Patent ID: 8733667

Claim:
A thermostat including a microprocessor for controlling an HVAC system using multiple modes of operation, the thermostat comprising: a housing having a circuit board and a display screen; the display screen having a first and second alpha-numeric icon; a rocker switch mounted in the housing adjacent the display screen, the rocker switch having a bar having a first end and a second end and the bar is pivotally mounted so that the bar may rock between a first position where the first end is depressed and a second position where the second end is depressed, the rocker switch providing the sole mechanical button of the thermostat, the rocker switch for signaling the microprocessor in order to adjust at least the first alphanumeric icon, so that the combination of inputs received by the microprocessor from the group of touch sensitive areas and the sole mechanical button provide for each and every adjustment required for the standard operational functions of the thermostat; a first receptor mounted on the circuit board adjacent the first end and a second receptor mounted on the circuit board adjacent the second end; the first and second receptors for signaling the microprocessor in order to adjust the first and second alpha-numeric icon on the display screen during at least a first and a second mode of operation of the thermostat; during the first mode of operation moving the rocker switch to the first or second position to cause an adjustment of the first alpha-numeric icon in relation to the first mode of operation; during the second mode of operation moving the rocker switch to the first or second position in order to adjust the first or second alpha-numeric icon in relation to the second mode of operation; and a navigation button for navigating between a first and second function.