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

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

Abstract: A refrigerator having a cooling compartment provides a memory storing data about a user and data on food items stored in the cooling compartment; a user recognition device recognizing a present user; a controller reading the food item data corresponding to the user data relevant to the present user recognized by the user recognition device; and a display displaying the food item data read by controller. Thus, the refrigerator may be provided, which displays food item information appropriate to a user and reflecting the user's taste, physical constitution and health condition.

Abstract: A system and method for determining thermal performance of a condensing unit includes selecting the condensing unit from a condensing unit database and a compressor from a compressor database. Condensing unit characteristics and compressor characteristics are processed based on simulation points to provide thermal performance data for the condensing unit.

Abstract: A refrigeration system including a compressor, condenser, valve, and evaporator in fluid communication; a system controller operable to control one or more aspects of the refrigeration system, and a subsystem controller in communication with the system controller. The subsystem controller is operable to control one of the compressor, condenser, valve, and evaporator. A method of operating the refrigeration system includes communicating a code from the subsystem controller to the system controller, obtaining information at the system controller having a relation to the code; and communicating at least a portion of the obtained information from the system controller to the subsystem controller.

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

Abstract: Methods of diagnosing a temperature control unit and methods of performing a diagnostic check on a temperature control unit. The methods generally include monitoring at least one function of the temperature control unit, storing information relating to the at least one monitored function, determining from the information relating to the at least one monitored function whether the unit has a malfunction. Some methods generally include setting a flag to one of a first setting and a second setting, the flag being set to the first setting if the unit has no malfunction and the flag being set to the second setting if the unit has at least one malfunction, and enabling the diagnostic check when the flag is set to the first setting.

Abstract: A device is provided for monitoring a plurality of appliances, wherein each appliance is connected to an electrical circuit having a first wire and a second wire. The device includes a plurality of cores, each of the plurality of cores being constructed to be able to surround one of the first wires of each circuit and having a secondary winding at which an electrical signal is generated in response to a current polarity change in the first wire. A multiplexer is connected to the secondary winding of each of the plurality of cores. A processor is connected to the multiplexer to monitor the phase relationship between an AC voltage an AC current of each appliance connected to one of the plurality of circuits and to determine information relating to the function of the appliance based on the phase relationship. The device may be located at the circuit breaker box of an establishment.

Abstract: An operation information processing section (11) in a central remote controller (5) processes operation information from operation setting buttons (8a,8b,8c), each of which is independent in function, transmits the operation information through a transmission line (6), and generates screen information based on the operation information collected through the transmission line (6), and display the screen information on a display unit (9). A management information processing section (12a) generates screen information based on operation information of the air conditioners (1,2) collected through the transmission line (6) and transmits the screen information to the remote monitor terminal (15) through a transmission line (13), and relays control information transmitted from the remote monitor terminal (15) through the transmission line (13), and transmits the control information to the air conditioners (1,2) through the transmission line (6).

Abstract: A method for determining airflow through an evaporator coil in a vapor compression cycle by measuring the moist air conditions entering and leaving the coil, and various temperatures and pressures in the refrigerant of the vapor compression cycle. The mass airflow rate and the volumetric airflow rate are then determined.

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

Abstract: An air conditioning system for conditioning a supply of hot pressurised air for use in an environment the system including a primary heat exchanger in which heat in the hot pressurised air supply is exchanged with a cooling fluid, a compressor to compress the supply of pressurised air cooled in the primary heat exchanger, a secondary heat exchanger in which heat in the compressed air supply is exchanged with a cooling fluid, and an expansion device for expanding and cooling the compressed air supply cooled in the secondary heat exchanger, mixing apparatus for mixing the expanded and cold supply air with recirculating air from the environment, a by-pass flow path for compressed cooled supply air from the secondary heat exchanger to the environment, and a secondary supply flow path for the hot pressurised air to the secondary heat exchanger, a first valve in a primary supply flow path to the primary heat exchanger, a second valve in the secondary supply flow path to the secondary heat exchanger, a third valve i

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the food product and refrigeration system performance of a remote location includes a management center in communication with a remote location through a communication network. The management center receives performance information of the refrigeration system at a remote location. The management center employs software modules to analyze the performance information, diagnose system conditions, and provide alarms for food safety and quality issues, refrigeration system component failure, and indicate maintenance conditions.

Abstract: An automatic cold-storage system includes a food package (22) provided with a noncontact IC tag (11), and a refrigerator (31) for storing the food package (22). Information is read from the noncontact IC tag (11) by a noncontact IC tag reader (12) and is compiled to a database (31c). A managing means (31b) controls the refrigerator (31) on the basis of information contained in the database (31c). The managing means (31b) makes a display device (14) display a warning on the basis of information read by the noncontact IC tag reader (12).

Abstract: An apparatus and a method is provided for displaying a power-off state of a refrigerator having plural chambers. When a user turns off at least one of the plurality of chambers of the refrigerator, a power-off state display apparatus of the refrigerator displays “OFF” characters on a display unit, thus confirming that a particular chamber has been turned off. The power-off state display apparatus includes a signal generating unit for generating a power-off signal when a user turns off at least one of the plurality of chambers, and a display unit for displaying the power-off state after receiving the power-off signal.

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

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

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

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

Abstract: An apparatus for diagnosing a cooling system includes a first sensor for sensing a first operating parameter, a second sensor for sensing a motor operating parameter, a controller in communication with the sensors for receiving a signal from each of the sensors, and a computer in communication with the controller. The computer includes a memory storing normal operating parameters for a plurality of cooling systems, and is operable to compare the first and motor operating parameters with the normal parameters of one of the plurality of cooling systems to diagnose the cooling system.

Abstract: A method for detecting compressor degradation includes the steps of providing a dataset for a compressor relating compressor operating parameters to each other; detecting real time actual values of the compressor operating parameters including an evaluated operating parameter; using at least one of the real time actual values and the dataset to determine a predicted value of the evaluated operating parameter; and comparing the predicted value of the evaluated operating parameter to the real time actual value of the evaluated operating parameter. This advantageously allows a prognosis of compressor performance to determine whether performance degradation is occurring.

Abstract: A control system for a refrigeration system having a refrigeration compartment and a quick chill/thaw pan. A main controller board, electrically connected to a temperature adjustment board and a dispenser board through the serial communications bus, controls the temperature of the refrigeration compartment and the quick chill/thaw pan. The control system accepts a plurality of inputs to determine a refrigeration mode and to execute a plurality of software algorithms to control the refrigeration compartment as both a chill pan to rapidly chill food and beverage items without freezing and a thaw pan to timely thaw frozen items at controlled temperature levels.

Abstract: A method for improving system performance in a building environment according to the invention includes installing a temperature monitoring system for a refrigeration system, and performing a temperature audit on the refrigeration system. Temperature and pressure sensors are calibrated, and operating parameters of the refrigeration system are obtained. Pressure drop and efficiency tests are performed on at least one component of the refrigeration system, and operating pressures of at least one component are adjusted. System stability is tracked. In one embodiment, the building environment further includes an HVAC system and the method includes adjusting the HVAC system according to desired presets. In another embodiment, the building environment includes a lighting system and the method includes adjusting internal lighting levels of the lighting system to desired set points.

Abstract: A method of determining thermal performance of a condenser and a condensing unit within a cooling system includes selecting the condenser and the condensing unit from a condensing unit database. A compressor is selected from a compressor database based on at least one of capacity, electrical characteristics and refrigerant flowing through the cooling system. Simulation points for the cooling system are determined and condensing unit characteristics and compressor characteristics are processed based on user-specified simulation points to provide thermal performance data for the condenser or condensing unit.

Abstract: A method for determining airflow through an evaporator coil in a vapor compression cycle by measuring the moist air conditions entering and leaving the coil, and various temperatures and pressures in the refrigerant of the vapor compression cycle. The mass airflow rate and the volumetric airflow rate are then determined.

Abstract: This invention provides a configurable electronic controller comprising control circuitry and output interface circuitry that is characterized such that the said control circuitry and said output interface circuitry are designed to be configurable for various control functions and various interfaces respectively, by means of configuration data supplied by a configuration memory included with the said electronic controller. The said configurable electronic controller further optionally includes configurable input interface circuitry, configurable user interface circuitry, configurable power supply interface circuitry, and network interface circuitry.

Abstract: A refrigerator, comprising an oil deterioration judging device for judging a degree of deterioration of a refrigerating machine oil, wherein the oil deterioration of a refrigerating machine oil, wherein the oil deterioration judging device is disposed between a discharge side of a compressor and a gas closing valve, between a four-way directional control valve and the gas closing valve, or in a middle of a gas side connecting pipe.

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

Abstract: A refrigeration control apparatus comprises a master unit with a mother board. The mother board comprises a bus configured to carry signals between boards coupled to the mother board. A processor board interfaced to the mother board is provided. The processor board comprises a processor, and a program memory where instructions for the processor are stored on the program memory. An interface circuit coupled to the mother board is provided. A load control module interfaced to the mother board is provided, wherein the load control module comprises an interface circuit coupled to the mother board, and a circuit breaker coupled to a power input. A load relay comprising a first interlocked relay and a second interlocked relay coupled to the circuit breaker is provided. The load relay is configured to switch power. An override switch and the processor coupled to the load relay to control the load relay is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a microtome (2) and a cooling chamber (4) provided therefor is disclosed. Control is accomplished by way of a single control unit (12, 18) that integrates both operating elements (30) for the microtome (2) and operating elements (32) for the cooling chamber (4).

Abstract: A refrigerator having a cooling compartment provides a memory storing data about a user and data on food items stored in the cooling compartment; a user recognition device recognizing a present user; a controller reading the food item data corresponding to the user data relevant to the present user recognized by the user recognition device; and a display displaying the food item data read by controller. Thus, the refrigerator may be provided, which displays food item information appropriate to a user and reflecting the user's taste, physical constitution and health condition.

Abstract: A reduced error measurement system for use in, for example, an appliance control system includes a multiplexor, a plurality of sensors coupled to the multiplexor, and a single amplifier circuit having an impedance path. The multiplexor is configured to selectively place one of the sensors into the impedance path of the amplifier. A transfer function of an amplifier circuit is dependent upon a selected sensor response when placed into the circuit, thereby allowing a controller to make control decisions based upon a voltage output of the single amplifier, thereby reducing errors attributable to a plurality of amplifier channels. An adjacent channel calibration technique is used to calibrate a hard mounted sensor to an integrated circuit that applies a calibrated offset value determined with a removable sensor coupled to the integrated circuit to the hard mounted sensor.

Abstract: Test and diagnosis of an automotive air conditioning system (2) is performed by a device which comprises: temperature-sensing means (3) for sensing the ambient temperature, pressure-sensing means (4,5) for sensing the high and low side pressures of the system (2), data-storage means (62) for storing at least one set of reference values of refrigerant pressures and ambient temperatures and at least one set of malfunction diagnosis, a data processor (63) for comparing said sensed values of ambient temperature and refrigerant pressures with said stored reference values and for associating to each tern of sensed values at least one diagnosis, which is displayed on a display unit (7), an input unit (8) and an hand-heldable housing (10) for containing said sensing and data-storage means (3-5,62), said data processor (63) and said display and input units (7,8).

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; 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 operation information processing section (11) in a central remote controller (5) processes operation information from operation setting buttons (8a,8b,8c), each of which is independent in function, transmits the operation information through a transmission line (6), and generates screen information based on the operation information collected through the transmission line (6), and display the screen information on a display unit (9). A management information processing section (12a) generates screen information based on operation information of the air conditioners (1,2) collected through the transmission line (6) and transmits the screen information to the remote monitor terminal (15) through a transmission line (13), and relays control information transmitted from the remote monitor terminal (15) through the transmission line (13), and transmits the control information to the air conditioners (1,2) through the transmission line (6).

Abstract: An energy-efficient vehicle air conditioning system includes a variable capacity refrigerant compressor having a capacity control valve with integral refrigerant sensors and control circuitry, and a driver interface panel for selecting the discharge air temperature and inlet air source, and for selecting either a normal control mode or an energy-efficient control mode. When the energy-efficient control mode is selected, control setting indicators prompt the driver to request full-cold discharge air temperature and recirculated cabin air, and the control circuitry initiates a compressor capacity control based on the refrigerant sensor information and a measure of the outside air temperature to produce a suitable discharge air temperature at a reduced power consumption level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a display apparatus for a refrigerator. In the present invention, the display apparatus is constructed by using a single-sided board 30 with circuit patterns 32 formed on one side thereof. The single-sided board 30 is formed with through-holes 33 through which jumper wires 34 pass so as to connect circuit patterns spaced far apart from one another among the circuit patterns 32. Remaining portions of the jumper wires 34 except the portions thereof connected to the circuit patterns 32 are disposed on a side of the board with no circuit patterns formed thereon. Light-emitting devices 40 are mounted on the single-sided board 30 so that the circuit patterns 32 and leads 42 of the light-emitting devices are electrically connected with one another. The light-emitting devices 40 receive electrical signals through the circuit patterns 32 by means of the electrical connection of the leads 42 with the circuit patterns 32, and selectively emit light so as to display information.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method of determining refrigerant charge level in a space temperature conditioning system includes the steps of establishing a relationship between at least one selected system operating parameter and refrigerant charge level, independent of ambient temperature conditions; measuring the selected parameter(s) while the system is in operation; and using the established relationship and the measured parameter(s) to determine the refrigerant charge level. In one embodiment of the invention, both condenser subcooling and evaporator superheat parameters are measured and the predetermined relationship between charge level and each of these parameters is used to determine the actual refrigerant charge level.

Abstract: A system for displaying a temperature of a refrigerator compartment including at least one temperature sensor is provided that emulates the function and behavior of a thermostat to control and display refrigerator compartment temperature in a simple and intuitive manner. The system includes a controller including a processor and a memory and operatively coupled to the temperature sensor. A human machine interface board includes a display and is coupled to the controller and configured for receiving user input of a refrigerator compartment setting. The controller is configured to accept a set temperature of the at least one compartment, monitor actual temperature of the compartment; and display a damped temperature value based on operating conditions of the refrigerator.

Abstract: A data acquisition system and method includes monitoring a cooling system having a refrigerant compressor, evaporator, and condenser, and employs a number of sensors to monitor various operating parameters of the system. These operating parameters are provided to a computer, which stores predefined operating parameters for a plurality of cooling systems. The computer compares the provided operating parameters of the monitored cooling system with the predefined operating parameters to provide diagnostic results for the monitored cooling system and possible service procedures. If the computer does not recognize the monitored cooling system identifier, a connection is made to a master computer in order look up the predefined operating parameters in a master data base.

Abstract: To provide a self-diagnosing apparatus for a refrigerator which self-diagnoses an operation condition and advises a user of an appropriate improvement action if there is an abnormal. First, a detector such as an internal temperature sensor detects a plurality of condition-indicative quantities with respect to the refrigerator, and the condition-indicative quantities are stored in a memory part for a predetermined period. A diagnostic device such as a diagnosis calculation value judging part compares the condition-indicative quantities or a diagnosis calculation value which is calculated based on the condition-indicative quantities with a predetermined threshold value, and judges whether the operation condition of the refrigerator is normal or abnormal based on a result of the comparison.

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

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

Abstract: A process for estimating the capacity and the coefficient of performance by taking common measurements and using compressor manufacturer's performance data is presented. A process for determining a capacity index and an efficiency index for a vapor compression cycle relative to desired operating conditions.

Abstract: A refrigerator, comprising an oil deterioration judging container (31) disposed between a four-way directional control valve (2) and a gas closing valve (24), whereby, because a gas refrigerant containing much refrigerating machine oil is discharged from a compressor (1) at the time of heating operation, the degree of deterioration of the oil can be judged easily, and thus the degree of deterioration of the refrigerating machine oil can be judged with a simple structure, and the reliability of the refrigerator can be maintained for long period.

Abstract: An auto monitoring control unit of a heat exchanger an air conditioning system, includes a detecting circuit detecting a heat exchange value at the heat exchanger of the air conditioning system, a reference circuit providing a heat exchange reference for the heat exchanger of the air conditioning system, a processing circuit receiving the heat exchange value from the detecting circuit and comparing the heat exchange value with the heat exchange reference to determine differential value therebetween, a control circuit receiving the differential value from the processing circuit so as to govern the air conditioning system in response to the differential value, and a monitoring circuit electrically connected with the control circuit to monitor the differential value so as to ensure the air conditioning system is functioning in a normal condition.

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: A method of optimizing the design of a chiller involves placing more emphasis on the chiller's performance at part load than at full load and rating the chiller accordingly. In some embodiments, compressor speed and impeller diameter are chosen to optimize the chiller's performance at part load. With the chosen impeller diameter, operation at full load is then achieved by increasing compressor speed, opening inlet guide vanes, and perhaps sacrificing some efficiency. If necessary, an inverter over speeds the compressor by driving it at a speed beyond that which the compressor would normally run if it were driven at the nominal line frequency of the electrical power feeding the inverter.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling the composition of the atmosphere within a refrigerated container during the storage and/or transportation of perishable and/or respiring produce in which carbon dioxide and ethylene (and other evolved hydrocarbons) are removed from the container atmosphere by adsorption, the adsorptive materials being regenerated with ambient air.