Thermostat system with software-repurposable wiring terminals adaptable for HVAC systems of different ranges of complexity
US8708242B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 21, 2012 |
| Grant date | Apr 29, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 21, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF24F11/77
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An auxiliary hardware box is described that can be installed at or near the HVAC system. The auxiliary box includes a large number of wiring terminals, for example 16 or more, for connecting to a relatively large number of HVAC control wires. The auxiliary box can include a “train map” type graphic display that is visible to the installer and provides a graphical indication as to which relays or switches are currently open and which are currently closed. A small sleek visually pleasing thermostat is also described that can be connected either directly to an HVAC system or to the auxiliary box, and can automatically detect an purpose the connected wires according to which it is connected to.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.