Mcc Powers

Robert L Old, Jr

Kenneth P Belau

Roderick J Dougherty, Jr

Darrell N Chelcun

An improved distribution system for use in supervising and controlling temperature and other environmental conditioning equipment of a building or the like is disclosed. The distribution system is used in conjunction with a host or central computer. The distribution system includes one or more distribution panels which communicate with the host computer as well as with various control point apparatus that gather temperature, humidity, and other types of values, or gather status information regarding electrical switch states and the like. Other types of control point apparatus control electric motor starters, motors, or other control equipment for controlling environmental conditions or general energy use. The distribution panels have various function means therein which are capable of receiving digital input signals, providing digital output signals to control point apparatus, receiving frequency analog input signals, pneumatic analog input and output signals, and the like. The function means have the capability of being uniquely characterized with respect to the type of operation that is to be performed and certain function means can also be characterized to selectively provide change of value reporting to the central computer as well as significant change of value reporting. Moreover other function means can be characterized to provide output signal levesl or output pulses depending upon the characterization and such characterization is accomplished by an operator at the central or host computer with no switching or other manipulation being required at the distribution panel.

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Northbrook, IL, United States of America

Robert L Old, Jr