Current Modifying Sensor Patents (Class 236/91G)
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Patent number: 6155341Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1998Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Kevin D. Thompson, Daniel J. Dempsey, William F. Van Ostrand
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Patent number: 5355692Abstract: A refrigeration system, and method of operating same, with the refrigeration system having a refrigerant flow path which includes a heat exchanger having an inlet, an outlet, and a refrigerant flow path between the inlet and outlet. The refrigerant enters the inlet in a first predetermined phase and exits the outlet in a second predetermined phase. A first resistance device is disposed in heat exchange relation with the refrigerant in the flow path of the heat exchanger, adjacent to the inlet. A second resistance device is disposed in heat exchange relation with the refrigerant in the flow path of the heat exchanger, at a location between the inlet and outlet where the change in phase from the first phase to the second phase is desired. The first and second resistance devices are connected in a bridge circuit having bridge arms connected between input and output terminals, with a source of potential being connected to the input terminals.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1993Date of Patent: October 18, 1994Assignee: Thermo King CorporationInventor: Jerry A. Brownfield
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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: 4941525Abstract: An air mixing type automotive air-conditioner is disclosed in which an air fed by a blower is heated to a hot air by a hot water type heater, and a mixture ratio between a cold air flowing through a bypass passage around the heater and the hot air is adjusted by an air mixing door used as an adjustment damper. The air-conditioner comprises an outside temperature sensor for generating a first signal, a room temperature setter for generating a second signal, a room temperature sensor for generating a third signal, a first arithmetic unit for calculating a desired blown air temperature on the basis of the first and second signals, and a second arithmetic unit for calculating and controlling a desired blown air flow on the basis of the second and third signals. The air-conditioner is so controlled as to obtain the blown air temperature most suitable for a thermal load of the air-conditioner.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1988Date of Patent: July 17, 1990Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Toshikazu Ito, Tsuneo Kagohata
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Patent number: 4760379Abstract: A temperature sensor located at a region being monitored controls an output switch that in one position when ambient temperature is below a predetermined temperature applies current to only a first loop circuit and in another position when ambient temperature is at or above the predetermined temperature applies current to only a second loop circuit. Currents in the first and second loop circuits are measured by ferrods to determine whether an over-temperature condition at the region monitored has taken place. An alarm circuit connected to outputs of the ferrods generates an alarm signal in response to a negative transaction of current in the first loop circuit or a positive transition of current in the second loop circuit. A failure in either loop circuit accordingly is insufficient to disable the system. A solid state timer periodically opens the second loop circuit to repeat the alarm signal when the second loop circuit is closed until corrective action is taken.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 1986Date of Patent: July 26, 1988Assignee: Bell of PennsylvaniaInventors: Edward J. De Phillipo, Larry Mortimer
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Patent number: 4566528Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1984Date of Patent: January 28, 1986Assignee: Suddeutsche Kuhlerfabrik Julius Fr. Behr GmbH & Co KGInventors: Theodor Helmle, Kurt Weber
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Patent number: 4418743Abstract: An electronic circuit for controlling the heating or air conditioning apparatus in an automobile permits the capability of heating the vehicle without the heat surges which can occur after short periods of ignition turn off and permitting manual on-off control of the heating system even if the thermostat fails. A second circuit for controlling the device activating the valve controls the flow of heating or cooling medium independently of the ignition switch and contains a timer to keep the valve closed for a predetermined time after ignition switch-off. Two limit switches are also present for permitting the valve to be set at an open or closed position independently of both the ignition switch and the timer.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 1981Date of Patent: December 6, 1983Assignee: Suddeutsche Kuhlerfabrik Julius Fr. Behr GmbH & Co. K.G.Inventors: Kurt Dietzsch, Rainer Knoblauch
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Patent number: 4417618Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1981Date of Patent: November 29, 1983Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akiro Yoshimi, Michihiko Kamiya, Mitsutoshi Moriya
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Patent number: 4361011Abstract: In order to conserve battery power of an electrically-operated cryogenic ler for an infrared imaging detector, a control logic is inserted between the battery and the cooler. This logic operates to maintain the detector at a higher than optimum operating temperature in a "STANDBY" mode, but holds the detector at optimum temperature in an "ON" mode.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1981Date of Patent: November 30, 1982Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Robert E. Callender, James T. Montgomery
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Patent number: 4361274Abstract: An electronic temperature control circuit is disclosed for use with swimming pool and spa heaters. The circuit employs a thermistor for sensing water temperature, and provides temperature control with a narrow differential. Safety circuits are also employed to prevent injury to the user or to the heater in the event of a component failure. The temperature control circuit is provided with means for presetting two desired temperature settings and for selecting one of the preset temperature settings for control. Remote control circuits are also disclosed for use with the temperature control circuit which permit temperature selection, temperature setting and a visual indication of heater status from a location remote from the heater.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1980Date of Patent: November 30, 1982Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.Inventors: William F. Raleigh, Patrick J. Keegan
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Patent number: 4337821Abstract: An air conditioner system for automotive vehicles comprises a device for detecting the temperature of an inner part of the compartment of a vehicle which is exposed to the radiant heat of the sun, a device for detecting the temperature of another inner part of the compartment which is unexposed to the radiant heat of the sun, and a control unit whereby the difference between the temperature of the part exposed to the radiant heat of the sun and that of the part unexposed to the radiant heat of the sun is obtained and in accordance with this temperature difference and the desired preset temperature of amounts of heated and cooled air blown into the vehicle compartment are controlled so as to cause the temperature in the compartment to approach the preset value. The system further comprises a device for detecting the closed position of an on-off damper which controls the flow of air through the defroster air outlet whereby the control unit is operated in response to the closed position of the damper.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1979Date of Patent: July 6, 1982Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.Inventor: Atsunori Saito
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Patent number: 4291749Abstract: A temperature control method and apparatus responsive to various control conditions to determine the desired amount of temperature control to cause the compartment temperature of a vehicle to approach a desired value. They comprise a first step of producing a first control condition in response to the amount of light incident to the vehicle compartment and a second step of producing a second control condition in response to the amount of heat radiation incident to the vehicle compartment, and a third step whereby the second control condition is adjusted by the first control condition so as to compensate the amount of temperature control in accordance with the adjusted control condition.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1979Date of Patent: September 29, 1981Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.Inventors: Fumio Ootsuka, Morimasa Ninomiya, Norio Maehara, Akiro Yoshimi
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Patent number: 4289195Abstract: A device for the climate control of the passenger compartment of an automobile, including an electric fan group, an air distribution conduit in the passenger compartment which has at its entrance an air mixing shutter for diverting a variable amount of the air flow from the fan to a heating radiator, followed by a distribution shutter which sends air either to a defrosting conduit or to an conduit with outlets at the floor of the passenger compartment, electronic probes for measuring the temperature inside and outside the passenger compartment and which are connected to a microcalculator whose memory contains a formula for the interior temperature ordered as well as a law for determining flow from the fan group, both as a function of the outside temperature, the calculator being programmed for receiving temperature measurement data and processing them so as to give off output signals which depend on the temperature ordered and the measured interior temperature, signals to which respond devices for adjusting tType: GrantFiled: September 7, 1979Date of Patent: September 15, 1981Assignee: Regie National des Usines RenaultInventors: Dominique Bellot, Alain Cohenca
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Patent number: 4265115Abstract: An averaging temperature responsive apparatus for use in an air conditioning system to measure the average temperature of air passing through a duct has a tube extending transversely across the air duct. The tube has a series of spaced inlet openings on the upstream side and at least one exhaust opening on the downstream side. A temperature responsive element is mounted adjacent to the exhaust opening. Each of the inlet openings is made by cutting the tube and bending a portion of the tube inward so that upon air entering the inlet opening, the air is directed through the tube in a direction toward the exhaust opening.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1979Date of Patent: May 5, 1981Assignee: Honeywell Inc.Inventor: Leslie P. Stuhr
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Patent number: 4232818Abstract: A controller is provided which includes a control unit for controlling the start of a climatization procedure in a building. The system includes a pulse generator which times the operations of the control unit and an equivalent electrical circuit which controls the operations of the control unit. The latter simulates thermal properties of the building during temperature conditioning operations, i.e., heating or cooling, and receives voltages representative of the inside and outside temperature of the building. The discharging, charging or equalization of voltages on condensors contained within the equivalent electrical circuit are used to determine the time for conditioning the temperature of the building after the conditioning system has been out of service for a given period of time and thus in calculation of the correct instant for starting the conditioning procedure by the control unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 1979Date of Patent: November 11, 1980Assignee: Tour & Andersson AktiebolagInventor: Jorn U. Christiansen
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Patent number: 4199102Abstract: A temperature control system for monitoring and controlling a zone supplied with low-pressure steam is disclosed. The system utilizes a series of balanced Wheatstone bridges to provide a variety of automatic and manual control techniques to maintain temperature in the zone. Means are also provided to obtain direct readings of temperature, rate at which heat is being supplied, and the position and movement of a steam control valve which is utilized as a heat metering apparatus. The bridge leg outputs are permanently connected by high impedance coupling circuits which act as voltage dividers to obtain the required resultant control signals. High impedance coupling eliminates the need for control circuit balancing, thereby minimizing required calibrations in actual field use. The sole balancing calibration is with each sensor leg to a centered bridge leg.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 1978Date of Patent: April 22, 1980Assignee: Dunham-Bush, Inc.Inventor: Steven W. Paul
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Patent number: 4189093Abstract: An apparatus to regulate the temperature of the interior of a motor vehicle, including a room air temperature sensor and a heating air temperature sensor, with the room air temperature sensor providing a substantially higher controlled variable change per unit of temperature change and wherein the sensor signals are summed by a controller. The heating air temperature sensor consists of two series-connected temperature sensors of which one is thermally insulated. The sensor control signal is taken from the junction between these two temperature sensors so as to provide dynamic coupling of the heating air temperature sensor to the room air temperature sensor. In this manner, the room air temperature is sensed precisely and relatively more rapidly so that an excessively large fluctuation of the actual temperature is avoided if the heating output of the heat exchanger varies between a high and a low value.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1977Date of Patent: February 19, 1980Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Eberhard Schnaibel, Erich Junginger
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Patent number: 4136822Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling fan operation, wherein a temperature difference sensor senses inside and outside temperatures, and actuates switch devices so that fan operation is commenced when the interior temperature exceeds the exterior temperature by a predetermined amount. Fan operation may also be controlled in response to humidity, a humidistat actuating the fan when the humidity exceeds a predetermined level.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1977Date of Patent: January 30, 1979Inventor: John V. Felter
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Patent number: 4040565Abstract: A control unit for a temperature regulating system for heating or cooling a space includes an analog network, responsive to various variable environmental factors and simulating various fixed environment or building factors, is connected to a condenser to charge it. A predetermined voltage represents the desired temperature and is measured by a voltage sensor which is connected with circuitry for calculating rapidly the time needed for the system to be "on", whereby, for example, needed heating time is determined in a fraction of the actual time.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1976Date of Patent: August 9, 1977Inventor: Jorn Uffe Christiansen
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Patent number: 4024725Abstract: A control system for an air conditioner having detectors for detecting at least the radiation temperature in a room or controlled space, a device for setting a desired room air parameter in response to the detected radiation temperature, and a controller for controlling the air conditioner in accordance with the desired room air parameter.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1975Date of Patent: May 24, 1977Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Motokazu Uchida, Taisei Hosoda, Hideo Uzuhashi, Kohji Kamejima, Minoru Kano
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Patent number: 3979059Abstract: A control means for regulating the operation of a system for controlling the temperature within an enclosure so that a desired temperature within the enclosure is attained at a predetermined time wherein the switch on time of a thermal conditioning apparatus for the enclosure is increasingly delayed as the temperature outside the enclosure changes towards the desired temperature, so as to avoid the thermal conditioning apparatus being switched on earlier than necessary before said predetermined time.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 1975Date of Patent: September 7, 1976Inventors: James Ralph Davis, Peter Pressner