Device for remotely changing the set temperature of a thermostat
First Claim
1. A remote control system for a thermostat having a rotatable dial which dial controls the temperature settings which comprises:
- a housing joined to the thermostat;
a control circuit within the housing to receive an input signal from a remote control device and to output a signal;
drive means secured within the housing and in electrical communication with the control circuit, the drive means comprising a stepping motor and a first friction drive wheel which engages and rotates the thermostat dial a predetermined amount when a signal is received by the control circuit, the first friction drive wheel being biased into contacting engagement with the thermostat dial; and
means engaged to the first friction drive wheel within the housing and extending exteriorly of the housing to disengage the drive wheel from the thermostat dial whereby the thermostat dial may be manually rotated.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A remote control system for a rotatable thermostat. The protective cover of a state-of-the-art thermostat is removed and a device responsive to remote control signals is substituted therefor. A drive wheel engages the thermostat dial and a control circuit determines the direction of rotation of the drive wheel. The thermostat dial is rotated in increments of 1° F. A rod engages the drive wheel and extends through the housing of the device such that the drive wheel may be accessed without removing the device. When it is desired to manually rotate the thermostat, the rod disengages the drive wheel from the thermostat dial.
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Citations
9 Claims
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1. A remote control system for a thermostat having a rotatable dial which dial controls the temperature settings which comprises:
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a housing joined to the thermostat; a control circuit within the housing to receive an input signal from a remote control device and to output a signal; drive means secured within the housing and in electrical communication with the control circuit, the drive means comprising a stepping motor and a first friction drive wheel which engages and rotates the thermostat dial a predetermined amount when a signal is received by the control circuit, the first friction drive wheel being biased into contacting engagement with the thermostat dial; and means engaged to the first friction drive wheel within the housing and extending exteriorly of the housing to disengage the drive wheel from the thermostat dial whereby the thermostat dial may be manually rotated. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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Specification