Abstract: The present invention is related to methods and systems for collected item information for stored items. In one embodiment, a networked food storage system comprises a first sensor configured to read information from item tags coupled to items, wherein the items are stored or intended to be stored in a storage unit. A data store is configured to store food preferences for at least a first user. Instructions, stored in computer readable memory, are configured to: cause a first user interface to be displayed to the first user via which the first user can request a meal suggestion; retrieve preference information for the first user from computer readable memory; retrieve information read from at least a first item tag; and provide a meal suggestion based at least in part on preference information for the first user and item tag information.

Abstract: A personal food inventory system (PFIS) allows for storage of food items in a personal inventory associated with a user account, as well as tracking of food items consumed by the user account. The PFIS is linked to an application for communicating between an account user and the PFIS items that are received into the personal inventory and items consumed or otherwise removed from the personal inventory. The PFIS is linked to one or more preferred vendors for easy entry of items into the personal inventory. The PFIS also provides recommendation of dishes the account user can prepare based on the personal food inventory and/or a vendor inventory associated with the preferred vendor. The PFIS further provides user notifications for items nearing their expiry date. The PFIS also provides notification to the account user regarding usage of the personal food inventory system by tracking consumption.

Abstract: A method is provided including receiving a first input indicative of a desired design capacity of a refrigeration system, and receiving a second input indicative of a desired maximum acoustical noise of the refrigeration system. The method also includes iteratively selecting a candidate compressor system from a set of compressor systems, and iteratively selecting a candidate condenser system from a set of condenser systems. In addition, the method includes simulating operation of the refrigeration system based on the candidate compressor system and the candidate condenser system until a suitable refrigeration system is established having a computed design capacity greater than or equal to the desired design capacity, and a computed maximum acoustical noise less than or equal to the desired maximum acoustical noise. The method further includes providing an output indicative of the candidate compressor system and the candidate condenser system of the suitable refrigeration system.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a building includes a monitoring device and a server. The monitoring device is installed at the building. The monitoring device (i) measures an aggregate current supplied to a plurality of components of the HVAC system and (ii) transmits current data based on the measured aggregate current. The server is located remotely from the building. The server receives the transmitted current data and, based on the received current, assesses whether a failure has occurred in a first component of the plurality of components of the HVAC system and assesses whether a failure has occurred in a second component of the plurality of components of the HVAC system.

Abstract: Provided herein are various apparatuses, systems, and methods for improving the efficiency of medication distribution within a healthcare facility. In particular, embodiments may provide for storing and dispensing medications to an authorized medical person for administration to a patient in a healthcare facility. A storage and dispensing system may include a housing defining a cavity, a door movable between an open and a closed position to provide access to the cavity, two or more receivers disposed within the cavity, a lock to lock the door in the closed position, and a user interface configured to receive a request for medications stored within the cavity. The medications may be configured to be presented to a user in response to a request for the medications, while unrequested medications remain inaccessible.

Abstract: A flow rate of a heat transfer medium is computed without a flow meter. In a control apparatus (30), a storing portion (36) stores an aerodynamic characteristic map indicating a line causing a rotating stall and lines showing a sonic velocity in a refrigerant sucked in by a compressor (12) on a map displaying a variable ? reflecting a suction volume of the compressor (12) and a variable ? reflecting a head of the compressor (12); a estimation portion of chilled water flow rate (30b) computes the variable ?, derives the variable ? according to the variable ? from the map, computes a heat amount exchanged between the refrigerant and the chilled water in an evaporator (24) based on the suction volume of the compressor (12) according to the computed variable ?, and computes the flow rate of the chilled water based on the heat amount.

Abstract: A service or maintenance device is provided by which the maintenance work to be done on air-conditioning systems is made easier. An internal measuring system for the evaluation and display of measured data may have a display control means configured to optionally show measured values in a dynamic analog scale type in parallel to a numerical value, and to allow a comparison with a set memory marking.

Abstract: A wireless damper control and test system comprising a wireless controller for communicating with a wireless interface using an identifier whereby actuation timing of a damper actuator is transmitted by signal, the wireless interface connected to a damper to be controlled or tested using the transmitted signal, the wireless controller transmits the signals to the wireless interface for operational verification of the damper and damper actuator, and the wireless interface detects a damper state by contacts mounted on the damper and communicates the damper state to the wireless controller.

Abstract: A method for updating a parameter in a device in an HVAC network includes, in one embodiment, sending, by an interface to the device, 1) a parameter value change message, and 2) a new value of an installer parameter. The device determines if the new value is within an allowed range. The parameter is updated with the new value in a memory of the device if the parameter update is within the allowed range. The device sends the parameter to the interface. The parameter is relayed by the interface to an active subnet controller of the HVAC network.

Abstract: A low temperature storage apparatus may include a main body, a door opening and closing a storage chamber formed in the main body, a tray including storage slots receiving items to be stored, a light emitting device, a light sensing device including light receiving sensors sensing light incident on the storage slots from the light emitting device, and a controller controlling the light emitting device, receiving sensing signals, and providing status information related to the items received in the storage slots. The controller may switch the light emitting device on when the door is opened, and may sense whether or not a sensing signal is changed when the door is closed. The controller may count time from a point of change of the sensing signal if the sensing signal is changed from a signal indicating absence of a storage item to presence of a storage item, and may switch the light emitting device off when a predetermined time from closing of the door has elapsed.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a residence includes a monitoring device installed at the residence and a server located remotely from the residence. The monitoring device measures an aggregate current supplied to a plurality of components of the HVAC system and transmits current data based on the measured aggregate current. The server receives the transmitted current data and, based on the received current, assesses whether a failure has occurred in a first component of the plurality of components of the HVAC system and assesses whether a failure has occurred in a second component of the plurality of components of the HVAC system.

Abstract: An intelligent refrigerator based on the Internet of Things and an application system thereof, relating to the technical field of the Internet of Things, and in particular, to the aspect of intelligent refrigerator system module improvement based on the Internet of Things. The intelligent refrigerator comprises a refrigerator main body and a refrigerator control module which is arranged in the refrigerator main body and used for controlling the operation of the refrigerator main body. The refrigerator main body also comprises a central processing system module, the refrigerator control module being in communication connection with the central processing system module through a UART interface. A touch display module for man-machine interaction, and a network communication module for connecting the Internet network are also connected to the central processing system module. The intelligent refrigerator can realize managing the storage information of foods in a refrigerator in a graphical manner.

Abstract: An air-conditioning control device controls a plurality of air-conditioners (indoor devices) disposed at different locations within a predetermined living room space. A data manager stores location information for each air-conditioner (indoor device). A distance calculator calculates a distance between respective air-conditioners (indoor devices) based on the location information. A control order setter sets, based on the distance between respective air-conditioners (indoor devices) calculated by the distance calculator, a control order of each air-conditioner (indoor device) on which energy-saving control is to be performed in such a way that time spans for performing the energy-saving control that controls respective air-conditioners (indoor devices) for a predetermined time to suppress power consumption in respective sections of the living room space are balanced.

Abstract: A component in a network system includes an energy consumption component capable of communicating with a home area network and capable of consuming an energy generated from an energy generation unit of a utility area network, and the energy consumption component including at least one control unit to drive the energy consumption component; and a communication module to allow communication between the energy consumption component and an external component constituting the utility area network or the home area network, wherein the communication module is disposed on a path through which a power is supplied to the at least one control unit.

Abstract: A system includes a control module and a monitor module. The control module selectively operates a component of the system in an ON state. The system receives power from an electrical grid. The monitor module selectively detects a fault event of the electrical grid in response to (i) an amount of current drawn by the component or (ii) a voltage of power received by the component. In response to detecting the fault event, the control module switches the component from the ON state to a second state, determines a first delay period according to a random process, identifies an apparent conclusion of the fault event, and in response to the apparent conclusion of the fault, waits for the first delay period before switching the component back to the ON state. The component consumes less power in the second state than in the ON state.

Abstract: Hybrid heating system including: a heat pump water heating system; sensors, for measuring a system parameter; an input arrangement providing cost data pertaining to a first power cost for supplying power to the heat pump system, and to cost information pertaining to a second power cost for operating a conventional heating system; a processor storing criteria specifying when to operate the heat pump and conventional systems, the processor receiving and processing: cost data; cost information; system parameter data; flow information on a heat exchange system circulation arrangement, and heat pump system power consumption information and concurrently operating, upon demand, the heat pump system and a chiller system in opposite heating modes; wherein, when the chiller system operates in a cooling mode, the processor processes the cost data and information, system parameter data, and flow and power consumption information, and controls the systems based on the criteria.

Abstract: An ice maker for a refrigerator appliance and a method for operating the same are provided. The ice maker includes a mold body that is rotatable relative to an ejector. The ejector is configured for selective receipt within the mold body to assist with removal of ice from the mold body. The ice maker also includes at least two sensors for monitoring rotational motion of the mold body. Utilizing the at least two sensors, the ice maker can monitor ice removal from the mold body.

Abstract: A system and method to automatically detect and identify system components, wherein the system includes a processing device and at least one system component operably coupled to the processing device via a discrete connection. The method including the steps of operating the processing device to detect at least one electrical characteristic of the at least one system component, and operating the processing device to identify a type of the at least one system component based on the at least one electrical characteristic. The method further includes the step of operating the processing device to allow a user to confirm the identified type of the at least one system component.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet, a first compartment, a second compartment, a first door providing access to the first compartment, a second door providing access to the second compartment, and a beverage dispensing system operatively connected the cabinet. The refrigerator further includes a user interface operatively connected to the cabinet, the user interface having a display and being configured to identify a user of the beverage dispensing system and customize beverage settings and preferences associated with the user.

Abstract: An appliance includes an appliance housing, an interface adapted to receive power information, a plurality of sensors for sensing environmental conditions, a plurality of controls for controlling operations of the appliance, and an intelligent control. The intelligent control is disposed within the appliance housing and operatively connected to the interface and the plurality of sensors and adapted to dynamically select control values associated with the plurality of controls based on at least one of the power information, the environmental conditions, or a combination thereof to increase energy efficiency of the appliance.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optronics system equipped with: a detector cooler having a cooling machine, a cryostat, an IR detector placed in the cryostat, and a sensor for measuring the temperature TD of the detector; and a processing card which includes means for servocontrolling the cooling machine according to the temperature TD. The system includes a sensor for sensing the system's internal temperature TS, and the processing card includes means for calculating: the refrigerating time (TMF) based on the temperatures TD and TS, on each “on-off” cycle of the detector cooler, the trend of the drift in the refrigerating time TMF, as a function of the number of “on-off” cycles of the detector cooler, a sudden drift as a function of said trend of the drift of the TMF, and means for storing data used in said calculations; these data are aggregated data and not the measurements of temperatures TD and TS, nor said TMFs, in order to limit the size of the storage means.

Abstract: An expansion valve assembly includes a housing that defines a passage through which a fluid flows. The assembly also includes a diaphragm that deflects according to a characteristic of the fluid and valve member that is operably coupled to the diaphragm to move within the passage between a first position and a second position due to deflection of the diaphragm to regulate flow of the fluid through the passage. A stroke is defined by a distance between the first and second positions of the valve member. Moreover, the assembly includes a stroke measuring device having a first member and a second member. The first member is operably coupled to the valve member to move relative to the second member due to movement of the valve member. The stroke measuring device is operable to detect the amount of relative movement of the first and second members to detect the stroke.

Abstract: A method for determining discharge pressure for a compressor operatively connected to a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator in a serial relationship, includes receiving information indicative of a compressor torque or compressor current; and determining a discharge pressure in response to the receiving of the information.

Abstract: A method of reading an RFID tag using an RFID reader includes providing an RF-blocking enclosure having a port. The RFID reader has an antenna located within the enclosure. The enclosure is positioned so that the port is adjacent to a conductive surface and the RFID tag is within the enclosure. The RFID reader is activated at a selected read power level to read the tag in the enclosure.

Abstract: A method is provided for calibrating an engine throttle position sensor operation of a refrigeration system powered by a fuel fired engine.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes energy-saving operation unit that performs a control for performing a power saving operation, time measurement unit that measures an operation time of energy-saving operation unit, and energy-saving operation rate calculation unit that calculates an energy-saving operation rate based on the operation time measured by time measurement unit. The refrigerator further includes an energy-saving operation rate storage unit that stores the energy-saving operation rate calculated by energy-saving operation rate calculation unit.

Abstract: In order to improve a refrigerant compressor comprising a drive motor and a compressor unit which compresses a refrigerant entering through a suction inlet and allows it to exit through a pressure outlet in such a way that it works as reliably as possible, it is proposed that the refrigerant compressor comprise a compressor monitoring system which is integrated into a compressor control system and which determines a compressor condition by means of a first condition value that corresponds to a first saturation temperature in the suction inlet and a second condition value that corresponds to a second saturation temperature in the pressure outlet, and which compares the compressor condition with permissible compressor conditions lying in a given deployment field of a deployment diagram and initiates a process of switching-off the refrigerant compressor if the compressor condition departs from the deployment field.

Abstract: Operating refrigeration systems is described herein. One method includes receiving operating information associated with a refrigeration system, and determining a probability of liquid slugging occurring in the refrigeration system before liquid slugging occurs in the refrigeration system based, at least in part, on the operating information.

Abstract: An air conditioning system diagnosis apparatus and an air conditioning system diagnosis result display apparatus capable of representing various kinds of failures with high visibility by generating a system structure diagram that illustrates an air conditioning system in a different form depending on a detected failure and illustrating the failure using this system structure diagram are obtainable. Diagnosis result superimposed diagram generating means for generating a system structure diagram that includes icons, such as an icon of an outdoor unit and an icon of an indoor unit, and a line that links them on the basis of system structure information derived by system structure analyzing means and for superimposing a refrigeration cycle diagnosis result derived by refrigeration cycle analyzing means in the vicinity of an icon of a concerned device in the system structure diagram is included.

Abstract: A commercial refrigeration system has a control system which distributes intelligence to increase granularity of the control and simplify wiring, assembly and installation. Compressors of the refrigeration system each have a bus compatible compressor safety and control module including a processor and sensors. All control and safety modules communicate over a single power and communications line with the controller, providing digital transmissions to the controller of measurements taken by the sensors. The information provided may include that the compressor is outside of a specific safety parameter, so that the controller knows not only that a safety parameter has been traversed, but exactly which one. The control and safety modules are capable of executing commands from the controller to cycle the compressors. The control and safety modules preferably contain sufficient intelligence to continue system operation upon failure of the controller.

Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus has at least one intermediate heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a refrigerant changing in two phases or a refrigerant in a supercritical state and a heat medium such as water and anti-freezing fluid different from the refrigerant, a refrigeration cycle in which a compressor, a heat-source side heat exchanger, at least one expansion valve, and a refrigerant-side channel of the intermediate heat exchanger are connected via a pipeline through which the refrigerant flows, and a heat-medium circulation circuit in which a heat-medium side channel of the intermediate heat exchanger, a pump, and a use-side heat exchanger are connected via a pipeline through which the heat medium flows, in which in the heat-medium circulation circuit, a fourth temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the heat-medium flowing out of the use-side heat exchanger is provided, and leakage of the heat medium from the heat-medium circulation circuit is detected on the basis of a change amount of

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system includes an indoor unit monitor module electrically connected to a current sensor and first and second refrigerant temperature sensors. The current sensor generates a first current signal based on aggregate current consumed by components of an indoor unit of the HVAC system. The refrigerant temperature sensors generate first and second refrigerant temperature signals, respectively, based on measured temperatures of refrigerant circulating within the HVAC system. The indoor unit monitor module receives, from a secondary monitoring module, a second current signal based on aggregate current consumed by components of an outdoor unit of the HVAC system. The indoor unit monitor module transmits data to a remote server to assess whether a failure has occurred or is likely to occur in the components of the HVAC system. The data is based on the current signals and the refrigerant temperature signals.

Abstract: Apparatus and methodologies are provided to improve the refrigeration system by precisely controlling refrigerator compartment and heat exchanger temperatures through continuous modulation of device speeds or positions to match capacity with instantaneous load. A controller in a refrigerator is configured to provide a plurality of control loops to control various operational aspects of selected components in the refrigerator. A first loop controls the operating speed of a compressor based on temperature of the evaporator or based on the desired speed of an evaporator fan. A second control loop controls speed of an evaporator fan to maintain a prescribed freezer compartment temperature. A third control loop maintains a prescribed temperature in a fresh food compartment. In certain embodiments selected of the control loops may be thermodynamically coupled by way of thermal interaction between the various cooled compartments rather than being electrically coupled.

Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus has different two modes including a response detection diagnosis in which a control unit diagnoses a trouble of a component device during the trouble diagnosis operation based on presence or absence of a response from the operational state sensor when the mode has forcibly changed the device operation, and a performance detection diagnosis in which a trouble is detected by a detection value of the operational state sensor at a time when the operational state of the trouble diagnosis operation is stable, and the performance detection diagnosis is executed after the response detection diagnosis is executed.

Abstract: According to certain embodiments, monitoring the health of a cryocooler includes monitoring physical properties of the cryocooler to obtain failure precursor parameters that indicate cryocooler health. A health fingerprint of the cryocooler is accessed. The health fingerprint associates the failure precursor parameters with a health level of the cryocooler. The health of the cryocooler is estimated in accordance with the health level.

Abstract: Intelligent refrigerator system for storing pharmaceutical product containers, such as vials, ampules, syringes, bottles, medication tubes, blister packs and cartons, at the point of dispensing. Embodiments of the invention use product identification technology, such as radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags and readers, to uniquely identify containers as they are added to or removed from the cold storage compartment of the refrigerator, and automatically retrieve from a local or remote database a variety of details associated with the containers and their contents, such as manufacturing data, expiration dates, time out of refrigeration, inventory levels, safety information, usage statistics, known contraindications and warnings, etc. If the details indicate that there is a problem with a particular pharmaceutical (e.g.

Abstract: In various implementations, frost in a vapor compression system may be controlled. A property of a fan may be determined. A determination may be made whether a frost event and/or a nonfrost event has occurred based at least partially on the determined fan property.

Abstract: A system for facilitating communication of information between an information source positioned inside a refrigerated environment and a position outside the refrigerated environment comprising a transmitter for transmitting a signal including the information, a planar antenna fixed to a gasket for resonating the transmitted signal, the gasket providing a seal between the refrigerated compartment and a door providing access to the refrigerated compartment, and a receiver for receiving the signal including the information. The information could include information concerning at least one container positioned in a refrigerated environment. The system may utilize a Wi-Fi device, a Bluetooth® device, RFID device, or other devices for transmitting the information.

Abstract: A controller for a chiller includes processing electronics configured to detect a plurality of surge events. The processing electronics calculate a point for each detected surge event in at least a three dimensional coordinate system. The three dimensional coordinate system describes at least three conditions of the chiller when the surge event was detected. The processing electronics are configured to calculate a surface map for the at least three dimensional coordinate system using the calculated points. The processing electronics are further configured to control at least one setpoint for the chiller using the calculated surface map.

Abstract: Systems and method for operating and monitoring refrigerators are described. Temperature cycles within the compartment are characterized using statistical, frequency and pattern analysis techniques to derive a steady-state characteristic of temperature within the compartment. A thermal sensor inside the conditioned area is monitored and temperature data sets can be analyzed to determine performance in comparison to a baseline, and energy consumption. Analysis of continuous temperature readings taken from individual or groups of freezers identifies patterns of variations in temperature cycles from which feedback on efficiency can be inferred. Electrical load can be determined by measuring or estimating current usage and identifying periods of time when compressors are active in the refrigerator.

Abstract: A refrigerator and a method for controlling the same are provided. More particularly, the refrigerator is provided with a dispenser having a cavity for a cup, dispenser doors that open and close the cavity, and a door driver positioned in the dispenser that drives the dispenser doors. The dispenser doors may be automatically controlled to open and close, thereby improving cleanliness and an exterior appearance of the refrigerator by reducing dust accumulation in the dispenser during periods of non-use.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and apparatus for connecting remote and environmental sensors and other operating systems to a portable computing and communications device. The portable device configured to receive and process a set of data and transmit a response or message to at least the user on the quality of the data received. The portable device adapted to reconfigure the remote sensors or operating systems to produce a new set of data.

Abstract: The embodiment relates to a method for controlling a refrigerator. The method for controlling a refrigerator including: inputting an opening signal to open a selected door of a plurality of doors; rotating a driving motor to open a selected door; and opening the selected door by pushing the selected door of the plurality of doors by one of a plurality of push members by the rotation of the driving motor.

Abstract: A method, system, and control system for operating a HVAC system having one or more variable-speed components is provided. The method includes running the one or more variable-speed components at a first setpoint, and determining that the first setpoint generates a response having an intensity above a threshold. The response includes a vibration, a noise, or a combination thereof. The method further includes logging the first setpoint into a list of setpoints to avoid. The method also includes, in response to determining that the first setpoint generates the response having the intensity above the threshold, adjusting the one or more variable-speed components to a second setpoint.

Abstract: A method of charging or recharging an air conditioning wherein an initial amount of refrigerant is introduced, followed by additional introductions of refrigerant during injection pulses. The pulse periods are adjusted dynamically during the charging/recharging process based on feedback obtained after each pulse related to how much refrigerant was transferred during the previous pulse. Also, a system for implementing the above-mentioned method.

Abstract: A convertible refrigerant recovery, recycle, and recharge unit, comprising a control valve array, a vacuum pump, an oil separator, an oil-less compressor, and one or more storage tanks. The vacuum pump and the oil separator are in flow communication with the control valve array, the oil-less compressor is in flow communication with the oil separator, and the storage tanks are in flow communication with said oil-less compressor. The control valve array receives refrigerant from a refrigerant containing device wherein the oil-less compressor draws the refrigerant into said the storage tanks. The unit is compatible with a plurality of refrigerant types without cross-contamination of the refrigerant due to the oil-less compressor and conversion cycle whereby the vacuum pump is activated to remove residual refrigerant from the unit. A refrigerant identifier sensor is in flow communication with the system and can detect contaminants and selectively open and close the storage tanks.

Abstract: The method includes operating an HVAC unit for a test period in an automatic temperature control mode and measuring power consumed at one or more testing heat loads at one or more rotational speeds. The method further includes determining an association between the measured power consumed at the one or more testing heat loads and one or more tested bus engine speeds and calculating power consumed at the one or more testing heat loads at a plurality of profiled bus engine speeds based on the association, wherein the plurality of profiled bus engine speeds is derived from a bus road profile of known bus engine speeds at known time durations, with the known time durations summing to a time period. The method also includes calculating energy consumed at the one or more testing heat loads over the time period.

Abstract: A household energy management system uses measurements of the household electricity supply to identify and to determine the energy consumption of individual household appliances. From these measurements, models can be built of the behavior of the occupants of the house, the thermal properties of the house and the efficiency of the appliances. Using the models, the household appliances—in particular heating and cooling appliances—can be controlled to optimize energy efficiency; and maintenance programs for the appliances and for the house itself can be recommended to the householder or arranged with a service company.

Abstract: A system includes a compressor and a compressor motor functioning in a refrigeration circuit. A sensor produces a signal indicative of one of current and power drawn by the motor and a liquid-line temperature sensor provides a signal indicative of a temperature of liquid circulating within the refrigeration circuit. Processing circuitry processes the current or power signal to determine a condenser temperature of the refrigeration circuit and a subcooling value of the refrigeration circuit from the condenser temperature and the liquid-line temperature signal.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for appropriately controlling the air conditioning capacity by preventing occurrence of cavitation of a refrigerant pump and a method of operating the system are provided.