Systems, methods and devices for controlling ventilation registers

Abstract

The invention teaches systems, devices and methods for controlling the automation of ventilation registers. In one embodiment, the invention is a system for articulating a register for a heating or air-conditioning system. The system generally includes a means for receiving a wireless signal, a means for switching a drive means on, a drive means, and a movable member.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A remote controlled ventilation register attachment, comprising: 
 a housing that is adapted to attach to a ventilation register, and also adapted to maintain at least a receiver, a switch, and a drive;    the receiver located in the housing and capable of receiving a signal directly from a remote control device, and also capable of generating an electric signal for the switch;    the switch coupled to the receiver and to the drive;    the switch having logic capable of controlling a supply of power to the drive; and    the drive being adapted to couple to a member.    
     
     
         2 . The remote controlled ventilation register attachment of  claim 1  wherein the receiver and the electric switch are integrated onto a single electronic platform.  
     
     
         3 . The remote controlled ventilation register attachment of  claim 1  wherein the receiver is adapted to receive an infrared signal.  
     
     
         4 . The remote controlled ventilation register attachment of  claim 1  wherein the receiver is adapted to receive a radio wave signal.  
     
     
         5 . The remote controlled ventilation register attachment of  claim 1  wherein the receiver is identifiable with a remote control code.  
     
     
         7 . The remote controlled ventilation register attachment of  claim 1  wherein the receiver is uniquely identifiable with a remote control code.  
     
     
         8 . The remote controlled ventilation register attachment of  claim 1  wherein the drive comprises an electric motor.  
     
     
         9 . The remote controlled ventilation register attachment of  claim 1  wherein the drive comprises a gear box.  
     
     
         10 . The remote controlled ventilation register attachment of  claim 1  further comprising a timing device coupled to the electric switch.  
     
     
         12 . The remote controlled ventilation register attachment of  claim 1  further comprising a thermometer coupled to the electric switch.  
     
     
         13 . The remote controlled ventilation register attachment of  claim 1  further comprising a ventilation register coupled to the housing.  
     
     
         14 . The remote controlled ventilation register attachment of  claim 1  wherein the housing is integrated within the body of a ventilation register.  
     
     
         15 . A remote controlled ventilation register cover, comprising: 
 a housing adapted to cover an exterior of a ventilation register, and also adapted to maintain at least a receiver;    the receiver being adapted to receive a signal from a remote control device, and also being coupled to a switch;    the switch being maintained within the housing so as to control an airflow through the vent by controlling a drive;    the electric switch coupled to the receiver and to the drive; and    the drive comprising a motor, the motor being adapted to couple to a member for opening and closing the ventilation register.    
     
     
         16 . The remote controlled vent cover of  claim 1  wherein the ventilation register is a grill-only register.  
     
     
         17 . A method of remotely opening or closing a ventilation register, comprising: 
 receiving a wireless signal;    using logic to convert the signal into a motor signal; and    running a motor to articulate a ventilation register;    wherein the motor and the logic are powered with a local power source.    
     
     
         18 . A method of remotely opening or closing a ventilation register cover that removably couples about an exposed face of a ventilation register: 
 receiving a wireless signal;    using logic to convert the signal into a motor signal; and    running a motor to articulate the ventilation register cover.    
     
     
         19 . The remote control register of  claim 18  wherein the motor is driven by a local power source not part of a networked power supply.  
     
     
         20 . The remote control register of  claim 19  wherein the power source is a battery.  
     
     
         21 . The remote control register of  claim 19  wherein the power source comprises a solar cell.  
     
     
         22 . The remote control register of  claim 1  further comprising an output means adapted to indicate a register position to a user.  
     
     
         23 . The remote control register of  claim 1  wherein the logic comprises a digital signal processor.