Solar heating drapery opening indcator
First Claim
1. An apparatus for detecting heat flow through a window and window covering so as to conserve energy, said apparatus comprising:
- a support structure constructed and arranged for mounting proximate said window;
a plurality of temperature sensing means mounted on said support structure, a first one of said temperature sensing means being supported proximate said window and a second one of said temperature sensing means being supported within said room and a sufficient distance from said window so as to allow said window covering to be closed on said window;
means for comparing the temperature of said first and second temperature sensing means;
means for indicating when said first temperature sensing means is warmer than said second temperature sensing means, thereby indicated that said window covering should be opened; and
a power supply for operating said apparatus.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A solar heating device which indicates the proper window covering status for maximum energy conservation. A support structure (18) rests on window sill (16) and suspends two thermistors (22 and 24). One thermistor (22) is supported on the room side of drapery (12) and the other thermistor (24) is supported between drapery (12) and a window (14). When the net heat flow is inward from outside the room, thermistor (24) near window (14) will be warmer than room side thermistor (22). When this occurs, the temperature dependent resistances of thermistors (22 and 24), voltage divider resistances (30 and 32), and a comparator (36) turn on a light emitting diode (28). This indicates that drapery (12) should be opened to let solar radiation in to heat the room. Otherwise, drapery (12) should be closed to conserve the existing heat in the room.
73 Citations
15 Claims
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1. An apparatus for detecting heat flow through a window and window covering so as to conserve energy, said apparatus comprising:
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a support structure constructed and arranged for mounting proximate said window; a plurality of temperature sensing means mounted on said support structure, a first one of said temperature sensing means being supported proximate said window and a second one of said temperature sensing means being supported within said room and a sufficient distance from said window so as to allow said window covering to be closed on said window; means for comparing the temperature of said first and second temperature sensing means; means for indicating when said first temperature sensing means is warmer than said second temperature sensing means, thereby indicated that said window covering should be opened; and a power supply for operating said apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification