公开(公告)号：US20070241203A1

公开(公告)日：2007-10-18

申请号：US11404588

申请日：2006-04-14

Applicant: Phillip Wagner ,  John Chapman ,  Joseph Rao ,  Nicholas Ashworth

Inventor： Phillip Wagner ,  John Chapman ,  Joseph Rao ,  Nicholas Ashworth

IPC: G05D23/12

CPC classification number: G05D23/1905 ,  F24F11/30 ,  F24F11/46 ,  F24F2120/10

Abstract: An HVAC system comprises a programmable wireless thermostat and a remote receiver unit. The thermostat includes a user interface having one or more displays, user input devices, such as buttons, sliders, or a touch screen, and a backlight. The thermostat may include a proximity sensor, wherein the user interface is controlled based on a user's presence near the thermostat. A thermostat controller enters into a reduced energy consumption mode and switches the user interface to an idle state when the proximity sensor indicates a lack of user proximity for a predetermined duration. When the proximity sensor indicates user proximity, the controller exits the reduced energy consumption mode and switches the user interface to an active state. During the reduced energy consumption mode, the user interface may be concealed when the user interface is in a housing which is transparent when backlit but is opaque otherwise.

Abstract translation: HVAC系统包括可编程无线恒温器和远程接收器单元。 恒温器包括具有一个或多个显示器的用户界面，诸如按钮，滑块或触摸屏的用户输入设备以及背光。 恒温器可以包括接近传感器，其中基于用户在恒温器附近的存在来控制用户界面。 恒温器控制器进入降低的能量消耗模式，并且当接近传感器指示在预定持续时间内缺少用户接近时，将用户界面切换到空闲状态。 当接近传感器指示用户接近时，控制器退出降低的能量消耗模式，并将用户界面切换到活动状态。 在降低的能量消耗模式期间，当用户界面在外壳中时，用户接口可以被隐藏，该外壳在背光下是透明的，但是否则不透明。

公开(公告)号：US07265678B2

公开(公告)日：2007-09-04

申请号：US11031573

申请日：2005-01-06

Applicant: John Gilman Chapman, Jr. ,  Nicholas Ashworth ,  Robert Burt ,  Timothy E. Wallaert ,  Kevin Ernest Noesner

Inventor： John Gilman Chapman, Jr. ,  Nicholas Ashworth ,  Robert Burt ,  Timothy E. Wallaert ,  Kevin Ernest Noesner

IPC: G08B21/00

CPC classification number: G08B29/181

Abstract: An intelligent thermostat communicates with battery-powered threat detectors, such as smoke detectors, to allow remote quieting and coordination of a low battery warning detected by the threat detector. In one embodiment, the threat detector transmits a pre-warning signal to the thermostat indicating that a low battery condition is imminent. The thermostat uses this information to display a pre-warning to the consumer so that the consumer may better coordinate replacing of the battery at a convenient time. Once a low battery condition has been detected, the threat detector transmits a low battery warning signal to the thermostat. The thermostat then displays a warning message and an option for the consumer to quiet the chirping for a period of time from the thermostat. Preferably, the thermostat automatically quiets the chirping during quite times so as to not disturb the consumer.

Abstract translation: 智能恒温器与电池供电的威胁探测器（如烟雾探测器）进行通信，以允许远程监视和协调威胁探测器检测到的低电量警告。 在一个实施例中，威胁检测器将预警信号发送到恒温器，指示电池电量不足的状况即将到来。 恒温器使用该信息向消费者显示预警，以便消费者可以在方便的时间更好地协调更换电池。 一旦检测到低电量状况，威胁检测器将低电量警告信号发送到恒温器。 恒温器然后显示一个警告信息和一个选项，让消费者从恒温器安静一段时间的啁啾声。 优选地，恒温器在相当多的时间内自动地啁啾啁啾，以便不干扰消费者。

公开(公告)号：US20060113398A1

公开(公告)日：2006-06-01

申请号：US11288757

申请日：2005-11-29

Applicant: Nicholas Ashworth

Inventor： Nicholas Ashworth

IPC: G05D23/12 ,  F24F3/14 ,  F24F7/00

CPC classification number: F24F11/30 ,  F24F2110/10

Abstract: A thermostat comprising a body, a passage, and at least one corona discharge apparatus is provided. The passage passes through the body and extends between an inlet and an outlet. The corona discharge apparatus is positioned within the passage to draw air into the passage through the inlet and to expel the fluid through the outlet such that the thermostat is able to sense the actual ambient air within the structure within which it is mounted without having to rely on free rise convection of the air. As such, the thermostat is able to be flush mounted in a wall or other structure.

Abstract translation: 提供了包括主体，通道和至少一个电晕放电装置的恒温器。 通道穿过主体并在入口和出口之间延伸。 电晕放电装置定位在通道内以将空气吸入通过入口的通道中，并通过出口排出流体，使得恒温器能够感测其内安装的结构内的实际环境空气，而不必依赖 对空气的自由上升对流。 因此，恒温器能够齐平地安装在墙壁或其他结构中。

公开(公告)号：US20060086062A1

公开(公告)日：2006-04-27

申请号：US10974353

申请日：2004-10-27

Applicant: Nicholas Ashworth

Inventor： Nicholas Ashworth

IPC: B65B15/00 ,  B65B13/00 ,  B65B11/00 ,  B65B61/00

CPC classification number: F24F11/30 ,  F24F11/56 ,  F24F2110/10

Abstract: A thermostatic controller apparatus includes a housing having a front face thereof defining a decorative surface of the housing and adapted for optional attachment of a decorative faceplate covering the decorative surface of the housing. A plurality of decorative faceplates are provided, each having a distinctive visual appearance and adapted for optional attachment to the housing in such a manner that at least one selected faceplate of the plurality of decorative faceplates substantially covers the decorative surface of the housing when the selected decorative faceplate is attached to the housing. The selected decorative faceplate may have a visual appearance that differs from the visual appearance of the decorative surface of the housing, and may also include an aperture that is aligned with an aperture in the housing when the selected decorative faceplate is attached to the housing.

Abstract translation: 恒温控制器装置包括：外壳，其前表面限定外壳的装饰表面，并且适于可选地附接覆盖外壳装饰表面的装饰面板。 提供了多个装饰面板，每个装饰面板具有独特的视觉外观，并且适于可选择地附接到壳体，使得当所选择的装饰性装饰物时，多个装饰面板的至少一个选定的面板基本上覆盖住壳体的装饰表面 面板连接到外壳。 所选择的装饰面板可以具有与外壳的装饰表面的视觉外观不同的视觉外观，并且还可以包括当所选择的装饰面板附接到壳体时与壳体中的孔对准的孔。

公开(公告)号：US20050150967A1

公开(公告)日：2005-07-14

申请号：US11031255

申请日：2005-01-06

Applicant: John Chapman ,  Nicholas Ashworth ,  Robert Burt ,  Timothy Wallaert

Inventor： John Chapman ,  Nicholas Ashworth ,  Robert Burt ,  Timothy Wallaert

IPC: F24H9/20 ,  G05D23/19 ,  G05D23/00 ,  F25D17/00

CPC classification number: G05D23/1904 ,  F24H9/2007

Abstract: The system of the present invention provides energy saving control for a water heater via an intelligent thermostat. This intelligent thermostat provides programmatic control over the HVAC system as is conventional, and provides coordinated control over the water heater temperature set point. This control over the water heater is accomplished via a communications network between the intelligent thermostat and the water heater. In one embodiment the communications are wireless, although wired and network bus communications may also be utilized. Enhanced and coordinated control is also provided so that different operational temperature cycles can be provided to coordinate with the intelligent thermostat's programmatic control of the HVAC system. Separate programmatic control of the water heater is also provided whereby different operational temperature modes may be commanded, e.g. Wake, Sleep, and Demand modes of operation.

Abstract translation: 本发明的系统通过智能恒温器为热水器提供节能控制。 该智能温控器按照传统的方式提供对HVAC系统的编程控制，并提供对热水器温度设定点的协调控制。 通过智能恒温器和热水器之间的通信网络实现对热水器的这种控制。 在一个实施例中，通信是无线的，尽管也可以利用有线和网络总线通信。 还提供了增强和协调的控制，使得可以提供不同的操作温度循环来与智能恒温器对HVAC系统的编程控制进行协调。 还提供了热水器的单独的编程控制，由此可以命令不同的操作温度模式。 唤醒，睡眠和需求模式。

公开(公告)号：US07667163B2

公开(公告)日：2010-02-23

申请号：US11483923

申请日：2006-07-10

Applicant: Nicholas Ashworth ,  Grace Yoder

Inventor： Nicholas Ashworth ,  Grace Yoder

IPC: H05B1/02

CPC classification number: G05D23/1902 ,  F24F11/30 ,  F24F11/56 ,  F24F2110/10

Abstract: 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.

Abstract translation: 恒温器包括壳体，其至少一部分由通过手动输入改变颜色的光照亮。 光照亮显示屏以便易于阅读，而光的可变颜色允许用户匹配恒温器的外观以最佳地补充周围的装饰。 用户输入元件用于手动调整光的一个或多个特性，例如光的可见颜色。 光源包括用于显示多种颜色的至少一个LED。 在这种情况下，为了改变照亮外壳的半透明部分的光的颜色或背光显示器，恒温器内的电子元件将驱动信号控制到LED以便操作LED以提供期望的颜色。 本发明还考虑过滤光并手动调节滤光以提供期望的美观性。

公开(公告)号：US07362220B2

公开(公告)日：2008-04-22

申请号：US11031574

申请日：2005-01-06

Applicant: John Gilman Chapman, Jr. ,  Nicholas Ashworth ,  Robert Burt ,  Timothy E. Wallaert

Inventor： John Gilman Chapman, Jr. ,  Nicholas Ashworth ,  Robert Burt ,  Timothy E. Wallaert

IPC: G08B29/00

CPC classification number: G08B7/066

Abstract: An integrated lighting control and threat detection system is provided. Once one of the threat detectors determines that a hazardous condition exists, it transmits a threat message to the lighting control system. The lighting control system then operates to turn on illumination within the dwelling to aid in an occupant's safe exiting from the dwelling. The lighting control system operates to illuminate all lights within a dwelling upon detection of a hazardous condition. Alternatively, the lighting control system operates to illuminate preselected paths of lighting as programmed by a user. Still further, coordinated illuminated control may be provided based upon the location of the detected hazardous condition and the fixed and portable lights within a dwelling. Both fixed and adaptive illumination control are provided as is a fail safe illumination of all lights within a dwelling should each of the pre-selected exit paths contain a hazardous condition.

Abstract translation: 提供集成照明控制和威胁检测系统。 一旦威胁探测器确定存在危险状况，就会向照明控制系统发送威胁信息。 照明控制系统然后操作以开启住宅内的照明，以帮助乘客安全地离开住宅。 在检测到危险状况时，照明控制系统用于照明住宅内的所有灯。 或者，照明控制系统操作以照亮由用户编程的预选的照明路径。 此外，可以基于检测到的危险状况的位置和住宅内的固定和便携式灯来提供协调的照明控制。 如果每个预先选择的出口路径都包含危险状况，则可以对住宅内所有灯的故障安全照明提供固定和自适应照明控制。

公开(公告)号：US20080006709A1

公开(公告)日：2008-01-10

申请号：US11483923

申请日：2006-07-10

Applicant: Nicholas Ashworth ,  Grace Yoder

Inventor： Nicholas Ashworth ,  Grace Yoder

IPC: G05D23/12

CPC classification number: G05D23/1902 ,  F24F11/30 ,  F24F11/56 ,  F24F2110/10

Abstract: 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.

Abstract translation: 恒温器包括壳体，其至少一部分由通过手动输入改变颜色的光照亮。 光照亮显示屏以便易于阅读，而光的可变颜色允许用户匹配恒温器的外观以最佳地补充周围的装饰。 用户输入元件用于手动调整光的一个或多个特性，例如光的可见颜色。 光源包括用于显示多种颜色的至少一个LED。 在这种情况下，为了改变照亮外壳的半透明部分的光的颜色或背光显示器，恒温器内的电子元件将驱动信号控制到LED以便操作LED以提供期望的颜色。 本发明还考虑过滤光并手动调节滤光以提供期望的美观性。

公开(公告)号：US20070221741A1

公开(公告)日：2007-09-27

申请号：US11389982

申请日：2006-03-27

Applicant: Phillip Wagner ,  Nicholas Ashworth ,  Joseph Rao

Inventor： Phillip Wagner ,  Nicholas Ashworth ,  Joseph Rao

IPC: G05D23/00

CPC classification number: F24F11/30

Abstract: 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.

Abstract translation: 提供一种具有端子连接机构和方法的恒温器，其提供恒温器和加热，通风和空调（HVAC）布线的易于安装。 一个实施例允许任何电线连接到任何终端。 该恒温器包括用于确定连接到HVAC系统部件的导线的身份的逻辑。 控制逻辑确定HVAC系统组件的特性，并将该特性与HVAC系统组件的已知特性进行比较。 也可以监测环境响应以识别HVAC组件。 恒温器的端子可以进行颜色编码以进一步简化安装。 还可以使用无工具的端子连接器来进一步简化安装。

公开(公告)号：US20070045429A1

公开(公告)日：2007-03-01

申请号：US11215927

申请日：2005-08-31

Applicant: John Chapman ,  Nicholas Ashworth ,  Robert Burt ,  Tony Gray

Inventor： John Chapman ,  Nicholas Ashworth ,  Robert Burt ,  Tony Gray

IPC: G05D23/12 ,  G05D23/19 ,  G05D23/00

CPC classification number: G05D23/1934 ,  F24F11/30 ,  F24F11/65 ,  F24F2110/10

Abstract: 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.

Abstract translation: 提供了一个用于加热，通风和空调系统的时间分区控制系统。 该系统利用可编程恒温器和多个温度传感器来控制HVAC系统，以基于消费者偏好来调节住宅或结构内的特定位置的温度。 调节控制将在一天中的不同时间利用由特定温度传感器感测的温度来控制该区域中的温度，以确保乘客舒适度。 可以选择单个温度传感器来在这些不同的周期期间控制HVAC系统，或者可以在同一时期内使用多个传感器。 当使用多个传感器时，可以使用加权因子。