Abstract:
The invention is directed to temperature control system in which a programmable controller may be programmed to control a thermal output of said temperature-modifying device having a power connector. The programmable temperature control system may include at least one power coupler for removeably engaging the power connector from the temperature-modifying device. The programmable controller may be electrically coupled to the at least one power coupler and programmed to control the operation of the at least one temperature modifying device in response to the comparison of a measured temperature with at least one set point temperature. The power coupler may comprise one or more electrical outlets on the programmable temperature control system, for example, that may be used to individually control heating and cooling devices. The power controller may also include an power coupler for removeably engaging a power supply, such as an electrical outlet.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The field of the invention is that of programmable thermostats for controlling a heating and/or cooling system, and more particularly to a removable programmable thermostats for air conditioning and heating systems. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   It has been a longstanding problem in the heating and cooling of homes and offices to efficiently regulate the ambient temperature to maintain the desired comfort level, while minimizing the amount of energy expended by the heating/cooling apparatus. The heating/cooling needs of a home or office are not constant over time and may, in fact, vary substantially depending on the time of day or day of the week. Conventional mechanical thermostats have been highly inefficient in this regard due to the fact that only one set temperature could be maintained. 
   In response to this, programmable (digital) thermostats were developed in the prior art that allowed for the programming of one or more set points for the thermostat, such as based upon the time of day or day of the week. These programmable thermostats utilize a microprocessor into which the user inputs the desired temperature setting information by way of a keypad or some other arrangement of buttons and switches. 
   Typically, these programmable thermostats are connected to an temperature-modifying device used to control an entire structure, such as residential or commercial heating ventilation and air conditioning (“HVAC”) systems, geothermal systems, gas, natural gas, or electric furnaces or water heaters, etc. The thermostat is typically connected to these temperature modifying systems via low voltage control wires, that are used to power a relay, turning the system on or off based upon the programming of the thermostat. 
   However, in many situations a localized temperature-modifying device such as a stand alone air conditioner or a space heater may be used to heat or cool one particular room or area. Many of these localized systems have the significant disadvantage that they are not programmable, and cannot take advantage of the energy efficiency and controllability that programmable thermostats offer. These localized temperature-modifying devices typically have just a temperature sensor and a switch, which actuates the heating/cooling unit in the event the sensed temperature falls/rises beyond the set point temperature. 
   Accordingly, a programmable temperature control system is needed that may be used with one or more of such systems to provide them with the benefits in reduced energy costs and controllability of other temperature control systems. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Embodiments of the invention may include a system for programmable temperature control in which a programmable controller may be programmed to control a thermal output of a temperature-modifying device having a power connector. In one embodiment, the programmable temperature control system may include at least one power coupler for removeably engaging the power connector from the temperature-modifying device. The programmable controller may be electrically coupled to the at least one power coupler and programmed to control the operation of the at least one temperature modifying device in response to the comparison of a measured temperature with at least one set point temperature. 
   The power coupler may comprise one or more electrical outlets on the programmable temperature control system, for example, that may be used to individually control heating and cooling devices. The power controller may also include a power coupler for removeably engaging a power supply, such as an electrical outlet. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The foregoing and other aspects and advantages will be better understood from the following detailed description of the invention with reference to the drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a programmable thermostat in accordance with aspects of the invention; 
       FIGS. 2(   a ) and  2 ( b ) are front and side elevations, respectively, of a programmable thermostat in accordance with aspects of the invention; and 
       FIGS. 3(   a )–( b ) are a schematic of a programmable thermostat. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   The invention will be understood more fully from the detailed description given below and from the accompanying drawings of the preferred embodiments of the invention; which, however, should not be taken to limit the invention to a specific embodiment, but are for explanation and understanding only. 
     FIG. 1  contains a block diagram of an embodiment of a programmable thermostat. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the invention is not limited thereto and may comprise any device or configuration of components capable of operating in the manner of the invention. In the embodiment disclosed herein, information regarding the desired set point temperature, date, or time for each program may be inputted to thermostat  101  by the user through input device  102  in interface  103 . Interface  103  may be connected to a programming device  104  of controller  105  in such a way that programming device  104  receives information inputted at input device  102 , and may display this information on display device  106 . 
   Controller  105  may also be removeably engaged to one or more temperature-modifying devices  107 , which are typically a localized heating or cooling system for the medium whose temperature is being controlled, such as a stand alone air conditioner, space heater, etc., Temperature-modifying devices  107  are not particularly limited, however, and may comprise any devices capable of being removeably connected to thermostat  101  through one or more power couplers  120 . Power couplers  120  may comprise any mechanism for allowing thermostat  101  to be removeably engaged to temperature-modifying devices  107 , such as a conventional plug and electrical outlet, male and female connectors, etc. 
   Because thermostat  101  is removeably connected to power supply  111 , it has the significant advantage that it may be easily moved by the user from location to location, enabling it to be used with different temperature modifying devices at different times. 
   Programmable device  104  may store the information received from input device  102  in memory  108 , along with an algorithm or program for controlling the operation of each temperature-modifying device  107  in accordance with this information. For example, in one embodiment, one power coupler  120  may be designated for a heating device, while another may be designated for a cooling device. Programmable device  104  may be programmed to activate the heating device during certain times of the year or under certain conditions, and may similarly be programmed to activate the cooling device. 
   Alternatively, programmable device  104  may be programmed to operate all of power couplers  120  during the time intervals, but to maintain the temperature within a certain range. For example, a heating device may be activated through one power coupler when the temperature drops below a set point temperature, while a cooling unit may be activated through another power coupler  120  if the temperature rises above a certain set point temperature. These are just some examples of the possible programming of the thermostat, and the invention is not limited as to the number and types of programs possible. 
   Programming device  104  may comprise any device capable of operating in the manner of the invention, such as a logic circuit on a logic board, a microprocessor, or other integrated circuit. Similarly, memory  108  may comprise electronic memory, such as RAM, SRAM, or DRAM, and the like, in an integrated circuit, such as a PROM, EPROM, or EEPROM and the like. Memory  108  may also form part of programming device  104 . Display device  106  is also not particularly limited and may comprise, for example, an electronic display, such as an LCD, LED, and the like. Input device  102  may include pressure sensitive buttons, keypads, or any other device or arrangement of devices that are capable of entering the appropriate information. The operation of such devices is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
   A comparison device  109  may be used to compare ambient temperature of the medium to be controlled with the desired control temperature, as determined by programming device  104  and stored in memory  108 . Comparison device  109  may detect the current ambient temperature by using a conventional temperature-sensing device, such as a thermistor, thermocouple, or other type of temperature transducer. 
   A clock  110  may be connected with programming device  104  in order to provide time related information thereto for use in connection with the operation of programming device  104  and its program of temperature control. Time related information from clock  110  may also be stored in memory  108  and shown on display  106 . Clock  110  may comprise any device for providing time related information, such as a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), crystal oscillator, and the like, along with associated circuitry. The time related information provided by clock  110  is not limited and may comprise, for example, chronological time information, such as year, month, day, hour, minutes, and/or seconds, or synchronization information for programming device  104  (which may be used to calculate this information). Clock  110  may also form a part of programming device  104 . 
   One or more remote sensors  112  may be used in communication with controller  105 , such as to provide feedback information to programming device  104 , such as temperature and humidity, or any environment-related information. Information may be transmitted to and from the sensor using any number of mechanisms, such as wireless systems (e.g., radio frequency or infrared), low voltage communication cabling, or even using household wiring. The invention is not limited in this regard. 
   The operation of controller  105  and/or interface  103  may be powered by power supply  111 . Power supply  111  is not particularly limited, but may comprise any source of power capable of operating controller  105  and interface  103 , such as household current (e.g., 120 v AC at 60 Hz). Power supply  111  may be removeably engaged to controller  105  through power coupler  122 . As with power coupler  120 , power coupler  122  may comprise any mechanism for allowing thermostat  101  to be removeably engaged to power supply  111 , such as a conventional plug and electrical outlet, male and female connectors, etc. 
     FIGS. 2(   a )–( b ) also illustrate an example of a programmable thermostat in accordance with aspects of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 2(   a ), thermostat  200  may include an outer casing  202  to house the aforementioned components. Display window  204  maybe used for housing display  106  ( FIG. 1)  for interaction with the user. Switches  206  maybe used for switching between heating and cooling modes, or for switching an air handling fan from automatic mode to a constant “on” mode. Buttons  213  may further be used for inputting information into the thermostat, with information being presented through display window  204 . Switches  206  and buttons  213  may be in communication with input device  102  ( FIG. 1 ) for inputting information into the programmable thermostat. Of course, these aspects of programmable thermostats temperature control are well known in the art and will not be further elaborated upon here. 
   Thermostat  200  may also include rotary dial  212 , or some other mechanism, for switching between operation modes of the thermostat, such as the setting of the day and time, setting weekday and weekend functions, setting the filter, and running, and may also be in communication with input device  102  ( FIG. 1 ). Of course, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that it is not necessary to use a rotary dial and that any other mechanism, such as a combination of switches and buttons may be used to achieve the functionality described herein. 
   In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2(   a ), thermostat  200  may be connected to one or more temperature-modifying devices via one or more electrical power connectors  220 . As shown in  FIG. 2(   a ), in one embodiment, a power connector  220  may comprise power cord  226 , which is terminated in plug  224 , having conductive prongs  222 . Power connectors  220  may be inserted into one or more outlets  228  on thermostat  200 . Outlets  228  may be electrically connected to controller  105  ( FIG. 1)  in a conventional manner, so that controller  105  may control the flow of power to the temperature-modifying devices in accordance with the programming of programmable device  104  ( FIG. 1 ), as previously discussed. 
   As shown in  FIG. 2(   b ), thermostat  200 , in turn, may be removeably connected to a source of power (e.g., power supply  111 — FIG. 1)  via power connector  230 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2(   b ), power connector  230  may comprise conductive prongs  232 , which may be electrically connected to controller  105  ( FIG. 1)  of thermostat  200  in a conventional manner. Conductive prongs  230  may be configured, for example, for insertion into an electrical outlet  240 , which may include one or electrical receptacles  242 . In a typical configuration, outlet  240  may be mounted in a wall  250  and covered with a faceplate  244 , as shown. 
   A schematic an embodiment of a controller  105  of the invention for use with the aforementioned temperature control, fan control, and filter usage counter is illustrated in  FIGS. 3(   a )–( b ). As shown in  FIGS. 3(   a )–( b ), a microprocessor may be powered by a DC power board, and, in turn, power an LCD display. The microprocessor may have a plurality of outputs to individual segments on the LCD display for outputting information thereto to be viewed by the user. The microprocessor may also include the plurality of inputs/outputs to a temperature modifying device and to a series of switches (e.g., next, hold, down, and up). One of these switches SW 2 , may be selectable in this example, between a weekday program, a weekend program, date and time selection, setting the fan control information, and running or operating the thermostat. By selecting one of these positions in SW 2 , the user may designate which aspect of the programming (e.g., temperature control, etc.) setting may be inputted into the microprocessor using the remaining switches. Of course, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that this is only one possible embodiment of the invention and is not limited thereto. 
   While the invention as disclosed herein has been described in relation to specific embodiments thereof, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed herein, but only as set forth in the appended claims. It will be appreciated that various components known to those of skill in the art may be substituted for those described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. For example, the input device may include a pressure keypad or a series of contact switches instead of the pressure switches disclosed herein. The display device may also include an LED display or other illuminated display mechanisms, or any of a number of conventional mechanical display mechanisms such as gauges or the like. The invention may be used in connection with any device that controls temperature.