U.S. patent application number 11/874333 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-24 for fan controller.
Invention is credited to Ola Wettergren.
Application Number | 20080096482 11/874333 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39318509 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080096482 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wettergren; Ola |
April 24, 2008 |
FAN CONTROLLER
Abstract
A fan control system includes a main fan controller and at least
one auxiliary fan controller. The main fan controller has circuitry
for running a fan on a preset cycle, the preset cycle having a
preset speed for a preset time. The main fan controller is
associated with a first space having a first ventilation port in
communication with the fan. The at least one auxiliary fan
controller is associated with a second space having a second
ventilation port in communication with the fan. Each of the main
fan controller and at least one auxiliary fan controller has
circuitry for activating the fan to run on a temporary cycle having
a temporary speed for a preset time. Each of the main fan
controller and at least one auxiliary fan controller further
includes an indicator for displaying activation status of the
temporary cycle.
Inventors: |
Wettergren; Ola; (Sarasota,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STEPTOE & JOHNSON LLP
1330 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N.W.
WASHINGTON
DC
20036
US
|
Family ID: |
39318509 |
Appl. No.: |
11/874333 |
Filed: |
October 18, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60862035 |
Oct 18, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
454/256 ;
388/800 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 11/77 20180101;
Y02B 30/70 20130101; F24F 11/61 20180101; F24F 11/0001
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
454/256 ;
388/800 |
International
Class: |
F24F 11/00 20060101
F24F011/00 |
Claims
1. A fan control system comprising: a main fan controller
comprising circuitry for running a fan on a preset cycle, the
preset cycle comprising a preset speed for a preset time, the main
fan controller associated with a first space having a first
ventilation port in communication with the fan; at least one
auxiliary fan controller associated with a second space having a
second ventilation port in communication with the fan; wherein each
of the main fan controller and at least one auxiliary fan
controller comprises circuitry for activating the fan to run on a
temporary cycle comprising a temporary speed for a preset time; and
wherein each of the main fan controller and at least one auxiliary
fan controller further comprises an indicator for displaying
activation status of the temporary cycle.
2. The fan control system of claim 1, wherein the main fan
controller further comprises a fan timer switch.
3. The fan control system of claim 2, wherein the fan timer switch
permits the preset time to be set between 0 and 60 minutes per
hour.
4. The fan control system of claim 1, wherein the main fan
controller further comprises a fan speed switch.
5. The fan control system of claim 4, wherein the fan speed switch
permits the fan speed to be set between 0 and 100 percent of a
maximum preset speed.
6. The fan control system of claim 1, wherein each of the main fan
controller and at least one auxiliary fan controller comprises a
touch pad for activating the fan to run on the temporary cycle.
7. The fan control system of claim 1, wherein the fan is an inline
fan.
8. A fan control system comprising: a main fan controller
comprising circuitry including means for operating a fan on a
preset cycle, the preset cycle comprising a preset speed for a
preset time; at least one auxiliary fan controller; wherein each of
the main fan controller and at least one auxiliary fan controller
comprises circuitry for operating the fan on a temporary cycle
comprising a temporary speed; and wherein each of the main fan
controller and at least one auxiliary fan controller further
comprises an indicator for displaying activation status of the
temporary cycle.
9. The fan control system of claim 8, wherein the main fan
controller further comprises a fan timer switch.
10. The fan control system of claim 9, wherein the fan timer switch
permits the preset time to be set between 0 and 60 minutes per
hour.
11. The fan control system of claim 8, wherein the main fan
controller further comprises a fan speed switch.
12. The fan control system of claim 11, wherein the fan speed
switch permits the fan speed to be set between 0 and 100 percent of
a maximum preset speed.
13. The fan control system of claim 8, wherein each of the main fan
controller and at least one auxiliary fan controller comprises a
touch pad for activating the fan to run on a temporary cycle.
14. The fan control system of claim 8, wherein the fan is an inline
fan.
15. A ventilation system comprising: a fan; a main fan controller
comprising circuitry for operating the fan on a preset cycle, the
preset cycle comprising a preset speed for a preset time, the main
fan controller associated with a first space having a first
ventilation port in communication with the fan; an auxiliary fan
controller associated with a second space having a second
ventilation port in communication with the fan; wherein each of the
main fan controller and auxiliary fan controller comprises
circuitry for operating the fan on a temporary cycle comprising a
temporary time; wherein each of the main fan controller and
auxiliary fan controller further comprises a push button for
activating the temporary cycle; and wherein each of the main fan
controller and auxiliary fan controller further comprises an
indicator for displaying activation status of the temporary
cycle.
16. The ventilation system of claim 15, wherein the main fan
controller further comprises a fan timer switch.
17. The ventilation system of claim 16, wherein the fan timer
switch permits the preset time to be set between 0 and 60 minutes
per hour.
18. The ventilation system of claim 15, wherein the main fan
controller further comprises a fan speed switch.
19. The ventilation system of claim 18, wherein the fan speed
switch permits the fan speed to be set between 0 and 100 percent of
a maximum preset speed.
20. The ventilation system of claim 15, wherein the push button is
a touch pad.
21. The ventilation system of claim 15, wherein the main fan
controller further comprises a slide adjuster for setting the
preset speed.
22. The ventilation system of claim 15, wherein the main fan
controller further comprises a slide adjuster for setting the
preset time.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The benefits of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/862,035
filed Oct. 18, 2006 and entitled "Fan Controller" are claimed under
35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e), and the entire contents of this
provisional application are expressly incorporated herein by
reference thereto.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a fan controller for use with a fan
such as an inline fan disposed in ductwork.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is a term with which those in the
ventilation equipment industry are very familiar. Awareness of IAQ
among customers is increasing everyday. Consumers are learning
about the importance of IAQ in terms of health and comfort. The
market demands that homes are constructed in such a manner that IAQ
is optimized to provide a healthful and pleasant living
environment--it needs scarcely to be mentioned that the home is the
space where we spend most of our lives.
[0004] Home building technology has advanced considerably over the
past thirty years. Superior construction materials and techniques
are now employed making homes much more efficient than they were in
the past. Part of this new efficiency is derived from having a
tighter building envelope. This means, of course, that exchange
between stale inside air and fresh outside air is less likely to
occur passively.
[0005] Air naturally contains contaminants. Humans tolerate these
contaminants when their concentrations are at normal levels.
Elevated contaminant concentrations occur when we share our living
spaces with pollutant producing sources. The indoor environment
becomes less comfortable when organisms (such as ourselves) consume
oxygen from the air and add carbon dioxide to it through normal
respiration. Activities such as bathing and cooking are detrimental
to the quality of the air inside our living environment as
well.
[0006] The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and
Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has recognized the importance
of IAQ. ASHRAE Standard 62.2 was written to define the minimum
requirements for mechanical and natural ventilation systems
intended to provide acceptable IAQ in low-rise residential
buildings. In addition to providing guidance for good practice,
municipalities across the United States and Canada are adopting
ASHRAE Standard 62.2 as the basis for the sections of their
building codes that address residential ventilation. ASHRAE defines
acceptable IAQ as: "Air toward which a substantial majority of
occupants express no dissatisfaction with respect to odor and
sensory irritation and in which there are not likely to be
contaminants at concentrations that are known to pose a health
risk."
[0007] AIR EXCHANGE: The best way to improve IAQ in a home is
through air exchange--by replacing some of the contaminated inside
air with fresh air from outside. ASHRAE Standard 62.2 provides a
formula for determining how much air needs to be replaced, as
follows: Q.sub.fan=0.01A.sub.floor+7.5(N.sub.bedrooms+1) For
example, the continuous ventilation rate for a 3000 square foot,
three bedroom house would be: 0.01(3000)+7.5(3+1)=60 cfm If a fan
is run intermittently, the daily fractional on-time (f) and
ventilation effectiveness () must be considered: Q.sub.f=Qr/(f)
[0008] If the ventilation system is run at least once every three
hours, its ventilation effectiveness () is 1.
[0009] INTERMITTENT VENTILATION: It was determined that a
continuous ventilation rate of 60 cfm was required for the house in
the previous example. If the same house uses an intermittent fan
that is programmed to run once every hour for 15 minutes, the flow
rate is found as: 60/(1.0*0.25)=240 cfm
[0010] Various fan controls are known. For example, the Tamarack
Airetrak.TM. microprocessor based control system provides the
following features: preset speed--adjustable from 40% to 100% in 5%
increments; auto run time--user selectable in 5 minute increments;
manual on at full speed--20 minutes; maximum load--180 watts (1.5
amps); .sub.cUL.sub.us; toggle switch hardware; on site programming
required; battery backup required; warranty--1 year; no auxiliary
control available.
[0011] Nevertheless, there exists a need for improved fan
controllers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] An exemplary fan controller for use with a fan such as an
inline fan disposed in ductwork is disclosed. The ductwork, for
example, may connect ceiling grilles in adjacent but separate bath
areas (such as ceiling grilles in a water closet and a master bath
area), with the fan operable for example to move hot air and steam
to be vented through a roof vent.
[0013] With a combination fan control and fan such as an inline fan
as disclosed herein, total flexibility is provided to meet ASHRAE
Standard 62.2 requirements. The fan control may combine speed
control, timing function and high speed override. The fan control
may be used with auxiliary control units in different locations,
allowing a single fan to provide ventilation of multiple areas.
[0014] In some embodiments, the fan control allows a main control
and multiple auxiliary controls. This allows a single fan to be
controlled from multiple locations. The user settings may be easy
to understand slide adjustments, not complex programming
operations. Features may not be based on "real time," thus
programming an internal clock is not required. The settings of this
control may not be affected by power failures and no battery backup
may be required. A cover may be used that increases reliability and
safety during customer adjustments. Control may be designed to fit
Decora.TM. style wall plates.
[0015] A fan control system includes a main fan controller and at
least one auxiliary fan controller. The main fan controller has
circuitry for running a fan on a preset cycle, the preset cycle
having a preset speed for a preset time. The main fan controller is
associated with a first space having a first ventilation port in
communication with the fan. The at least one auxiliary fan
controller is associated with a second space having a second
ventilation port in communication with the fan. Each of the main
fan controller and at least one auxiliary fan controller includes
circuitry for activating the fan to run on a temporary cycle having
a temporary speed for a preset time. Each of the main fan
controller and at least one auxiliary fan controller further
includes an indicator for displaying activation status of the
temporary cycle.
[0016] The main fan controller may further includes a fan timer
switch which may permit the preset time to be set between 0 and 60
minutes per hour. The main fan controller may further include a fan
speed switch which may permit the fan speed to be set between 0 and
100 percent of a maximum preset speed. Each of the main fan
controller and at least one auxiliary fan controller may include a
touch pad for activating the fan to run on the temporary cycle.
Also, the fan may be an inline fan.
[0017] Another fan control system may include a main fan controller
and at least one auxiliary fan controller. The main fan controller
has circuitry including means for operating a fan on a preset
cycle, the preset cycle having a preset speed for a preset time.
Each of the main fan controller and at least one auxiliary fan
controller has circuitry for operating the fan on a temporary cycle
having a temporary speed. Each of the main fan controller and at
least one auxiliary fan controller further has an indicator for
displaying activation status of the temporary cycle.
[0018] A ventilation system includes a fan, a main fan controller,
and an auxiliary fan controller. The main fan controller has
circuitry for operating the fan on a preset cycle, the preset cycle
having a preset speed for a preset time. The main fan controller is
associated with a first space having a first ventilation port in
communication with the fan. The auxiliary fan controller is
associated with a second space having a second ventilation port in
communication with the fan. Each of the main fan controller and
auxiliary fan controller has circuitry for operating the fan on a
temporary cycle having a temporary time. Each of the main fan
controller and auxiliary fan controller further includes a push
button for activating the temporary cycle and an indicator for
displaying activation status of the temporary cycle. The main fan
controller may further include a slide adjuster for setting the
preset speed. Also, the main fan controller may further include a
slide adjuster for setting the preset time.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] Preferred features of the present invention are disclosed in
the accompanying figures, wherein:
[0020] FIG. 1 shows a partially exploded, perspective view of an
exemplary structure with an inline fan connected to ventilation
ports in multiple locations in the structure;
[0021] FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view of an exemplary fan
controller;
[0022] FIG. 3 shows a side perspective view of the speed and time
controls of the exemplary fan controller of FIG. 2;
[0023] FIG. 4 shows a rear perspective view of wiring connections
of the exemplary fan controller of FIG. 2;
[0024] FIG. 5 shows exemplary circuitry of the controller of FIG.
2, including AC-DC converter, power to LED, and power to low
voltage circuits; and
[0025] FIG. 6 shows additional exemplary circuitry of the
controller of FIG. 2, including a microprocessor circuit, duty
cycle interval set, AC power to fan, programming inputs, a fan
boost circuit, fan boost override main and auxiliary, fan reduced
voltage control, and fan boost voltage control.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] While the exemplary embodiment described below involves fan
controllers used with an inline fan, it should be understood that
the fan controllers instead may be used with other types of fans
such as a roof or exterior wall mount fan. Thus, where reference is
made herein to an inline fan, the description also applies to other
types of fans.
[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, fan controllers for a fan such
as an inline fan are disposed in multiple locations in a
residential setting, as shown for example in FIG. 1. However, it
should be noted that the fan controller system described herein may
be used in single or multiple level dwellings as well as in
commercial settings. Multiple inline fans may be present or
alternatively a single inline fan may be used in a single
location.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, a structure 10 has a first room 12,
which for example may be a master bath located on a first floor,
and includes a first ventilation exhaust port 14 with a main fan
controller 16. A second room 18, which for example may be a laundry
room also located on the first floor, includes a second ventilation
exhaust port 20 with an auxiliary fan controller 22. A third room
24, which for example may be another bathroom located on a floor
different from the master bath, includes a third ventilation
exhaust port 26 with an auxiliary fan controller 28. Ducting 30
connects ports 14, 20, 26, and the multiport design includes a
single inline fan 32 (e.g., a centralized inline whole house fan)
that services all of rooms 12, 18, 24. In the exemplary embodiment
as shown, the single inline fan 32 is disposed remote from the
three rooms, for example in an attic 34, proximate an exhaust
region 36 at the roof level of the dwelling. Fan 32 thus
facilitates withdrawal of air from each of the three rooms 12, 18,
24, through the ductwork 30, and out the exhaust region 36 at the
roof level.
[0029] The main fan controller 16 and auxiliary fan controllers 22,
28 may be placed, for example, in areas of the home where specific
ventilation rates are required such as in baths, a kitchen, a
laundry, or a workshop.
[0030] In an alternative embodiment, single or dual inlet fans may
be used instead of a centralized inline whole house fan.
[0031] Turning to FIG. 2, an exemplary embodiment of a main fan
controller 16 is shown. Controller 16 may be used to regulate fan
speed and run time for intermittent or continuous ventilation, the
settings being user selectable to provide the required amount of
ventilation to fit the needs and lifestyle of the homeowners. The
controller includes a faceplate 38 with a touch pad region 40 that
serves as a contact switch, an LED illumination region 42, fan
speed control 44, fan timer control 46, and mounting holes 48 for
mounting in a standard single or multiple gang electrical box.
Mounting holes 50 also are provided for coupling the fan controller
for example to a Decora-style coverplate (not shown). In the
exemplary embodiment, the auxiliary fan controller includes the
features of the main fan controller 16 such as the faceplate 38,
touch pad region 40, LED illumination region 42, and mounting holes
48, 50, but not the fan speed and timer controls 44, 46,
respectively, which are only provided with the main fan controller
16. Thus, the fan controller 16 shown in FIG. 2 also represents
auxiliary fan controllers 22, 28 as described.
[0032] In the exemplary embodiment, a single fan 32 may be
controlled from multiple points, for example using the main fan
controller 16 and auxiliary fan controllers 22, 28. For example,
all of the main fan controller 16 and auxiliary fan controllers 22,
28 are connected such that when a user presses the touch pad 40 on
any one of the main and auxiliary fan controller faceplates 38, a
blue LED light illuminates on all of the faceplates 38 and the
remote-mounted inline exhaust fan 32 may run for example at high
speed for 20 minutes (e.g., a high speed boost) or another preset
timespan. While the exemplary embodiment includes two auxiliary fan
controllers 22, 28, a single auxiliary fan controller or more than
two auxiliary fan controllers may be used.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, intermittent or continuous ventilation
may be set by a user. The main fan controller 16 for example
includes a timer switch 46 for setting the run-time of fan 32,
e.g., 0, 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes per hour (with the latter of
course providing continuous ventilation). In addition, the main fan
controller 16 for example also includes an "infinite" speed control
switch 44 for adjusting the fan speed from 0 to 100 percent. Again,
a high-speed boost cycle, for example running for 20 minutes (or
alternatively, for example, 15 minutes) can be activated by
pressing the touch pad 40 on the main fan controller 16 or any of
the auxiliary fan controllers 22, 28 when extra ventilation is
needed. Once the high-speed boost cycle has elapsed, operation of
the inline fan 32 returns to the original run-time and speed set on
the main fan controller 16. Switches 46, 44 may include slide
action actuators, as will be described shortly; advantageously,
analog-style duty cycle and speed settings with such switches may
be manually operable and thus do not require user or installer
"programming."
[0034] In some embodiments, the temporary cycle may be at the same
speed as the preset speed. For example, the fan speed may be set to
100% and the duty cycle may be set to 15 minutes. The fan thus may
run at full speed for 15 minutes every hour, and also run at full
speed for 20 minutes whenever a user pushes a controller's push
button/touch pad to activate the boost cycle.
[0035] Thus, the exemplary controller(s) are installed for use with
a remote mounted fan 32 for venting multiple points. The main fan
controller 16 is used to set the number of minutes per hour and the
speed at which the fan 32 will run. The same number of minutes per
hour will repeat throughout the day. The controller 16 can be set
to run the fan continuously at low speed. One or more auxiliary fan
controllers 22, 28 may be disposed in other locations. Once
installed, pushing the pad 38 on either the main fan controller 16
or one of the auxiliary fan controllers 22, 28 will boost the fan
32 to high speed for a preset time, e.g., 20 minutes. An
illuminated region 42 indicates the activation of a boost mode.
Such a fan controller helps builders and homeowners meet the
ventilation requirement of ASHRAE Standard 62.2.
[0036] An exemplary embodiment will next be described, first with
respect to hardware with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0037] The main fan controller 16 is powered by 120Vac (60 Hz) and
the controller 16 is protected from voltage spikes and surges that
may be introduced on the 120Vac inputs. A maximum load of 2.5 amps
(from the fan) is accommodated. As shown in FIG. 5, the 120Vac
input voltage is converted to +12Vdc using rectifiers, regulators,
amplifiers, resistors and capacitors. The +12Vdc is then converted
to +5Vdc by two separate voltage regulators. One of the voltage
regulators provides power to the LEDs on both the main controller
and the auxiliary controller(s). The second voltage regulator
provides +5Vdc to the remaining low voltage circuits of the main
controller.
[0038] Further circuitry is shown in FIG. 6. In particular, a duty
cycle circuit contains a user adjustable potentiometer that
utilizes a slide action actuator. This allows the user to set the
duty cycle from 0 to 60 minutes per hour, in five minute increments
although other increments such as 15 minute increments instead may
be used in some embodiments. The duty cycle circuit utilizes a RC
timing circuit which acts as an input to the microprocessor.
[0039] A fan reduced voltage circuit contains a user adjustable
potentiometer that utilizes a slide action actuator. This allows
the user to set the reduced fan voltage from 30Vac to full voltage.
The microprocessor provides a signal to an optotriac to energize
this circuit when the duty cycle is in the on state and the fan
boost feature has not been engaged. This circuit provides a signal
to an AC power to fan circuit which in turn provides power to the
fan.
[0040] A fan boost voltage circuit provides a signal that drives
the AC power to fan circuit at full voltage. The microprocessor
provides a signal to an optotriac to energize this circuit whenever
the fan boost override has been activated by the user pressing the
"boost button" on either the main or auxiliary controllers. This
boost feature will run for 20 minutes. The fan boost feature can be
deactivated by holding the boost button down for 5 seconds. This
high speed override button (e.g., contact-switch/touchpad 40)
enables the fan 32 to run at full speed for 20 minutes when needed,
for example to vent steam from a bathroom after a shower.
[0041] The circuit that provides AC power to fan 32 is a diac/triac
circuit that is driven by either the reduced fan voltage circuit or
the boost fan voltage circuit.
[0042] When momentarily depressed, the push button (touchpad 40) on
the main or auxiliary fan controllers completes a circuit that
provides an input to the microprocessor to initiate the fan boost
override feature and to illuminate the LED(s) on both the main and
auxiliary controllers. If the push button (e.g., contact-switch
touchpad 40) is depressed and held for 5 seconds the fan boost
override feature and the LED(s) are turned off.
[0043] A CMOS microprocessor (PIC16F630) controls the functions of
the main fan controller 16 and auxiliary fan controllers 22, 28.
The microprocessor signals start and stop of fan 32 on both the
reduced fan voltage duty cycle and the fan boost override
functions. It monitors the status of the push buttons (e.g.,
contact-switchs/touchpads 40) and the user adjustable duty cycle
and reduced fan voltage potentiometers. It also provides a signal
to illuminate the LED(s).
[0044] A variety of software functions are provided in the
exemplary embodiment, as will now be described.
[0045] Read Time Potentiometer: The position of the time
potentiometer is checked at the start of every hour. This sets the
duty cycle of the controller. For example, if the duty cycle is set
to 10 minutes, the fan 32 will be energized at the reduced fan
voltage for 10 continuous minutes every hour.
[0046] Read Motor Potentiometer: The position of the motor
potentiometer is continuously checked. This sets the voltage that
the fan 32 will run at during the on time of the duty cycle. For
example, if the reduced fan voltage is set to 60Vac, the fan 32
will be supplied that voltage during the run portion of the duty
cycle.
[0047] Check Status of Main and Auxiliary Control Switches: If
depressed momentarily, the Fan Boost Override will run for 20
minutes. If depressed for 5 seconds, the Fan Boost Override will be
terminated. If depressed at power up then released, LED(s) will
flash one time for each 5 minute increment that the duty cycle is
set to.
[0048] Duty Cycle and Motor Control: At the start of every hour
(defined by when the unit was initially powered), the on portion of
the duty cycle will initiate if >0. This timing feature requires
no battery backup if power is lost. It will simply resume the duty
cycle timing once power is restored without losing any of the
users' settings.
[0049] Drive the LED(s): The status of the Fan Boost Override
feature is monitored and the LED(s) are illuminated whenever this
feature is active.
[0050] The exemplary embodiment of a fan control is designed to be
used with a fan 32 for example to meet whole-house ventilation
needs. In the exemplary embodiment, the controller enables the fan
32 to run at a preset speed for a preset portion of each hour, 24
hours a day, every day.
[0051] Where a single exhaust fan is ducted to draw air from
multiple locations, for example up to four auxiliary fan controls
may be used with the main fan controller 16. The auxiliary fan
controllers may be installed in secondary bathrooms etc., where
high speed override is required to meet desired ventilation
needs.
[0052] For reasons of safety, power should be switched off at the
service panel before commencing installation. Also, the main fan
controller and auxiliary fan controllers should not be installed
where they can be reached from a tub or a shower. Electrical wiring
should be done by qualified person(s) in accordance with all
applicable codes and standards.
[0053] During an exemplary installation, the main fan controller is
installed in a standard wall box prewired with line and neutral.
Referring for example to FIG. 4, using twist wire connectors,
NEUTRAL should be connected to both the white wire 52 (NEUTRAL) on
the main fan controller 16 and to the neutral terminal on the
remote fan 32. LINE should be connected to the black wire 54 on the
main fan controller 16, while the third, LOAD, blue wire 56 on the
main fan controller 16 should be connected to the LINE terminal on
the remote fan 32. The main fan controller should then be screwed
into the wall box so that it is flush with the wall. Power then can
be restored at the service panel. By sliding both the time and
speed adjusters 46, 44, respectively, to the maximum "on"
positions, power to the remote fan 32 can be verified. The time and
speed adjusters 46, 44, respectively, then can be adjusted to
desired levels and a decorative wall plate (not shown) can be
installed. In the exemplary embodiment, the wall plate is removed
when making adjustments to time and speed.
[0054] In the exemplary embodiment, up to four auxiliary control
units, for example, or other numbers of auxiliary control units
might be installed in addition to one main control unit. Each
auxiliary control unit should be installed in a standard wall box.
Two insulated wires are required to connect the main control unit
to auxiliary control units. Referring to FIG. 4, the positive screw
terminal 58 on the main fan controller 16 is connected to the
positive screw terminal on the auxiliary fan controller, and the
negative screw terminal 60 on the main fan controller 16 also is
connected to the negative screw terminal on the auxiliary fan
controller.
[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, the controller permits an
exhaust fan 32 to start and run once every hour for a preset time
interval, which can range from 0 to 60 minutes. For example, if the
fan-on time (upper slide adjuster) is set at one quarter from the
bottom, the fan will run for 15 minutes every hour at the preset
speed (lower slide adjuster). For temporary full speed operation,
press the button on the front of the control (main or auxiliary).
Fan 32 will run at full speed for 20 minutes and then resume its
normal preset cycle. Full speed is indicated by an illuminated
region 42 on the front of the control panel. To return to the
normal cycle before 20 minutes has elapsed, press and hold the
button for five seconds. To disable the controller and fan, press
and hold the button for 30 seconds. Note that the controller and
fan are not electrically isolated in disable mode. Pressing the
button once resumes normal operation.
[0056] The exemplary fan controller advantageously may provide the
following features: preset speed--infinitely adjustable from 0% to
100%; auto run time (duty cycle)--adjustable in 5 minute increments
from 0 minutes to 60 minutes; manual on at full speed--20 minutes;
maximum load--2.5 amps; .sub.cCSA.sub.us; Decora.TM. Styling; easy
to use slide switch settings; no need for battery backup; and
optional auxiliary controls for additional locations. In some
exemplary embodiments, main fan controller 16 accommodates, for
example, up to 4 auxiliary fan controllers, or alternatively other
numbers of auxiliary fan controllers.
[0057] In addition, protective "ski" style coverings may be
provided over the potentiometers while still permitting them to
function over their entire operating range.
[0058] While various descriptions of the present invention are
described above, it should be understood that the various features
can be used singly or in any combination thereof. Therefore, this
invention is not to be limited to only the specifically preferred
embodiments depicted herein. For example, the main fan controller
described herein could also be used to control a ceiling insert fan
(typical bath fan).
[0059] Further, it should be understood that variations and
modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention may
occur to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains.
Accordingly, all expedient modifications readily attainable by one
versed in the art from the disclosure set forth herein that are
within the scope and spirit of the present invention are to be
included as further embodiments of the present invention. The scope
of the present invention is accordingly defined as set forth in the
appended claims.
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