System and method for controlling the interior temperature of a vehicle
US6345767B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 4, 2000 |
| Grant date | Feb 12, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 4, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05D23/1906
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for controlling the interior temperature within a vehicle. In a preferred embodiment of the system, the system responds to increases in exterior temperature by reducing the interior temperature of the vehicle passenger compartment. The system preferably includes a temperature sensor within the passenger compartment and a microprocessor programmed to respond to signals from the temperature sensor. The microprocessor operates to roll down windows and/or engage a fan or air conditioning unit until a desired and comfortable temperature is achieved within the passenger compartment. The user can pre-program the system with settings that are stored in a memory or use factory default settings. A moisture sensor can also be coupled to the microprocessor to respond to rainy conditions. In one alternate embodiment, a two-way paging and cellular network module is included to contact the vehicle operator when the system is engaged. In another alternate embodiment, the system is programmed to increase the interior vehicle temperature in response to decreases in the exterior ambient temperature by engaging the heater unit of the vehicle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.