公开(公告)号：US20100114380A1

公开(公告)日：2010-05-06

申请号：US12612198

申请日：2009-11-04

Applicant: Lawrence Kates

Inventor： Lawrence Kates

IPC: G05B15/00

CPC classification number: F25B49/005 ,  F24F11/30 ,  F24F11/52 ,  F24F2110/10 ,  F24F2110/30 ,  F24F2140/50 ,  F24F2140/60 ,  G05B23/0221 ,  G06F17/10

Abstract: A portable monitoring system that monitors various aspects of the operation of a refrigerant-cycle system is described. In one embodiment, the system includes a processor that measures power provided to the refrigerant-cycle system and gathers data from one or more sensors and uses the sensor data to calculate a figure of merit related to the efficiency of the system. In one embodiment, the measurements performed by the monitoring system include one or more of: an evaporator input air temperature, an evaporator output air temperature, evaporator air flow, evaporator air humidity, condenser air input temperature, condenser air output temperature sensor, electrical power. In one embodiment, the portable monitoring system receives information about the refrigerant-cycle system from either the system itself or from a computer network.

Abstract translation: 描述了监视制冷剂循环系统的操作的各个方面的便携式监视系统。 在一个实施例中，该系统包括处理器，其测量提供给制冷剂循环系统的功率并从一个或多个传感器收集数据，并使用传感器数据来计算与系统效率相关的品质因数。 在一个实施例中，由监视系统执行的测量包括以下中的一个或多个：蒸发器输入空气温度，蒸发器输出空气温度，蒸发器空气流量，蒸发器空气湿度，冷凝器空气输入温度，冷凝器空气输出温度传感器，电力 。 在一个实施例中，便携式监视系统从系统本身或从计算机网络接收关于制冷剂循环系统的信息。

公开(公告)号：US20100012744A1

公开(公告)日：2010-01-21

申请号：US12174548

申请日：2008-07-16

Applicant: Lawrence Kates

Inventor： Lawrence Kates

IPC: B05B12/08 ,  B05B17/04

CPC classification number: A01G25/167 ,  B05B1/262 ,  B05B3/021 ,  B05B3/14 ,  Y02A40/237

Abstract: An irrigation system comprises sprinkler heads with an electrically adjustable spray pattern, moisture sensors, and a controller. Based upon input signals from the moisture sensors, the controller dynamically configures the spray pattern of the sprinkler head to allow more water to fall on areas that need to be watered and less water to fall on areas that do not require additional water.

Abstract translation: 灌溉系统包括具有电可调喷雾图案的喷头，湿度传感器和控制器。 基于来自湿度传感器的输入信号，控制器动态地配置喷洒头的喷雾模式，以允许更多的水落在需要浇水的区域上，并且较少的水落在不需要额外水的区域上。

公开(公告)号：US20090211986A1

公开(公告)日：2009-08-27

申请号：US12036153

申请日：2008-02-22

Applicant: Lawrence Kates

Inventor： Lawrence Kates

IPC: B01D35/02

CPC classification number: E04H4/129 ,  H02J3/14 ,  Y02B70/3225 ,  Y02B70/3275 ,  Y04S20/222 ,  Y04S20/244

Abstract: A system for load control in an electrical power system is described, wherein one or more temperature-monitoring devices are provided to control operation of a pool pump. When ambient temperatures are relatively high, and thus, electrical power demands from air conditioning systems are relatively high, the temperature-monitoring devices can remove power from the controlled device during the hottest portions of the day. The temperature-monitoring devices can provide power to the controlled devices during the cooler portions of the day. During heat waves or other periods of relatively continuous high heat, the temperature-monitoring devices can schedule power to the controlled devices to reduce overall power demands and to run the controlled devices during the cooler portions of the day when air conditioning electrical loads are reduced. The temperature-monitoring devices can also coordinate operation of the pool pump and a pool heater.

Abstract translation: 描述了一种用于电力系统中的负载控制的系统，其中提供一个或多个温度监控装置以控制水池泵的操作。 当环境温度相对较高时，因此，来自空调系统的电力需求相对较高时，温度监测装置可以在一天中最热的部分期间从受控设备中移除电力。 温度监控装置可以在一天的较冷部分期间为受控设备提供电力。 在热浪或相对持续的高热的其他时段期间，温度监测装置可以调节受控设备的电力以减少总体功率需求并且在空调电负载减少的一天的较冷部分期间运行受控设备。 温度监控装置还可以协调水池泵和池加热器的运行。

公开(公告)号：US20090153336A1

公开(公告)日：2009-06-18

申请号：US12390166

申请日：2009-02-20

Applicant: Lawrence Kates

Inventor： Lawrence Kates

IPC: G08B21/00

CPC classification number: G08B21/20 ,  E04F19/04 ,  E04F2019/0422 ,  G01N27/048 ,  G08B19/00 ,  G08B25/009

Abstract: A moisture sensor system is described. In one embodiment, the provides an adjustable threshold level for the sensed moisture level. The adjustable threshold allows the moisture sensor to adjust to ambient conditions, aging of components, and other operational variations while still providing a relatively sensitive detection capability. In one embodiment, the adjustable threshold moisture sensor is used in an intelligent sensor system that includes one or more intelligent sensor units and a base unit that can communicate with the moisture sensor units. When one or more of the moisture sensor units detects a excess moisture the moisture sensor unit communicates with the base unit and provides data regarding the moisture condition. The base unit can contact a supervisor or other responsible person by a plurality of techniques, such as, telephone, pager, cellular telephone, Internet (and/or local area network), etc. In one embodiment, one or more wireless repeaters are used between the moisture sensor units and the base unit to extend the range of the system and to allow the base unit to communicate with a larger number of sensors.

Abstract translation: 描述了一种湿度传感器系统。 在一个实施例中，为感测到的湿度水平提供可调节的阈值水平。 可调阈值允许湿度传感器调整到环境条件，部件老化和其他操作变化，同时仍然提供相对敏感的检测能力。 在一个实施例中，可调节阈值水分传感器用于包括一个或多个智能传感器单元和可与湿度传感器单元通信的基座单元的智能传感器系统中。 当一个或多个湿度传感器单元检测到多余的湿气时，湿度传感器单元与基座单元通信并提供关于湿气条件的数据。 基本单元可以通过诸如电话，寻呼机，蜂窝电话，因特网（和/或局域网）等的多种技术与主管或其他负责人联系。在一个实施例中，使用一个或多个无线中继器 在湿度传感器单元和基座单元之间延伸系统的范围并且允许基座单元与更多数量的传感器通信。

公开(公告)号：US07504956B2

公开(公告)日：2009-03-17

申请号：US11876523

申请日：2007-10-22

Applicant: Lawrence Kates

Inventor： Lawrence Kates

IPC: G08B23/00

CPC classification number: A01M1/026 ,  A01M31/002

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting presence and movement of pests. Various embodiments of a pest detection system can be based on, for example, a beam-interrupt detector or a thermal imaging device. The beam-interrupt detection based system can provide functionalities such as counting of pests crossing a given beam. A plurality of such beams at different heights can also allow distinguishing different sized pests. The thermal imaging based detection system can provide functionalities such as tracking movement of pests. A recording can be triggered by detection of pest movement, thereby improving the efficiency of recording and reviewing information indicative of presence and movement of pests in a monitored area. Movement of pests can be monitored on a passive basis, or by providing a stimulus that induces movement.

Abstract translation: 用于检测有害生物的存在和运动的系统和方法。 有害动物检测系统的各种实施例可以基于例如光束中断检测器或热成像装置。 基于射束中断检测的系统可以提供诸如计算穿过给定波束的害虫的功能。 在不同高度的多个这样的梁也可以允许区分不同大小的害虫。 基于热成像的检测系统可以提供跟踪虫害运动等功能。 可以通过检测有害生物运动来触发记录，从而提高记录和检查指示受监测区域中害虫的存在和移动的信息的效率。 有害生物的运动可以被动地监测，或通过提供诱导运动的刺激。

公开(公告)号：US20090002493A1

公开(公告)日：2009-01-01

申请号：US12205529

申请日：2008-09-05

Applicant: Lawrence Kates

Inventor： Lawrence Kates

IPC: H04N7/18

CPC classification number: A01M1/026 ,  A01M31/002

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting presence and movement of pests. Various embodiments of a pest detection system can be based on, for example, a beam-interrupt detector or a thermal imaging device. The beam-interrupt detection based system can provide functionalities such as counting of pests crossing a given beam. A plurality of such beams at different heights can also allow distinguishing different sized pests. The thermal imaging based detection system can provide functionalities such as tracking movement of pests. A recording can be triggered by detection of pest movement, thereby improving the efficiency of recording and reviewing information indicative of presence and movement of pests in a monitored area. Movement of pests can be monitored on a passive basis, or by providing a stimulus that induces movement.

Abstract translation: 用于检测有害生物的存在和运动的系统和方法。 有害动物检测系统的各种实施例可以基于例如光束中断检测器或热成像装置。 基于射束中断检测的系统可以提供诸如计算穿过给定波束的害虫的功能。 在不同高度的多个这样的梁也可以允许区分不同大小的害虫。 基于热成像的检测系统可以提供跟踪虫害运动等功能。 可以通过检测有害生物运动来触发记录，从而提高记录和检查指示受监测区域中害虫的存在和移动的信息的效率。 有害生物的运动可以被动地监测，或通过提供诱导运动的刺激。

公开(公告)号：US20080303654A1

公开(公告)日：2008-12-11

申请号：US12182094

申请日：2008-07-29

Applicant: Lawrence Kates

Inventor： Lawrence Kates

IPC: G08B1/08

CPC classification number: H04W52/0225 ,  G06F1/3209 ,  G08B1/08 ,  G08B13/04 ,  G08B17/00 ,  G08B17/10 ,  G08B21/14 ,  G08B21/182 ,  G08B25/001 ,  G08B25/007 ,  G08B25/009 ,  G08B25/10 ,  H04Q9/00 ,  H04Q9/02 ,  H04W84/18 ,  Y02B70/30 ,  Y02D70/00 ,  Y02D70/144 ,  Y02D70/26

Abstract: A low cost, robust, wireless sensor that provides an extended period of operability without maintenance is described. The wireless sensors are configured to communicate with a base unit or repeater. When the sensor unit detects an anomalous ambient condition (e.g., smoke, fire, water, etc.) the sensor communicates with the base unit and provides data regarding the anomalous condition. The sensor unit receives instructions to change operating parameters and/or control external devices.

Abstract translation: 描述了一种低成本，强大的无线传感器，可在无需维护的情况下提供长时间的可操作性。 无线传感器被配置为与基本单元或中继器通信。 当传感器单元检测到异常环境条件（例如，烟雾，火灾，水等）时，传感器与基本单元通信并提供关于异常状况的数据。 传感器单元接收改变操作参数和/或控制外部设备的指令。

公开(公告)号：US20080302172A1

公开(公告)日：2008-12-11

申请号：US12193641

申请日：2008-08-18

Applicant: Lawrence Kates

Inventor： Lawrence Kates

IPC: G01M3/04 ,  G01M3/24

CPC classification number: G01M3/2807 ,  G01M3/2815

Abstract: The system and method for detecting water and/or gas leaks by monitoring usage patterns is described. In one embodiment, the existence of a leak is detected by looking for usage patterns wherein water or gas is always being used, at least at a low rate. A leak is indicated if usage does not drop to zero, at least for a period of time, during a given time interval (e.g., during a 24-hour period). The severity of the leak is indicated by the minimum amount of usage during the given time period. In one embodiment, the leak detection system is provided in connection with an Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) system.

Abstract translation: 描述了通过监视使用模式来检测水和/或气体泄漏的系统和方法。 在一个实施例中，通过寻找至少以低速率始终使用水或气体的使用模式来检测泄漏的存在。 如果使用量在给定的时间间隔（例如，在24小时的时间段内）至少在一段时间内没有下降到零，则会显示泄漏。 泄漏的严重程度由给定时间段内的最小使用量表示。 在一个实施例中，泄漏检测系统结合自动计读取（AMR）系统提供。

公开(公告)号：US07455237B2

公开(公告)日：2008-11-25

申请号：US11613116

申请日：2006-12-19

Applicant: Lawrence Kates

Inventor： Lawrence Kates

IPC: F24F11/00 ,  F24F3/00

CPC classification number: F24F11/30 ,  F24F11/62

Abstract: An Electronically-Controlled Register vent (ECRV) that can be easily installed by a homeowner or general handyman is disclosed. The ECRV can be used to convert a non-zoned HVAC system into a zoned system. The ECRV can also be used in connection with a conventional zoned HVAC system to provide additional control and additional zones not provided by the conventional zoned HVAC system. In one embodiment, the ECRV is configured have a size and form-factor that conforms to a standard manually-controlled register vent. In one embodiment, a zone thermostat is configured to provide thermostat information to the ECRV. In one embodiment, the zone thermostat communicates with a central monitoring system that coordinates operation of the heating and cooling zones.

Abstract translation: 公开了可由房主或一般杂工容易安装的电子控制寄存器通风口（ECRV）。 ECRV可用于将未划分的HVAC系统转换为分区系统。 ECRV还可以与传统的分区式暖通空调系统结合使用，以提供额外的控制和传统分区式暖通空调系统不提供的附加区域。 在一个实施例中，ECRV被配置为具有符合标准手动控制的排放口的尺寸和形状因数。 在一个实施例中，区域恒温器被配置为向ECRV提供恒温器信息。 在一个实施例中，区域恒温器与协调加热和冷却区域的操作的中央监控系统通信。

公开(公告)号：US07455236B2

公开(公告)日：2008-11-25

申请号：US11613090

申请日：2006-12-19

Applicant: Lawrence Kates

Inventor： Lawrence Kates

IPC: F24F11/00 ,  F24F3/00 ,  G05D23/00

CPC classification number: G05D23/1934 ,  F24F11/30 ,  F24F11/54 ,  F24F11/56 ,  F24F2110/10 ,  F24F2110/20 ,  F24F2110/40 ,  F24F2120/10

Abstract: A zone thermostat for use in connection with an Electronically-Controlled Register vent (ECRV) that can be easily installed by a homeowner or general handyman is disclosed. The ECRV can be used to convert a non-zoned HVAC system into a zoned system. The ECRV can also be used in connection with a conventional zoned HVAC system to provide additional control and additional zones not provided by the conventional zoned HVAC system. In one embodiment, the ECRV is configured have a size and form-factor that conforms to a standard manually-controlled register vent. In one embodiment, the zone thermostat is configured to provide thermostat information to the ECRV. In one embodiment, the zone thermostat communicates with a central monitoring system that coordinates operation of the heating and cooling zones.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种与电子控制寄存器通风口（ECRV）结合使用的区域恒温器，可以由房主或一般杂工轻松安装。 ECRV可用于将未划分的HVAC系统转换为分区系统。 ECRV还可以与传统的分区式暖通空调系统结合使用，以提供额外的控制和传统分区式暖通空调系统不提供的附加区域。 在一个实施例中，ECRV被配置为具有符合标准手动控制的排放口的尺寸和形状因数。 在一个实施例中，区域恒温器被配置为向ECRV提供恒温器信息。 在一个实施例中，区域恒温器与协调加热和冷却区域的操作的中央监控系统通信。