| Hvac service tool with internet capability -> Monitor Keywords |
|
|
  Hvac service tool with internet capabilityUSPTO Application #: 20060241785Title: Hvac service tool with internet capability Abstract: A system for servicing a computer controlled machine comprising: a computer controlled machine including a device operable to perform a function, a controller controlling the operation of that device, and a data access port for transferring data and commands from the controller; and a service tool operably connected to the data access port, the service tool including a remote communications capability, a computer, and diagnostics and graphing software; and an expert observer system operably linked to the remote communications capability of the service tool and including historical machine data, machine sales information, software revisions for the controller, additional diagnostics software, and an expert observer capable of providing a mentor capability to the operator of a service tool. (end of abstract) Agent: William O'driscoll - 12-1 Trane - La Crosse, WI, US Inventors: Robert E. Krocker, Terence D. Baier, Merle A. Renaud, Paul C. Rentmeester, Robert M. Swanson, Patrick J. Wilson, Kirk W. Johnson USPTO Applicaton #: 20060241785 - Class: 700026000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Data Processing: Generic Control Systems Or Specific Applications, Generic Control System, Apparatus Or Process, Sequential Or Selective, Sequence Program Response, Diagnostics Or Debugging The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060241785. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
[0001] This is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/125,364 as filed on 16 Apr. 2002. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention is directed to a heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system service tool with internet capabilities. More specifically, the HVAC service tool has improved diagnostic capabilities through the use of an expert observer feature and can also update itself and the HVAC system with the latest software upgrades. Additionally, the latest diagnostic information, sales information, and service information can be quickly provided to the service tool. [0003] Modern air conditioning systems are equipped with digital controllers. Often each controllable component of such a system has its own microprocessor controller, and that controller typically has at least one sensor providing a sensory input for use as a basis for the component's operation. For example, an expansion valve may have a microprocessor controller modulating the position of the expansion valve in response to superheat as sensed by one or more sensors. Usually a unit controller is provided to oversee and coordinate the operation of each component of a particular unit. For example, the unit controller may override the expansion valve controller in anticipation of a variable speed compressor's change in speed. Furthermore, a commercial or an applied air conditioning system with multiple units may include a system controller to coordinate the operation of the multiple units. From the point of view of a service technician, this is a nightmare to diagnose or troubleshoot. Exemplary control systems are sold by The Trane Company, a Division of American Standard Inc., under the trademark UCP2. [0004] Service technicians already encounter many difficulties in servicing HVAC and building automation (BAS) equipment and systems. The location of these systems is usually in relatively inaccessible service and maintenance areas. The lighting may be poor, and the conditions may be extreme since the service and maintenance areas are often not air conditioned, heated, or protected from inclement weather. [0005] The use of sophisticated controls on air conditioning systems raise even further difficulties. Even within a single company there are a plethora of products, accessories, and generations of controllers. The service technician needs to identify the specific HVAC equipment, perform the correct diagnostics and maintenance procedures, and appropriately repair, maintain or upgrade that equipment. [0006] This is very challenging for an experienced service technician and even more challenging for the typical HVAC service technician who often has less than two years on the job experience. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] It is an object, feature and advantage of the present invention to solve the problems of previous service tools and their use in HVAC systems. [0008] It is an object, feature and advantage of the present invention to improve the diagnostic analysis of HVAC and BAS systems by providing an expert observer to assist an inexperienced service technician. [0009] It is an object, feature and advantage of the present invention to provide an HVAC service tool with internet capabilities. [0010] It is a further object, feature and advantage of the present invention to provide an HVAC service tool which can identify the HVAC equipment to which the service tool is connected and perform software upgrades and fixes for all generations of that HVAC system. [0011] It is an object, feature and advantage of the present invention to provide an HVAC service tool which includes maintenance and efficiency measuring tests. [0012] It is an object, feature and advantage of the present invention to provide an HVAC service tool having improved diagnostics including historical, current and real time graphing capabilities. [0013] It is an object, feature and advantage of the present invention to provide an HVAC service tool which includes parts information and availability. [0014] It is an object, feature and advantage of the present invention to provide an HVAC service tool which can benchmark the system which the service tool is presently analyzing in comparison to other similar systems. [0015] It is an object, feature and advantage of the present invention to provide a service technician with appropriate sales, repair and replacement information in response to an identified problem. [0016] It is an object, feature and advantage of the present invention to allow an HVAC unit to be simultaneously monitored by a service technician at the job site as well as by a remote observer. [0017] It is an object, feature and advantage of the present invention to allow a service technician to easily graph multiple pieces of live data versus time to aid in diagnosing an HVAC system problem. [0018] It is an object, feature and advantage of the present invention to allow a service technician to easily graph multiple pieces of historical data over time to aid in diagnosing an HVAC system problem. [0019] It is an object, feature and advantage of the present invention to provide a diagnostic HVAC service tool which shows the precise value of data being measured and the relationship of that data to associated trip points and limit points. [0020] It is an object, feature and advantage of the present invention to provide an HVAC service tool which can provide a graphical overview of the entire HVAC system with associated temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and mechanical actuators. [0021] It is an object, feature and advantage of the present invention to provide the capability to exercise HVAC system components directly via a manual override commands. [0022] It is an object, feature and advantage of the present invention to provide up-to-date service literature, installation operation and maintenance manuals, wiring diagrams, and service bulletins while at a job site. Continue reading... Full patent description for Hvac service tool with internet capability Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Hvac service tool with internet capability patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Hvac service tool with internet capability or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Arrangement for distributed measurement system for measurement and simulation in distributed control systems Next Patent Application: Method and apparatus for approximating gains in dynamic and steady-state processes for prediction, control, and optimization Industry Class: Data processing: generic control systems or specific applications ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Hvac service tool with internet capability patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.49324 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Canon USA , Celera Genomics , Cephalon, Inc. , Cingular Wireless , Clorox , Colgate-Palmolive , Corning , Cymer , |
||
