RUNTIME SENSOR FOR SMALL FORCED AIR HANDLING UNITS
First Claim
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1. A method of monitoring the runtime of a small forced air handling unit, comprising:
- sensing vibrations of a surface of an exterior component of an operating small forced air handling unit;
recording the cumulative time that such vibrations occur over a period of time;
and,providing a notification of the cumulative time of operation of the unit.
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Abstract
Herein are disclosed devices and methods that can be used to provide an indication of the need to change a filter in a small forced air handling unit, based on the actual operating time (runtime) of the unit. The methods rely on the use of at least one vibration sensor that is placed in contact with a surface of an exterior component of the air handling unit and that can determine whether the unit is operating by sensing vibrations of the surface caused by operation of the unit.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of monitoring the runtime of a small forced air handling unit, comprising:
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sensing vibrations of a surface of an exterior component of an operating small forced air handling unit; recording the cumulative time that such vibrations occur over a period of time; and, providing a notification of the cumulative time of operation of the unit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method of determining whether a location of placement of a vibration sensor is suitable for monitoring the runtime of a small forced air handling unit, comprising:
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a) placing a vibration sensor in contact with a surface of an exterior component of the small forced air handling unit; b) operating the small forced air handling unit for a known period of time; c) recording the cumulative time over which vibrations are sensed by the vibration sensor; and, d) comparing the recorded cumulative time over which vibrations are sensed by the vibration sensor to the known period of time of operation of the small forced air handling unit. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification