Wireless controller with gateway
US8870086B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 12, 2007 |
| Grant date | Oct 28, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 18, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25B2600/07
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Remote control of energy consumption is realized using a readily installable, flexible approach. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a remote source communicates with a wireless controller for executing energy usage control. The remote source sends signals to the wireless controller via a gateway located near or, in one implementation, forming part of the wireless controller. In response to the signals, the wireless controller sets control settings for operating one or more of a variety of equipment types, such as a furnace, air conditioner, water heater or heat pump. With this approach, wired connections from the gateway to energy-consuming equipment do not necessarily need to be made in order to effect remote energy-consumption control. For instance, when used in connection with a controller wired to the energy-consuming equipment, the gateway need only communicate wirelessly with the controller and does not necessarily need to be coupled to the energy-consuming equipment. In addition, access to the energy-consuming equipment for establishing remote energy control is not necessary; rather, the remote energy control can be effected by accessing user-friend…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.