Braeburn Systems LLC

Robert Rados

Daniel S Poplawski

Glenn A Moore

An improved comfort control system for controlling an environment regulation system includes a processing unit, a video interface, an input subsystem, a hierarchy of switching mechanisms and a special computer program. The hierarchy of switching mechanisms includes an electronic switching mechanism having a jumper and a second tier switching mechanism implemented by the special computer program and including a key combination. When the control device is in an operation mode and the jumper is in an enabled position, entering the key combination causes the special computer program to switch the comfort control system to the configuration mode. When the comfort control system is in an operation mode and the jumper is in a disabled position, the special computer program does not switch the control device to the configuration mode from the operation mode.

Comfort control system with hierarchical switching mechanisms

A thermostat resists tampering by including a hidden mechanism for switching from a limit setting mode to an operation mode. In some embodiments, the switching mechanism is in the form of a tamper proof switch or jumper on the thermostat's circuit board. The switching mechanism can be hidden from a potential non-administrative user and can be located on the circuit board of the thermostat, as opposed to on the external housing. While the switching mechanism is in limit setting mode, the limits of the thermostat's temperature range can be adjusted. Once these limits have been set, the adjuster can move the switching mechanism to operation mode, and the thermostat will now be able to maintain temperatures within the new limit settings.

Tamper resistant thermostat having hidden limit adjustment capabilities

The invention provides for a controller such as a thermostat for an HVAC System comprising a housing having a circuit board and a display screen, the display screen having at least one alpha-numeric icon and a group of input control areas. A microprocessor is provided for control on the display screen. Buttons are pressed in order to program set-points of the thermostat so that seven days may be programmed simultaneously. The display includes a seven-day icon so that the user can program the thermostat set-points rapidly (e.g. setting time and temperature settings with minimal steps). The user may activate a first programming mode wherein the activating occurs by depressing a programming-mode button for a first pre-selected duration in order to select a first day for setting the conditioning mode. The user may activate a second programming mode wherein such activating occurs by depressing the programming-mode button for a second pre-selected duration that is longer than the first pre-selected duration in order to select programming for all seven days simultaneously.

Rapid programming of thermostat with multiple programming mode conditions

The invention provides for a controller such as a thermostat for an HVAC System comprising a housing having a circuit board and a display screen, the display screen having at least one alpha-numeric icon and a group of input control areas. A microprocessor is provided for control on the display screen. Buttons are pressed in order to program set-points of the thermostat so that seven days may be programed simultaneously. The display includes a seven-day icon so that the user can program the thermostat set-points rapidly (e.g. setting time and temperature settings with minimal steps). The user may activate a first programming mode wherein the activating occurs by depressing a programming-mode button for a first pre-selected duration in order to select a first day for setting the conditioning mode. The user may activate a second programming mode wherein such activating occurs by depressing the programming-mode button for a second pre-selected duration that is longer than the first pre-selected duration in order to select programming for all seven days simultaneously.

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Yorkville, IL, United States of America

Robert Rados