CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM INCLUDING RESPONSIVE CONTROLLERS
First Claim
1. A system for controlling the operation of an HVAC system, comprising:
- a network for providing communication with at least one of a furnace controller, indoor blower controller, or a unitary controller;
a thermostat capable of receiving signals via the network, and of sending signals to both a furnace controller, indoor blower controller, and a unitary controller via the network, the thermostat having a color display, where upon receiving a signal from either a furnace controller, indoor blower controller, or a unitary controller, the thermostat is configured to respond by displaying information associated with the signal received from either the furnace controller or unitary controller.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A thermostat is provided that receives one or more inputs from at least one heating system of a climate control system, and initiates an appropriate action in response to the input. The thermostat can turn off a heat pump providing substandard heat and responsively turn on a fuel-fired auxiliary furnace. The thermostat may discontinue further operation of the auxiliary furnace upon receiving an operating error signal associated with the auxiliary furnace, and responsively turn on the heat pump to provide for continued heating. The thermostat may also discontinue operation of the fuel-fired furnace and turn on a circulating fan in response to an input signal indicating a furnace high-temperature or a carbon monoxide presence.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system for controlling the operation of an HVAC system, comprising:
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a network for providing communication with at least one of a furnace controller, indoor blower controller, or a unitary controller;
a thermostat capable of receiving signals via the network, and of sending signals to both a furnace controller, indoor blower controller, and a unitary controller via the network, the thermostat having a color display, where upon receiving a signal from either a furnace controller, indoor blower controller, or a unitary controller, the thermostat is configured to respond by displaying information associated with the signal received from either the furnace controller or unitary controller. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A system for controlling the operation of a heat pump and auxiliary heating system, comprising:
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a unitary controller for establishing and monitoring the operation of at least a compressor of an outside condenser unit of a heat pump system;
a thermostat configured to send signals to the unitary controller for requesting operation of at least the compressor, wherein the unitary controller is configured to detect when the outside ambient temperature is below a balance point and to responsively communicate a signal to the auxiliary heating system to initiate auxiliary heating operation during any time period in which the outside ambient temperature is below the balance point and the thermostat communicates a request to the unitary controller for heating operation. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
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16. A thermostat for controlling the operation of a heat pump or heating system, comprising:
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a network connection connected to a communication system in connection with at least one external device consisting of an outdoor temperature sensor, a heat pump, and a furnace, for enabling communication of signals to the thermostat;
a display device; and
a controller for controlling the display device and thermostat operation, the controller being configured to receive signals via the communication means, wherein response to an input signal from an external device controller is configured to respond by displaying information associated with the input signal on the display device. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification