US7225054B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Controller with programmable service event display mode
Assignee: Ademco Inc
•
Filing: 2003-12-02
•
Granted: 2007-05-29
•
Expires: 2023-12-02
Abstract
Abstract Controllers and systems for displaying servicing information via a display unit are disclosed. A controller in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention may include an interface for programming a service event display mode in the controller, and a display unit configured to display servicing information when a service event is detected by the controller. An event such as the triggering of a service indicator or the expiration of an equipment service event timer may cause the controller to display servicing information on the display unit, informing the user that servicing may be necessary or is recommended.
Inventors
- 👤 John B. Amundson
- 👤 Marcus D. Stoner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 14:46
CPC Classifications
F; F24; F24F; F24F11/00; F24F11/30; G; G05; G05D; G05D23/00; G05D23/19; G05D23/1902; F24F11/50; F24F11/52; F24F11/61
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 47
Claim 1
Independent Claim
97 words
An HVAC controller for use in controlling one or more components of an HVAC system, the HVAC controller comprising: a controller configured to control one or more components of the HVAC system during normal operation of the HVAC system, said controller adapted to determine if one or more service events occurred for one or more of the components of the HVAC system, wherein said controller makes the determination without first requiring a prompting by a user of the controller; and a display unit configured to display servicing information when a service event is determined by the controller.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
97 words
An HVAC controller for use in controlling one or more components of an HVAC system, the HVAC controller comprising: a controller configured to control one or more components of the HVAC system during normal operation of the HVAC system, said controller adapted to determine if one or more service events occurred for one or more of the components of the HVAC system, wherein said controller makes the determination without first requiring a prompting by a user of the controller; and a display unit configured to display servicing information when a service event is determined by the controller.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The HVAC controller of claim 1 , wherein said servicing information includes a graphical representation of a logo.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The HVAC controller of claim 2 wherein said servicing information includes a telephone number.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The HVAC controller of claim 1 wherein said servicing information includes a service event code.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The HVAC controller of claim 1 wherein said servicing information includes a description of the service event.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
The HVAC controller of claim 1 , wherein said controller determines if a service event occurred by receiving a service event indicator from at least one of said one or more components.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The HVAC controller of claim 1 , wherein said controller determines if a service event occurred by determining if an equipment service event timer expired.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
44 words
The HVAC controller of claim 1 , wherein said one or more components are one or more of a heating unit, a cooling unit, a ventilation unit, a filtration unit, a UV lamp unit, a humidifying/dehumidifying unit, a local sensor, and a remote sensor.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The HVAC controller of claim 1 , wherein said display unit comprises a touch screen.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The HVAC controller of claim 1 , wherein said display unit comprises an LCD panel.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
The HVAC controller of claim 1 further comprising a data input port coupled to the controller for uploading data to the controller.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
44 words
The HVAC controller of claim 11 wherein the controller is adapted to receive a graphical representation of a logo via the data input port, and wherein the display unit is configured to display the logo when a service event is determined by the controller.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
15 words
The HVAC controller of claim 12 wherein the data input port is a wired port.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
15 words
The HVAC controller of claim 12 wherein the data input port is a wireless port.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
37 words
The HVAC controller of claim 1 wherein the controller determines if one or more service events occurred for one or more the components of the HVAC system by polling at least selected components of the HVAC system.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
24 words
The HVAC controller of claim 1 wherein at least some of the components of the HVAC system communicate with the controller over a network.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
25 words
The HVAC controller of claim 1 wherein at least some of the components of the HVAC system communicate with the controller via an I/O interface.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
82 words
A programmable controller for use in controlling one or more components of a system, the controller comprising: a controller configured to control one or more of the components of the system during normal operation of the system, said controller adapted to automatically determine if one or more service events occurred for one or more components of the system; and a display unit in communication with the controller and configured to display a logo when a service event is determined by the controller.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
82 words
A programmable controller for use in controlling one or more components of a system, the controller comprising: a controller configured to control one or more of the components of the system during normal operation of the system, said controller adapted to automatically determine if one or more service events occurred for one or more components of the system; and a display unit in communication with the controller and configured to display a logo when a service event is determined by the controller.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
26 words
The controller of claim 18 , wherein said display unit is configured to display a telephone number when a service event is determined by the controller.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
27 words
The controller of claim 18 , wherein said display unit is configured to display a service event code when a service event is determined by the controller.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
29 words
The controller of claim 18 , wherein said display unit is configured to display a description of the service event when a service event is determined by the controller.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
13 words
The controller of claim 18 , wherein said system includes an HVAC system.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
43 words
The controller of claim 22 , wherein said one or more components are one or more of a heating unit, a cooling unit, a ventilation unit, a filtration unit, a UV lamp unit, a humidifying/dehumidifying unit, a local sensor, and a remote sensor.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
13 words
The controller of claim 18 , wherein said system includes a security system.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
13 words
The controller of claim 18 , wherein said system includes a lighting system.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
16 words
The controller of claim 18 , wherein said system includes a sprinkler or drip water system.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
41 words
The HVAC system of claim 26 , wherein said one or more components are one or more of a heating unit, a cooling unit, a ventilation unit, a filtration unit, a UV lamp unit, a humidifying/dehumidifying unit, and a remote sensor.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
14 words
The controller of claim 18 , wherein said display unit comprises a touch screen.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
14 words
The controller of claim 18 , wherein said display unit comprises an LCD panel.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
65 words
An HVAC system, comprising: one or more components for regulating a set of environmental conditions within a structure, and a controller operatively connected to said one or more components and configured to control one or more of the components during normal operation of the HVAC system, said controller including display means for displaying servicing information when a service event is automatically detected by the controller.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
65 words
An HVAC system, comprising: one or more components for regulating a set of environmental conditions within a structure, and a controller operatively connected to said one or more components and configured to control one or more of the components during normal operation of the HVAC system, said controller including display means for displaying servicing information when a service event is automatically detected by the controller.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
17 words
The HVAC system of claim 30 , wherein said servicing information includes a logo and telephone number.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
25 words
The HVAC system of claim 30 , wherein said service event comprises a service indicator from at least one of said one or more components.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
18 words
The HVAC system of claim 30 , wherein said service event comprises an expired equipment service event timer.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
112 words
An HVAC system, comprising: one or more components for regulating a set of environmental conditions within a structure, and an HVAC controller operatively connected to said one or more components, said HVAC controller configured to control one or more of the components during normal operation of the HVAC system, said HVAC controller including an interface for programming a service event display mode in the HVAC controller, and display means for displaying servicing information when a service event is detected in at least one of said one or more components by the HVAC controller, wherein the HVAC controller detects a service event without having to be prompted by a user via the interface.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
112 words
An HVAC system, comprising: one or more components for regulating a set of environmental conditions within a structure, and an HVAC controller operatively connected to said one or more components, said HVAC controller configured to control one or more of the components during normal operation of the HVAC system, said HVAC controller including an interface for programming a service event display mode in the HVAC controller, and display means for displaying servicing information when a service event is detected in at least one of said one or more components by the HVAC controller, wherein the HVAC controller detects a service event without having to be prompted by a user via the interface.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
80 words
An HVAC controller for use in controlling one or more components of an HVAC system, the HVAC controller comprising: a controller configured to control the one or more components of the HVAC system during normal operation of the HVAC system, said controller adapted to automatically determine if one or more service events occurred for one or more the components of the HVAC system; and notifying means for notifying a service provider when a service event is determined by the controller.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
80 words
An HVAC controller for use in controlling one or more components of an HVAC system, the HVAC controller comprising: a controller configured to control the one or more components of the HVAC system during normal operation of the HVAC system, said controller adapted to automatically determine if one or more service events occurred for one or more the components of the HVAC system; and notifying means for notifying a service provider when a service event is determined by the controller.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
26 words
The HVAC controller of claim 35 wherein the service provider is one of a contractor, a service referral organization, a utility, a retailer, or a manufacturer.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
20 words
The HVAC controller of claim 35 wherein the notifying means notifies a different service provider for two different service events.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
82 words
A thermostat for controlling an HVAC system having one or more HVAC components, the thermostat comprising; a housing; a display secured relative to the housing; a controller, situated in the housing, in communication with the display; the controller adapted to control the HVAC system; and the controller further adapted to determine if one or more service events occurred for one or more of the components of the HVAC system without requiring prompting from a user via a user interface of the controller.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
82 words
A thermostat for controlling an HVAC system having one or more HVAC components, the thermostat comprising; a housing; a display secured relative to the housing; a controller, situated in the housing, in communication with the display; the controller adapted to control the HVAC system; and the controller further adapted to determine if one or more service events occurred for one or more of the components of the HVAC system without requiring prompting from a user via a user interface of the controller.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
75 words
A method for using a thermostat to alert a user of service events that correspond to the operation of one or more HVAC components, the method comprising; using the thermostat to monitor the operation of one or more HVAC components over the lifetime of the thermostat; automatically detecting a service event related to the operation of one or more of the HVAC components; and alerting the user of the detected service event via the thermostat.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
75 words
A method for using a thermostat to alert a user of service events that correspond to the operation of one or more HVAC components, the method comprising; using the thermostat to monitor the operation of one or more HVAC components over the lifetime of the thermostat; automatically detecting a service event related to the operation of one or more of the HVAC components; and alerting the user of the detected service event via the thermostat.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 39 , wherein said monitoring the operation of one or more HVAC components is reoccurring or continuous.
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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) | 2010-05-28 | 2010-11-27 | 2011-05-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2014-05-28 | 2014-11-27 | 2015-05-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2018-05-28 | 2018-11-27 | 2019-05-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |