Abstract: Provided are an air conditioner with a humidifier and an air conditioning system. The humidifier is modularized within the air conditioner, enabling humidifying to be performed together with air conditioning. Moreover, by providing the humidifier as a module, indoor space utilization efficiency is improved, and a multi-function, low-cost air conditioner can be manufactured. Furthermore, the humidifier can be linked in operation to the air conditioner, allowing air discharged from the air conditioner to be distributed evenly across an indoor space.

Abstract: A thermostat system having multiple and individual schedules. For instance, a user may have different schedules and setpoints for heating and cooling. An appropriate schedule combining individual schedules may be automatically selected based on a system configuration. Schedule control may involve manual changeover from one schedule to another or automatic changeover relative to the schedule combining schedules. The thermostat system may be programmable. Also, there may be a system switch mode, for example, between heat and cool, where the schedules of either may be edited. Scheduling may be menu and option key driven.

Abstract: A fireplace assembly with an integrated burn control system includes a variety of features that provide an elegant, revolutionary, and highly-efficient way to heat a residence or other environment. The fireplace assembly may be used in combination with gas-burning fireplaces, stoves, and fireplace inserts. The fireplace assembly includes, but is not limited to: a control panel; a concealment door that conceals the control panel when the concealment door is closed; automatic control panel lighting that is activated when the concealment door is open; a split flow or dual burner assembly that simulates a natural wood burning fire; and an intermittent pilot ignition system that allows a pilot flame to run continuously or intermittently. The fireplace assembly can be manually controlled via the control panel or automatically and/or remotely controlled via a remote control device.

Abstract: An arrangement includes a plurality of wireless microsystems. Each microsystem is operable to measure at least relative humidity and temperature, and to communicate temperature and relative humidity information wirelessly to a network device. The network device is operable to communicate the temperature and relative humidity information to at least a first processor configured to cause a change in a building control condition based on the information.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for incorporating manual changes to the setpoint for a thermostatic controller into long-term programming of the thermostatic controller. For example, one or more of the exemplary systems compares the actual setpoint at a given time for the thermostatic controller to an expected setpoint for the thermostatic controller in light of the scheduled programming. A determination is then made as to whether the actual setpoint and the expected setpoint are the same or different. Furthermore, a manual change to the actual setpoint for the thermostatic controller is compared to previously recorded setpoint data for the thermostatic controller. At least one rule is then applied for the interpretation of the manual change in light of the previously recorded setpoint data.

Abstract: HVAC systems, zone control units, and control systems are provided. An HVAC system employs distributed zone control units that provides for localized air recirculation. A zone control unit can include a return air section that receives return air from serviced building zones and can mix the return air with a supply of outside air. The mixed air can be heated and/or cooled by the zone control unit and discharged to serviced building zones in a controlled manner. An exhaust air system can be used to extract air from serviced building zones. An HVAC zone control unit can include a local control unit with an Internet protocol address. The local control unit can include a memory and a processor for storing and executing a control program for the zone control unit. The control program can control of the zone control unit in response to commands received via the Internet.

Abstract: An indoor unit includes an indoor side transmitting and receiving section, a relay which is put in a closed state in a standby state, and an indoor control section which controls the relay on the basis of an output of the indoor side transmitting and receiving section. An outdoor unit includes an outdoor side transmitting and receiving section, and a power circuit. Then, the indoor control section of the indoor unit does not bring the relay into the closed state upon determining that the connection wiring lines which connect the indoor unit with the outdoor unit are miswired on the basis of a reception output of the indoor side transmitting and receiving section when operation starts from a standby state in which the supply of power of the outdoor unit is stopped.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention discloses a system for supplying power and data to and receiving data from a thermostat over a two-wire system. The invention allows modern thermostats that feature digital communications to be installed in two-wire systems, such as conventional older technology thermostat systems. In this manner, one or more embodiments of the invention disclose systems for simplifying and reducing costs associated with upgrading conventional older technology HVAC systems to accommodate modern thermostat technologies.

Abstract: An HVAC controller includes an HVAC controller housing having an aperture and a removable battery tray disposed within the aperture. The removable battery tray includes a pivot point for rotating the battery tray into and out of the aperture.

Abstract: Thermoelectric modules are disposed to be connected to a vehicle coolant system and to an air handling system to provide localized climate control and passenger compartment climate control. Vehicle coolant acts as a heat sink in cooling mode and a heat source in heating mode in embodiments. A system controller in embodiments is disposed to monitor an input for a signal that a monitored climate characteristic has departed from a predefined range of values.

Abstract: An air-conditioning system capable of reducing traffic of signals and effectively performing control and management operations without causing heavy traffic is obtained. In an air-conditioning system including one or more indoor units 200, one or more outdoor units 100, and a centralized control apparatus 300 and performing signal communication, a transmission relay 400 is provided between a first transmission line 500 to which the one or more outdoor units 100 and the centralized control apparatus 300 are connected and a second transmission line 510 to which one or more indoor units 200 constituting a group are connected, the transmission relay 400 relays a signal between the first transmission line 500 and the connected second transmission line 510.

Abstract: System (10) for remotely controlling and monitoring a food refrigerator (1), and its content, of the type intended to be given in rental or in free loan from a manufacturer to a vendor of cold products, comprising a control unit (2) for checking and storing a plurality of functioning parameters of the food refrigerator (1), an RFID reader (3) intended to read data stored in a plurality of RFID tags attached to the cold products, a communication unit (4) for interconnecting an external device, the RFID reader (3) comprising means for retrieving data from said RFID tags when the cold products are still stocked inside the food refrigerator (1) and the communication unit (4) localization means for transmitting information to the external device about a geographical localization of the food refrigerator (1). System (10) according to claim 1 wherein said means produce a radio frequency signal at predetermined time intervals for activating said RFID tags.

Abstract: The invention comprises systems and methods for ramping setpoints on thermostats controlling HVAC systems. At least one thermostat is located inside a structure and is used to control an HVAC system in the structure. At least one remote processor is in communication with said thermostat and at least one database stores data reported by the thermostat. At least one processor compares the outside temperature at least one location and at least one point in time to information reported to the remote processor from the thermostat. The remote processor ramps the setpoint on the thermostat so as to reduce the average spread between inside temperature and outside temperature in order to reduce energy consumption with affecting comfort. The remote processor takes into account the effect of weather conditions and occupant preferences in determining whether and when to ramp setpoints.

Abstract: A comfort HVAC or refrigeration system includes a remote sensor for sensing an environmental condition within a climate-controlled space and having, an associated transmitter for sending, a wireless signal to a receiver of a controller such that the controller can then responsively modulate the operation of the components of the HVAC or refrigeration system to maintain a desired condition at a specific location or locations within the-climate-controUed'space. The desired condition can be, for instance, temperature, humidity and/or carbon dioxide level.

Abstract: A facility working apparatus includes objects (1), a management apparatus (2), and an exterior information source (3) such as a weather company, a power company or the like. Each object (1) and the management apparatus (2), the exterior information source (3) and the management apparatus (2) are connected via a network. Each object (1) includes a facility (1a) such as a heat storage air conditioner, power storage air conditioner or the like, and a controlling apparatus (1b) for working and controlling the facility (1a) and for extracting facility information of the facility (1a) and user determination information. The management apparatus (2) includes a database (2a) and a data processing section (2b). The data processing section (2b) in the management apparatus (2) carries out processing based upon facility information, user determination data, and exterior information, and generates working and controlling information. The information is transferred to corresponding controlling apparatus (1b).

Abstract: In an embodiment, the invention is directed to a device including an environmental condition sensor, a light sensor; and a control module. The control module associates a light intensity above a defined threshold with an open-door status of a container. In another embodiment, a device includes an environmental condition sensor, a rewriteable memory that stores environmental condition data from the environmental condition sensor, and a wireless communication module that transmits stored environmental condition data. Embodiments of the invention may be useful to provide techniques for monitoring environmental conditions within a container, such as a refrigerated trailer.

Abstract: An arrangement includes a plurality of wireless microsystems and a central data processor. Each microsystem is operable to measure a plurality of indoor environmental quality-related parameters and is operable to communicate first information pertaining to the measured parameters wirelessly to a network device. The central data processor is operably coupled to receive the first information from the network device, and further configured to generate a metric value of an indoor environmental quality of at least a first space based at least in part on the first information, the metric value dependent upon each of the measured parameters of at least a first of the plurality of microsystems.

Abstract: An HVAC system is provided with control communication over a serial data bus. In this manner, the hard wired controls of the prior art are eliminated. A thermostat includes a central control microprocessor that communicates control signals to and from a microprocessor at an indoor unit. The indoor unit may be a furnace or a fan/heater combination. The microprocessor on the indoor unit is operable to receive signals from the central control microprocessor and control the indoor unit accordingly. Moreover, the microprocessor at the indoor unit is operable to pass control signals on to an outdoor unit such as an air conditioner or heat pump. Most preferably, this outdoor unit is provided with its own microprocessor. Further, other peripheral units may be incorporated to be controlled over the same data bus from the thermostat. Installation and updating of HVAC systems is greatly simplified by this control arrangement.

Abstract: A control system is provided for automatically setting up and controlling a climate control system for a building having one or more zones and one or more thermostats in communication with the associated heating or cooling components of the climate control system. In some embodiments, the climate control system comprises one or more heating or cooling systems which may be controlled by one or more thermostats. In other embodiments, the climate control system comprises a thermostat, a heating and cooling system, one or more remote temperature sensors corresponding to at least some of the one or more zones within the building, and one or more dampers corresponding to at least some of the one or more zones within the building.

Abstract: Intelligent refrigerator system for storing pharmaceutical product containers, such as vials, ampules, syringes, bottles, medication tubes, blister packs and cartons, at the point of dispensing. Embodiments of the invention use product identification technology, such as radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags and readers, to uniquely identify containers as they are added to or removed from the cold storage compartment of the refrigerator, and automatically retrieve from a local or remote database a variety of details associated with the containers and their contents, such as manufacturing data, expiration dates, time out of refrigeration, inventory levels, safety information, usage statistics, known contraindications and warnings, etc. If the details indicate that there is a problem with a particular pharmaceutical (e.g.

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.

Abstract: A vehicle air-conditioner control system according to the present invention activates an air conditioner in response to a command from an air-conditioner remote controller before a passenger is onboard, controls the air conditioner based on a heat load detected by a heat load detector, controls the air conditioner to be set in a silent mode so as not to make the passenger feel uncomfortable due to an air-conditioning wind when a passenger-proximity determiner determines that the passenger is proximate to the vehicle.

Abstract: An air conditioning system is arranged to use a power line for communication. The air conditioning system includes one or more indoor units, one or more outdoor units, and a system controller for controlling the indoor units or outdoor units and executes communications between the indoor units and the outdoor units as overlapping a signal on the power line for supplying electric power. The outdoor units are connected with the system controller through a leased communication line. The indoor unit provides a power line communication device being connected with the power line. The outdoor unit provides a leased communication device being connected with the leased communication line. A bridge is also provided for connecting the leased communication line and the power line. The control information is exchanged mutually between the indoor units, the outdoor units and the system controller through the power line.

Abstract: A thermostat assembly comprises a thermostat and a removable and replaceable first communication module physically and functionally removably connected to the thermostat. The first communication module is configured to permit information transfer between the thermostat and a first device remote from the thermostat. If more than one communication module is used to communicate with more than one device, the communication modules may operate using different communication protocols.

Abstract: An autodiscovery system for configuration information about an HVAC system being provided to a controller or thermostat. Configurations or parameters may be autodiscovered from communicating equipment. Also, this equipment may be manually selected and set without affecting the autodiscovery status of the remaining equipment. There may also be non-communicating equipment that does not provide information to the thermostat. However, the thermostat may control the non-communicating equipment via an equipment interface module.

Abstract: An interactive system for controlling the operation of an HVAC system is provide that comprises a thermostat for initiating the operation of the HVAC system in either a full capacity mode of operation or at least one reduced capacity mode of operation, and a controller for an outside condenser unit having a condenser fan motor and a compressor motor, the controller being capable of operating the compressor in a full capacity mode and at least one reduced capacity mode. The system also comprises a controller for an indoor blower unit having a blower fan motor, the controller being capable of operating the blower fan motor in a full capacity mode an at least one reduced capacity mode. The system further includes a communication means for transmitting information between the outside condenser unit controller and at least the indoor blower controller, where the information relates to the operation of the indoor blower and the outdoor condenser unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermostat including a user interface module. The user interface module has a display, a plurality of user interface buttons, and a first power and communications interface. The thermostat also includes an I/O module, the I/O module electrically coupled to a HVAC plant and the I/O module having a plurality of switches to control the HVAC plant, and a second power and communications interface. The user interface module and the I/O module are communicatively coupled and exchange power via the power and communications interfaces and the thermostat can be mounted and operated in one of two user selectable installations: a stacked configuration comprising a thermostat having the user interface module directly mounted to the I/O module, or a remote configuration comprising a thermostat having the user interface module remotely mounted from the I/O module.

Abstract: Distributed nodes, such as intelligent register controllers, of a heating, ventilating and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system wirelessly communicate with each other on a peer-to-peer basis, forming a network, and collectively control the HVAC system, without a central controller. The intelligent register controllers collectively control the amount of conditioned air introduced into each region. Each node may base its operation at least in part on information about one or more (ideally all) of the other nodes.

Abstract: The system of the present invention provides energy saving control for a water heater via an intelligent thermostat. This intelligent thermostat provides programmatic control over the HVAC system as is conventional, and provides coordinated control over the water heater temperature set point. This control over the water heater is accomplished via a communications network between the intelligent thermostat and the water heater. In one embodiment the communications are wireless, although wired and network bus communications may also be utilized. Enhanced and coordinated control is also provided so that different operational temperature cycles can be provided to coordinate with the intelligent thermostat's programmatic control of the HVAC system. Separate programmatic control of the water heater is also provided whereby different operational temperature modes may be commanded, e.g. Wake, Sleep, and Demand modes of operation.

Abstract: A variable speed control system is provided for use with a heat pump heating/cooling system having a variable speed compressor. The control system includes a remote transceiver, a second transceiver to communicate with the first transceiver, and an AC power module to communicate with the second transceiver. The AC power module further includes multiple current limiting devices and multiple temperature sensors and varies the output of the variable speed compressor by comparing the readings from the temperature sensors to a pre-determined temperature setting.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring state information in a trial run mode of a multi-airconditioning system in which a plurality of indoor units are controlled by only one outdoor unit is disclosed. The apparatus and method connects a dedicated controller to the outdoor unit in a trial run mode of the multi-airconditioning system, such that it controls the indoor units and monitors state information of the indoor and outdoor units. The apparatus includes a trial-run-mode controller and a control input & state display unit. The trial-run-mode controller connected to the outdoor unit includes a trial-run-mode program for automatically detecting poor installation of the multi-airconditioning system.

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.

Abstract: An actuator includes at least one drive arrangement configured to generate output mechanical power from input electrical power. The actuator also includes a communication line input port and a control unit. The communication line input port is configured to connect to a communication line, and is configured to obtain electrical power from the communication line. The control unit is configured to obtain first information from the communication line via the communication line input port, and is further configured to adjust the operation of the at least one drive arrangement based on the first information and based upon information identifying electrical power available for use as input electrical power.

Abstract: An indoor unit has first, second indoor side terminals to which first, second interconnection lines respectively, are connected at their one end, a third indoor side terminal to which a third interconnection line is connected at its one end, a relay with one end connected to the second indoor side terminal and another end connected to the third indoor side terminal, and a CPU. The outdoor unit has first, second outdoor side terminals as outdoor side power-receiving terminals to which the first, second interconnection lines, respectively, are connected at their other end, a third outdoor side terminal to which the third interconnection line is connected at its other end, and an outdoor control section to which electric power is supplied via the first, third outdoor side terminals. The CPU of the indoor unit turns off the switch part in the standby state.

Abstract: An electronic thermostat is disclosed comprising a connector (6) provided with means (7) for sealing an outer body (1) provided with a cavity (60) within which there is housed a circuit card (2); the thermostat comprises a temperature sensor (103) exposed to ambient temperature under control and connected to the circuit card. The temperature sensor is a semiconductor sensor and is housed inside a cavity (101) of a flange (100) removably fixed to the body (1). The circuit card (2) is provided with a memory and the thermostat comprises setting means (4) housed inside the cavity of the outer body and comprising at least one button (12-13), said connector (6) being connected to the lateral surface of the outer body (1) and said cavity (60) of the outer body communicating through an opening (73) placed at the head of said body (1) and normally covered by a removable cover (74) to enable the operator to reach said setting means (4).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a multi-air conditioner and a group-unit control method thereof, wherein a plurality of indoor units can be controlled on a group basis. The method comprises the step of grouping the indoor units into a plurality of groups, the step of if an air conditioning operation condition of a specific one of the indoor units is changed, sending, by the specific indoor unit, the changed operation condition to all the other indoor units according to a predefined communication protocol, and the step of by each of the indoor units, receiving an air conditioning operation condition sent from a different one of the indoor units in the same group and performing an air conditioning operation based on the received operation condition. According to the invention, the plurality of indoor units can be more efficiently controlled on a group basis through inter-indoor unit data communication. Further, the group-unit control is not restricted by whether a controller is used or not.

Abstract: Refrigerator for managing food by using RFID including a plurality of storage portions divided in the refrigerator for storing food, RFID devices each having storage information of each kind of food stored in the storage portions, and controller for reading the storage information and setting up the storage portion which maintains a storage condition suitable to the storage information read thus, thereby permitting easy storage of food in a storage portion having the storage condition by using the RFID device.

Abstract: A thermostat for controlling a climate control system is provided that comprises a network interface for establishing an internet connection with a website of a remote service provider, and a microprocessor for controlling the operation of a climate control system. The microprocessor is in communication with the network interface for establishing an internet connection and receiving user-specified information from a remote service provider that maintains a user-profile of information requested by the user. The thermostat further comprises a display device responsive to the microprocessor for displaying user-specified information received via the network controller from the remote service provider.

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 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 display a graphical floor plan of the building, and permit a user to drag and drop individual building control device images that correspond to the one or more building control devices onto the floor plan.

Abstract: A thermostat includes an improved user interface, including automatic scheduling, remote control, system failure warning messages, and Energy Star compliance messages. Diagnostics can be provided without additional communication links to the thermostat. A sub-base accepts multiple thermostats and uses color coded terminals to ease installation. Glow-in-the dark features reduce power needs. In one embodiment, thermostats are coupled to AC power sources and communicate using wireless communications to control an HVAC system. A dampered system can be effected through a thermostat that communicates directly with zoned dampers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a control interface for environment control systems. An embodiment of a controller for a climate control system includes a memory to store a plurality of constraints for the climate control system and a processor to choose a current climate control activity, the current climate control activity being based at least in part on the constraints. The controller includes a user control interface to provide information to a user, the information identifying the current climate control activity of the climate control system and a constraint that influenced the choice of the current activity.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a system for controlling a vehicle climate control system in response to starting an engine with a remote start operation is provided. The system includes a first sensor for generating a cabin temperature signal indicative of a temperature within the vehicle. The system further includes a controller for controlling idle speed of the engine in response to the cabin temperature signal such that the controlled idle speed enables the climate control system to achieve a desired temperature.

Abstract: An equipment monitoring device for monitoring a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system configured to control an internal environment of a structure may include a current transformer configured to sense current being supplied from a power source to a first component of the HVAC system and a gauge configured to display the amount of current being supplied from the power source to the first component based on the current sensed by the current transformer.

Abstract: An air movement system including a blower and an external controller operable to receive signals from a sensing device and generate a command based on the received signals. The command includes an address. The system also includes a communication channel coupled to the external controller and configured to communicate the command, and a motor assembly operable to drive the blower. The motor assembly includes a stator and rotor assembly coupled to the blower, and a drive circuit coupled to the stator and rotor assembly. The motor assembly includes a second controller and a memory. The memory includes a set of data having a plurality of addresses and an instruction associated with each address, respectively.

Abstract: A room heating system includes a heatable floor having a floor heating system, and a room thermostat having a room air sensor and being connected with a regulating unit for the floor heating system. The temperature control in a room is improved by providing the room thermostat with a surface temperature sensor, which determines a temperature on the surface of the floor from a distance.

Abstract: An integrated distributed control system incorporates a plurality of micro electromechanical system (MEMS) modules formed into a functional network which is in turn integrated into a management network. The functional network is configured to sense a condition such as an operating characteristic of a machine or the temperature within an area and to provide control functions to effect changes in the condition.

Abstract: A remote wireless climate monitoring and control system for a greenhouse is provided. The system includes a wireless sensor network including a plurality of sensor nodes for monitoring climate conditions in the greenhouse and controlling one or more climate control systems. The system also includes a server computer system located remotely from the greenhouse. The server computer system is coupled to the wireless sensor network over a communications network for receiving data from and controlling operation of the sensor nodes. The server computer system is also coupled to a device operated by an end-user over a communications network for transmitting the data to and receiving remote control commands or queries from the end-user.

Abstract: A central control system and method for controlling air conditioners. The central control system performs central control operations for the air conditioners according to an operation schedule or control command inputted from a central controller coupled to the air conditioners through an internal network or a remote controller accessible to an external Internet network. When the air conditioners are simultaneously operated, control signals based on the control command are adjusted to prevent electric power consumption from abruptly increasing and hence the stability and reliability of control can be improved. The central controller includes a touch screen-based monitor. A control program included in the central controller provides a timetable corresponding to a specified period. An operator can conveniently input/edit the operation schedule through a dragging operation performed on the monitor, and confirm the inputted/edited operation schedule.

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.

Abstract: System (10) for remotely controlling and monitoring a food refrigerator (1), and its content, of the type intended to be given in rental or in free loan from a manufacturer to a vendor of cold products, comprising a control unit (2) for checking and storing a plurality of functioning parameters of the food refrigerator (1), an RFID reader (3) intended to read data stored in a plurality of RFID tags attached to the cold products, a communication unit (4) for interconnecting an external device, the RFID reader (3) comprising means for retrieving data from said RFID tags when the cold products are still stocked inside the food refrigerator (1) and the communication unit (4) localization means for transmitting information to the external device about a geographical localization of the food refrigerator (1). System (10) according to claim 1 wherein said means produce a radio frequency signal at predetermined time intervals for activating said RFID tags.