Distance-adjusted Patents (Class 236/51)
  • Publication number: 20120298763
    Abstract: Various embodiments include methods and systems for a distributed networked device controller such as a thermostat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: Digi International Inc.
    Inventor: Joel K. Young
  • Publication number: 20120298764
    Abstract: Provided is an air conditioner that suppresses power consumption by discharging resistors for discharging residual charges of a transmission path. An analog switch is previously interposed between two discharging resistors. In sending an AMI signal to two lines of a transmission path, an MCU executes discharge control to cause the analog switch to achieve an OFF state when a high level signal voltage is output, and to cause the analog switch to achieve an ON state when a low level signal voltage is output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Takashi Okano
  • Patent number: 8316658
    Abstract: A management center is configured to communicate with a controller for an energy consuming system at a remote location, to receive ambient temperature data corresponding to an ambient temperature at the remote location, to calculate a projected energy consumption value for at least one component of the energy consuming system based on the ambient temperature data, to receive an actual energy consumption value for the at least one component from the controller, to compare the actual energy consumption value with the projected energy consumption value, and to generate an output based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies Retail Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Abtar Singh, Paul Wickberg, Thomas J. Mathews, Neal Starling
  • Patent number: 8321058
    Abstract: A method of controlling an HVAC system including programming a thermostat of the HVAC system to define a temperature set point, a temperature differential around the temperature set point, and a number of cycles per hour for a temperature control source of the HVAC system. The method also includes sensing a temperature, executing a cycling control algorithm that includes the temperature, the temperature set point, and the number of cycles per hour as inputs to determine a duty cycle, and running the temperature control source according to the duty cycle when the temperature is within the temperature differential. The method further includes executing a deadband algorithm to turn on the temperature control source when the temperature is outside of the temperature differential at one extreme and to turn off the temperature control source when the temperature is outside the temperature differential at the opposite extreme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: John Q. Zhou, Bert L. Feinberg, Randy L. Henk
  • Patent number: 8313039
    Abstract: A remote climate control system for a vehicle includes a remote climate controller to be positioned at a vehicle for starting an electrically powered climate control system based upon a remote climate control handheld unit and causing the electrically powered climate control system to run for a run time period before shutting it off. The remote climate controller is resettable based upon the remote climate control handheld unit to cause the electrically powered climate control system to run for an additional run time period before shutting it off. The remote climate control handheld unit has an indicator for providing an indication to a user prior to expiration of the run time period to permit a user to reset the run time period while the electrically powered climate control system is still running and before shutting off the electrically powered climate control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Omega Patents, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Flick, Michael Stephen Thompson
  • Patent number: 8302418
    Abstract: An air conditioning system comprising an outdoor and an indoor unit connected through common power supply lines. The outdoor unit including a first communication circuit using one of the plurality of common power supply lines and one signal line independent of the power supply lines. The indoor unit comprising terminals connected to the first communication circuit; a switch configured to set the first and second communication circuits to a connection state or a disconnection state; a detection circuit configured to detect a voltage between the terminals; and a controller configured to control the switch. The switch sets the first and second communication circuits to the disconnection state when the voltage detected by the detection circuit equals or exceeds a predetermined threshold value; otherwise the switch sets the first and second communication circuits to the connection state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seiji Nakajima
  • Patent number: 8302875
    Abstract: An air conditioning equipment having an in-room unit connected to one end of the refrigerant pipes and an out-room unit connected to the other end of the refrigerant pipes. The air conditioning equipment includes signal coupling portions which are respectively disposed at both end parts of the refrigerant pipes. Each of the signal coupling portions couples an alternating current (AC) control signal to the refrigerant pipes and exhibits a predetermined impedance with respect to an AC electric signal. The configuration of the air conditioning equipment brings forth the advantages that the electrical insulation devices used in the prior art are dispensed with, and the signal transmissions between the in-room unit and the out-room unit can be performed by a simple apparatus configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyasu Higuma, Noriyuki Kushiro, Yoshiaki Koizumi
  • Patent number: 8299932
    Abstract: In a closed-loop monitoring system, a host device is operable to output encoded signals at a coupling side to a single transmission line. Each of monitoring devices includes: a current inducting generating unit generating induced encoded signals when the encoded signals pass through a signal current generating element coupled across an input side coupled to the transmission line; a control unit identifying a monitoring signal from the induced encoded signals generated by the current inducting generating unit; and a detecting unit detecting, in response to the monitoring signal, whether each of electronic devices coupled thereto is activated ox deactivated and transmitting a reply signal associated with states of the electronic devices to the transmission line based on a detection result made thereby. The host device receives the reply signal from each monitoring device through the transmission line and the coupling side to obtain state information associated with the electronic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: HICO Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi-Lin Tang, Nan-Jan Huang, Ruei-Cheng Liu, Wang-Cheng Chen, Cheng-Chung Yeh
  • Publication number: 20120267442
    Abstract: An automatic vehicle temperature regulation system regulates and/or adjusts a cabin temperature based in part on a separation distance between a user and an associated vehicle. The system includes a portable transceiver, a fixed transceiver provided in the associated vehicle and configured to communicate with the portable transceiver, a temperature adjusting system configured to perform operations which adjust a temperature within a vehicle cabin, and a controller in communication with the fixed transceiver and the temperature adjusting system. The controller determines a distance between the portable transceiver and the fixed transceiver, and variably controls the temperature adjusting system based on the determined distance between the portable transceiver and the fixed transceiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dave Choi, Mark D. Herbert
  • Publication number: 20120271460
    Abstract: A universal demand-response remote-control device for controlling a control unit of a ductless, split air-conditioning system. The remote-control device includes a long-distance communications module and includes a local communications module. The remote-control device also includes a processor in electrical communication with the long-distance communications module and the local communications module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventor: Roger W. Rognli
  • Publication number: 20120261480
    Abstract: A temperature control system includes a plurality of temperature sensors, a main controller, a plurality of power supply controllers, and a plurality of cooling devices. The temperature sensors measure current temperature of different monitored areas. The main controller compares the current temperature of the monitored areas with a predetermined temperature stored in the main controller. The power supply controller is selectably turned on or off according to the comparison to activate or deactivate the corresponding cooling devices under the control of the power supply controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CAI-JIN YUAN
  • Patent number: 8284066
    Abstract: An automated and/or remote method for identifying and/or changing the source of power for these generator sets, which may apply to any environment where there are alternative sources of power available which must be managed remotely (such as for other powered containers not used for refrigeration transport).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Startrak Information Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Herbert Perten, Timothy Slifkin, Thomas A. Robinson, Swati Chiney
  • Publication number: 20120248209
    Abstract: An actuator for use with an HVAC system in a building having a door includes a thermostat having a setback function, and a wireless switch placed remotely from the thermostat. The switch is for being disposed on or adjacent the door. Upon actuation of the switch, a first signal is sent to the thermostat for placing the HVAC system in a setback condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: Drew Reid
  • Publication number: 20120253521
    Abstract: An HVAC control system has a first system controller associated with a first HVAC system and configured to control the first HVAC system and a second system controller associated with a HVAC system and configured to control the second HVAC system wherein the first system controller is selectively operable to control the second HVAC system. A method of controlling multiple HVAC systems includes providing a first HVAC system comprising a required first system controller, providing a second HVAC system comprising a required second system controller, and enabling wireless communication between the first system controller and the second system controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Timothy Wayne Storm, John Tanner Taylor
  • Publication number: 20120248208
    Abstract: An auxiliary switch is provided that allows a thermostat to use full wave rectification for power while still communicating control information to the auxiliary switch over a multiplexed ground-control line to control associated equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: ENERGATE INC.
    Inventor: Jorge Deligiannis
  • Publication number: 20120248207
    Abstract: A control system includes a remote temperature sensor configured to wirelessly communicate a signal indicative of a space temperature, and a return air temperature sensor configured to output a signal indicative of a temperature of return airflow within an air conditioning/heating unit. The system further includes a controller segregated from the space that is responsive to the signals from the sensors for determining a working sensed temperature based upon a temperature value associated with the return air sensor and at least one temperature value associated with at least one remote temperature sensor. The controller is configured to compare the working sensed temperature to a set-point temperature and responsively generate a command signal to activate the air conditioning or heating unit to control temperature relative to a set-point. The controller controls the air conditioning/heating unit at all times based upon the temperature value associated with the return air sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Willis K. Drake, William C. Leise, Rishi Siravuri, Marc P.N. Rody
  • Patent number: 8276829
    Abstract: A building controller for controlling the comfort level in a building is described. The building controller may include a thermostat and wireless remote controller for communicating with the thermostat from a remote location. The thermostat may have access to a first temperature sensor for sensing a first temperature, sometimes at or near the thermostat. The remote controller may likewise have a second temperature sensor for sensing a second temperature, sometimes at or near the remote controller. Under some conditions, the thermostat may use the second temperature sensed by the remote controller to control the comfort level in a building unless or until a predetermined condition is detected, after which the thermostat may use a different temperature, such as the first temperature at or near the thermostat, to control the comfort level in a building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus D. Stoner, Robert J. Schnell, David A. Schultz, Cary Leen
  • Publication number: 20120234929
    Abstract: A water heater includes a remote controller having a setting unit and a display unit; an electronic heater having a circuit board, a combustor, and a sensing unit, wherein the sensing unit reads the electronic heater; and an exchanger having a first transmitter, a first receiver, and a first converter electrically connected to the remote controller, and a second transmitter, a second receiver, and a second converter electrically connected to the electronic heater. The first transmitter transmits a signal from the setting unit to the circuit board through the second receiver, to control the electronic heater according to the signal, and the second transmitter transmits signal from the sensing unit to the first receiver of the remote controller, to show real-time information of the electronic heater on the display unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: GRAND MATE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chung-Chin Huang, Chin-Ying Huang, Hsin-Ming Huang, Hsing-Hsiung Huang
  • Publication number: 20120234930
    Abstract: A system and method for preconditioning a vehicle interior via a remote start device based on then-current weather conditions independent of the previous climate control head settings in place at the termination of the vehicle's last use are disclosed. The preconditioning system and method may be used in either electronic automatic temperature control (EATC) systems or in manual temperature control (MTC) systems. When used in conjunction with an EATC system, variables including sunload, Tset point (that is, the temperature door position), Tambient, and Tcabin are used to calculate the climate load demand. When used in conjunction with an MTC system, Tambient, Tset point, and Tcabin are used to calculate the climate load demand. In the event that the MTC system does not have a Tcabin sensor then Tevaporator thermister is used to calculate the climate load demand in the beginning of the remote start. The disclosed system and method also has windshield defrosting/defog and rear glass defrost capabilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Halim Wijaya
  • Publication number: 20120217315
    Abstract: A system for controlling the temperature of multiple zones is disclosed, wherein the system includes a remotely located server and two or more structures, and wherein each structure has a gateway, at least one temperature sensor, at least one heating ventilation and air conditioning system, at least one controller, at least one air obstruction device, a user input device, and at least one zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Dane Camden Witbeck, Lewis Dryden Wight
  • Patent number: 8249750
    Abstract: An indoor unit includes an indoor side switch device which is brought into a closed state at a startup time when operation starts from a standby state. An outdoor unit includes a startup power supply switch device which is brought into a closed state when the indoor side switch device of the indoor unit is brought into the closed state, an operating power supply switch device which is brought into a closed state in operation and is brought into an open state in the standby state, and an outdoor control device. The outdoor control device of the outdoor unit brings the startup power supply switch device into the open state when the operation starts from the standby state and thereafter brings the operating power supply switch device into the closed state after a lapse of a prescribed time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Norio Sakae, Junichi Hirose, Masahiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8239922
    Abstract: An HVAC control system that accommodates and/or facilitates control from a remote location. The HVAC control system may include a web-enabled building control appliance with a controller, a first port and a second port. The controller may implement a web server that is coupled to the first port for serving up one or more web pages on a first network and for receiving a number of responses. The controller may be coupled to the second port so as to communicate with one or more communicating thermostats via a second network. The web server may provide one or more web-pages via the first port that solicit and receive user rights privileges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Sullivan, Geoffrey Ho
  • Patent number: 8235304
    Abstract: The invention concerns a control device for at least one heating, air-conditioning, ventilation or refrigeration system with a memory for a temperature control program and a signal outlet. It is endeavoured to simplify the programming. For this purpose, the memory is arranged in an element (5), which comprises a communication interface (6) and which can be dismounted from the control device, the communication interface (6) being connectable to an external input device and the control device (1) comprising an electrical supply device (3) which can transmit electrical energy to the element (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Eva Kühne, Bjarne Frederiksen, Anders Oestergaard Clausen
  • Publication number: 20120193437
    Abstract: A wireless thermostat adapter system (10) includes a thermostat interface (11) and an HVAC interface (12). A two-way wireless communication is effected between the thermostat interface and the HVAC interface through a conventional RF signal. The thermostat interface also includes an electrical circuit (26) with an antenna (27), a set of six flexible thermostat coupling wires (28) which are coupled to the thermostat, and a short range RF transceiver (29). The HVAC interface includes an electrical circuit 38 which is adapted to be coupled to a HVAC systems (14). The HVAC interface circuit includes an antenna (39) and a set of six HVAC wire terminals (40) which coupled the HVAC interface with the HVAC. The HVAC interface also includes a short range RF transceiver (41) coupled to the antenna (39).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: TPI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert E. Henry, JR., Daniel Libby, Terry K. Sams
  • Patent number: 8231065
    Abstract: A flow device for a refrigerant/compressor system is installed between the outlet of an evaporator and the suction port of a compressor. The device includes a floating element that helps inhibit liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor. Under certain conditions where liquid refrigerant discharges from the evaporator, the floating element floats in the discharged liquid. Upon doing so, the float rises to a generally closed position where the float obstructs a main fluid outlet that leads to the compressor. In the closed position, refrigerant can still pass through the flow device, but through a more restricted outlet. To prevent the float from undesirably rising under the impetus of refrigerant vapor flowing at high flow rates, the floating element itself includes a flow-restricting passageway, radial guides, and/or a streamlined shape. The float can be incorporated within a manifold of a multi-coil or multi-circuited heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventor: Roger J. Voorhis
  • Publication number: 20120187201
    Abstract: An air conditioner includes an air conditioner body and a remote controller that controls the operation of the air conditioner body. The air conditioner body includes a body receiver that receives a control signal for controlling the operation from the remote controller, and a body transmitter that transmits operation information for the air conditioner body to the remote controller. The remote controller includes a remote-controller transmitter that transmits the control signal for controlling the operation to the air conditioner body, a remote-controller receiver that receives the operation information transmitted from the air conditioner body, and a power-saving standby unit that sets the remote-controller receiver as a reception standby state when a request signal to request operation information is transmitted from the remote controller to the air conditioner body at each predetermined time interval, and that releases the reception standby state after a given time has passed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventor: Tomofumi KAWAI
  • Publication number: 20120181010
    Abstract: An HVAC remote controller for use in an HVAC system is described. In some instances, the HVAC remote controller may include a wirelessly interface for communicating with one or more HVAC controllers and/or other HVAC devices. The HVAC remote controller may be configured to execute a user setup routine for entering user setup information, where the user setup routine may cause the HVAC remote controller to display a sequence of two or more user setup screens, sometimes at a common menu level rather than a sub-menu. Some or all of the two or more user setup screens may include, for example, a message center indicating a parameter or function to be set, one or more buttons for adjusting or selecting the parameter or function, and a next button to advance the user setup routine to a next screen in the sequence of user setup screens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: David A. Schultz, Chad W. Koster, Cary Leen
  • Publication number: 20120181342
    Abstract: The Automatic HVAC Energy Saver Control Unit (HVAC-ES) is composed of 4 components. The Control System includes 2 wireless contacts, 1 transformer, and 1 control keypad. The Relay opens and closes the circuit. The Timer determines when the Relay engages and had dip switches and a timer dial that allows the delay to be set in seconds, minutes, or hours. The Cover encloses the Relay and Timer. The HVAC-ES operates when a door or window fitted with the wireless contacts is left open beyond the programmed time. At that point, the relay engages and shuts off the power to the HVAC unit. Once the door or window is closed the relay disengages and the power to the HVAC unit is restored. The HVAC-ES is connected to the power wires between the thermostatic control and the HVAC unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Jacqueline Richards-Fabian, Alan B. Fabian
  • Patent number: 8224491
    Abstract: An HVAC remote control unit for use in an HVAC system is described. In some instances, an HVAC remote control unit may be provided that wirelessly communicates with two or more HVAC controllers and/or other HVAC devices in a zoned HVAC system. When so provided, the remote control unit may be configured to allow a user to select between two or more zones of the zoned HVAC system, and to load one or more of the parameters and/or settings associated with a selected zone via the wireless interface. The remote control unit may be further configured to display at least one of the received parameters and/or settings on a display of the remote control unit, and a user may be allowed to change one or more of the parameters and/or settings that are displayed on the display for a selected zone. The zoned HVAC system may subsequently operate in accordance with the one or more changed parameters and/or settings in the selected zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Chad W. Koster, David A. Schultz, Cary Leen
  • Patent number: 8220721
    Abstract: A wireless interface circuit can include an electrical relay circuit that is configured for coupling to a separate wired thermostat circuit that is separately housed apart from the wireless interface circuit, where an input to the electrical relay circuit is configured for coupling to an electrical conductor provided between the separate wired thermostat circuit and the electrical relay circuit. A processor circuit is electrically coupled to the electrical relay circuit and is configured to control a state of the electrical relay circuit based on messages received via a wireless interface from a local system located at a location of a customer of an electrical service provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel P. Flohr
  • Patent number: 8220279
    Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator, and more particularly to a refrigerator wirelessly setting functions of the refrigerator by improving a configuration of the refrigerator. The refrigerator according to an embodiment includes a main body formed with a storage chamber, a door rotatably coupled to the main body, a first user interface rotatably coupled to the door, and a second user interface provide on the door, positioned on an rear side of the first user interface, and provided with a receiving unit receiving a wireless signal by an external remote controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Joon Young Do
  • Patent number: 8220278
    Abstract: Disclosed is an air conditioner, in which, when a temperature sensor is rotated, the rotating speed of the temperature sensor is increased or the temperature sensing cycle is elongated in a rotating section where an object does not exist rather than in a rotating section where the object exists. Further, the rotating speed of the temperature sensor is increased or the temperature sensing cycle is elongated if the object is located at a short distance from the air conditioner rather than if the object is located at a normal distance from the air conditioner, and the rotating speed of the temperature sensor is decreased or the temperature sensing cycle is shortened if the object is located at a long distance from the air conditioner rather than if the object is located at a normal distance from the air conditioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seong Joo Han, Su Ho Jo, Sung Hoon Kim, Jeong Su Han, Hyen Young Choi, Sang Jun Lee, O Do Ryu
  • Patent number: 8215121
    Abstract: In a multi-type air conditioner, the adequacy of the refrigerant quantity charged in the air conditioner can be accurately determined, even when the refrigerant quantity charged on site is inconsistent, or even when a reference value of the operation state quantity, which is used for determining the adequacy of the refrigerant quantity, fluctuates depending on the pipe length of the refrigerant communication pipe, combination of utilization units, and the difference in the installation height among each unit. In an air conditioner (1) including a refrigerant circuit (10) configured by the interconnection of a heat source unit (2) and utilization units (4, 5) via refrigerant communication pipes (6, 7), a refrigerant quantity determining system determines the adequacy of the refrigerant quantity and includes a state quantity storing means and a refrigerant quantity determining means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Manabu Yoshimi, Takahiro Yamaguchi, Tadafumi Nishimura, Shinichi Kasahara
  • Patent number: 8214060
    Abstract: A building appliance controller is disclosed that includes a safety feature. In one illustrative embodiment, the building appliance controller may include a controller and a safety element. In some cases, the controller may include a control panel configured to provide an interface, and one or more option cards configured to communicate with the control panel via the interface and to provide additional functionality to the appliance controller. The safety element may include a first relay or other switching element that is configured to selectively pass power to the building appliance. In some illustrative embodiments, when an unsafe operating condition is detected by the control panel and/or the one or more option cards, the control panel and/or the one or more option cards may open the first relay of the safety element to cut off power to the building appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Jim I. Bartels, Timothy J. Nordberg, Nathan Longen
  • Patent number: 8196185
    Abstract: An HVAC control system that accommodates and/or facilitates control from a remote location. The HVAC control system may include a web-enabled building control appliance having a controller, a first port and a second port. The controller may implement a web server that is coupled to the first port for serving up one or more web pages on a first network and for receiving a number of responses. The controller may also be coupled to the second port so as to communicate with one or more communicating thermostats via a second network. The web server may be adapted to provide an overview or summary web-page via the first port that displays information regarding the one or more thermostats, where the information that is displayed may be customized for a particular user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Levi H. Geadelmann, Kevin B. Moore, Daniel J. Sullivan, Geoffrey Ho
  • Patent number: 8195313
    Abstract: A thermostat for controlling an HVAC system is described, the thermostat having a user interface that is visually pleasing, approachable, and easy to use while also providing ready access to, and intuitive navigation within, a menuing system capable of receiving a variety of different types of user settings and/or control parameters. For some embodiments, the thermostat comprises a housing, a ring-shaped user-interface component configured to track a rotational input motion of a user, a processing system configured to identify a setpoint temperature value based on the tracked rotational input motion, and an electronic display coupled to the processing system. An interactive thermostat menuing system is accessible to the user by an inward pressing of the ring-shaped user interface component. User navigation within the interactive thermostat menuing system is achievable by virtue of respective rotational input motions and inward pressings of the ring-shaped user interface component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Nest Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony M. Fadell, Matthew L. Rogers, David Sloo, Michael J. Matas, Fred Bould, Shigefumi Honjo, Brian Huppi, John B. Filson
  • Publication number: 20120126019
    Abstract: A thermostat and related methods are described for controlling one or more functions, such as heating and cooling in an HVAC. According to some embodiments the thermostat includes a rechargeable battery; charging circuitry adapted and arranged to recharge the battery; and control circuitry adapted and arranged to control the one or more HVAC functions using power from the rechargeable battery. According to some embodiments, the thermostat also includes power harvesting circuitry adapted and arranged to harvest power from the HVAC system in cases where no common wire is available to the thermostat, and to supply power to the charging circuit for recharging the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: NEST LABS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Adam WARREN, Hugo FIENNES, Jonathon Alan DUTRA, David BELL, Anthony Michael FADELL, Matthew Lee ROGERS
  • Publication number: 20120118989
    Abstract: A control module for a water heater includes a switching module that receives a voltage supply and outputs the voltage supply to the water heater. The water heater includes an electrical junction box that receives the voltage supply. A communication module communicates with at least one of an energy meter and an energy network external to the water heater and the control module, and receives information from the at least one of the energy meter and the energy network. The control module is mounted on the water heater and the voltage supply passes through or adjacent to the control module. The control module determines an operating characteristic of the water heater based on the voltage supply and selectively actuates the switching module to turn on and turn off the voltage supply to the water heater in response to the operating characteristic and the information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: EMERSON ELECTRIC CO.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Buescher, Thomas J. Fredricks, Rishi Siravuri
  • Patent number: 8177139
    Abstract: A thermostat is provided that is capable of reliably reducing the operation of an air conditioner and other systems to provide energy cost savings to the consumer and load reduction to a utility provider. The thermostat includes at least one sensor configured to communicate information indicative of the temperature within the space, and a memory for storing at least one temperature offset value associated with a request for reduced heating or reduced cooling operation. The thermostat further includes a controller in communication with the at least one sensor, which is configured to periodically determine a temperature value for the space and to control heating or cooling of the space until the determined temperature value has substantially reached the set-point temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Carl J. Mueller, John M. Sartain, James P. Garozzo
  • Patent number: 8167216
    Abstract: An HVAC remote controller for use in an HVAC system is described. In some instances, the HVAC remote controller may include a wirelessly interface for communicating with one or more HVAC controllers and/or other HVAC devices. The HVAC remote controller may be configured to execute a user setup routine for entering user setup information, where the user setup routine may cause the HVAC remote controller to display a sequence of two or more user setup screens, sometimes at a common menu level rather than a sub-menu. Some or all of the two or more user setup screens may include, for example, a message center indicating a parameter or function to be set, one or more buttons for adjusting or selecting the parameter or function, and a next button to advance the user setup routine to a next screen in the sequence of user setup screens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Schultz, Chad W. Koster, Cary Leen
  • Publication number: 20120097749
    Abstract: A basic idea of the invention is to use different properties of light (101), such as e.g. intensity and color temperature, to influence physiological thermoregulating parameters of a vertebrate (102), for example a human being, being exposed to the light. At least one particular physiological thermoregulating parameter (e.g. skin temperature) of an individual is being measured and supplied to a controller (103) for comparison with a desired target value of the measured parameter. The property of light can then be adjusted to regulate the actual value of the thermoregulating parameter of the individual being exposed to the light. Thus, a dynamic device (100) for influencing the thermoregulation of an individual by using different properties of light is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Tatiana Aleksandrovna Lashina, Igor Berezhnyy, Lucas Josef Maria Schlangen, Johannes Petrus Wilhelmus Baaijens, Simone Helina Maria Poort
  • Publication number: 20120091213
    Abstract: A wall-mountable temperature control device having a vertically-arranged temperature adjustment actuator for adjusting a setpoint temperature of a temperature control system to thus control a present temperature in a building, a room temperature visual display for displaying a visual representation of the present temperature of the building, and a setpoint temperature visual display for displaying a visual representation of the setpoint temperature. The room and setpoint temperature visual displays each comprising a linear array of light-emitting diodes arranged parallel to the temperature adjustment actuator and controlled such that one of the light-emitting diodes of the setpoint temperature visual display is illuminated to display the setpoint temperature in response to the actuations of the temperature adjustment actuator and one of the light-emitting diodes of the room temperature visual display is illuminated to display the present temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.
    Inventors: Gregory Altonen, Nikhil Vithal Bhate, Elliot G. Jacoby, Michael W. Pessina, Walter S. Zaharchuk, Joel S. Spira
  • Patent number: 8160749
    Abstract: An energy conservation system is provided to lower energy consumption in an unoccupied room. A master controller provides control of power consumption to an occupant of a room through an occupant action to create an occupied mode and otherwise be in an unoccupied mode. A thermostat is controlled by the master controller. A master radio frequency transceiver is located within the master controller and a second radio frequency transceiver remote from the master radio frequency transceiver is provided. The second radio frequency transceiver is coupled to an electrical switching circuit responsive to a radio frequency signal received from the master radio frequency transceiver. A controlled power device is coupled to the electrical switching circuit such that an energy input to the device is controlled by the master controller in the unoccupied mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventors: David Donaldson, Brad Comyns
  • Patent number: 8143828
    Abstract: A motor control system for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) applications is described. The motor control system includes a thermostat and an electronically commutated motor (ECM) coupled to the thermostat. The ECM is configured to retrofit an existing non-ECM electric motor included in an HVAC application and to operate in one of a plurality of HVAC modes. The HVAC modes include at least one of a heating mode, a cooling mode, and a continuous fan mode. The HVAC mode is determined based at least partially on outputs provided by the thermostat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: RBC Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Roger C. Becerra, Steven A. Nardin, Michael R. Koller, Andrew C. Barry, Brian L. Beifus, Andrew M. Knollman
  • Publication number: 20120067561
    Abstract: An HVAC system includes an HVAC unit having a cooling mode and a heating mode for conditioning the air in an inside space, and a programmable thermostat located remotely from the HVAC unit. The HVAC unit may have an onboard controller configured to control when the HVAC unit is in the cooling mode or heating mode, and whether the HVAC unit is activated or not. In some cases, the onboard controller of the HVAC unit may use a common temperature setpoint when controlling in the cooling mode and the heating mode. The programmable thermostat may have a programmable schedule with a plurality of time periods, where each time period has a heating setpoint and a cooling setpoint separated by a dead band. The onboard controller of the HVAC unit may be configured to accept input signals from the remotely located thermostat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Gabriel Albert Bergman, Chris Mullarkey, Cary Leen, David Schultz, Milos Cabel
  • Patent number: 8136738
    Abstract: A control system for electrical appliances associated with an enclosure comprising a wireless occupancy sensor for monitoring the presence of a human occupant within the enclosure, a wireless receiver for receiving information from the sensor, electricity flow means capable of establishing or interrupting the flow of electricity to an electrical appliance associated with the enclosure in response to a signal from a controller, and a controller in communication with said receiver and said electricity flow means, the controller capable of monitoring environmental conditions in the enclosure and being programmable to drive the operation of the flow means in response to the information obtained by the receiver from the sensor according to a set of pre-established instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Energy Eye, Inc.
    Inventor: Phillip Kopp
  • Publication number: 20120061480
    Abstract: A thermostat system is provided that comprises a base thermostat for providing basic thermostat control and a portable information display (PID) unit, or dockable display, that provides an improved user interface. The PID unit can be docked to the base thermostat by being releasably mounted on top of a front portion of the base thermostat. The base thermostat provides control of an environmental control system, allowing the regulation of the temperature in a building. The PID unit may be used when it is mounted to the base thermostat or un-mounted from the base thermostat. The PID unit provides an improved user interface and experience over the base thermostat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: ENERGATE INC.
    Inventors: Jorge DELIGIANNIS, Niraj BHARGAVA
  • Publication number: 20120053738
    Abstract: A universal control system is provided for a room air conditioner or heat pump that has a number of sensor inputs. An electronic control system with a microcontroller and microcomputer are used to provide a large number of operations that can be performed by (1) manufacturer, (2) end users and (3) maintenance personnel. The manufacturer can load different versions of a software program to match the unit. The end user can program in a large number of different conditions or schedules the end user finds desirable, plus the end user is advised of maintenance requirements or faults. The maintenance personnel may perform diagnostics, determine fault history, upload improved or replacement software, as well as the numerous maintenance functions normally performed by maintenance personnel. Remote control is provided for changing operating conditions of the air conditioner/heat pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: Friedrich Air Conditioning Co., a division of U.S. Natural Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Lingrey, Kevin L. Eicher, George Cagle
  • Publication number: 20120048953
    Abstract: A temperature adjusting device is included with a sand and dust environmental testing system. The sand and dust environmental testing system includes: a circulating air duct, including a contraction section, a test section and a separation section etc.; a main blower; U-type separators and guide vanes, respectively configured at four corners of the circulating air duct. The temperature adjusting device includes: heat exchange pipes distributed in the U-type separators; four groups of guide vanes. Three groups of the guide vanes are configured with heat exchange medium holes and the other group of the guide vanes is equipped with heating device. An electric heater is accommodated in the second contraction section. An intelligent temperature control includes: building a neural network system structure; blended learning training of neural network parameters; PI control; and amplitude limitation processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: BEIHANG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Jun Wang, Hua Zhang, Yunze Li, Zhangpeng Ming, Keyong Zhu, Zhihong Ma, Lizhen Zhang, Chen Zhao
  • Patent number: 8118238
    Abstract: A user interface for a building appliance controller that may include a control panel and one or more option cards. The user interface may allow a user or technician to program, modify, and/or view one or more parameters of the control panel and/or the one or more option cards. In some cases, the control panel may be configured to send one or more messages to a selected option card that indicate an input at the user interface, and in response, the selected option card may send one or more messages to the control panel that indicate display information for display on the user interface of the control panel. In some embodiments, such as when the user interface includes a segmented display, the display information may include the on/off state of the various segments of the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Nordberg, Nathan Longen