Auxiliary Heater Applied To Main Temperature Sensing Means Patents (Class 236/68B)
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Patent number: 5655709Abstract: A temperature control system is shown in which a thermostat circuit is combined with a power supply to produce a higher anticipator current for a W1 signal while reducing power consumption and heat generation of the circuit. A first relay power signal is provided by an unbalanced bridge rectifier (D1, D2, D3, D4, D7, D8) while current drawn through the anticipator resistor (AR1) by means of an additional bridge rectifier circuit (D7, D8, D9, D10) is merged with the first relay power signal. In a second embodiment, an unbalanced bridge rectifier (D1, D4, D7, D2, D3, D8) has an output connected to a first stage relay power signal line as well as to second and third relay power signal lines.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1996Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Ronald E. Garnett, Walter H. Bailey
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Patent number: 5619860Abstract: A controlling apparatus for an air conditioner includes a relay serving to control the feeding of electricity to a compressor, a semiconductor element including a controlling terminal to control the feeding of electricity to a magnetizing coil of said relay, a temperature controlling mechanism for changing the connected state between contact points thereof to another one depending on a preset temperature value and a detected temperature value, a heating section adapted to generate heat by feeding a small quantity of electric current while performing temperature compensation in association with the changing operation with the contact points in the temperature controlling mechanism connected to each other, electricity transmitting paths each serving to feed the electricity fed from the contact points in the temperature controlling mechanism to the controlling terminal of each of the semiconductor elements therethrough, and a restricting circuit for allowing the semiconductor elements disposed in the electricityType: GrantFiled: June 2, 1994Date of Patent: April 15, 1997Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tsuchiyama Yuji, Shimizu Masayuki
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Patent number: 5615829Abstract: A thermostat for controlling an air conditioning system has a selectable cycling rate. A manually variable resistor element is connected in parallel with the thermostat's standard anticipator resistor. In a preferred embodiment, the manually variable resistor element comprises a series circuit formed from a manually operable switch in series connection with a cycling modifier anticipator resistor is connected across the power terminals of the thermostat. By closing the switch, additional heat is supplied to the thermostat's temperature sensing element during the times when the thermostat is not providing power to the air conditioning system. The additional heat causes the thermostat to cycle the air conditioning unit more rapidly.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: April 1, 1997Assignee: Honeywell Inc.Inventor: Richard B. Porter
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Patent number: 5467920Abstract: An electromechanical thermostat has a fixed value voltage anticipator resistor and a variable anticipator resistor for series connection with the load. This allows a single thermostat to control either a high efficiency furnace requiring a relatively low cycle rate or a furnace of conventional efficiency which can function at a higher cycle rate. Preferably, the voltage anticipator resistor is selected to give the cycle rate required by high efficiency furnaces when the resistance of the variable anticipator resistor is set to zero ohms. If the thermostat is shipped with the variable resistor set to zero ohms, the installer will not have to adjust the variable resistor whenever the thermostat is installed in a system requiring that cycle rate.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1994Date of Patent: November 21, 1995Assignee: Honeywell Inc.Inventor: Richard B. Porter
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Patent number: 5423479Abstract: A temperature control system for a building or the like having a plurality of individually-controlled temperature zones wherein temperature variations from a set temperature generate actuating signals for valves, dampers or other regulating devices to vary temperatures in respective zones. The regulating devices are controlled by electrical-to-mechanical transducers which convert electrical actuating signals from a central controller to mechanical displacements at respective regulating devices. Each actuator has a piston assembly operated by working pressures which vary as a function of temperature in the zone being controlled. Pressure on the piston assembly is controlled from an expansion chamber containing an evaporatable-condensable refrigerant which is selectively heated and/or cooled by a semiconductor thermoelectric module.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1993Date of Patent: June 13, 1995Assignee: Galen E. NicholsInventor: Galen E. Nichols
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Patent number: 5324112Abstract: The device comprises a heat-sensitive element which is heated to a controllable extent so as to keep it at a predetermined temperature, for example, average body temperature. Detector means measure the power or energy required to keep the heat-sensitive element at this predetermined temperature, thus providing a signal indicative of the thermal comfort conditions of the environment. The heat-sensitive element has a general elongated shape so that it can be inserted, for example, into a motor vehicle safety belt, ensuring that the indication obtained indicates the general thermal comfort conditions throughout the entire region of the environment in which the heat-sensitive element extends.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1992Date of Patent: June 28, 1994Assignee: Fiat Auto S.p.A.Inventors: Mario Palazzetti, Gianfranco Salotti, Fabio Mingrino
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Patent number: 5240178Abstract: A space temperature control which prevents overshoot and undershoot of a desired space temperature by adjusting a subsequent sensed space temperature as a function of a previous sensed maximum space temperature to deenergize a space conditioning device at the adjusted temperature to maintain the desired space temperature.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 1991Date of Patent: August 31, 1993Inventors: Thomas L. Dewolf, Thomas R. Phillips, Ronald W. Bench
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Patent number: 5102230Abstract: A thermal environment sensor has a single temperature detector for detecting temperature and producing an output representative of the detected temperature, the temperature detector having, when heated by a predetermined constant power, a convective heat transfer coefficient giving it a wind velocity dependent temperature drop characteristic in close conformity with the wind velocity dependence of the effective temperature drop felt by a human body. A heater is provided for heating the temperature detector, and an electric power supply is connected to the heater for supplying the heater with a constant electric power corresponding to the predetermined constant power, and a temperature estimating circuit is connected to the temperature detector for correcting the output of the temperature detector by a predetermined constant temperature difference for thereby obtaining the effective temperature felt by a human body.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1991Date of Patent: April 7, 1992Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Masahiro Kobayashi, Noboru Kobayashi, Kazuhisa Shigemori
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Patent number: 5070932Abstract: A thermostat for controlling the temperature within a space to be conditioned includes a system mode selector switch for selecting one of the heating, cooling or off modes of operation and a blower mode selector switch for selecting an automatic (cycling) or continuous mode of operation for the blower for blowing air into the confined space. Within the thermostat are heating actuating switches for one or more stages with associated anticipators and a cooling actuating switch with associated anticipator. An ambient compensating thermistor and a fixed resistor in series therewith are associated with the thermostat. Enhanced outdoor temperature compensation is provided by an outdoor positive temperature compensating thermistor in series with a variable resistor, which are arranged in parallel with the fixed resistor.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 1991Date of Patent: December 10, 1991Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.Inventor: Robert C. Vlasak
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Patent number: 5044768Abstract: A thermal environment sensor has a single temperature detector for detecting temperature and producing an output representative of the detected temperature, the temperature detector having, when heated by a predetermined constant power, a convective heat transfer coefficient giving it a wind velocity dependent temperature drop characteristic in close conformity with the wind velocity dependence of the effective temperature drop felt by a human body. A heater is provided for heating the temperature detector, and an electric power supply is connected to the heater for supplying the heater with a constant electric power corresponding to the predetermined constant power, and a temperature estimating circuit is connected to the temperature detector for correcting the output of the temperature detector by a predetermined constant temperature difference for thereby obtaining the effective temperature felt by a human body.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1989Date of Patent: September 3, 1991Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Masahiro Kobayashi, Noboru Kobayashi, Kazuhisa Shigemori
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Patent number: 5039010Abstract: A conventional thermostat has separate high and low temperature switches for controlling a reversible motor driving a modulating damper or valve whose position controls the temperature of an enclosure by controlling the injection and removal of heat from the enclosure. In the improvement, relay contacts control the current flow to the thermostat's heat and cool anticipator resistors, and only relay control current flows through the motor windings. This avoids degraded motor performance resulting from anticipator resistor current flow through the motor windings and makes the anticipator resistor current level independent of the motor impedance. The relay chosen is one whose activating element draws very little current to close the relay contacts. The preferred embodiment uses a solid state relay which includes a light emitting diode whose light emissions control the impedance of a semiconductor circuit forming the "contacts" of the relay.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1990Date of Patent: August 13, 1991Assignee: Honeywell Inc.Inventor: Robert D. Juntunen
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Patent number: 5014520Abstract: A control device, refrigerator system utilizing the control device and methods of making the same are provided, the control device comprising a housing having a valve seat and having an inlet and an outlet interconnected together by the valve seat, a movable valve member carried by the housing and being adapted to open and close the valve seat by being respectively moved to an open position thereof and a closed position thereof, a coiled compression shape memory spring carried by the housing and being operatively interconnected to the valve member to move the valve member to one of the positions thereof by the spring axially expanding from a closed coil bound condition thereof upon the spring sensing a temperature above a first temperature and to move the valve member to the other of the positions thereof by the spring axially contracting into the closed coil bound condition thereof upon the spring sensing a temperature below a second temperature, and an electrically operated heater having at least a portionType: GrantFiled: April 6, 1990Date of Patent: May 14, 1991Assignee: Robertshaw Controls CompanyInventors: Robert E. Orner, Aurelio V. Cassarino, Roger P. Sepso
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Patent number: 5002226Abstract: An electromechanical thermostat for controlling the on/off cycle of a heating/cooling unit. The thermostat has a temperature sensing element with a variable position according to the sensed temperature. Associated with the sensing element is a switch member that provides on/off signals in response to the position of the sensing element. The thermostat has mechanical heat anticipation to control the generation of the on/off signals. In the preferred embodiment the mechanical heat anticipation is accomplished by a stepper motor which varies the position of either the sensing element or switch member to simulate thermal heat anticipation. The thermostat also has a mechanical structure to reduce or eliminate thermostat droop. Preferably this structure includes a control circuit to detect the duty cycle of the heating/cooling unit and mechanically and automatically adjusts the thermostat set point.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1990Date of Patent: March 26, 1991Assignee: Honeywell, Inc.Inventor: Lorne W. Nelson
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Patent number: 4979672Abstract: A shape memory actuator for controlling the position of a control member, such as a damper plate in a duct, the actuator including first and second shape memory elements each having an austenite phase transition temperature above which each element assumes a predetermined memory shape and a lower phase which forms when said element is stretched from the predetermined memory shape, the first and second elements being connected to move the control member in different directions when one or the other of the elements are heated to a temperature above its austenite phase transition temperature and an electrical circuit for selectively raising the temperature of one or the other of the elements. The control member may be held in a position between full open and full closed by holding mechanisms which connect the actuator to the control member.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1990Date of Patent: December 25, 1990Assignee: Johnson Service CompanyInventors: David N. AbuJudom, II, Paul E. Thoma, Roger V. Hajny, Steven A. Linstead
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Patent number: 4889179Abstract: An apparatus for interconnecting a four wire control such as a thermostat and a four wire system such as a heating/cooling system with two wires. An encoder encodes signals provided by the thermostat so that four encoded signals may be transmitted over a two wire system. The apparatus includes inductors which are selectively connected to the thermostat thereby providing varying signals which can be delivered over the two wires between the thermostat and the system.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1987Date of Patent: December 26, 1989Assignee: J. R. Microwave, Inc.Inventor: Joseph T. Merenda
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Patent number: 4886110Abstract: An HVAC system for a plurality of zones comprising an air handling unit including a blower, a plurality of heating stages and a plurality of cooling stages. The air handling unit is connected via ducts to each of the zones, each zone having an air outlet provided with a two-position damper which is either open or closed and a thermostat for providing an input signal to a microprocessor. The microprocessor has outputs for activating motors to move the dampers and outputs for activating the heating and cooling stages. The system includes an automatic mode of operation in which the microprocessor controls the number of stages of heating or cooling which are energized in dependence on the difference between the number of zone therostats calling for heating and the number of zone thermostats calling for cooling.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1988Date of Patent: December 12, 1989Assignee: Valera Electronics Inc.Inventor: Ronald E. Jackson
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Patent number: 4879879Abstract: Apparatus for controlling a heating or cooling system of the type that includes an evaporator and a thermostatic expansion valve having a thermostatic bulb. The control apparatus comprises a thermoelectric heat pump device responsive to an electrical control signal for controlling transfer of thermal energy to and from the thermostatic bulb, at least one temperature sensing device associated with the heating or cooling system, and an electronic control circuit. The control circuit is responsive to the sensed temperature to provide the electrical control signal to the thermoelectric device for maintaining a desired operating condition of the evaporator. The thermoelectric device acts as a gate or heat pump for controlling flow of thermal energy to and from the thermostatic bulb with a relatively small amount of electrical energy input.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1988Date of Patent: November 14, 1989Inventors: Joseph Marsala, Melvin M. Winters
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Patent number: 4844117Abstract: A fluid level controller having a thermal expansion element in the form of cylinder made from polytetrafluoroethylene. The cylinder is located in a container which is connected to a supply of cryogenic fluid by a ball valve. When the cryogenic fluid in the container reaches the level of the cylinder and cools it, the cylinder shrinks and causes a lever to close the ball valve. When the cryogenic fluid falls below the level of the cylinder, the cylinder expands and the lever opens the ball valve and permits cryogenic fluid to flow through the valve and into the container. The cylinder has a heating element disposed in its interior to hasten the response of the cylinder to a change in the fluid level.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 1989Date of Patent: July 4, 1989Assignee: NCR CorporationInventor: Ken Sung
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Patent number: 4842192Abstract: A thermostat controlled circuit for a bias heater located adjacent the thermostat connected to a source of alternating electrical power. The control circuit has a manually operated switch for providing a temperature level signal. A triac having a gate terminal and first and second terminals connected in series with the AC power source and the bias heater is provided. A transistor circuit controls the operation of the triac and is connected to the gate of the triac to provide a signal for turning on the triac periodically. The microprocessor supplies an enable signal to the transistor circuit at predetermined time intervals to cause the transistor circuit to activate the triac. The triac turns off at the next zero crossing of the AC line current after the microprocessor has removed the enable signal from the transistor circuit. The point in time of turning on the triac may be synchronous or asynchronous with the AC line current.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1987Date of Patent: June 27, 1989Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Michael E. Range, David P. Langendonk
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Patent number: 4775100Abstract: A line voltage setback thermostat retrofitable over existing single width electrical wall outlet boxes. A metal deck plate is attached to the box and extends laterally beyond along the wall. The line load switch is mounted to the deck plate back and extends into the box and is covered with a metal cover. A resistor under the metal cover provides heat for setback mode operation of a bi-metal element which operates the load switch. A timer for energizing the resistor and surface wiring are surface mounted on the extended portion of the deck. A plastic cover is attached to the deck plate from the back and covers the timer and surface wiring and also retains the metal switch cover. An outer bezel with adjustment knobs extending therethrough provides indicia for setting the thermostat and timer.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1987Date of Patent: October 4, 1988Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Glenn C. Gouldey, Eugene M. Shanahan, Robert E. Smith
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Patent number: 4760954Abstract: The invention relates to a heating system of the type in which a radiator in a room has the flow of a heated fluid thereto from a central source such as a boiler controlled by a thermostatic valve. The valve normally has a sensor associated therewith to which the valve reacts which senses room temperature. An electrical heating resistor is positioned in close proximity to the sensor. A solar cell positioned as in a window so as to be impinged upon by rays of the sun is electrically connected to the heating resistor and the resulting current developed by the solar cell is utilized to effect a heating of the resistor which is related to the intensity and angle of the sun's rays. The heat generated by the resistor supplements the sensed room temperature so that the valve is operated in a way which takes into account the radiant energy to which a room is subjected by the sun.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1987Date of Patent: August 2, 1988Assignee: Danfoss A/SInventor: Allan H. Hansen
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Patent number: 4725713Abstract: A system for electrically heating a hose of the type used to transport one or more fluid components from a remote location to a point of application includes at least one fluid conduit and an electric heating element enclosed within a thermal insulation blanket to form a hose construction having predetermined heat transfer characteristics. A remotely positioned module enclosed in a thermal insulation blanket and containing an electric heater and temperature sensor provides a hose simulator having heat transfer characteristics substantially identical to that of the hose. An electrical power drive circuit connected in parallel to the hose heating element and the module heater is controlled by a temperature control circuit responsive to the temperature sensed within the module by the temperature sensor. The temperature control circuit is further responsive to an ambient temperature sensor physically separated from the hose and module.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1985Date of Patent: February 16, 1988Assignee: Graco Inc.Inventor: Kenneth E. Lehrke
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Patent number: 4703795Abstract: A multistage space thermostat control system for controlling a refrigeration heat pump and a furnace controls the heat pump from a first stage of a space thermostat and a furnace from a second stage with anticipation circuit means associated with said thermostat control system which is changed in effectiveness depending upon the operation to reduce temperature swings in the space.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1984Date of Patent: November 3, 1987Assignee: Honeywell Inc.Inventor: Thomas J. Beckey
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Patent number: 4681296Abstract: A valve construction and method of making the same are provided, the valve construction comprising a housing, a valve seat carried by the housing, a movable lever carried by the housing and having an opening passing through opposed sides thereof, a valve member for opening and closing the valve seat and having a stem projecting through the opening of the lever whereby the valve member is carried by the lever, and a tubular member disposed in the opening of the lever and telescopically receiving the stem of the valve member therein whereby the tubular member spaces the stem from the lever at the opening thereof.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1986Date of Patent: July 21, 1987Assignee: Robertshaw Controls CompanyInventor: Harvey J. Shopsky
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Patent number: 4598764Abstract: A control system for a refrigeration heat pump apparatus and an auxiliary heating apparatus has a two stage thermostat with the first stage normally controlling the heat pump apparatus and the second stage normally controlling the auxiliary heating apparatus. An outdoor temperature thermostat is used to transfer the control of the auxiliary heating apparatus to the first stage when the outdoor temperature drops below a predetermined value and the heat pump is deenergized as its efficiency drops at that low outdoor temperature. Each of the stages of the thermostat has an anticipation means such as a heater to artificially heat the temperature responsive element. In order to improve the control and reduce the large change in temperature when the auxiliary heat is switched over to the first stage, both of the anticipation heaters of the first and second stage are connected to be controlled by the first stage during the operation of auxiliary heat by the first stage.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1984Date of Patent: July 8, 1986Assignee: Honeywell Inc.Inventor: Thomas J. Beckey
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Patent number: 4587403Abstract: A sub-base for use in conjunction with thermostats for controlling air conditioned spaces includes a false heat device and a radio frequency receiver and control circuit for turning on and off the false heat device to provide temperature setback control for the thermostat. The sub-base may be mounted between the thermostat and the existing wall mounting structure and is adapted to be connected to the thermostat control conductors for a source of power for the sub-base and to receive radio frequency signals transmitted over the thermostat conductors.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 1983Date of Patent: May 6, 1986Assignee: Snyder General CorporationInventor: Robert P. Shapess
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Patent number: 4582249Abstract: A multizone control system utilizes a series of timers to ensure that all of the heat supplied to the system is utilized. Timers are used to control transfer of heat from the temperature modifying plant to the zones. The timers are further arranged to bring "on" additional heat to the heat anticipator of the zone of lower demand thereby tending to synchronize the operation of zones and allow for more efficient supply of the heat exchange medium throughout the areas being controlled.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1984Date of Patent: April 15, 1986Assignee: Honeywell Inc.Inventor: Lorne W. Nelson
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Patent number: 4524908Abstract: The assembly comprises a heat emitting element located in a thermostat and an electrical circuit for selectively energizing and deenergizing said element by means of local control or remotely activated circuitry. The assembly has means for allowing varying amounts of predetermined current to be conducted through said element. This allows for an unlimited variety of control over the amount of heating or cooling provided through direct or remote operation as specifically desired by the operator of the system.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1983Date of Patent: June 25, 1985Inventors: John Marshall, Henry B. Clark, Jr.
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Patent number: 4500036Abstract: An actuating mechanism comprises a lower housing portion and an upper housing portion. The lower housing portion is cup-shaped and receives a mounting plate into which a thermostatically working element together with a heating coil are inserted. The lower housing portion comprises leaves which are shielded by an insulating plate. Apertures in the insulating plate allow penetration of a working piston of the working element and of contact pins through the mounting plate during assembly of the housing portions whereat the contact pins engage the contact leaves so that the heating coil is supplied with a voltage only in the assembled condition of the actuating mechanism. A compression spring seves as an abutment for the mounting plate.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1984Date of Patent: February 19, 1985Assignee: Honeywell Inc.Inventor: Rudolf Vollmer
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Patent number: 4497437Abstract: A control device is proposed having a bimetallic element, one end of which is pressed into a holding groove provided on a metallic holder disposed in a housing. Fixed placement of bimetallic element over the lifetime of the control device is thus ensured. A method of making such a device is also proposed.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1982Date of Patent: February 5, 1985Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Siegfried Fehrenbach, Kurt Herbst, Eberhard Utz
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Patent number: 4489882Abstract: A thermostat uses a source of a signal representing anticipation heat which is transmitted to a circuit to be combined with a signal from a temperature sensing element with a first time constant or delay when the thermostat is "ON", i.e., controlling a heat source to supply heat to a heat receiver and with a different time constant or delay when the thermostat is "OFF", i.e., controlling the heat source to interrupt the supply of heat to the heat receiver.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1983Date of Patent: December 25, 1984Assignee: Honeywell Inc.Inventor: Larry C. Rodgers
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Patent number: 4484725Abstract: A bimetal driven control valve comprises: a main body having an inflow channel, an outflow channel, and an orifice which connects the inflow channel and the outflow channel; a first bimetal which constitutes part of a tubular body, an outer portion of the bimetal being fixed to the main body; a second bimetal which constitutes part of the tubular body and whose outer circumferential surface is formed by the same metal used for the inner circumferential surface of the first bimetal, and whose inner circumferential surface is formed by the same metal used for the outer circumferential surface of the first bimetal, the inner circumferential surface of the second bimetal being opposed to the inner circumferential surface of the first bimetal: hinges for connecting respective ends of the first and second bimetals to form the tubular body; a value member which is mounted in the main body and which is connected to an outer portion of the second bimetal for moving the valve member between a first position at which thType: GrantFiled: October 5, 1981Date of Patent: November 27, 1984Assignee: Fuji Koki Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kenji Yoshiga
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Patent number: 4441329Abstract: A temperature control system including an enclosure defining a zone to be temperature controlled, a primary temperature conditioner for controlling ambient temperature within the zone, a temperature sensing mechanism for producing temperature signals dependent on localized temperature within the zone, a controller for controlling the primary temperature conditioner in response to the temperature signal, an error detector for monitoring the temperature signal and producing error signals in response to predetermined abnormal output conditions thereof, an auxiliary temperature conditioner disposed in close heat transfer relationship with the sensing mechanism and selectively energizable during test periods to substantially alter the localized temperatures sensed by the sensing mechanism without substantially changing the ambient temperature within the zone, and a fault detector for producing fault signals in response to given defective output conditions of the temperature signal during the test periods.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1982Date of Patent: April 10, 1984Inventor: Robert E. Dawley
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Patent number: 4412650Abstract: A snap acting heat motor operated gas valve having a valve member carried by a spring blade that is secured to one end of an electrically heated control bimetal strip. Magnetic means associated with the spring blade normally bias the valve member to a closed position to permit opening of the valve member upon a predetermined heating of the control bimetal member and to effect a snap action opening and closing of the valve member. An ambient temperature compensating bimetal member has a cantilever portion in spaced relation to the control bimetal strip and acting on the spring blade to offset the effects of ambient temperature changes upon the control bimetal member.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1982Date of Patent: November 1, 1983Assignee: Essex Group, Inc.Inventors: Kevin L. Young, Jesse H. Turner
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Patent number: 4375753Abstract: An air conditioner comprising:a compressor for compressing a refrigerant,an outdoor heat-exchanger,a pressure reducing device which controls flow rate of said refrigerant,an indoor heat-exchanger,refrigerant pipes connecting said compressor, said outdoor heat-exchanger, said valve and said indoor heat-exchanger in series,characterized in thatsaid pressure reducing device is a thermal electric type expansion valve comprising a bimetal piece held in a heat insulated manner and to move its moving part responding to an input electric power to a heater to heat said bimetal piece thereby to change flow rate of said valve and,said air conditioner further comprises an electric power output means which issues said input electric power, value of which changes responding to a refrigerant state difference between a first refrigerant state measured by a first measurement element disposed on either one of said indoor heat-exchanger or said outdoor heat-exchanger that is functioning as an evaporator and a second refrigerantType: GrantFiled: March 31, 1980Date of Patent: March 8, 1983Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenichiro Imasu, Akira Nakazawa, Masataka Yamane, Kengo Takahashi
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Patent number: 4347976Abstract: The invention relates to a valve assembly for a refrigeration plant of the kind used for controlling the flow of refrigerant from the evaporator to the compressor. The closure member for the valve unit is controlled directly or indirectly by a reference pressure generator having an expansible chamber filled with a refrigerant medium having vapor and liquid phases. The pressure exerted by the vapor phase of the medium provides a bias for controlling the valve and is directly related to the temperature of the liquid phase. A heat transfer element such as a heating resistor in the liquid phase is heated or allowed to cool in a controlled manner by an external control unit. A temperature responsive sensor element in the liquid phase of the medium is part of a feedback system for the control unit which allows a selected temperature to be maintained in the chamber which results in a desired constant pressure in a valve opening direction to be maintained in a chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 1980Date of Patent: September 7, 1982Assignee: Danfoss A/SInventor: Jakob S. Jakobsen
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Patent number: 4328528Abstract: A condition control device has been shown as a thermostat that not only controls, but draws power from the same two conductors. The drawing of power from the control conductors is accomplished by momentarily opening the control circuit and allowing a charge to be stored on an energy storage means. The control of the operation of the switching relies on a voltage controlled oscillator that is synchronized to the line frequency during the slight period of time that the solid state load switch means that controls the load is deenergized.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1980Date of Patent: May 4, 1982Assignee: Honeywell Inc.Inventor: Arlon D. Kompelien
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Patent number: 4324745Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for automatically regulating a choke valve mounted in a carburetor. The device comprises a housing fixed to the body of a carburetor, a bimetal coil provided in the housing and connected to a choke valve shaft urging the choke valve to a closed or open position, an electric heater device located adjacent to the bimetal coil, and a heat conductive member interposed between the bimetal coil and the heater device. Each surface of the heat conductive member is kept in contact with both the heater device and the bimetal coil. Particularly, the bimetal coil is formed in a conical shape and mounted on a retainer, thus being operable to press the heat conductive member with its compressive spring force so as to receive the heat output from the heater device efficiently and quickly by direct heat conduction.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1980Date of Patent: April 13, 1982Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasuaki Kono, Hisaharu Arai
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Patent number: 4315137Abstract: A thermostat range control device for maintaining a thermostat temperature that has a substantially constant difference with respect to room temperature, and which allows the thermostat to respond quickly and accurately to changes in room temperature. The device includes a detachable enclosure for substantially enclosing the thermostat, a distributed heater within the enclosure having multiple openings therein for providing generally uniform heat within the enclosure, means for allowing room temperature air to enter the enclosure at a level below the thermostat, and means for allowing heated air within the enclosure to exit from the enclosure at a level above the thermostat, in a manner such that substantially only heated air passes the thermostat.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1980Date of Patent: February 9, 1982Inventor: Harald Dahms
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Patent number: 4270597Abstract: A thermostat adapted to regulate the operation of a heating system and a cooling system in response to the temperature in a space conditioned by the systems. The thermostat has a pair of means selectively movable to respective ones of adjusted positions and adapted for sensing the temperature of the space within a preselected temperature range, respectively. A pair of sets of at least three switching means are associated with the sensing means and are operable for controlling the operation of the heating system and the cooling system, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1979Date of Patent: June 2, 1981Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Dann W. Denny
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Patent number: 4254906Abstract: The illustrated embodiment is electronic. It includes circuitry for simulating heat anticipation so that in operation, the temperature of the room being heated or cooled does not exhibit excessive overshoot. A signal is generated representative of a desired set point, and another signal is generated representative of room temperature. An output signal, derived from a comparison circuit, is either ON or OFF. An integrator is reset each time the output signal is switched and generates a ramp voltage of increasing magnitude and having a polarity tending to reverse the state of the comparison circuit. The comparison circuit generates an ON signal when the set point signal is greater than the combined temperature and ramp signals; and it generates an OFF signal when the set point signal is less than the combined signals. The comparison circuit latches up once it has switched to avoid hunting or chatter.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1979Date of Patent: March 10, 1981Assignee: Johnson Controls, Inc.Inventor: Thomas E. Hayes
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Patent number: 4248377Abstract: The invention relates to a controlled heating system for maintaining a predetermined or set temperature in a medium of small dimensions which may be a gas, liquid or solid. A single element such as a power transistor functions as a heat transfer device for supplying heat to the medium and as a heat sensing device for sensing temperature changes in the medium which can be fed back and serve as control data for supplying make-up heat to maintain a predetermined temperature. The transistor supplies heat via heat dissipation in its collector-emitter path and senses heat changes via its base-emitter voltage which varies in response to temperature changes in the medium. The controlled heating may be applied to a valve assembly for a refrigeration plant of the kind used for controlling the flow of refrigerant from the evaporator to the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 1978Date of Patent: February 3, 1981Assignee: Danfoss A/SInventor: Jakob S. Jakobsen
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Patent number: 4247040Abstract: A control method and mechanism for switching heat generating equipment which requires the steps of:positioning a control box containing a block positioned within an insulating material in association with a building;maintaining the block within the control box at a first pre-set temperature (T1) during shut down conditions of a heating system incorporated within the building and which is to be operated by the control box;deactivating at a pre-determined period prior to the time the building is to be occupied a heater which has maintained the block at its pre-determined temperature;allowing the block to cool to a pre-determined temperature (T2); andactivating a main control mechanism or switch of the heating system when the block has cooled to the pre-determined temperature (T2) so that the building is heated to reach a desired temperature at start time for use of the building.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1979Date of Patent: January 27, 1981Assignee: A & T Burt LimitedInventor: William E. Davey
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Patent number: 4205782Abstract: A temperature control system includes a plurality of spaced independent thermostats, each of which has a temperature sensing means and a resistive heat source positioned closely adjacent the temperature sensing means. The resistive heat sources are connected in parallel and there is a timing device and a control circuit for regulating the application of power connected between the parallel combination of the resistive heat sources and a source of power.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1978Date of Patent: June 3, 1980Assignee: Candel, Inc.Inventor: Joseph L. Cannella
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Patent number: 4188604Abstract: There is provided a regulator for wall thermostats. The regulator is operated by a timer, and provides a warm air stream upwardly beneath a thermostat to cause the thermostat to lower the house temperature between specific hours, such as at night, and cuts off the warm air stream for the remainder of the day. A housing defines an air passage which has manual means for restricting it to a greater or lesser degree. Illumination and heating means are provided within the housing which simultaneously heats the air to promote convective flow upwardly, and illuminates the manual means.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 1977Date of Patent: February 12, 1980Assignee: Polygauge Industries Ltd.Inventor: Richard C. Maybee
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Patent number: 4171769Abstract: A temperature anticipator and night light apparatus which may be conveniently utilized with existing heating systems by mounting the apparatus within an air-flow influencing distance from a conventional thermostat which controls the heating system. When operating, the apparatus provides a convection flow of heated air during prescribed time intervals in order to cause the thermostat to turn off the heating system prior to reaching the setting thereon.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 1977Date of Patent: October 23, 1979Inventor: Philip N. Trimpey
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Patent number: 4136823Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for preventing or limiting water damage caused by leakage from pipes or appliances in which a sensing element in the form of a pair of conductors having current applied thereto is positioned in an area to sense accumulation of water from leakage. The sensing element is connected to a resettable relay to operate the same when current flows between conductors of the sensing element. The relay is bi-stable and resettable and operates to disconnect the sensing element after initial conduction and to further apply heat through the heating element to a thermostatic valve to operate the thermostatic valve in a direction to close off water flow to piping or apparatus in which leakage occurs.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1977Date of Patent: January 30, 1979Inventor: Bengt G. A. E. Kullberg
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Patent number: 4114681Abstract: A thermostat adapted for operation in a heating mode and a cooling mode so as to regulate the temperature of a space in which the thermostat may be located. The thermostat has means adjustably movable therein toward selected positions respectively indicative of a selected temperature of the space and operable in the selected positions for sensing the temperature of the space. A pair of means are disposed in heat transfer relation with the sensing means and energized during the heating mode operation and the cooling mode operation of the thermostat for supplying anticipation heat to the sensing means, respectively. Means is disposed in heat transfer relation with the sensing means and energized during the heating mode operation of the thermostat for transferring biasing heat to the sensing means so as to supplement the anticipation heat supplied to the sensing means by one of the supplying means upon the energization thereof during the heating mode operation of the thermostat.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1976Date of Patent: September 19, 1978Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Dann W. Denny
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Patent number: RE30493Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for preventing or limiting water damage caused by leakage from pipes or appliances in which a sensing element in the form of a pair of conductors having current applied thereto is positioned in an area to sense accumulation of water from leakage. The sensing element is connected to a resettable relay to operate the same when current flows between conductors of the sensing element. The relay is bi-stable and resettable and operates to disconnect the sensing element after initial conduction and to further apply heat through the heating element to a thermostatic valve to operate the thermostatic valve in a direction to close off water flow to piping or apparatus in which leakage occurs.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1979Date of Patent: January 27, 1981Inventor: Bengt G. A. E. Kullberg
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Patent number: RE31502Abstract: A control system for energizing and de-energizing an external load in series with a source of electricity incorporates a rectifying network having inputs in series with the alternating current source and the external load. An electronic switch of the system activates the load by effectively shorting together the inputs to the control system when the combination of externally sensed parameters obtain predetermined magnitudes. The sensed parameters control the activation of the electronic switch by a plurality of control modules which interact with a control logic module, representing a Boolean combination of the control module outputs, so as to activate a trigger module which in turn causes the electronic switch, such as a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) to be triggered. The external load is then energized by the SCR effectively shorting the inputs to the control system and which thus completes the electrical path from the source of electricity through the load.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1978Date of Patent: January 17, 1984Inventor: Richard P. Gingras