Other

Google Inc.

Emerson Climate Technologies Gmbh

Nest Labs, Inc.

Kates, Lawrence

Lawrence Kates

Various embodiments of wireless ambient sensor unit are presented. The sensor unit may include a wireless transceiver configured to transmit sensor data and to receive instructions. The sensor unit may include a sensor configured to measure an ambient condition. The sensor unit may include a controller in communication with the wireless transceiver and the sensor. The controller may be configured to compare data measured about the ambient condition to a stored threshold while the wireless ambient sensor unit is functioning in a low-power mode. The controller may be configured to exit the low-power mode in response to the comparison of the data with the stored threshold. The controller may be configured to cause the data measured about the ambient condition to be transmitted by the wireless transceiver as one or more messages in response to the comparison to the stored threshold.

Relaying communications in a wireless sensor system

Various devices, systems, and methods may be presented. A sensor unit may be presented that includes a housing and a chamber arranged within the housing and configured to receive air from outside of the housing of the sensor unit. Also present may be a sensor arranged within the housing and configured to measure a characteristic within the chamber. The sensor unit may include a fan arranged within the housing in relation to the chamber, the fan configured to clear air from the chamber of the sensor unit. Further, the sensor unit may include a controller in communication with the fan and the sensor, the controller configured to operate the fan.

Sensor chamber airflow management systems and methods

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.

Wireless transceiver

A monitoring system for a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system of a residential or commercial building includes an evaporator unit device and four temperature sensors. The evaporator unit device includes an electrical sensor that measures current supplied to a circulator blower of the HVAC system. The measured current from the first electrical sensor is used to diagnose a problem with the circulator blower. The first temperature sensor that measures a temperature of refrigerant flowing between a condenser of the HVAC system and an expansion valve of the HVAC system. The second temperature sensor measures a temperature of refrigerant flowing between an evaporator and a compressor. The third temperature sensor measures a temperature of air flowing away from the evaporator. The fourth temperature sensor measures a temperature of air flowing toward the evaporator. The evaporator unit device transmits sensor data to a remote monitoring service over a data network.

Method and apparatus for monitoring refrigeration-cycle systems

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.

Portable method and apparatus for monitoring refrigerant-cycle systems

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.

Battery-operated wireless zone controllers having multiple states of power-related operation

Various arrangements for controlling multiple environmental zones are presented. A first zone specific device may be configured to alter an environmental condition of a first environmental zone of the multiple environmental zones. The first zone specific device may include a rechargeable power source for at least partially powering the operation of the first zone specific device. The first zone specific device may include a communication interface for communicating with other devices of the system. Also, a central controller may be present that is configured to communicate with the first zone specific device to determine a power status of the rechargeable power source of the first zone specific device.

Multiple environmental zone control with integrated battery status communications

Wireless zone control via mechanically adjustable airflow elements

An arrangement for measuring environmental conditions in a wireless sensor system. A threshold value may be determined. An environmental condition sensor unit may measure, over a defined period of time, an environmental condition level. The measured environmental condition level may be compared to the determined threshold value. It may be determined whether the measured environmental condition level exceeds the defined threshold value for the defined period of time. At least in part based on the determination of whether the measured environmental condition level exceeds the defined threshold value over the defined period of time, information indicative of the measured environmental condition level may be transmitted.

Growing community of inventors

Corona Del Mar, CA, United States of America

Lawrence Kates