System for monitoring and controlling the performance of an environmental control unit

• US 9,046,897 B2
• Filed: 08/11/2011
• Issued: 06/02/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 08/13/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Barney Klinger
• Original Assignee: Barney Klinger
• Inventors: Klinger, Barney
• Primary Examiner(s): Shechtman, Sean
• Assistant Examiner(s): GARLAND, STEVEN R
• Application Number:
  US13/207,873
• Publication Number:
  US 20120041602A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,391 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 23/1905 associated with tele control

Abstract

An system for monitoring the performance of a mobile environmental control unit (ECU) includes sensors for monitoring and detecting operating parameters of the ECU. A monitor processing and communications unit is coupled to the sensors for receiving and processing the operating parameter data signals from the sensors and relaying the processed operating parameter data signals to a computerized graphical user interface display via a network. The processed operating parameter data signals are graphically displayed to technical support personnel for determining problems or performance issues which may exist or may occur on an ECU remotely and offer corrective action.

Claims

1. A system for monitoring the performance of an environmental control unit (ECU), comprising:

a mobile ECU;

sensors for monitoring and detecting operating parameters of the ECU;

a monitor processing and communications unit coupled to the sensors for receiving and processing operating parameter data signals from the sensors and relaying the processed operating parameter data signals; and

a computerized graphical user interface display in communication with the monitor processing and communications unit for graphically displaying the processed operating parameter data signals;

wherein the monitor processing and communications unit comprises;

a temperature module that receives and processes temperature data signals from ECU temperature sensors, and relays heating, fan and cooling commands received from the computerized graphical user interface display to the ECU;

an analog module that receives and processes pressure, air velocity and current sensor signals of the ECU;

an ethernet switch in communication with the temperature module, the analog module and the computerized graphical user interface display; and

a voltage transducer and power supply for receiving and converting power from the ECU and delivering power to the temperature module, the analog module and the ethernet switch.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the ECU is a mobilized military ECU.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the monitor processing and communications unit is military ruggedized.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensors are formed integral with the ECU.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the monitor processing and communications unit is detachably coupled to the sensors and ECU.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensors monitor or detect temperature, pressure, air velocity, and electrical current operating parameters of the ECU.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the computerized graphical user interface display is connected to the monitor processing and communications unit via a communications network.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the network comprises a local area network.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the network comprises a wide area network.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the ECU and monitor processing and communications unit are at the same location and the computerized graphical user interface display is at a remote location and in communication with the monitor processor and communications unit for remotely monitoring and controlling the operation parameters of the ECU.

11. The system of claim 1, including means for selectively switching control of the operation of the ECU between local and remote control.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the monitor processing and communications unit comprises means for receiving and processing sensor data signals, means for relaying processed sensor data signals to the computerized graphical user interface display, and means for controlling operating parameters of the ECU.

13. A system for monitoring the performance of an environmental control unit (ECU), comprising:

a mobile ECU including sensors for monitoring and detecting operating parameters of the ECU, the operating parameters including temperature, pressure, air velocity and electrical current of the ECU;

a monitor processing and communications unit detachably coupled to the ECU for receiving and processing operating parameter data signals from the sensors and relaying the processed operating parameter data signals; and

a computerized graphical user interface display in communication with the monitor processing and communications unit via a network for graphically displaying the processed operating parameter data signals received from the monitor processing and communications unit;

wherein the monitor processor and communications unit comprises;

a temperature module that receives and processes temperature data signals from ECU temperature sensors, and relays heating, fan and cooling commands received from the computerized graphical user interface display to the ECU;

an analog module that receives and processes pressure, air velocity and current sensor signals of the ECU;

an ethernet switch in communication with the temperature module, the analog module and the computerized graphical user interface display; and

a voltage transducer and power supply for receiving and converting power from the ECU and delivering power to the temperature module, the analog module and the ethernet switch.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the ECU is a mobilized military ECU.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the monitor processing and communications unit is military ruggedized.

16. The system of claim 13, wherein the network comprises a wide area network and wherein the ECU and monitor processor and communications unit are at the same location and the computerized graphical user interface display is at a remote location and in communication with the monitor processor and communications unit for remotely monitoring and controlling the operation parameters of the ECU.

17. The system of claim 13, including means for selectively switching control of the operation of the ECU between local and remote control.

18. A device for monitoring and controlling a mobile environmental control unit (ECU), the device comprising:

a housing;

a temperature module within the housing that receives and processes temperature data signals received from temperature sensors of the ECU, and relays heating, fan and cooling commands to the ECU;

an analog module within the housing that receives and processes pressure, air velocity and current data signals from the ECU;

an ethernet switch within the housing in electronic communication with the temperature module and the analog module; and

a voltage transducer and power supply for receiving and converting power from the ECU and delivering power to the temperature module, the analog module and the ethernet switch.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein the device is military ruggedized.

20. The device of claim 18, including a first cable connector port for detachably connecting the device to the ECU and receiving pressure, air velocity and current data signals from the ECU, wherein the first cable connector is in communication with the analog module.

21. The device of claim 18, including a second cable connector port for detachably connecting the device to the ECU and receiving temperature data signals from the ECU, and relaying heating, fan and cooling commands to the ECU, wherein the second cable connector is in communication with the temperature module.

22. The device of claim 18, including a data connector port for detachably connecting the device to a computerized graphical user interface display.