Emerson Electric Company

John M Sartain

Carl J Mueller

James P Garozzo

Bartholomew L Toth

David L Perry

Steven L Carey

G Scott Vogel

Anil Ramachandran

Rishi Siravuri

William P Butler

Thomas J Fredricks

Edward B Evans

Damon R Drumm

Ron Miles

Jeff Edgar

Thomas J Fredrioks

Gordon Holmes

Steven L Casey

Ronald E Miles

Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of controllers and methods for controlling a climate control system. In an exemplary embodiment, a climate control system controller for controlling operation of a climate control system of a structure generally includes a processor, memory, and network interface configured to provide the climate control system controller with wireless network connectivity. The climate control system controller is selectively connectable, in response to user input, with each of a plurality of destination servers remote from the structure.

Selectively connecting a climate control system controller with more than one destination server

Various thermostat embodiment are provided that includes at least a first sensor configured to communicate information indicative of the temperature within the space, and at least a second sensor configured to communicate information indicative of the humidity within the space. The thermostat further includes a controller in communication with the at least first and second sensors, for controlling the thermostat's operation. The controller is configured to operate in a first mode in which the controller operates the air conditioner when the sensed temperature of the space is above a temperature set-point or when the sensed humidity level is above the humidity set-point. The controller is further configured to operate in a second mode in which the controller operates the air conditioner when the sensed temperature is below a set-back temperature set-point, or when the sensed humidity is above a set-back humidity set-point.

Two mode thermostat with set-back temperature and humidity set-point feature

Controllers and methods for controlling operation of a climate control appliance for heating and/or cooling a space are provided. One example controller includes a memory for storing at least one temperature offset and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to receive the reduced operation request from at least one of a utility provider and a user of the controller, to receive a sensed temperature from at least one sensor disposed within the space, and to determine an artificial temperature based on the sensed temperature and the at least one temperature offset associated with the reduced operation request. The processor is configured to, in response to the reduced operation request, operate the climate control appliance based on a comparison of the set-point temperature and artificial temperature during a reduced operation interval, to thereby reduce operation of the climate control appliance in response to the reduced operation request.

Controlling a climate control appliance in response to a reduced operation request

A system is provided for controlling at least one climate control apparatus for conditioning a space. The system includes a controller mountable to a climate control apparatus that is segregated from the space to be conditioned. The controller has a plurality of selectable setting parameters for configuring the controller to operate at least one of a plurality of climate control apparatus, and a plurality of visual indicators for visually indicating the selection of at least one selectable setting parameter. A user interface is adapted for installation in the space, and has a display for displaying selectable setting parameters for configuring the controller. The user interface includes user input controls for enabling selection of at least one displayed selectable setting parameter, where the controller responsively activates at least one visual indicator for indicating the selection of at least one selectable setting parameter by the user-interface.

Controller for a climate control system

A thermostat is provided that is capable of reliably reducing the operation of an air conditioner and other systems to provide energy cost savings to the consumer and load reduction to a utility provider. The thermostat includes at least one sensor configured to communicate information indicative of the temperature within the space, and a memory for storing at least one temperature offset value associated with a request for reduced heating or reduced cooling operation. The thermostat further includes a controller in communication with the at least one sensor, which is configured to periodically determine a temperature value for the space and to control heating or cooling of the space until the determined temperature value has substantially reached the set-point temperature. The periodically determined temperature value is in part based on information received from the at least one sensor, and may include at least one temperature offset value when a request for reduced operation has been received by the thermostat.

Load management thermostat

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.

Thermostat capable of displaying received information

A thermostat is provided that comprises a touch-sensitive transparent membrane adapted to be affixed over a display, where the transparent membrane has a plurality of membrane switches. The thermostat comprises a microprocessor in communication with the plurality of membrane switches, and has a memory for storing a program for controlling the operation of the climate control system. The thermostat further comprises a display device responsive to the microprocessor for displaying a first screen having at least a first user-interface icon associated with at least one membrane switch, where in response to the user touching the membrane switch associated with the first user-interface icon the display device displays a second screen having at least a run user-interface icon and a schedule user-interface icon.

Thermostat with touch membrane feature

An air cleaner is provided that includes one or more ionizing panels having at least one ionizing wire in connection with a voltage source. One or more collector cells separate from the one or more ionizing wire panels are releasably received within the air cleaner housing to establish an electrical connection between the collector cell and the voltage source for applying a voltage potential between the collector cell and the ionizing wire. The collector cell may be removed from the air cleaner to permit cleaning of the collector cell separate from the ionizing panels. The air cleaner monitors at least one variable indicative of the operation of the air cleaner. Upon determining that the variable has reached a predetermined level indicative of a significant amount of dust accumulation, a controller activates a light source to illuminate indicia on a display screen which indicates a need for servicing the air cleaner.

Air cleaner having separate modules for collector plates and ionizing wires

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.

A thermostat is provided comprising a first connector for connecting to an air conditioner, a second connector for connecting to either a conventional heater or a heat pump reversing valve, and a selection means for selecting from at least a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. The first mode of operation is configured to establish cooling by providing an on signal to the first connector and to establish heating by providing an on signal to the second connector. The second mode of operation is configured to establish cooling by providing an on signal to the first and second connectors, and heating by providing an on signal to the first connector but not the second connector. When the second mode is selected and the second connector is connected to conventional heating, the thermostat detects when both the conventional heating and air conditioning are operating simultaneously during cooling.

Growing community of inventors

St. Louis, MO, United States of America

John M Sartain