Automation apparatus and methods
First Claim
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1. A premises automation system adapted for user installation, comprising:
- a plurality of user-installable sensors each adapted to perform at least one sensing function related to one of the HVAC, lighting, or water systems of said premises;
a controller in signal communication with said sensors via the electrical power distribution wiring of said premises; and
a plurality of user-installable control modules, each of said modules being disposed in electrical communication with said distribution wiring and at least one of said sensors;
wherein said system is adapted to substantially automate the operation of at least one portion of said HVAC, lighting, or water systems within said premises based at least in part on signals obtained from said sensors.
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Abstract
A system and associated components for providing substantially automated operation and control of various functions within a premises, such as a residence. In one embodiment, the system comprises a server-based system which is adapted for low cost, ease of installation and operation, and ready repair by the premises owner. Indigenous wiring within the premises is used to a large extent in order to further reduce installation cost and facilitate ready integration by the user. Methods for installing and operating the aforementioned system and components are also described.
836 Citations
38 Claims
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1. A premises automation system adapted for user installation, comprising:
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a plurality of user-installable sensors each adapted to perform at least one sensing function related to one of the HVAC, lighting, or water systems of said premises;
a controller in signal communication with said sensors via the electrical power distribution wiring of said premises; and
a plurality of user-installable control modules, each of said modules being disposed in electrical communication with said distribution wiring and at least one of said sensors;
wherein said system is adapted to substantially automate the operation of at least one portion of said HVAC, lighting, or water systems within said premises based at least in part on signals obtained from said sensors. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. Integrated low cost automation apparatus comprising:
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a plurality of sensors disposed at least proximate to a premises; and
a server in operative communication with said sensors via at least one installed wiring systems of said premises;
wherein said apparatus is adapted to substantially automate the operation of at least one device within said premises based at least in part on signals obtained from said sensors. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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- 12. User-installable control apparatus adapted to control at least one aspect of the operation of a premises apparatus via commands received over the installed electrical wiring of the premises from a substantially centralized computer device.
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19. User-installable apparatus adapted to provide hot water recirculation within a premises, comprising:
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a water pump adapted for installation at a distant water-providing location within said premises;
a motive source operatively coupled to said pump;
a first fixture adapted to provide a supply of water from a first line to said pump;
a second fixture adapted to discharge said water received from said first line to a second line under force of said pump; and
a temperature sensor operatively coupled to said motive source, said sensor adapted to secure said motive source upon said water from said first line reaching a predetermined temperature. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. Home automation apparatus installed using the method comprising:
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providing a controller apparatus;
providing a plurality of control modules;
providing a plurality of local control devices;
providing a plurality of tape wire conductors;
disposing said controller apparatus in electrical communication with an electrical distribution system of said home;
disposing said local control devices at least proximate to respective ones of a plurality of apparatus to be controlled;
disposing said control modules at least proximate to respective ones of said local control devices and in electrical communication with said electrical distribution system; and
forming an electrical pathway between said control modules and said local control devices using said tape wire conductors. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27)
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28. Scalable, user-installable premises automation apparatus comprising a controller apparatus;
- at least one control module, at least one local control device, and at least one user-installable conductor set, said automation apparatus being installed using the method comprising;
disposing said controller apparatus in electrical communication with an electrical distribution system of said home;
disposing said local control device at least proximate to an apparatus to be controlled;
disposing said control module at least proximate to said local control device and in electrical communication with said electrical distribution system; and
forming an electrical pathway between said control module and said local control device using said tape wire conductors;
wherein said controller apparatus is adapted to utilize one or more additional ones of said control modules and local control devices.
- at least one control module, at least one local control device, and at least one user-installable conductor set, said automation apparatus being installed using the method comprising;
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29. Sever apparatus adapted for use in a premises automation system, comprising:
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a processor;
memory in data communication with said processor;
a mass storage device in data communication with said processor; and
a powerline interface adapted to at least send control signals over installed wiring within said premises to a plurality of control modules. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
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35. A home automation system adapted for user installation, comprising:
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a plurality of user-installable local devices each adapted to perform at least one sensing or control function related to one of the HVAC, lighting, or water systems of said premises;
a controller in signal communication with said local devices via the electrical power distribution wiring of said premises;
a plurality of user-installable control modules, each of said modules being disposed in electrical communication with said distribution wiring and at least one of said local devices; and
user-installable tape wiring and associated insulation displacement connectors, said tape wiring and connectors electrically coupling each of said local devices to a respective one of control modules;
wherein said system is adapted to substantially automate the operation of at least one portion of said HVAC, lighting, or water system within said premises based at least in part on signals obtained from said local devices.
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36. User-installable premises lighting apparatus, comprising:
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a fixture comprising a plurality of light-emitting diodes;
a control module adapted for plugging into a wall outlet connected to the electrical distribution system of said premises; and
at least one wire bundle adapted to electrically interface said fixture with said control module;
wherein said control module is adapted to receive command signals from a remote entity over said distribution system and control at least one aspect of the operation of said fixture. - View Dependent Claims (37, 38)
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Specification