Patent · US Expired

Controller for two-stage heat source, usable with single and two stage thermostats

US6230979A · kind A · utility

5Cited by
3References
13Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 20, 2000
Grant dateMay 15, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 20, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF23N2237/10
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A controller for a two-stage heat source that can be used with a single stage or a two stage thermostat. The controller includes a second stage delay timer that initiates second stage heating when the timer is decremented to zero. The timer is reset when there is no longer a call for first stage heat, when there is a call for second stage heat, or if there is no call for second stage heat and the controller determines that it is connected to a two-stage thermostat. The controller can include an indicator such as a contact bar and jumper or a switch for indicating the type of thermostat connected to the controller. Alternatively, the controller can be programmed to "learn" whether it is attached to a single stage or two-stage thermostat, assuming that it is connected to a single stage thermostat, unless and until a call for second stage heating is received.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.