Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080197204 | System and Method for Suppressing the Spread of Fire and Various Contaminants - Systems and methods for suppressing the spread of fire, fire-related toxins, and other biological and chemical hazards are disclosed. One described system includes a thermostat incorporating an HVAC interface in communication with a residential HVAC system, a receiver operable to receive a signal indicating the presence of a contaminant from an environmental condition detector, and a processor in communication with the receiver and the residential HVAC system and operable to receive the signal from the receiver, and in response, send a signal to the HVAC interface to cause the residential HVAC system to be shut down. | 08-21-2008 |
20080217417 | AIR CONDITIONER - An air conditioner includes an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and an indoor controller which sets the conditions such as a condition of indoor air. The outdoor unit includes a compressor, an inverter for supplying electric power on a frequency in response to controls to the compressor, and an outdoor controller for controlling the compressor operation through the inverter. The outdoor controller includes a rewritable outdoor data memory for storing control data of the outdoor unit, and a microprocessor which refers to the control data stored in the outdoor data memory and follows a control program read from a ROM, thereby controlling the operation of the compressor. The indoor controller can write the control data of the outdoor unit into the outdoor data memory. | 09-11-2008 |
20080223944 | Device and method for recording air conditioning system information - HVAC apparatus is configured to include a control system with a controller which may be connected directly to a personality module for transferring information stored in the controller related to historic operating conditions of the apparatus to the module, or information may be transferred to the controller from the module to configure the controller for operation of the apparatus at selected operating conditions of temperature, pressure and blower motor speed, for example. The personality module includes a memory circuit and a connector for releasably connecting the module to the control system of the apparatus for transferring information between the module and the controller. | 09-18-2008 |
20090008463 | CLIMATE ZONE CONTROL - The disclosed climate zone control system separates a building into separate climate zones, which allows a user to select the desired temperature of each zone. In a single zone, the climate zone controlling system controls the temperature of the single zone where an existing thermostat controls the temperature of air exiting an air handler and the remote thermostat controls the temperature of the designated zone of the building by controlling airflow from the vents. In a multiple zone system, there is a master thermostat that controls the air handler and multiple remote thermostats for multiple designated zones where the remote thermostat controls both the temperature and the airflow. | 01-08-2009 |
20090045263 | THERMOSTAT CAPABLE OF DISPLAYING RECEIVED INFORMATION - A thermostat for controlling a climate control system is provided that comprises a network interface for establishing an internet connection with a website of a remote service provider, and a microprocessor for controlling the operation of a climate control system. The microprocessor is in communication with the network interface for establishing an internet connection and receiving user-specified information from a remote service provider that maintains a user-profile of information requested by the user. The thermostat further comprises a display device responsive to the microprocessor for displaying user-specified information received via the network controller from the remote service provider. | 02-19-2009 |
20090050703 | HVAC&R System Control Utilizing On-Line Weather Forecasts - A controller for an HVAC & R system is provided with the Internet connection to weather forecast information. The weather forecast information is utilized by the controller to take proactive steps in system operation and control. As an example, should the weather forecast information indicate that temperatures will be rising dramatically the next day, the controller may take the proactive step of increasing cooling in the conditioned space during the nighttime. In this manner, when the ambient temperature begins to rise the next day, the cooling load on the HVAC & R system components will be lower. Analogous proactive steps can be taken regarding humidity and fresh air circulation rate within the conditioned space. The present invention not only provides more prompt tailoring of the conditions within an environment to desired conditions, but also does so in a more efficient and less expensive manner | 02-26-2009 |
20090057424 | REMOTE HVAC CONTROL WITH USER PRIVILEGE SETUP - An HVAC control system that accommodates and/or facilitates control from a remote location. The HVAC control system may include a web-enabled building control appliance with a controller, a first port and a second port. The controller may implement a web server that is coupled to the first port for serving up one or more web pages on a first network and for receiving a number of responses. The controller may be coupled to the second port so as to communicate with one or more communicating thermostats via a second network. The web server may provide one or more web-pages via the first port that solicit and receive user rights privileges. | 03-05-2009 |
20090057425 | REMOTE HVAC CONTROL WITH BUILDING FLOOR PLAN TOOL - An HVAC control system that accommodates and/or facilitates control from a remote location. The HVAC control system may include a web-enabled building control appliance having a controller, a first port and a second port. The controller may implement a web server that is coupled to the first port for serving up one or more web pages on a first network and for receiving a number of responses. The controller may be coupled to the second port so as to communicate with one or more communicating thermostats via a second network. The web server may provide one or more web-pages via the first port that display a graphical floor plan of the building, and permit a user to drag and drop individual building control device images that correspond to the one or more building control devices onto the floor plan. | 03-05-2009 |
20090057426 | REMOTE HVAC CONTROL WTIH UNIVERSAL ENGINEERING TOOL - An HVAC control system that accommodates and/or facilitates control from a remote location. The HVAC control system may include a web-enabled building control appliance that has a controller, a first port and a second port. The controller may implement a web server that is coupled to the first port for serving up one or more web pages on a first network and for receiving a number of responses. The controller may also be coupled to the second port so as to communicate with one or more communicating thermostats via a second network. The web server may be adapted to provide one or more web-pages via the first port that solicit information including schedule and/or non-schedule thermostat configuration information, and for receiving the information via one or more of the responses. | 03-05-2009 |
20090057427 | REMOTE HVAC CONTROL WITH A CUSTOMIZABLE OVERVIEW DISPLAY - An HVAC control system that accommodates and/or facilitates control from a remote location. The HVAC control system may include a web-enabled building control appliance having a controller, a first port and a second port. The controller may implement a web server that is coupled to the first port for serving up one or more web pages on a first network and for receiving a number of responses. The controller may also be coupled to the second port so as to communicate with one or more communicating thermostats via a second network. The web server may be adapted to provide an overview or summary web-page via the first port that displays information regarding the one or more thermostats, where the information that is displayed may be customized for a particular user. | 03-05-2009 |
20090057428 | REMOTE HVAC CONTROL WITH ALARM SETUP - An HVAC control system that accommodates and/or facilitates control from a remote location. The HVAC control system may include a web-enabled building control appliance with a controller, a first port and a second port. The controller may implement a web server that is coupled to the first port for serving up one or more web pages on a first network and for receiving a number of responses. The controller may also be coupled to the second port so as to communicate with one or more communicating thermostats via a second network. The web server may be adapted to provide one or more web-pages via the first port that solicit and accept an alarm condition for the one or more communicating thermostats. The controller may provide and/or monitor the alarm condition of the one or more communicating thermostats over the second network. | 03-05-2009 |
20090057429 | Hybrid Air-Conditioning System and Method for Controlling the Same - An unified controller for controlling a plurality of air-conditioning systems which are capable of air-conditioning individual air-conditioning rooms of a building using different schemes. The unified controller is located under a Building Management System (BMS) controller which simultaneously manages a plurality of systems corresponding to arrangements of the building, and simultaneously controls a multiple air-conditioning system acting as one of the air-conditioning systems and a central air-conditioning system acting as the other one of the air-conditioning systems using a single control command. The unified controller performs error correction, addition of a new function, and update of pre-loaded functions upon receiving a request from the remote controller. | 03-05-2009 |
20090065596 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INCREASING BUILDING SPACE COMFORT USING WIRELESS DEVICES - A method for providing control to a building zone uses a building automation system and a portable wireless device located within the building zone. The method includes the step of identifying the portable wireless device using wireless communications. The method further includes retrieving information from a memory device specific to the identified portable wireless device. The retrieved information comprises a user preference relating to the building automation system. The method further includes adjusting a parameter of the building automation system based on the retrieved information. | 03-12-2009 |
20090065597 | LOW VOLTAGE POWER LINE COMMUNICATION FOR CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM - A system for controlling one or more components of a climate control system is provided that includes one or more controllers in connection with low voltage power lines for powering the one or more controllers. The controllers are further capable of transmitting one or more communication signals via the low voltage waveform. The system includes a thermostat controller, at least one system controller for a heating or cooling system, and a controller for a circulating air blower. The thermostat controller, system controller and circulating air blower controller are connected to each other only through each controller's individual connection to the hot and common low voltage power transmission lines. Each controller is capable of transmitting one or more signals that are superimposed onto the low-frequency low-voltage waveform and include information identifying a destination controller that the signals are intended for. | 03-12-2009 |
20090065598 | OCCUPANT CONTROLLED ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN A MULTI-UNIT BUILDING - A system is provided for use in a multi-unit building by which an occupant of a unit of the multi-unit building controls an appliance associated with the unit and includes an actuator which is accessible to the occupant, a processing unit to control the appliance, operative in the first mode, based on occupant instructions, to change the mode of the appliance based on an actuation of the actuator and to control the appliance, operative in the second mode, according to a preselected schedule, and a networking unit to inform, via communications, a monitor of the multi-unit building as to when the appliance operates in the second mode. | 03-12-2009 |
20090101726 | AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM, CONTROL UNIT AND OTHER COMPONENTS USED THEREWITH - An air-conditioning system operable at different states employs a control unit including a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver is connected electrically to a switching device for a compressor of the air-conditioning system. The compressor is installed at a remote location exterior to a building. The receiver is responsive to an encoded radio signal to provide an electronic control signal for actuating the switching device. The transmitter is installed within the building and is electrically connected to a thermostat within the building that responds to temperature changes to provide a temperature control signal. The transmitter upon receipt of the temperature control signal transmits to the remote location the encoded radio signal for operating the air-conditioning system at one of the different states. | 04-23-2009 |
20090108084 | Air conditioning system - In an air conditioning system, a first controller converts the communication method of an external command inputted into the second controller and transmits the same to an air conditioner. Further, the first controller displays operating information of the air conditioner. Accordingly, the structure of the air conditioning system is simplified, and installation costs are reduced. | 04-30-2009 |
20090140059 | HVAC REMOTE CONTROL UNIT AND METHODS OF OPERATION - A comfort control system for controlling the comfort level in a building includes a comfort control unit and a remote control unit. The remote control unit communicates with the comfort control unit from a remote location. In one illustrative embodiment, the remote control unit includes a temperature sensor for sensing an ambient air temperature near the remote control unit, and a measure related to the sensed temperature may be communicated to the comfort control unit. A detection block may be included in the remote control unit for detecting when the ambient air temperature sensed by the temperature sensor in the remote control unit is likely to be influenced by a user or other undesirable condition. The comfort control unit may take this into account when controlling the comfort control system of the building. | 06-04-2009 |
20090140060 | BUILDING CONTROL SYSTEM WITH REMOTE CONTROL UNIT AND METHODS OF OPERATION - A building controller for controlling the comfort level in a building is described. The building controller may include a thermostat and wireless remote controller for communicating with the thermostat from a remote location. The thermostat may have access to a first temperature sensor for sensing a first temperature, sometimes at or near the thermostat. The remote controller may likewise have a second temperature sensor for sensing a second temperature, sometimes at or near the remote controller. Under some conditions, the thermostat may use the second temperature sensed by the remote controller to control the comfort level in a building unless or until a predetermined condition is detected, after which the thermostat may use a different temperature, such as the first temperature at or near the thermostat, to control the comfort level in a building. | 06-04-2009 |
20090140061 | THERMOSTATIC CONTROL SYSTEM HAVING A CONFIGURABLE LOCK - A thermostatic control system having a configurable lock mechanism. The mechanism may be for preventing unauthorized or unintended operation of the thermostatic control system. The system may have a manual or an automatic lock out. If the manual or automatic lock out is not effected, the system may be configured to automatically effect a lock out after a certain period of time. To remove the lock out may require a coded entry. The lock out may be full or partial with respect to the functionality of the system. The lock out mechanism may be applicable to a wireless remote control of a thermostatic system; however, it may also be applicable, for instance, to a wall module thermostat. | 06-04-2009 |
20090140062 | HVAC CONTROLLER THAT SELECTIVELY REPLACES OPERATING INFORMATION ON A DISPLAY WITH SYSTEM STATUS INFORMATION - An HVAC controller is described that is configured to be more intuitive and user friendly to program and operate than convention HVAC controllers. In some instances, the HVAC controller may include a touch screen interface that provides greater flexibility in displaying information to the user and/or soliciting information from the user. | 06-04-2009 |
20090140063 | HVAC REMOTE CONTROL UNIT - An HVAC remote control unit for use in an HVAC system is described. In some instances, an HVAC remote control unit may be provided that wirelessly communicates with two or more HVAC controllers and/or other HVAC devices in a zoned HVAC system. When so provided, the remote control unit may be configured to allow a user to select between two or more zones of the zoned HVAC system, and to load one or more of the parameters and/or settings associated with a selected zone via the wireless interface. The remote control unit may be further configured to display at least one of the received parameters and/or settings on a display of the remote control unit, and a user may be allowed to change one or more of the parameters and/or settings that are displayed on the display for a selected zone. The zoned HVAC system may subsequently operate in accordance with the one or more changed parameters and/or settings in the selected zone. In some cases, it is contemplated that the remote control unit may be configured to dynamically change its behavior based on whether a zoned or non-zoned HVAC system is detected. In some instances, most or all functionality of the HVAC remote control unit may be accessible from a single menu level without having to access a sub-menu, but this is not required in all embodiments. | 06-04-2009 |
20090140064 | USER SETUP FOR AN HVAC REMOTE CONTROL UNIT - An HVAC remote controller for use in an HVAC system is described. In some instances, the HVAC remote controller may include a wirelessly interface for communicating with one or more HVAC controllers and/or other HVAC devices. The HVAC remote controller may be configured to execute a user setup routine for entering user setup information, where the user setup routine may cause the HVAC remote controller to display a sequence of two or more user setup screens, sometimes at a common menu level rather than a sub-menu. Some or all of the two or more user setup screens may include, for example, a message center indicating a parameter or function to be set, one or more buttons for adjusting or selecting the parameter or function, and a next button to advance the user setup routine to a next screen in the sequence of user setup screens. | 06-04-2009 |
20090159716 | Air conditioning system - An air conditioning system can automatically increase or decrease a desired temperature of an indoor unit at a variable gradient smaller than the variable gradient per predetermined time of an outdoor temperature. Hence, the user does not have to directly change the desired temperature, thus increasing user's convenience. Also, in the event of a significant diurnal range in temperature, air conditioning sickness can be prevented since an optimum indoor temperature can be maintained. Moreover, the variable gradient of the desired temperature of a room is smaller than the variable gradient of an outdoor temperature, thus keeping the room pleasant. | 06-25-2009 |
20090194601 | WIRELESS INTERFACE CIRCUITS FOR WIRED THERMOSTATS AND ELECTRICAL SERVICE DEMAND MANAGEMENT - A wireless interface circuit can include an electrical relay circuit that is configured for coupling to a separate wired thermostat circuit that is separately housed apart from the wireless interface circuit, where an input to the electrical relay circuit is configured for coupling to an electrical conductor provided between the separate wired thermostat circuit and the electrical relay circuit. A processor circuit is electrically coupled to the electrical relay circuit and is configured to control a state of the electrical relay circuit based on messages received via a wireless interface from a local system located at a location of a customer of an electrical service provider. | 08-06-2009 |
20090236433 | THERMOSTAT CONTROL SYSTEM PROVIDING POWER SAVING TRANSMISSIONS - A thermostat control system having remote devices and/or other internally powered devices provides transmissions at different power levels and at different data transfer rates to conserve power life. Thermostat control system components and devices may be powered by replaceable power supplies that are conserved by transmitting at a lower power level more often than at a higher power level. A higher power level transmission is provided at a lower data transfer rate, and a lower power level transmission is provided at a higher data transfer rate. A higher power transmission is provided periodically to ensure reliable communication of temperature information. | 09-24-2009 |
20090242651 | Local Comfort Zone Control - The present invention supports the remote control of an environmental unit based on an effective temperature that is indicative of a comfort index to an occupant of a controlled environmental space. The remote controller obtains a plurality of environmental factors, e.g., temperature, relative humidity, and air speed, in order to determine an effective temperature. When the effective temperature is sufficiently different from a set point temperature, the remote controller activates an environmental unit to change the effective temperature in accordance with the set point temperature. The environmental unit may include an air conditioner, furnace, or heat pump. Also, the remote controller may communicate with at least one remote sensor over a wireless communications channel in order to obtain the environmental factors for determining the effective temperature. | 10-01-2009 |
20090261174 | CONTROL SYSTEM PROTOCOL FOR AN HVAC SYSTEM - The present disclosure describes an HVAC system and means for communication between an integrated system of individual controllers for interactively controlling various components in the HVAC system. Various embodiments of an HVAC system are provided that may comprise at least two controllers that communicate with each other to provide a method of controlling the operation of an HVAC system, based on a communication protocol utilized by each of the various controllers. The communication protocol provides for establishing communication between a sending controller and at least one other controller that is the intended recipient. The communication protocol also provides for monitoring of communication signals by one or more controllers in the system, where the one or more controllers monitor communication signals which are intended for other recipient controllers to thereby listen to information being communicated. | 10-22-2009 |
20090266904 | HVAC SYSTEM WITH ENERGY SAVING MODES SET USING A SECURITY SYSTEM CONTROL PANEL - Disclosed is an energy-conserving HVAC system for an occupancy, the system including an HVAC system including HVAC actuators, sensors configured to sense temperature and humidity in zones of the occupancy, and an HVAC controller in communication with the HVAC actuators and the sensors, said HVAC controller being configured to include HVAC modes that specify that each of the HVAC actuators to be actuatable and deactuatable in response to particular HVAC sensor readings in the zones, and a security system configured to provide security, the security system including a security control panel in communication with the HVAC controller, wherein the security system includes security modes that are actuatable via the security control panel, actuation of each of the plurality of security modes resulting in an automatic actuation of the HVAC modes, the automatic actuation occurring without any action beyond the actuation of one of the plurality of security modes. | 10-29-2009 |
20100006660 | BACKUP CONTROL FOR HVAC SYSTEM - An equipment interface module that can operate one or more pieces of HVAC equipment in accordance with instructions received from a properly operating thermostat, yet can also operate the HVAC equipment when communications between the thermostat and the HVAC controller are lost due to, for example, low battery power at the thermostat, malfunctioning thermostat sensor(s), malfunctioning communication and/or thermostat circuitry, electrical interference, and the like. In some instances, the equipment interface module may regulate the HVAC equipment in accordance with a signal from a remote sensor when communication with the thermostat is lost. | 01-14-2010 |
20100019048 | REMOTE CLIMATE CONTROL DEVICE INCLUDING ELECTRICAL AC UNIT FOR A HYBRID VEHICLE AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A remote climate control system is for a hybrid vehicle having a rechargeable electrical power source and an electrical air conditioning (AC) unit selectively powered thereby, a sensor associated with the rechargeable electrical power source, and a data communications bus extending throughout the hybrid vehicle. At least one of the electrical AC unit and the sensor is coupled to the data communications bus. The remote climate control system includes a remote transmitter and a receiver to be positioned at the hybrid vehicle for receiving signals from the remote transmitter. A vehicle remote climate controller cooperates with the receiver and to be coupled to the data communications bus extending within the hybrid vehicle for communication thereover to selectively operate the electrical AC unit responsive to the sensor and the remote transmitter. | 01-28-2010 |
20100019049 | REMOTE CLIMATE CONTROL DEVICE INCLUDING ELECTRICAL VENTILATION BLOWER FOR A HYBRID VEHICLE AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A remote climate control system is for a hybrid vehicle having a rechargeable electrical power source and an electrical ventilation blower selectively powered thereby, a sensor associated with the rechargeable electrical power source, and a data communications bus extending throughout the hybrid vehicle. At least one of the electrical ventilation blower and the sensor is coupled to the data communications bus. The remote climate control system includes a remote transmitter and a receiver to be positioned at the hybrid vehicle for receiving signals from said remote transmitter. A vehicle remote climate controller cooperates with said receiver and to be coupled to the data communications bus extending within the hybrid vehicle for communication thereover to selectively operate the electrical ventilation blower responsive to the sensor and said remote transmitter. | 01-28-2010 |
20100038440 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REMOTE WIRELESS MONITORING AND CONTROL OF CLIMATE IN GREENHOUSES - A remote wireless climate monitoring and control system for a greenhouse is provided. The system includes a wireless sensor network including a plurality of sensor nodes for monitoring climate conditions in the greenhouse and controlling one or more climate control systems. The system also includes a server computer system located remotely from the greenhouse. The server computer system is coupled to the wireless sensor network over a communications network for receiving data from and controlling operation of the sensor nodes. The server computer system is also coupled to a device operated by an end-user over a communications network for transmitting the data to and receiving remote control commands or queries from the end-user. | 02-18-2010 |
20100051710 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR MONITORING HVAC EQUIPMENT - An equipment monitoring device for monitoring a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system configured to control an internal environment of a structure may include a current transformer configured to sense current being supplied from a power source to a first component of the HVAC system and a gauge configured to display the amount of current being supplied from the power source to the first component based on the current sensed by the current transformer. | 03-04-2010 |
20100072290 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM WITH REMOTE START OPERATION - In at least one embodiment, a system for controlling a vehicle climate control system in response to starting an engine with a remote start operation is provided. The system includes a first sensor for generating a cabin temperature signal indicative of a temperature within the vehicle. The system further includes a controller for controlling idle speed of the engine in response to the cabin temperature signal such that the controlled idle speed enables the climate control system to achieve a desired temperature. | 03-25-2010 |
20100084482 | THERMOSTAT - A thermostat includes an improved user interface, including automatic scheduling, remote control, system failure warning messages, and Energy Star compliance messages. Diagnostics can be provided without additional communication links to the thermostat. A sub-base accepts multiple thermostats and uses color coded terminals to ease installation. Glow-in-the dark features reduce power needs. In one embodiment, thermostats are coupled to AC power sources and communicate using wireless communications to control an HVAC system. A dampered system can be effected through a thermostat that communicates directly with zoned dampers. | 04-08-2010 |
20100127088 | ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT WITH MAIN PARAMETERS THAT ARE RAPIDLY SETTABLE EVEN DURING OPERATION OF THE PLANT UNDER CONTROL - An electronic thermostat is disclosed comprising a connector ( | 05-27-2010 |
20100140364 | USER INTERFACE FOR BUILDING CONTROLLER - A user interface for a building appliance controller that may include a control panel and one or more option cards. The user interface may allow a user or technician to program, modify, and/or view one or more parameters of the control panel and/or the one or more option cards. In some cases, the control panel may be configured to send one or more messages to a selected option card that indicate an input at the user interface, and in response, the selected option card may send one or more messages to the control panel that indicate display information for display on the user interface of the control panel. In some embodiments, such as when the user interface includes a segmented display, the display information may include the on/off state of the various segments of the display. | 06-10-2010 |
20100140365 | Communication Powered Building Automation System Actuator - An actuator includes at least one drive arrangement configured to generate output mechanical power from input electrical power. The actuator also includes a communication line input port and a control unit. The communication line input port is configured to connect to a communication line, and is configured to obtain electrical power from the communication line. The control unit is configured to obtain first information from the communication line via the communication line input port, and is further configured to adjust the operation of the at least one drive arrangement based on the first information and based upon information identifying electrical power available for use as input electrical power. | 06-10-2010 |
20100193592 | Thermostat Assembly With Removable Communication Module and Method - A thermostat assembly comprises a thermostat and a removable and replaceable first communication module physically and functionally removably connected to the thermostat. The first communication module is configured to permit information transfer between the thermostat and a first device remote from the thermostat. If more than one communication module is used to communicate with more than one device, the communication modules may operate using different communication protocols. | 08-05-2010 |
20100258643 | SYSTEM FOR THE REAL TIME INVENTORY AND LOCALIZATION OF REFRIGERATING CONTAINERS AND RELATED METHOD | 10-14-2010 |
20100308119 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IDENTIFYING MANUAL INPUTS TO AND ADAPTIVE PROGRAMMING OF A THERMOSTAT - Systems and methods are disclosed for incorporating manual changes to the setpoint for a thermostatic controller into long-term programming of the thermostatic controller. For example, one or more of the exemplary systems compares the actual setpoint at a given time for the thermostatic controller to an expected setpoint for the thermostatic controller in light of the scheduled programming. A determination is then made as to whether the actual setpoint and the expected setpoint are the same or different. Furthermore, a manual change to the actual setpoint for the thermostatic controller is compared to previously recorded setpoint data for the thermostatic controller. At least one rule is then applied for the interpretation of the manual change in light of the previously recorded setpoint data. | 12-09-2010 |
20110042469 | FURNACE AND CENTRAL COOLING APPARATUS CONFIGURED WITH POWERLINE COMMUNICATION FOR ENERGY MANAGEMENT - A system for communication between one or more indoor and one or more outdoor units. The system has a furnace apparatus spatially disposed within a building structure. In a specific embodiment, the furnace comprises a furnace control and an energy generation region. The furnace control is configured for at least a first direct current operation. The system also has an air conditioning unit spatially disposed outside of the building structure. The air conditioning unit comprises a compressor device and an air conditioning control configured for at least at least a second direct current operation. The system has a first powerline module configured to communicate with the furnace control and a second powerline module configured to communicate with the air conditioning control. A powerline network is configured to communicate between the first powerline module and the second powerline module. | 02-24-2011 |
20110042470 | USER ACTIVATED HOT WATER HEATER AND CONTROL SYSTEM - The present invention relates to a user activated hot water heater and control system for processing hot water to hot water output locations, e.g. faucet, shower, or the like, such that temperature fluctuations and delays in hot water delivery are reduced. Additionally, the temperature of the hot water delivered is adjusted to a predetermined value determined by a user signature constructed from a potential user physical attributes such as height, weight, and the like. The user activated feature of the present invention will provide an energy savings resulting from the smart, upon demand, activation of internal and/or external recirculation systems. Additionally, in preferred embodiments incorporating tank-less water heaters, the hot water maximum temperature, T(maximum) is dependent on the preference setting or default value of the detected general category user or unique individual user. The user dictated control of hot water heater T(maximum) value will not only further increase energy savings, but additionally provide a safety feature that helps protects heat sensitive people such as children, the elderly and the like from potential water burns. | 02-24-2011 |
20110042471 | INDOOR ENVIRONMENT REGULATING SYSTEM - The invention provides an indoor environment regulating system with excellent energy efficiency. The indoor environment regulating system of the invention is provided with an indoor surface structural member | 02-24-2011 |
20110062246 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CREATING MULTIZONES FROM A SINGLE ZONE HEATING SYSTEM - The present invention features a multizone conversion system for converting a single zone system into a multizone system. The multizone conversion system is designed to require minimal renovations and does not require extensive new wiring. Each room within the new multizone system has its own thermostat controls and each room can be set to its own specific temperature. The multizone conversion system does not require new piping to and from the boiler. Each thermostat is equipped with a temperature sensing device, temperature setting controls, an LCD monitor or display and an RF circuit that includes an RF transmitter and an RF receiver. Each heating element within the room is outfitted with an input device that contains an RF circuit, a switching valve and a battery compartment. The thermostat communicates wirelessly with the output device located in the room and control the flow of the heated water through the existing heating element or alternatively through a bypass pipe if heat is not required. | 03-17-2011 |
20110073667 | REMOTE CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM PROVIDING AN INDICATION RELATING TO REMOTE CLIMATE CONTROL OPERATION AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A remote climate control system for a vehicle includes a remote climate controller to be positioned at a vehicle for starting an electrically powered climate control system based upon a remote climate control handheld unit and causing the electrically powered climate control system to run for a run time period before shutting it off. The remote climate controller is resettable based upon the remote climate control handheld unit to cause the electrically powered climate control system to run for an additional run time period before shutting it off. The remote climate control handheld unit has an indicator for providing an indication to a user prior to expiration of the run time period to permit a user to reset the run time period while the electrically powered climate control system is still running and before shutting off the electrically powered climate control system. | 03-31-2011 |
20110147473 | WATER HEATER CONTROL MODULE - An advanced electric water heater control system that interfaces with a high temperature cut-off thermostat and an upper regulating thermostat. The system includes a control module that is electrically connected to the high-temperature cut-off thermostat and the upper regulating thermostat. The control module includes a switch to open or close the high-temperature cut-off thermostat and the upper regulating thermostat. The control module further includes circuitry configured to control said switch in response to a signal selected from the group of an autonomous signal, a communicated signal, and combinations thereof. | 06-23-2011 |
20110168791 | OUTDOOR UNIT OF AIR CONDITIONER - The present invention provides an outdoor unit of air conditioner comprising a main body and an electrical component box, a fan motor, a compressor and a condenser which are all installed in the main body. The electrical component box comprises an electrical box cover, an electrical box, and a circuit board on which electrical components and a radiator are installed. The circuit board is disposed in the electrical box, the electrical box cover is installed on top of the electrical box, and a baffle box is disposed between the electrical box and the fan motor. In the outdoor unit of air conditioner of the present invention, the baffle box is disposed between the electrical box and the fan motor, and encloses the electrical box from the fan motor, which keeps the electrical box and the fan motor apart, prevents the fan motor from burning resulting from the fire source in the electrical box and further protects the outdoor unit of air conditioner from burning. | 07-14-2011 |
20110204150 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTING DEGRADATION IN CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM PERFORMANCE - The present invention relates to the detection of degradation in climate control system performance, in particular to the detection of degradation in heating system performance or air-conditioning system performance that is an indicator of impending heating system failure or air-conditioning system failure in domestic properties. In particular, the present invention provides a method for detecting degradation in the performance of a climate control system indicative of failure in the climate control system, comprising: receiving climate control data indicative of a climate control system in a property (location) being turned on and turned off; receiving an energy consumption signal indicative of the energy consumption of the property; correlating the received energy consumption signal with the received climate control data to determine an energy consumption signature of the climate control system when being turned on and turned off; comparing the determined energy consumption signature with previously obtained energy consumption signatures to detect differences in the determined signature that are indicative of degradation of climate control system performance indicative of impending climate control system failure. | 08-25-2011 |
20110210178 | AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL SYSTEM - According to an embodiment, provided is an air conditioning control system having a remote controller which collectively controls air conditioning facilities respectively provided in multiple buildings through a network. A building monitoring and controlling device is provided in each of the buildings. The building monitoring and controlling device monitors an air conditioning facility in a building where the building monitoring and controlling device itself is installed, and transmits operation data on the air conditioning facility to the remote controller. The remote controller calculates each operation setting value based on each set of operation data, and transmits the calculated operation setting value to the building monitoring and controlling device corresponding to the calculated operation setting value. The building monitoring and controlling device which has received the operation setting value controls the air conditioning facility by transmitting the operation setting value to the air conditioning facility. | 09-01-2011 |
20110240750 | PERSON-SENSITIVE SENSOR AND AIR CONDITIONER PROVIDED WITH THE SAME - In one embodiment, a person-sensitive sensor is provided. The person-sensitive sensor has a Doppler sensor module, a storage unit, a signal intensity comparison unit, a variance value comparison unit and a presumption unit. The storage unit stores signal intensities of a signal outputted from the Doppler sensor module. The signal intensity comparison unit compares whether or not a value of the signal intensities is greater than a first threshold value. The variance value comparison unit compares whether or not a variance value of a part of the signal intensities is greater than a second threshold value. The presumption unit presumes a state of person in a space in which the Doppler sensor module is installed, based on comparison results. | 10-06-2011 |
20120012662 | BUILDING CONTROLLERS WITH LOCAL AND GLOBAL PARAMETERS - A building controller is configured to designate one or more stored parameters as local or global. Parameters that are designated as global may be selectively communicated to remote devices and, parameters that are designated as local, may remain local to the building controller. In some instances, the remote devices may be selectable by a user, include all the other devices on the network, and/or include devices that share a common wireless accessory (e.g. an outdoor temperature sensor). | 01-19-2012 |
20120061480 | PORTABLE INFORMATION DISPLAY DOCKABLE TO A BASE THERMOSTAT - A thermostat system is provided that comprises a base thermostat for providing basic thermostat control and a portable information display (PID) unit, or dockable display, that provides an improved user interface. The PID unit can be docked to the base thermostat by being releasably mounted on top of a front portion of the base thermostat. The base thermostat provides control of an environmental control system, allowing the regulation of the temperature in a building. The PID unit may be used when it is mounted to the base thermostat or un-mounted from the base thermostat. The PID unit provides an improved user interface and experience over the base thermostat. | 03-15-2012 |
20120091213 | Wall-Mountable Temperature Control Device for a Load Control System Having an Energy Savings Mode - A wall-mountable temperature control device having a vertically-arranged temperature adjustment actuator for adjusting a setpoint temperature of a temperature control system to thus control a present temperature in a building, a room temperature visual display for displaying a visual representation of the present temperature of the building, and a setpoint temperature visual display for displaying a visual representation of the setpoint temperature. The room and setpoint temperature visual displays each comprising a linear array of light-emitting diodes arranged parallel to the temperature adjustment actuator and controlled such that one of the light-emitting diodes of the setpoint temperature visual display is illuminated to display the setpoint temperature in response to the actuations of the temperature adjustment actuator and one of the light-emitting diodes of the room temperature visual display is illuminated to display the present temperature. | 04-19-2012 |
20120097749 | LIGHT THERMOSTAT - A basic idea of the invention is to use different properties of light ( | 04-26-2012 |
20120126019 | THERMOSTAT BATTERY RECHARGING DURING HVAC FUNCTION ACTIVE AND INACTIVE STATES - A thermostat and related methods are described for controlling one or more functions, such as heating and cooling in an HVAC. According to some embodiments the thermostat includes a rechargeable battery; charging circuitry adapted and arranged to recharge the battery; and control circuitry adapted and arranged to control the one or more HVAC functions using power from the rechargeable battery. According to some embodiments, the thermostat also includes power harvesting circuitry adapted and arranged to harvest power from the HVAC system in cases where no common wire is available to the thermostat, and to supply power to the charging circuit for recharging the battery. | 05-24-2012 |
20120187201 | AIR CONDITIONER - An air conditioner includes an air conditioner body and a remote controller that controls the operation of the air conditioner body. The air conditioner body includes a body receiver that receives a control signal for controlling the operation from the remote controller, and a body transmitter that transmits operation information for the air conditioner body to the remote controller. The remote controller includes a remote-controller transmitter that transmits the control signal for controlling the operation to the air conditioner body, a remote-controller receiver that receives the operation information transmitted from the air conditioner body, and a power-saving standby unit that sets the remote-controller receiver as a reception standby state when a request signal to request operation information is transmitted from the remote controller to the air conditioner body at each predetermined time interval, and that releases the reception standby state after a given time has passed. | 07-26-2012 |
20120193437 | WIRELESS THERMOSTAT ADAPTER SYSTEM - A wireless thermostat adapter system ( | 08-02-2012 |
20120217315 | SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING TEMPERATURES OF MULTIPLE ZONES IN MULTIPLE STRUCTURES - A system for controlling the temperature of multiple zones is disclosed, wherein the system includes a remotely located server and two or more structures, and wherein each structure has a gateway, at least one temperature sensor, at least one heating ventilation and air conditioning system, at least one controller, at least one air obstruction device, a user input device, and at least one zone. | 08-30-2012 |
20120234929 | WATER HEATER WITH FEEDBACK CONTROL SYSTEM - A water heater includes a remote controller having a setting unit and a display unit; an electronic heater having a circuit board, a combustor, and a sensing unit, wherein the sensing unit reads the electronic heater; and an exchanger having a first transmitter, a first receiver, and a first converter electrically connected to the remote controller, and a second transmitter, a second receiver, and a second converter electrically connected to the electronic heater. The first transmitter transmits a signal from the setting unit to the circuit board through the second receiver, to control the electronic heater according to the signal, and the second transmitter transmits signal from the sensing unit to the first receiver of the remote controller, to show real-time information of the electronic heater on the display unit. | 09-20-2012 |
20120234930 | AUTOMATIC REMOTE START/STOP CONTROL STRATEGY FOR VEHICLE HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS - A system and method for preconditioning a vehicle interior via a remote start device based on then-current weather conditions independent of the previous climate control head settings in place at the termination of the vehicle's last use are disclosed. The preconditioning system and method may be used in either electronic automatic temperature control (EATC) systems or in manual temperature control (MTC) systems. When used in conjunction with an EATC system, variables including sunload, Tset point (that is, the temperature door position), Tambient, and Tcabin are used to calculate the climate load demand. When used in conjunction with an MTC system, Tambient, Tset point, and Tcabin are used to calculate the climate load demand. In the event that the MTC system does not have a Tcabin sensor then Tevaporator thermister is used to calculate the climate load demand in the beginning of the remote start. The disclosed system and method also has windshield defrosting/defog and rear glass defrost capabilities. The disclosed control strategies are also capable of turning on/off the heated/cooled seats (when present) and the heated steering wheel (when present) according to the cabin thermal comfort conditions. | 09-20-2012 |
20120248207 | WIRELESS CONTROL OF A HEATING OR COOLING UNIT - A control system includes a remote temperature sensor configured to wirelessly communicate a signal indicative of a space temperature, and a return air temperature sensor configured to output a signal indicative of a temperature of return airflow within an air conditioning/heating unit. The system further includes a controller segregated from the space that is responsive to the signals from the sensors for determining a working sensed temperature based upon a temperature value associated with the return air sensor and at least one temperature value associated with at least one remote temperature sensor. The controller is configured to compare the working sensed temperature to a set-point temperature and responsively generate a command signal to activate the air conditioning or heating unit to control temperature relative to a set-point. The controller controls the air conditioning/heating unit at all times based upon the temperature value associated with the return air sensor. | 10-04-2012 |
20120248208 | AUXILLARY SWITCH FOR MULTIPLEXED CONTROL AND GROUND SIGNAL FROM A THERMOSTAT - An auxiliary switch is provided that allows a thermostat to use full wave rectification for power while still communicating control information to the auxiliary switch over a multiplexed ground-control line to control associated equipment. | 10-04-2012 |
20120248209 | HVAC SETBACK SYSTEM - An actuator for use with an HVAC system in a building having a door includes a thermostat having a setback function, and a wireless switch placed remotely from the thermostat. The switch is for being disposed on or adjacent the door. Upon actuation of the switch, a first signal is sent to the thermostat for placing the HVAC system in a setback condition. | 10-04-2012 |
20120261480 | TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM - A temperature control system includes a plurality of temperature sensors, a main controller, a plurality of power supply controllers, and a plurality of cooling devices. The temperature sensors measure current temperature of different monitored areas. The main controller compares the current temperature of the monitored areas with a predetermined temperature stored in the main controller. The power supply controller is selectably turned on or off according to the comparison to activate or deactivate the corresponding cooling devices under the control of the power supply controller. | 10-18-2012 |
20120267442 | VEHICULAR AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE REGULATION SYSTEM - An automatic vehicle temperature regulation system regulates and/or adjusts a cabin temperature based in part on a separation distance between a user and an associated vehicle. The system includes a portable transceiver, a fixed transceiver provided in the associated vehicle and configured to communicate with the portable transceiver, a temperature adjusting system configured to perform operations which adjust a temperature within a vehicle cabin, and a controller in communication with the fixed transceiver and the temperature adjusting system. The controller determines a distance between the portable transceiver and the fixed transceiver, and variably controls the temperature adjusting system based on the determined distance between the portable transceiver and the fixed transceiver. The controller may also recognize three distance-defined zones extending outwardly from the vehicle, and may control the temperature adjusting system to perform unique operations depending on which zone the portable transceiver is detected to be in. | 10-25-2012 |
20120298763 | DISTRIBUTED NETWORKED THERMOSTAT SYSTEM AND METHOD - Various embodiments include methods and systems for a distributed networked device controller such as a thermostat. | 11-29-2012 |
20120298764 | AIR CONDITIONER - Provided is an air conditioner that suppresses power consumption by discharging resistors for discharging residual charges of a transmission path. An analog switch is previously interposed between two discharging resistors. In sending an AMI signal to two lines of a transmission path, an MCU executes discharge control to cause the analog switch to achieve an OFF state when a high level signal voltage is output, and to cause the analog switch to achieve an ON state when a low level signal voltage is output. | 11-29-2012 |
20120318879 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SELF-TEST OF THERMOSTAT - An environmental control system includes at least one of a security monitoring system, or a building automation control system. A thermostat coupled to the at least one system, where the thermostat provides feedback as to output signals therefrom to evaluate functioning of the thermostat. The output signals would be coupled to a heating, ventilating and air conditioning system. | 12-20-2012 |
20130087628 | THERMOSTAT WITH REMOTE ACCESS FEATURE - A local thermostat for controlling an HVAC unit may include a controller programmed to execute a remote access function for remotely accessing and communicating with at least one remote thermostat over a communication channel. The remote access application may be configured to display at least one thermostat setting of at least one of the remote thermostats on the display of the user interface of the local thermostat. In some cases, the remote access application may allow a user to change one or more thermostat settings of at least one remote thermostat using the user interface of the local thermostat. | 04-11-2013 |
20130186964 | THERMOSTAT ASSEMBLY WITH REMOVABLE COMMUNICATION MODULE AND METHOD - A thermostat assembly comprises a thermostat and a removable and replaceable first communication module physically and functionally removably connected to the thermostat. The first communication module is configured to permit information transfer between the thermostat and a first device remote from the thermostat. If more than one communication module is used to communicate with more than one device, the communication modules may operate using different communication protocols. | 07-25-2013 |
20130334326 | Connecting Split HVAC Systems to the Internet and/or Smart Utility Meters - Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of systems and methods for connecting split HVAC systems (and/or for providing such connectivity) to networks and/or smart meters, thereby allowing a split HVAC system to be controllable via the Internet and/or a smart meter. An exemplary embodiment includes a system for use with a split HVAC system having at least one outdoor unit and at least one indoor unit having a receiver. In this exemplary embodiment, the system comprises a control having connectivity to a network and/or a smart utility meter. An equipment interface module is configured for wireless communication with the receiver of the at least one indoor unit and the control. The equipment interface module is operable for communicating instructions from the control to the receiver of the at least one indoor unit, thereby allowing operation of the at least one indoor unit to be controllable via the network and/or smart utility meter. | 12-19-2013 |
20140048608 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WIRING-RELAY CONFIGURATION IN DIGITAL THERMOSTATS - In a thermostat having a plurality of demand circuits and a thermostat controller, a method of controlling devices connected to the demand circuits. One or more demand circuits in a thermostat are connected to devices in an HVAC system. The thermostat is configured to associate each connected demand circuit with the device to which it is connected and control signals are routed from the thermostat controller to the one or more demand circuits to control devices associated with the demand circuits. | 02-20-2014 |
20140151456 | REMOTE APPLICATION FOR CONTROLLING AN HVAC SYSTEM - A wireless device may be used to communicate with and control one or more components of an HVAC system from a remote location. The wireless device may be configured to display two or more icons on the display of the device, wherein each icon executes a function that aids the user in controlling one or more components of the HVAC system. The wireless device may dynamically order the two or more icons on the display of the device, each according to a dynamic ranking algorithm. The dynamic ranking algorithm may be based on a number of factors including, for example, a relative frequency of selection of each of the two or more icons by a user, the current time of day, the current time of year, the current temperature, the current location of the wireless device, and/or the like. | 06-05-2014 |
20140175181 | MONITORING AND RECOVERABLE PROTECTION OF THERMOSTAT SWITCHING CIRCUITRY - A method of automated sensing of an electrical anomaly associated with a thermostat may include switching a switching circuit within the thermostat to an on state. The switching circuit may be configured to activate an HVAC function when switched to the on state. The method may also include monitoring one or more electrical properties associated with the switching circuit. The method may additionally include determining if an electrical anomaly is associated with the switching circuit based at least in part on the monitored one or more electrical properties. The method may further include switching the switching circuit to an off state if an electrical anomaly is detected. | 06-26-2014 |
20140175182 | AIR-CONDITIONING REMOTE CONTROLLER - A printed board arranged within an upper case and having a hole, a partition portion arranged within the upper case so as to be substantially orthogonal to the printed board and provided with a cut, and a temperature sensor arranged within the upper case and having a covered wire, a soldered portion provided at an end of the covered wire, and a temperature detection portion provided at another end of the covered wire, are provided. The temperature sensor is fixed such that the soldered portion is soldered to a surface of the printed board, the covered wire is inserted through the hole and engaged with the cut to be fixed, and the temperature detection portion is located near an inner surface of the upper case. | 06-26-2014 |
20140203090 | WIRELESS DAMPER TESTING AND CONTROL SYSTEM - 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. | 07-24-2014 |
20140203091 | PORTABLE DIGITAL THERMOSTAT - Portable Digital Thermostat, consist of a base unit suitable for wall mounting in a location suitable for such purpose in a manner similar to a conventional thermostat. Included in the system is a conventional rechargeable battery powered remote control unit that incorporates all aspects of a modern digital thermostat, including programming functions, clock, displays, controls and sensors. Designed to promote energy conservation and climate control where needed, this invention allow repositioning of the remote control unit any where within the building. The remote control unit allows automatic control of the HVAC system based on the temperature at any selected location without the hassle of rewiring and repositioning the base unit. | 07-24-2014 |
20140284390 | NETWORKED MONITOR FOR HEATING VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS - A system for providing monitoring of HVAC systems includes a database comprising a plurality of computing device records, and a plurality of technician records. The system further includes a computing device connected to the HVAC system, the computing device comprising a network interface device, an optical sensor located adjacent to one or more light emitting devices of the HVAC system, and a processor for reading the sensor data from the optical sensor and transmitting the sensor data to a server. The system further includes a server for receiving the sensor data, finding a technician within the vicinity that can service the HVAC system and sending a message to the technician including the sensor data and the contact information for the owner of the HVAC system, so that the technician may service the HVAC system. | 09-25-2014 |
20140306021 | AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL DEVICE, AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM, AND AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - The present invention discloses an air conditioner control device, air conditioning system, and air conditioner control method. The air conditioner control device of the present invention comprises a base and a controller. The base senses a temperature or humidity of a first environment. The controller can be optionally combined with or detached from the base. When the controller is detached from the base, the controller senses a temperature or humidity of a second environment and communicates with the base using a wireless network protocol. By doing so, the output of an air conditioner can be flexibly adjusted depending on the environment that a user is in. | 10-16-2014 |
20140312127 | Battery Power Management in a Thermostat With a Wireless Transceiver - A thermostat includes a controller for controlling the thermostat, a battery supplying power for the thermostat, and a wireless transceiver for receiving control information from a remote device and for transmitting information to the remote device. The controller sets a default time schedule for enabling the wireless transceiver. | 10-23-2014 |
20140312128 | GENERATING AND IMPLEMENTING THERMODYNAMIC MODELS OF A STRUCTURE - Apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for generating and implementing thermodynamic models of a structure. Thermostats disclosed herein are operable to control an HVAC system. In controlling the HVAC system, a need to determine an expected indoor temperature profile for a particular schedule of setpoint temperatures may arise. To make such a determination, a thermodynamic model of the structure may be used. The thermodynamic model may be generated by fitting weighting factors of a set of basis functions to a variety of historical data including time information, temperature information, and HVAC actuation state information. The set of basis functions characterize an indoor temperature trajectory of the structure in response to a change in HVAC actuation state, and include an inertial carryover component that characterizes a carryover of a rate of indoor temperature change that was occurring immediately prior to the change in actuation state. | 10-23-2014 |
20140312129 | Power Stealing for a Wireless-Enabled Thermostat - Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of apparatus, systems and methods for power stealing for a wireless-enabled thermostat. In an exemplary embodiment, a wireless-enabled thermostat generally includes a control having a wireless network interface that intermittently connects the thermostat in a wireless network in accordance with a duty cycle, the duty cycle having a connect time in which the thermostat is connected in the wireless network and a sleep time in which the thermostat is not connected in the wireless network. A power stealing circuit of the thermostat steals power through an “on-mode” load of a climate control system to charge a capacitor or other energy storage device to provide the power for the wireless network interface. The control adjusts at least the sleep time in accordance with a time for charging the capacitor or other energy storage device to a threshold voltage. | 10-23-2014 |
20140312130 | AIR CONDITIONER - An air conditioner includes an air-conditioner body performing air-conditioning operation, and a remote controller to operate the air-conditioner body. The air-conditioner body includes control unit that performs operation control of the air-conditioner body, and body receiving unit that receives a transmission signal from the remote controller. The remote controller includes temperature detecting unit for detecting temperatures around the remote controller, and remote-controller transmission unit. At the time of cooling operation, the control unit compares the detected temperature received from the remote controller and a preset temperature predetermined. When the detected temperature is lower than the preset temperature, the control unit operates the air-conditioner body so as to reduce a temperature difference between the detected temperature and the preset temperature, or when the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the preset temperature, the control unit operates the air-conditioner body based on the preset temperature. | 10-23-2014 |
20140319231 | CONTEXT ADAPTIVE COOL-TO-DRY FEATURE FOR HVAC CONTROLLER - A thermostat may include one or more temperature sensors that provide temperature sensor measurements, a humidity sensor that provides humidity sensor measurements, an occupancy sensing system that may be used to characterize an occupancy status of an enclosure in which the thermostat is installed from among a plurality of possible occupancy statuses including an occupied state and an away state; and a processing system. The processing system may be configured to activate a cooling function of an HVAC system to reduce a humidity level in the enclosure based on a first set of conditions when the occupancy status is in the occupied state, or based on a second set of conditions when the occupancy status is in the away state. | 10-30-2014 |
20140319232 | TOUCHSCREEN DEVICE USER INTERFACE FOR REMOTE CONTROL OF A THERMOSTAT - Systems and methods are described for interactively and graphically interfacing with a user on an HVAC system controlled by a thermostat. The user interface is implemented on a touch screen display on a remote wirelessly connected device such as smartphone or a tablet PC. The interface displays a screen that mimics the display on the thermostat including allowing one or more input methods that are analogous to input methods used on the thermostat. Touch screen gestures such as touch and drag, touch and hold and tapping are used in an intuitive way. The user experience is enhanced by allowing large-scale changes while reducing the risk of sudden unintended changes. The control signals are judiciously tailored to protect the HVAC equipment from unwarranted over-controlling, reduce unnecessary network traffic, and prevent the waste of energy. | 10-30-2014 |
20140346238 | INDOOR UNIT AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM USING THE SAME - An indoor unit and an air conditioning system using the same include a first communication module to communicate with a wired remote controller, a power switch connected to a power terminal of one or the other side of the first communication module, a ground switch connected to a ground terminal of one or the other side of the first communication module to constitute a pair with the power switch, and an indoor unit controller to turn on the power switch and the ground switch when an indoor unit supplies power to the wired remote controller, and to turn off the power switch and the ground switch when another indoor unit supplies power to the wired remote controller. | 11-27-2014 |
20140346239 | THERMOSTAT FACILITATING USER-FRIENDLY INSTALLATION THEREOF - A thermostat for controlling an HVAC system and related systems, methods, and computer program products for facilitating user-friendly installation of the thermostat are described. For one embodiment, automated installation verification is performed by the thermostat by automatically sensing which wires have been inserted, selecting a candidate HVAC operating function (e.g., heating or cooling) that is consistent with a subset of HVAC signal types indicated by the inserted wires, applying control signals to the HVAC system to invoke that HVAC operating function, and processing a time sequence of acquired temperature readings to determine whether that HVAC operating function was successfully carried out. For one embodiment, the initial automated testing of the heating and cooling functions are only carried out at times for which such heating or cooling function would normally be invoked during normal operation of the thermostat. Automated determination of a heat pump call convention is also described. | 11-27-2014 |
20140346240 | THERMOSTAT WITH POWER STEALING DELAY INTERVAL AT TRANSITIONS BETWEEN POWER STEALING STATES - A thermostat includes a plurality of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) wire connectors including a connection to at least one call relay wire. The thermostat may also include a powering circuit, including a rechargeable battery, which is configured to provide electrical power to the thermostat by power stealing from a selected call relay wire. The power stealing may comprise an active power stealing mode, in which power is taken from the same selected call relay wire that is used to call for an HVAC function, and an inactive power stealing mode in which, in which no active call is being made. The powering circuit may be configured to substantially suspend (or at least reduce the level of) power stealing for at least a first time period following each transition of the thermostat from between operating states. | 11-27-2014 |
20150028113 | ZONE TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM - A programmable central server wirelessly communicates with a plurality of temperature sensors. The temperature sensors are positioned within spaced apart zones within a building. The temperature sensors sense the temperature within the zone in which the temperature sensor is located. Each of the temperature sensors periodically and wirelessly reports a temperature in the zone of the building in which the individual sensor is assigned and located. The temperature sensors instruct the central server to activate or deactivate a heating and air conditioning device and instruct associated dampers to open or close, based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensors, and based upon the desired temperature programmed into the central server, thus maintaining a required temperature in virtual zones. | 01-29-2015 |
20150028114 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A HEATING VENTILATION AND / OR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM UTILIZING AN INFRARED SENSING OR IMAGING DEVICE FOR DETERMINING RADIATED TEMPERATURE OF ONE OR MORE OBJECTS OR OCCUPANTS IN THE CONDITIONED SPACE - A method and/or thermostat apparatus incorporating an infrared sensor or infrared imaging device and utilizing one or more images or measurements of infrared energy from the infrared sensor or imaging device in determining control of a Heating Ventilation and/or Air Conditioning (HVAC) system serving a conditioned space. The invention further optionally includes pattern recognition for locating one or more people within the conditioned space and utilizing a measurement of infrared energy radiated by the one or more people in determining control of the HVAC. | 01-29-2015 |
20150041550 | AIR CONDITIONING CONTROLLING DEVICE AND METHOD - An air-conditioning controlling device sends to an air-conditioning system, which controls air-conditioning equipment that is provided in an air-conditioned space, a control setting value, to control the air-conditioned space to an arbitrary air-conditioning environment. The air-conditioning controlling device includes a data inputting portion that obtains a surface temperature of a boundary member that structures the air-conditioned space, measured within the air-conditioned space, a reverse analysis portion that estimates a control setting value for controlling the air-conditioned space to the target air-conditioning environment through performing reverse analysis of the air-conditioning environment within the air-conditioned space, based on setting condition data that indicates a structure of the air-conditioned space and boundary condition data that indicates the effect on the air-conditioning environment within the air-conditioned space, including the surface temperature, and an air-conditioning instructing portion that sends, to the air-conditioning system, the control setting value estimated by the reverse analysis portion. | 02-12-2015 |
20150041551 | WIRELESS CONTROLLER WITH GATEWAY - Remote control of energy consumption is realized using a readily installable, flexible approach. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a remote source communicates with a wireless controller for executing energy usage control. The remote source sends signals to the wireless controller via a gateway located near or, in one implementation, forming part of the wireless controller. In response to the signals, the wireless controller sets control settings for operating one or more of a variety of equipment types, such as a furnace, air conditioner, water heater or heat pump. With this approach, wired connections from the gateway to energy-consuming equipment do not necessarily need to be made in order to affect remote energy-consumption control. For instance, when used in connection with a controller wired to the energy-consuming equipment, the gateway need only communicate wirelessly with the controller and does not necessarily need to be coupled to the energy-consuming equipment. In addition, access to the energy-consuming equipment for establishing remote energy control is not necessary; rather, the remote energy control can be effected by accessing user-friendly locations, such as those where thermostats and other controllers are typically located. | 02-12-2015 |
20160047573 | WIRELESS SPACE HEATER - There is disclosed a wireless space heater ( | 02-18-2016 |
20160061481 | Air concentrator/diffuser pet accessory - A molded, carved, stamped, or otherwise manufactured apparatus covers an HVAC register. The apparatus provides an air enhanced lounging place for pets while simultaneously facilitating air-flow from the register to a room it is part of. Reinforcing ribs may provide for the directing of airflow under the apparatus to openings in walls of the apparatus. Electronic circuitry, including sensors, processors, or radios, may detect use by a pet, or even contact by a human, and trigger, or transmit a message to, a user's device such as a smartphone or computer. The circuitry may interoperate with an interactive home monitoring system and trigger the streaming of video from its camera(s) focused on, or in proximity of, the accessory apparatus. An application on a user device may process signals transmitted from the apparatus's circuitry to remotely determine information associated with room environment and/or the pet. | 03-03-2016 |
20160187004 | SMART WATER HEATER - The systems and methods described herein relate to heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and water heating systems in relation to a building and residential automation system. Some embodiments of the systems and methods described herein relate to HVAC systems and water systems in relation to an integration of building or residential automation systems. Specifically, the disclosure relates to maintaining a desirable water temperature for a desirable time period. By reducing unnecessary heating of water, the systems disclosed herein may result in fewer wasted resources and a lower utility bill. In one embodiment, a method for security and/or automation systems may be disclosed. The method may comprise monitoring a status of a water heater and monitoring an occupancy status of a residence. The status of the water heater may adjust, automatically, based at least in part on the monitoring. | 06-30-2016 |