Abstract: In a system for supplying a heat by a heat medium, a heat discharged from a customer requiring only a high temperature heat is effectively utilized, and respective prices paid by the customer requiring only the high temperature heat and a customer requiring only a low temperature heat are reduced. In this system, a heat medium discharged by the customer requiring only the high temperature heat is recovered so as to be fed to the customer requiring only the low temperature heat.

Abstract: A vacuum fluorescent iconographic display (10) operable to communicate the operating conditions of a low temperature refrigeration unit (5), with the display (10) using only intuitively recognizable pictorial iconic elements (12), numeric elements (14), and recognized symbolic elements (16) to convey the information. The iconic elements (12) unambiguously represent the various operating conditions without reliance on legends or other conventional written or spoken language, thereby avoiding translation or interpretation mistakes due to the use of such a conventional language in a possibly international product or multi-lingual situation. The iconic elements (12) may also be used in diagnostic applications by lighting, for example, in combination with the numeric elements (14) to communicate quantitative diagnostic measurements of the subsystem represented by the icon.

Abstract: This invention is a remote control device to control a thermostat. The remote control works using RF transceivers in base a wall mounted base unit and a portable remote control unit, or optionally, using infrared signals much like a television remote control. The remote control has a keypad on it to allow one to select the desired temperature, or to select a temperature from one of several buttons on it corresponding to a specific temperature. This enables the user to set the temperature of a room without having to get up and manually change it.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, air conditioner (HEVAC) test system which includes a test unit which determines the temperature of the air exhausted from a HEVAC unit, an ambient temperature unit, and a work cell controller, all of which can be wirelessly interconnected into a network. The vehicle HEVAC unit is tested and passed or failed in accordance with the ambient temperature and the time it takes for the HEVAC exhaust air to vary a predetermined number of degrees. A test probe is also disclosed which ensures proper placement of the temperature sensor and maintains proper placement of the temperature sensor over the test period.

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 remote inspection device for a refrigerator receives information about an operating state of the refrigerator transmitted from the refrigerator via a communication network continuously or at predetermined intervals. The remote inspection device further inspects the refrigerator on the basis of the received information.

Abstract: A device for testing and diagnosing air-conditioning apparatus of a car in the preferred embodiment comprises an control unit (1), indicated as CPU and having a microprocessor; a first sensor (2) for measuring the low pressure LP upstream of the compressor; a second sensor (3) for measuring the high pressure HP downstream the compressor; a third sensor (4) for measuring the environment temperature Ta; a fourth sensor (5) for measuring the temperature Ti at the air outlet in the car; possible sensors of auxiliary temperatures (5a and 5b); a couple of connectors (6a, 6b) for measuring the voltage at the ends of the clutch cycling switch in orifice tube system with clutch cycling switch; a sensor of relative humidity (7); a data input unit (8), such as a keyboard; a unit (8a) for displaying the data, such as a alphanumeric LCD, and/or a printing unit (8b); a connector of type RS232 for communicating with a computer; an external memory unit (9), in particular a memory card, with relative interface.

Abstract: An expansion valve comprises an orifice 30 formed in a valve body 10 and a valve member 9 fixed to a movable member 18. Movement of a diaphragm 4 is transmitted to an actuating rod 17 via a member 16, and the actuating rod 17 actuated the movable member 18 to control the opening amount of the path between the valve member 9 and the orifice 30. An orifice member 100 affixed to the orifice 30 is made of a material harder than the valve body 10, and free from erosion or other damage by a refrigerant, which will otherwise occur at the valve opening portion.

Abstract: An air conditioning servicing system utilizes a number of sensors which monitor various operating parameters of a malfunctioning air-conditioning system. These operating parameters are provided to a hand held computer along with an identifier of the malfunctioning air-conditioning system. The hand held computer contains the normal operating parameters for a plurality of air-conditioning systems. The hand held computer compares the measured operating parameters with the normal operating parameters for the specific air-conditioning system to provide diagnostic results for the malfunctioning system and possible service procedures. If the hand held computer does not recognize the malfunctioning air-conditioning system identifier, a wireless connection is made through the Internet to a master computer which has a larger data base.

Abstract: An integrated circuit chip, useful as an electronic thermostat, comprises a temperature sensor for providing a signal corresponding to ambient temperature. A digital counter contains a value which, after digital-to-analog conversion by a DAC, corresponds to a desired trip temperature. A comparator has an output which changes state when the magnitude of the sensor signal exceeds the output of the DAC. The value in the counter is set by maintaining the sensor at a desired trip temperature and incrementing the counter until the comparator changes state.

Abstract: A thermostat receives requests to enter into setback modes of operation whereby at least one setpoint normally used by the thermostat is to be changed at a stipulated start time for each setback mode of operation. The thermostat is operative to enter into a requested setback mode of operation at a time following the requested start time in the event there has been a delay in receiving the request to enter into a setback mode of operation. The thermostat is furthermore operative to track the time that elapses during each setback mode of operation and to report the total accumulated time that has elapsed in response to a request to do so. The thermostat is furthermore operative to set the total accumulated time to zero in response to a request to initialize the total accumulated time.

Abstract: In a disclosed diagnostic apparatus and a diagnostic method of a coolant temperature sensor, a time point when a predetermined time is elapsed after an engine started or when a predetermined heat amount is generated in the engine after the engine started is set as a measuring timing. A variation amount of output of the coolant temperature sensor from the start of the engine to the measuring timing is calculated, and it is judged that a trouble occurs in the coolant temperature sensor when the variation amount is smaller than a predetermined value. The apparatus and the method are preferably applied to diagnosis of a cooling apparatus comprising a cooling section for carrying off heat of the engine by coolant to cool the engine, a radiator for radiating the heat carried off by the coolant, and a thermostat for controlling a flow rate of the coolant which circulates via the cooling section and the radiator.

Abstract: A thermostat receives requests to enter into setback modes of operation whereby at least one set point normally used by the thermostat is changed. The thermostat is operative to compute the time that elapses during each setback mode of operation. The thermostat is also operative to maintain a running total of such computed times in order to respond to any request for the total accumulated time that has elapsed in the setback modes of operation. This includes computing, if necessary, the amount of time that has elapsed in a setback mode of operation occurring during a request for the total accumulated time. The thermostat is furthermore operative to set the total accumulated time to zero in response to a request to initialize the total accumulated time.

Abstract: A shower temperature and pressure control system including a bathtub with an associated shower outlet. A mixing valve is coupled to a hot water source and a cold water source. The mixing valve is adapted to control the amount of hot water and cold water to flow so as to maintain a flow of water with a constant temperature corresponding to a predetermined temperature. A restrictive valve is adapted to control the water pressure so that a flow of water is maintained with a constant pressure corresponding to a predetermined pressure. Finally, a control unit has temperature selection buttons adapted to transmit to the temperature sensor a predetermined temperature and pressure selection buttons adapted to transmit to the pressure sensor a predetermined pressure thus affording a unique method of controlling both the temperature and pressure of a shower.

Abstract: To detect the capability to function of a thermostatic valve of a cooling system of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle, the actual temperature of the internal combustion engine, the ambient temperature and the actual temperature at the outlet of a coolant radiator are measured and evaluated in such a way that a malfunction of the thermostatic valve can be detected thereby.

Abstract: A controller for a two-stage heat source that can be used with a single stage or a two stage thermostat. The controller includes a second stage delay timer that initiates second stage heating when the timer is decremented to zero. The timer is reset when there is no longer a call for first stage heat, when there is a call for second stage heat, or if there is no call for second stage heat and the controller determines that it is connected to a two-stage thermostat. The controller can include an indicator such as a contact bar and jumper or a switch for indicating the type of thermostat connected to the controller. Alternatively, the controller can be programmed to “learn” whether it is attached to a single stage or two-stage thermostat, assuming that it is connected to a single stage thermostat, unless and until a call for second stage heating is received.

Abstract: Fault detection is implemented on a finite state machine controller for an air handling system. The method employs data, regarding the system performance in the current state and upon a transition occurring, to determine whether a fault condition exists. The fault detection may be based on saturation of the system control or on a comparison of actual performance to a mathematical model of the air handling system. As a consequence, the control does not have to be in steady-state operation to perform fault detection.

Abstract: The present invention is a system of wireless, battery operated temperature sensing devices which transmit ambient or other sensed temperature information to a programmable thermostat. The compact construction and multi-level programming of the temperature sensing devices for only periodic transmission of temperature information to the programmable thermostat permits years of operation with power supplied by small, inexpensive batteries. The temperature sensing devices are therefore easily installed at any location within about 100-200 feet from the programmable thermostat. The present invention also comprises a method of retrofit for the programmable thermostat of U.S. Pat. No.

Abstract: A method for designing a thermal management system on a vehicle includes the steps of determining a parametric solid model of a vehicle and determining an exterior thermal output of the vehicle from the parametric solid model of the vehicle. The method also includes the steps of determining a parametric solid model of an interior thermal management system on the vehicle and determining an interior thermal output within the vehicle, from the parametric solid model of the interior thermal management system and the external thermal output of the vehicle.

Abstract: A “designer” thermostat also known as the “comfort-stat” which is mountable on the wall or the like having a first temperature range bar extending from a low point of 70 to a high point of 78, appearing in red, and a second temperature range bar extending from a high point of 78 to a low point of 70, appearing in blue. There would further be included a heat/cool button, and an on/auto/fan button, so that for example, when the thermostat is set on cool, the movable indicator would move along the blue bar between 70 and 78 with a digital read out of the temperature of the room on the face of the comfort stat, and when the thermostat is set on heat, the movable indicator would be set on the read bar between 70 and 78 with a digital read out of the temperature of the room. There would further be provided a mounting means for mounting the comfort stat on the wall with a void space between the thermostat for housing of the control wires between the rear face of the thermostat and the wall.

Abstract: A method of displaying air-conditioning management information including selecting an extracting position corresponding to a specific room for a layout image of a floor having a plurality of rooms, displaying a partial image extracted from the layout image of the floor having the plurality of rooms such that the partial image shows the specific room at the extracting position together with operating-state data on at least one air conditioner assigned to the specific room, and shifting the extracting position in units of rooms.

Abstract: The present invention allows the user to quickly and repeatedly program one receiver controller device at least controlling one or more heating or cooling devices for one desirably separate zone of occupation to another such receiver controller device set at least controlling another separate set of heating or cooling devices for another desirably separate zone of occupation. The realities of present day industrial and commercial buildings is that they comprise many such separate zones of occupation with separate heating or cooling devices controlled with separate controllers due to the diverse nature of the desired temperatures, dead bands for controlling such temperatures, temperature and device operation ramping, times of occupation, economization measures imposed for each zone, and the many similar aspects of thermostatic control described herein and in the prior art.

Abstract: A thermostat for operating a climate control system, the thermostat comprising a base, a bi-color LED on the base capable of producing at least two distinct illuminated signals, and a cover for the base, the cover having a single signal opening which is aligned with the bi-color LED when the cover is on the base to provide at least two distinct lighted signals in a thermostat through a single signal opening in the cover.

Abstract: A method of sensing failure of a thermostat in a vehicle comprises the steps of sensing signals from various kinds of sensors after starting of the engine, and determining whether the signals are normal; determining whether the amount of intake air among the sensed signals from the sensors in the above step is larger than the amount of intake air during a predetermined period; accumulating the elapsed time by a given time at every predetermined time depending on the determination in the above step; determining whether the accumulated time obtained in the above step has reached a predetermined time for determining the failure; sensing the temperature of the coolant when the accumulated time in the above step has reached the predetermined time for determining the failure, and determining whether the sensed temperature of the coolant is below a predetermined temperature of the coolant; and indicating failure alarm when the sensed temperature of the coolant in the above step is below the predetermined temperature

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: An air conditioner enables a user to input a desired monthly power cost for all electrical appliances, including the air conditioner. A microcomputer is able to calculate the accumulated power cost of operating the air conditioner for the month, as well as an expected power cost for operating all of the appliances. If the desired power cost for the month is below the expected power cost, the air conditioner is automatically operated in a power saving mode.

Abstract: A condensate trap comprises a trap element 12 disposed in a trap chamber 6, and a sensor chamber 16 containing a sensor element 24 for monitoring the performance of the trap element 12. The sensor chamber 16 communicates with the trap chamber 6 through a first passageway 26 and one or more second passageways 28. The first passageway 26 opens into the sensor chamber 16 at an upper region of the sensor chamber, while the second passageway 28 opens at a lower region, so that the sensor element 24 is situated at a level above the lowermost part of the port at which the second passageway 28 opens into the sensor chamber 16. If the trap element 12 does not close the outlet 10 properly, condensate accumulating in the sensor chamber 16 will be forced into the trap chamber 6 through the second passageway 28, and the level will fall to expose the sensor element 24 which will react to provide an alarm signal.

Abstract: A fully integrated electronic appliance controller for controlling the operation of a appliance (e.g., a gas-fired water heater or boiler). The controller includes an integrated intelligent control system; enhanced safety features including an igniter current proving circuit, a flame detection circuit, a safety limit string and an energy cut-out (ECO) control; an intelligent user interface including a display unit and a communications system; and an adaptive control feature. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the controller is adapted to receive as many as four temperature probes (e.g., thermistors). The first probe senses the water temperature at the outlet of a water heater, the second probe senses the water temperature at the inlet of the water heater, the optional third probe senses the temperature at a first location in an associated remote water storage tank, and the optional fourth probe senses the temperature at a second location in the associated remote water storage tank.

Abstract: A mixing device for hot and cold water having a mixing chamber formed in a circular--sector shaped cross section and having circumferentially spaced water inlet and an outlet. Within the camber is a circular-sector shaped mixing valve controlled in response to the mixed water temperature to thereby cover or open the inlets.

Abstract: A retractable type temperature control panel apparatus for a refrigerator capable of advantageously preventing malfunctions thereof caused by inadvertent contact with a temperature control section thereof, which includes, in a freezer compartment door of a refrigerator, having a curved and elongated rear wall and having a pair of end walls; a downwardly and forwardly opened rotation guide member engaged to the recess and having a curved and elongated rear wall and a pair of end walls each having hinge openings therein; a triangular section rotation member rotatably engaged to the rotation guide member by a pair of hinge pin protrusions formed on each end thereof and having a front surface, a bottom surface and a rear surface; and a temperature control switch plate engaged to a temperature control switch groove formed on the front surface of the rotation member and having a plurality of temperature control switches carried thereon.

Abstract: In an air conditioning system in which outdoor units and indoor units of plural air conditioning units are connected to one another through a single bus line, when signals of at least two air conditioners are output onto the bus line substantially at the same output timing, the signal output timing of at least one air conditioner is changed by timing changing means so that the output timings of the signals of the air conditioners are different from one another. Further, each of the outdoor units of the air conditioners is provided with operation data recording means for recording the operation data of the outdoor unit, operation data output means for outputting the operation data of a desired outdoor unit, and operation data transmitting means for transmitting the operation data recorded in the operation data recording means to another outdoor unit through the bus line.

Abstract: A controller for heating, ventilating and air-conditioning distribution systems, which includes feedforward and feedback control strategies. The controller has a feedforward control strategy that generates a control signal based on control set points and identified characteristics of the system, and which adaptively adjusts such set points based on changes that are measured with respect to the identified characteristics. The controller is particularly adapted for controlling the temperature during a heating or cooling operation in a controlled space.

Abstract: In a refrigerant leakage warning device for an apparatus having a refrigeration cycle using a flammable refrigerant as a refrigerant, when leakage of the refrigerant occurs, measures how to cope after the leakage of refrigerant occurs are indicated on an indoor unit. Therefore, the user can see the indication of the leakage and take the measures to cope with it, and it is possible to hold the damage at a minimum, and to enhance the safety.

Abstract: The performance of an HVAC system in a building is monitored by connecting a thermostat to an alarm system which is equipped to provide notification of alarm conditions through telecommunication or other direct means to some responsible entity. The alarm system access to telecommunications is employed to forward indicators of HVAC fault to predetermined offsite locations from where corrective action can be provided. The system includes a presumed fault condition processor which employs data from the thermostat to indicate to the alarm system that notification should take place.

Abstract: A fully integrated electronic appliance controller for controlling the operation of a appliance (e.g., a gas-fired water heater or boiler). The controller includes an integrated intelligent control system; enhanced safety features including an igniter current proving circuit, a flame detection circuit, a safety limit string and an energy cut-out (ECO) control; an intelligent user interface including a display unit and a communications system; and an adaptive control feature. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the controller is adapted to receive as many as four temperature probes (e.g., thermistors). The first probe senses the water temperature at the outlet of a water heater, the second probe senses the water temperature at the inlet of the water heater, the optional third probe senses the temperature at a first location in an associated remote water storage tank, and the optional fourth probe senses the temperature at a second location in the associated remote water storage tank.

Abstract: A condensate trap assembly includes a monitoring device 4 which is closely coupled to, or integral with, a condensate trap 2. The monitoring device 4 includes a flow restriction 56 and a condensate receiving chamber 48 which accommodates a sensor 66. The chamber 48 communicates with an inlet passage 52 on the upstream side of the flow restriction 56 and, via a bore 50, with an outlet passage 54 on the downstream side of the flow restriction 56. The sensor 66 provides an indication of the condition of the condensate trap 2, in accordance with whether the sensor tip 68 is submerged in condensate and in accordance with the temperature of the condensate.

Abstract: An infant incubator having a heating system that provides a flow of heated air into the infant compartment and which exhausts air from the infant compartment. A temperature sensor is located in the air inlet of the warm air into the infant compartment and another temperature sensor is located in the air outlet of the air from the infant compartment. The system thus monitors the temperature of the air to the infant compartment and the air from the infant compartment. By analyzing the temperatures from the inlet and the outlet the overall incubator heating system can be controlled and yet a further advantage is provided by using the temperature information to recognize a fault or deficiency in the incubator system.

Abstract: A fuel-fired water heater has a series of control and operating components which, with electrical power being supplied to the water heater circuitry via a power switch, are electrically actuatable in a predetermined sequence to supply combustion heat to water contained in a tank portion of the water heater to return the temperature of the water to a heated setpoint temperature in response to the water temperature falling below such setpoint temperature. LED diagnostic indicating lights are wired into the water heater circuitry in a manner such that each indicating light is associated with a different one of the electrically coupled components. As the components are sequentially actuated during a water heating cycle, the LED lights are successively illuminated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a combination of a thermostat, especially for controlling the heating of a dwelling, and a level indicator for displaying the level of liquid fuel (such as home heating oil) in a storage tank that is burned for heating the dwelling and that is controlled by the thermostat. The invention is especially useful for the elderly or infirm in a wheel chair who may not be able physically to view the level indicator at the fuel tank if it is down at the bottom of the cellar stairs. In addition to a level display at the dwelling thermostat, the level indication can be accessed remotely (such as via modem and personal computer).

Abstract: The invention concerns a control unit for an automatic air-conditioning system for motor vehicles, with adjusting and/or indicating means at least for "air distribution", "air volume" and "air temperature" with the following features:(a) As nominal-value adjusting means for "air distribution" and/or "air volume" and/or "air temperature", provision is made in each case for an operator-regulated analog nominal-value adjusting device (2, 3 and 4, respectively);(b) as nominal-value indicating means for "air distribution" and/or "air volume", an analog nominal-value indicating device (2.1; 2.2 or 2.1; 2.3 or 2.1; 2.4 or 3.1; 3.

Abstract: A discharge current control apparatus of an air conditioner and method thereof having a plurality of suction inlets for sucking an indoor air, a heat exchanger for heat-exchanging the indoor air sucked through the suction inlets, a discharge outlet for discharging the air heat-exchanged by the heat exchanger, a plurality of wind direction blades for controlling a wind direction of the air discharged through the discharge outlet, and an indoor fan for controlling a wind amount of the air discharged through the discharge outlet, the apparatus comprising a distance detecting unit for sensing a human body nearness distance by detecting infrared generated from a human body, a position detecting unit for sensing a human body left and right position by detecting infrared generated from a human body, a control unit for controlling a wind direction, a wind amount, and a predetermined temperature of the discharged air, so that the discharged air can be supplied to an area where the human body exits according to the hum

Abstract: In the case of a control unit for a vehicle heating or air-conditioning unit having a vehicle-borne monitor permitting access to different display and control menus, in addition to a selection possibility for an automatic program by way of an automatic key, an individual adjusting possibility is provided for the temperature distribution and/or air distribution in different zones of the vehicle interior which can be displayed and selected on the vehicle-borne monitor. The different zones of the vehicle interior can be selected by way of a control element by means of a symbolic representation on the vehicle-borne monitor. An air quantity selector is provided which is arranged in a hidden manner with respect to a temperature selector constructed as a rotary-type knob.

Abstract: An input controller for an HVAC unit includes switches and associated indicators to directly control various functions of an HVAC system. The input controller has seven switches, namely, heat 1, heat 2, cool 1, cool 2, power, fan, and auxiliary, with associated indicator lights. The input controller connects to a field control terminal strip on the HVAC unit via a ribbon cable terminating in separate wires with alligator clips.

Abstract: A portable thermostat testing device for testing the trip temperature of a thermostat includes a testing block having a smooth, flat top surface, heat dissipating legs, a bore and a pair of grooves. A heater is positioned between the pair of grooves and a temperature probe is inserted in the bore. A fan is used to transfer heat to the testing block through convection. A thermostat to be tested is mounted on the top surface and the continuity of the thermostat's switch is monitored by a continuity checker. The testing block is heated by the heater and the temperature across the top surface is kept substantially uniform. The trip temperature is sensed by the temperature probe when the thermostat's switch opens. The testing device is mounted in a sturdy carrying case.

Abstract: A ventilation display system determines when a ventilation system has remained in recirculation mode for a predefined time, and in response generates a stale air alert message inside the cab of a truck. The system can generate messages alerting the driver that the HVAC system has switched into recirculation mode, and alerting the driver that the recirculation mode has remained active for the predefined time. When equipped with a CO.sub.2 sensor, the system can generate air quality messages based on either the status of the recirculation mode or the level of CO.sub.2 in the cab of the truck or both.

Abstract: Complaint rate calculation means for calculating complaint rates in consideration of thermal feeling entered from vote value input means, a data storage unit for storing complaint rates together with indoor thermal conditions, updating means for calculating a function representing the relationship between thermal conditions and complaint rates in accordance with stored data, and predicted thermal condition calculation means for calculating thermal setting values by substituting entered control information into the function representing the relationship between thermal conditions and complaint rates, can convert a complaint vote of each inhabitant to a characteristic thermal feeling of a group so as to directly reflect the feeling on air-conditioning control.

Abstract: In the case of failure in communication between the control unit and the control panel in the manual operation of a car air conditioner, the operation mode is changed over to an automatic mode to introduce the outside air. In the case of failure in communication between the control unit and the mode door actuators, the compressor is turned on to introduce the outside air.

Abstract: An air conditioner includes a control device and a control method for transmitting and receiving wireless signals between a main control unit and a control selector of the air conditioner. A display unit displays room temperature, room humidity and air flow speed sensed by sensing devices.

Abstract: An air conditioner has a plurality of indoor units (3, 3, . . . ) and a single remote controller (4). The controller (4) is provided with an anomalous unit memory section (45) for a unit number of an indoor unit (3) in operation anomaly, a button operating section (42) for inputting a check signal for checking on the location of the operation anomaly, and a forcedly fan-on section (46) for outputting a forcedly fan-on signal, at the time of input of the check signal in the case that the unit number is stored, to the indoor unit (3) having the unit number. When each of the indoor units (3, 3, . . . ) causes an operation anomaly, it outputs an anomalous condition signal to the remote controller (4) and then receives a forcedly fan-on signal from the remote controller (4) to activate a fan.

Abstract: A rotatable knob for adjusting the temperature setting of a thermostat has a deformable tab that is permanently deformed upon rotational movement of the knob to a position that is indicative of a temperature setting greater than a predetermined optimum temperature setting. A deformed tab demonstrates that the knob was moved to a position for setting the thermostat at a temperature greater than the optimum temperature setting.