APPARATUS AND METHODS OF USING CARD BASED PROGRAMMABLE CONTROLLERS
First Claim
1. A method for managing an amount of energy units used by a user, the method comprising:
- providing the user with a programmable controller for operating an environmental control system, wherein the programmable controller includes a removable memory card;
interviewing the user to determine user preferences;
removing the memory card and programming the memory card based upon user preferences;
inserting the memory card into the programmable controller; and
controlling the energy units used by the user by sending control signals from the programmable controller to the environmental control system based upon programmed data.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention is generally directed to an apparatus and a method for controlling an environment control system. In one aspect, a programmable controller for operating an environmental control system is provided. The programmable controller includes a body and a controller member. The programmable controller also includes a sensor member configured to sense an environmental condition and send data to the controller member. Additionally, the programmable controller includes a removable memory card capable of storing and providing programmable data to the controller member, wherein the controller member, the sensor, and the removable memory card are disposed in the body. In another aspect, a method of using a programmable controller for operating an environmental control system is provided. In a further aspect, a method for managing an amount of energy units used by a user is provided.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method for managing an amount of energy units used by a user, the method comprising:
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providing the user with a programmable controller for operating an environmental control system, wherein the programmable controller includes a removable memory card; interviewing the user to determine user preferences; removing the memory card and programming the memory card based upon user preferences; inserting the memory card into the programmable controller; and controlling the energy units used by the user by sending control signals from the programmable controller to the environmental control system based upon programmed data. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A method of providing a pre-programmed memory card for use with a programmable controller in order to manage the amount of energy units used, the method comprising:
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interviewing the user to determine user preferences; programming the memory card based upon user preferences; delivering the memory card to the user; and billing the user for the energy units used.
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Specification