Patent ID: 8016205
Filing Date: 2011-09-13
Classification: G01N,Y02A

Abstract:
1. A thermostat comprising: a housing having at least one peripheral edge that includes an opening for providing access to an interior space of the thermostat; an access cover for covering said opening, said access cover being removably attached to the thermostat to permit access to the interior space of the thermostat; a circuit board associated with a carbon monoxide sensor circuit having a connector thereon, the circuit board being disposed within the interior space of the thermostat; a replaceable carbon monoxide sensor configured to be connected to said connector, and to provide a measurable output that is indicative of the level of carbon monoxide gas in the ambient air surrounding the thermostat, where the replaceable carbon monoxide sensor provides a measurable output that changes substantially with continuous use of the sensor over time, said replaceable carbon monoxide sensor being configured to be removably inserted through said opening; a battery that applies a voltage to said replaceable carbon monoxide sensor, said battery being configured to be removably inserted through said opening into the interior space of said thermostat; a microprocessor disposed on a circuit board within the interior space of the thermostat, the circuit board being configured to establish an electrical connection with said replaceable carbon monoxide sensor and said battery, said microprocessor being configured to activate a continuous audible alarm to indicate an emergency upon detecting a sensor output that is indicative of a harmful level of carbon monoxide gas, wherein the microprocessor is configured to monitor use of the replaceable carbon monoxide sensor and to activate an intermittent audible service alarm when the replaceable carbon monoxide sensor has exceeded a predetermined duration of use, to thereby prompt a user to remove the access cover and replace the replaceable carbon monoxide sensor with a new replaceable carbon monoxide sensor; a control circuit of the thermostat; and a lever positioned within the interior space of the thermostat in a manner such that the lever is displaced when said replaceable carbon monoxide sensor and said battery are inserted through said opening, where the displacement of the lever establishes an electrical connection with the control circuit of the thermostat; wherein the thermostat enables operation of a heating system only when an electrical connection is established with the control circuit, so as to prevent operation of said heating system unless said replaceable carbon monoxide sensor and said battery have been inserted within said thermostat, to thereby ensure that said heating system is operated only when said replaceable carbon monoxide sensor is present.