AUTOMATED TEMPERATURE CONTROL OF HEATING RADIATORS

Embodiments are disclosed of a radiator temperature control apparatus for controlling the heat output of a radiator. The radiator temperature control apparatus may include an airtight enclosure around the air outlet of the radiator air vent, an adjustable opening in the airtight enclosure controlled by an actuator, and a controller connected to the actuator. In operation, the controller can be configured to open the adjustable opening in the airtight enclosure allowing air in the radiator to be expelled through the adjustable opening, thereby allowing steam to enter the radiator, and heat the room. The controller can be configured to close the adjustable opening, stopping air from being expelled from the radiator, thereby stopping additional steam from entering the radiator.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to systems and methods for automation, monitoring, and control of pre-existing heating systems, namely steam heating systems.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to the automation, monitoring, and control of pre-existing heating systems. As is known in the art, control systems for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems have been evolving—from simple mechanical thermostats to wirelessly controlled “smart” devices. This evolution has allowed for home owners, landlords, and tenants to have greater control of their energy usage and better customize and control the comfort of their spaces.

These new “smart” devices typically replace an older iteration of a similar product (ex. a “smart” thermostat replaces a mechanical thermostat). These new devices are also typically hard wired or plumbed into existing HVAC systems, and in many cases, require advanced skill (ex. trained electrician/licensed plumber) to install the technology properly.

Modern central heating systems, in general, typically fall into three categories: forced hot air, hot water, and steam. Typically, forced hot air systems rely on a central furnace and a system of ducts to heat and deliver the warmed air. Typically, hot water systems rely on a central boiler and a system of pipes and radiators and/or convectors to deliver hot water; that hot water emits heat warming the space. Typically, steam systems also rely on a central boiler and a system of pipes and radiators and/or convectors to deliver steam; that steam emits heat warming the space.

Steam systems have two typical configurations: two pipe, and one pipe.

In a two-pipe system, steam is delivered to the radiators through pipes. Each radiator has two pipes connected to it. One pipe delivers the hot steam from the boiler. As the heat in the steam is transferred to the room, the water vapor condenses. That condensed water flows through the second pipe connected to the radiator and flows back to the boiler.

In a one-pipe system, steam is delivered to the radiators through pipes. Each radiator has only one pipe connected to it. As the heat in the steam is transferred to the room, the water vapor condenses. That condensed water flows through the same pipe system back to the boiler.

Air is present within a one-pipe steam system. As steam is created in the boiler and flows to the radiators, the air in the system is pushed out through a series of vents. The vents are calibrated to allow the release of air, but trap the steam within the radiator. These vents allow the expulsion of the air in the system, which is required to allow the steam to flow and fill the radiator.

The vents are located on each radiator and also on locations throughout the main pipe system. If the vent is forced closed or blocked, the steam will not flow, and the radiator will not heat the room.

One pipe steam systems are typically controlled by one thermostat or a series of thermostats (central thermostat control). In some configurations when a series of thermostats is used in different rooms and/or on different floors, the thermostats may deliver the average temperature of the building to the boiler control. The thermostat(s) control the production of steam in the boiler. When steam is produced in the boiler, it flows freely through the pipe system to the radiators.

Over- and under-heating is common in one pipe steam systems. The thermostat delivers only one area's temperature to the boiler, which becomes the only area influencing the activation of the boiler and the flow of steam. Multiple factors throughout a building, such as doors and windows or occupants and use, cause the temperature in a building vary greatly from one room/floor to another, making a singular thermostat or a series of thermostats imprecise at controlling the heating of a building.

For example, a room with many energy inefficient windows which also contains the one thermostat for the building may activate the boiler more frequently because the inefficient windows cause the temperature in the space to be lower. In the same building, a second room, with energy efficient windows, will have its radiator release heat based on the frequent activation of the thermostat in the first room, causing overheating.

Proper balancing of a system may mitigate some of the temperature disparities throughout the building. This balancing calibrates the system taking into account the differences among rooms/floors to deliver steam heat in a more balanced way. While this may address some of the inefficiencies in the distribution of the heat, the environmental factors within a building often change (such as an open window). Each change would require a new balancing exercise. Additionally, steam systems are extremely prevalent in large pre-war multifamily buildings. The balancing of these buildings can be easily disrupted by one tenant opening a window, or another tenant using the oven, rendering the system balancing ineffective.

Multifamily landlords are typically required by law to deliver a minimum level of heating to their tenants. In order to deliver the minimum level of heating to all tenants, the landlord will often deliver an excess of heat to the overall system in order to meet the minimum level of heating in the coldest unit (ex. a unit on the bottom floor with many inefficient windows and a drafty front door). This causes an overheating of the other units because the system is calibrated to deliver heat based on the coldest unit. Many tenants in the overheated units will open windows to regulate the temperature of their units causing a significant waste of the heat.

Control devices which provide localized control of each radiator exist. Specifically, these devices are Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRV). These TRVs use room temperature to actuate the radiator vent. The actuation of the vent allows for control of the release of air, thus limiting the flow of steam and thus controlling the heat of the room. These TRVs require the replacement of the existing radiator vent. Modifying a radiator may be intimidating to the average home owner or tenant, and further many tenants would be prohibited from making these modifications to a rental unit.

Therefore, a need exists for a control system and mechanism which allows for control of individual radiators without modification or replacement to components of the existing heating system. There is a further need for such a system that can be easily applied to a variety of radiator types and brands.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to an apparatus that allows users to remotely or programmatically control heating radiators. The apparatus comprises an airtight enclosure around the air outlet of a radiator air vent, an adjustable opening in said airtight enclosure, an actuator configured to open and close said adjustable opening, and a controller coupled to the actuator.

The apparatus encloses the radiator air vent such that the air outlet of the radiator air vent is sealed within the airtight enclosure of the apparatus. The controller controls the actuator coupled to the adjustable opening in the airtight enclosure. The adjustable opening regulates the flow of air out the airtight enclosure. For the radiator to fill with steam and heat a space, the existing air within the radiator must be expelled through the radiator air vent. The present invention fully encloses the air outlet of the radiator air vent and thus controls the air being expelled from the radiator. To allow steam to enter the radiator and heat the room, the controller, using the actuator, opens the adjustable opening. To stop steam from entering the radiator, the controller, using the actuator, closes the adjustable opening.

In some embodiments, a radiator temperature control apparatus is provided comprising a first housing for enclosing at least a portion of a radiator air vent and a second housing independent of the first housing.

The first housing has a sealing mechanism for forming a seal about an air outlet of the radiator air vent, an internal chamber formed within the first housing and sealed at least partially by the sealing mechanism, and a fluid outlet in a wall of the internal chamber.

The second housing has a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a fluid path between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The second housing also has an adjustable blockage for preventing fluid entering the second housing at the fluid inlet from exiting the second housing at the fluid outlet and an actuator for opening and closing the blockage;

When applied to a radiator air vent, the first housing encloses at least a portion of the radiator air vent, and the second housing is fixed to the first housing such that the fluid outlet of the first housing is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet of the second housing.

In some embodiments, the sealing mechanism of the first housing is a gasket for sealing against the radiator air vent and forming the internal chamber. The first housing may then further comprise a retainer for compressing the radiator air vent against the gasket to form a seal. The retainer in such an embodiment may be a plunger, and a portion of the radiator air vent may then be sandwiched between the plunger and the gasket.

Where the first housing is configured to house a bullet or cylindrical shaped vent, the first housing may be substantially cylindrical and have a side opening for accommodating an inlet of the radiator air vent.

In some embodiments, the blockage of the second housing may be an obstruction in the fluid path which may be closable by the actuator. In some embodiments, the second housing may further comprise a fluid chamber, and the fluid inlet deposits fluid into the fluid chamber. The blockage may then be a membrane for sealing a terminal end of the fluid inlet, and the actuator may then comprise a shaft for applying a force to seal the membrane against the terminal end.

In some embodiments, the radiator temperature control apparatus may comprise a pressure sensor for detecting pressure within the fluid path. For example, the pressure sensor may detect pressure in the fluid path between the fluid inlet and the blockage. Such a pressure sensor may be in the fluid path, or it may be located outside the fluid path and may detect pressure in the fluid path by way of a pressure probe.

In some embodiments, the radiator temperature control apparatus may further comprise a controller for controlling the actuator, where the controller receives pressure information from the pressure sensor and ambient temperature information from a space to be heated by the radiator. The controller may then cause the actuator to open the blockage if the ambient temperature is below a set temperature threshold and the pressure information indicates a pressure above a threshold pressure within the fluid path.

In some embodiments, the second housing further comprises a microphone or an air flow sensor for detecting air flow in the fluid path. Such detection may be for air flow between the blockage and the fluid outlet. In such an embodiment, a controller may receive air flow information from the microphone or air flow sensor and ambient temperature information from a space to be heated by the radiator. The controller may then cause the actuator to close the blockage if the ambient temperature is above a set temperature threshold and the air flow information indicates air flow within the fluid path.

In some embodiments, when the actuator applies an actuation pressure to close the blockage, it is limited to a limiting pressure. The limiting pressure is greater than the actuation pressure. In order to implement such a limiting pressure, the actuator may comprise a bracing element and an actuation tip, and the actuation tip may be moved relative to the bracing element to apply the actuation pressure to close the blockage.

In some embodiments, the actuator may have a spring for locating the bracing element, the spring having a spring force substantially equal to the limiting pressure. The actuation pressure is then applied by increasing a distance between the bracing element and the actuation tip, and the bracing element is fixed relative to the blockage by the spring at pressures below the limiting pressure. The bracing element moves against the spring at pressures above the limiting pressure.

In some embodiments, the actuation tip is moved relative to the bracing element by way of a leadscrew. The bracing element may then comprise a motor for rotating the leadscrew.

In some embodiments, the actuator may comprise an actuator housing having a first end, an actuation end, and an actuation tip adjacent the actuation end, and a bracing element adjacent the first end. The bracing element is then spaced apart from the first end by a spring, and actuation pressure is applied by the actuation tip relative to the bracing element.

In some embodiments, once applied to a radiator vent, the first housing does not move during use and the actuator of the second housing controls fluid flow through the fluid outlet of the first housing.

In some embodiments, the second housing further comprises a controller for instructing the actuator to open or close the blockage and a wireless communications interface for communications between the controller and at least one of a remote server, a remote user interface, and one or more temperature sensors, disposed outside of the second housing and configured to record ambient temperature data and transmit such data to the controller.

In some embodiments, a system is provided for controlling a radiator, the system having an interchangeable first housing for enclosing at least a portion of a radiator air vent and a second housing independent of the first housing.

The second housing has a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a fluid path between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The second housing further comprises a blockage for preventing fluid entering the second housing at the fluid inlet from exiting the second housing at the fluid outlet and an actuator for opening and closing the blockage.

The interchangeable first housing is one of several potential first housings and is selected to conform to a particular radiator air vent. When applied to a radiator air vent, the first housing encloses at least a portion of the air vent, and the second housing is fixed to the first housing such that a fluid outlet of the first housing is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet of the second housing.

In some embodiments, once applied to a radiator vent, the first housing does not move during use, and the actuator in the second housing controls fluid flow through the first housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure describes the best mode or modes of practicing the invention as presently contemplated. This description is not intended to be understood in a limiting sense, but provides an example of the invention presented solely for illustrative purposes by reference to the accompanying drawings to advise one of ordinary skill in the art of the advantages and construction of the invention. In the various views of the drawings, like reference characters designate like or similar parts.

Various embodiments are disclosed herein of novel apparatus and methods for controlling the heat output of a radiator. Some but not all embodiments are disclosed in the text of this section and the accompanying drawings. The following description and drawings are illustrative of the present invention and should not be viewed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Various additional embodiments not described herein may include different configurations, materials, and/or combinations of the described embodiments and fall within the scope of the present invention. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy legal requirements.

The present invention is an apparatus which allows for the remote and/or programmatic regulation of the flow of air out of an air outlet of a radiator air vent, thus regulating the flow of steam into a radiator, and therefore controlling the heating of a room. The apparatus encloses the air outlet of a radiator air vent and does not replace the radiator air vent, thus eliminating the need for modifications to the heating system.

FIG. 1is a diagrammatic example of a radiator temperature control apparatus104used to control the heat in room100emitted from a radiator102. In embodiments, a one-pipe steam radiator102has an air vent108, and the air vent has an air outlet130. In embodiments, the radiator temperature control apparatus104contains an airtight enclosure106around the air outlet130the air vent108, an actuator114, a controller116, and an adjustable opening118. The actuator114may be coupled to the adjustable opening118. The controller116may be coupled to the actuator114.

In embodiments, an actuator114within the radiator temperature control apparatus104is provided. The actuator114controls the adjustable opening118regulating the release of air within the airtight enclosure106. In embodiments, the adjustable opening118maintains the airtight seal of the airtight enclosure106around the air outlet130when closed, and when open, the airtight seal of the airtight enclosure106is broken and the air within the airtight enclosure106can escape through the adjustable opening118.

In embodiments, the radiator temperature control apparatus includes a controller116to handle the logic required to control the actuator114. Additionally, the controller may handle scheduling and to run calculations and/or algorithms used to better customize and control the regulation of heat within the room.

In some embodiments, the airtight enclosure106may enclose part or all of the radiator air vent108. In some embodiments, the airtight enclosure106may enclose only the air outlet130. In some embodiments, the airtight enclosure106is created using closed cell foam to provide an airtight seal around the air outlet130and/or air vent108. In some embodiments, an elastic sleeve is rolled over the air vent108to create the airtight enclosure106around the air outlet130.

For radiator102to fill with steam and release heat, the air contained in the radiator needs to be expelled through the air outlet130of air vent108. If the air outlet130of the air vent108is enclosed by an airtight enclosure106, the air in the radiator102cannot be expelled, and steam will not flow into the radiator102, and the radiator will not heat the room100. If the actuator114opens the adjustable opening118, the airtight seal is broken. When the adjustable opening118is open, air in the radiator102can be expelled through the air outlet130and then flow through the adjustable opening118; this allows steam to flow into the radiator102, thus heating the room100.

In some embodiments, the present invention may include one or more wireless communication interfaces128. Various embodiments of wireless communication interfaces may be provided including but not limited to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low energy, Z-wave, and/or Zigbee. The radiator temperature control apparatus104can also receive control information from remote servers and/or devices through a wireless communication channel150and/or through the internet152. The wireless communication may allow for remote and/or scheduled control of the radiator temperature control apparatus104.

In some embodiments, the wireless communication interface128allows for remote calculations and/or algorithms to be performed based on information sent from the radiator temperature control apparatus104to a remote server and/or device connected to the internet152. These remote algorithms and/or calculation are performed to better customize and control the regulation of heat within the room100. These remote algorithms and/or calculations may directly control the radiator temperature control apparatus104and/or may update the configuration and/or control logic on the controller116.

In some embodiments, the radiator temperature control apparatus104may include one or more environmental sensors110and/or112. Environmental sensors110are outside of the airtight enclosure and measure the ambient environment; environmental sensors112are within and/or are configured to measure the environment within the airtight enclosure106. These sensors may include temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and/or air flow sensors. The environmental sensors may be coupled with the controller116via a communication channel. In some embodiments, the environmental sensors may be connected to the internet152and/or remote devices and/or servers using the wireless communication interface128via a wireless communication channel150.

In some embodiments, environmental sensors112include air flow sensors. The air flow sensors are coupled to the air outlet130of the air vent108and/or airtight enclosure106to determine if air is flowing from the air outlet130.

In some embodiments, environmental sensors112include pressure sensors. The pressure sensors may be located within enclosure106. In operation, with the adjustable opening118closed, as air flows from the air outlet130of the air vent108, the pressure inside enclosure106will change; this pressure change will be detected by the pressure sensor112.

In some embodiments, environmental sensors110and/or112include temperature sensors. Temperature sensors110are used to determine the ambient temperature of the room100and temperature sensors112are used to determine the temperature within the airtight enclosure106.

In some embodiments, in operation, if the environmental sensors110indicate that the room100has a temperature below a given set point, the controller116will open the adjustable opening118by controlling the actuator114. When the adjustable opening118is open, air can flow from the radiator102out of the air outlet130of the air vent108, allowing steam to fill the radiator102.

In some embodiments, the wireless communication interface128allows the radiator temperature control apparatus104to send information from sensors110and/or112and the status of actuator114to remote servers and/or devices connected to the internet152and/or through a wireless communication channel150.

In some embodiments, the radiator temperature control apparatus104provides a local user interface135. This may include buttons for input to alter set points and/or other configurations on the controller116. Additionally, this may include a display to show information on the current configuration as well as information from the environmental sensors.

In some embodiments, the radiator temperature control apparatus104with a wireless communication interface128can connect to remote servers and/or devices through the internet152and/or via wireless communication channel150. This connectivity allows the radiator temperature control apparatus104to be controlled by websites, web applications, and mobile applications.

In some embodiments, a remote sensing and control unit120is provided. In some embodiments, the remote sensing and control unit120contains a temperature sensor124to relay the ambient room temperature to the remote sensing and control unit controller126, the radiator temperature control apparatus controller116, and/or a remote server and/or device connected to the internet152and/or via a wireless communication channel150. In some embodiments, the remote sensing and control unit120contains a wireless communication interface128. In some embodiments, the remote sensing and control unit120contains a controller126to handle scheduling and to run calculations and/or algorithms used to better customize and control the regulation of heat within the room100.

In some embodiments, the remote sensing and control unit120acts as a bridge between the internet152and the radiator temperature control apparatus104. The remote sensing and control unit may have multiple wireless communication interfaces128. In some embodiments, one wireless communication interface128connects to the internet152and another wireless communication interface128connects to the radiator temperature control apparatus104. The controller126of the remote sensing and control unit120may relay the information between the two wireless communication interfaces128.

In some embodiments, the remote sensing and control unit120provides for a local user interface122. This may include buttons for input to alter set points and other configurations in the controller126and/or controller116. Additionally, this may include a display to show information on the current configuration as well as information from the environmental sensors from the radiator temperature control apparatus104and/or the remote sensing and control unit120.

FIGS. 2A-Billustrate an existing one pipe steam radiator200. The one pipe steam radiator200has a radiator valve202, a steam inlet204, and an air vent206. In some embodiments, the radiator temperature control apparatus can control the heat released from radiator200.

FIGS. 3A-Billustrate an existing one pipe steam radiator300with a radiator temperature control apparatus306. In some embodiments, radiator temperature control apparatus306is affixed around the radiator air vent206.

FIG. 4is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of the radiator temperature control apparatus402. In some embodiments, the airtight enclosure414is formed by sealing the portion of the radiator air vent404which contains the air outlet416. In some embodiments the seal418may be created with closed cell foam. In some embodiments, there may be environmental sensors408within the airtight enclosure414configured to measure temperature, pressure, and/or air flow. In some embodiments, there may be environmental sensors406outside of the airtight enclosure414configured to measure the ambient environment. In some embodiments, the airtight enclosure414is extended to connect to the adjustable opening412. The adjustable opening412is controlled by the actuator410.

FIG. 5is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of the radiator temperature control apparatus502. In some embodiments, the airtight enclosure is created by sealing the neck514of the air vent504. In some embodiments the seal508may be created with closed cell foam. The space within the radiator temperature control apparatus502becomes the airtight enclosure518. In some embodiments there may be environmental sensors506within the airtight enclosure518configured to measure temperature, pressure, and/or air flow. In some embodiments, there may be environmental sensors516outside of the airtight enclosure configured to measure the ambient environment. In some embodiments, the adjustable opening520is controlled by the actuator510.

FIG. 6is a flow diagram illustrating an example of operating a radiator temperature control apparatus. At602a controller measures ambient temperature of a room. At604, the controller compares a desired set point to the measured ambient temperature. In some embodiments, the desired set point is preconfigured on the controller. In other embodiments, the user can program a desired set point in the controller.

If the ambient temperature is below the desired set point, at604the radiator temperature control apparatus can open the adjustable opening in the airtight enclosure around the air outlet of radiator air vent606, such that during a heating cycle, the radiator will expel air and fill with steam. At610, the controller can wait for the next sample period and then proceed to602.

If the ambient temperature is not below the desired set point, at604the radiator temperature control apparatus can close the adjustable opening in the enclosure around the radiator air vent608, such that during a heating cycle, the radiator will not expel air and will not fill with steam. At610, the controller can wait for the next sample period and then proceed to602.

FIG. 7is a flow diagram illustrating an example of operating a radiator temperature control apparatus. In this example, the operating of a radiator temperature control apparatus checks to see if heat is being produced before acting on the adjustable opening. At702a controller measures ambient temperature of a room. At704a controller determines if heat is being produced. In some embodiments, the air flow and/or pressure sensors are used to detect if air is trying to and/or is flowing from the air outlet of the radiator air vent. If heat is not being produced, the controller can wait for the next sample period710and then proceed to702. If heat is being produced, at706the controller compares a desired set point to the measured ambient temperature. In some embodiments, the desired set point is preconfigured on the controller. In other embodiments, the user can program a desired set point in the controller.

If the ambient temperature is below the desired set point, at706the radiator temperature control apparatus can open the adjustable opening in the airtight enclosure around the air outlet of the radiator air vent708, such that during a heating cycle, the radiator will expel air and fill with steam. At710, the controller can wait for the next sample period and then proceed to702.

If the ambient temperature is not below the desired set point, at706the radiator temperature control apparatus can close the adjustable opening in the airtight enclosure around the air outlet of the radiator air vent712, such that during a heating cycle, the radiator will not expel air and will not fill with steam. At710, the controller can wait for the next sample period and then proceed to702.

FIG. 8is a flow diagram illustrating an example of operating a radiator temperature control apparatus. At802the controller checks its configuration to see if the configuration is instructing the adjustable opening to open or close. At804, if the controller is instructing the adjustable opening to open, the radiator temperature control apparatus can open the adjustable opening in the airtight enclosure around the air outlet of the radiator air vent806, such that during a heating cycle, the radiator will expel air and fill with steam. At810, the controller can wait for the next sample period and then proceed to802. At804, if the controller is instructing the adjustable opening to close, the radiator temperature control apparatus can close the adjustable opening in the airtight enclosure around the air outlet of the radiator air vent808, such that during a heating cycle, the radiator will not expel air and will not fill with steam. At810, the controller can wait for the next sample period and then proceed to802. In some embodiments, the controller configuration is set by a user, for example, on a programmable schedule. In alternate embodiments, the controller's configuration is set by a remote server and/or device. That remote server and/or device may use various environmental sensors to determine what settings to include in the controller's configuration, for example using external temperature and/or a remote ambient temperature sensor.

In some embodiments, additional steps can be added toFIG. 6, 7, 8to check to see if the adjustable opening is already open or closed before proceeding to open or close the adjustable opening. If the adjustable opening is determined to already be in the desired state, the system will not take action on the actuator and wait for the next sample period.

FIG. 9Ashows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a radiator temperature control apparatus900.FIG. 9Bshows a side view of the radiator temperature control apparatus900ofFIG. 9A, andFIG. 9Cshows a sectioned view of the second embodiment of the radiator temperature control apparatus shown inFIG. 9A.

As shown, the second embodiment of the radiator temperature control apparatus900comprises a first housing910for enclosing at least a portion of a radiator air vent and a second housing920separate from the first housing. The radiator air vent discussed herein is typically an existing radiator air vent of a system to which the radiator temperature control apparatus900discussed herein is being applied. It will be understood that the first housing910and second housing920referred to herein typically comprise an outer housing or casing and various interior components. Accordingly, when referencing the second housing, for example, such reference is not intended to reference only the outer housing of the component.

The first housing910is generally a passive housing that encloses a radiator air vent, as shown below inFIGS. 11A-12B, and comprises a sealing mechanism930for forming a seal about an air outlet of the radiator air vent. When applied to the radiator air vent, an internal chamber940is formed within the first housing910, and the chamber is sealed at least partially by the sealing mechanism930against the radiator air vent. The first housing910may be substantially cylindrical, and may be configured and sized to retain existing radiator air vents that are similarly cylindrical or otherwise axially symmetric.

The first housing further comprises a fluid outlet950in a wall of the internal chamber940through which fluid, such as air, exiting the air outlet of the radiator air vent may exit the first housing910.

The second housing920is independent and separable from the first housing910, and the second housing typically comprises a fluid inlet960, a fluid outlet970, and a fluid path980between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The second housing920further comprises a blockage990for preventing fluid entering the second housing at the fluid inlet960from exiting the housing at the fluid outlet970, and an actuator1000for opening and closing the blockage990.

When the first housing910is applied to a radiator air vent and the second housing920is applied to the first housing, the first housing encloses at least a portion of the radiator air vent, as discussed below, and the second housing is fixed to the first housing such that the fluid outlet950of the first housing is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet960of the second housing.

FIGS. 10A-10Cshow schematic diagrams of three examples of first housings910a, b, cto be used in the embodiment of the radiator temperature control apparatus ofFIG. 9A. As shown, each embodiment provides a sealing mechanism930a, b, c, typically in the form of a gasket, which forms a seal about an existing radiator air vent. Each embodiment further comprises an internal chamber940a, b, cformed when sealed against the radiator air vent by way of the gasket930a, b, c. Each embodiment similarly comprises a fluid outlet950a, b, cthrough which fluid can exit the internal chamber940a, b, c.

As shown inFIGS. 10A-10C, the first housing further comprises a retainer1010a, b, cfor compressing the portion of the radiator air vent contained therein against the corresponding gasket930a, b, c. InFIG. 10A, the retainer1010amay be a second half of the first housing which may be connected to the rest of the first housing910aby way of threading at a cylindrical perimeter of the housing.

As shown inFIG. 10B, the retainer1010bmay be a plunger formed from the base of a compression screw. The compression screw1010bmay be provided with settings, as shown, such that the screw could be set to different locations to accommodate different types of radiator air vents.

As shown inFIG. 10C, the retainer1010cmay be a plunger fixed to a lead screw mechanism for lifting the plunger to a desired location. As such, a base component of the first housing910may be a dial for rotating the lead screw, thereby raising the plunger.

Just as a variety of retainers1010a, b, care contemplated, so too a variety of gaskets930a, b, care contemplated. Similarly, the first housing910a, b, cmay be sealed about the radiator air vent in a variety of ways. Accordingly, while the first housing910a, b, cis shown as fully surrounding the radiator air vent, in some embodiments, only a portion of the radiator air vent is enclosed therein, so long as the internal chamber940a, b, cmay be formed within the first housing.

FIGS. 11A-11Dshow one example of the first housing910used to enclose two distinct existing radiator air vent designs.

Accordingly,FIG. 11Ashows a first housing910to be used in the embodiment of the radiator temperature control apparatus ofFIG. 9Amated with a first example of an existing radiator air vent1100.FIG. 11Bshows a sectioned view of the first housing ofFIG. 11Amated with the first example of an existing radiator air vent. The example shown inFIGS. 11A-11Bis a bullet shaped radiator air vent1100. Such a bullet shaped vent1100is typical of traditional air vent designs, and has a tapered upper edge1110leading to an upwards facing fluid outlet.

As shown, the gasket930of the first housing910forms a seal against the tapered upper edge1110of the bullet shaped vent1100. Accordingly, the upper end of the first housing910combines with the gasket930and the tapered upper edge1110of the vent to form the internal chamber940. An air outlet950, not shown inFIGS. 10A-10B, is therefore the only way for fluid, typically air, leaving the vent1100to leave the internal chamber940.

A bottom portion1120of the first housing is provided to seal the first housing910about the vent1100, and a slot1130is provided in a wall of the first housing910to allow for a vent inlet1140to enter the housing. The bottom portion1120may be fixed to the first housing910in a variety of ways, such as by screwing the component to the first housing, or by a press fit or a spring loaded snap fit. A plunger1010is provided as the retainer discussed above, and is held in place by the lower housing1120. The plunger1010can then be adjusted upwards or downwards along threading1150within the first housing910in order to compress the vent1100against the gasket930, thereby forming a tight seal.

FIG. 11Cshows the first housing910ofFIG. 11Amated with a second example of an existing radiator air vent1160.FIG. 11Dshows a sectioned view of the first housing910ofFIG. 11Amated with the radiator air vent1160shown inFIG. 11C.

As shown, the vent1160is a cylindrical vent, which is a second standard vent design to which the first housing910may be retrofitted. As shown, the vent1160may have a size change in its diameter1170at an upper extremity of the vent body, and the gasket930may then seal against that size change. The upper extremity1180of the vent1160then contains a vent outlet1190.

Accordingly, the upper end of the first housing910combines with the gasket930and the size change1170of the vent1160to form the internal chamber940. Accordingly, the upper extremity1180of the vent1160is contained within the internal chamber940, and an air outlet950, not shown inFIGS. 10C-10D, is the only way for fluid leaving the vent1160to leave the internal chamber940.

As in the case of the bullet shaped vent1100, a vent inlet1140enters the first housing910by way of the slot1130provided in the wall of the housing, and the plunger1010retains the vent1160within the housing. However, as the bullet shaped vent1100and the cylindrical vent1160are different sizes, the vent inlet1140is positioned at a different location along the slot1130and the plunger1010is tightened to a different location along the threading1150. As such, the adjustability of the plunger1010and the length of the slot1130provide adjustability to apply the first housing to a variety of different traditional vent designs.

In some embodiments, the first housing910is part of a system in which several distinct passive housings may be provided to adapt to a wide variety of existing vent designs.

FIG. 12Ashows an alternative example of a housing1200to be used in place of the first housing910shown inFIGS. 11A-11Din the radiator temperature control apparatus900ofFIG. 9Amated with a third example of an existing radiator air vent1210.FIG. 12Bshows a sectioned view of the housing1200shown inFIG. 12A. As shown, the housing1200is not cylindrical, and is designed to accommodate an angle mounted Gorton® vent1210. As in the first housing910, the vent is captured by a two part housing1200, including a bottom portion1220. A gasket1230is provided at an upper end of the housing1200such that an upper element, such as a venting tower1240, of the vent1210is captured within, or above, the gasket1230. An internal chamber1250is formed about the upper element1240, such that the fluid outlet of the vent1210vents to within the chamber.

It will be understood that while12A shows a specific alternative housing1200to be used in place of the first housing, wherein the alternative housing is designed for mating with a specific set of Gorton® vents1210, a variety of alternative housings may be made as part of a system described herein. Accordingly, a user having a traditional vent design already installed can select an appropriate first housing910,1200while the standardized second housing920can mate with whichever first housing910is selected. Another example of a first housing1500for mating with the Gorton® vent1210shown is shown inFIGS. 15A-15Bmated with a second housing920.

To establish a seal, a spring loaded bottom plate integrated into the bottom housing1220compresses the venting tower1240against the gasket1230. The top and bottom housings1200,1220are held together with a spring-loaded snap fit, which simplifies the installation procedures. As shown, a release button1260may be located on the housing for releasing the bottom portion of the housing1220from the main housing1200. The button1260may be located at a location on the first housing not accessible when the second housing920is applied thereto, so as to avoid an unintended uninstallation of the first housing1200. A similar release button and configuration may be provided with respect to the first housing910discussed above.

FIG. 13Ashows a first housing910for use in the embodiment ofFIG. 9AandFIG. 13Bshows a second housing920to be mated with the first housing in the embodiment of the temperature control apparatus900ofFIG. 9A. As shown inFIG. 9C, the second housing920is applied to the first housing910such that the fluid outlet950of the first housing is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet960of the second housing.

The second housing920includes a fixation mechanism1300for fixing to a corresponding fixation point1310of the first housing910. The first housing910further comprises locating pins1320a, bwhich mate with corresponding cavities1330a, bin the second housing920. Accordingly, the fixation mechanism1300and cavities1330a, blocate the second housing920such that the fluid inlet960is properly located adjacent the fluid outlet950of the first housing910.

Returning now toFIG. 9C, the second housing920has a fluid inlet960, a fluid outlet970, and a fluid path980between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The second housing920further comprises a blockage990for preventing fluid entering the second housing at the fluid inlet960from exiting the housing at the fluid outlet970, and an actuator1000for opening and closing the blockage990.

As shown, the second housing may have a fluid chamber1340(shown sealed inFIG. 9Cand open inFIG. 14A), and the fluid inlet960may deposit fluid into the fluid chamber. The fluid inlet960may then comprise a terminal end1350adjacent the fluid chamber1340. The blockage990is then a membrane adjacent the terminal end1350of the fluid inlet960which may seal the membrane against the terminal end. The fluid outlet970may then extend from the fluid chamber1340to an exterior of the second housing920.

The actuator1000may comprise a shaft1360for applying force to seal the membrane990against the terminal end1350of the fluid inlet960.

In some embodiments, the radiator temperature control apparatus900further comprises a pressure sensor1370for detecting pressure within the fluid path980. In such an embodiment, the pressure sensor1370may detect pressure in the fluid path980between the fluid inlet960and the blockage990. The pressure sensor1370may then be located outside of the fluid path980but may be functionally linked to the fluid path by way of a probe, such as the passageway1380shown, such that it may detect pressure within the path.

As discussed above with respect to other embodiments, the radiator temperature control apparatus900may further comprise a controller, or control circuitry, for controlling the actuator, and the controller may receive pressure information from the pressure sensor1370and may receive ambient temperature information from a space to be heated by the radiator, and the controller may then cause the actuator1000to open the blockage990if the ambient temperature is below a set temperature threshold and the pressure information indicates a pressure above a threshold pressure within the fluid path980.

Similarly, alternative methods may be implemented in which the pressure readings from the pressure sensor1370and the ambient temperature are used to determine whether to open or close the blockage990by way of the actuator1000and at what time.

In some embodiments, in addition to or in place of the pressure sensor1370, an air flow sensor or a microphone1390is provided for detecting air flow in the fluid path980. In such an embodiment, the microphone or air flow sensor1390may be located so as to detect air flow in the fluid path980between the blockage990and the fluid outlet970.

In such an embodiment, the controller or control circuitry, provided for controlling the actuator may receive air flow information from the microphone or air flow sensor and ambient temperature information from a space to be heated by the radiator, and the controller may cause the actuator1000to close the blockage990if the ambient temperature is above a set temperature threshold and the air flow information indicates air flow within the fluid path980.

FIG. 14Ashows a sectioned view of the of the radiator temperature control apparatus900ofFIG. 9in a first configuration, where the actuator1000is in an open position, and wherein the membrane990is not applied to the terminal end1350of the fluid inlet960, thereby showing the fluid chamber1340, andFIG. 14Bshows a sectioned view of the of the radiator temperature control apparatus900ofFIG. 9in a second configuration in which the actuator1000applies force to the membrane990thereby closing the blockage.

In the embodiment shown, the actuator1000, when actuated, applies an actuation pressure to close the blockage990. The pressure applied by the actuator1000is limited to a limiting pressure, and the limiting pressure is greater than the actuation pressure. As such, the actuator1000limits the potential pressure that can be applied by the actuator. This keeps the pressure applied within a narrow range above the actuation pressure.

The actuator1000typically comprises a bracing element1400and an actuation tip1410. So long as the pressure being applied by the actuator1000is below the limiting pressure, the bracing element1400remains at a fixed location relative to a housing1420of the actuator, and is at a fixed location relative to the second housing920.

When the actuator1000is used to close the blockage990, the actuation tip1410is moved relative to the bracing element1400in order to apply the actuation pressure and thereby close the blockage. Typically, the bracing element1400is a motor for driving the actuator, and the actuation tip1410is any element that can apply force to the blockage990, such as the membrane discussed above, in order to close the blockage. For example, the actuation tip1410may be a shaft or a plunger.

As noted above, the actuator may have an actuator housing1420which may have a first end1430and an actuation end1440. The bracing element1400may then be adjacent the first end1430and the actuation tip1410may be adjacent the actuation end1440, which may be exposed to the blockage990.

In order to limit the pressure applied by the actuator1000to the limiting pressure, the actuator1000may further comprise a spring1450having a spring force substantially equal to the limiting pressure, and the bracing element1400may be fixed relative to the first end1430of the actuator housing1420by the spring. Because the actuator housing1420is fixed relative to the blockage990, the bracing element1400is therefore fixed relative to the blockage by the spring1450.

The actuation pressure is applied to the blockage990by increasing a distance between the bracing element1400and the actuation tip1410. Accordingly, so long as the pressure applied by the actuation tip is below the limiting pressure, the bracing element1400remains fixed and the pressure generated by the actuator1000is applied to the blockage. However, if the pressure generated by the actuator exceeds the limiting pressure, the bracing element1400moves against the spring1450and thereby no longer applies additional pressure to the blockage990.

As shown, the actuation pressure may be applied from the bracing element1400to the actuation tip1410by using a leadscrew1460. The bracing element1400may then be a motor for rotating the leadscrew1460.

In order to further control the actuator1000, limit switches1470,1480may be provided for determining the configuration of the actuator and to determine when the actuator should be deactivated in its fully open or fully closed configurations. In order to open the blockage990, the leadscrew1460pulls the actuation tip1410towards the bracing element1400. The actuation tip1410may then impinge a limit switch1470to indicate that the actuation tip1410is fully retracted.

In order to close the blockage990, the lead screw1460pushes the actuation tip1410away from the bracing element1400. A lead surface of the actuation tip1410then makes contact with the blockage990, such as the membrane and applies an actuation pressure. At that point, pressure will increase until the limiting pressure is achieved, and the bracing element1400will begin to move against the spring1450. The bracing element1400will then make contact with its limit switch1480to indicate that the actuator1000is fully extended, thereby creating a predictable seal.

The actuator1000may be controlled by control circuitry (not shown). Accordingly, locator pins1490a, bmay be provided to provide registration for switch positions to the circuitry.

FIG. 15Ashows a perspective view of the radiator temperature control apparatus900ofFIG. 9in use with an alternative example of a first housing1500with an outer casing of the second housing920removed.FIG. 15Bshows a sectioned view of the radiator temperature control apparatus910ofFIG. 15A.

As shown, a first housing1500is provided, and the second housing920is mated with the first housing. As discussed above with respect toFIGS. 13A-13C, when the second housing920is applied to the first housing1500, a fluid outlet1510of the first housing1500is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet960of the second housing.

The second housing920includes a fixation mechanism1300for fixing to a corresponding fixation point1310of the first housing1500. The first housing1500further comprises locating pins1520a, bwhich mate with corresponding cavities1330a, bin the second housing920. Accordingly, the fixation mechanism1300and cavities1330a, blocate the second housing920such that the fluid inlet960is properly located adjacent the fluid outlet1510of the first housing910.

The interior components of the first housing1500are similar to those shown above inFIGS. 12A-12B. As discussed there, the housing at least partially encloses an existing radiator air vent1210in a housing with a gasket1230provided at the upper end of the housing1500, such that a venting tower1240of the vent is captured within or above the gasket. An internal chamber1250is formed about the upper element1240such that the fluid outlet of the vent1210vents to within the chamber.

The second housing920shown inFIGS. 15A-15Bis the same as the second housing shown inFIGS. 14A-14B, and the description of the actuator1000and other components described therein apply similarly.

Further, the various radiator temperature control apparatuses discussed with respect toFIGS. 9A-15Bmay be utilized to implement various methods for controlling the radiator temperature, including those methods discussed above with respect toFIGS. 1-8.

Although the foregoing specification has described specific examples and embodiments of the present invention, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may exist without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. Said other embodiments and examples are contemplated and intended to be covered by the following claims. While the present invention has been described at some length and with some particularity with respect to the several described embodiments, it is not intended that it should be limited to any such particulars or embodiments or any particular embodiment, but it is to be construed with references to the appended claims so as to provide the broadest possible interpretation of such claims in view of the prior art and, therefore, to effectively encompass the intended scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing describes the invention in terms of embodiments foreseen by the inventor for which an enabling description was available, notwithstanding that insubstantial modifications of the invention, not presently foreseen, may nonetheless represent equivalents thereto.