Communicating Environmental Control System
First Claim
1. An environmental control system for a building, the system comprising:
- a microprocessor controller configured for accepting at least two temperature set points and a humidity set point;
an operating interface operably connected to the controller;
a thermostat and at least one temperature sensor operably connected to the controller;
a humidistat and at least one humidity sensor operably connected to the controller; and
a communications interface operably connected to the controller and configured for communicating to a remote location over a telecommunications network; and
wherein the controller is programmed to operate an environmental system within the building to control temperature as a primary factor within the building during periods of occupancy and to control humidity as the primary factor within the building during periods of un-occupancy.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A communicating environmental control system for a dwelling or building is provided. The environmental control system is intended for use in a dwelling which may be unoccupied for a long period of time, e.g., months. The control system operates in an economy mode to prevent damage to the dwelling and its contents by avoiding condensation of moisture within the dwelling. At the same time, the control system minimizes operating costs by running more when energy costs are lower and running less when energy costs are higher. The control system switches to a comfort mode when the dwelling occupants return. The control system is in communication with a remote owner, a remote utility, or a remote service provider, or more than one of these, through the Internet or other communication system.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An environmental control system for a building, the system comprising:
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a microprocessor controller configured for accepting at least two temperature set points and a humidity set point; an operating interface operably connected to the controller; a thermostat and at least one temperature sensor operably connected to the controller; a humidistat and at least one humidity sensor operably connected to the controller; and a communications interface operably connected to the controller and configured for communicating to a remote location over a telecommunications network; and wherein the controller is programmed to operate an environmental system within the building to control temperature as a primary factor within the building during periods of occupancy and to control humidity as the primary factor within the building during periods of un-occupancy. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for controlling an environment in a building, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing an environmental controller for a building, the controller comprising a computer and a communications interface; setting a first humidity control point for an environmental system; setting a second humidity control point, higher than the first humidity control point, for the environmental system; operating the environmental system in accordance with the first humidity control point for a first portion of a day and in accordance with the second humidity control point for a second portion of the day; and communicating an alert when the second humidity control point is exceeded. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for controlling an environment inside a building, the method comprising the steps of:
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connecting to a communications interface for a microprocessor environmental controller for a dwelling; setting a first humidity control point for an environmental system; setting a second humidity control point, higher than the first humidity control point, for the environmental system; operating the environmental system in accordance with the first humidity control point for a first portion of a day and in accordance with the second humidity control point for a second portion of the day; and communicating an alert when the second humidity control point is exceeded. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification