IP Library › Granted Patent US 7,555,364
Granted Patent B2
US 7,555,364 · App. 11/018,667 · Granted Jun 30, 2009

Adaptive hierarchy usage monitoring HVAC control system

Assignee: MMI Controls, L.P.
View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,555,364
App. No.
11/018,667
Granted
Jun 30, 2009
Kind
B2
Abstract

Systems and methods are described for an adaptive hierarchy usage monitoring HVAC control system. A method, includes: regulating user access to at least one menu of an interactive user interface of a programmable digital thermostat, including: reversibly defining at least one minimum user level required to access the at least one menu.

Claims (14)

1. A method, comprising regulating user access to at least one menu of an interactive user interface of a programmable digital thermostat, including:

reversibly defining at least one minimum user level required to access the at least one menu including:

reading and storing a hierarchical personal identification number associated with a hierarchical user level;

permitting hierarchical user access to a user level menu when the hierarchical personal identification number is both valid and associated with a hierarchical user level greater than or equal to a minimum hierarchical user level predefined to be required for access to the user level menu; and

reading and storing the at least one minimum user level required to access the at least one menu; and then

permitting user access to the at least one menu when a personal identification number entered by another user is both valid and associated with a user level greater than or equal to the minimum user level reversibly defined by the hierarchical user to be required for access to the at least one menu; and

synchronizing a clock of the programmable digital thermostat using a power line frequency.

2. A method, comprising defining a multi-stage cooling/heating program of a programmable digital thermostat having an interactive user interface, including:

reversibly defining a number of events per day including:

reading and storing a hierarchical personal identification number associated with a hierarchical user level;

permitting hierarchical user access to a system menu when the hierarchical personal identification number is both valid and associated with a hierarchical user level greater than or equal to a minimum hierarchical user level predefined to be required for access to the system menu; and

reading and storing the number of events per day; and then

permitting user access to another menu when a personal identification number entered by another user is valid to further define the multi-stage cooling/heating program; and

synchronizing a clock of the programmable digital thermostat using a power line frequency.

Assignments (4)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Dec 31, 2024
From: MMI CONTROLS, LTD.
To: POTH INVESTMENT TRUST
Reel/Frame 069710/0970 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Mar 27, 2013
From: POTH, ROBERT J; MCDOWELL, JOHNNIE L
To: MMI CONTROLS, LTD.
Reel/Frame 030099/0335 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE NAME OF ASSIGNEE PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 015551 FRAME 0845. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE MMI CONTROLS, LTD.. Recorded Jul 10, 2009
From: POTH, ROBERT J; MCDOWELL, JOHNNIE L
To: MMI CONTROLS, LTD.
Reel/Frame 022942/0925 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jan 11, 2005
From: POTH, ROBERT J; MCDOWELL, JOHNNIE L
To: MMI CONTROLS, L.P.
Reel/Frame 015551/0845 →
Continuity (5)
Continuation In Part 1081763100 · Apr 2, 2004
Continuation 0993528100 · Aug 22, 2001
Continuation In Part 1081749700 · Apr 2, 2004
Division 0993528100
Related Publication 20050120012A1 · Jun 2, 2005