Automatic temperature and humidity regulation – With timing element – Timer other than clock
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-03
2001-11-13
Wayner, William (Department: 3744)
Automatic temperature and humidity regulation
With timing element
Timer other than clock
C062S175000, C307S066000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06315211
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to thermostats and, more particularly, to a digital thermostat having dual power options adapted for installation in locations with or without an external power supply.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Thermostats for controlling climate control systems generally fall into two broad categories: (1) mechanical thermostats and (2) electronic digital thermostats. A typical mechanical thermostat, such as for a multi-stage thermostat application, is connected to an alternating current (AC) power supply, normally a transformer. However, mechanical thermostats do not require continuous electrical power.
On the other hand, a typical digital thermostat, such as one that is multi-stage, requires continuous power for thermostat components such as a microcomputer and thermostat control circuit. These component parts require power at all times. Therefore, digital thermostats need additional connections to a power supply, such as a transformer, to satisfy these power requirements.
Thus, when replacing a mechanical multi-stage thermostat with a digital multi-stage thermostat, an additional wire is usually required to power and maintain operation of the digital thermostat. When replacing one digital thermostat with another digital thermostat, the additional power connection wire is normally present.
When installing a digital thermostat for a new application, such as when building a new house, providing continuous power for the digital thermostat by adding the necessary extra power wire is relatively easy. However, in retrofit applications, and specifically, when replacing a mechanical thermostat with a digital thermostat, providing an additional wire for electrical power can be difficult, time consuming and costly.
Therefore, what has been needed is a digital thermostat having multiple power capabilities that is adapted for both new installations and for retrofit installations (when an external power supply is not available, because all necessary connections are not present).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The thermostat of the present invention provides dual power supply compatibility allowing for installation and operation in both new and retrofit applications. The thermostat is adapted to draw power from either an external AC power supply (i.e., transformer) or an internal replaceable power supply (e.g., replaceable batteries). If the thermostat is connected to an external power supply, the replaceable internal power supply may provide extended duration back-up power in the event of external power failure.
According to one aspect of the present invention, an electronic thermostat for controlling the operation of a climate control system is adapted for installation in locations with or without an external power supply. The thermostat includes a thermostat circuit, a compartment for receiving a replaceable internal power supply, a connector for connecting the thermostat circuit to the replaceable internal power supply in the compartment, for powering the thermostat circuit, and a connector for connecting the thermostat circuit to the external power supply for powering the thermostat. The electronic thermostat is further configured such that the thermostat preferentially draws power from the external power supply connected to the thermostat, if power from the external power supply is available, and from the internal power supply connected to the thermostat, if power from the external power supply is not available. The replaceable internal power supply is preferably at least one replaceable battery.
Additionally, the electronic thermostat is preferably provided with an energy reduction device adapted to reduce energy consumption of the thermostat when power from the external power supply is not available, with the thermostat drawing power from the internal power supply. Further, an energy storage device can be provided for powering the thermostat for a short duration if power from both the external power supply and the internal power supply are not available. The energy storage device may be a capacitor or super-capacitor. A programmed memory storage device may also be provided to the electronic thermostat for maintaining thermostat program information when power from both the external power supply and the internal power supply are not available. The programmed memory device may be an electrically erasable programmable read only memory.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an electronic digital thermostat for controlling a climate control system is preferably powered by at least one of the following: a replaceable internal power supply, which is preferably at least one battery, and an external power supply. The thermostat includes a compartment for receiving the replaceable internal power supply, a connector for connecting the thermostat to the internal power supply in the compartment for powering the thermostat, and a connector for connecting the thermostat to the external power supply for powering the thermostat. The thermostat is preferably configured such that the thermostat preferentially draws power from the external power supply connected to the thermostat, if power from the external power supply is available, and from the internal power supply connected to the thermostat, if power from the external power supply is not available. The thermostat further comprises an energy reduction device, which may reduce energy consumption of the thermostat, when power from an external power supply is not available. In this event, when power becomes unavailable from the external power supply, the thermostat draws a reduced amount of power from the internal power supply. The internal power supply preferably is configured to provide power for more than a short duration, with the thermostat operating normally for an extended period of time using the internal power supply.
Further, an energy storage device, preferably a super capacitor, may be provided for powering the thermostat for a short duration if power from both the external power supply and the internal power supply are not available. A programmed memory storage device, such as an electrically erasable programmable read only memory, may also be provided for maintaining thermostat program information when power from both the external power supply and the internal power supply are not available.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, a method of powering an electronic thermostat includes providing power to the electronic thermostat in locations with or without an external power supply. The method comprises the steps of powering the thermostat from an external power supply connected to the thermostat, if power from the external power supply is available, and powering the thermostat from an internal power supply connected to the thermostat, if power from the external power supply is not available. Additional steps may include powering the thermostat from an energy storage device or storing thermostat program information in a programmed memory storage device if power from both the external power supply and the internal power supply are not available.
Therefore, the present invention provides numerous novel features and advantages over prior thermostats. In particular, the invention provides a thermostat, and preferably, a digital multi-stage thermostat that can be powered by a replaceable internal power supply or an external power supply. This provides adaptability for both new installations and retrofit installations of existing thermostats (in particular, replacement of mechanical thermostats with digital thermostats). The adaptability provides ease in installation and savings in both labor and cost when retrofitting an existing system.
These and other features and advantages will be in part apparent and in part pointed out in a more detailed description of the various embodiments and aspects of the invention as set out below.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4267966 (1981-05-01), Neel et al.
patent: 4365167 (1982-12-01), Weimer et al.
patent: 4431134 (1984-02-01), Hendricks et al.
patent
Mueller Carl J.
Sartain John M.
Toth Bartholomew L.
Emerson Electric Co.
Harness & Dickey & Pierce P.L.C.
Wayner William
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