective plurality of outside-temperature ranges, and operation modes are selectively assigned to each of the temperature zones. An operation mode is set according to the zone containing an actual room temperature and outside temperature. In addition, the temperature zones assignments are selectively changed according to a calendar date of operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the operation of (HVAC) equipment or other climate control equipment. The method is executed by a conventional computer with a memory storing a program. The system determines whether the space is not occupied and if the temperature drifts outside an allowed margin, then the system allows the temperature to drift to a maximum allowable margin, or to a newly determined margin, whichever is less. The newly determined margin is based upon a determination of the maximum temperature margin to which the system can drift and still drive the temperature back substantially to the use set point within a predetermined maximum recovery time. The recovery time is calculated based upon past temperature-vs.-time data stored for previous cycles of drift and drive.

Abstract: A setback control for an HVAC system is selectable by depressing a switch on a control panel associated with a programmed microprocessor. The programmed microprocessor is operative to thereafter change the setpoint temperature by a predefined amount each hour until a predetermined number of hours have passed. The set point temperature is thereafter held for a further hourly count before being returned to the starting setpoint temperature. The directional change in setpoint temperature is a function of whether the HVAC system is in a heating or cooling mode of operation.

Abstract: A process which is periodically executed by a programmable thermostat of a heating and cooling system which controls the temperature of a defined space within a structure subjected to a variable external environment. The process advances by an increment of time, .DELTA.t, when the set point temperature of the thermostat changes from an occupied set point temperature to an unoccupied set point temperature. The magnitude of .DELTA.t is a function of the thermal lag of the structure, its external environment, and an amount of temperature change that is acceptable to occupants of the space. Each time the process is executed, the magnitude within predetermined limits of .DELTA.t to be used the next time the process is executed is recalculated.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a temperature control system for multi-zone temperature control with setback control. The system includes a thermostat associated with each zone of a building, and a central control unit which communicates with each thermostat to send temperature setpoint values to each thermostat for the purpose of conserving energy and reducing energy consumption during certain times of the day. Each thermostat is associated with either a heating or cooling device, where setup temperature values are sent from the central control unit to the thermostats where cooling devices are used in place of heating devices. The thermostats are designed to operate as stand-alone units which control the temperature within a zone based upon a temperature setpoint stored at the unit. The temperature setpoint values are replaced by the higher or lower temperature setpoint values transmitted to the thermostats by the control units during setback or setup time periods.

Abstract: An electronic programmable thermostat having a plurality of program sets, each comprising a plurality of times and a corresponding plurality of temperatures is disclosed. To program the thermostat, the user merely selects a program set and the plurality of times and temperatures corresponding to the selected program set is programmed into the thermostat to control the heating and/or cooling systems controlled by the thermostat.

Abstract: In an electronic thermostat timer having a time-keeping switch and having a thermostat, having an optoelectronic display (6) arranged at the front side of the housing for the time of day, the switching times and the switching temperatures, having a manual, key-shaped input device (7) for the time of day, the switching times and the switching temperatures in a common housing (1), the housing (1) is provided with a quadratic cross section, particularly having the edge dimensions 60.times.60 mm. A cylindrical clockface dial (3) is provided at the front side (2) of the housing (1), the outer circumference of said cylindrical clockface dial partially projecting beyond the sides (17) of the housing (1). A thermostat module (5) that is covered by a housing cover (10) is arranged at the back side (4) of the housing (1).

Abstract: A control system for controlling a climate control device, such as an HVAC device within a premise, utilizes real time price tier data supplied by the utility company to achieve economical temperature regulation of the premise. The control system regulates temperature based on time of day data and desired temperature data supplied by the user wherein the user may program different desired temperatures depending upon the relative cost of electricity. The system also provides billing information to the user for current usage and projected usage. The control system additionally controls appliance modules and regulates operation of the hot water heater.

Abstract: An electrically-powered portable space heater of the type having one or more vertically extending fin-tube heating elements disposed within an elongated housing has a selectively adjustable temperature controller responsive to a signal from an upwardly extending thermistor externally pivotally mounted on the rear of the heater housing for movement from a storage position behind the housing to an upraised operative position, thermistor also being used to supply a room temperature signal to an ambient temperature display device on the heater housing. Furthermore, the heater includes a selectively actuable energy saving feature which, when actuated, automatically reduces by 5 degrees F. after a period of one hour the temperature to which the heater has been pre-set by the operator.

Abstract: An electrical system for controlling the operation of a heat exchanger unit, thermostat therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the system having a first electrical power source, the system having an electronic control logic unit operatively interconnected to the first power source to operate the heat exchanger unit in relation to data selectively entered into the electronic control logic unit and being maintained by the electronic control logic unit as long as the electronic control logic unit is receiving electric power, the system having a second electrical power source for supplying electrical power to the electronic control logic unit to maintain the data thereof when the first electrical power source ceases to supply electrical current to the electronic control logic unit even for a relatively long period of time, the second electrical power source comprising a capacitor unit.

Abstract: A method of operating a refrigeration system having a compressor driven by an engine, with the refrigeration system being operable in a first control mode to hold the temperature of a conditioned space at a selected set point temperature, and in a second control mode to maintain the engine in a ready-to-start condition. The second control mode includes monitoring the ambient temperature, and determining a dynamic set point temperature as a function of ambient temperature. The engine is started and stopped to maintain engine startability, and also as a function of the dynamic set point temperature, to maintain the temperature of the conditioned space at the dynamic set point temperature while maintaining the engine in a ready-to-start condition. Control is changed from the second to the first control mode, when a programmed start feature is activated, with the time of such mode change being a function of the difference between the ambient temperature and the selected set point temperature.

Abstract: A recovery algorithm for a setback thermostat uses 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 recovery temperature line. The update of the recovery temperature line slope is based on miss time, i.e., the time between actually achieving the desired next set point temperature and the next set point time associated with the next set point temperature.

Abstract: A method of air conditioning an environment with an HVAC system. The method comprises the steps of: determining an environment to be either occupied or vacant; determining a mode of operation for the HVAC system to be heating or cooling; determining a heating setpoint and a cooling setpoint; and determining a setback value equal to a difference between the value of the heating setpoint and the value of the cooling setpoint.

Abstract: A programmable thermostat is provided for the selective operation either of a fossil fuel furnace or a heat pump. The thermostat is programmed to operate the fossil fuel furnace when the outside temperature is below a preselected temperature range, and to operate the heat pump when the outside temperature is above the preselected temperature range. Within the preselected temperature range, the fossil fuel furnace may be operated during certain time periods and the heat pump may be operated during other time periods.

Abstract: In a digital thermostat powered solely by batteries, when the battery voltage drops to a predetermined value, the thermostat effects a visual indication of the existence of a low voltage condition. If the batteries are not replaced within a predetermined time period thereafter, and the battery voltage remains adequate to operate the thermostat, the temperature setpoint is automatically altered by being lowered, if in the heating mode, or being raised, if in the cooling mode. The change in room temperature resulting from the change in temperature setpoint should prompt the user to replace the batteries. By proper manipulation of user operable means, the user can subsequently cancel the altered temperature setpoint and re-establish the desired temperature setpoint so as to provide for normal thermostat operation for a predetermined time period during which the batteries can be replaced.

Abstract: A new control is described for controlling the temperature of hot water or other fluids supplied to rooms of an apartment building or the like, which replaces a prior control. The new control acclimates tenants to the change in temperature resulting from the installation of the new control. The new control includes an acclimating circuit which is used during an acclimating period of a duration such as ten days, which controls the hot water supply system to produce a supply temperature (60, FIG. 2 ) which is between the temperature (46) that would have been supplied by the prior control, and the temperature (44) that will be supplied by the new control after the acclimating period. The acclimating circuit makes the fluid temperature progressively closer to that which would have been set by the new control, at times progressively closer to the end of the acclimating period.

Abstract: A thermostat having a simple battery level detection circuit. The output of an oscillator, having a frequency dependent upon the battery level, is compared to the output of a battery level independent time base. If the two outputs are not in a predetermined relationship, all connected HVAC equipment is shut off.

Abstract: A thermostat having a temporary "now" and "next" functions. The temporary "next" function allows the user to program a temporary deviation from a preprogrammed schedule used to control the temperature within a space. The combination temporary "now" and "next" function allows a user to temporarily set a current setpoint which will be held until a temporary next setpoint becomes the control setpoint, after which the thermostat returns to the preprogrammed setpoints.

Abstract: An adaptor is designed to mount a duty cycling control switch for a furnace or air conditioning system which has flexible duct work. The adaptor includes two opposite cylindrical sections with a central section which includes an arcuate portion and a planar rectangular portion. The planar rectangular portion is tangential to the surfaces of the first and second cylindrical sections. The duty cycling control switch is mounted to this planar portion. Thus, air passing through the duct work will pass through this adaptor altering the temperature of the rectangular plate, thus, altering the temperature of the duty cycling switch causing it to activate.

Abstract: A setback controller, typically a thermostat, controls a control unit which holds a condition within an enclosure at either a low energy consumption set point or a high energy consumption set point depending on the present time. The controller uses a recovery sensor to measure the state of a condition which can affect the rate at which recovery from the low energy to the high energy set point is likely to occur, and then starts recovery at a time consistent with the state of the condition so as to complete recovery at or near the time selected for the return to the high energy set point. The condition sensor may be located adjacent to the outside of the enclosure to sense one or more conditions. In a temperature control application, the recovery sensor may include a temperature sensor located outdoors near the controlled space and a wind velocity sensor.

Abstract: A thermostat providing external communication comprising two microprocessors. One microprocessor may be dedicated to the external communication while the other microprocessor runs the application programming. The thermostat is separated into a thermostat housing and subbase. One microprocessor may be located within the thermostat housing with the other located within the subbase. This allows for changing the applications programming through replacement either the housing or the subbase. Replacement of only one portion of the thermostat is cheaper and can be easier.

Abstract: A parameter estimation system (16) automatically determines the relevant thermal and thermodynamic parameters which govern the energy consumption of the climate control system (18) within an enclosure (30).

Abstract: An apparatus to match initiation of temperature changeover settings of a thermostat to a duty cycle of an air temperature conditioning plant without degrading the comfort level of the area of temperature modification. The apparatus prevents short-cycling of either a heating or a cooling system which can occur due to changes in the setpoint temperature. The apparatus operates by determining the length of time of "on" portion and"off" portion of the duty cycle of the air temperature conditioning plant. It then determines the time until the upcoming cycle of the temperature conditioning plant and either advances or delays the temperature changeover until the beginning of the upcoming "on" period or the upcoming "off" period of the upcoming duty cycle, or the last "on" period or the last "off" period of the last duty cycle of the air temperature conditioning plant.

Abstract: Car air conditioning equipment comprising: an air feeding device for feeding a constant amount of air; air-blow outlets for blowing air with an adjusted temperature into a car interior; an interior temperature detector for detecting a temperature in the car interior; a blown-air temperature detector for detecting a temperature of air blown out from the air outlet; a temperature controlling device for outputting a heating-cooling control signal to control the flow of heating-air and the flow of cooling-air which temporally varies, based on the detected interior temperature and the detected blown-air temperature; and a temperature adjusting device which includes a heating-cooling device for heating and cooling the air from the air feeding device and temporally varying the temperature of the heating-air and the cooling-air, and first mixing device for mixing the heating-air and the cooling-air from the heating-cooling device and supplying the mixed air with the adjusted temperature to the air outlet device.

Abstract: A temperature control system for a residential zoned forced air system which maintains programmed temperature setpoints for specific periods in each zone having hold, override, and vacation modes which can temporarily alter the programmed temperature setpoints and time periods for either individual zones or all zones until the next programmed time or the temporary modes are released.

Abstract: Rooms in a building each have a heating, ventilating and air conditioning system (HVAC), a room control unit having a temperature controller, and various sensors. The control unit monitors the presence of persons in the room, determines the season, sets back the temperature in an empty room by a variable amount which the HVAC can restore in a given time, and restores the temperature to the previous user request when the user returns but to a standard temperature if the user has newly checked in. An outside hallway panel briefly displays, when interrogated by a maid, a person's presence. By monitoring maid requests, door status and maid activity, the unit indicates on a room map whether the room is being cleaned, clean, or ready to rent. By establishing the heat loss/gain (lg) factor of a room with the HVAC off and comparing it with the time to heat or cool the room, HVAC failures are determined. By comparing a room's lg factor with those of its neighbors, room environment failures are determined.

Abstract: An interactive electronic thermostat operates to communicate with an installer through an audible or visual display and keypad to instruct the installer to perform tasks and enter observations to effect proper connections at the thermostat of heater/air conditioner wires in spite of the absence of labels identifying the functions of those wires. The thermostat requires entry of coded indicia representing operator-observed conditions in the system in response to displayed instructions carried out by the operator. Control circuits are automatically assigned functional tasks in response to the operator-observed conditions entered into the system. Different program routines are invoked depending upon the number of system wires and the type of heater/air conditioner being controlled. Under appropriate circumstances, messages are displayed informing the operator/homeowner that the thermostat is incompatible, or has no advantageous use, with the heater/air conditioner.

Abstract: An adjustable ridge cap for a roof ridge vent system to control exhaust air at peak of buildings. An adjustable ridge cap raises and lowers on demand according to temperature. A single source power unit attaches to a hinge plate which pivots to raise and lower all connecting ridge cap sections as one single unit.

Abstract: A low voltage space thermostat adaptable for controlling a heating-only apparatus or a heating and cooling apparatus. The thermostat includes a DC power supply and a voltage step-up transformer having two primary windings and a secondary winding for supplying electrical power to the DC power supply when there is a demand for heating, cooling, or fan operation. The thermostat also includes circuit means for supplying electrical power to the DC power supply when there is no demand for heating, cooling, or fan operation. The thermostat further includes circuit means, responsive to the existence of electrical power at a particular one of its wiring terminals, for providing electrical isolation, from each other within the thermostat, of two transformers incorporated in a two-transformer heating and cooling apparatus.

Abstract: A supervisory control unit for lighting, heating and air conditioning equipment containing an occupancy sensor, a temperature limit detector, an entry delay detector and incorporating time cycle operation intended to limit the use of said equipment for the purposes of energy conservation.The unit outputs low voltage control signals that by means of external switching devices makes or interrupts the power and/or control signals normally connected to the lighting, heating and air conditioning equipment, thereby limiting the use of said equipment unless certain criteria are met.

Abstract: A computer (37) or microprocessor-based thermostat system (10) for automatically determining and implementing an optimum thermostat setback schedule (80) which, while maintaining a user-specified occupancy comfort schedule (39), minimizes the energy consumption of the climate control system (18) within an enclosure (30).

Abstract: Apparatus and method useful in temperature control system for a predetermined area that employs a user friendly electronic thermostat that can be programmed intuitively and which is impossible to incorrectly program. Further, the electronic thermostat needs no periodic maintenance checks because it employs a super capacitor to supply electrical energy to memory if power is temporarily lost. A large display means is responsive to the operator's programming as the programming is being performed, in addition to other times.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system and method for a plurality of mass transit vehicles where each vehicle has at least one independently actuated HVAC unit comprises a command center remote from the plurality of mass transit vehicles, for individually controlling the HVAC unit of each of the plurality of mass transit vehicles. The command center control unit includes a memory unit for storing temperature values desired for each vehicle, and corresponding times of a day and days on which the stored temperature values are desired within each respective vehicle. A sensing device is disposed within each of a plurality of mass transit vehicles.

Abstract: An electrical system for controlling the operation of a heat exchanger, control device therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the system comprising a first electrical transformer, a relay for causing the heat exchanger to be in one condition thereof when the relay is activated and for causing the heat exchanger to be in another condition thereof when the relay is deactivated, a switch for placing the relay across the secondary winding of the first transformer to activate the relay when the switch is in one condition thereof and to deactivate the relay when the switch is in another condition thereof, and a second transformer having a low voltage high current winding disposed in series with the switch when the switch is in one condition thereof so as to supply power to the low voltage high current winding and to increase the current flow from the secondary winding through the relay to activate the relay, the second transformer having only one other winding that is so arranged that power is suppli

Abstract: A highly distributed direct digital process control system for use in controlling a fully distributed process includes at least one device controller independently monitoring and controlling a plurality of external devices for performing a complete process. One or more data concentrator units are connected to the controllers for collecting information from each controller as well as directing updated control information to specific controllers. A central information processing means is connected to the data concentrator for displaying information received from the data concentrator. The central information processing means is capable of updating control information used by specific controllers.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a self-programming temperature control system for automatically adjusting the temperature control setpoint of a heating and cooling system of a space in accordance with the present or anticipated occupancy status of the space.

Abstract: A water heater controller including hot water supply temperature sensor, a return water temperature sensor, a cold water flow sensor, a recirculation loop ambient temperature sensor, and a processor and control unit for controlling the heating of water and the circulation of water.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a machine for performing nucleic acid amplification under computer control. The machine utilizes any one of a number of heating and cooling systems under control of a host computer which directs the heating and cooling systems to heat and cool a reaction-chamber-containing heat exchanger at appropriate times in the process. The reaction chambers are pre-loaded with the nucleic acid(s) to be amplified, a thermostable enzyme to catalyze polymerization, specific oligonucleotide primers, and four different nucleotide triphosphates. Also disclosed is the process for the amplification chain reaction implemented by the machine, which utilizes a thermostable enzyme.

Abstract: The programmable thermostat includes a sensor for sensing the ambient temperature within the predetermined volume of space, a timer for generating the current time of day, and a memory for storing a plurality of program times, and a heating and a cooling control temperature corresponding to each program time. The memory also stores a first temperature span associated with the heating control temperatures and a second temperature span associated with the cooling control temperatures. The current ambient temperature is compared to a first temperature above the heating control temperature, a second temperature below the heating control temperature, a third temperature above the cooling control temperature, and a fourth temperature below the cooling control temperature. These comparisons generate a switching control signal for controlling the on/off state of the heating and cooling systems. The first, second, third, and fourth temperatures are fixed by the first and second temperature spans.

Abstract: A setback thermostat controlling a device which holds and changes the temperature in a space includes the capability of sensing and recording the difference between the time at which recovery to a new setpoint temperature occurs and the selected time at which this temperature is specified to be reached, and if the difference is nonzero, calculates a new time at which to begin recovery the next time a change to the new temperature is specified. The calculation of the time at which recovery begins takes account of the fact that greater time is required to achieve a one degree temperature change near the new setpoint temperature than far from it because of the additional thermal load on the space as temperature nears the new set point. A non-linear function is used to calculate the time at which recovery to the new temperature is begun. The invention is included in a method for operation of the device which changes the space's temperature.

Abstract: A drive control apparatus for controlling the operation of an air conditioner comprises a 24-hour air-conditioning mode, a selector for selecting one of drive and release positions of the 24-hour air-conditioning mode, a load-responsive air-conditioning mode under which the air conditioner is operated in dependence on a load in a space to be air-conditioned, a drive control for effecting one of drive and stop controls of the load-responsive air-conditioning mode, and a preferential output unit for outputting a signal from the drive control in preference to an output signal from the selector. An output from the preferential output unit may be used to drive the operating frequency of the compressor at a predetermined number of revolution, to drive an indoor fan either continuously or intermittently at a predetermined number of revolution, and/or to deflect a vertical deflector blade to a predetermined position.

Abstract: A room air conditioning system is provided which includes an individual air conditioning unit adapted to regulate the temperature within a predetermined volume of space. A programmable thermostat is integral with the air conditioning unit. The programmable thermostat includes a remote temperature sensor for sensing the ambient temperature of the predetermined volume of space at a location remote from the programmable thermostat and a timer for generating the current time of day. The thermostat further includes a memory for storing a plurality of program times and a plurality of control temperatures corresponding to the program times.

Abstract: A control system for an existing central heating, cooling and ventilating unit (HVAC) in which a conventional plug-in timer and selector controller are employed to by-pass the normal control for the HVAC such that it can be made to operate for a predetermined amount of time regardless of temperature. Operation of the unit for a predetermined amount of time prevents mildew when a housing enclosure or the like is unoccupied without wasting electrical energy as would be the case when the HVAC is under normal control.

Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus of a VAV system has a main controller which comprises an operation mode changing means, a temperature schedule inputting means for inputting data for warming or cooling each of the rooms in accordance with a program, and a room controller having a set room temperature changing means for changing a set room temperature for each of the rooms. The program can be easily changed by operating the controllers so as to meet the life pattern of a resident. The air conditioning apparatus provides advantages of saving energy and comfortableness.

Abstract: An electronic system and method are disclosed for controlling a measured temperature during a sequence of time intervals, in accordance with a sequence of selected reference temperatures each corresponding to one of the intervals. The values of the reference temperatures are programmable and changeable by the user. The system and method can be used to establish thermostatic control in conformity with a referenced temperature that varies throughout the day, for example, hour by hour. The system also provides for using different sequences of reference temperatures on different days.

Abstract: An improved power supply circuit is provided for use with programmable electronic digital thermostats of the type including a controlled semiconductor switch connected in series with an external alternating current (AC) voltage source. The power supply circuit includes a first rectifier bridge coupled across the controlled semiconductor switch for rectifying the external AC voltage to produce a first direct current voltage. A transformer has a primary winding and a secondary winding. The primary winding is connected in series with the controlled semiconductor switch and the external AC voltage source. A second rectifier bridge is connected across the secondary winding for rectifying the alternating current to produce a second direct current voltage. A voltage regulator has an input coupled to the first and second rectifier bridges and an output for providing a predetermined supply voltage for the programmable electronic digital thermostat.

Abstract: A duct type air conditioning system with a variable capacity blower in which the maximum blower capacity is established at initialization of the system at the optimum blower capacity. The optimum capacity is established by varying the capacity of the blower and measuring the air flow volume and air flow noise. The optimum capacity is inputted into the control system through a central thermostat which has a liquid crystal display associated therewith. The system installer interfaces with the control system by a dialog which occurs through the liquid crystal display. The optimum capacity of the blower is stored in a memory device, and the control system variably controls the capacity of the blower so as not to exceed the optimum capacity.

Abstract: A heating system for buildings, comprising a boiler (12), a liquid circulation pump (28) and an electrical control panel (22), incorporates an electronic economizer device (26) arranged to make the circulation pump (28) operate intermittently according to cycles predetermined by the operator through timers (26a, 26b, 26c).

Abstract: With a process for setting the temperature difference between cut-in temperature and cut-out temperature of a heating unit or, in particular, of a refrigerating unit in the region of a set value, to be maintained, of the temperature of a medium or of a room, for automatic adaptation of the temperature difference between cut-in temperature and cut-out temperature to changing loads, the temperature which, starting from the set value, is reached by the unit below or above the set value after expiry of a preselected unit of time in each case being established repeatedly, whereupon these established temperatures are compared and that temperature which coincides with several previously measured temperatures is used for setting the temperature difference between cut-in temperature and cut-out temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for controlling the temperature of heating and cooling plants having a heat or cooling source of adjustable rated temperature via particularly a microprocessor-controlled control system. The actual outside temperature determined by an outside temperature sensor is not used as reference temperature but instead there is used a theoretical mean outside temperature stored at specific scanning times of a calendar year. Said theoretical mean outside temperature is stored in the form of a characteristic diagram in a non-erasable memory for one or several climate zones.