Tamper resistant thermostat having hidden limit adjustment capabilities
US10317919B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 15, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jun 11, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 5, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF24F11/52
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A thermostat resists tampering by including a hidden mechanism for switching from a limit setting mode to an operation mode. In some embodiments, the switching mechanism is in the form of a tamper proof switch or jumper on the thermostat's circuit board. The switching mechanism can be hidden from a potential non-administrative user and can be located on the circuit board of the thermostat, as opposed to on the external housing. While the switching mechanism is in limit setting mode, the limits of the thermostat's temperature range can be adjusted. Once these limits have been set, the adjuster can move the switching mechanism to operation mode, and the thermostat will now be able to maintain temperatures within the new limit settings.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.