摘要:
In a 802.15.4 network, each reduced functionality device (RFD) is permitted to communicate with only an assigned full function device (FFD). The present invention allows each of the RFDs to communicate with another RFD upon the RFD determining that the local FFD assigned to the RFD is inoperable or unable to communicate. Under emergency conditions, the RFD is able to communicate with a closely located RFDs such that the closely located RFDs can receive and respond to an emergency situation and/or repeat the message. To satisfy the 802.15.4 standards, communication between the RFDs is allowed only during emergency conditions and when the FFD is inoperative. A comprehensive test procedure is included to insure the integrity of the system is preserved at all times.
摘要:
The thermostat includes a housing having at least a portion thereof illuminated by a light that changes color via a manual input. The light illuminates the display for easy readability while the variable color of the light allows a user to match the appearance of the thermostat to best complement the surrounding décor. User input elements provide for the manual adjustment of one or more characteristics of the light, such as visible color of the light. The light source comprises at least one LED for displaying a plurality of colors. In this case, to change the color of the light illuminating the translucent portion of the housing or backlighting the display, electronics within the thermostat control the drive signals to the LED in order to operate the LED to provide the desired color. The invention also contemplates filtering the light and manually adjusting the filtering to provide the desired aesthetics.
摘要:
A visual display system for use with a digital thermostat is provided. The visual display system provides an adjustable display resolution for the temperature readout provided thereon. This adjustable display resolution may be changed as desired by a user via a resolution adjustment menu. The display resolution may be adjusted to display the temperature information in tenths of degrees, half degrees, whole degrees, etc. as desired by a user. Such a display system accommodates different display resolution requirements of different original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers who may desire different displayed resolutions without having to manufacture and stock different models.
摘要:
A communicating environmental control system for a dwelling or building is provided. The environmental control system is intended for use in a dwelling which may be unoccupied for a long period of time, e.g., months. The control system operates in an economy mode to prevent damage to the dwelling and its contents by avoiding condensation of moisture within the dwelling. At the same time, the control system minimizes operating costs by running more when energy costs are lower and running less when energy costs are higher. The control system switches to a comfort mode when the dwelling occupants return. The control system is in communication with a remote owner, a remote utility, or a remote service provider, or more than one of these, through the Internet or other communication system.
摘要:
A thermostat permitting a user to easily access the most commonly used thermostat settings is provided. The thermostat includes a user interface display and a single menu or favorites (FAV) button. A top level menu is displayed on the user interface display when the FAV button is depressed. The top level menu includes a listing of the most commonly used thermostat settings on a single screen. As such, the thermostat user is permitted to easily select one of the commonly used thermostat settings without having to navigate through various different menus or screens. The thermostat also includes a digital version of the user's manual stored therein. This manual may be displayed on the user interface screen. A link to the manual may be provided on the single screen along with the listing of the most commonly used thermostat settings.
摘要:
A thermostat having a terminal connection mechanism and method that provides ease of installation of the thermostat and the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) wiring is provided. One embodiment allows any wire to be attached to any terminal. This thermostat includes logic for determining an identity of the wire connected to an HVAC system component. The control logic determines a characteristic of the HVAC system component and compares the characteristic to a known characteristic of the HVAC system component. Environmental responses may also be monitored to identify the HVAC component. The terminal of the thermostat may be color coded to further ease installation. Tool-less terminal connectors may also be used to still further ease installation.
摘要:
A time of day zoning control system for a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system is provided. The system utilizes a programmable thermostat and a number of temperature sensors to control the HVAC system to regulate the temperature in a particular location within a dwelling or structure based on consumer preferences. The regulation control will utilize a temperature sensed by a particular temperature sensor at different times throughout the day to control the temperature in that zone to ensure occupant comfort. A single temperature sensor may be selected to control the HVAC system during these different periods, or multiple sensors may be utilized during the same period. When multiple sensors are used, a weighting factor may be used.
摘要:
An air conditioning device for heating and/or an environment is provided. The air conditioning device includes a heat exchanging apparatus, a passage, and a corona discharge apparatus. The passage is in thermal communication with the heat exchanging apparatus and extends between an inlet and an outlet. The corona discharge apparatus is disposed within the passage to draw a fluid from the environment into the passage through the inlet, move the fluid through the passage to permit the heat exchanger to remove or heat the fluid, and expel the fluid through the outlet into the environment. As such, the environment is cooled or heated. Embodiments of the present invention include package terminal air conditioners (PTACs), room air conditioners (RACs), and mini-split heating and cooling systems.
摘要:
A method of testing the interconnect between remotely distributed hazardous condition detectors is provided. The method utilizes the detector's self-test button to initiate a detector self-test. Once the self-test is complete, the detector's alarm is silenced and an interconnect test signal is sent to the interconnected remote hazardous condition detectors. The transmission of this signal continues so long as the test button remains depressed. The remote detectors, on receipt of this signal, sound their alarm. The user, with the local detector's alarm now silenced, is better able to hear the remotely interconnected detector's alarm.
摘要:
An adaptive energy usage management and thermal control system is provided to reduce the energy consumption and cost of operation of a vending machine. The system monitors actual usage of the vending machine to construct a vend profile. This vend profile is used to control periods of normal and conservation operation so as to maintain an adequate supply of product at an appropriate vend temperature based upon the anticipated requirement at any particular time of day, on any particular day of the week. Deviations in the actual demand for product from the vending machine are used to adjust the operating profile. The system may take advantage of information received from external networks the thermal storage capability of the products as well as the cost of energy to reduce energy consumption and the cost of operating the vending machine by varying its operating profile in view of such information.