Central vacuum cleaning system control subsystems
First Claim
1. A device for controlling a central vacuum cleaning system suction motor, the device comprising:
- a) a sensor for sensing at least one operating condition of the motor, such at least one operating condition including the motor current;
b) a comparator for comparing each sensed operating condition to a corresponding normal operating condition for that sensed operating condition of the motor, and for determining when the motor is operating significantly outside at least one normal operating condition for the motor for a given period of time; and
c) a performer for, when it is determined that the motor current is operating significantly outside the normal operating condition for the motor current, performing at least one action.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A central vacuum cleaning system control subsystem for use in a central vacuum cleaning system having a motor includes a central vacuum unit control module with a receiver for wirelessly receiving command signals, and a power stage for controlling the motor in accordance with command signals received through the receiver. The control module is stable in high ambient temperature. Current flowing to the motor is sensed, and motor overcurrent and undercurrent conditions are determined. The control module determines when the motor is in an overcurrent condition. Power stage has a triac for controlling power to the motor. The control module also has a microprocessor that compares the current sensed against a normal operating current to determine overcurrent condition. Power to motor ceases when overcurrent condition exists. A generator is powered by air flow in a cleaning system for production of electrical energy.
109 Citations
34 Claims
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1. A device for controlling a central vacuum cleaning system suction motor, the device comprising:
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a) a sensor for sensing at least one operating condition of the motor, such at least one operating condition including the motor current;
b) a comparator for comparing each sensed operating condition to a corresponding normal operating condition for that sensed operating condition of the motor, and for determining when the motor is operating significantly outside at least one normal operating condition for the motor for a given period of time; and
c) a performer for, when it is determined that the motor current is operating significantly outside the normal operating condition for the motor current, performing at least one action.
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2. A central vacuum cleaning system control subsystem for use in a central vacuum cleaning system having a suction motor, the control subsystem comprising:
a) a central vacuum unit control module including;
i) a receiver for wirelessly receiving command signals, ii) a power stage for controlling power to the motor, wherein the power stage controls power to the motor in accordance with command signals it receives through the receiver, and wherein the control module comprises overcurrent protection for components in the control module, and wherein such overcurrent protection is not triggered in part by high ambient temperature.
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3. A central vacuum cleaning system control subsystem for use in a central vacuum cleaning system having a suction motor, the control subsystem comprising:
a) a central vacuum unit control module including;
i) a receiver for wirelessly receiving command signals, ii) a power stage for controlling power to the motor, wherein the power stage controls power to the motor in accordance with command signals it receives through the receiver, and wherein the control module senses current flowing to the motor, and determines when the motor is in an undercurrent condition.
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4. A central vacuum cleaning system control subsystem for use in a central vacuum cleaning system having a suction motor, the control subsystem comprising:
a) a central vacuum unit control module including;
i) a receiver for wirelessly receiving command signals, ii) a power stage for controlling power to the motor, iii) a current sensor for sensing current flowing to the motor wherein the power stage controls power to the motor in accordance with command signals it receives through the receiver, and wherein the control module determines when the motor is in an overcurrent condition. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7)
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8. A method of controlling a central vacuum cleaning system suction motor, the method comprising:
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a) sensing at least one operating condition of the motor, such at least one operating condition including the motor current;
b) comparing each sensed operating condition to a corresponding normal operating condition for that sensed operating condition of the motor;
c) determining when the motor is operating significantly outside at least one normal operating condition for the motor for a given period of time; and
d) when it is determined that the motor current is operating significantly outside the normal operating condition for the motor current, performing at least one action. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A device in a vacuum cleaning system, the device comprising:
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a) an impeller, and b) a generator, wherein the impeller is located such that air moving though the cleaning system during use causes the impeller to turn, and wherein turning of the impeller causes the generator to generate electrical energy. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
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Specification