Johnson Service Company

Terry A Heckenbach

George Rudich, Jr

Henry A Gleason, Iii

Charles F Beeson

Gary L Bartley

An electrically-powered zone condition control apparatus includes a first multiplexing means adapted for receiving analog status signals emanating from a plurality of passive signaling devices such as temperature or humidity sensors or potentiometers and transmitting these status signals in multiplex fashion to an analog-to-digital converter. The converter changes these analog status signals to digital data signals and directs them to a microcomputer. A second multiplexing means receives binary input signals which may indicate, for example, that an electrical contact is open or closed and also transmits these signals in multiplex fashion to the microcomputer. The microcomputer is adapted to perform algorithmic decisional functions relative to the signals received therein and is adaptable to periodically, selectively transmit digital output signals to one or more of a plurality of digitally-addressable load devices coupled to it by a two-wire communication bus. The microcomputer is also adaptable to periodically receive digital input signals from one or more of the load devices. A method for controlling a condition in a zone, temperature for example, includes the steps of generating a plurality of signals representative of the status of a plurality of signalling devices, converting selected status signals to digital data signals and directing the data signals and unconverted status signals to a computing means such as a microcomputer. The microcomputer performs algorithmic decisional functions relative to the signals received thereat and periodically, selectively transmits digital output signals along a communication bus to one or more of a plurality of uniquely, digitally addressable load devices. Digital input signals are periodically received from one or more of the load devices.

Zone condition controller and method of using same

A motor-driven rotary actuator includes an electric drive motor adapted to be configured for providing one of a plurality of output torques. A power transmission is coupled to the drive motor and includes a rotatable output shaft and drive elements adapted to be formed of disparate materials selected for transmitting one of the output torques. An electric controller is coupled to the motor for providing rotation positioning control of the output shaft in response to digital command signals.

Controllable rotary actuator

The invention facilitates the reception of bus-transmitted digital signals in the presence of electrical noise and includes a transmitter adapted to be coupled to a two wire communication bus. The transmitter has a controllable transistor for switching one wire of the bus between zero and reference voltages, thereby generating digital output signals. A receiver is coupled to the bus for receiving digital input signals which define a first wave form and are transitory between a first voltage and a second voltage. The receiver includes an R-C circuit for shaping the first wave form to a second wave form and a hysteresis switch for providing a first output condition when the second wave form transcends through a first intermediate voltage in a first transition direction. A second output condition is provided when the second wave form transcends through a second intermediate voltage in a second transition direction.

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Middlebury, IN, United States of America

Terry A Heckenbach