Abstract: The described method and apparatus pertains namely to the HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning) industry, though its many functions extend into any and all forms of air-fluid movement, metering, distribution, and containment. Essentially, the scope of operation of the method and apparatus encompasses all forms of scientific and engineering measurement dealing with fluid dynamics, fluid statics, fluid mechanics, thermal dynamics, and mechanical engineering as they pertain to precise, articulated control of air-fluid distribution and delivery. The described method and apparatus offers complete, comprehensive, and correct utilization of air-fluid movers and terminal devices under unique sensor logic control, from initial lab testing stages through to equipment cataloguing, selection, design and construction of any and all air-fluid distribution systems in entirety, whereas previously there was no such cohesive, total and terminal method of control for these systems or their components.

Abstract: The graphic user interface of an HVAC thermostat displays the programming and status information for remote devices in communication with the thermostat, such as various home sensors and appliances. In an embodiment, the thermostat includes a touch screen display to present the user with a plurality of user interface screens. The monthly calendar interface screen includes a calendar graphic area comprising a matrix display of dates for a full month. The user selects a programming interval for which to enter the thermostat programming events from the calendar graphic area. The user interface includes a clock face interface screen for entry of thermostat programming events. The clock face screen includes a pair of clock face graphic areas for each daily thermostat programming event. The user interface also includes a screen for displaying the programming and status information for remote devices selected from a list of devices in communication with the thermostat.

Abstract: A real-time monitoring system that monitors various aspects of the operation of a refrigerant-cycle system is described. In one embodiment, the system includes a processor that measures power provided to the refrigerant-cycle system and that gathers data from one or more sensors and uses the sensor data to calculate a figure of merit related to the efficiency of the system. In one embodiment, the sensors include one or more of the following sensors: a suction line temperature sensor, a suction line pressure sensor, a suction line flow sensor, a hot gas line temperature sensor, a hot gas line pressure sensor, a hot gas line flow sensor, a liquid line temperature sensor, a liquid line pressure sensor, a liquid line flow sensor. In one embodiment, the sensors include one or more of an evaporator air temperature input sensor, an evaporator air temperature output sensor, an evaporator air flow sensor, an evaporator air humidity sensor, and a differential pressure sensor.

Abstract: A commercial ice making machine having an electronic monitoring device which captures the operating status and production history of the ice machine. The ice production history of the machine is communicated via telephony and/or the Internet on a regular recurring basis to a remote computer. The production history is used to generate invoices to the user of the ice machine, so that the user is charged based on his or her actual ice consumption. Failure of the ice machine is detected by the monitoring device and communicated immediately to a service company so that the ice machine can be repaired before the end user realizes the machine has failed.

Abstract: A graphical user interface system for a thermal comfort controller. The user interface system has a central processing unit coupled to a memory and a touch sensitive display unit. The memory stores a temperature schedule data structure and perhaps a temperature history data structure. The temperature schedule data structure is made up of at least one set-point. The temperature history data structure is made up of at least one Actual-Temperature-Point. The display presents the set-points and/or the Actual-Temperature-Points. One representation of the display is a graphical step-function. The user uses a finger or stylus to program the set-points by pointing and dragging a portion of the step-function.

Abstract: An air conditioning system thermostat includes a visual display and plural switch actuators, respectively backlit by an electroluminescent lamp and LED light sources mounted on a circuit board disposed in a thermostat housing. A control circuit causes at least one switch actuator to be illuminated continuously and the light sources for the display and the remaining switch actuators are illuminated in response to actuation of any one of the switch actuators. Switch contact elements mounted on the switch actuators and the circuit board provide advantageous positioning of the LED light sources for the switch actuators. An energy savings switch actuator allows the control circuit to directly assume setback temperature settings in response to a first actuation and a second actuation resets the thermostat to the initial user set temperature settings.

Abstract: A thermostat is programmable by entering input through a large-format touch-screen display. The touch-screen display displays different sets of icons depending on the mode the thermostat is in. A set of icons is displayed in one mode that allows the user to put the thermostat in a temporary operating mode. Another set of icons is displayed when programming the thermostat. Displaying several sets of icons at once allows a user to quickly and intuitively operate the thermostat, which in turn facilitates using energy-saving functions of the thermostat.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring utility usage for a plurality of units in a building. The system includes a controller and one or more sensing devices in signal communication over existing building thermostat or other control wiring with the controller. The sensing devices sense the state of a thermostat and the air temperature in each of the plurality of units as well as the temperature of utility transport piping leading to each of the plurality of units. The controller records utility usage for each of the plurality of units based on information received from the one or more sensing devices and provides an audit trail to verify delivery of the utility and detect and report faults in the utility delivery system. System faults are transmitted to a user as an audio alert using an electronically recorded human voice.

Abstract: A thermostat includes a display and an illumination device that is configurable to illuminate the display in a partial illumination mode and a full illumination mode. In the partial illumination mode the illumination device generates a light intensity sufficient to review the settings of the thermostat without generating heat of a sufficient amount to disrupt thermostat measurements. The full illuminated condition is actuated upon interaction with the thermostat. Once interaction with the thermostat is completed the illumination device thermostat returns to the partially illuminated condition.

Abstract: Threshold calorimeter/shelf life monitors having a thermally moderating housing containing a liquid solution and one or more low melting point solids all having properties correlated relative to one another and calibrated to closely match a thermal decay profile (time-temperature profile) of a perishable product being monitored and indicate, by a change in color, electrical capacitance and/or impedance, transmitted RF signals, or combination thereof, the cumulative thermal history of the product while in transit or storage and whether its time-temperature profile has been violated to a detrimental extent or if a significant amount of shelf life has been consumed.

Abstract: A programmable controller such as an HVAC controller that provides a confirmation message to a user indicating that a parameter that has been modified by the user has been or will be saved. Such a confirmation message may help assure a user that their program modifications have been accepted and/or saved by the controller, thereby reducing the anxiety some users feel when programming such controllers.

Abstract: A commercial refrigeration system including a compressor, a condenser, a valve, and an evaporator coil, all of which are in fluid communication. The refrigeration system further including a fixture adapted to be cooled by the evaporator coil, a system controller operable to control operation of the refrigeration system, and a subsystem controller in communication with the system controller. The subsystem controller being operable to monitor at least one parameter of a subsystem having at least one of the compressor, condenser, valve, and fixture, and being further operable to execute a command from the system controller to affect the operation of the subsystem.

Abstract: A thermostat includes a number of control parameters including a temperature set point, a selected cycle rate, a room temperature swing setting, and/or any other suitable control parameter. In one illustrative embodiment, the thermostat includes a push button for providing a signal each time it is depressed and a controller coupled to the push button. The controller is adapted to receive a sequence of one or more signals from the push button, and is further adapted to set a control parameter such as the cycle rate or room swing setting to a value that corresponds to the sequence of one or more signals. In another illustrative embodiment, the thermostat includes a mechanical user interface such as a rotating selector or slider. The thermostat is adapted to receive a signal that relates to the current position of the mechanical user interface, and sets a control parameter of the thermostat based thereon.

Abstract: An electric unit, such as a room thermostat has a circuit board and an electromechanical switch mounted to the circuit board. The circuit board and the electromechanical switch are housed in a casing. The casing is filled with a sound insulation material with the electromechanical switch embedded in the sound insulation material in order to dampen the click sound produced by the communication of the electromechanical switch.

Abstract: A damper that is mounted to a printed circuit board of an automobile's climate control system includes a tactile feel and torque control mechanism for the user as the user controls the temperature and climate within the interior of an automobile. The damper incorporates a plurality of detents that engage with a plurality of ribs or similar protrusions for providing the desired tactile feel and torque control in the control knob of the climate control system. The printed circuit board used with the automobile's climate control system has an integrated polymer thick film (PTF) circuit that replaces the traditional circuit board technology, thereby eliminating the need for separately mounted potentiometers and resistors as those items can be printed onto the polymer circuit. The printed circuit board is less expensive to manufacture over existing circuit board technology, is easier to assemble, results in fewer parts, and is environmentally friendly as no soldering of components is required.

Abstract: A programmable timer circuit that can be connected directly to the fan switch of any thermostat with a forced air heating and/or cooling system that includes a blower fan for circulating air throughout the home. A programmable timer circuit that can be connected directly to any thermostat used in a hot-water heated home with a boiler and pump for circulating hot water through the heating system. The timer can be installed with no modifications to the existing wiring and has interchangeable leads to make installation quick and easy. The present invention increases the efficiency of the heating/cooling system, and in homes with auxiliary heat sources, circulates the warm air throughout the home to increase comfort levels. The present invention is programmable with a single button. A method of circulating hot air and/or hot water throughout a home using the timer device of the present invention.

Abstract: A thermostat system includes a temperature sensor, an LCD for selectively displaying alphanumeric and graphic devices on a touchscreen with virtual buttons, a processor having a memory for storing program and data information, and means for establishing communication with a remote correspondent. In one embodiment, the communication from the remote correspondent includes functional programming adding functions or virtual buttons to the thermostat not previously available to it. A communications interface connects the processor and a remote correspondent which is a source of functional programming.

Abstract: A device and method that may be used at nearly any place to set and adjust a control system such as a thermostat, controller or computer having numerous parameters and options that may be selected for desired operation of an air management system. One may remotely, via a personal digital assistant or computer, configure, commission, select, set or adjust the parameters and options of a control system. The configuration information may be shared with other personal digital assistants in a wireless or non-wireless manner. Further, enhanced diagnostics and repair may be achieved with the sending of configuration information from one PDA or computer to a PDA or computer at a diagnostic and repair facility. New modifications and calibration may be provided for the configuration. Such added information and configuring may be sent back to the originating PDA or computer for the providing to the controller or thermostat.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mathematical approach to detect faults by reconciling known data driven techniques with a physical understanding of the HVAC system and providing a direct linkage between model parameters and physical system quantities to arrive at classification rules that are easy to interpret, calibrate and implement. The fault modes of interest are low system refrigerant charge and air filter plugging. System data from standard sensors is analyzed under no-fault and full-fault conditions. The data is screened to uncover patterns though which the faults of interest manifest in sensor data and the patterns are analyzed and combined with available physical system information to develop an underlying principle that links failures to measured sensor responses. These principles are then translated into online algorithms for failure detection.

Abstract: A programmable thermostat for controlling space conditioning equipment receives power from the equipment. The thermostat has an interactive interface for user programming, a temperature sensor and a processor including: a central processing unit; a memory for storing program and data information, a real time clock and a non volatile random access memory. A control program stored in the memory causes the real time clock to periodically read its current time and date information into the non-volatile RAM. Upon restart after an outage, the time and date information stored in the non-volatile RAM is read into the real time clock to provide an acceptable time and date basis for resuming operation. Accordingly, the need for providing a backup power source, such as a battery or a supercap, is eliminated. In one exemplary embodiment, the thermostat also includes a receiver for accessing precision time and date signals from, for example, WWVB.

Abstract: An appliance diagnostic display and interface system providing a centralized user interface for appliance diagnostic information and control of system self-tests is provided. This centralized user interface is provided via an intelligent thermostat that includes an LCD display. The intelligent thermostat interfaces, via wireless or wired communications, with the appliances installed in the home. The intelligent thermostat then generates and displays various user interface screens that allow particular appliances to be selected. Separate appliance specific screens are then generated that allow the user to access the diagnostic information in system test functionality provided by the individual appliance. Soft function keys provided on the intelligent thermostat allow multi-functional access to the features of the invention depending on which screen is currently being displayed.

Abstract: A data acquisition system and method includes monitoring a cooling system having a refrigerant compressor, evaporator, and condenser, and employs a number of sensors to monitor various operating parameters of the system. A database stores predefined operating parameters for a plurality of cooling systems. The operating parameters are provided to a computer, which compares the provided operating parameters of the monitored cooling system with the predefined operating parameters to provide diagnostic results for the monitored cooling system.

Abstract: A freezer alarm system and apparatus for monitoring the temperature in the freezer compartment of a refrigeration unit includes a housing mountable on a wall adjacent the refrigeration unit for plugging into a wall outlet. A capillary tube extends from the housing and terminates with a temperature sensor that is mounted inside the refrigeration unit for sensing when the temperature increases therein past a given temperature preset by an adjustable thermostat located on the housing. When this event occurs contacts within the housing close thereby actuating an audible buzzer and a visible luminary alarm warning the owner that the temperature within the refrigeration unit has exceeded a safe pre-set level and that the refrigeration unit needs checked for remedial action.

Abstract: A method includes determining base-line operating parameters for a compressor, generating a high-side signal indicative of high-side compressor operating conditions, generating a low-side signal indicative of low-side compressor operating conditions, and comparing the high-side and low-side signals to the base-line operating parameters to determine a system operating condition.

Abstract: A thermostat having a thermostat housing and a rotatable selector disposed on the thermostat housing. The rotatable selector adapted to have a range of rotatable positions, where a desired parameter value is identified by the position of the rotatable selector along the range of rotatable positions. The rotatable selector rotates about a rotation axis. A non-rotating member or element, which may at least partially overlap the rotatable selector, may be fixed relative to the thermostat housing via one or more support member(s). The one or more support member(s) may be laterally displaced relative to the rotation axis of the rotatable selector. The non-rotatable member or element may include, for example, a display, a button, an indicator light, a noise making device, a logo, a temperature indicator, and/or any other suitable device or component, as desired.

Abstract: A thermostat having a thermostat housing and a rotatable selector rotatably coupled to the thermostat housing via a support member. The rotatable selector is adapted to have a range of rotatable positions, wherein a desired parameter value is identified by the position of the rotatable selector along the range of rotatable positions. The thermostat further includes a mechanical to electrical translator that is laterally offset relative to the support member for translating the mechanical position of the rotatable selector to an electrical signal that is related to the desired parameter value.

Abstract: A programmable thermostat, with a touch screen liquid crystal display having the capability to add to or remove virtual buttons to the display depending on the items of space conditioning equipment connected with and controlled by the thermostat.

Abstract: A programmable thermostat having a touch screen dot matrix LCD in which the pictorial presenting information and virtual buttons on the touch screen is user configurable to be correctly oriented whether the thermostat is mounted horizontally or vertically.

Abstract: The invention is directed to programmable temperature control in which a controller may be programmed to control a thermal output of said temperature-modifying device, and to operate an air circulating system independently of the temperature-modifying device. The apparatus may incorporate a user input for entering air handling information to program the air circulating system to operate at predetermined intervals. The controller may be further programmed to receive air filtration information from the user input and to generate air filtration output information. A display provides access to the air filtration output information.

Abstract: An audible interactive and programmable heating and cooling digital thermostat providing voice setup instructions for easy and precise temperature management during four different time periods in a twenty-four hour day and the option of distinct weekday and weekend programming temperature setpoints. The audible interactive thermostat includes an alerting means including a visual display device and/or a verbal announcing device to alert a user of current status of programmable time and temperature parameters, to alert a user of different choices within the time and temperature parameters and/or to alert a user of chosen parameters selected from the group including: current status of selectable functions, ambient conditions, programming status and/or response to activation of a triggering means.

Abstract: An HVAC controller with a simplified and/or lower cost user interface. In one illustrative embodiment, the HVAC controller includes two switches, a movable member, and a plurality of detents. The detents are configured to cause the two switches to be switched in a sequence when the movable member is moved. In some cases, a controller is coupled to the two switches, and may change an HVAC control parameter based on the switch sequence.

Abstract: A controller includes a programmable schedule and a user interface, adapted and configured to illustratively display at least a portion of the programmable schedule along a time axis and a current time indicator positioned to indicate the current time along the time axis. A method is also described including the steps of: operating a programmable controller having a scheduled current set point and a scheduled future set point; and providing a message indicating a time of the scheduled future set point change.

Abstract: A pneumatic thermostat calibration device with a removable cover to protect the sensor needle from clogging and/or damage and the user from needle induced injury. The pneumatic thermostat calibration device should also be sized to fit in the pocket of a user. The pneumatic thermostat calibration device should also include a thermostat adjustment tool. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An intelligent thermostat communicates with threat detectors to allow periodic remote testing of the detector. The real-time clock and calendar functions of the thermostat allow the consumer to program the day, time, and frequency of the testing. The thermostat then communicates a test control signal to each of the detectors to initiate the self-test. The communication may be wired or wireless. During testing the thermostat displays a detector test screen. Upon completion of the self-test, the thermostat displays a test results screen for user confirmation. This results screen will indicate that the test passed or failed along with any diagnostic information provided by the detector. The thermostat also provides a test initiation screen from which the consumer may initiate a detector self-test manually. Loss of communications with a detector is also communicated to the user, as is the location of the detector that first identified a threat.

Abstract: A real-time monitoring system that monitors various aspects of the operation of a refrigerant-cycle system is described. In one embodiment, the system includes a processor that measures power provided to the refrigerant-cycle system and that gathers data from one or more sensors and uses the sensor data to calculate a figure of merit related to the efficiency of the system. In one embodiment, the sensors include one or more of the following sensors: a suction line temperature sensor, a suction line pressure sensor, a suction line flow sensor, a hot gas line temperature sensor, a hot gas line pressure sensor, a hot gas line flow sensor, a liquid line temperature sensor, a liquid line pressure sensor, a liquid line flow sensor. In one embodiment, the sensors include one or more of an evaporator air temperature input sensor, an evaporator air temperature output sensor, an evaporator air flow sensor, an evaporator air humidity sensor, and a differential pressure sensor.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system automatically detects the presence of a person sealed in the trunk of an automobile by sensing the CO2 respiration of the person. Visible, audio and radio alarms are generated in response to the detection of a person in the trunk. If the vehicle is stopped, the trunk will automatically open and allow the person to escape.

Abstract: A thermostat remote control system includes a transmitter/receiver unit hard wired to a building climate control thermostat and a remote control unit that communicates with the hard-wired transmitter/receiver unit via wireless signals. The remote control unit includes braille labels associated with the control elements and further includes sound generators that generate audible signals that correspond to the temperature sensed by the thermostat and that also correspond to actions taken using the remote control.

Abstract: A low noise solid state thermostat is provided which includes a thermostat input operatively configured to be coupled to a temperature sensor; a comparator for comparing an output of the temperature sensor to a predefined setpoint temperature; and solid-state switching circuitry operatively coupled to the comparator for selectively switching current to a thermostat output based on the comparison by the comparator, wherein the comparator comprises a microprocessor for comparing the output of the temperature sensor to the predefined setpoint temperature, the predefined setpoint temperature being programmed into a memory accessible by the microprocessor.

Abstract: A control system with a communication function wherein: a central unit communicates 30 with a plurality of devices 11, 12, . . . , monitors and manages the operations of the devices; and each of the devices includes an input section for entering position data thereof. The central unit receives the position data and an identification data of each device, and includes a unit for making the identification data correspond to the position data for each device.

Abstract: A central control system of air conditioners includes a multi-type air conditioning system, a power meter and a central controller. The air conditioning system includes a plurality of indoor units for air conditioning installed in rooms of a building and an outdoor unit for circulation of refrigerant, where the indoor units share the outdoor unit. The power meter is connected to the outdoor unit to measure power consumption of the air conditioning system when the system operates. The central control unit calculates respective power consumptions of the indoor units based on both the power consumption measured by the power meter and operation information of the air conditioning system, and displays the calculated power consumptions of the indoor units. It is thus possible to determine respective power consumption patterns and electricity charges of the indoor units more accurately, thereby improving management efficiency of the entire air conditioning system.

Abstract: A device and method that may be used at nearly any place to set and adjust a control system such as a thermostat, controller or computer having numerous parameters and options that may be selected for desired operation of an air management system. One may remotely, via a personal digital assistant, configure, commission, select, set or adjust the parameters and options of a control system, which may include, but not be limited to, temperatures, humidity, sensors, volume of air movement, fan or air mover behavior, the percentage of added fresh air, modulated and non-modulated control of valves and dampers, stages of cooling and heating at various zones, control of heat pumps, heaters and air conditioners, modes of occupied, unoccupied or standby of respective spaces in a building, for day and night, at selected times, on certain days, for specific buildings at particular locations.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for operating a backlighted dot matrix type LCD for displayed outputs from a programmable environmental control device, such as a programmable thermostat. The LCD is operated so that viewer elements of a displayed data item are non-opaque when a room where the LCD is located is darkened and the surrounding display elements are partially or completely opaque. Selected elements can also change from opaque to non-opaque to display an active condition.

Abstract: A method of operating a climate control system includes generating a signal based upon the operation of the compressor, and controlling the compressor in response to the generated signal. A climate control system implementing the method includes a compressor, and module for generating at least one signal based upon the operation of the compressor, and a thermostat for controlling the compressor, the thermostat controlling the compressor in response to signals generated by the module. A system for controlling a compressor in a climate control system implementing the method includes a module that generates signals relating to the operation of the compressor, and a thermostat, responsive to the module, for controlling the compressor. A thermostat for controlling a climate control system having a compressor implementing the method operates the compressor in response to at least one signal representative of the operation of the compressor.

Abstract: A programmable thermostat, with a touch screen liquid crystal display having the capability to change from a more complex first mode display to a simple mode display for users with adaptive, learning or visual impairments that limit their ability to use the relatively complicated user interfaces of prior art programmable thermostats.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is directed toward a networked grain aeration control system. For example, the system can provide centralized monitoring of the aeration of a number of grain storage facilities, thereby improving the management of stored grain. The networked grain aeration control system can allow the custodian of the system to offer an aeration service. Farmers, or other individuals, cooperatives, or companies can purchase the aeration service at a cost proportionate to the amount of stored grain to be aerated and the duration of storage. In this manner, the purchaser of the aeration service can avoid relatively high fixed costs that can be associated with various aeration hardware.

Abstract: An anti-scald water valve assembly comprises a body including a passage for water, a valve provided in the passage for shutting off the passage, and an electro-mechanical actuator to cause closing of the valve. A temperature sensor senses the temperature of water running through the passage. An electronic operating circuit is connected to the actuator and the sensor for activating the actuator to shut off the passage in response to the sensor sensing the water temperature exceeding a predetermined limit.

Abstract: A field programmable or configurable thermostat for an HVAC system is provided. The configurable thermostat allows field programmability of service contact information, including name and contact telephone number information for the installer or service person. The system reminders and service intervals may be provided based upon calendar time or run time, and may be adjusted to particular periods by the service person in the field. Soft keys whose function is described on various changing menus allow service person to navigate through the various display and information entry screens. Scrolling or selection keys are used in one embodiment to vary the information on appropriate screens. Alternate embodiments utilize touch screens, alphanumeric keypads, etc., for the entry and editing of such information.

Abstract: A system and method for managing energy consumption of a building system includes a source of actual energy consumption data, a source of actual weather data, and a database correlating discrete weather data values with expected energy consumption values for at least one component of the building system. A computer accesses the actual weather data, actual energy consumption data and database, wherein the computer compares the expected energy consumption values with actual energy consumption data and generates an output based on the comparison. The expected energy consumption values are generated for the discrete weather data values using an energy consumption model that functionally relates discrete weather data values and design information for the building system component.

Abstract: A zoned HVAC system is provided with a series of dampers. A control for the dampers causes the dampers to each move between open and closed positions while monitoring a system condition. The system condition is selected to be one that should change as the damper moves between open and closed positions. If the system condition does not change as the control orders the damper to move between the open and closed positions, the particular damper is identified as a potentially faulty damper.

Abstract: A system for remotely monitoring operations of an HVAC system such as a chiller system having a control center, or a rooftop unit. The system utilizes a remote monitoring unit (RMU) located on-site. The RMU is in one-way communication with the component of the air conditioning system and receives data indicative of the operation of the component and determines whether the component is operating outside the normal operating parameters. When the RMU determines, from the data, that there is a problem that is within a critical parameter range, then a critical alarm is generated and the RMU opens a line of communication with a remote monitoring diagnostics device (RMD) located at the facility of the HVAC or refrigeration manufacturer and downloads the information to the RMD which determines whether remedial action is required and initiates remedial action if required.