BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an improved thermostat;
FIGS. 2
a through 2b illustrate diagnostic warnings provided by the improved thermostat of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 illustrates an interface generated on an external monitor that interacts with a remote wireless or wired device;
FIGS. 4
a through 4b illustrate a thermostat system that allows various different thermostat models to use the same sub-base for ease of installation;
FIG. 5 illustrates a thermostat that turns on a scent dispenser when the fan terminal is energized;
FIGS. 6
a and 6b illustrate thermostats with glow-in-the-dark lettering and buttons;
FIG. 7 is a flow chart describing operation of a training mode for automatically generating schedules;
FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of a prior art configuration for controlling an HVAC system;
FIGS. 9
a and 9b illustrate a thermostat for receiving power through a power outlet;
FIGS. 10
a and 10b illustrate a thermostat for receiving power through a light switch;
FIGS. 11
a and 11b illustrate a sensor for receiving power through a power outlet;
FIG. 12 illustrates a first configuration for controlling a HVAC system using the devices of FIGS. 9-11 using a wireless receiver;
FIG. 13 illustrates a first configuration for controlling a HVAC system using the devices of FIGS. 9-11 using a wired thermostat;
FIG. 14 illustrates a prior art configuration of a dampered air conditioning system;
FIG. 15 illustrates a dampered air conditioning system without a zoning control panel;
FIG. 16 illustrates a thermostat that is running an approved “Energy Star” program or program event
FIG. 17 illustrates a thermostat being programmed that does not meet the energy star specification;
FIG. 18 illustrates a thermostat being programmed that is returned to a program which meets the energy star specification;
FIG. 19 illustrates a thermostat housing with a removable badge.