Automatic energy-efficient bathroom exhaust fan controller

Abstract

An automatic control system for an exhaust fan of a room having a water dispensing conduit is disclosed. The system includes a control module that controls delivery of electricity to the exhaust fan to activate and deactivate the exhaust fan, and a sensor suitable for mounting on the water dispensing conduit. The sensor senses temperature of the water dispensing conduit and when a temperature above a predetermined temperature value is reached on the water dispensing conduit, the sensor transmits a control signal to the control module. The temperature increase is due to hot water flowing though the water dispensing conduit (e.g., a shower pipe). Upon receipt of the control signal, the control module activates the exhaust fan for a user selectable time period.

1 . An automatic control system for an exhaust fan of a room having a water dispensing conduit, the system comprising: 
 a control module that controls delivery of electricity to the exhaust fan to activate and deactivate the exhaust fan; and    a sensor suitable for mounting on the water dispensing conduit, the sensor sensing temperature of the water dispensing conduit, the sensor transmitting a control signal to the control module when a temperature above a predetermined temperature value is reached on the water dispensing conduit,    wherein upon receipt of the control signal, the control module activates the exhaust fan.    
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein: 
 the control module activates the exhaust fan by providing electricity to the fan.    
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 2  wherein: 
 the control module includes a timer circuit that provides electricity to the fan for a predetermined time period after which the fan is deactivated.    
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 3  wherein: 
 the predetermined time period is a variable time period selectable by a user.    
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 2  wherein: 
 the control module includes a timer circuit that provides electricity to the fan for a predetermined time period after temperature falls below the predetermined temperature value.    
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 5  wherein: 
 the predetermined time period is a variable time period selectable by a user.    
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 1  wherein: 
 the control module includes a control for setting the predetermined temperature value.    
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 1  wherein: 
 the water dispensing conduit is a shower pipe.    
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 1  wherein: 
 the water dispensing conduit is a bathtub spigot.    
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 1  wherein: 
 the control signal is a radio frequency signal.    
   
   
       11 . An automatic control system for an electrical device in a room having a water dispensing conduit, the system comprising: 
 a control module that controls delivery of electricity to the electrical device to activate and deactivate the electrical device; and    a sensor suitable for mounting on the water dispensing conduit, the sensor sensing temperature of the water dispensing conduit, the sensor transmitting a control signal to the control module when a temperature above a predetermined temperature value is reached on the water dispensing conduit,    wherein upon receipt of the control signal, the control module activates the electrical device.    
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 11  wherein: 
 the control module activates the electrical device by providing electricity to the electrical device.    
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 12  wherein: 
 the control module includes a timer circuit that provides electricity to the electrical device for a predetermined time period after which the electrical device is deactivated.    
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 13  wherein: 
 the predetermined time period is a variable time period selectable by a user.    
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 12  wherein: 
 the control module includes a timer circuit that provides electricity to the electrical device for a predetermined time period after temperature falls below the predetermined temperature value.    
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 15  wherein: 
 the predetermined time period is a variable time period selectable by a user.    
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 11  wherein: 
 the control module includes a control for setting the predetermined temperature value.    
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 11  wherein: 
 the water dispensing conduit is a shower pipe.    
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 11  wherein: 
 the water dispensing conduit is a bathtub spigot.    
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 11  wherein: 
 the electrical device is a blower.