Abstract: A method for adjusting the continuous speed of the blower of a heating and/or cooling system of the type including a thermostat having a mode selector switch which has at least one heating position, a cooling position, and an off position, a fan switch having an on position or state and an auto position or state, and a programmable control device responsive to the thermostat for generating speed select signals for use in setting the speed of the blower motor. The programmable control device is programmed or reprogrammed so that, when the mode selector switch is in its off position or when there is no call for heating or cooling at the thermostat, time dependent movements of the fan switch away from and back to its on position are recognized as requests for changes in the continuous speed of the blower motor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for controlling discharged-air temperature for a vehicular air-conditioning system, comprising a duct, a cooling medium circuit, a heating medium circuit, an air-mixing unit, and an automatic air-conditioning ECU. The automatic air-conditioning ECU performs air-mixing control for cold air and hot air by means of the air-mixing unit to adjust the temperature of air discharged from a face outlet into a passenger's compartment only when an estimated discharged-air temperature in an operation mode is not lower than a reference temperature setting.

Abstract: The control system includes: a memory for memorizing a table of correspondence between inputs which comprise, on the one hand, sets of parameters and, on the other hand, operational adjustments of the working parts of the installation; an installation interface for instigating such adjustments; and a data unit having touch pads or other manual setting elements operated by the user so as to define a set of desired (or running) parameters. The data unit also has manual programming elements, and the memory includes individual zones for storing a set of parameters, each of these zones being associated with one of the manual programming elements, so that actuation of one of the latter stores the set of running parameters in the associated programming zone as a set of programmed parameters.

Abstract: A heating system having a primary heat source such as a heat pump, and a supplemental heat source, such as a resistive heater, that is used to complement the heat generated by the primary heat source. Heat is generated by the entire supplemental heat source when the difference between a target temperature and the actual temperature for a space being heated exceeds an extreme predetermined threshold value. Heat is generated by a limited portion of the supplemental heat source when the difference is less than the extreme predetermined threshold value but is greater than another, less extreme, predetermined threshold value. The limited portion of the supplemental heat source is energized and de-energized as needed to generate the amount of heat necessary to achieve a duct temperature setpoint when combined with the heat from the primary heat source.

Abstract: An adaptive recovery method for a setback thermostat using the intersection of the space temperature with a sloped recovery temperature line which approximates the change in temperature as a function of time during recovery of the temperature controlled space from a setback temperature, to determine the time at which recovery to the occupancy temperature should begin. The thermostat starts recovery when the current space temperature crosses the recovery temperature line. A useful feature of the apparatus and method which implement the invention, computes and constantly updates the slope of the temperature recovery line. The update of the temperature recovery line slope is based on miss time, i.e.

Abstract: A circuit for regulating the air conditioning of premises that are stationary or mobile, the premises being air conditioned by means of a conditioning unit controlled by a corrector that receives on its inputs both a reference temperature magnitude and a magnitude representative of the temperature of the premises, the circuit including a member for non-linear and non-stationary simulation of the assembly constituted by the conditioning unit and by the premises, and wherein the corrector comprises means for handling saturation in such a manner as to take account of amplitude limitation in the signal for controlling the process and the model of the process. The invention is particularly applicable to regulating the air conditioning of rail vehicles.

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

Abstract: A thermal reactor, and a method of operating the thermal reactor, in which the thermal reactor includes: a chamber which is thermally isolated by refrigerated air circulating in the walls of the chamber, and which holds a tray of sample vials; means for supplying air to the chamber and for exhausting air from the chamber; heaters for heating the air supplied to the chamber; sensors for sensing the temperature of the air supplied to the chamber and of the sample vials, and a computer which pulses the heaters according to the measured temperatures of the vials and the air in the chamber to maintain the temperature of the vials at a desired level.

Abstract: A programmable electronic digital thermostat provides improved control of a temperature conditioning system for varying load conditions in order to maintain the ambient temperature within a predefined range of a scheduled set temperature while minimizing ambient temperature overshoots and undershoots. The thermostat includes an improved power supply circuit for simply and effectively providing its operating power utilizing an external alternating current power source of the temperature conditioning system and utilizing conventional existing wiring. The thermostat includes a microprocessor for storing a program and for performing logical control operations in accordance with the stored program and a temperature sensing circuit that provides a pulse width modulated PWM signal representative of ambient temperature in response to an enable control signal from the microprocessor.

Abstract: An air conditioner with a radiant temperature control comprises a refrigeration cycle for air-conditioning a room to be air conditioned at a desired temperature, a temperature setting section for generating set data for setting the desired temperature as a target value, a first temperature sensor section for detecting a room temperature of the room to be air-conditioned, a second temperature sensor section for detecting a radiant temperature of the room to be air-conditioned, a control section for receiving the set data from the temperature setting section and detection data from the first temperature sensor section and for generating an operation control signal to the refrigeration cycle in accordance with the difference therebetween, and a correcting section for receiving the set data from the temperature setting section and detection data from the second temperature sensor section and, when the difference therebetween deviates from a predetermined value, correcting the set data from the temperature setting

Abstract: An automatic temperature control system and method for maintaining a predetermined temperature in an enclosed space, wherein the temperature in a heat sink is sensed and compared with the outside temperature to anticipate whether a heating or cooling mode is or may be required. When a mode is selected, a "readiness" state signal is supplied to a preset control in the enclosed space. When the preset temperature is reached in the enclosed space, the preset control energizes the appropriate heating or cooling device to maintain the preset temperature in the enclosed space.

Abstract: A regulator circuit for controlling the cooling and heating power for automotive vehicles, wherein signals proportional to the external temperature, the internal temperature of the vehicle, and the desired temperature are applied to an input amplifier, the output signal of this amplifier being applied as the desired value to the heating system. This output signal is also fed to a second amplifier which is furthermore supplied with the signal proportional to the external temperature. The output signal of this second amplifier serves as the desired value for the cooling system. By means of this arrangement, excessive cooling at the transition point between heating and cooling, as well as oscillation around this transition point, can be prevented. An economical reheat operation is made possible for dehumidifying the air by appropriate selection of resistor values such that the heating system and the cooling system are in simultaneous operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an air conditioner of the which can create air flows at different temperatures into the compartment. The air-blowing mode of the air conditioner is changed based upon a sensed condition of ambient temperature.

Abstract: A zoned variable volume system is provided with a pair of non-connected dampers in each zone. The first damper controls flow through a cooling coil. The second damper controls flow through a heating coil and provides heated or neutral air depending upon whether or not the heating coil is actuated. The fan speed is adjusted to cause at least one damper to be fully open so that the system operates at a minimum static pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the operation of an automobile air conditioner comprises mode switches which permit selection between a manual control mode and an automatic control mode for the control of the flow rate of the conditioned air, and a digital computer incorporating therein a memory which memorizes the selected control mode in accordance with signals received from the mode switches. The digital computer is constituted to give instructions to control members of the air conditioner for controlling in accordance with the values stored in the memory, and to set in the memory a value representing the automatic control mode so as to operate the air conditioner in the automatic control mode when a main switch of the air conditioner is turned on.

Abstract: An air conditioner includes a plurality of refrigerant compressors, a plurality of ventilating fans and a cooling/warming water pump which is controlled by both a memory and a contact-less control unit in accordance with an outdoor temperature and a refrigerant temperature which are sensed by associated temperature sensors. Alternatively, the control unit may be connected to both protective devices disposed on the fans, the compressors, the pump, etc. and further connected to a digital indicator which indicates the operating status of the air conditioner.

Abstract: An air-conditioning method and system controls the temperature of air outputted from an air conditioner outlet duct into the passenger compartment of a vehicle at a constant level, with a small time constant of recovery, by adjusting the air mix door opening percentage. The air-conditioning method comprises the steps of calculating a target outlet duct air temperature on the basis of a preset passenger compartment air temperature, a detected outside-air temperature, and a detected passenger compartment air temperature in accordance with a heat equilibrium equation and calculating an air mix door opening percentage on the basis of the calculated target outlet duct air temperature in accordance with a linear interpolation between two endpoints of a selected one of three characteristics representative of relationships between outlet duct air temperature and air mix door opening percentage respectively stored for outside-air introduction mode, inside-air recirculation mode, and cooler compressor operation mode.

Abstract: An air-conditioner control system for vehicles which is responsive to a condition in the compartment of a vehicle to move an air-flow controlling damper in an air duct. When the supply mode of conditioned air is a heater supply mode and when it is detected that the level of insolation in the vehicle compartment is higher than a predetermined level, the control system alters the supply mode of conditioned air to a bi-level supply mode.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an air conditioner for an automobile comprises: an air conditioning unit including a heater unit for heating air passing through an air supply duct and a device for adjusting the amount of air passing through said duct, an air distributing unit for effecting switching among a plurality of air supply outlets into a compartment of the automobile, the unit including a ventilation supply outlet, and an air bypass containing an air valve for supplying cool air upstream of the heater unit to the ventilation supply outlet; a compartment temperature setting unit for setting a desired temperature value within the compartment; sensing units for sensing the temperature within the compartment and the amount of insolation in the compartment; a processing unit responsive to output signals from the compartment temperature setting unit and the sensing units for determining the desired temperature of air supplied to the compartment and for deciding relationships between the air supply temperature

Abstract: In an electric control method and apparatus for an air conditioner, a digital computer is utilized to calculate the quantity of heat necessary for adjusting and maintaining the actual temperature in a compartment to a desired value. The computer is also programmed to calculate the quantity of air flow in accordance with the actual ambient temperature outside the compartment and to calculate the temperature of air flow in relation to the calculated quantity of air flow necessary for discharging the calculated quantity of heat into the compartment.

Abstract: An electronic digital programmable wall thermostat system for controlling heating and cooling systems supplying an indoor area or space. The thermostat includes a digital clock, a display for displaying desired parameters of time and temperature and a data entry keyboard for programming the thermostat to maintain desired temperatures during selected time intervals. The heart of the system is a digital processor with memory, which responds to signals from a temperature sensing means which includes an analog to digital converter for controlling the heating and cooling systems in accordance with the sequence programmed therein. The system provides for conservation of energy by automatic system shutdown or setback when the heated or cooled space is unoccupied or during periods when activity in the space is minimal such as during sleeping hours.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated system having a control unit provided with a single inlet interconnected to a one pressure level pneumatic source and having an outlet arrangement interconnected to a pneumatically operated heating and cooling heat exchanger to control the same in either its heating mode or its cooling mode in relation to the pressure value of the pneumatic signal being directed thereto from the control unit through the outlet arrangement thereof, the control unit having a temperature sensing arrangement for controlling the value of the signal in relation to the sensed output temperature of the heat exchanger by operating a bleed arrangement of the control unit.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a temperature control apparatus for an air-conditioning apparatus which does not require a manual operation in controlling the temperature of a house room relative to the outdoor temperature. The control apparatus utilizes a micro-computer having a linear function stored thereon. The control of the indoor temperature is carried out by calculating the desired indoor temperature using the linear function of outdoor temperature and controlling the air-conditioning apparatus using the desired indoor temperature.

Abstract: A digital temperature control system for controlling the temperature of a space, including a thermal sensing element for supplying an analog signal proportional to temperature, an analog-to-digital converter for converting analog signals supplied by said thermal sensing element into digital signals, a plurality of switches for setting a desired temperature setting, a bit pattern-to-digital converter for converting the switch combinations into sets of digital signals, and arithmetically subtracting one least significant bit from the digital number represented by the sets of digital signals, and a digital comparator for comparing the outputs from the analog-to-digital converter with the outputs from the bit pattern-to-digital converter and for transmitting a control signal only in case the digital output from the analog-to-digital converter is greater than the digital output from the bit pattern-to-digital converter, wherein the bit pattern-to-digital converter functions as a subtractor in response to the contr

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a refrigeration unit of an air conditioning system operating in connection with a given building environment so as to establish conditions providing a desired comfort level within the building environment, the system and method being arranged to detect the output of the refrigeration unit, to detect changes in interior or exterior conditions which will affect the comfort level in the building environment and to provide at least one control signal in response to the detected output and conditions for operating the refrigeration unit, the control signal being compensated for the predetermined dynamic characteristics of the particular refrigeration unit and the predetermined dynamic characteristics of the particular building environment such that the control signal will anticipate further change in the conditions within the building environment and will operate the refrigeration unit so as to counter the anticipated further change and tend to maintain the desired comfort level

Abstract: An energy conserving system is disclosed for heating and air conditioning multi-zone structures such as multi-story office buildings.A conventional heating and air conditioning system for a multi-story building has a central cooling unit for supplying chilled water for cooling and separately controlled fans or blowers for circulating cooled air in each story or zone. Separately controlled air heating (or reheating) means is provided for each story or zone. Usually the system is inactivated at night and on weekends in office buildings. When the system is inactivated, by-pass timers are provided to permit the system to be turned on in selected areas during off hours.An energy conserving system (and method of operation) for the aforementioned heating and air conditioning system includes timing means operated sequentially at different periods of time which shut down the coolers prior to shutting down the blowers at the end of the day.

Abstract: An interface circuit for adding a solar heat system to a building having a building heating and cooling system and having a building thermostat system, the interface circuit being especially wired to be compatibly interposed between the building thermostat system and the building heating and cooling system without rewiring the latter and being also connected to the solar heat system, the interface circuit thereby adding the solar system as a heat source, and the interface circuit automatically substituting the solar source for the building heating system when heat is called for at a level within the capability of the solar system to supply.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for controlling the operation of a multiple speed heat pump air conditioning system. Circuitry is provided to regulate the heat pump compressor motor for multiple speed compressor operation in both the cooling and heating modes of operation. Additional electric resistance heaters are controlled by the circuitry to supply heating needs unsatisfied by heat pump operation.

Abstract: An automatic system for controlling the environmental conditions in a building divided into a plurality of zones includes a control station that sends control signals over the power lines of the building to control power consuming appliances in the various zones. The control station includes a programmable computer that is operably coupled to various displays and control switches on a control panel. In one mode of operation the switches and displays are utilized to program a schedule into the computer for controlling the various power consuming appliances such as heating and airconditioning units, lights, machinery and the like in order to provide a desired environment within the various zones of the building.

Abstract: The invention relates to an integrated thermostatic control system for cooling and heating. The control system includes cooling and heating valves and fluid pressure controlled operating elements for the valves. The system has a common sensor and a common variable chamber temperature setting unit. A capillary tube system connects the operating elements to the sensor and the temperature setting unit. An adjustable spring associated with either of the operating units biases the associated valve in the closing direction to provide an operationally dormant dead zone.

Abstract: An air conditioning system including a ceiling air terminal operable to discharge conditioned air into a room and adapted to be connected to first and second sources of conditioned air. The first source provides air at a temperature level which varies inversely to changes in the outdoor air temperature. The air is discharged from the terminal along the ceiling towards the peripheral wall of the room to compensate for transmission gains or losses. The second source provides air at a predetermined temperature level. The air is discharged from the terminal along the ceiling of the room towards the interior thereof to compensate for the remaining cooling load therein, the volume of the air being varied in accordance with changes in the cooling load. The volume of the variable temperature air discharged into the room is maintained constant irrespective of changes in the pressure of the air supplied to the terminal.