Vacuum And Freeze-Up HVAC Sensor
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for monitoring a HVAC system, the HVAC system comprising a thermostat, a condensing unit, a compressor, an evaporator coil, and a filter, the apparatus comprising:
- a freeze-up sensor located proximate the evaporator coil such that when the sensor detects a threshold temperature the sensor transmits a freeze-up signal;
a receiver for receiving the freeze-up signal;
a switch operatively connected to the HVAC system and the receiver to disable the compressor and condensing unit after the freeze-up signal is received by the receiver;
an indicator located proximate the thermostat indicating receipt of the freeze-up signal by the receiver.
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Abstract
An apparatus for monitoring an HVAC system. The apparatus comprises a freeze-up sensor, a vacuum sensor, and a thermostat. The freeze-up sensor communicates a signal to indicate that ice is developing in the HVAC system and the vacuum sensor communicates a signal to indicate that a vacuum pressure exists in the HVAC system. When a signal is detected, the apparatus deactivates the HVAC system to prevent damage. The thermostat comprises a touch-screen display with a continuous set-point.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. An apparatus for monitoring a HVAC system, the HVAC system comprising a thermostat, a condensing unit, a compressor, an evaporator coil, and a filter, the apparatus comprising:
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a freeze-up sensor located proximate the evaporator coil such that when the sensor detects a threshold temperature the sensor transmits a freeze-up signal; a receiver for receiving the freeze-up signal; a switch operatively connected to the HVAC system and the receiver to disable the compressor and condensing unit after the freeze-up signal is received by the receiver; an indicator located proximate the thermostat indicating receipt of the freeze-up signal by the receiver. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. An apparatus for monitoring a HVAC system, the HVAC system comprising a thermostat, a condensing unit, a compressor, an evaporator coil, and a filter, the apparatus comprising:
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a freeze-up sensor located proximate the evaporator coil such that when the sensor detects a threshold temperature and condensation proximate the evaporator coil the freeze-up sensor transmits a freeze-up signal; a vacuum sensor located proximate the filter to transmit a vacuum signal upon detection of a vacuum pressure at or exceeding a threshold vacuum pressure; a receiver for receiving the freeze-up signal and the vacuum signal; a switch to disable the compressor and condensing unit after the receiver receives the freeze-up signal or the vacuum signal; and an indicator located proximate the thermostat indicating the switch has disabled the compressor and condensing unit. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for monitoring an HVAC system, the HVAC system comprising a thermostat, a condensing unit, a compressor, an evaporator coil, and a filter, the method comprising:
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detecting a threshold temperature and condensation proximate the evaporator coil; transmitting a freeze-up signal after detection of the threshold temperature and condensation proximate the evaporator coil; receiving the freeze-up signal at a receiver; transmitting a shut-down signal to the compressor and condensing unit upon receipt of the freeze-up signal at the receiver; ceasing operation of the compressor and condensing unit after receiving the freeze-up signal; and resuming operation of the compressor and condensing unit when the freeze-up signal is no longer received by the receiver. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A thermostat for use with an HVAC system comprising a filter, the thermostat comprising:
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a touch screen display; a freeze-up indicator located on the touch screen display and operatively connected to a freeze-up sensor; a vacuum indicator located on the touch screen display and operatively connected to a vacuum sensor; wherein the freeze-up indicator indicates the HVAC system is not operating due to a low temperature and condensation in the HVAC system and the vacuum sensor indicates the HVAC system is not operating due to a vacuum pressure at or exceeding a threshold pressure in the HVAC system; and a continuous setpoint graph located at and adjustable on the touch screen display for creating a continuous temperature setpoint.
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Specification