Abstract: The invention is directed to temperature control system in which a temperature control apparatus for controlling the operation of at least one temperature-modifying device may include a thermostat housing; a controller to control the operation of the temperature modifying device in response to the electronic comparison of a measured ambient temperature with at least one set point temperature; and display for displaying information received from the controller; wherein the display may be oriented in a plurality of positions, allowing the thermostat housing to be mounted in a plurality of positions. In one embodiment, the display may be oriented in at least two positions that are rotated ninety degrees from each other using a jumper located in the controller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a controlling method of the discharge of coolant medium, and more particularly to a controlling method of the discharge of coolant medium in the heat exchange wind box. By mainly controlling the discharge of coolant medium in the heat exchange wind box, it is able to directly control the volume of discharged coolant medium that supplies the circulation need of the heat exchange tube according to the variations of the target volumes of environmental heat energy in the freezing and air-conditioning area. Therefore, it increases the operation efficiency of the freezing and air-conditioning equipment and achieves the heat balance stability of the freezing and air-conditioning area. Furthermore, by saving the circulated volume of the coolant medium, it achieves the energy saving objective.

Abstract: A water control module is provided that monitors water temperature in plumbing, such as shower plumbing, and receives certain input commands from a user. The water control module may, in one example, control shower water flow temperature to preferential temperature values. Control of shower water flow temperature is accomplished by receiving user input of desired water temperature on a user interface, sensing current water temperature in the plumbing, and processing the user inputs and sensed water temperature values to control water delivery temperature. In another example, the water control module may provide a display screen with numerical and/or graphical features to inform the user of desired and/or measured temperature values.

Abstract: A networking system for a refrigerator in which a network module available for both wireless and wire accesses to the network over the Internet is built, thereby allowing an access to an other network over the Internet and constructing a home network, the networking system able to be easily upgraded, and a method of upgrading the networking system.

Abstract: A system PDA-based on line diagnostics for automatically discovering a thermostat configuration, turning off normal controller delays, temporary overriding sensor inputs and set points, and verifying proper output action including the monitoring the discharge air temperature for the resulting temperature behavior based on the equipment stages activated. The diagnosis may include the testing of sensors, set points, the fan, cooling equipment, heating equipment and the wiring connecting the controls with the fan, and the cooling and heating equipment. Problems discovered may be reported, automatically recorded and the original operating parameters may be restored.

Abstract: A setting system for a vehicle air-conditioner is provided. The setting system allows for individual settings coupled with ergonomic functionality. The setting system comprises a control panel with a touch-sensitive display screen connected to a microcomputer-based controller having control outputs at least to a fan unit, to air distribution valves and to temperature adjusters of the air-conditioner. The display screen is adapted to display current settings and available setting options of at least (i) air flow rate, (ii) air distribution and (iii) air temperature, in the form of analog symbol representations that respond to tactile contact to vary current settings.

Abstract: An air conditioning system cools air within an area. An air conditioner controller defines information based on input data from door and window open status sensors and a return air monitor sensing the dry bulb temperature and the wet bulb temperature or relative humidity of the air within the area being cooled by the air conditioning system and shuts down the system when specific conditions exist. The defined information is transmitted to a remote host device which retains and presents the transmitted information or information derived therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a failure of a thermostat provided between an engine and a radiator is provided. The thermostat regulates circulation of cooling water between the engine and the radiator. The apparatus comprises a radiator water temperature sensor disposed on the radiator side relative to the thermostat and a controller. The controller performs a process for detecting a failure of the thermostat based on the output of the radiator water temperature sensor when the engine has reached a desired warm condition. In one example, it is determined whether the engine has reached the desired warm condition based on the output of the engine water temperature sensor that is provided in the engine side relative to the thermostat. In another example, it is determined whether the engine had reached the desired warm condition according to whether a vehicle-related process is activated.

Abstract: A graphical thermostat and sensor permits a user to graphically control and customize heating and cooling start/stop times using a large LCD display. The display includes the presentation of a daily trend graph that lets a user quickly determine if the HVAC system is working properly. The large LCD display also shows a trend graph which illustrates when the HVAC system is scheduled to go unoccupied, and can be used to change the occupation/unoccupation schedule at the touch of a button. The thermostat also includes a communications jack that provides access to the HVAC control system for commissioning and maintenance.

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: A programmable thermostat system for controlling space conditioning equipment includes: a transparent touch pad juxtaposed over a liquid crystal display to constitute a touch screen for interactive interface with a user; a temperature sensor; and a processor including: a CPU; a real time clock; and a memory for storing program and data information. A program stored in the memory directs the CPU to: A) selectively establish, on the liquid crystal display, a menu including a representation of a button at a predetermined XY position; B) read the position on the touch pad juxtaposed with the first predetermined position to determine if the button has been touched; and C) if the button has been touched, change to a different menu or establish a condition incorporated into the thermostat system operation. Preferably, an alphanumeric message explaining the function of the button is also displayed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus that is used to measure relative humidity, such apparatus comprises a housing having a first end and a second end. There is a humidity sensor disposed at the first end of the housing for measuring the humidity in the air and a temperature sensor also disposed at the first end of the housing for measuring ambient temperature. The apparatus has an electronics portion in direct electrical communication with the humidity sensor and the temperature sensor for computing a relative humidity and a dewpoint temperature. The electronics portion is disposed within a center portion of the housing. There is, further, a battery that is in electrical communication with the electronics portion, the humidity sensor and the temperature sensor for providing power to the apparatus. Such battery is disposed in the center portion of the housing of the apparatus.

Abstract: A refrigerated appliance includes a power interrupt system for detecting an out-of-range temperature condition in a fresh food or freezer compartment after a power interruption. The power interrupt system includes a central processor including a memory storage module and a plurality of temperature sensors. In operation, the power interrupt system compares sensed temperature values with stored temperature variables. If, after a power interruption, a compartment temperature exceeds a stored temperature variable by a defined amount, an over-temperature flag is triggered. Preferably, a display unit flashes an indication of the highest temperature reached by each compartment intermittently with the current compartment temperatures and an indication that a power interruption has occured. In this manner, a consumer can make an informed determination whether food stored within the appliance has been exposed to temperatures high enough to cause spoilage.

Abstract: A programmable thermostat having a touch screen liquid crystal display in which the power consumption of each heating/cooling component and the energy costs in the locality are entered by a user in order that the thermostat's control program can, upon demand, calculate and display the heating/cooling costs accrued beginning with a user-specified starting date.

Abstract: A method is provided for sizing an environmental control system for controlling a temperature of a target. The method comprises the steps of: identifying the target that is to be temperature controlled by the environmental control system; selecting a desired temperature of the target that is to be temperature controlled; and determining optimal characteristics of the environmental control system. Preferably, the step of determining optimal characteristics of the environmental control system includes referring to a nomograph that charts numerical relationships of a plurality of variables. Preferably, variables charted on the nomograph include a temperature of discharge air that is to be discharged from the environmental control system, a temperature of ambient air surrounding the target, a distance between a discharge portion of the environmental control system and the target, and a volumetric flow rate of the discharge air.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at using digital inputs in addition to an external resistor to set the trip point for a thermostat. The digital inputs are used to select a voltage (temperature) range. The value of the external resistor is used to select the specific trip point within the selected range. Since the voltage drop across the resistor is smaller than prior art methods, the tolerance of the resistor is also smaller in terms of voltage or temperature. This results in the trip point for the chip having a tighter tolerance. According to different embodiments, the digital inputs may be actively controlled or hardwired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air conditioner and a remote controller for the air conditioner, and aims at inhibiting a remote controller operation by a person other than a specific user. Therefore, the specific user previously operates an operation button 30 thereby inputting a set password 41 or the like with respect to a remote controller 1. A CPU 10 stores the input set password 41 or the like in a memory 40. When setting of the set password 41 or the like is carried out, the CPU 10 displays the purport that the remote controller is in a locked state on a display part 20. Even if a remote controller operation related to operation setting of the air conditioner is carried out, the CPU 10 invalidates the operation contents unless input of an input password or the like matching with the set password 41 or the like is performed.

Abstract: In a method for servicing and maintaining heat supply equipment, which includes making a servicing and maintenance contract to implement equipment performance maintenance, function maintenance, abnormality recovery and a diagnosis for preventive maintenance of the heat supply equipment, providing a communication network of the heat supply equipment, a first computer of a control station and a second computer of a control center communicatable thereamong via communication means, and implementing contents of the servicing and maintenance contract based on information obtained by communications in this network, the method includes receiving abnormality occurrence data, requesting and receiving detailed information, taking measures based on analysis results of these data and information, transferring the abnormality occurrence data, and obtaining and analyzing information for diagnosis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an electronic controller for a boiler is provided. A method and apparatus for providing a boiler with consolidated electronic connections is also provided.

Abstract: A thermostat for a HVAC system with visual display of status and operating condition. The thermostat has a power switch to select one of Heater and Cooler for the HVAC system, a light sensor (200) to sense ambient lighting, a temperature sensor (210) to sense ambient temperature, a manual temperature switch (260) to set a desired temperature for the room, a control circuit (220) to select a preferred temperature based on selection of the power switch, an illuminating outer cover (110), which at least partially covers the outside of the thermostat, which displays one of Blue and Red colors according to selection of the power switch and the ambient lighting, and a plurality of LED displays (140) arranged on a display face of the thermostat, to display one arrangement of the LEDs based on a difference between the preferred temperature and the ambient lighting.

Abstract: A personal dryer capable of expelling temperatured air uniformly throughout the dryer and/or different temperatured air at different regions of the dryer, so as to provide a user with the option of drying their entire body with a more desirable uniformly temperatured air and/or drying different bodily regions with different or varied, user-selectable temperatured air, and wherein such a personal dryer is capable of being pre-programmed to enable a user to dry his/her body in a user-specified regimen or manner.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet for enclosing a refrigerating compartment, the cabinet having a door for providing access to the refrigerating compartment, a user interface operatively connected to the cabinet having a display for displaying refrigerator function selections and a plurality of buttons for selecting refrigerator functions and a control unit operatively connected to the user interface and adapted to control a plurality of refrigerator functions. The control unit can be adapted for determining refrigerator filter information and displaying refrigerator filter information, the refrigerator filter information can include a date associated with the refrigerator filter.

Abstract: A thermostat reading enhancer is provided which includes an enhancer body adapted to be positioned adjacent a thermostat. The enhancer body can have at least portions thereof abuttingly contacting a mounting surface and retained in a position between the thermostat and the mounting surface or retained in a positioned adjacent the thermostat. The enhancer body also has substantially larger enhancer indicia than indicia on the adjacent thermostat visibly displayed on a surface thereof. The enhancer indicia align with the thermostat indicia in such a way that the enhancer indicia correspond directly to thermostat controls and settings. Methods of retrofitting an existing thermostat, installing and using a thermostat with enhanced reading are also provided.

Abstract: A method for adapting a vehicle climate control system to a user comfort preference includes performing an adjustment strategy in response to assertion of at least one user-generated signal at less than a predetermined level and during less than a predetermined time interval and performing at least one adaptive strategy in response to assertion of the user-generated signal at greater than the predetermined level during the predetermined time interval.

Abstract: An operator control panel for an electrical appliance, in particular, a refrigerator, includes a base panel for fastening on the electrical appliance, a control circuit for the electrical appliance, an insert for attachment to a visible side of the base panel, and an adapter for fastening the control circuit behind the base panel in a number of different positions.

Abstract: A refrigerator and a method for operating the same. The refrigerator comprises a single media controller installed on a single board together with a refrigerator microcomputer, which controls the entire operation of the refrigerator, for not only displaying information regarding internal environments of the refrigerator on a display unit installed on the outer surface of the refrigerator, but also connecting the refrigerator to an external network, such as the Internet, to enable a user to access the Internet through the refrigerator. Therefore, the refrigerator can be reduced in its assembling time and manufacturing cost and be increased in its assembling efficiency.

Abstract: Thermostats do not presently display the amount of stored heating fuel remaining. The replacement of a thermostat often requires the user to install a new backplate or goof plate because of the different size of the replacement thermostat. This invention provides a backplate or goof plate that displays the existing storage fuel level, and is for use with an existing or a replacement thermostat.

Abstract: A thermostat is provided with an image projection capability that allows images concerning the operation of the thermostat to be projected onto a surface in the vicinity of the thermostat. The image projection is preferably accomplished by directing an internally generated image to an image enlargement device which thereafter projects an enlarged image onto the surface in the vicinity of the thermostat. The surface that receives the projected image is preferably defined by a screen affixed to the wall that the thermostat is mounted to.

Abstract: A thermostat is operative to note the current temperature at time of entering into a setback of one or more previously established setpoints. The thermostat is also operative to note any newly defined setpoints. The thermostat also notes whether the setback is to occur in a heating or cooling mode of operation. The thermostat maintains a record of the aforementioned entry conditions mount of time the thermostat participates in a requested setback. The thermostat also preferably notes one or more setpoints and sensed temperature occurring at the end of an implemented setback as well as the ending heating or cooling mode of operation. A record of temperature conditions, mode of operation and elapsed time for each setback is stored for retrieval by a remotely located entity in communication with the thermostat. The entity is usually an energy provider. This record is available for retrieval at any time, including a time when the thermostat is presently implementing a setback.

Abstract: A method for programming a thermostat, comprising the steps of providing a thermostat programmed to convert programming codes into time-temperature schedules; determining a desired time-temperature schedule; developing a programming code corresponding to the desired time-temperature schedule; and entering the programming code into the thermostat, whereby the programming code is translated into the desired time-temperature schedule. The schedule and programming code can advantageously be determined by a user by accessing a server via computer network, on a suitably programmed personal computer, by telephone, or by any other suitable method of allowing the user access to software for determining the schedule and developing the desired code.

Abstract: There is provided a system for servicing and maintaining heat supply equipment which ensures reliable analysis and high efficiency. Heat supply equipment 1 is composed of a control unit 5 to be attached to the heat supply equipment 1, and an equipment-side modem 6 for mediating the control unit 5 and a communication line 4. A management station 3 is composed of a management unit 7 for managing the heat supply equipment 1, and a station-side modem 8 for mediating the management unit 7 and the communication line 4. Upon reception of abnormality occurrence data sent from the control unit 5, the management unit 7 further receives detailed information data on an abnormality of the heat supply equipment 1 from the control unit 5, analyses by itself the received detailed information data, and creates recovery data for recovering the heat supply equipment 1 from the abnormality.

Abstract: A refrigerator and a method for operating the same. The refrigerator comprises a single media controller installed on a single board together with a refrigerator microcomputer, which controls the entire operation of the refrigerator, for not only displaying information regarding internal environments of the refrigerator on a display unit installed on the outer surface of the refrigerator, but also connecting the refrigerator to an external network, such as the Internet, to enable a user to access the Internet through the refrigerator. Therefore, the refrigerator can be reduced in its assembling time and manufacturing cost and be increased in its assembling efficiency.

Abstract: A thermostat is operative to note the current temperature at time of entering into a setback of one or more previously established setpoints. The thermostat is also operative to note any newly defined setpoints. The thermostat also notes whether the setback is to occur in a heating or cooling mode of operation. The thermostat maintains a record of the aforementioned entry conditions as well as the amount of time the thermostat participates in a requested setback. The thermostat also preferably notes one or more setpoints and sensed temperature occurring at the end of an implemented setback as well as the ending heating or cooling mode of operation. A record of temperature conditions, mode of operation and elapsed time for each setback is stored for retrieval by a remotely located entity in communication with the thermostat. This entity is usually an energy provider. This record is available for retrieval at any time, including a time when the thermostat is presently implementing a setback.

Abstract: A thermostat is provided with an image projection capability that allows images concerning the operation of the thermostat to be projected onto a surface in the vicinity of the thermostat. The image projection is preferably accomplished by directing an internally generated image to an image enlargement device which thereafter projects an enlarged image onto the surface in the vicinity of the thermostat. The surface that receives the projected image is preferably defined by a screen affixed to the wall that the thermostat is mounted to.

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 operator control panel for an electrical appliance, in particular, a refrigerator, includes a base panel for fastening on the electrical appliance, a control circuit for the electrical appliance, an insert for attachment to a visible side of the base panel, and an adapter for fastening the control circuit behind the base panel in a number of different positions.

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. These operating parameters are provided to a computer, which stores predefined operating parameters for a plurality of cooling systems. The computer compares the provided operating parameters of the monitored cooling system with the predefined operating parameters to provide diagnostic results for the monitored cooling system and possible service procedures. If the computer does not recognize the monitored cooling system identifier, a connection is made to a master computer in order look up the predefined operating parameters in a master data base.

Abstract: A setting system for a vehicle air-conditioner is provided. The setting system allows for individual settings coupled with ergonomic functionality. The setting system comprises a control panel with a touch-sensitive display screen connected to a microcomputer-based controller having control outputs at least to a fan unit, to air distribution valves and to temperature adjusters of the air-conditioner. The display screen is adapted to display current settings and available setting options of at least (i) air flow rate, (ii) air distribution and (iii) air temperature, in the form of analog symbol representations that respond to tactile contact to vary current settings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power-saving apparatus and method for a display portion of a refrigerator, and more particularly, to a power-saving apparatus and method for a display portion of a refrigerator in which brightness of the display portion is controlled only when a user utilizes the refrigerator. That is, the present invention aims to monitor whether the user utilizes the refrigerator and to control the brightness of the display portion of the refrigerator such that the display portion can be kept bright only when the user utilizes the refrigerator. To this end, the present invention is characterized in that whether the user utilizes the refrigerator or remains in the vicinity of the refrigerator is determined by using operating signals of function keys inputted by the user, a door switch, an infrared sensor and the like. Further, it is characterized in that the operation of a backlight portion is controlled in response to the result of the determination.

Abstract: A thermostat receives requests to enter into setback modes of operation whereby at least one setpoint normally used by the thermostat is changed. The thermostat is operative to compute the integral of change in setpoint temperature over time during each setback mode of operation. The thermostat is also operative to maintain a running total of such computed integrals of change in setpoint temperature over time in order to respond to any request for such computed integrals. The thermostat is furthermore operative to set the total of such computed integrals of change in setpoint temperature over time equal to zero in response to a request to clear the total of such computed integrals of change in setpoint temperature over time.

Abstract: A control apparatus includes a power supply for providing appropriate current and voltage to modules of the control apparatus. A user interface microprocessor module provides the necessary architecture to handle user inputs as well as programmable control logic. Furthermore, there is a communications microprocessor module initiating data traffic signals among all control apparatus modules through a wireless transceiver module. Finally, a remote control node module through a transceiver interprets and acts upon wireless traffic signals to control an operation.

Abstract: A thermostat reading enhancer is provided which includes an enhancer body adapted to be positioned adjacent a thermostat. The enhancer body can have at least portions thereof abuttingly contacting a mounting surface and retained in a position between the thermostat and the mounting surface or retained in a positioned adjacent the thermostat. The enhancer body also has substantially larger enhancer indicia than indicia on the adjacent thermostat visibly displayed on a surface thereof. The enhancer indicia align with the thermostat indicia in such a way that the enhancer indicia correspond directly to thermostat controls and settings. Methods of retrofitting an existing thermostat, installing and using a thermostat with enhanced reading are also provided.

Abstract: A fluid data monitoring and control system useful in monitoring fluid properties and controlling the flow of that fluid from a faucet is described. The system includes a fluid property sensor/transmitter attached to a faucet which communicates via a wireless link to a controller. The wireless link is utilized to facilitate installation on a faucet. Various embodiments of the system include a system having a user detector for touchless control of the flow of water from a faucet, a digital display with audio and/or visual alarms to indicate if pro-set fluid conditions have been realized, a control valve (20) to moderate flow of water to the faucet and a design to provide the incorporation of multiple sensors into the system.

Abstract: In an apparatus and a method for displaying a power-off state of a refrigerator having plural chambers when a user turns off at least one of plural chambers installed to the refrigerator, a power-off state display apparatus of a refrigerator includes a signal generating unit for generating a power-off signal when a user turns off at least one of plural chambers installed to a refrigerator; and a display unit for displaying a power-off state after receiving the power-off signal.

Abstract: A thermal comfort controller using various recovery methods to change the indoor temperature to meet set points in a setup/setback schedule to maintain thermal comfort for occupants of an enclosure. The thermal comfort controller further comprising an apparatus to determine the expected energy savings when modifying the setup/setback schedule for the enclosure in which the temperature controller is used. The energy savings information may be displayed to the enclosure occupant for further consideration.

Abstract: The present invention is provided with a remote controller case having an opening for air intake. The remote controller case includes a circuit board provided with a temperature detection circuit. The circuit board has a temperature sensor 26 corresponding to the opening for air intake. When the air-conditioning apparatus is installed, the output data of the temperature sensor 26 are corrected according to the installing environment. After the air-conditioning apparatus is installed, the output data of the temperature sensor 26 are corrected to have a temperature lowered by a predetermined degree to make the remote controller perform a temperature control operation.

Abstract: A water temperature and pressure regulating system includes a control unit having a display module with user controls for selecting from predetermined water temperature and pressure settings and for adjusting those settings. The system includes inlet conduits connected to hot and cold water sources and an outlet conduit. Temperature and pressure sensors are connected to the outlet conduit and communicate with a central processing unit. Each inlet conduit includes a control valve. Electromechanical worm gear assemblies connect the CPU with the control valves for incrementally opening or closing the valves to maintain selected temperature and pressure settings. Temperature sensors connected to the inlet conduits enable the CPU to decrease pressure and conserve hot water while maintaining a selected temperature when cooling of the hot water is detected. The inlet conduit sensors also enable the CPU to open the valves even prior to receiving data from the outlet conduit sensor.

Abstract: An air-conditioning operation management company provides control information concerning air-conditioning equipments to a plurality of semiconductor manufacturing factories. The air-conditioning operation management company stores a measured result of an outside-air condition measuring unit in a past outside-air condition record database and obtains forecasted maximum temperature information on-that day from a weather forecast providing system. An outside-air condition transition forecasting unit forecasts all, transition of the outside-air condition on that day on the basis of the forecasted maximum temperature information. Information stored in an air-conditioning thermal load database, an air-conditioning equipment characteristic database and a set-temperature-and-humidity-of-air-conditioning-equipment database are employed to provide an optimum operation method of the air-conditioning equipments to the semiconductor manufacturing factories.

Abstract: A thermostat comprising a circuit board for controlling the thermostat, a display, a keypad, and at least one electroluminescent element. The display is operatively connected to the circuit board for displaying information concerning the thermostat. The keypad has at least one key adapted to be pressed by a user. The key is operatively connected to the circuit board in a manner to enable the user to input at least one signal to the circuit board by pressing the key. The electroluminescent element is operatively connected to the circuit board and has a first electroluminescent section and a second electroluminescent section. The first electroluminescent section is adjacent the keypad and the second electroluminescent section is adjacent the display. The first electroluminescent section and the keypad are adapted so that the first electroluminescent section illuminates the keypad.

Abstract: A faucet thermal monitoring system for verifying the temperature of water being delivered through a faucet. The faucet thermal monitoring system includes a housing which is couplable to a spout of a faucet and thermally conductive such that heat is conducted between water flowing through the spout and the housing and a liquid crystal temperature panel coupled to the housing providing a visual indication of the temperature of the water flowing through the tap.