U.S. patent application number 11/601499 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-27 for programmable energy saving register vent.
This patent application is currently assigned to Springfield Precision Instruments, Inc.. Invention is credited to David Brewer, Mang Cheng, Steven Hudon, Valery Safronchik.
Application Number | 20070298706 11/601499 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38874101 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070298706 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hudon; Steven ; et
al. |
December 27, 2007 |
Programmable energy saving register vent
Abstract
A programmable vent for a duct used with a building
environmental air temperature control system. The programmable vent
includes a vent housing with a front face which has an inset, where
the vent housing is configured to allow air flow from the duct. At
least one louver is movably connected to the vent housing, an
actuator is connected to the at least one louver, a controller
module is removably attached to the vent housing and positioned in
the inset, the controller module being connected to the actuator
when positioned in the inset.
Inventors: |
Hudon; Steven; (Ramsey,
NJ) ; Brewer; David; (West Milford, NJ) ;
Safronchik; Valery; (Staten Island, NY) ; Cheng;
Mang; (Shanghai, CN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
QUARLES & BRADY LLP
411 E. WISCONSIN AVENUE, SUITE 2040
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202-4497
US
|
Assignee: |
Springfield Precision Instruments,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
38874101 |
Appl. No.: |
11/601499 |
Filed: |
November 17, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60815702 |
Jun 22, 2006 |
|
|
|
60837155 |
Aug 11, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
454/256 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 2110/10 20180101;
F24F 11/30 20180101; F24F 11/74 20180101; F24F 11/56 20180101; F24F
13/15 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
454/256 |
International
Class: |
F24F 11/00 20060101
F24F011/00 |
Claims
1. A programmable vent for a duct used with a building
environmental air temperature control system, said programmable
vent comprising: a vent housing having a front face with an inset,
said vent housing configured to allow air flow from the duct; at
least one louver movably connected to said vent housing; an
actuator connected to said at least one louver; a controller module
removably attached to said vent housing and positioned in said
inset, said controller module connected to said actuator when
positioned in said inset.
2. The programmable vent of claim 1, wherein said actuator includes
an electric motor, said controller module being electrically
connected to said electric motor when positioned in said inset.
3. The programmable vent of claim 1, wherein said controller module
includes a circuit board with motor controls connected to said
electric motor, further including a display, a user input device,
batteries and associated wiring all electrically connected to said
circuit board.
4. A programmable vent for a duct used with a building
environmental air temperature control system, said programmable
vent comprising: a vent housing configured to allow air flow from
the duct; at least one louver movably connected to said vent
housing; an electric motor connected to said at least one louver; a
first plurality of electrical terminals connected to said electric
motor and fixedly connected to said vent housing; and a controller
module removably attached to said vent housing, said controller
module including a controller housing and a controller unit within
said controller housing, said controller unit including a second
plurality of electrical terminals resiliently contacting said first
plurality of electrical terminals.
5. The programmable vent of claim 4, wherein said controller unit
includes a circuit board with motor controls connected to said
second plurality of terminals.
6. The programmable vent of claim 5, wherein said controller module
further includes a display, a user input device, batteries and
associated wiring all electrically connected to said circuit
board.
7. The programmable vent of claim 4, wherein said controller
housing is in a snap fit arrangement with said vent housing.
8. The programmable vent of claim 7, wherein said snap fit
arrangement comprises at least one resilient ramped projection
connected to said controller housing, and at least one detent in
said vent housing, said at least one resilient ramped projection
insertable in a corresponding said at least one detent when said
controller housing is in said snap fit arrangement with said vent
housing.
9. The programmable vent of claim 8, wherein said vent housing
further includes a frame in which said controller module is
inserted, said frame includes at least one access aperture for
accessing said controller module.
10. The programmable vent of claim 4, further including a rack and
pinion gear set connected between said electric motor and said at
least one louver.
11. The programmable vent of claim 10, wherein said rack and pinion
gear set includes at least one pinion gear connected to a
corresponding said louver and said motor, and a rack gear slidably
connected to said vent housing.
12. The programmable vent of claim 4, further including a
temperature sensor providing a temperature input to said controller
module, said controller module sensing said temperature input.
13. The programmable vent of claim 12, wherein said temperature
sensor is in wireless communication with said controller
module.
14. The programmable vent of claim 4, further including an infrared
sensor providing an infrared input to said controller module, said
controller module sensing said infrared input.
15. The programmable vent of claim 14, wherein said infrared sensor
is in wireless communication with said controller module.
16. A building environmental air temperature control system,
comprising: at least one of a heating system and a cooling system;
at least one duct connected to at least one of said heating system
and said cooling system; a programmable vent connected to a
corresponding said at least one duct, said programmable vent
including: a vent housing through which air flows from the duct; at
least one louver movably connected to said vent housing; an
electric motor connected to said at least one louver; a first
plurality of electrical terminals connected to said electric motor
and fixedly connected to said vent housing; and a controller module
removably attached to said vent housing, said controller module
including a controller housing and a controller unit within said
controller housing, said controller unit including a second
plurality of electrical terminals resiliently contacting said first
plurality of electrical terminals.
17. The building environmental air temperature control system of
claim 16, wherein said controller unit includes a circuit board
with motor controls connected to said second plurality of
terminals.
18. The building environmental air temperature control system of
claim 17, wherein said controller module further includes a
display, a user input device, batteries and associated wiring all
connected to said circuit board.
19. The building environmental air temperature control system of
claim 16, wherein said controller housing is in a snap fit
arrangement with said vent housing.
20. The building environmental air temperature control system of
claim 19, wherein said snap fit arrangement comprises at least one
resilient ramped projection connected to said controller housing,
and at least one detent in said vent housing, said at least one
resilient ramped projection insertable in a corresponding said at
least one detent when said controller housing is in said snap fit
arrangement with said vent housing.
21. The building environmental air temperature control system of
claim 20, wherein said vent housing further includes a frame in
which said controller module is inserted, said frame includes at
least one access aperture for accessing said controller module.
22. The building environmental air temperature control system of
claim 16, further including a rack and pinion gear set connected
between said electric motor and said at least one louver.
23. The building environmental air temperature control system of
claim 22, wherein said rack and pinion gear set includes at least
one pinion gear connected to a corresponding said louver and said
motor, and a rack gear slidably connected to said vent housing.
24. The building environmental air temperature control system of
claim 16, further including a temperature sensor providing a
temperature input to said controller module, said controller module
sensing said temperature input.
25. The building environmental air temperature control system of
claim 24, wherein said temperature sensor is in wireless
communication with said controller module.
26. The building environmental air temperature control system of
claim 16, further including an infrared sensor providing an
infrared input to said controller module, said controller module
sensing said infrared input.
27. The building environmental air temperature control system of
claim 26, wherein said infrared sensor is in wireless communication
with said controller module.
28. A method of controlling air flow within a building
environmental air temperature control system, comprising the steps
of: providing a programmable vent including housing having a front
face with an inset, said vent housing configured to allow air flow
from the duct, at least one louver movably connected to said vent
housing, an actuator connected to said at least one louver, a
controller module removably attached to said vent housing and
positioned in said inset, said controller module connected to said
actuator when positioned in said inset; removing said controller
module from said programmable vent; programming said controller
module to open and close said at least one louver; reinstalling
said controller module into said programmable vent; and selectively
controlling an air flow exiting said duct using said programmable
vent.
29. A programmable vent for a duct used with a building
environmental air temperature control system, said programmable
vent comprising: a vent housing a fixed aperture plate connected to
the vent housing, the fixed aperture plate including a plurality of
apertures configured for accepting air flow through the vent
housing from the duct; and at least one movable aperture plate
connected to the vent housing and slidable relative to the fixed
aperture plate between an open position which substantially allows
the air flow and a closed position which substantially restricts
the air flow.
30. The programmable vent of claim 29, wherein at least one said
movable aperture plate is horizontally slidable relative to the
fixed aperture plate.
31. The programmable vent of claim 29, further including an
actuator connected to at least one movable aperture plate.
32. The programmable vent of claim 31, further including a
controller module attached to the vent housing the controller
module for controlling the actuator.
33. The programmable vent of claim 31, further including a rack and
pinion gear set connected between the actuator and at least one
said movable aperture plate.
34. A programmable vent for a duct used with a building
environmental air temperature control system, said programmable
vent comprising: a vent housing; a fixed ventilation element
connected to the vent housing; at least one movable ventilation
element connected to the vent housing and movable relative to the
fixed ventilation element; and a rack and pinion gear set connected
between the at least one movable ventilation element and the vent
housing.
35. The programmable vent of claim 34, further including an
actuator connected to at least one ventilation element.
36. The programmable vent of claim 35, wherein the rack and pinion
gear set includes a rack gear and a pinion gear, the rack gear
being connected to at least one of the actuator and the vent
housing, the pinion gear being connected to the other of the
actuator and the vent housing.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This is a non-provisional application which claims the
priority benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.
60/815,702, entitled "PROGRAMMABLE ENERGY SAVING REGISTER VENT",
filed Jun. 22, 2006; and U.S. provisional patent application Ser.
No. 60/837,155, entitled "PROGRAMMABLE ENERGY SAVING REGISTER
VENT", filed Aug. 11, 2006.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to building environmental air
temperature control systems, and, more particularly, to
programmable duct vents for such systems.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Known heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)
systems can include a thermostatically controlled furnace unit
connected to ducts, where the ducts terminate in louvered vents. An
air conditioning compressor with an evaporator coil is connected to
the furnace unit. For heating, a blower circulates air across a
heat exchanger/burner within the furnace unit where the circulated
air is heated, and then into ducts which are routed to various
rooms and/or locations within a building. For cooling, the air
conditioner compressor circulates a refrigerant through the chilled
coil, which coil is routed into the furnace so the blower can
circulate air across the chilled coil, which cools the air. The
cooled air is similarly circulated into the same ducts which
correspondingly provide cooling/air conditioning to the various
locations within a building. The vents are placed at the terminus
of the ducts, and can also be placed along a duct, as may occur
with a relatively long overhead duct such as in a basement or
industrial facility. The louvers on the vents can direct the air,
and the vent can include cross louvers with a manual lever which a
user can adjust to shut off the vent or partially diminish the air
flow exiting the vent.
[0006] The system described above is typically considered a forced
air system. Other types of systems are known such as a gravity
system which does not include a blower and where a furnace is
located in a basement, and as the burner/heat exchanger warms the
surrounding air, the physically lighter or less dense nature of the
warmed air naturally rises through ducts and out vents in
corresponding rooms or locations located above the burner/heat
exchanger. In a home environment which includes a gravity system,
cooling can be provided by window air conditioners or whole house
fans, for example.
[0007] Increasing energy costs have resulted in an increasing
interest among building owners and homeowners to reduce heating and
cooling costs. Heating and cooling costs can be reduced through the
installation of additional insulation and other related products,
and the installation of energy efficient furnaces, air
conditioners, hot water heaters, and other appliances. Although
these are effective ways of reducing heating and cooling costs,
there can be a high capital cost associated with such
installations, and a significant inconvenience to the building
occupants during installation.
[0008] Another way of lowering energy costs is to lower the
thermostat setting during heating periods, or raise the thermostat
setting during cooling periods. This method has the disadvantage of
reducing the comfort of the building environment.
[0009] There typically may not be a need to heat or cool an entire
building at any given time. If rooms or locations within a building
can be selectively heated or cooled depending on use, then energy
costs can be reduced because the heating and/or cooling system is
conditioning a smaller volume of space. For example, in the daytime
the bedrooms may not need to cooled or heated, depending on the
season, as they are not typically in use; whereas, if someone is at
home, the general living areas such as a kitchen, living room,
bathroom, family room, etc., may still need heating or cooling
during the day. Similarly, the bedrooms may need to be cooled or
heated in the nighttime, when the general living areas do not
require such environmental conditioning.
[0010] For a typical known heating, ventilation and/or cooling
system, the furnace blower circulates air into all of the vents
simultaneously, or nearly simultaneously, and thereby heats or
cools the entire building. If the homeowner or other occupant wants
to diminish conditioned air flow into a room or rooms which are not
currently used to reduce energy costs, they must manually close the
louvers in the vent(s) associated with the room(s). This is a
tedious and time consuming process. Additionally, when a person may
be in a hurry to leave the building or home, as when leaving for
work, it is easy to overlook the need to adjust the vents, which
problem is exacerbated if there are numerous vents to open or
close.
[0011] Systems are known in which motorized dampers are installed
in the various ducts. The dampers are controlled by the furnace, or
other, controller, which functionality can be selected by the user,
i.e., the opening and closing of the dampers for various rooms can
be controlled. Although this system can effectively provide
selectable temperature control for the various rooms or locations
within a building, there are several disadvantages. Firstly, the
system requires relatively expensive modified ductwork including
the motorized dampers and wiring thereto, which is even more costly
to retrofit into an existing system as the ducts may be hidden in
walls, floors or ceilings, thereby requiring modification of the
structure with the attendant inconvenience, mess and expense.
Additionally, the furnace controller, or other controller, needs to
be compatible with the motorized dampers, and existing systems
generally do not have this capability, which then requires a new
furnace when an HVAC system is retrofitted, which again is a very
costly expense. Further, the installation or retrofitting of such
systems typically requires professional installation technicians,
with their attendant cost and scheduling issues, and is therefore
not easily accomplished by a typical homeowner as a do-it-yourself
project. Yet further, maintenance of such a system can be costly in
that if a motorized damper fails to operate properly there may not
be easy access to the motor/damper because the ductwork and damper
system is typically installed within a structural component such as
a floor, ceiling and/or wall, which structural component is damaged
and subsequently repaired during the installation/repair
process.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 6,659,359 discloses a motorized vent which
includes a temperature sensor, a battery, a driving motor, an
electronic circuit board, a signal receiver, and so on, which are
accommodated in the vent housing. The motor actuates an eccentric
rotary arm and an engaging member for actuating the dampers. A
wireless remote controller is provided with opening and closing
buttons and a plurality of mode select buttons. If it is determined
that the manipulating signal is from a mode select button, the
control part compares the temperature range preset according to the
select mode in the microcomputer with the current indoor
temperature and based upon that compared results, drives the
driving motor such that the dampers rotate open and closed. One
disadvantage of this system is that it requires a wireless receiver
in the vent which can be susceptible to noise and interference, for
example, and less cost effective to manufacture as the programming
unit does require the receiver. Other disadvantages of this system
are that it requires temperature sensor, and opens and closes the
dampers based on a preset temperature, instead of a time of day.
Further, the eccentric rotary arm and engaging member for actuating
the dampers is susceptible to bending.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 6,837,786 discloses a programmable
remote-control motion vent outlet where a motor actuates vent
blades via a driving arm. The unit includes a signal receiver on
the vent and electrically connected to the motor and a handheld
controller wirelessly communicating with the signal receiver to
control the rotational movements of the vent blades. A display
screen is provided on the handheld controller wherein the user is
allowed to program the open and close times of the ventilation
guide as a time setting to the timer circuit while the time setting
is displayed on the display screen of the handheld controller.
Again, this system requires a wireless receiver in the vent which
can be susceptible to noise and interference, for example, and less
cost effective to manufacture as the programming unit does require
the receiver.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 6,692,349 discloses a computer-controlled air
vent which is remotely operated by a wireless wall-mounted
controller located in the same room as the vent. A motor actuates
the louvers via a configuration of cams, bars and arms. In addition
to requiring a receiver in the vent, this system additionally has
the disadvantage of requiring a fairly complicated configuration of
cams, bars and arms which can be unreliable, and which can also be
a fairly inefficient means of energy transfer.
[0015] Other examples of programmable register vents include U.S.
Pat. Nos. 4,969,508, 5,833,134; and U.S. Patent Application Nos.
2004/0159713, 2004/0166797 and 2004/0176022.
[0016] Notwithstanding these developments, there is needed in the
art is an improved device and method of individually controlling
conditioned air flow in separate rooms or locations within a
building, and which is relatively easy and cost effective to
install and maintain.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The present invention provides a programmable vent for a
building environmental air temperature control system, which vent
can be programmed to open and close at selected times during the
day, and which motor controls and circuit board, display, user
input device, batteries and associated wiring are integrated into a
single removable unit for ease of programming, which are snapped
into/out of the vent housing and connected to the motor via
terminals.
[0018] The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a programmable
vent for a duct used with a building environmental air temperature
control system. The programmable vent includes a vent housing with
a front face which has an inset, where the vent housing is
configured to allow air flow from the duct. At least one louver is
movably connected to the vent housing, an actuator is connected to
the at least one louver, a controller module is removably attached
to the vent housing and positioned in the inset, the controller
module being connected to the actuator when positioned in the
inset.
[0019] In other aspects of the present invention the actuator
includes an electric motor, and the controller module is
electrically connected to the electric motor when positioned in the
inset. The controller module can include a circuit board with motor
controls connected to the electric motor, and further includes a
display, user input device, batteries and associated wiring all
electrically connected to the circuit board.
[0020] The invention comprises, in another form thereof, a
programmable vent for a duct used with a building environmental air
temperature control system. The programmable vent includes a vent
housing configured to allow air flow from the duct, at least one
louver movably connected to the vent housing, an electric motor
connected to the at least one louver, a first plurality of
electrical terminals connected to the electric motor and fixedly
connected to the vent housing, and a controller module removably
attached to the vent housing. The controller module includes a
controller housing and a controller unit within the controller
housing, where the controller unit has a second plurality of
electrical terminals resiliently contacting the first plurality of
electrical terminals.
[0021] In other aspects of the present invention the controller
unit includes a circuit board with motor controls connected to the
second plurality of terminals. The controller module can further
have a display, user input device, batteries and associated wiring
all electrically connected to the circuit board. The controller
housing can be in a snap fit arrangement with the vent housing. The
snap fit arrangement includes at least one resilient ramped
projection connected to the controller housing, and at least one
detent in the vent housing. The at least one resilient ramped
projection is insertable in a corresponding detent when the
controller housing is in the snap fit arrangement with the vent
housing. The vent housing further includes a frame in which the
controller module is inserted, and the frame includes at least one
access aperture for accessing the controller module. A rack and
pinion gear set can be connected between the electric motor and the
at least one louver, where the rack and pinion gear set includes at
least one pinion gear connected to a corresponding louver and the
motor, and a rack gear slidably connected to the vent housing.
[0022] In further aspects, the present invention can include a
temperature sensor which provides a temperature input to the
controller module, where the controller module senses the
temperature input. The temperature sensor can be in wireless
communication with the controller module.
[0023] In further aspects, the present invention can include an
infrared sensor providing an infrared input to the controller
module, where the controller module senses the infrared input. The
infrared sensor can be in wireless communication with the
controller module.
[0024] The invention comprises, in yet another form thereof, a
building environmental air temperature control system which
includes at least one of a heating system and a cooling system, at
least one duct connected to at least one of the heating system
and/or cooling system, and a programmable vent, according to the
present invention, connected to a corresponding duct.
[0025] The invention comprises, in yet another form thereof, a
method of controlling air flow within a building environmental air
temperature control system, which includes the steps of: providing
a programmable vent including a housing, at least one louver
movably connected to the housing, an actuator connected to the at
least one louver, and a controller connected to the actuator;
connecting the programmable vent to a duct associated with the
building environmental air temperature control system; reinstalling
the controller module into the programmable vent; and selectively
controlling an air flow exiting the duct using the programmable
vent.
[0026] An advantage of the present invention is that it provides an
energy saving floor, ceiling and/or wall register vent that allows
users to shut off the flow of heat or air conditioning in select
rooms via an internal controller.
[0027] Another advantage of the present invention is that it
provides a multi-zone heating and cooling system that allows users
to shut down rooms at programmed times to reduce the amount of
energy wasted on heating or cooling inactive areas of the home
[0028] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it
provides energy savings, so that the cost of the item can be
recovered through energy savings in a relatively short time.
[0029] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that
multiple programmable vents can be easily installed and customized
to a particular building and user requirements to maximize the
energy savings potential.
[0030] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it is
relatively easy and cost effective to install.
[0031] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it is
relatively easy and cost effective to maintain.
[0032] Yet other advantages of the present invention are that it is
provided in multiple styles, sizes, colors and finishes (such as
wood grain, brass, uniform color) to match with the home or
building decor and/or ductwork size(s) and locations.
[0033] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it
does not require professional installation.
[0034] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it is
suitable for do-it-yourself projects.
[0035] Yet other advantages of the present invention are that it
provides a battery operated DC (direct current) programmable vent
fixture that regulates air flow and therefore does not require
connection to the AC (alternating current) power and associated
wiring.
[0036] Yet other advantages of the present invention are that it
can be a universal fit programmable register vent that can be used
on floor, wall and ceiling to regulate air flow and reduce energy
consumption in the home or other type of building.
[0037] Yet other advantages of the present invention are that it is
a programmable vent fixture that allows a user to create heating
and cooling sub zones without having to modify the components of
their current heating and cooling system such as the furnace, air
conditioning and ductwork.
[0038] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it
can provide a decorative screw plug to hide grill holes when the
unit is used as a floor register vent, or on the wall or
ceiling.
[0039] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it
provides and opening and closing louver system controlled by a
timing device or thermostat device or both.
[0040] Yet other advantages of the present invention are that it
can provide an opening and closing vent system that uses a gear box
drive motor or solenoid to move a louver or another piece of
material that blocks the flow of air.
[0041] Yet other advantages of the present invention are that it
can provide a digital, multiple day, programmable vent fixture that
regulates air flow to reduce energy consumption in the home.
[0042] Yet other advantages of the present invention are that it
provides a manual override feature that allows a user to open the
vent anytime without interrupting the programmed open and close
timed events.
[0043] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it
can provide an automatic override reset feature that closes and
opens the vent on the next programmed cycle.
[0044] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it
provides a wireless temperature sensor which can relay temperature
data to the programmable vent, which temperature data can be used
to override the programmed vent opening, if desired.
[0045] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it
provides a two-in-one housing which integrates the vent grill and
programmable components.
[0046] Yet other advantages of the present invention are that it
provides a housing design which is interchangeable with existing
conventional vents, and which is compatible with plastic, metal,
wood or other grids or grills.
[0047] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it
provides a removable programmable timer/control module which is
easily removed and reinstalled from the programmable vent to allow
a handheld, or other, programming of the module and corresponding
vent without removing the vent from the wall, ceiling, conduit
and/or other structure to which it is attached.
[0048] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it
provides a removable programmable timer/control module which can be
programmed or reprogrammed without the need for an awkward
positioning of the user, such as kneeling or squatting in a low
position to access a vent which may be installed near the floor, or
standing on a ladder to access a ceiling mounted vent.
[0049] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it
provides a removable programmable timer/control module which is
easily removed from the programmable vent to allow for easy
replacement of the batteries without the need to remove the vent
from wall, ceiling, conduit and/or other structure to which it is
attached.
[0050] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it
provides a removable programmable timer/control module which is
easily removed from the programmable vent to allow easy repair or
replacement of the module or other elements of the vent without the
need to remove the vent from wall, ceiling, conduit and/or other
structure to which it is attached.
[0051] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it
provides a removable programmable timer/control module which is
easily removed from the programmable vent to allow reprogramming of
a parameter without disturbing the other programmed events.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0052] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of
this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more
apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference
to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0053] FIG. 1 is a perspective plan view of an embodiment of a
building environmental air temperature control system according to
the present invention, as installed in a home;
[0054] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a
programmable vent according to the present invention;
[0055] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the programmable
vent of FIG. 2;
[0056] FIG. 4 is a front view of the controller module of FIG.
2;
[0057] FIG. 5 is a section view taken along section line 5-5 in
FIG. 2, and shown with the louvers open;
[0058] FIG. 6 is the section view of FIG. 5 but shown with the
louvers closed;
[0059] FIG. 7 is a section view taken along section line 7-7 in
FIG. 2;
[0060] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the controller
module of FIG. 4; and
[0061] FIG. 9 is an electrical schematic view of an embodiment of
the programmable vent of FIG. 2.
[0062] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out
herein illustrate one preferred embodiment of the invention, in one
form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting
the scope of the invention in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0063] With initial reference to FIG. 1, there is shown a building
environmental air temperature control system 10, such as an HVAC
system, located in building 12. System 10 can include at least one
of a heating system and a cooling system, such as furnace 14
connected to air conditioning compressor 16. Furnace 14 can
typically be a forced air system including a burner/heat exchanger
unit and a blower (all not shown), or alternatively a gravity
system, or other system. Further, furnace 14 can include other
elements such as controls and thermostats (also not shown). At
least one duct 18 is connected to furnace 14. Programmable vents 20
are connected to corresponding ducts 18. System 10, and more
particularly programmable vents 20, can be used during a daytime
setting in a cooling, or summer, season; during a nighttime setting
in a heating, or winter, season; or other configurations, for
example: a daytime setting in a heating, or winter, season; or a
nighttime setting in a cooling, or summer, season. Additional
configurations are possible as dictated by user requirements,
seasonal conditions, latitude, elevation, weather and other
parameters.
[0064] Referring more particularly to FIGS. 2-9, programmable vent
20 includes a vent housing 22 and at least one louver 24 movably
connected to housing 22. Housing 22 also includes a fixed aperture
plate 26. Fixed aperture plate 26 can include fins 27 which also
provide a directional control of air through programmable vent 20.
An actuator 28 is connected to louvers 24 and housing 22. Actuator
28 can be in the form of a DC motor as is shown, and/or other
elements.
[0065] A first plurality of electrical terminals 30 are connected
to electric motor 28 via wires 32, and terminals 30 are fixedly
connected to vent housing 22. Changing the polarity of the voltage
on terminals 30 reverses the rotation of the shaft of motor 28.
Controller module 34 is removably attached to vent housing 22.
Controller module 34 includes a controller housing 36 and a
controller unit 38 within controller housing 36. Controller unit 38
including a second plurality of electrical terminals 40 resiliently
contacting motor terminals 30 when module 34 is mounted in vent
housing 22. Controller unit 38 includes a circuit board 42 with
motor controls 44 connected to terminals 40 to operate motor 28.
Controller unit 38 also includes a controller 46, such as a
microprocessor, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)
and/or other programmable controller devices, and can include other
electronic devices as are shown particularly in FIG. 9.
[0066] Controller module 34 can further includes a display 48, a
user input device 49 which has pushbuttons 50, 52, 54 (or other
switch or input element types, such as a touchpad), display
backlight 56, batteries 58 and associated wiring all electrically
connected to circuit board 42 and controller 46. Controller module
34 can also include a front cover 60 with a hinged door 62 which
provides access to user input device 49, and when closed, prevents
inadvertent programming of vent 20, and battery cover 64.
[0067] Controller housing can be in a snap fit arrangement with
vent housing 22. For example, the snap fit arrangement includes at
least one resilient ramped projection 66 connected to controller
housing 36, and at least one detent 68 in vent housing 22. Ramped
projections 66 are insertable in a corresponding detent 68 when
controller housing 36 is in the snap fit arrangement with vent
housing 22. Vent housing 22 further includes a frame or inset 70 in
which controller module 34 is inserted. Frame 70 includes at least
one access aperture 72, or in other words a finger hole, for
accessing and removing/reinstalling controller module 34.
[0068] A rack and pinion gear set 74 is connected between motor 28
and louvers 24. Rack and pinion gear set 74 includes at least one
pinion gear 76 connected to a corresponding louver 24 and motor 28,
and a rack gear 78 slidably connected to vent housing 22. Each of
louvers 24 includes an axis of rotation 80 which is rotatably
connected to housing 22. Pinion gears 76 are also rotatable about a
corresponding axis of rotation 80. Motor 28 is mounted to housing
22 and the shaft of motor 28 is connected to at least one of
louvers 24 such that when the motor shaft rotates, so rotates the
louver 24 and corresponding pinion gear 76. This pinion gear 76
linearly actuates rack gear 78, which rotatably actuates the other
pinion gear 76 and the other louver 24. Pinion gears 76 and rack
gear 78 can be spur gears, although other types of gears are
possible, and pinion gear 76 can be approximately partially
circular, as shown, or other shapes. Although the embodiment shown
in FIGS. 2-9 includes two louvers 24, the present invention can
include a single louver, or more than two louvers, as required by
the size and style of programmable vent 20. As shown particularly
in FIGS. 5-6, manual override lever 82 is connected to rack gear
78, and protrudes through the front of aperture plate 26 so that a
user can manually open or close louvers 24 by displacing lever 82
and therefore rack gear 78, which in turn rotates pinion gears 76
and corresponding louvers 24, and thereby manually overrides the
programmed opening and/or closing of louvers 24.
[0069] Battery holder 84 holds, and provides the electrical
terminals (not shown) for connection to the batteries, which
batteries are electrically connected to, and provide electrical
power for, controller 46 and the other electronic components on
circuit board 42, motor 28, display 48, display backlight 56, a
user input device 49 with pushbuttons 50, 52 and 54 (or other input
devices) and, if needed, other electrical/electronic components as
required.
[0070] The vent can have a decorative screw plug system (not shown)
to hide mounting holes 86 in aperture plate or grill 26. Other
elements can be used in place of motor 28, such as solenoid, to
move louver 24 or another element that can block the flow of air
through vent 20. The present invention can include a plastic grill
26 and a plastic housing 22, or other combinations of plastic, wood
and metal, such as a plastic housing 22 and a metal aperture plate
26. A low battery audible alert function can be provided by an
annunciator (not shown) and controller 46. Display 48 can be a
liquid crystal display (LCD) or other display type, and further,
can include a tilting feature or element (not shown) that allows a
user to adjust the LCD, or other display device, to an angle that
improves visibility and the ability to program the timing
function.
[0071] Removable controller/timer module 34 can be removed from
programmable vent 20, for reprogramming, repair, and/or
replacement, or replacement of the batteries, without disturbing
the mechanical configuration of programmable vent 20. Further, the
circuit board 42 can have a backup battery (not shown) which can
maintain the programmed settings during a main battery 58 change,
for a limited time.
[0072] Vent 20 according to the present invention can have a
snap-fit design where housing 22 has recesses in which
corresponding tabs of aperture plate 26 can snap into, when
assembling housing 22 to aperture plate 26. Housing 22 can be
assembled to aperture plate 26 using other methods or materials
such adhesives, potting, welding, slide locking tabs on housing 22
and aperture plate 26; and/or engaging sliding rails on housing 22
and aperture plate 26.
[0073] Programmable vent 20 includes a display 48 and a user input
device 49, both connected to controller 38. User input device 49
has a set pushbutton 50, an hour pushbutton 52, and minute
pushbutton 54 as shown, and/or other devices such as touch pads,
switches, knobs and the like, or other devices as required by the
functionality of programmable vent 20. Display 48 can include a
current time indicator 88, a close time indicator 90, and a open
time indicator 92, and/or other devices as required by the
functionality of programmable vent 20. An example of how controller
module 34 can be programmed to open and close louvers 24 is as
follows. Vents 20 may typically be installed close to the floor, or
high up on a wall, and/or have a piece of furniture in front of the
vent, or otherwise be inconveniently located. Although not strictly
required, as controller module 34 can be programmed while installed
in vent 20, the first step may typically be removing controller
module 34 from vent 20. The novel structure of the present
invention has all of the moving parts which directly actuate
louvers 24 remain in place in vent 20 when controller module 34 is
removed from vent 20, which eliminates alignment issues, and
associated breakage and wear and tear, when controller module 34 is
removed/reinstalled. Press set pushbutton 50 once, and the legend
"12H" or "24H" flashes in current time indicator 88 signifying
twelve hour clock or twenty-four hour clock, respectively. Press
hour pushbutton 52 to set timer in twelve hour clock format, or
press minute pushbutton 54 to set timer in twenty-four hour clock
format. Press set pushbutton 50 again and the hour and minute
flashes in current time indicator 88. Press hour pushbutton 52 to
set hours, and/or press minute pushbutton 54 to set minutes. When
finished, press set pushbutton 50 and the day will be flashing.
Press hour pushbutton 52 or minute pushbutton 54 to set the current
day (M-Su). Two weekday (M-F) cycles and two weekend cycles (Sa-Su)
are possible. To set the close and open time for the first weekday
cycle, press and hold set pushbutton 50 for two-three seconds, and
the timer in controller 34 enters the CLOSE time setting mode, and
the close time flashes in close time indicator 90. Press hour
pushbutton 52 to set hours, and/or press minute pushbutton 54 to
set minutes. After setting the close time, press set pushbutton 50
to enter the OPEN time setting mode, and the open time flashes in
open time indicator 92. Press hour pushbutton 52 to set hours,
and/or press minute pushbutton 54 to set minutes. When finished,
press set pushbutton 50 and a second weekday cycle is programmed
similar to above, then a first weekend cycle, then a second weekend
cycle. If any of these cycles are not desired then set pushbutton
50 twice after programming the previous cycle. After being
programmed in this manner, the motor 28 is energized to open the
louvers 24 at the OPEN time and energized to CLOSE the louvers at
the close time. To keep the louvers 24 always closed, press and
hold minute pushbutton 54 for two seconds. To hold the louvers
open, press and hold hour pushbutton 52 for two seconds. On the
next programmed open or close cycle, the module will resume its
preprogrammed schedule. The time control module 34 program can be
suspended by pressing and holding hour pushbutton 52 and minute
pushbutton 54 at the same time for 2-3 seconds and the program will
be suspended. To resume the program, press and hold hour pushbutton
52 and minute pushbutton 54 at the same time for 2-3 seconds and
the programmed settings will be restored and the unit will function
normally.
[0074] The programmable vent 20 can be in wireless communication
with temperature sensor/transmitter 94, in which case, programmable
vent 20 additionally includes an antenna 96 and receiver 98 for
sensing, receiving and demodulating wireless signal 100 from
temperature sensor/transmitter 94. Temperature sensor/transmitter
94 includes a temperature sensor such as a thermocouple or
thermistor, or other temperature sensors. Additionally, temperature
sensor/transmitter 94 includes an antenna and transmitter for
broadcasting wireless signal 100. Wireless signal 100 is typically
a wireless electromagnetic signal; however, wireless signal 100 can
be other types of signals such as ultrasonic, or conducted
electromagnetic signals through wires, fiber optics, coaxial cable,
network cable, etc. Additionally, wireless signal 100 can include
various spectrums of electromagnetic signals such as radio,
microwave, millimeter wave, infrared and other electromagnetic
spectrums. Wireless signal 100 includes temperature data relative
to ambient temperature conditions in the near vicinity of
temperature sensor/transmitter 94. Programmable vent 20 can use
this data to temperature override the timed opening and closing of
programmable vent 20. For example, if programmable vent 20 is not
scheduled to open until 5:00 pm, but the room temperature falls
below a setpoint override temperature of 50.degree. F. for example,
which is sensed by temperature sensor/transmitter 94, the louvers
open allowing air to exit programmable vent 20. Alternatively,
temperature sensor/transmitter 94 can be part of controller module
34 with the temperature input conducted to controller unit 38 via
metal conductors, fiber optics, etc., in which case there is no
need for the various antennas, and wireless transmitter/receiver
pair.
[0075] Similarly, programmable vent 20 can include an infrared
sensor/transmitter 102 providing an infrared input 100 to, and
which is sensed by, controller module 34. Infrared sensor 102 can
include an infrared sensor such as a pyroelectric detector, or
other infrared sensors. Additionally, infrared sensor 102 includes
an antenna and transmitter for broadcasting infrared input 100,
which may have attributes similar to wireless signal 100. Wireless
signal 100 includes infrared data relative to ambient infrared
conditions in the near vicinity of infrared sensor 102. Wireless
signal 100 can be emitted from temperature sensor/transmitter 94
and/or infrared sensor/transmitter 102 and can include the
associated temperature and/or infrared input. Programmable vent 20
can use this data to override the timed opening and closing of
programmable vent 20. For example, if programmable vent 20 is not
scheduled to open until 5:00 pm, but infrared sensor 102 detects
the presence of infrared energy indicative of a person walking into
the room, controller module 34 can use this information to override
the programmed event, open the louvers allowing air to exit
programmable vent 20. As with temperature sensor/transmitter 94,
infrared sensor 102 can be part of control module 34, providing a
conducted input to the controller module.
[0076] In alternative embodiments, the present invention can
include different types of louver options such as hinged louvers,
sliding louvers, flip up louvers, or other types of louvers. For
example, the programmable vent according to the present invention
can include a sliding louver arrangement which includes a fixed
aperture plate, a sliding louver and actuators in the form of
push-pull solenoids which slide the sliding louver relative to the
fixed aperture plate. Such a programmable vent can include a
housing, a controller and circuit board with other components, a
display, and a user input device, and other elements, as previously
discussed.
[0077] The present invention can include a low battery icon which
will show on display 48 when the batteries are running low, and
controller module 34 can include an annunciator which produces a
periodic audible signal, for example, every 40 seconds.
[0078] The present invention saves energy by closing vents in areas
of a building where heating or cooling is not needed at that time.
However, for proper airflow heating and/or cooling system 10 needs
some of the total register vents open when the system is operating.
For example, vent 20 can be installed in multiple locations in a
home, but a user must count the total vents in the building/home
and program them so that a minimum percentage, for example 60%, of
all vents in the home are open when the heating or cooling system
10 is running. This percentage can vary depending on system 10
characteristics and the particular locations of the programmed
vents. Consequently, a system may need approximately between 20%
and 90% of the vents open at any given time, if system 10 is
running.
[0079] While this invention has been described as having a
preferred design, the present invention can be further modified
within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is
therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of
the invention using its general principles. Further, this
application is intended to cover such departures from the present
disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to
which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of
the appended claims.
* * * * *