US7025281B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Programmable thermostat incorporating air quality protection
Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Co
•
Filing: 2004-11-17
•
Granted: 2006-04-11
•
Expires: 2024-11-17
Abstract
Abstract The invention is directed to programmable temperature control in which a controller may be programmed to control a thermal output of said temperature-modifying device, and to operate an air circulating system independently of the temperature-modifying device. The apparatus may incorporate a user input for entering air handling information to program the air circulating system to operate at predetermined intervals. The controller may be further programmed to receive air filtration information from the user input and to generate air filtration output information. The system may also be programmed to receive information regarding a characteristic of the air circulating system from an sensor for use in calculating the air filtration output information.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael R. DeLuca
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 13:09
CPC Classifications
F; F24; F24F; F24F11/00; F24F11/30; F24F11/32; F24F11/39; F24F11/50; F24F11/52; F24F11/523; F24F11/56; F24F11/62; F24F11/63; F24F8/00; F24F8/10; G; G05; G05D; G05D23/00; G05D23/19; G05D23/1902; G05D23/1904; F24F2110/00; F24F2110/40
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 56
Claim 1
Independent Claim
106 words
A programmable temperature control apparatus for the control of temperature in communication with a temperature-modifying device and an HVAC air circulating system, said programmable temperature control apparatus comprising: a user-operable input connected for entering user selected air filter information associated with an air filter in said HVAC air circulating system; a controller programmed to control a thermal output of said temperature-modifying device to achieve a desired temperature, and to generate air filter output information based upon said air filter information inputted at said user-operable input; and a display for displaying said air filter output information during said control of said thermal output of said temperature-modifying device.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
106 words
A programmable temperature control apparatus for the control of temperature in communication with a temperature-modifying device and an HVAC air circulating system, said programmable temperature control apparatus comprising: a user-operable input connected for entering user selected air filter information associated with an air filter in said HVAC air circulating system; a controller programmed to control a thermal output of said temperature-modifying device to achieve a desired temperature, and to generate air filter output information based upon said air filter information inputted at said user-operable input; and a display for displaying said air filter output information during said control of said thermal output of said temperature-modifying device.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said air filter information comprises a usage period that is one or more selected from the group consisting of 0 days, 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, and 120 days.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
49 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said air filter output information comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of how much time remains in said air filter usage period, what percentage of said air filter usage period remains, and whether said air filter should be checked.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein said time is represented in days.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein said percentage is represented using a bar indicator.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said air filtration output information is calculated using a formula based upon an air filter information and operation of said air circulating system.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising at least one sensor for sensing at least one characteristic of said air circulating system and communicating characteristic information based thereon to said controller; and wherein said controller is further programmed to generate said air filtration output information using said characteristic information.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein said characteristic of said air circulating system comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of air pressure, air flow, air heat loss, fan usage, fan current draw, and fan power usage.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein said sensor includes a reset button for resetting said characteristic information.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein said sensor is located proximate said filter.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein said sensor communicates with said controller using one or more selected from the group consisting of radio frequency communication, infrared communication, low voltage cabling, and household power lines.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein said sensor is configured to determine at least a portion of said air filtration output information from said characteristic of said air circulating system.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
140 words
A programmable temperature control apparatus for the control of temperature in communication with a temperature-modifying device and an HVAC air circulating system, said programmable temperature control apparatus comprising: a user-operable input connected for entering user selected air filter information associated with an air filter in said HVAC air circulating system; a controller programmed to control a thermal output of said temperature-modifying device to achieve a desired temperature, and to generate air filter output information based upon said air filter information inputted at said user-operable input; a display for displaying said air filter output information during said control of said thermal output of said temperature-modifying device; and at least one sensor for sensing at least one characteristic of said air circulating system and communicating characteristic information based thereon to said controller to be used in generating said air filtration output information.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
140 words
A programmable temperature control apparatus for the control of temperature in communication with a temperature-modifying device and an HVAC air circulating system, said programmable temperature control apparatus comprising: a user-operable input connected for entering user selected air filter information associated with an air filter in said HVAC air circulating system; a controller programmed to control a thermal output of said temperature-modifying device to achieve a desired temperature, and to generate air filter output information based upon said air filter information inputted at said user-operable input; a display for displaying said air filter output information during said control of said thermal output of said temperature-modifying device; and at least one sensor for sensing at least one characteristic of said air circulating system and communicating characteristic information based thereon to said controller to be used in generating said air filtration output information.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein said air filter information comprises a usage period that is one or more selected from the group consisting of 0 days, 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, and 120 days.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
49 words
The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein said air filter output information comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of how much time remains in said air filter usage period, what percentage of said air filter usage period remains, and whether said air filter should be checked.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein said time is represented in days.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein said percentage is represented using a bar indicator.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein said air filtration output information is calculated using a formula based upon said air filter information and operation of said air circulating system.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein said characteristic of said air circulating system comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of air pressure, air flow, air heat loss, fan usage, fan current draw, and fan power usage.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein said sensor includes a reset button for resetting said characteristic information.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein said sensors is located proximate said filter.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein said sensor communicates with said controller using one or more selected from the group consisting of radio frequency communication, infrared communication, low voltage cabling, and household power lines.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein said sensor is configured to determine at least a portion of said air filtration output information from said characteristic of said air circulating system.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
81 words
A method of monitoring an air filter used in connection with a programmable temperature control system and an HVAC system, said method comprising the steps of: entering user selected air filter information to a controller programmable to control a thermal output of a temperature-modifying device to achieve a desired temperature; generating air filtration output information using said air filter information; and displaying said air filtration output information on a display during said control of said thermal output of said temperature-modifying device.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
81 words
A method of monitoring an air filter used in connection with a programmable temperature control system and an HVAC system, said method comprising the steps of: entering user selected air filter information to a controller programmable to control a thermal output of a temperature-modifying device to achieve a desired temperature; generating air filtration output information using said air filter information; and displaying said air filtration output information on a display during said control of said thermal output of said temperature-modifying device.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
98 words
A method of monitoring an air filter used in connection with a programmable temperature control system and an HVAC system, said method comprising the steps of: entering user selected air filter information to a controller programmable to control a thermal output of a temperature-modifying device to achieve a desired temperature; receiving characteristic information regarding at least one characteristic of said air circulating system; generating air filtration output information using said air filter information and said characteristic information; and displaying said air filtration output information on a display during said control of said thermal output of said temperature-modifying device.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
98 words
A method of monitoring an air filter used in connection with a programmable temperature control system and an HVAC system, said method comprising the steps of: entering user selected air filter information to a controller programmable to control a thermal output of a temperature-modifying device to achieve a desired temperature; receiving characteristic information regarding at least one characteristic of said air circulating system; generating air filtration output information using said air filter information and said characteristic information; and displaying said air filtration output information on a display during said control of said thermal output of said temperature-modifying device.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
104 words
A temperature control apparatus for the control of temperature in communication with a temperature-modifying device and an HVAC air circulating system, said temperature control apparatus comprising: a user-operable input connected for entering user selected air filter information associated with an air filter in said HVAC air circulating system; an electronic controller to control a thermal output of said temperature-modifying device to achieve a desired temperature, and to generate air filter output information based upon said air filter information inputted at said user-operable input; and a display for displaying said air filter output information during said control of said thermal output of said temperature-modifying device.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
104 words
A temperature control apparatus for the control of temperature in communication with a temperature-modifying device and an HVAC air circulating system, said temperature control apparatus comprising: a user-operable input connected for entering user selected air filter information associated with an air filter in said HVAC air circulating system; an electronic controller to control a thermal output of said temperature-modifying device to achieve a desired temperature, and to generate air filter output information based upon said air filter information inputted at said user-operable input; and a display for displaying said air filter output information during said control of said thermal output of said temperature-modifying device.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 26 , wherein said air filter information comprises a usage period that is one or more selected from the group consisting of 0 days, 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, and 120 days.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
49 words
The apparatus of claim 26 , wherein said air filter output information comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of how much time remains in said air filter usage period, what percentage of said air filter usage period remains, and whether said air filter should be checked.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 26 , wherein said user-operable input is connected for entering air handling information to program said air circulating system to operate at predetermined intervals.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 29 , wherein said air handling information comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of operating periods and ON time during said operating periods set between 9 and 60 minutes.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 26 , wherein said air filtration output information is calculated using a formula based upon a air filter information and operation of said air circulating system.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus of claim 26 , further comprising at least one sensor for sensing at least one characteristic of said air circulating system and communicating characteristic information based thereon to said controller; and wherein said controller is further programmed to generate said air filtration output information using said characteristic information.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
138 words
A temperature control apparatus for the control of temperature in communication with a temperature-modifying device and an HVAC air circulating system, said temperature control apparatus comprising: a user-operable input connected for entering user selected air filter information associated with an air filter in said HVAC air circulating system; an electronic controller to control a thermal output of said temperature-modifying device to achieve a desired temperature, and to generate air filter output information based upon said air filter information inputted at said user-operable input; a display for displaying said air filter output information during said control of said thermal output of said temperature-modifying device; and at least one sensor for sensing at least one characteristic of said air circulating system and communicating characteristic information based thereon to said controller to be used in generating said air filtration output information.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
138 words
A temperature control apparatus for the control of temperature in communication with a temperature-modifying device and an HVAC air circulating system, said temperature control apparatus comprising: a user-operable input connected for entering user selected air filter information associated with an air filter in said HVAC air circulating system; an electronic controller to control a thermal output of said temperature-modifying device to achieve a desired temperature, and to generate air filter output information based upon said air filter information inputted at said user-operable input; a display for displaying said air filter output information during said control of said thermal output of said temperature-modifying device; and at least one sensor for sensing at least one characteristic of said air circulating system and communicating characteristic information based thereon to said controller to be used in generating said air filtration output information.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 33 , wherein said air filter information comprises a usage period that is one or more selected from the group consisting of 0 days, 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, and 120 days.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
49 words
The apparatus of claim 33 , wherein said air filter output information comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of bow much time remains in said air filter usage period, what percentage of said air filter usage period remains, and whether said air filter should be checked.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 33 , wherein said user-operable input is connected for entering air handling information to program said air circulating system to operate at predetermined intervals.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
83 words
A method of monitoring an air filter used in a temperature control system of an HVAC air circulating system, said method comprising the steps of: entering user selected air filter information to a controller to control a thermal output of a temperature-modifying device in the HVAC system to achieve a desired temperature; generating air filtration output information using said air filter information; and displaying said air filtration output information on a display during said control of said thermal output of said temperature-modifying device.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
83 words
A method of monitoring an air filter used in a temperature control system of an HVAC air circulating system, said method comprising the steps of: entering user selected air filter information to a controller to control a thermal output of a temperature-modifying device in the HVAC system to achieve a desired temperature; generating air filtration output information using said air filter information; and displaying said air filtration output information on a display during said control of said thermal output of said temperature-modifying device.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
100 words
A method of monitoring an air filter used in a temperature control system of an HVAC air circulating system, said method comprising the steps of: entering user selected air filter information to a controller to control a thermal output of a temperature-modifying device in the HVAC system to achieve a desired temperature; receiving characteristic information regarding at least one characteristic of said air circulating system; generating air filtration output information using said air filter information and said characteristic information; and displaying said air filtration output information on a display during said control of said thermal output of said temperature-modifying device.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
100 words
A method of monitoring an air filter used in a temperature control system of an HVAC air circulating system, said method comprising the steps of: entering user selected air filter information to a controller to control a thermal output of a temperature-modifying device in the HVAC system to achieve a desired temperature; receiving characteristic information regarding at least one characteristic of said air circulating system; generating air filtration output information using said air filter information and said characteristic information; and displaying said air filtration output information on a display during said control of said thermal output of said temperature-modifying device.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
114 words
A programmable temperature control apparatus for the control of temperature in communication with a temperature-modifying device and an air circulating system, said programmable temperature control apparatus comprising: a user-operable input connected for entering air filter information; a controller programmed to control a thermal output of said temperature-modifying device to achieve a desired temperature, and to generate air filter output information based upon said air filter information inputted at said user-operable input; and a display for displaying said air filter output information during said control of said thermal output of said temperature-modifying device, wherein said user-operable input is connected for entering air handling information to program said air circulating system to operate at predetermined intervals.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
114 words
A programmable temperature control apparatus for the control of temperature in communication with a temperature-modifying device and an air circulating system, said programmable temperature control apparatus comprising: a user-operable input connected for entering air filter information; a controller programmed to control a thermal output of said temperature-modifying device to achieve a desired temperature, and to generate air filter output information based upon said air filter information inputted at said user-operable input; and a display for displaying said air filter output information during said control of said thermal output of said temperature-modifying device, wherein said user-operable input is connected for entering air handling information to program said air circulating system to operate at predetermined intervals.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 39 , wherein said air handling information comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of operating periods and ON time during said operating periods.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 40 , wherein said ON time may be set between 9 and 60 minutes.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 41 , wherein said ON time maybe set in increments of 3 minutes.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
148 words
A programmable temperature control apparatus for the control of temperature in communication with a temperature-modifying device and an air circulating system, said programmable temperature control apparatus comprising: a user-operable input connected for entering air filter information; a controller programmed to control a thermal output of said temperature-modifying device to achieve a desired temperature, and to generate air filter output information based upon said air filter information inputted at said user-operable input; a display for displaying said air filter output information during said control of said thermal output of said temperature-modifying device; and at least one sensor for sensing at least one characteristic of said air circulating system and communicating characteristic information based thereon to said controller to be used in generating said air filtration output information, wherein said user-operable input is connected for entering air handling information to program said air circulating system to operate at predetermined intervals.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
148 words
A programmable temperature control apparatus for the control of temperature in communication with a temperature-modifying device and an air circulating system, said programmable temperature control apparatus comprising: a user-operable input connected for entering air filter information; a controller programmed to control a thermal output of said temperature-modifying device to achieve a desired temperature, and to generate air filter output information based upon said air filter information inputted at said user-operable input; a display for displaying said air filter output information during said control of said thermal output of said temperature-modifying device; and at least one sensor for sensing at least one characteristic of said air circulating system and communicating characteristic information based thereon to said controller to be used in generating said air filtration output information, wherein said user-operable input is connected for entering air handling information to program said air circulating system to operate at predetermined intervals.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 43 , wherein said air handling information comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of operating periods and ON time during said operating periods.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 44 , wherein said ON time may be set between 9 and 60 minutes.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 45 , wherein said ON time may be set in increments of 3 minutes.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2009-04-10 | 2009-10-10 | 2010-04-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2013-04-10 | 2013-10-10 | 2014-04-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2017-04-10 | 2017-10-10 | 2018-04-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |