Communicating control for fuel fired heating appliance

Abstract

A controller for a fuel-fired heating appliance is provided that includes at least one sensor for detecting the presence of at least one of a flammable vapor or a carbon monoxide gas. The controller includes a transmitter module for wirelessly transmitting digital signals, and a microprocessor for controlling the operation the fuel-fired heating appliance. The microprocessor is in communication with the transmitter module, and is capable of monitoring the at least one other sensor for detecting an abnormal condition, and responds to an abnormal condition by communicating a message to the transmitter module. The transmitter module transmits the message to a thermostat that is capable of immediately displaying the message to alert an occupant of the abnormal condition.

1 . A system for monitoring the operation of a fuel fired heater, comprising:
 a fuel fired heater having a burner, a gas valve, a high temperature condition sensing, and at least one other sensor for sensing the presence of a harmful level of carbon monoxide or flammable vapors;   a heater controller for controlling the operation of the fuel fired heater, the controller being capable of monitoring the high temperature sensing means and the at least one other sensor to detect an abnormal condition, and being capable of responding to an abnormal condition by wirelessly transmitting a signal including a message indicating the presence of an abnormal condition; and   a thermostat capable of receiving the wirelessly transmitted message and immediately displaying a text message on the thermostat's display device of the abnormal condition for the fuel fired heater.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the controller responds to the abnormal condition by commencing successive wireless transmissions of a signal including a message indicating the presence of an abnormal condition. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the controller prohibits the reception of wireless transmissions while an abnormal condition has been detected. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the controller continuously retransmits the message at predetermined intervals. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4  wherein the transmission module is configured to transmit signals at a peak power transmission level above 1 watt for a duration not more than 5 seconds to provide an effective transmission signal strength for reliable reception of the signal including the message indicating an abnormal condition. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the controller responds to the detection of at least 100 parts per million of carbon monoxide gas in a 90 minute period by the at least one other sensor by wirelessly transmitting a signal including a message indicating an abnormal harmful level of carbon monoxide gas concentration. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the controller responds to the detection of a flammable vapor concentration greater than 50 percent of the lower flammability level by the at least one other sensor by wirelessly transmitting a signal including a message indicating an abnormal concentration of flammable vapor present near the heater. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the controller responds to the detection of a high temperature condition within the heater by the high temperature sensing means by wirelessly transmitting a signal including a message indicating an abnormal high temperature condition for the heater. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the message is a text message that is displayed in its entirety by the display device of the thermostat. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9  wherein the message is displayed by the thermostat independent of any input from a user of the thermostat. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10  wherein the display device displays the text message in a continuously scrolling marquee manner to alert an occupant of the abnormal condition. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the thermostat activates an audible alarm simultaneous with the display by the display device of a message indicating an abnormal condition. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the controller further shuts down the operation of the fuel fired heater and wirelessly transmits a message indicating that the heater is not operational. 
     
     
         14 . A controller for controlling the operation of a fuel-fired water heating appliance, the control comprising:
 at least one sensor for detecting the presence of at least one of a flammable vapor or a carbon monoxide gas;   a transmitter module for wirelessly transmitting digital signals;   a microprocessor in communication with the transmitter module, the microprocessor being capable of monitoring the at least one sensor for determining when an abnormal condition for the fuel fired water heating appliance, and responding by communicating a message to the transmitter module, whereby the transmitter module transmits the message to a receiving thermostat capable of immediately displaying the message on a display device for an occupant to view.   
     
     
         15 . The controller of  claim 14  wherein the controller responds to the detection of at least 100 parts per million of carbon monoxide gas in a 90 minute period by the at least one other sensor by wirelessly transmitting a signal including a message indicating an abnormal harmful level of carbon monoxide gas concentration. 
     
     
         16 . The controller of  claim 14  wherein the controller responds to the detection of a flammable vapor concentration greater than 50 percent of the lower flammability level by the at least one other sensor by wirelessly transmitting a signal including a message indicating an abnormal concentration of flammable vapor present near the water heater appliance. 
     
     
         17 . The controller of  claim 14  further comprising a second sensor, wherein the at least one sensor and the second sensor together provide for detecting an abnormal condition of at least 100 parts per million of carbon monoxide gas in a 90 minute period or a flammable vapor concentration greater than 50 percent of the lower flammability level, and the controller responds to the abnormal condition by wirelessly transmitting a signal including a message indicating an abnormal high temperature condition for the water heater appliance. 
     
     
         18 . The controller of  claim 17  wherein the transmission module is configured to transmit signals at a peak power transmission level above 1 watt for a duration not more than 5 seconds to provide an effective transmission signal strength for reliable reception of the signal including the message indicating an abnormal condition. 
     
     
         19 . The controller of  claim 17  wherein the controller responds to the abnormal condition by commencing successive wireless transmissions at predetermined intervals of a signal including a message indicating the presence of an abnormal condition. 
     
     
         20 . A method of communicating an abnormal condition for a fuel fired heating appliance for a space to a thermostat within the space, the method comprising:
 sensing the presence of at least one of an abnormal temperature or a harmful level of carbon monoxide gas, or a harmful level of flammable vapors near the appliance; and   wirelessly transmitting a message from a controller for the fuel fired heating appliance indicating at least one abnormal condition for the fuel fired heating appliance;   receiving the wireless transmission of the message of at least one abnormal condition; and   immediately displaying a text message on the display of the thermostat to alert an occupant of the space of the abnormal condition.