Abstract: This invention is an audible thermostat designed for use by the visually impaired and totally blind. The thermostat has a speaker to indicate the setting of the thermostat or the ambient room temperature. It may also have a visual display working in conjunction with the audible output. The mechanisms to operate the thermostat are large and contain tactile surfaces so the blind may locate the correct mechanism.

Abstract: An attachment unit (28) to an existing central air conditioning thermostat controller (24) like the ones found in most homes and offices; which provides two independent modes of saving energy, first by turning on a light to indicate when to change the filter and secondly by extending the fan operation for a few minutes without disruption. Uniquely conceived, smaller than the typical thermostat controller, automatic, maintenance free, no batteries or auxiliary power of any kind. Has one button (32) to reset the light (30) after changing the filter and one switch (34) to select the optional extended fan operation.

Abstract: An adjustable thermostat range limit apparatus consists of a base member having a pair of adjustable temperature limit means. The thermostat range limit apparatus is attached in the proximity of a conventional thermostat so that the adjustable temperature limit means can come into contact with the temperature control level of a conventional thermostat. These adjustable temperature limit means will provide for a restriction in the temperature range in which the temperature control lever can be set.

Abstract: An automatic thermostat which automatically reprograms itself after a power outage without the need of a backup battery or other storage device includes a temperature sensor, a set temperature potentiometer, a setback temperature potentiometer and an ambient light sensor. The thermostat also includes a microprocessor which is responsive to signals from the temperature sensor, the set and setback temperature potentiometers and the ambient light sensor. The microprocessor controls a display which displays the set temperature, the setback temperature and the actual temperature. A power outage detector detects when there is a power outage and triggers the microprocessor to reprogram itself by rereading the signals from set temperature potentiometer and the setback temperature potentiometer. A relay is controlled by the microprocessor to selectively provide power to a heating or air conditioning unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling operation of diagnostic test modes with a remote control for a room air conditioner. Program keys are selected and activated to allow a user to input a particular diagnostic test mode to the air conditioner. The user then monitors the actions of the room air conditioner to ensure that the room air conditioner successfully completes the selected diagnostic test. Two remote control units are utilized, one to operate the room air conditioner in a conventional way while a second remote unit transmits codes to cause the air conditioner to run a diagnostic test. The remote control units includes a microprocessor to accept and process the entered selections for the diagnostic tests.

Abstract: A programmable electronic thermostat which utilizes time and temperature pairs. This thermostat utilizes a first display which displays the current status information of the thermostat which includes the current time as well as the current temperature. A second display is incorporated in which the programmed information is included. This second display is located near the programming buttons and displays program information including the day, the period, the start time and the temperature setting. By separating the displays, the thermostat is easier to program and read.

Abstract: A poultry house controller (14) situated within a poultry house (12) regulates the relative humidity and temperature within the poultry house (12) via actuation of fans (22) and heaters (24) in response to temperature and humidity feedback signals from temperature sensors (16) and humidity sensors (18), respectively. The controller (14) can communicate with a host computer (16) and other controllers (14) situated at other houses (12). The controller (14) comprises an integrity check means (234) for checking temperature and humidity values detected by these sensors (16, 18). The integrity check means (234) ensures the accuracy of values by eliminating a value from consideration if it falls outside predefined range of the average of the other values received from other sensors. Additionally, the controller (14) utilizes watchdog timing signals (100) for ensuring continuous operation. The watchdog timing signals (100) are generated by a control program (108) and are sent to an alarm system (92).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the environment within an enclosed space is provided. The apparatus monitors environmental variables, and responsive to the values of the environmental variables, estimates the rate at which a gas is being generated within the enclosed space. The apparatus generates control signals to control devices based on the rate at which the gas is being generated within the enclosed space. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus estimates the rate at which carbon dioxide is being generated in the enclosed space. Based on the estimated carbon dioxide generation rate, the apparatus may be configured to control an HVAC system, a comfort control system, lights, alarms or other devices.

Abstract: A new and improved failure alarm apparatus is provided for a furnace and an air conditioner which selectively, alternately share a common thermostat. The furnace and air conditioner failure alarm apparatus includes a battery power supply for powering electrical circuits in case of AC power failure. A first sensor assembly circuit monitors thermostat status and is connected to a thermostat on a neutral wire (white wire) connected to the thermostat. Each of a second and third sensor assembly includes a respective temperature sensor and a respective temperature sensor circuit. A second temperature sensor is placed adjacent to an air duct outlet. In addition, a third temperature sensor (an environmental temperature sensor) is housed in the furnace and air conditioner failure assembly housing where the signal processing an alarm circuitry are housed.

Abstract: A temperature regulating control device and method of making the same are provided, the device comprising a housing, a movable selector unit carried by the housing for selecting a temperature the control device is to tend to maintain, and an ambient temperature sensing means carried by the selector unit for indicating the ambient temperature being sensed by the temperature sensing means.

Abstract: A multi-functional room air conditioning unit that controls both heat and humidity as well as the concentration of airborne particulates. A control unit monitors temperature, humidity and air quality parameters and automatically programs the apparatus to take corrective action when one or more of the parameters is outside of the desired range.

Abstract: A pneumatic switching apparatus is provided for a pneumatically controlled heating ventilating and air conditioning system of the type having an air supply line for supplying low pressure air to a pneumatic receiver-controller, a receiver controller which produces pneumatic output signals in dependence on pneumatic signals from pneumatic sensing devices and controlled valves which are actuated in dependence on the output signals. The apparatus includes an elongated manifold and a spool valve extending upward through the manifold. The manifold and spool valve are formed so that the receiver controller is connected to the air handling system when the spool valve is in an operating position. The manifold and spool valve are also formed so that the receiver controller is isolated from the air handling system and the air handling system is under manual control when the spool valve is in a calibration position.

Abstract: An electronic programmable thermostat having a plurality of program sets, each comprising a plurality of times and a corresponding plurality of temperatures is disclosed. To program the thermostat, the user merely selects a program set and the plurality of times and temperatures corresponding to the selected program set is programmed into the thermostat to control the heating and/or cooling systems controlled by the thermostat.

Abstract: Temperature controller apparatus for generating a control signal for supply to a control device which controls the temperature inside a chamber. The apparatus includes a plurality of input devices each receiving an indication of the temperature at a respective location in the chamber. Each of the received temperature indications is processed so as to form the control signal. In the event that any of the input devices fails to receive the respective temperature indication, output signals from such input devices are not utilized in forming the control signal. If all of the input devices fail to receive the respective temperature indications, the control signal is obtained from either previous control signals or previously stored control data.

Abstract: A self configuring air conditioning system. The system includes a system controller for an air conditioning system operably connected to a compressor and an expansion valve, a first portable wireless remote controller for providing commands and information to the system controller by wireless transmission, and a second portable wired remote controller for providing commands and information to the system controller by wired transmission. The system further includes a wireless receiver operably connected to the system controller for receiving wireless remote transmissions from the first portable wireless remote controller, and an interface operably connected to the system controller for receiving wired remote transmissions from the second wired remote controller.

Abstract: Recreational vehicles and marine vessels provide for cabin environment heating by a thermostatically controlled furnace which is typically fueled by a portable supply of liquefied petroleum gas and electrically powered by an on board battery. The invention detects and corrects for the situation where the furnace does not light by cycling the thermostat to allow the furnace to relight. The device will allow for three trials before the thermostat is locked out in an off position to prevent the furnace from blowing cold air and draining the battery system. The device provides for centrally located indication of the current temperature and a resettable display of the furnace retrial and lockout condition status, as well as the gas pressure as delivered to the furnace.

Abstract: A thermostat having a simple battery level detection circuit. The output of an oscillator, having a frequency dependent upon the battery level, is compared to the output of a battery level independent time base. If the two outputs are not in a predetermined relationship, all connected HVAC equipment is shut off.

Abstract: A microcomputer-based control device for an air conditioner to which a replaceable air filter is attached includes a DC power supply section for converting an AC voltage to a DC voltage, an air-conditioning control unit connected to the DC power supply and including a microcomputer, a control unit resetting circuit for delivering an initial reset signal to the control unit when a voltage to be supplied to the control unit from the DC power supply section has risen to a value at which the control unit is operable, an operation section connected to the air-conditioning control unit for setting an operating condition of the control unit, a non-volatile memory connected to the control unit so that data of a cumulative air-conditioning operation time period stored in the control unit is written into and read out of the non-volatile memory, a display for displaying an image indicative of a replacing time of the air filter when the cumulated airconditioning operation time period has reached a predetermined time peri

Abstract: An operating display device for an automotive air-conditioning system having an automatic operating mode which can be partially overridden by manual control of selected functions. A visual display provides a symbolic indication of the status of functions selected by said automatic operating mode as well as the status selected by manual control of such functions.

Abstract: A digital thermostat includes a microcontroller and a single rotary encoder switch having an adjusting shaft and a knob connected to the shaft. The shaft of the switch is rotatable by the knob to a plurality of discrete angular positions, each of which enables the switch to provide a unique signal to the microcontroller. Each unique signal is interpreted by the microcontroller so as to establish a desired set point temperature. Each discrete angular switch position also effects a visual display, through an opening in the thermostat cover, of the desired set point temperature.

Abstract: An air-conditioning system operates in an automatic control mode when an auto-switch is on. When a rotary member which is manually rotated to set one air-conditioning factor is rotated while the auto-switch is on, the air-conditioning system operates in a manual control mode as far as the one air-conditioning factor. The rotary member can be rotated endlessly. When the rotary member is rotated from one angular position to another when the air-conditioning system is operating in the automatic control mode, the one air-conditioning factor is set to a mode or a value which is determined on the basis of the amount of rotation and the mode or the value to which it had been set when the rotary member was in the one angular position.

Abstract: A device for controlling the operation of a refrigeration appliance such as a domestic refrigerator consists of a circuit (2) comprising a plurality of resistive elements (3, 4, 5, 6) for generating reference signals (V.sub.A) to be compared in a comparator (18) with analog signals (V.sub.R) originating from a plurality of temperature sensors (21). The resistors have adjustable characteristics and are activated sequentially by a sequencer circuit (16) which also controls the supply of data (V.sub.C) derived from said comparisons into a memory (26, 27, 28). The sequencer circuit is connected to a control unit (35) for controlling the refrigeration appliance. The control unit reads the data from the memory at the end of each sequence of comparisons between the reference signals (V.sub.A) and the signal (V.sub.R) from the sensors, and on the basis of the data read out operate on the usual components (42, 43, 44) of the refrigeration appliance which generate and control its temperature.

Abstract: A calculator apparatus 10 includes the standard calculator mode and several other modes functions namely; a pressure-temperature conversion, a temperature-to-pressure conversion based on refrigerant, a relative humidity reading based on input of the dry bulb and wet bulb temperature; and a flow-energy rate conversion mode based upon a selected fuel meter dial and Metric or English units. In addition, a Fahrenheit-to-centigrade conversion and a centigrade-to-Fahrenheit conversion functions are incorporated. The calculator includes a keyboard 18, a microprocessor 16, a timer 26, a power source 12, a switch 14 and a display screen 22.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling the dew point in a reaction vessel in which a dew point reading is converted to an electric current signal which is coordinated with a preselected dew point range and translated into a frequency which is transmitted to a device that regulates the addition of liquid water to the reaction vessel.

Abstract: A control device for a combustion apparatus, which can detect failure of components and a method for controlling the combustion apparatus are disclosed. More particularly to a control device and a method for a combustion apparatus utilizing fuzzy logic reasoning in order to maintain accurate temperature control are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a furnace control system responsive to a circulator fan motor fault condition. Upon detection of the fault, the control determines a first time period which is required to activate the temperature limit switch of the furnace by continuous operation of the gas burner and a second time period which is required for the plenum to dissipate sufficient heat to deactivate the temperature limit switch. After determining the first and second time periods, the furnace control operates the burners for a fraction of the first time period and then allows the heat exchangers to cool for the second time period until the circulator fan motor fault is corrected or the demand for heat ceases.

Abstract: A parameter estimation system (16) automatically determines the relevant thermal and thermodynamic parameters which govern the energy consumption of the climate control system (18) within an enclosure (30).

Abstract: Imitation thermostat which in its most elaborate form includes a thermostat face with temperature indication and setting indicator, a following device to have the temperature indicator gradually respond to a change in setting but not electrical or mechanical means to interconnect to a heating/cooling system.

Abstract: An apparatus usable in combination with a mixing valve having hot- and cold-water inlets and a mixed-water outlet and a actuating drive for operating the valve to change the blend of hot and cold water at the outlet. The apparatus controls and sets the valve via the actuating drive and has a sensor at the outlet for producing an actual-value output corresponding to the temperature of the water at the output, a digital computer, a line connecting the computer to the sensor and to the actuating drive, a display for indicating settings of the computer, a removable program module engageable in the computer for supplying a valve- and user-specific program thereto, and an input panel connected to the computer for programming same.

Abstract: A system for providing adaptable control of an HVAC system which regulates environmental conditions within an enclosed area. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus and method of the present invention measures selected environmental variables in the enclosed area, calculates a value of a comfort index which is a function of the values of the selected environmental variables and a plurality of parameters that predicts a thermal sensation rating of an occupant. The system receives an actual thermal sensation rating from the occupant and compares the predicted thermal sensation rating with the actual thermal sensation rating to determine a difference between the predicted thermal sensation rating and the actual thermal sensation rating.

Abstract: In this air-conditioner, combustion test of a refrigerant heater is conducted through a control valve on the basis of a minimum combustion command signal and a maximum combustion command signal set in advance at a plurality of stages to store values of the minimum combustion command signal and the maximum combustion command signal presenting an optimum combustion state from the above-mentioned command signals, whereby in an actual operation, control of the control valve is carried out by using stored values with respect to the minimum combustion command signal and the maximum combustion command signal.

Abstract: Rooms in a building each have a heating, ventilating and air conditioning system (HVAC), a room control unit having a temperature controller, and various sensors. The control unit monitors the presence of persons in the room, determines the season, sets back the temperature in an empty room by a variable amount which the HVAC can restore in a given time, and restores the temperature to the previous user request when the user returns but to a standard temperature if the user has newly checked in. An outside hallway panel briefly displays, when interrogated by a maid, a person's presence. By monitoring maid requests, door status and maid activity, the unit indicates on a room map whether the room is being cleaned, clean, or ready to rent. By establishing the heat loss/gain (lg) factor of a room with the HVAC off and comparing it with the time to heat or cool the room, HVAC failures are determined. By comparing a room's lg factor with those of its neighbors, room environment failures are determined.

Abstract: A method of determining and controlling a load by a controller. The method comprises the steps of transmitting a signal for a first predetermined time period on an electrical line having a load in parallel with a capacitor; monitoring the electrical line for electrical activity within a second predetermined time period following the first time period; and controlling the load in response to the presence or absence of the electrical activity.

Abstract: An interactive electronic thermostat operates to communicate with an installer through an audible or visual display and keypad to instruct the installer to perform tasks and enter observations to effect proper connections at the thermostat of heater/air conditioner wires in spite of the absence of labels identifying the functions of those wires. The thermostat requires entry of coded indicia representing operator-observed conditions in the system in response to displayed instructions carried out by the operator. Control circuits are automatically assigned functional tasks in response to the operator-observed conditions entered into the system. Different program routines are invoked depending upon the number of system wires and the type of heater/air conditioner being controlled. Under appropriate circumstances, messages are displayed informing the operator/homeowner that the thermostat is incompatible, or has no advantageous use, with the heater/air conditioner.

Abstract: An automatic air conditioner for a vehicle comprising a cooling unit, heater and a blower fan which are controlled by a control circuit. The air conditioner is arranged to adjust a compartment temperature to a target value set by a target value setting means. Furthermore, the air conditioner has functions such as a quick cooling, a quick heating and a low water-temperature drive control to quickly adjust the compartment temperature to the target value. The air conditioner further includes a function wherein the change of the preset target value is forbidden in operation of the quick cooling, the quick heating and the low water-temperature drive controls to prevent the compartment from being over-cooled or over-heated by the change of the target value in the operation.

Abstract: A thermostat having a simple to see and use setup-setback visual indicator. One temperature control is used to set temperature while a second temperature control is used to activate the setup or setback. The second temperature control is offset from the body of the thermostat in the setup or setback mode to provide simple visual indication of the setup or setback.

Abstract: In an air conditioning system of the type having air volume to each room controlled by individual dampers the improvement comprising a damper control unit for, on a trial mode, gradually changing the opening angle of each damper while the other dampers are kept fully closed; air volume measurement unit for detecting the air volume from a blower to measure the actual air volume; pressure difference measurement unit for detecting a difference in pressure between the outlet air and the inlet air of an indoor heat exchanger unit to measure an air feeding pressure difference with respect to an actual duct system; air volume calculation unit for finding the relationship among the air volume passing through the respective dampers, the opening angles of the respective dampers and the air feeding pressure difference, based on outputs from the pressure difference measurement unit, the air volume measurement unit and the damper control unit, to find air feeding resistance in the respective ducts.

Abstract: A method of operating a transport refrigeration unit having electrical control which includes a display, including the steps of detecting the occurrence of predetermined events in the transport refrigeration unit, and classifying at least certain of them into first, second and third categories of fault conditions, and into a fourth category related to maintenance associated events. When a first category fault occurs, the unit is shut down, a visual alarm is flashed, and the nature of the fault is immediately identified. When a second category fault occurs, a visual alarm is steadily energized, and the nature of the fault if immediately identified. When third category faults and fourth category events occur, they are stored and periodically displayed, with the display respectively identifying the nature of the fault and the type of maintenance event.

Abstract: A method of operating a transport refrigeration unit with microprocessor based control. The microprocessor automatically selects an operative control algorithm, according to system configuration, with each algorithm having one or more operating conditions. Return air and discharge air temperature sensors provide inputs to the microprocessor. First, second and third sets of look-up tables are accessed by the microprocessor to determine which conditions are in the selected algorithm, and the high and low trip points of each condition. The first set of tables is accessed when the return air sensor is functional, the second set is accessed when the discharge air sensor is functional and the discharge air sensor is not, and the third set is accessed when both the return air and the discharge air sensors are not functional and the conditioned load is frozen. Failure of both sensors when the load is fresh shuts the unit down.

Abstract: A method of logging the operating time of a plurality of predetermined timeable functions of a transport refrigeration unit which includes the step of providing a plurality of hourmeters, at least certain of which are programmable. One of the plurality of timetable functions is selected for each programmable h ourmeter. Each hourmeter includes a first memory, with the operating time of the associated selected timeable function being stored in the first memory. The times stored in the first memories of the hourmeters are individually transferred to a second memory which is common to all of the hourmeters in response to a predetermined event. In a preferred embodiment, the second memory has a plurality of memory banks, one of which is an active storage location for all hourmeters, until the occurrence of a predetermined event, at which time another of the memory banks becomes the active storage location for all hourmeters.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for operating an air conditioner which is basically composed of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit and whose operation is controlled on the basis of values measured by a plurality of temperature sensors. When any one of the plural sensors is disabled due to wire disconnection, short-circuit or like trouble, and when a specific sensor which has a complementary relation with the disabled sensor with respect to the heat cycle or which has an object of measurement substantially the same as that of the disabled sensor is normally functioning without any wire disconnection, short-circuit or like trouble, the value measured by the specific sensor is based to presume the value that will be measured by the disabled sensor if the disabled sensor functions normally, and the operation of the air conditioner is continued on the basis of the presumed value.

Abstract: A control device for an air conditioner can prevent an erroneous operation in the starting and ending of a test run. The control device can start the test run of the air conditioner through the operation of a switching device after electrical power is supplied to the control device, and can end the test run when the operation data is received from a remote controller.

Abstract: An air conditioner which can be controlled remotely having a compressor capable of changing the number of rotations in response to a variation of frequency. The air condition includes a first sensor circuit section arranged in outdoor machinery, a second sensor circuit section arranged in indoor machinery, an operative state sensing section for receiving the output signals of the first and second sensor circuit sections and sensing the operating state of the air conditioner. The air conditioner further includes an LED display section for receiving the output signal of the operative state sensing section and displaying the operating state under control of the first microcomputer, and a first signal transmitting circuit section for transmitting a signal to a remote controller in accordance with the sensed operating state signal under control of the first microcomputer.

Abstract: A control system adjusts the active state of an air conditioner system for automotive vehicles on the basis of the thermal environment in accordance with an automatic operation setting program. When a user inputs a modification request for adjusting the thermal environment within a vehicular cabin by means of a button switch while the air conditioner system operates in accordance with the program, the control system modifies the active state of the air conditioner system on the basis of the user's modification requests and the present thermal environment. The active state modification values are stored in a memory to be used in the adjustment of the active state until new modification values are entered by the user.

Abstract: A temperature control unit has an air distribution setting device, an air volume setting device and a regulating control unit which determined optimum settings for the air distribution setting device and for the air volume setting device. The unit also includes a desired temperature setting device supplying a nominal inside temperature to the regulating control unit. Sensors provide an input indicative of the actual inside temperature to the regulating control unit. Output indicators, preferably in the form of light emitting diodes disposed along selecting paths of the setting devices indicate to the operator the calculated optimum settings for the appropriate setting device to be selected to allow for a controlled, external adjustment of the air distribution setting device and of the air volume setting device.

Abstract: A condensate drain has a short housing and contains a monitor device which avoids incorrect signals. A testing chamber is located in the housing, laterally adjacent to an entry channel, and therefore upstream of the drain device in the flow direction. A pipe forms the partition in the testing chamber. The condensate drain can be used in all instances where monitoring of its correct operation is required.

Abstract: An interactive electronic thermostat operates to communicate with an installed through an audible or visual display and keypad to instruct the installer to perform tasks and enter observations to effect proper connections at the thermostat of heater/air conditioner wires in spite of the absence of labels identifying the functions of those wires. The thermostat requires entry of coded indicia representing operator-observed conditions in the system in response to displayed instructions carried out by the operator. Control circuits are automatically assigned functional tasks in response to the operator-observed conditions entered into the system. Different program routines are invoked depending upon the number of system wires and the type of heater/air conditioner being controlled. Under appropriate circumstances, messages are displayed informing the operator/homeowner that the thermostat is incompatible, or has no advantageous use, with the heater/air conditioner.

Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of an HVAC system comprising the steps of: accepting an input; selecting a first mode of operation if the input has a value in excess of a first predetermined limit; selecting a second mode of operation if the input has a value less than a second predetermined limit; selecting a third mode of operation if the input has a value which is between the second and the first predetermined limits.

Abstract: An automatic control device which periodically computes system operating costs and utilizes those computed costs to adjust a forced hot-water heating system for maximum economy. Labor and material costs required to maintain, and replace at periodic intervals, the circulation pump and boiler, as well as the energy costs to operate those units, are calculated in an iterative manner over a plurality of predetermined time intervals. The successive results are used to control the water temperature setpoint for minimum system operating costs.

Abstract: A known refrigerating system for a container is improved to include container wrong or abnormal condition diagnostic facilities. Such additional facilities include a container inside temperature detector, a container outside temperature detector, a control responsive to a wrong condition diagnosis instruction for operating an evaporator fan and an electric heater of the refrigerating system, and a wrong condition diagnostic device for diagnosing whether or not a wrong condition of the container is present on the basis of the temperatures detected by the respective temperature detectors after a predetermined period of operation of the evaporator fan and the electric heater.