Patents by Inventor Nils-Ole Harvest

Nils-Ole Harvest has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20210054846
    Abstract: A pumping system for at least one aquatic application. The pumping system includes a pump, a motor coupled to the pump, a filter coupled to the pump, and a controller in communication with the motor. The controller is configured to make a sensorless determination of a current value of a water flow rate based on an input power to the motor, drive the motor speed to maintain the water flow rate at a first constant value during a first time period, and drive the motor speed to maintain the water flow rate at a second constant value during a second time period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, JR., Lars Hoffmann Berthelsen, Ronald B. Robol, Everett Cox, Donald Steen, Kevin Murphy, Daniel J. Hruby, Peter Westermann-Rasmussen, Gert Kjaer, Nils-Ole Harvest, Christopher Yahnker, Walter Woodcock, Einar Kjartan Runarsson, Arne Fink Hansen, Alberto Morando, Florin Lungeanu
  • Publication number: 20170198697
    Abstract: A pumping system for a pool or spa application that pumps water. The pumping system comprising a means for moving water through the pool or spa application, a means for driving the means for moving water, and a means for controlling the means for driving. The means for controlling monitors a current flow rate based on an input power to the means for driving, monitors whether the current flow rate is above a priming flow value in order to identify whether the means for moving water has become initially primed, and indicates a priming alarm if the means for moving water has not become initially primed before reaching a maximum priming time allotment, wherein the maximum priming time allotment is a fixed time period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, JR., Lars Hoffmann Berthelsen, Ronald B. Robol, Everett Cox, Donald Steen, Kevin Murphy, Daniel J. Hruby, Peter Westermann-Rasmussen, Gert Kjaer, Nils-Ole Harvest, Christopher Yahnker, Walter Woodcock, JR., Einar Kjartan Runarsson, Arne Fink Hansen, Alberto Morando, Florin Lungeanu
  • Patent number: 9605680
    Abstract: A pumping system includes a pump for moving water. In one aspect, this is in connection with performance of an operation. The system includes a variable speed motor operatively connected to drive the pump. A value indicative of flow rate of water is determined and the motor is controlled to adjust the flow rate indicative value toward a constant. A value indicative of flow pressure is determined and the motor is controlled to adjust the flow pressure indicative value toward a constant. A selection is made between flow rate control and flow pressure control. In another aspect, the pump is controlled to perform a first operation, and is operated to perform a second water operation. Control of operation of the pump to perform the first water operation is altered in response to operation of the pump to perform the second operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignees: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc., Danfoss Drives A/S
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, Jr., Lars Hoffmann Berthelsen, Ronald B. Robol, Everett Cox, Donald Steen, Kevin Murphy, Daniel J. Hruby, Peter Westermann-Rasmussen, Gert Kjaer, Nils-Ole Harvest, Christopher Yahnker, Walter Woodcock, Jr., Einar Kjartan Runarsson, Arne Fink Hansen, Alberto Morando, Florin Lungeanu
  • Patent number: 9448272
    Abstract: A mechanism is described for determining whether or not a ground connection is properly earthed by determining whether or not a potential difference exists between a voltage measuring point and a ground connection. A first capacitor is connected between the ground connection and a first power line and a first duplicating capacitor (having the same capacitance as the first capacitor) is connected between the voltage measuring point and the first power line. If the determining step determines that the potential difference does not exist, then it is determined that the ground connection is not properly earthed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventor: Nils-Ole Harvest
  • Patent number: 9404500
    Abstract: A pumping system includes a pump for moving water. In one aspect, this is in connection with performance of an operation. The system includes a variable speed motor operatively connected to drive the pump. A value indicative of flow rate of water is determined and the motor is controlled to adjust the flow rate indicative value toward a constant. A value indicative of flow pressure is determined and the motor is controlled to adjust the flow pressure indicative value toward a constant. A selection is made between flow rate control and flow pressure control. In another aspect, the pump is controlled to perform a first operation, and is operated to perform a second water operation. Control of operation of the pump to perform the first water operation is altered in response to operation of the pump to perform the second operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, Jr., Ronald B. Robol, Lars Hoffmann Berthelsen, Nils-Ole Harvest, Everett Cox, Donald Steen, Kevin Murphy, Daniel J. Hruby, Peter Westermann-Rasmussen, Gert Kjaer
  • Publication number: 20140322030
    Abstract: A pumping system includes a pump for moving water. In one aspect, this is in connection with performance of an operation. The system includes a variable speed motor operatively connected to drive the pump. A value indicative of flow rate of water is determined and the motor is controlled to adjust the flow rate indicative value toward a constant. A value indicative of flow pressure is determined and the motor is controlled to adjust the flow pressure indicative value toward a constant. A selection is made between flow rate control and flow pressure control. In another aspect, the pump is controlled to perform a first operation, and is operated to perform a second water operation. Control of operation of the pump to perform the first water operation is altered in response to operation of the pump to perform the second operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, JR., Lars Hoffmann Berthelsen, Ronald B. Robol, Everett Cox, Donald Steen, Kevin Murphy, Daniel J. Hruby, Peter Westermann Rasmussen, Gert Kjaer, Nils-Ole Harvest, Christopher Yahnker, Walter Woodcock, JR., Einar Kjartan Runarsson, Arne Fink Hansen, Alberto Morando, Florin Lungeanu
  • Publication number: 20140266236
    Abstract: A mechanism is described for determining whether or not a ground connection is properly earthed by determining whether or not a potential difference exists between a voltage measuring point and a ground connection. A first capacitor is connected between the ground connection and a first power line and a first duplicating capacitor (having the same capacitance as the first capacitor) is connected between the voltage measuring point and the first power line. If the determining step determines that the potential difference does not exist, then it is determined that the ground connection is not properly earthed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Nils-Ole Harvest
  • Publication number: 20120063921
    Abstract: A pumping system includes a pump for moving water. In one aspect, this is in connection with performance of an operation. The system includes a variable speed motor operatively connected to drive the pump. A value indicative of flow rate of water is determined and the motor is controlled to adjust the flow rate indicative value toward a constant. A value indicative of flow pressure is determined and the motor is controlled to adjust the flow pressure indicative value toward a constant. A selection is made between flow rate control and flow pressure control. In another aspect, the pump is controlled to perform a first operation, and is operated to perform a second water operation. Control of operation of the pump to perform the first water operation is altered in response to operation of the pump to perform the second operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, JR., Ronald B. Robol, Lafs Hoffmann Berthelsen, Nils-Ole Harvest, Everett Cox, Donald Steen, Kevin Murphy, Daniel J. Hruby, Peter Westermann-Rasmussen, Gert Kjaer
  • Patent number: 8019479
    Abstract: A pumping system includes a pump for moving water. In one aspect, this is in connection with performance of an operation. The system includes a variable speed motor operatively connected to drive the pump. A value indicative of flow rate of water is determined and the motor is controlled to adjust the flow rate indicative value toward a constant. A value indicative of flow pressure is determined and the motor is controlled to adjust the flow pressure indicative value toward a constant. A selection is made between flow rate control and flow pressure control. In another aspect, the pump is controlled to perform a first operation, and is operated to perform a second water operation. Control of operation of the pump to perform the first water operation is altered in response to operation of the pump to perform the second operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, Lars Hoffmann Berthelsen, Ronald B. Robol, Christopher R. Yahnker, Everett Cox, Donald Steen, Kevin Murphy, Walter J. Woodcock, Jr., Daniel J. Hruby, Peter Westermann-Rasmussen, Gert Kjaer, Einar Kjartan Runarsson, Arne Fink Hansen, Alberto Morando, Florin Lungeanu, Nils-Ole Harvest
  • Patent number: 7339287
    Abstract: A power converter for converting energy from a green power unit as e.g. a solar cell into energy fed into the commercial grid is described. The object is to provide a versatile modularized power converter with eased access to control of the power switches. Another object is to improve the electrical efficiency. This is achieved by using an independent controller on a DC/DC module and an independent controller on a DC/AC module, whereby the two independent controllers communicate with each other and the outside world by means of a communication bus. Further, the DC/DC module of the power converter comprises a transformer which transfers energy from the DC/DC module to the DC/AC module. This design enables independent control of the modules and eases controllability of the power switches in order to suppress retroaction from pulsations generated on the mains when supplying energy to a single phase grid. Hereby the electrical efficiency of the power converter is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: PowerLynx A/S
    Inventors: Aksel Baagoe Jepsen, Nils-Ole Harvest, Uffe Vikoeren Borup
  • Publication number: 20070114162
    Abstract: A pumping system includes a pump for moving water. In one aspect, this is in connection with performance of an operation. The system includes a variable speed motor operatively connected to drive the pump. A value indicative of flow rate of water is determined and the motor is controlled to adjust the flow rate indicative value toward a constant. A value indicative of flow pressure is determined and the motor is controlled to adjust the flow pressure indicative value toward a constant. A selection is made between flow rate control and flow pressure control. In another aspect, the pump is controlled to perform a first operation, and is operated to perform a second water operation. Control of operation of the pump to perform the first water operation is altered in response to operation of the pump to perform the second operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Applicants: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc., Danfoss Low Power Drives, a division of Danfoss Drive A/S
    Inventors: Robert Stiles, Lars Berthelsen, Ronald Robol, Christopher Yahnker, Everett Cox, Donald Steen, Kevin Murphy, Walter Woodcock, Daniel Hruby, Peter Westermann-Rasmussen, Gert Kjaer, Einar Runarsson, Arne Hansen, Alberto Morando, Florin Lungeanu, Nils-Ole Harvest
  • Patent number: 7221121
    Abstract: The invention is directed to controlling an electric motor by means of a frequency converter. The frequency converter can be connected to one of several different mains voltages. According to the present invention, the maximum output power of the frequency converter, is limited when the actual mains voltage is lower than the maximum nominal mains voltage, for which the frequency converter is designed, and during the limitation the frequency converter controls the speed of the motor within a power range up to a limited maximum output power. This gives a genuine multi-voltage unit, which can be connected to a wide range of mains voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Danfoss Drives A/S
    Inventors: Kenneth Skaug, Michael Toennes, Nils-Ole Harvest, Egon Krogh, Andreas Aupke
  • Publication number: 20050275386
    Abstract: A power converter for converting energy from a green power unit as e.g. a solar cell into energy fed into the commercial grid is described. The object is to provide a versatile modularized power converter with eased access to control of the power switches. Another object is to improve the electrical efficiency. This is achieved by using an independent controller on a DC/DC module and an independent controller on a DC/AC module, whereby the the two independent controllers communicate with each other and the outside world by means of a communication bus. Further, the DC/DC module of the power converter comprises a transformer which transfers energy from the DC/DC module to the DC/AC module. This design enables independent control of the modules and eases controllability of the power switches in order to suppress retroaction from pulsations generated on the mains when supplying energy to a single phase grid. Hereby the electrical efficiency of the power converter is increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: December 15, 2005
    Applicant: PowerLynx A/S
    Inventors: Aksel Jepsen, Nils-Ole Harvest, Uffe Borup
  • Publication number: 20050068001
    Abstract: The invention is directed to controlling an electric motor by means of a frequency converter. The frequency converter can be connected to one of several different mains voltages. According to the present invention, the maximum output power of the frequency converter, is limited when the actual mains voltage is lower than the maximum nominal mains voltage, for which the frequency converter is designed, and during the limitation the frequency converter controls the speed of the motor within a power range up to a limited maximum output power. This gives a genuine multi-voltage unit, which can be connected to a wide range of mains voltages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Applicant: Danfoss Drives A/S
    Inventors: Kenneth Skaug, Michael Toennes, Nils-Ole Harvest, Egon Krogh, Andreas Aupke
  • Patent number: 6483278
    Abstract: A method and power supply device for generating a regulated direct voltage from an alternating voltage using a step-down transformer, a step-up transformer, an inductance coil and a control device that controls the transformer in a step-down or step-up transformation mode is disclosed herein. An inductance coil voltage measuring signal is compared with three limiting values (A, B, C), wherein A corresponds to zero, B lies between A and C and B and C correspond to the direct voltage. Switching from the step-down to the step-up transformation mode is effected when the increasing voltage measuring signal drops after reaching B and A is not reached again and increases to C instead. Switching from step-down to step-up transformation mode is effected when the decreasing voltage measuring signal increases after reaching A and B is not reached and drops to A instead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Danfoss Compressors GmbH
    Inventor: Nils-Ole Harvest
  • Publication number: 20020031001
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for generating a regulated direct voltage (UG) form an alternating voltage (Uw) using a step-down transformer (S1, D1, D2, C0, L), a step-up transformer (S2, D2, C0, L), an inductance coil (L) and a control device (11) that controls the transformer in a step-down or step-up transformation mode. According to the invention, an inductance coil voltage measuring signal (I) is compared with three limiting values (A, B, C) with the purpose of simplifying said method, wherein A corresponds to zero, B lies between A and C and B and C correspond to the direct voltage (UG). Switching from the step-down to the step-up transformation mode is effected when the increasing voltage measuring signal (I) drops after reaching B and A is not reached again and increases to C instead. Switching from step-down to step-up transformation mode is effected when the decreasing voltage measuring signal (I) increases after reaching A and B is not reached and drops to A instead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Applicant: DanfossCompressors GmbH
    Inventor: Nils-Ole Harvest
  • Patent number: 6134901
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for speed control of a compressor, particularly a refrigeration compressor, and a control arrangement using this method. The speed control is effected in that a control arrangement varies the speed of an electric motor in dependence of simple ON/OFF signals from a thermostat placed in the surroundings to be cooled. The method according to the invention is characterized in that the starting speed of the compressor in a following ON period is reduced in relation to the final speed in the previous ON period. A continuous reduction of the starting speed of each ON period results in a self-regulating control giving long compressor operation times and an averagely low speed resulting in energy savings. A control arrangement using this method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Danfoss Compressors GmbH
    Inventors: Nils-Ole Harvest, Jan Aarestrup
  • Patent number: 5093771
    Abstract: An inverter circuit which converts d.c. from a d.c. source to single or multiple phase a.c.. Two semiconductor switching elements for each phase are connected in series between two poles of a d.c. source. A signal generator provides a pulse width modulated signal for operating the switching elements. Blocking elements are provided between the signal generator and the switching elements. A control circuit senses current flow at the a.c. output and selectively enables the blocking elements in accordance with the direction of the current flow to prevent short circuiting between the switching elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventor: Nils-Ole Harvest
  • Patent number: 4811189
    Abstract: The invention relates to an AC voltage supplied rectifier circuit with a downstream smoothing capacitor. A prior art problem with this type of circuit was that the inductive impedance of the supply voltage caused a practically umdamped oscillation between the inductive supply impedance and the smoothing capacitor during start-up which caused the voltage to rise to about twice the stationary value. A rectifier circuit is provided which substantially prevents the over-oscillation having at least one controllable rectifier which brings the rectifier to a conductive state during the charging period of the smoothing capacitor over such a time that the output direct voltage of the rectifier circuit exceeds the momentary capacitor voltage by no more than a predetermined limited value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Nils-Ole Harvest, Jorgen Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 4535280
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stabilizing circuit for an inverse rectifier motor control which includes a D.C. voltage supply having a D.C. voltage regulator followed by a smoothing intermediate circuit. A frequency control circuit converts the supply voltage from the intermediate circuit to a frequency control voltage. Following the frequency control circuit is a generator for converting the frequency control voltage to control signals for the inverse rectifier motor control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1985
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Nils-Ole Harvest, Anna Melamed