CA2568782A1 - Programmable energy saving register vent - Google Patents
Programmable energy saving register vent Download PDFInfo
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- CA2568782A1 CA2568782A1 CA 2568782 CA2568782A CA2568782A1 CA 2568782 A1 CA2568782 A1 CA 2568782A1 CA 2568782 CA2568782 CA 2568782 CA 2568782 A CA2568782 A CA 2568782A CA 2568782 A1 CA2568782 A1 CA 2568782A1
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Abstract
A programmable vent for a duct used with a building environmental air temperature control system. The programmable vent includes a vent housing wi th a front face which has an inset, where the vent housing is configured to allow air flow from the duct. At least one louver is movably connected to the vent housing, an actuator is connected to the at least one louver, a controller module is removably attached to the vent housing and positioned in the inset, the controller module being connected to the actuator when positioned in the inset.
Description
PROGRAMMABLE ENERGY SAVING REGISTER VENT
CR.OSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
100011 This is a non-provisional application based upon U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/815,702, entitled "PROGR.AMIVIABLE ENERGY SAVING
REGISTER VENT", filed June 22, 2006; and U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/837,155, entitled "PROGRAMMABLE ENERGY SAVING REGISTER
V ENT", filed August 11, 2006.
Background of the Invention I ti I. Field of the Invention 100021 The present invention relates to building environmental air temperature control systems, and, more particularly, to programmable duct vents for such systems.
CR.OSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
100011 This is a non-provisional application based upon U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/815,702, entitled "PROGR.AMIVIABLE ENERGY SAVING
REGISTER VENT", filed June 22, 2006; and U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/837,155, entitled "PROGRAMMABLE ENERGY SAVING REGISTER
V ENT", filed August 11, 2006.
Background of the Invention I ti I. Field of the Invention 100021 The present invention relates to building environmental air temperature control systems, and, more particularly, to programmable duct vents for such systems.
2. Description of the Related Art 100031 Known heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can include a thermostatically controlled furnace unit connected to ducts, where the ducts terminate in louvered vents. An air conditioning compressor with an evaporator coil is connected to the furnace unit. For heating, a blower circulates air across a heat exchanger/burner within the furnace unit where the circulated air is heated, and then into ducts which are routed to various rooms and/or locations within a building. For ?0 cooling, the air conditioner compressor circulates a refrigerant through the chilled coil, which coil is routed into the furnace so the blower can circulate air across the chilled coil, which cools the air. The cooled air is similarly circulated into the same ducts which correspondingly provide cooling/air conditioning to the various locations within ii building. The vents are placed at the terminus of the ducts, and can also be placed along a duct, as may occur with a relatively long overhead duct such as in a basement or industrial facility. 'The louvers on the vents can direct the air, and the vent can include cross louvers with a manual lever which a user can adjust to shut off the vent or partially diminish the air flow exiting the vent.
100041 The system described above is typically considered a forced air system.
Other types of systems are known such as a gravity system which does not include a blower and where a furnace is located in a basement, and as the burner/heat exchanger warms the surrounding air, the physically lighter or less dense nature of the warmed air naturally rises through ducts and out vents in corresponding rooms or locations located above the burner/he:at exchanger. In a home environment which includes a gravity system, cooling can be provided by window air conditioners or whole house fans, for example.
100051 Increasing energy costs have resulted in an increasing interest among building owners and homeowners to reduce heating and cooling costs. Heating and cooling costs can be reduced through the installation of additional insulation and other related products, and the installation of energy efficient furnaces, air conditioners, hot water heaters, and other appliances. Although these are effective ways of reducing heating and cooling costs, there can be a high capital cost associated with such ?(; installations, and a significant inconvenience to the building occupants during installation.
(0006j Another way of lowering energy costs is to lower the thermostat setting (tLtring heating periods, or raise the thermostat setting during cooling periods. This n,cthod has the disadvantage of reducing the comfort of the building environment.
100071 There typically may not be a need to heat or cool an entire building at any :;)ven time. If rooms or locations within a building can be selectively heated or cooled depending on use, then energy costs can be reduced because the heating and/or cooling .ystem is conditioning a smaller volume of space. For example, in the daytime the bcdrooms may not need to cooled or heated, depending on the season, as they are not tuTiically in use; whereas, if someone is at home, the general living areas such as a kitchen, living room, bathroom, family room, etc., may still need heating or cooling during the day. SimiIarly, the bedrooms may need to be cooled or heated in the nighttime, when the general living areas do not require such environmental conditioning.
100081 For a typical known heating, ventilation and/or cooling system, the furnace blower circulates air into all of the vents simultaneously, or nearly simultaneously, and thc:rcby heats or cools the entire building. If the homeowner or other occupant wants to diminish conditioned air flow into a foom or rooms which are not currently used to reduce energy costs, they must manually close the louvers in the vent(s) associated with the room(s). This is a tedious and tirrie consuming process. Additionally, when a person may be in a hurry to leave the bui]ding or home, as when leaving for work, it is easy to overlook the need to adjust the vents, which problem is exacerbated if there are numerous vents to open or close.
100041 The system described above is typically considered a forced air system.
Other types of systems are known such as a gravity system which does not include a blower and where a furnace is located in a basement, and as the burner/heat exchanger warms the surrounding air, the physically lighter or less dense nature of the warmed air naturally rises through ducts and out vents in corresponding rooms or locations located above the burner/he:at exchanger. In a home environment which includes a gravity system, cooling can be provided by window air conditioners or whole house fans, for example.
100051 Increasing energy costs have resulted in an increasing interest among building owners and homeowners to reduce heating and cooling costs. Heating and cooling costs can be reduced through the installation of additional insulation and other related products, and the installation of energy efficient furnaces, air conditioners, hot water heaters, and other appliances. Although these are effective ways of reducing heating and cooling costs, there can be a high capital cost associated with such ?(; installations, and a significant inconvenience to the building occupants during installation.
(0006j Another way of lowering energy costs is to lower the thermostat setting (tLtring heating periods, or raise the thermostat setting during cooling periods. This n,cthod has the disadvantage of reducing the comfort of the building environment.
100071 There typically may not be a need to heat or cool an entire building at any :;)ven time. If rooms or locations within a building can be selectively heated or cooled depending on use, then energy costs can be reduced because the heating and/or cooling .ystem is conditioning a smaller volume of space. For example, in the daytime the bcdrooms may not need to cooled or heated, depending on the season, as they are not tuTiically in use; whereas, if someone is at home, the general living areas such as a kitchen, living room, bathroom, family room, etc., may still need heating or cooling during the day. SimiIarly, the bedrooms may need to be cooled or heated in the nighttime, when the general living areas do not require such environmental conditioning.
100081 For a typical known heating, ventilation and/or cooling system, the furnace blower circulates air into all of the vents simultaneously, or nearly simultaneously, and thc:rcby heats or cools the entire building. If the homeowner or other occupant wants to diminish conditioned air flow into a foom or rooms which are not currently used to reduce energy costs, they must manually close the louvers in the vent(s) associated with the room(s). This is a tedious and tirrie consuming process. Additionally, when a person may be in a hurry to leave the bui]ding or home, as when leaving for work, it is easy to overlook the need to adjust the vents, which problem is exacerbated if there are numerous vents to open or close.
-3-100091 Systems are known in which motorized dampers are installed in the various ducts. The dampers are controlled by the furnace, or other, controller, which fiinctionality can be selected by the user, i.e., the opening and closing of the dampers ior various rooms can be controlled. Although this system can effectively provide selectable temperature control for the various rooms or locations within a building, rhu.-re are several disadvantages. Firstly, the system requires relatively expensive moclified ductwork including the motorized dampers and wiring thereto, which is even more costly to retrofit into an existing system as the ducts may be hidden in walls, fioors or ceilings, thereby requiring modification of the structure with the attendant t(} inconvenience, mess and expense. Additionally, the furnace controller, or other controller, needs to be compatible with the motorized dampers, and existing systems generally do not have this capability, which then requires a new furnace when an Ff V AC' system is retrofitted, which q . gain is a very costly expense. Further, the -nstullation or retrofitting of such systems typically requires professional installation tec-hnicians, with their attendant cost and scheduling issues, and is therefore not easily accomplished by a typical homeowner as a do-it-yourself project. Yet further, maintenance of such a system can be costly in that if a motorized damper fails to operate properly there may not be easy access to the motor/damper because the ductwork and damper system is typically installed within a structural component such as ;i iloor, ceiling and/or wall, which structural component is damaged and subsequently ; epaired during the installation/repair process.
100101 U.S. Pat. No. 6,659,359 discloses a motorized vent which includes a tcmperature sensor, a battery, a driving motor, an electronic circuit board, a signal
100101 U.S. Pat. No. 6,659,359 discloses a motorized vent which includes a tcmperature sensor, a battery, a driving motor, an electronic circuit board, a signal
-4-receiver, and so on, which are accommodated in the vent housing. The motor actuates an eccentric rotary arm and an engaging member for actuating the dampers. A
wireless retnote controller is provided with opening and closing buttons and a plurality of mode select buttons. If it is determined that the manipulating signal is from a mode select button, the control part compares the temperature range preset according to the select rrjouie in the microcomputer with the current indoor temperature and based upon that compared results, drives the driving motor such that the dampers rotate open and closed. One disadvantage of this system is that it requires a wireless receiver in the vent ~vhich can be susceptible to noise and interference, for example, and less cost effective I(, to manufacture as the programming+.unit does require the receiver. Other disadvantages ol'this system are that it requires temperature sensor, and opens and closes the dampers based on a preset temperature, instead of a time of day. Further, the eccentric rotary arin and engaging member for actuating the dampers is susceptible to bending.
10011 1U.S. Pat. No. 6,837,786 discloses a programmable remote-control motion 15 vent outlet where a motor actuates vent blades via a driving arm. The unit includes a sigmal receiver on the vent and electrically connected to the motor and a handheld controller wirelessly communicating with the signal receiver to control the rotational movements of the vent blades. A display screen is provided on the handheld controller wherein the user is allowed to progfam the open and close times of the ventilation guide '~- as a time setting to the timer circuit while the time setting is displayed on the display screen of the handheld controller. Again, this system requires a wireless receiver in the vent which can be susceptible to noise and interference, for example, and less cost effective to manufacture as the programming unit does require the receiver.
wireless retnote controller is provided with opening and closing buttons and a plurality of mode select buttons. If it is determined that the manipulating signal is from a mode select button, the control part compares the temperature range preset according to the select rrjouie in the microcomputer with the current indoor temperature and based upon that compared results, drives the driving motor such that the dampers rotate open and closed. One disadvantage of this system is that it requires a wireless receiver in the vent ~vhich can be susceptible to noise and interference, for example, and less cost effective I(, to manufacture as the programming+.unit does require the receiver. Other disadvantages ol'this system are that it requires temperature sensor, and opens and closes the dampers based on a preset temperature, instead of a time of day. Further, the eccentric rotary arin and engaging member for actuating the dampers is susceptible to bending.
10011 1U.S. Pat. No. 6,837,786 discloses a programmable remote-control motion 15 vent outlet where a motor actuates vent blades via a driving arm. The unit includes a sigmal receiver on the vent and electrically connected to the motor and a handheld controller wirelessly communicating with the signal receiver to control the rotational movements of the vent blades. A display screen is provided on the handheld controller wherein the user is allowed to progfam the open and close times of the ventilation guide '~- as a time setting to the timer circuit while the time setting is displayed on the display screen of the handheld controller. Again, this system requires a wireless receiver in the vent which can be susceptible to noise and interference, for example, and less cost effective to manufacture as the programming unit does require the receiver.
-5-100121 U.S. Pat. No. 6,692,349 discloses a computer-controlled air vent which is remotely operated by a wireless wall-mounted controller located in the same room as the vent. A motor actuates the louvers via a configuration of cams, bars and arms. In addition to requirin,g a receiver in the vent, this system additionally has the disadvantage of requiring a fairly complicated configuration of cams, bars and arms which can be :Inrcliable, and which can also be a fairly inefficient means of energy transfer.
100131 Other examples of programmable register vents include U.S. Patent Nos.
4,909,508, 5,833,134; and U.S. Patent Application Nos. 2004/0159713, Mjd 2004/0176022.
1110141 Notwithstanding these developments, there is needed in the art is an ,n-iproved device and method of individually controlling conditioned air flow in separate rooms or locations within a building, and which is relatively easy and cost effective to iristull and maintain.
Summary of the Invention l 100151 The present invention provides a programmable vent for a building environmental air temperature control system, which vent can be programmed to open and close at selected times during the day, and which motor controls and circuit board, di,play, user input device, batteries and associated wiring are integrated into a single re.niovable unit for ease of progranuning, which are snapped into/out of the vent ?li tiousing and connected to the motor via terminals.
100161 The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a programmable vent for a
100131 Other examples of programmable register vents include U.S. Patent Nos.
4,909,508, 5,833,134; and U.S. Patent Application Nos. 2004/0159713, Mjd 2004/0176022.
1110141 Notwithstanding these developments, there is needed in the art is an ,n-iproved device and method of individually controlling conditioned air flow in separate rooms or locations within a building, and which is relatively easy and cost effective to iristull and maintain.
Summary of the Invention l 100151 The present invention provides a programmable vent for a building environmental air temperature control system, which vent can be programmed to open and close at selected times during the day, and which motor controls and circuit board, di,play, user input device, batteries and associated wiring are integrated into a single re.niovable unit for ease of progranuning, which are snapped into/out of the vent ?li tiousing and connected to the motor via terminals.
100161 The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a programmable vent for a
-6-ciuct used with a building environmental air temperature control system. The programmable vent includes a vent housing with a front face which has an inset, where the vent housing is configured to allow air flow from the duct. At least one louver is movably connected to the vent housing, an actuator is connected to the at least one louver, a controller module is removably attached to the vent housing and positioned in the inset, the controller module being connected to the actuator when positioned in the inset.
100171 In other aspects of the present invention the actuator includes an electric motor, and the controller module is electrically connected to the electric motor when positioned in the inset. The controller module can include a circuit board with motor controls connected to the electric motor, and further includes a display, user input device, batteries and associated wiring all electrically connected to the circuit board.
100181 The invention comprises, in another form thereof, a programmable vent for a duct used with a bu:ilding environmental air temperature control system. The programmable vent includes a vent housing configured to allow air flow from the duct, at least one louver movably connected to the vent housing, an electric motor connected to the at least one louver, a first plurality of electrical terminals connected to the electric motor and fixedly connected to the vent housing, and a controller module removably attached to the vent housing. The controller module includes a controller housing and a '(1 controller unit within the controller housing, where the controller unit has a second plurality of electrical terminals resiliently contacting the first plurality of electrical terminals.
100191 In other aspects of the present invention the controller unit includes a circuit
100171 In other aspects of the present invention the actuator includes an electric motor, and the controller module is electrically connected to the electric motor when positioned in the inset. The controller module can include a circuit board with motor controls connected to the electric motor, and further includes a display, user input device, batteries and associated wiring all electrically connected to the circuit board.
100181 The invention comprises, in another form thereof, a programmable vent for a duct used with a bu:ilding environmental air temperature control system. The programmable vent includes a vent housing configured to allow air flow from the duct, at least one louver movably connected to the vent housing, an electric motor connected to the at least one louver, a first plurality of electrical terminals connected to the electric motor and fixedly connected to the vent housing, and a controller module removably attached to the vent housing. The controller module includes a controller housing and a '(1 controller unit within the controller housing, where the controller unit has a second plurality of electrical terminals resiliently contacting the first plurality of electrical terminals.
100191 In other aspects of the present invention the controller unit includes a circuit
-7-hoard with motor controls connected to the second plurality of terminals. The controller module can further have a display, user input device, batteries and associated wiring all :Icctrically connected to the circuit board. The controller housing can be in a snap fit arrangement with the vent housing: The snap fit arrangement includes at least one resilient ramped projection connected to the controller housing, and at least one detent in the vent housing. The at least one resilient ramped projection is insertable in a corresponding deteiit when the controller housing is in the snap fit arrangement with the vent housing. The vent housing further includes a frame in which the controller module is inserted, and the frame includes at least one access aperture for accessing the controller module. A rack and pinion gear set can be connected between the electric motor and the at least one louver, where the rack and pinion gear set includes at least one pinion gear connected to a corresponding louver and the motor, and a rack gear slidably connected to the vent housing.
(0020( In further aspects, the present invention can include a temperature sensor -> which provides a temperature input to the controller module, where the controller module senses the temperature input. The temperature sensor can be in wireless conununication with the controller module.
100211 In further aspects, the present invention can include an infrared sensor providing an infrared input to the controller module, where the controller module senses ?Il the infrared input. 'The infrared sensor can be in wireless communication with the . i.
controller module.
100221 The invention comprises, in yet another form thereof, a building environmental air temperature control system which includes at least one of a heating
(0020( In further aspects, the present invention can include a temperature sensor -> which provides a temperature input to the controller module, where the controller module senses the temperature input. The temperature sensor can be in wireless conununication with the controller module.
100211 In further aspects, the present invention can include an infrared sensor providing an infrared input to the controller module, where the controller module senses ?Il the infrared input. 'The infrared sensor can be in wireless communication with the . i.
controller module.
100221 The invention comprises, in yet another form thereof, a building environmental air temperature control system which includes at least one of a heating
-8-.iystem and a cooling system, at least one duct connected to at least one of the heating %ystem and/or cooling system, and a programmable vent, according to the present tnvention, connected to a corresponding duct.
100231 The inve;ntion comprises, in yet another form thereof, a method of .:ontrolling air flow within a building environmental air temperature control system, whtch includes the steps of: providing a programmable vent including a housing, at ic;ist one louver movably connected to the housing, an actuator connected to the at least one louver, and a controller connected to the actuator; connecting the programmable ~=cnt to a duct associated with the building environmental air temperature control system; reinstalling the controller module into the programmable vent; and selectively controlling an air flow exiting the duct using the programrnable vent.
100241 An advantage of the present invention is that it provides an energy saving flclor, ceiling and/or wall register vent that allows users to shut off the flow of heat or .ii r conditioning in select rooms via an internal controller.
100251 Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a multi-zone heating and cooling system that allows users to shut down rooms at programmed times to reduce the amoutit of energy wasted on heating or cooling inactive areas of the home 100261 Yet another advantage ofahe present invention is that it provides energy savings, so that the cost of the item can be recovered through energy savings in a ?1~ relatively short time.
100271 Yet another advantage of the present invention is that multiple programmable vents can be easily installed and customized to a particular building and
100231 The inve;ntion comprises, in yet another form thereof, a method of .:ontrolling air flow within a building environmental air temperature control system, whtch includes the steps of: providing a programmable vent including a housing, at ic;ist one louver movably connected to the housing, an actuator connected to the at least one louver, and a controller connected to the actuator; connecting the programmable ~=cnt to a duct associated with the building environmental air temperature control system; reinstalling the controller module into the programmable vent; and selectively controlling an air flow exiting the duct using the programrnable vent.
100241 An advantage of the present invention is that it provides an energy saving flclor, ceiling and/or wall register vent that allows users to shut off the flow of heat or .ii r conditioning in select rooms via an internal controller.
100251 Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a multi-zone heating and cooling system that allows users to shut down rooms at programmed times to reduce the amoutit of energy wasted on heating or cooling inactive areas of the home 100261 Yet another advantage ofahe present invention is that it provides energy savings, so that the cost of the item can be recovered through energy savings in a ?1~ relatively short time.
100271 Yet another advantage of the present invention is that multiple programmable vents can be easily installed and customized to a particular building and
-9-user requirements to maximize the energy savings potential.
100281 Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it is relatively easy and cost effective to install.
100291 Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it is relatively easy and ;osl effective to maintain.
100301 Yet other advantages of the present invention are that it is provided in niultiple styles, sizes, colors and finishes (such as wood grain, brass, uniform color) to rnatch with the honie or building decor and/or ductwork size(s) and locations.
100311 Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it does not require professional installation.
100321 Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it is suitable for do-it-vourself projects.
100331 Yet other advantages of-the present invention are that it provides a battery operated DC (direct current) programmable vent fixture that regulates air flow and therefore does not require connection to the AC (alternating current) power and associated wiring.
100341 Yet other advantages of the present invention are that it can be a universal fit programmable register vent that can be used on floor, wall and ceiling to regulate air flow and reduce energy consumption in the home or other type of building.
100351 Yet other advantages of the present invention are that it is a programmable vent fixture that allows a user to create heating and cooling sub zones without having to
100281 Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it is relatively easy and cost effective to install.
100291 Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it is relatively easy and ;osl effective to maintain.
100301 Yet other advantages of the present invention are that it is provided in niultiple styles, sizes, colors and finishes (such as wood grain, brass, uniform color) to rnatch with the honie or building decor and/or ductwork size(s) and locations.
100311 Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it does not require professional installation.
100321 Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it is suitable for do-it-vourself projects.
100331 Yet other advantages of-the present invention are that it provides a battery operated DC (direct current) programmable vent fixture that regulates air flow and therefore does not require connection to the AC (alternating current) power and associated wiring.
100341 Yet other advantages of the present invention are that it can be a universal fit programmable register vent that can be used on floor, wall and ceiling to regulate air flow and reduce energy consumption in the home or other type of building.
100351 Yet other advantages of the present invention are that it is a programmable vent fixture that allows a user to create heating and cooling sub zones without having to
-10-modify the components of their current heating and cooling system such as the furnace, alr conditioning and ductwork.
100361 Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it can provide a decorative screw plug to hide grill holes when the unit is used as a floor register vent, or on the wall or ceiling.
100371 Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides and opening and closing louver system controlled by a timing device or thermostat device or both.
100381 Yet other advantages of the present invention are that it can provide an opening and closing vent system that uses a gear box drive motor or solenoid to move a louver or another piece of material thaat blocks the flow of air.
100391 Yet other advantages of the present invention are that it can provide a digital, multiple day, programmable vent fixture that regulates air flow to reduce energy consumption in the home.
100401 Yet other advantages of the present invention are that it provides a manual override feature that allows a user to open the vent anytime without interrupting the programmed open and close timed events.
100411 Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it can provide an automatic override reset feature that closes and opens the vent on the next programmed ?(1 cyclc.
100421 Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a wireless
100361 Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it can provide a decorative screw plug to hide grill holes when the unit is used as a floor register vent, or on the wall or ceiling.
100371 Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides and opening and closing louver system controlled by a timing device or thermostat device or both.
100381 Yet other advantages of the present invention are that it can provide an opening and closing vent system that uses a gear box drive motor or solenoid to move a louver or another piece of material thaat blocks the flow of air.
100391 Yet other advantages of the present invention are that it can provide a digital, multiple day, programmable vent fixture that regulates air flow to reduce energy consumption in the home.
100401 Yet other advantages of the present invention are that it provides a manual override feature that allows a user to open the vent anytime without interrupting the programmed open and close timed events.
100411 Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it can provide an automatic override reset feature that closes and opens the vent on the next programmed ?(1 cyclc.
100421 Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a wireless
-11-t teinperature sensor which can relay temperature data to the programmable vent, which temperature data can be used to override the progranuned vent opening, if desired.
100431 Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a two-in-one t-iot,sing which integrates the vent grill and programmable components.
100441 Yet other advantages of the present invention are that it provides a housing dcsign which is interchangeable with existing conventional vents, and which is compatible with plastic, metal, wood or other grids or grills.
100451 Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a reniuvable programmable timer/control module which is easily removed and reinstalled liMm the programmable vent to allow a handheld, or other, programming of the module and corresponding vent without removing the vent from the wall, ceiling, conduit and/or other structure to which it is attached.
100461 Yet another advantage o f the present invention is that it provides a removable programmable timer/control module which can be programmed or renrogrammed without the need for an awkward positioning of the user, such as kneeling or squatting in a low position to access a vent which may be installed near the tloor, or standing on a ladder to access a ceiling mounted vent.
100471 Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a rcmovable programmable timer/control module which is easily removed from the 20 programmable vent to allow for easy replacement of the batteries without the need to remove the vent from wall, ceiling, conduit and/or other structure to which it is at (ached.
100431 Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a two-in-one t-iot,sing which integrates the vent grill and programmable components.
100441 Yet other advantages of the present invention are that it provides a housing dcsign which is interchangeable with existing conventional vents, and which is compatible with plastic, metal, wood or other grids or grills.
100451 Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a reniuvable programmable timer/control module which is easily removed and reinstalled liMm the programmable vent to allow a handheld, or other, programming of the module and corresponding vent without removing the vent from the wall, ceiling, conduit and/or other structure to which it is attached.
100461 Yet another advantage o f the present invention is that it provides a removable programmable timer/control module which can be programmed or renrogrammed without the need for an awkward positioning of the user, such as kneeling or squatting in a low position to access a vent which may be installed near the tloor, or standing on a ladder to access a ceiling mounted vent.
100471 Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a rcmovable programmable timer/control module which is easily removed from the 20 programmable vent to allow for easy replacement of the batteries without the need to remove the vent from wall, ceiling, conduit and/or other structure to which it is at (ached.
-12-100481 Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a removable programmable timer/corltrol module which is easily removed from the pi-ogrammable vent to allow easy repair or replacement of the module or other elements of the vent without the need to remove the vent from wall, ceiling, conduit and/or other structure to which it is attached.
100491 Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a removable programmable timer/control module which is easily removed from the programmable vent to allow reprogramming of a parameter without disturbing the other programmed events.
Brief Description of the Drawings 100501 The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by refgrence to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
100511 Fig. 1 is a perspective plan view of an embodiment of a building environmental air temperature control system according to the present invention, as installed in a home;
100521 Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a programmable vent according to the present invention;
100531 Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the programmable vent of Fig.
2;
100541 Fig. 4 is a front view of the controller module of Fig. 2;
100491 Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a removable programmable timer/control module which is easily removed from the programmable vent to allow reprogramming of a parameter without disturbing the other programmed events.
Brief Description of the Drawings 100501 The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by refgrence to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
100511 Fig. 1 is a perspective plan view of an embodiment of a building environmental air temperature control system according to the present invention, as installed in a home;
100521 Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a programmable vent according to the present invention;
100531 Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the programmable vent of Fig.
2;
100541 Fig. 4 is a front view of the controller module of Fig. 2;
-13-100551 Fig. 5 is a section view taken along section line 5-5 in Fig. 2, and shown %viih the louvers open; =
100561 Fig. 6 is the section view of Fig. 5 but shown with the louvers closed;
100571 Fig. 7 is a section view taken along section line 7-7 in Fig. 2;
100581 Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the controller module of Fig.
4;
aund (0059] Fig. 9 is an electrical schematic view of an embodiment of the programmable vent of Fig. 2.
(0060] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout I(t the several views. 'The exemplifications set out herein illustrate one preferred ernbodiment of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
Detailed Description of the Invention 100611 With initial reference to Fig. 1, there is shown a building environmental air teinperature control system 10, such as an HVAC system, located in building 12.
System 10 can include at least one of a heating system and a cooling system, such as furnace 14 connected to air conditioning compressor 16. Fumace 14 can typically be a f'orced air system including a burner/heat exchanger unit and a blower (all not shown), or alternatively a gravity system, or other system. Further, furnace 14 can include other ?l ~ elcments such as controls and thermostats (also not shown). At least one duct 18 is connected to furnace 14. Programmable vents 20 are connected to corresponding ducts
100561 Fig. 6 is the section view of Fig. 5 but shown with the louvers closed;
100571 Fig. 7 is a section view taken along section line 7-7 in Fig. 2;
100581 Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the controller module of Fig.
4;
aund (0059] Fig. 9 is an electrical schematic view of an embodiment of the programmable vent of Fig. 2.
(0060] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout I(t the several views. 'The exemplifications set out herein illustrate one preferred ernbodiment of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
Detailed Description of the Invention 100611 With initial reference to Fig. 1, there is shown a building environmental air teinperature control system 10, such as an HVAC system, located in building 12.
System 10 can include at least one of a heating system and a cooling system, such as furnace 14 connected to air conditioning compressor 16. Fumace 14 can typically be a f'orced air system including a burner/heat exchanger unit and a blower (all not shown), or alternatively a gravity system, or other system. Further, furnace 14 can include other ?l ~ elcments such as controls and thermostats (also not shown). At least one duct 18 is connected to furnace 14. Programmable vents 20 are connected to corresponding ducts
-14-I K System 10, and more particularly programmable vents 20, can be used during a daytime setting in a. cooling, or sununer, season; during a nighttime setting in a heating, M winter, season; or other configur4tions, for example: a daytime setting in a heating, or winter, season; or a nighttime setting in a cooling, or summer, season.
Additional configurations are possible as dictated by user requirements, seasonal conditions, latitude, elevation, weather and other parameters.
100621 Referring more particularly to Figs. 2-9, progranunable vent 20 includes a vent housing 22 and at least one louver 24 movably connected to housing 22.
Housing 22 also includes a fixed aperture plate 26. Fixed aperture plate 26 can include fins 27 which also provide a directional control of air through programmable vent 20.
An actuator 28 is connected to louvers 14 and housing 22. Actuator 28 can be in the form of' a DC motor as is shown, and/or Qther elements.
100631 A first plurality of electrical terrninals 30 are connected to electric motor 28 via wires 32, and terminals 30 are fixedly connected to vent housing 22.
Changing the polarity of the voltage on terminals 30 reverses the rotation of the shaft of motor 28.
Controller module 34 is i-emovably attached to vent housing 22. Controller module 34 includes a controller housing 36 and a controller unit 38 within controller housing 36.
Controller unit 38 including a secorid plurality of electrical terminals 40 resiliently contacting motor terminals 30 whenmodule 34 is mounted in vent housing 22.
Controller unit 38 includes a circuit board 42 with motor controls 44 connected to terminals 40 to operate motor 28. Controller unit 38 also includes a controller 46, such as a microprocessor, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and/or other programmable controller devices, and can include other electronic devices as are shown
Additional configurations are possible as dictated by user requirements, seasonal conditions, latitude, elevation, weather and other parameters.
100621 Referring more particularly to Figs. 2-9, progranunable vent 20 includes a vent housing 22 and at least one louver 24 movably connected to housing 22.
Housing 22 also includes a fixed aperture plate 26. Fixed aperture plate 26 can include fins 27 which also provide a directional control of air through programmable vent 20.
An actuator 28 is connected to louvers 14 and housing 22. Actuator 28 can be in the form of' a DC motor as is shown, and/or Qther elements.
100631 A first plurality of electrical terrninals 30 are connected to electric motor 28 via wires 32, and terminals 30 are fixedly connected to vent housing 22.
Changing the polarity of the voltage on terminals 30 reverses the rotation of the shaft of motor 28.
Controller module 34 is i-emovably attached to vent housing 22. Controller module 34 includes a controller housing 36 and a controller unit 38 within controller housing 36.
Controller unit 38 including a secorid plurality of electrical terminals 40 resiliently contacting motor terminals 30 whenmodule 34 is mounted in vent housing 22.
Controller unit 38 includes a circuit board 42 with motor controls 44 connected to terminals 40 to operate motor 28. Controller unit 38 also includes a controller 46, such as a microprocessor, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and/or other programmable controller devices, and can include other electronic devices as are shown
-15-psirt icularly in Fig. 9.
10064] Controller module 34 can further includes a display 48, a user input device 41) which has pushbuttons 50, 52, 54 (or other switch or input element types, such as a ?Wuchpad), display backlight 56, batteries 58 and associated wiring all electrically connected to circuit board 42 and controller 46. Controller module 34 can also include a ITont cover 60 with a hinged door 62 which provides access to user input device 49, ond when closed, prevents inadvertent programming of vent 20, and battery cover 64.
100651 Controller housing can be in a snap fit arrangement with vent housing 22.
t, or example, the snap fit arrangement includes at least one resilient ramped projection 06 connected to coritroller housing 36, and at least one detent 68 in vent housing 22.
Ramped projections 66 are insertable in a corresponding detent 68 when controller housing 36 is in the snap fit arrangement with vent housing 22. Vent housing 22 further 1nCIudes a frame or inset 70 in which controller module 34 is inserted. Frame 1ncludes at least one access aperture.72, or in other words a finger hole, for accessing 'ind removing/reinstalling controller: inodule 34.
100661 A rack and pinion gear set 74 is connected between motor 28 and louvers 24.
Rack and pinion gear set 74 includes at least one pinion gear 76 connected to a ~:orresponding louver 24 and motor 28, and a rack gear 78 slidably connected to vent housing 22. Each of louvers 24 includes an axis of rotation 80 which is rotatably '(+ connected to housing 22. Pinion gears 76 are also rotatable about a corresponding axis of rotation 80. Motor 28 is mounted to housing 22 and the shaft of motor 28 is connected to at least one of louvers 24 such that when the motor shaft rotates, so rotates the louver 24 and corresponding pinion gear 76. This pinion gear 76 linearly actuates - l 6--ac..k gear 78, which rotatably actuates the other pinion gear 76 and the other louver 24.
Puiion gears 76 and rack gear 78 can, be spur gears, although other types of gears are oussible, and pinion gear 76 can be.aipproximately partially circular, as shown, or other shapes. Although the embodiment shown in Figs. 2-9 includes two louvers 24, the { present invention ctm include a single louver, or more than two louvers, as required by ihc ;;ize and style ofprogrammable vent 20. As shown particularly in Figs. 5-6, manual .+verride lever 82 is connected to rack gear 78, and protrudes through the front of aperture plate 26 so that a user can manually open or close louvers 24 by displacing lever 82 and therefore rack gear 78, which in turn rotates pinion gears 76 and 0 corresponding louvers 24, and thereby manually overrides the programmed opening andlor closing of louvers 24.
100671 Battery holder 84 holds, and provides the electrical terminals (not shown) for connection to the batteries, which batteries are electrically connected to, and provide electrical power for, controller 46 and the other electronic components on circuit board 42, motor 28, display 48, display backlight 56, a user input device 49 with pushbuttons S(?, 52 and 54 (or other input devices) and, if needed, other electrical/electronic coniponents as required.
100681 The vent can have a decorative screw plug system (not shown) to hide mounting holes 86 in aperture plate or grill 26. Other elements can be used in place of motor 28, such as solenoid, to move louver 24 or another element that can block the flow of air through vent 20. The present invention can include a plastic grill 26 and a plastic housing 22, or other combinations of plastic, wood and metal, such as a plastic housing 22 and a metal aperture plate 26. A low battery audible alert function can be provided by an annunciator (not shown) and controller 46. Display 48 can be a liquid crystal display (LCD) or other display type, and further, can include a tilting feature or c-le.ment (not showri) that allows a user to adjust the LCD, or other display device, to an angle that improves visibility and the ability to program the timing function.
1(1069] Removable controller/timer module 34 can be removed from programmable vent 20, for reprogramming, repair, and/or replacement, or replacement of the batteries, without disturbing the mechanical configuration of programmable vent 20.
Further, the circuit board 42 can have a backup battery (not shown) which can maintain the programmed settings during a main battery 58 change, for a limited time.
100701 Vent 20 according to the present invention can have a snap-fit design where tiousing 22 has recesses in which corresponding tabs of aperture plate 26 can snap into, when assembling housing 22 to aperture plate 26. Housing 22 can be assembled to aperture plate 26 using other methods or materials such adhesives, potting, welding, sl,de locking tabs on housing 22 and aperture plate 26; and/or engaging sliding rails on housing 22 and aperture plate 26.
100711 Progranunable vent 20 includes a display 48 and a user input device 49, both connected to controller 38. User input device 49 has a set pushbutton 50, an hour pushbutton 52, and minute pushbutton 54 as shown, and/or other devices such as touch pads, switches, knobs and the like, or other devices as required by the functionality of programmable vent 20. Display 48 can include a current time indicator 88, a close time indicator 90, and a open time indicator 92, and/or other devices as required by the functionality of progranunable vent 20. An example of how controller module 34 can be programmed to open and close louvers 24 is as follows. Vents 20 may typically be .~
installed close to the floor, or high up on a wall, and/or have a piece of furniture in front ~)f the vent, or otherwise be inconveniently located. Although not strictly required, as -ontroller module 34 can be programmed while installed in vent 20, the first step may typically be removing controller mo'dule 34 from vent 20. The novel structure of the present invention has all of the moving parts which directly actuate louvers 24 remain in pliice in vent 20 when controller module 34 is removed from vent 20, which eliminates alignment issues, and associated breakage and wear and tear, when controller module 34 is removed/reinstalled. Press set pushbutton 50 once, and the legend "12H"
or "24H" flashes in current time indicator 88 signifying twelve hour clock or twenty-four Io hour clock, respectively. Press hour pushbutton 52 to set timer in twelve hour clock I'ormat, or press minute pushbutton,54 to set timer in twenty-four hour clock format.
Press set pushbutton 50 again and the hour and minute flashes in current time indicator 88. Press hour pushbutton 52 to set hours, and/or press minute pushbutton 54 to set minutes. When finished, press set pushbutton 50 and the day will be flashing.
Press hour pushbutton 52 or minute pushbutton 54 to set the current day (M-Su). Two weekday (M-F) cycles and two weekend cycles (Sa-Su) are possible. To set the close and open time for the first weekday cycle, press and hold set pushbutton 50 for two-three seconds, and the timer in controller 34 enters the CLOSE time setting mode, and the close time flashes in close time indicator 90. Press hour pushbutton 52 to set hours, 20 and/or press minute pushbutton 54 to set minutes. After setting the close time, press set pushbutton 50 to enter the OPEN time setting mode, and the open time flashes in open time indicator 92. Press hour pushbutton 52 to set hours, and/or press minute pushbutton 54 to set minutes. When finished, press set pushbutton 50 and a second weekday cycle is programmed similar to above, then a first weekend cycle, then a ;c.c.ond weekend cycle. If any of these cycles are not desired then set pushbutton 50 iwice after programming the previous cycle. After being programmed in this manner, the motor 28 is energized to open the louvers 24 at the OPEN time and energized to CLOSE the louvers at the close time. To keep the louvers 24 always closed, press and hold minute pushbutton 54 for two seconds. To hold the louvers open, press and hold nour pushbutton 52 for two seconds. On the next programmed open or close cycle, the rnodule will resume its preprogrammed schedule. The time control module 34 program can be suspended by pressing and holding hour pushbutton 52 and minute pushbutton S4 at the same time for 2-3 seconds and the program will be suspended. To resume the program, press and hold hour pushbutton 52 and minute pushbutton 54 at the same time 1'or 2-3 seconds and the programmed settings will be restored and the unit will function normally.
100721 The programmable vent 20 can be in wireless communication with temperature sensor/transmitter 94, in which case, programmable vent 20 additionally includes an antenna 96 and receiver'.48 for sensing, receiving and demodulating wireless signal 100 from temperature sensor/transmitter 94. Temperature sensor/transmitter 94 includes a temperature sensor such as a thenmocouple or thermistor, or other temperature sensors. Additionally, temperature sensor/transmitter 94 includes an antenna and transmitter for broadcasting wireless signal 100.
Wireless ?I1 signal 100 is typically a wireless electromagnetic signal; however, wireless signal 100 can be other types of signals such as ultrasonic, or conducted electromagnetic signals through wires, fiber optics, coaxial cable, network cable, etc. Additionally, wireless signal 100 can include various spectt-pms of electromagnetic signals such as radio, =nicrowave, millimeter wave, infrared and other electromagnetic spectrums.
Wireless iignal 100 includes temperature data relative to ambient temperature conditions in the near vicinity of temperature sensor/transmitter 94. Programmable vent 20 can use this data to temperature override the timed opening and closing of programmable vent 20.
For example, if programmable vent 20 is not scheduled to open unti15:00 pm, but the room temperature falls below a setpoint override temperature of 50 F for example, which is sensed by temperature sensor/transmitter 94, the louvers open allowing air to exit programmable vent 20. Alternatively, temperature sensor/transmitter 94 can be part of controller module 34 with the temperature input conducted to controller unit 38 via metal conductors, fiber optics, etc., in which case there is no need for the various antennas, and wireless transmitter/receiver pair.
100731 Similarly, programmable vent 20 can include an infrared sensor/transmitter 102 providing an infrared input 100~to, and which is sensed by, controller module 34.
Infrared sensor 102 can include an irifrared sensor such as a pyroelectric detector, or 15 other infrared sensors. Additionally, infrared sensor 102 includes an antenna and transmitter for broadcasting infrared input 100, which may have attributes similar to wireless signal 100. Wireless signal 100 includes infrared data relative to ambient infrared conditions in the near vicinity of infrared sensor 102. Wireless signal 100 can be emitted from tenlperature sensor/transmitter 94 and/or infrared sensor/transmitter 20 102 and can include the associated temperature and/or infrared input.
Programmable vent 20 can use this data to override ;the timed opening and closing of programmable vent 20. For example, if programmable vent 20 is not scheduled to open until 5:00 pm, but infrared sensor 102 detects the presence of infrared energy indicative of a person w,,lking into the room, controller module 34 can use this information to override the programmed event, open the louvers allowing air to exit progranunable vent 20.
As ,.vith temperature sensor/transmitter 94, infrared sensor 102 can be part of control module 34, providing a conducted input to the controller module.
10074] In alternative embodiments, the present invention can include different types of louver options such as hinged louvers, sliding louvers, flip up louvers, or other types ot louvers. For example, the programmable vent according to the present invention can Inc.lude a sliding louver arrangement which includes a fixed aperture plate, a sliding io,wer and actuators in the form of push-pull solenoids which slide the sliding louver reizjtive to the fixed aperture plate. Such a programmable vent can include a housing, a controller and circuit board with other components, a display, and a user input device, and other elements, as previously discussed.
100751 The present invention can include a low battery icon which will show on clk5play 48 when the batteries are running low, and controller module 34 can include an annunciator which produces a periodic audible signal, for example, every 40 seconds.
100761 The present invention saves energy by closing vents in areas of a building F., Miere heating or cooling is not needed at that time. However, for proper airflow irc=ating and/or cooling system 10 needs some of the total register vents open when the system is operating. For example, vent 20 can be installed in multiple locations in a ?U home, but a user must count the total vents in the building/home and program them so that a minimum percentAge, for example 60%, of all vents in the home are open when the heating or cooling system 10 is running. This percentage can vary depending on s~- stem 10 characteristics and the pArticular locations of the programmed vents.
t:onsequently, a system may need approximately between 20% and 90% of the vents open at any given time, if system 10 is running.
(00771 While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the preseni invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.
"Chjs application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended ri,i1 mS.
10064] Controller module 34 can further includes a display 48, a user input device 41) which has pushbuttons 50, 52, 54 (or other switch or input element types, such as a ?Wuchpad), display backlight 56, batteries 58 and associated wiring all electrically connected to circuit board 42 and controller 46. Controller module 34 can also include a ITont cover 60 with a hinged door 62 which provides access to user input device 49, ond when closed, prevents inadvertent programming of vent 20, and battery cover 64.
100651 Controller housing can be in a snap fit arrangement with vent housing 22.
t, or example, the snap fit arrangement includes at least one resilient ramped projection 06 connected to coritroller housing 36, and at least one detent 68 in vent housing 22.
Ramped projections 66 are insertable in a corresponding detent 68 when controller housing 36 is in the snap fit arrangement with vent housing 22. Vent housing 22 further 1nCIudes a frame or inset 70 in which controller module 34 is inserted. Frame 1ncludes at least one access aperture.72, or in other words a finger hole, for accessing 'ind removing/reinstalling controller: inodule 34.
100661 A rack and pinion gear set 74 is connected between motor 28 and louvers 24.
Rack and pinion gear set 74 includes at least one pinion gear 76 connected to a ~:orresponding louver 24 and motor 28, and a rack gear 78 slidably connected to vent housing 22. Each of louvers 24 includes an axis of rotation 80 which is rotatably '(+ connected to housing 22. Pinion gears 76 are also rotatable about a corresponding axis of rotation 80. Motor 28 is mounted to housing 22 and the shaft of motor 28 is connected to at least one of louvers 24 such that when the motor shaft rotates, so rotates the louver 24 and corresponding pinion gear 76. This pinion gear 76 linearly actuates - l 6--ac..k gear 78, which rotatably actuates the other pinion gear 76 and the other louver 24.
Puiion gears 76 and rack gear 78 can, be spur gears, although other types of gears are oussible, and pinion gear 76 can be.aipproximately partially circular, as shown, or other shapes. Although the embodiment shown in Figs. 2-9 includes two louvers 24, the { present invention ctm include a single louver, or more than two louvers, as required by ihc ;;ize and style ofprogrammable vent 20. As shown particularly in Figs. 5-6, manual .+verride lever 82 is connected to rack gear 78, and protrudes through the front of aperture plate 26 so that a user can manually open or close louvers 24 by displacing lever 82 and therefore rack gear 78, which in turn rotates pinion gears 76 and 0 corresponding louvers 24, and thereby manually overrides the programmed opening andlor closing of louvers 24.
100671 Battery holder 84 holds, and provides the electrical terminals (not shown) for connection to the batteries, which batteries are electrically connected to, and provide electrical power for, controller 46 and the other electronic components on circuit board 42, motor 28, display 48, display backlight 56, a user input device 49 with pushbuttons S(?, 52 and 54 (or other input devices) and, if needed, other electrical/electronic coniponents as required.
100681 The vent can have a decorative screw plug system (not shown) to hide mounting holes 86 in aperture plate or grill 26. Other elements can be used in place of motor 28, such as solenoid, to move louver 24 or another element that can block the flow of air through vent 20. The present invention can include a plastic grill 26 and a plastic housing 22, or other combinations of plastic, wood and metal, such as a plastic housing 22 and a metal aperture plate 26. A low battery audible alert function can be provided by an annunciator (not shown) and controller 46. Display 48 can be a liquid crystal display (LCD) or other display type, and further, can include a tilting feature or c-le.ment (not showri) that allows a user to adjust the LCD, or other display device, to an angle that improves visibility and the ability to program the timing function.
1(1069] Removable controller/timer module 34 can be removed from programmable vent 20, for reprogramming, repair, and/or replacement, or replacement of the batteries, without disturbing the mechanical configuration of programmable vent 20.
Further, the circuit board 42 can have a backup battery (not shown) which can maintain the programmed settings during a main battery 58 change, for a limited time.
100701 Vent 20 according to the present invention can have a snap-fit design where tiousing 22 has recesses in which corresponding tabs of aperture plate 26 can snap into, when assembling housing 22 to aperture plate 26. Housing 22 can be assembled to aperture plate 26 using other methods or materials such adhesives, potting, welding, sl,de locking tabs on housing 22 and aperture plate 26; and/or engaging sliding rails on housing 22 and aperture plate 26.
100711 Progranunable vent 20 includes a display 48 and a user input device 49, both connected to controller 38. User input device 49 has a set pushbutton 50, an hour pushbutton 52, and minute pushbutton 54 as shown, and/or other devices such as touch pads, switches, knobs and the like, or other devices as required by the functionality of programmable vent 20. Display 48 can include a current time indicator 88, a close time indicator 90, and a open time indicator 92, and/or other devices as required by the functionality of progranunable vent 20. An example of how controller module 34 can be programmed to open and close louvers 24 is as follows. Vents 20 may typically be .~
installed close to the floor, or high up on a wall, and/or have a piece of furniture in front ~)f the vent, or otherwise be inconveniently located. Although not strictly required, as -ontroller module 34 can be programmed while installed in vent 20, the first step may typically be removing controller mo'dule 34 from vent 20. The novel structure of the present invention has all of the moving parts which directly actuate louvers 24 remain in pliice in vent 20 when controller module 34 is removed from vent 20, which eliminates alignment issues, and associated breakage and wear and tear, when controller module 34 is removed/reinstalled. Press set pushbutton 50 once, and the legend "12H"
or "24H" flashes in current time indicator 88 signifying twelve hour clock or twenty-four Io hour clock, respectively. Press hour pushbutton 52 to set timer in twelve hour clock I'ormat, or press minute pushbutton,54 to set timer in twenty-four hour clock format.
Press set pushbutton 50 again and the hour and minute flashes in current time indicator 88. Press hour pushbutton 52 to set hours, and/or press minute pushbutton 54 to set minutes. When finished, press set pushbutton 50 and the day will be flashing.
Press hour pushbutton 52 or minute pushbutton 54 to set the current day (M-Su). Two weekday (M-F) cycles and two weekend cycles (Sa-Su) are possible. To set the close and open time for the first weekday cycle, press and hold set pushbutton 50 for two-three seconds, and the timer in controller 34 enters the CLOSE time setting mode, and the close time flashes in close time indicator 90. Press hour pushbutton 52 to set hours, 20 and/or press minute pushbutton 54 to set minutes. After setting the close time, press set pushbutton 50 to enter the OPEN time setting mode, and the open time flashes in open time indicator 92. Press hour pushbutton 52 to set hours, and/or press minute pushbutton 54 to set minutes. When finished, press set pushbutton 50 and a second weekday cycle is programmed similar to above, then a first weekend cycle, then a ;c.c.ond weekend cycle. If any of these cycles are not desired then set pushbutton 50 iwice after programming the previous cycle. After being programmed in this manner, the motor 28 is energized to open the louvers 24 at the OPEN time and energized to CLOSE the louvers at the close time. To keep the louvers 24 always closed, press and hold minute pushbutton 54 for two seconds. To hold the louvers open, press and hold nour pushbutton 52 for two seconds. On the next programmed open or close cycle, the rnodule will resume its preprogrammed schedule. The time control module 34 program can be suspended by pressing and holding hour pushbutton 52 and minute pushbutton S4 at the same time for 2-3 seconds and the program will be suspended. To resume the program, press and hold hour pushbutton 52 and minute pushbutton 54 at the same time 1'or 2-3 seconds and the programmed settings will be restored and the unit will function normally.
100721 The programmable vent 20 can be in wireless communication with temperature sensor/transmitter 94, in which case, programmable vent 20 additionally includes an antenna 96 and receiver'.48 for sensing, receiving and demodulating wireless signal 100 from temperature sensor/transmitter 94. Temperature sensor/transmitter 94 includes a temperature sensor such as a thenmocouple or thermistor, or other temperature sensors. Additionally, temperature sensor/transmitter 94 includes an antenna and transmitter for broadcasting wireless signal 100.
Wireless ?I1 signal 100 is typically a wireless electromagnetic signal; however, wireless signal 100 can be other types of signals such as ultrasonic, or conducted electromagnetic signals through wires, fiber optics, coaxial cable, network cable, etc. Additionally, wireless signal 100 can include various spectt-pms of electromagnetic signals such as radio, =nicrowave, millimeter wave, infrared and other electromagnetic spectrums.
Wireless iignal 100 includes temperature data relative to ambient temperature conditions in the near vicinity of temperature sensor/transmitter 94. Programmable vent 20 can use this data to temperature override the timed opening and closing of programmable vent 20.
For example, if programmable vent 20 is not scheduled to open unti15:00 pm, but the room temperature falls below a setpoint override temperature of 50 F for example, which is sensed by temperature sensor/transmitter 94, the louvers open allowing air to exit programmable vent 20. Alternatively, temperature sensor/transmitter 94 can be part of controller module 34 with the temperature input conducted to controller unit 38 via metal conductors, fiber optics, etc., in which case there is no need for the various antennas, and wireless transmitter/receiver pair.
100731 Similarly, programmable vent 20 can include an infrared sensor/transmitter 102 providing an infrared input 100~to, and which is sensed by, controller module 34.
Infrared sensor 102 can include an irifrared sensor such as a pyroelectric detector, or 15 other infrared sensors. Additionally, infrared sensor 102 includes an antenna and transmitter for broadcasting infrared input 100, which may have attributes similar to wireless signal 100. Wireless signal 100 includes infrared data relative to ambient infrared conditions in the near vicinity of infrared sensor 102. Wireless signal 100 can be emitted from tenlperature sensor/transmitter 94 and/or infrared sensor/transmitter 20 102 and can include the associated temperature and/or infrared input.
Programmable vent 20 can use this data to override ;the timed opening and closing of programmable vent 20. For example, if programmable vent 20 is not scheduled to open until 5:00 pm, but infrared sensor 102 detects the presence of infrared energy indicative of a person w,,lking into the room, controller module 34 can use this information to override the programmed event, open the louvers allowing air to exit progranunable vent 20.
As ,.vith temperature sensor/transmitter 94, infrared sensor 102 can be part of control module 34, providing a conducted input to the controller module.
10074] In alternative embodiments, the present invention can include different types of louver options such as hinged louvers, sliding louvers, flip up louvers, or other types ot louvers. For example, the programmable vent according to the present invention can Inc.lude a sliding louver arrangement which includes a fixed aperture plate, a sliding io,wer and actuators in the form of push-pull solenoids which slide the sliding louver reizjtive to the fixed aperture plate. Such a programmable vent can include a housing, a controller and circuit board with other components, a display, and a user input device, and other elements, as previously discussed.
100751 The present invention can include a low battery icon which will show on clk5play 48 when the batteries are running low, and controller module 34 can include an annunciator which produces a periodic audible signal, for example, every 40 seconds.
100761 The present invention saves energy by closing vents in areas of a building F., Miere heating or cooling is not needed at that time. However, for proper airflow irc=ating and/or cooling system 10 needs some of the total register vents open when the system is operating. For example, vent 20 can be installed in multiple locations in a ?U home, but a user must count the total vents in the building/home and program them so that a minimum percentAge, for example 60%, of all vents in the home are open when the heating or cooling system 10 is running. This percentage can vary depending on s~- stem 10 characteristics and the pArticular locations of the programmed vents.
t:onsequently, a system may need approximately between 20% and 90% of the vents open at any given time, if system 10 is running.
(00771 While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the preseni invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.
"Chjs application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended ri,i1 mS.
Claims (28)
1. A programmable vent for a duct used with a building environmental air temperature control system, said programmable vent comprising:
a vent housing having a front face with an inset, said vent housing configured to allow air flow from the duct;
at least one louver movably connected to said vent housing;
an actuator connected to said at least one louver;
a controller module removably attached to said vent housing and positioned in said inset, said controller module connected to said actuator when positioned in said inset.
a vent housing having a front face with an inset, said vent housing configured to allow air flow from the duct;
at least one louver movably connected to said vent housing;
an actuator connected to said at least one louver;
a controller module removably attached to said vent housing and positioned in said inset, said controller module connected to said actuator when positioned in said inset.
2. The programmable vent of claim 1, wherein said actuator includes an electric motor, said controller module being electrically connected to said electric motor when positioned in said inset.
3. The programmable vent of claim 1, wherein said controller module includes a circuit board with motor controls connected to said electric motor, further including a display, a user input device, batteries and associated wiring all electrically connected to said circuit board.
4. A programmable vent for a duct used with a building environmental air temperature control system, said programmable vent comprising:
a vent housing configured to allow air flow from the duct;
at least one louver movably connected to said vent housing;
an electric motor connected to said at least one louver;
a first plurality of electrical terminals connected to said electric motor and fixedly connected to said vent housing; and a controller module removably attached to said vent housing, said controller module including a controller housing and a controller unit within said controller housing, said controller unit including a second plurality of electrical terminals resiliently contacting said first plurality of electrical terminals.
a vent housing configured to allow air flow from the duct;
at least one louver movably connected to said vent housing;
an electric motor connected to said at least one louver;
a first plurality of electrical terminals connected to said electric motor and fixedly connected to said vent housing; and a controller module removably attached to said vent housing, said controller module including a controller housing and a controller unit within said controller housing, said controller unit including a second plurality of electrical terminals resiliently contacting said first plurality of electrical terminals.
5. The programmable vent of claim 4, wherein said controller unit includes a circuit board with motor controls connected to said second plurality of terminals.
6. The programmable vent of claim 5, wherein said controller module further includes a display, a user input device, batteries and associated wiring all electrically connected to said circuit board.
7. The programmable vent of claim 4, wherein said controller housing is in a snap fit arrangement with said vent housing.
8. The programmable vent of claim 7, wherein said snap fit arrangement comprises at least one resilient ramped projection connected to said controller housing, and at least one detent in said vent housing, said at least one resilient ramped projection insertable in a corresponding said at least one detent when said controller housing is in said snap fit arrangement with said vent housing.
9. The programmable vent of claim 8, wherein said vent housing further includes a frame in which said controller module is inserted, said frame includes at least one access aperture for accessing said controller module.
10. The programmable vent of claim 4, further including a rack and pinion gear set connected between said electric motor and said at least one louver.
11. The programmable vent of claim 10, wherein said rack and pinion gear set includes at least one pinion gear connected to a corresponding said louver and said motor, and a rack gear slidably connected to said vent housing.
12. The programmable vent of claim 4, further including a temperature sensor providing a temperature input to said controller module, said controller module sensing said temperature input.
13. The programmable vent of claim 12, wherein said temperature sensor is in wireless communication with said controller module.
14. The programmable vent of claim 4, further including an infrared sensor providing an infrared input to said controller module, said controller module sensing said infrared input.
15. The programmable vent of claim 14, wherein said infrared sensor is in wireless communication with said controller module.
16. A building environmental air temperature control system, comprising:
at least one of a heating system and a cooling system;
at least one duct connected to at least one of said heating system and said cooling system;
a programmable vent connected to a corresponding said at least one duct, said programmable vent including:
a vent housing through which air flows from the duct;
at least one louver movably connected to said vent housing;
an electric motor connected to said at least one louver;
a first plurality of electrical terminals connected to said electric motor and fixedly connected to said vent housing; and a controller module removably attached to said vent housing, said controller module including a controller housing and a controller unit within said controller housing, said controller unit including a second plurality of electrical terminals resiliently contacting said first plurality of electrical terminals.
at least one of a heating system and a cooling system;
at least one duct connected to at least one of said heating system and said cooling system;
a programmable vent connected to a corresponding said at least one duct, said programmable vent including:
a vent housing through which air flows from the duct;
at least one louver movably connected to said vent housing;
an electric motor connected to said at least one louver;
a first plurality of electrical terminals connected to said electric motor and fixedly connected to said vent housing; and a controller module removably attached to said vent housing, said controller module including a controller housing and a controller unit within said controller housing, said controller unit including a second plurality of electrical terminals resiliently contacting said first plurality of electrical terminals.
17. The building environmental air temperature control system of claim 16, wherein said controller unit includes a circuit board with motor controls connected to said second plurality of terminals.
18. The building environmental air temperature control system of claim 17, wherein said controller module further includes a display, a user input device, batteries and associated wiring all connected to said circuit board.
19. The building environmental air temperature control system of claim 16, wherein said controller housing is in a snap fit arrangement with said vent housing.
20. The building environmental air temperature control system of claim 19, wherein said snap fit arrangement comprises at least one resilient ramped projection connected to said controller housing, and at least one detent in said vent housing, said at least one resilient ramped projection insertable in a corresponding said at least one detent when said controller housing is in said snap fit arrangement with said vent housing.
21. The building environmental air temperature control system of claim 20, wherein said vent housing further includes a frame in which said controller module is inserted, said frame includes at least one access aperture for accessing said controller module.
22. The building environmental air temperature control system of claim 16, further including a rack and pinion gear set connected between said electric motor and said at least one louver.
23. The building environmental air temperature control system of claim 22, wherein said rack and pinion gear set includes at least one pinion gear connected to a corresponding said louver and said motor, and a rack gear slidably connected to said vent housing.
24. The building environmental air temperature control system of claim 16, further including a temperature sensor providing a temperature input to said controller module, said controller module sensing said temperature input.
25. The building environmental air temperature control system of claim 24, wherein said temperature sensor is in wireless communication with said controller module.
26. The building environmental air temperature control system of claim 16, further including an infrared sensor providing an infrared input to said controller module, said controller module sensing said infrared input.
27. The building environmental air temperature control system of claim 26, wherein said infrared sensor is in wireless communication with said controller module.
28. A method of controlling air flow within a building environmental air temperature control system, comprising the steps of:
providing a programmable vent including housing having a front face with an inset, said vent housing configured to allow air flow from the duct, at least one louver movably connected to said vent housing, an actuator connected to said at least one louver, a controller module removably attached to said vent housing and positioned in said inset, said controller module connected to said actuator when positioned in said inset;
removing said controller module from said programmable vent;
programming said controller module to open and close said at least one louver;
reinstalling said controller module into said programmable vent; and selectively controlling an air flow exiting said duct using said programmable vent.
providing a programmable vent including housing having a front face with an inset, said vent housing configured to allow air flow from the duct, at least one louver movably connected to said vent housing, an actuator connected to said at least one louver, a controller module removably attached to said vent housing and positioned in said inset, said controller module connected to said actuator when positioned in said inset;
removing said controller module from said programmable vent;
programming said controller module to open and close said at least one louver;
reinstalling said controller module into said programmable vent; and selectively controlling an air flow exiting said duct using said programmable vent.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US81570206P | 2006-06-22 | 2006-06-22 | |
| US60/815,702 | 2006-06-22 | ||
| US83715506P | 2006-08-11 | 2006-08-11 | |
| US60/837,155 | 2006-08-11 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2568782A1 true CA2568782A1 (en) | 2007-12-22 |
Family
ID=38830234
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2568782 Abandoned CA2568782A1 (en) | 2006-06-22 | 2006-11-23 | Programmable energy saving register vent |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CN (1) | CN101093099B (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2568782A1 (en) |
| HK (1) | HK1116859A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20210164681A1 (en) * | 2019-12-02 | 2021-06-03 | Ninivee Coleman, JR. | Programmable vent |
| CN115727627A (en) * | 2022-11-18 | 2023-03-03 | 青岛海尔电冰箱有限公司 | Refrigerator control method and refrigerator |
Families Citing this family (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TWI523311B (en) | 2012-08-28 | 2016-02-21 | 宏碁股份有限公司 | Handheld electronic device |
| CN103682563B (en) * | 2012-09-07 | 2016-06-01 | 宏碁股份有限公司 | Hand-hold electronic device |
| CN104019493B (en) * | 2013-02-28 | 2018-03-30 | 大金工业株式会社 | Indoor machine of air conditioner and its control method |
| CN104019494B (en) * | 2013-02-28 | 2018-08-21 | 大金工业株式会社 | Indoor machine of air conditioner |
| CN107923636A (en) * | 2015-06-24 | 2018-04-17 | 瑟莫特拉有限公司 | Change the method for obtaining energy from humidity |
| CN105194938B (en) * | 2015-10-14 | 2017-03-29 | 北京卫家环境技术有限公司 | A kind of BAIYE wind-guiding type air purifier |
| CN105485880A (en) * | 2015-12-17 | 2016-04-13 | 海信（山东）空调有限公司 | Swing structure of wind guide plates and air hose machine |
| CN106070179A (en) * | 2016-07-20 | 2016-11-09 | 国网山东省电力公司博兴县供电公司 | A kind of outdoor transformer station with electronic mouse driving function |
| CN108505924A (en) * | 2018-03-23 | 2018-09-07 | 哈尔滨工业大学 | Multimode cross-blade shutter |
| CN113405251B (en) * | 2020-03-17 | 2022-06-28 | 雷士(北京)光电工程技术有限公司 | Air port structure |
| CN112984624B (en) * | 2021-03-03 | 2022-05-17 | 厦门市邑度高新技术有限公司 | Intelligent energy-saving device of central air-conditioning equipment |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5833134A (en) * | 1995-10-27 | 1998-11-10 | Ho; Tienhou Joseph | Wireless remote temperature sensing thermostat with adjustable register |
| US6338677B1 (en) * | 2000-09-12 | 2002-01-15 | Samuel J White | Vent control system |
| US6692349B1 (en) * | 2001-06-11 | 2004-02-17 | Fusion Design, Inc. | Computer controlled air vent |
-
2006
- 2006-11-23 CA CA 2568782 patent/CA2568782A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2006-11-24 CN CN2006101639709A patent/CN101093099B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2008
- 2008-06-19 HK HK08106823.2A patent/HK1116859A1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20210164681A1 (en) * | 2019-12-02 | 2021-06-03 | Ninivee Coleman, JR. | Programmable vent |
| CN115727627A (en) * | 2022-11-18 | 2023-03-03 | 青岛海尔电冰箱有限公司 | Refrigerator control method and refrigerator |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| HK1116859A1 (en) | 2009-01-02 |
| CN101093099A (en) | 2007-12-26 |
| CN101093099B (en) | 2010-06-16 |
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