Having Timer Or Delay Means Patents (Class 417/12)
  • Patent number: 11788518
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a low-profile solar-powered flood control device suitable for use on public roads, sidewalks, parking lots, and similar areas subject to pedestrian and vehicle traffic comprising a two-part housing with a low-profile cover and a mounting plate, a solar panel, a battery, a controller, a pump unit, inlet holes, inlet filters, a hose, and pump-hose connections. The low-profile cover is provided with separate battery and pump compartments to isolate the battery and controller from the pump unit and any water drawn into the housing. The flood control device may include a sensor for detecting the presence of water and turning the pump unit on and off. The controller is connected to the solar panel and the pump unit and may be configured to optimize battery charging for poor or indirect lighting conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Inventors: David H. Henry, Peter A. Henry
  • Patent number: 11692549
    Abstract: Power systems and methods of controlling an engine driven air compressor include an air compressor driven by an engine via a clutch. A first pressure sensor configured to sense a pressure level at an outlet of the air compressor. An inlet valve configured to close in response to the first pressure sensor sensing a pressure level above a first pressure level. In addition, a second pressure sensor to sense a pressure level below a second pressure level at a housing of the air compressor, wherein the clutch is configured to disengage in response to the second pressure level, wherein the first pressure level is higher than the second pressure level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Nathan Joe Jochman
  • Patent number: 11639660
    Abstract: A method for determining a pump card for a well. The method comprising: obtaining a first set of data points, wherein the first set of data points comprise a first set of polished rod position data points of the well and a first set of polished rod load data points of the well; and calculating a first data point of a pump position and a pump load using the first set of data points. The calculating occurs before the well moves through a first complete stroke cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: RAVDOS HOLDINGS INC.
    Inventors: Zengshi Chen, Doneil Macusi Dorado, Eric Oestreich, Gary Hughes, Andy Cordova
  • Patent number: 11557190
    Abstract: An alarm management module (13) is for a wastewater pumping station that includes at least one pump (9a, 9b) arranged for pumping wastewater out of a wastewater pit (1). The alarm management module (13) is configured to process at least one level variable (h) indicative of a filling level of the wastewater pit (1) and at least one capacity variable (p %, P %, C %) indicative of a pumping capacity of the wastewater pumping station. The alarm management module (13) is configured to trigger an intervention alarm only if all of the following conditions are met: a) the at least one level variable (h) is at or above a predetermined alarm level threshold (hm), b) the at least one level variable (h) is increasing, and c) the at least one capacity variable (p %, P %, C %) is below a capacity threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: GRUNDFOS HOLDING A/S
    Inventors: Christian Schou, Ole Hejn Pjengaard, Carsten Skovmose Kallesøe
  • Patent number: 11512582
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for operating a rod pumping unit for a wellbore are provided. One example method includes measuring vibration data in the time domain using at least one sensor coupled to a housing for a moving component of the rod pumping unit; converting the vibration data in the time domain to vibration data in the frequency domain; determining that: (1) at least one frequency component of the frequency-domain vibration data in a first frequency band has a power above a first threshold; or (2) a number of frequency components of the frequency-domain vibration data in a second frequency band having power above a second threshold is above a third threshold; and outputting an indication based on the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Behrouz S. Ebrahimi, Jeffrey John Lembcke, Clark E. Robison
  • Patent number: 11415123
    Abstract: Certain conditions require powering down an engine driving a pump. During the down sequence the pump may continue pumping servicing fluid which may not be desirable. Activating one or more control valves may throttle or prevent the servicing fluid from being pumped from the pump during the power down sequence. Activation of an input control valve may introduce pressurized fluid into a cylinder of the pump extending a rod to force or maintain a suction valve in an open position. While the suction valve is in the open position, the stroke of the plunger may not create enough pressure to pump the servicing fluid causing the servicing fluid to flow between a fluid header and a chamber of the pump. Activation of an output control valve may divert servicing fluid pumped from the pump to a reservoir instead of to the desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services. Inc.
    Inventors: Tim H. Hunter, Stanley V. Stephenson, Jim Basuki Surjaatmadja, Billy Don Coskrey, John C. Reid
  • Patent number: 11311704
    Abstract: An externally programmable shunt valve assembly that includes a magnetic rotor that is operable in response to an externally applied magnetic field and configured to increase or decrease the working pressure of the shunt valve assembly in finite increments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: CEREDYN BIOTECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventor: Carlos A. Hakim
  • Patent number: 11295964
    Abstract: A pressure regulating device cooperates with a semiconductor production system to regulate a pressure in a pipe of a semiconductor production apparatus in the semiconductor production system. The pressure regulating device reduces the pressure in the pipe of the semiconductor apparatus by a suction pump to prevent from liquid leakage when the pipe is broken. In addition, the pressure regulating device can periodically record the pressure change in the pipe to facilitate an operator to judge whether the pipe is damaged and analyze the cause of decrease in production yield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: GENES TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ming-Hsiang Yang
  • Patent number: 11268265
    Abstract: Methods and systems of providing domestic water service to a commercial/residential building via a water booster pump assembly are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the water booster pump assembly includes first and second water pipe branch circuits. In some embodiments, each water pipe branch circuit is configured with a backflow preventer and the water pipe branch circuits are fluidly coupled to one another in parallel. In some embodiments, the water pipe branch circuits are further coupled to one another via a crossover branch pipe configured to allow continuous flow through the two backflow preventers. Each water pipe branch circuit may include a pump. The crossover branch allows water to flow through both backflow preventers, even when one pump is inoperative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Towle Whitney LLC
    Inventor: Dennis Whitelaw
  • Patent number: 11262773
    Abstract: A method and a device for compensating leakage losses in a line system, in which at least one positive displacement pump and at least one shut-off member are provided, wherein the method and device can be used for the isobaric metering of liquid plastic components and wherein the actual liquid pressure in the system is determined by way of a pressure measuring device and, when the shut-off member is closed is regulated to a pressure target value by actuation of the positive displacement pump, wherein the conveying loss rate of the positive displacement pump, which ensues to maintain the pressure target value when the shut-off member is closed is added to a target delivery rate in order to compensate for the leakage loss occurring at the corresponding pressure target value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: HENKEL AG & CO. KGAA
    Inventors: Mario Metzler, Christian Schwabl, Günter Baldauf
  • Patent number: 11199827
    Abstract: A building controller includes a plurality of inputs, a plurality of outputs and a plurality of manually-actuated HAND-OFF-AUTO (HOA) switches each having a HAND (H) position, an OFF (O) position and an AUTO (A) position, wherein each of the plurality of HOA switches is associated with but not directly coupled to a corresponding output of the plurality of outputs. A controller is operatively coupled to the plurality of inputs, the plurality of outputs, and the plurality of HOA switches and is configured to recognize a position of each of the plurality of HOA switches, and to control one or more of the plurality of outputs in accordance with the recognized position of each of the plurality of HOA switches as well as a plurality of programmed configuration settings associated with the plurality of HOA switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Louis A. Ferraro, Suresh Vemuri, Michael A. Pouchak, Paul C. Wacker, Todd Kreft
  • Patent number: 11193489
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a rotary screw compressor, having at least a first and a second air-end, wherein both air-ends are driven separately from one another and speed controlled. According to the invention, the following steps are carried out: detection of a volume flow taken at the outlet of the second air-end; adjustment of the rotational speed of both air-ends, when the removed volume flow fluctuates in a range between a maximum value and a minimum value; opening of a pressure-relief valve, if the volume flow falls below the minimum value; and reduction of the rotational speed of at least the first air-end to a predetermined idling speed (V1L) to reduce the volumetric flow delivered by the first to the second air-end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: GARDNER DENVER DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventor: Ulrich Thomes
  • Patent number: 11131301
    Abstract: An air compressor includes a tank unit that stores compressed air, a motor unit that generates compressed air to be stored in the tank unit, a pressure detection unit that detects a pressure value in the tank unit, and a control unit that drives the motor unit when a pressure value in the tank unit detected by the pressure detection unit is equal to or less than a motor start pressure value, and stops the motor unit when the pressure value in the tank unit detected by the pressure detection unit is equal to or greater than a motor stop pressure value. The control unit changes at least either of the motor start pressure value or the motor stop pressure value every time when a predetermined time passed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: MAX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinichi Ohkubo, Tsutomu Yoshida, Haruaki Akasaka
  • Patent number: 11084705
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser includes a system for detecting an empty state of a consumable in the dispenser. The system detects the physical movement of an element of a fluid delivery component that is fluidly connected to the consumable. The movement is triggered by the empty state of the consumable and is detected by a sensor disposed in the beverage dispenser. The system can be retrofitted into a legacy beverage dispenser with reduced installation effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Rahul Kamble, Muhammad Ansari, Aleksey Bakharev
  • Patent number: 10988394
    Abstract: Techniques for controlled aeration (140) of wastewater (190) include determining a first aeration intensity for a first aeration interval and a different second aeration intensity for a second aeration interval (225) based on a current energy price (215), a predicted energy price (221), and a regulatory surveillance period (201) during which a regulated critical parameter is monitored for regulatory compliance. Wastewater is aerated at the first aeration intensity for the first aeration interval; and at the second aeration intensity for the second aeration interval. The first aeration interval is short compared to the regulatory surveillance period, the second aeration interval is short compared to the regulatory surveillance period and does not overlap the first aeration interval, and the first aeration intensity is less than the second aeration intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: HACH LANGE GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Häck, Jens Plumeyer, Christian Artmann
  • Patent number: 10941964
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vapour compression system, the vapour compression system including a compressor unit with one or more compressors. At least one of the compressors is connectable to a gaseous outlet of a receiver, and at least one of the compressors is connectable to an outlet of an evaporator. A parameter of the vapour compression system is measured, an enthalpy of refrigerant leaving the heat rejecting heat exchanger being derivable from the measured parameter. A setpoint value for a pressure inside the receiver is calculated, based on the measured parameter, and the compressor unit is operated in accordance with the calculated setpoint value, and in order to obtain a pressure inside the receiver which is equal to the calculated setpoint value. The vapour compression system is operated in an energy efficient manner over a wide range of ambient temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Kristian Fredslund, Frede Schmidt, Kenneth Bank Madsen, Jan Prins
  • Patent number: 10935455
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting small leaks in a plumbing system is disclosed. A temperature sensor coupled to the water in the plumbing system is used to determine if there is a leak. During times of inactivity for fixtures in the plumbing systems, a flow sensor might measure usage of water that would indicate a leak. For very small leaks, the flow is below a minimum measurable flow of the flow sensor. Embodiments of the invention measure temperature of water within a pipe coupled to the plumbing system. Temperature will generally decay in a particular predicable way when there is flow as the temperature of water upon entry to the building is lower than the air temperature within the building. Signal processing, machine learning and/or statistical approaches are used to analyze the temperature and optionally flow and/or pressure over time to determine when a leak is likely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Phyn LLC
    Inventors: Salil P. Banerjee, Raul I. Ramos-Garcia, Aanand Esterberg, Shwetak N. Patel
  • Patent number: 10900485
    Abstract: Power systems and methods of controlling an engine driven air compressor include an air compressor driven by an engine via a clutch. A first pressure sensor configured to sense a pressure level at an outlet of the air compressor. An inlet valve configured to close in response to the first pressure sensor sensing a pressure level above a first pressure level. In addition, a second pressure sensor to sense a pressure level below a second pressure level at a housing of the air compressor, wherein the clutch is configured to disengage in response to the second pressure level, wherein the first pressure level is higher than the second pressure level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Nathan Joe Jochman
  • Patent number: 10815752
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling wellsite equipment, including a cementing unit comprising a plurality of sensors operable to generate information related to operational status of the cementing unit and a controller comprising a processor and a memory including computer program code. Communication is established between the cementing unit and the controller. The controller is operable to operate the controller to automatically perform initialization of operation of the cementing unit, operate the controller to automatically perform a flow rate calibration of the cementing unit, and/or operate the controller to automatically perform a cement pumping operation of the cementing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Carlos Urdaneta
  • Patent number: 10814683
    Abstract: A system for tire inflation including a drive mechanism defining a rotational axis, including an eccentric mass that offsets a center of mass of the drive mechanism from the rotational axis along a radial vector; a pump arranged radially distal the rotational axis of the drive mechanism, including a chamber defining a chamber lumen, and a reciprocating element arranged at least partially within the chamber lumen and translatable along a pump axis; a drive coupler coupled between the drive mechanism at a first position and the reciprocating element at a second position fixed to the reciprocating element; a torque regulation mechanism; and a controller, communicatively coupled to the torque regulation mechanism; wherein the system is operable between at least a first mode and a second mode by the torque regulation mechanism in cooperation with the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Aperia Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Brandon Richardson
  • Patent number: 10808690
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a start-up of an electric vacuum pump for a vacuum system of a vehicle, wherein the start-up can occur according to at least two different start-up modes, i.e., according to a standard mode and according to at least one special mode, wherein in the standard mode the vacuum pump is connected to a supply voltage in a non-clocked manner and in the special mode the vacuum pump is connected to a supply voltage in a dynamically clocked manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Kalbeck, Jürgen Schicke, Christian Märkl
  • Patent number: 10801490
    Abstract: A beverage production module includes a pump for delivering a fluid from a tank to an extraction chamber, a power source for the pump, and a controller for operating the pump and for controlling the voltage applied from the power source to the pump. The controller is adapted to operate the pump at a normal operation voltage (U3) and to operate the pump over a predefined time (T1,T2) at a reduced voltage level (U1, U2). A method operates the pump of a beverage production module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.
    Inventors: Guido Piai, Stefan Etter
  • Patent number: 10788407
    Abstract: A system for sensing an estimated composition of a produced fluid being conducted from a reservoir includes: at least one device for measuring temperature data; at least one device for obtaining flow rate data, pressure data, pump speed data and valve travel data; a first produced fluid density generator; a second produced fluid density generator; and a composition generator. The first produced fluid density generator is configured to generate a first produced fluid density based on the obtained flow rate, pressure, pump speed and valve travel data. The second produced fluid density generator is configured to generate a second produced fluid density based at least in part on the measured temperature data. The composition generator is configured to: iteratively generate a phantom component content, a bitumen content and a water content for the produced fluid based on at least in part on: a material balance of the produced fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: CNOOC PETROLEUM NORTH AMERICA ULC
    Inventors: Alireza Nazari, Yiming Ji, Daniel Joseph Giesbrecht
  • Patent number: 10731647
    Abstract: A high pressure compressor according to the present disclosure and a refrigerating cycle device to which the high pressure compressor is applied may include a casing having a sealed inner space; drive motor provided in the inner space of the casing; a compression unit provided in the inner space of the casing, and provided with a compression space for compressing refrigerant, and provided with a suction port for guiding refrigerant into the compression space, and provided with a discharge port for guiding refrigerant compressed in the compression space into the inner space of the casing a discharge valve provided in the compression unit to selectively open or close the discharge port according to a difference between a pressure of the inner space of the casing and a pressure of the compression space of the compression unit; a first valve configured to suppress refrigerant discharged from the inner space of the casing from flowing backward into the inner space of the casing; a bypass pipe connected between a d
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jingyu Lee, Jeonghyeon Park, Yeongcheol Ko
  • Patent number: 10724352
    Abstract: A wellbore system may include a work string and at least one downhole device connected to a portion of the work string, the downhole device configured to deliver a periodic stream of fluid to a portion of a wellbore. The system may further include at least one sensor configured to detect reflected energy pulses associated with the periodic stream of fluid. The at least one downhole device may be configured to modify a pressure of the periodic stream of fluid in real time based on the reflected energy pulses received in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Silviu Livescu, Timothy T. Ramsey
  • Patent number: 10711784
    Abstract: Provided is an air compressor which exhibits improved reliability by resolving problems relating to drainage discharge defects, and exhibits improved energy efficiency. The air compressor comprises: a compressor body which compresses air; a compressed air flow path through which the compressed air from the compressor body flows; a heat exchanger which is provided to the compressor flow path so as to cool the compressed air from the compressor body; and a drainage pipe (62) which branches from the compressed air flow path so as to connect to the exterior, and through which drainage condensed from the compressed air cooled in the heat exchanger flows. A strainer (65) which removes foreign matter contaminating the drainage is provided to the drainage pipe (62). An on-off valve (66) at the downstream side of the strainer (65), and a pressure sensor (41) at the upstream side thereof, said sensor detecting pressure inside the drainage pipe (62), are each provided so as to resolve drainage discharge defects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ohta, Hideki Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 10704546
    Abstract: A service module for troubleshooting a pumping unit, particularly that used in the oil/gas industry, is operatively coupled between a motor of the pumping unit and a high pressure shutoff sensor which acts to kill the motor of the pumping unit in the event a pressure of the pipeline exceeds a prescribed threshold. The service module is operable in a first normal operating mode in which the shutoff sensor acts as it normally would to shut off the motor when the prescribed threshold is exceeded, and in a second troubleshooting mode where the normal operation of the shutoff sensor is bypassed for a predetermined period of time. After the predetermined period of time of the second troubleshooting mode has elapsed, the service module automatically returns to the normal operating mode. The shutoff sensor thus remains operatively coupled to the motor during troubleshooting of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Inventor: Edward William Jackson
  • Patent number: 10677248
    Abstract: This disclosure describes electrically powered fluid (liquid) pumps having an electric motor or actuator attached to a power source with an amperage sensor configured to measure the amperage draw of the motor while the pump is operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Inventor: Dean Richard Howard
  • Patent number: 10641268
    Abstract: An oil balancing system for a multiple compressor system is provided. The oil balancing system includes an oil equalization line disposed between a first compressor and a second compressor. A first solenoid valve is provided in the oil equalization line. A first signal corresponds to a first oil level in the first compressor. A second signal corresponds to a second oil level in the second compressor. An oil balancing module uses the first signal and the second signal to diagnose an oil imbalance between the first compressor and the second compressor, and applies corrective action, whereby the corrective action includes sending control signals to operate at least one of the first compressor, the second compressor, or the first solenoid valve in a way that eliminates the oil imbalance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy Richard Brostrom, Adam J. D'Amico, Jacob A. Groshek, Reema Kamat, Douglas P. Pelsor
  • Patent number: 10569620
    Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a startup mode control module that receives an off time of a compressor of the refrigeration system and an ambient temperature, determines whether the off time and the ambient temperature indicate that the compressor is in a flooded condition, and selects, based on the determination, between a normal startup mode and a flooded startup mode. A compressor control module operates the compressor in the normal startup mode in response to the startup mode control module selecting the normal startup mode, in the flooded startup mode in response to the startup mode control module selecting the flooded startup mode, and transitions from the flooded startup mode to the normal startup mode after a predetermined period associated with operating in the flooded startup mode. The compressor is operated at a first speed in the normal startup mode and at a second speed in the flooded startup mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn W. Vehr, Joseph James Rozsnaki
  • Patent number: 10559949
    Abstract: A watertight electrical compartment for use in an irrigation device can include a compartment body having a chamber and a sealing section configured to mate with one or more sealing rings. A sealing cap can mate with the sealing section and/or the sealing rings to seal the chamber. A cap retainer can be advanced over at least a portion of the sealing cap. One of the compartment body and cap retainer can have internal threads to be screwed onto external threads of the other one of the compartment body and cap retainer. The cap retainer can also have a stopping feature to keep the sealing cap in its sealed position. The watertight electrical compartment can be used in a wireless flow sensor assembly, a battery operated irrigation controller, and/or a battery-operated central controller device, to provide irrigation control, and/or sensor information, without the need for AC power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael F. Paul
  • Patent number: 10550838
    Abstract: A system and method for pumping formation fluids from a well using a sucker rod pumping system that prevents the pumping system from experiencing a floating rod condition. The sucker rod pumping system comprises a pump drive system, a rod string, and a downhole reciprocating pump driven by the rod string. The pump drive system is coupled to the rod string by a bridle. In addition, the sucker rod pumping system comprises a drive control system that controls the speed of the pump drive system during the downstroke. The drive control system is coupled to a load cell configured to provide a signal representative of load on the rod string. The drive control system controls the speed of the pump drive system during the downstroke based on the load on the rod string so that the rod string does not experience a floating rod condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Systems USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernardo Martin Mancuso, Zackrey Sobin
  • Patent number: 10502213
    Abstract: A compressed air system may comprise an air compressor configured to generate compressed air, a reservoir configured to store the compressed air, a reservoir pressure sensor configured to monitor an actual reservoir pressure of the compressed air stored in the reservoir, an outlet valve configured to regulate a flow of the compressed air out of the reservoir, and an outlet electronic actuator configured to adjust a position of the outlet valve. The compressed air system may further comprise an electronic control module (ECM) configured to transmit a command to the outlet electronic actuator to cause the outlet electronic actuator to open the outlet valve when the actual reservoir pressure is above a target reservoir pressure, and transmit a command to the electronic actuator to cause the electronic actuator to close the outlet valve when the actual reservoir pressure is below the target reservoir pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining Equipment LLC
    Inventors: Rick William Berlage, Brian Daniel Rockwood, Jerry E. Berkeland
  • Patent number: 10443534
    Abstract: A fuel pump of a motor vehicle includes: a pump stage configured to induce fuel from a fuel tank; an electric motor configured to drive the pump stage; and control electronics configured to supply the electric motor with electrical current. The control electronics includes a memory storing a low temperature start program and a standard start program. The control electronics are connected to a temperature sensor and a selector configured to select the start program depending on the sensed temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Rolf Graf, Sebastian Koerner
  • Patent number: 10436226
    Abstract: A climate-control system may include a compressor and a control module. The compressor includes a motor driving a compression mechanism to compress a working fluid. The control module is in communication with the motor and may be configured to determine a balance speed of the motor at which a forward-rotational inertial force of the compression mechanism is equal to a backward-rotational gas force on the compression mechanism. The control module may be configured to adjust a running speed of the motor to the balance speed after receipt of a compressor-shutdown-command and before shutting down the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob A. Groshek
  • Patent number: 10406392
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a fire pump control system are provided. An example fire pump control system includes a pump system having a given full load current, wherein the pump system comprises (i) a fire pump, (ii) a first disconnect switch and (iii) a first circuit breaker. The first disconnect switch and the first circuit breaker are located upstream of the fire pump. The system further includes a controller configured to control operation of the fire pump, and the controller comprises a second disconnect switch and a second circuit breaker. The controller is located upstream of the first disconnect switch and the first circuit breaker, and is configured to avoid (i) opening within two minutes at 600 percent of the full load current, (ii) opening with a restart transient of 24 times the full load current, and (iii) opening within 10 minutes at 300 percent of the full load current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: ASCO Power Technologies, L.P.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Stephens
  • Patent number: 10400776
    Abstract: In some aspects, a compressor system includes a compressor train including two or more compressors connected in series and a control mechanism. The control mechanism is controlled by a performance controller. The performance controller is operable to identify a process variable of the performance controller; receive, on a recurrent basis from a load sharing controller, a setpoint for the process variable of the performance controller; and control the control mechanism based on the setpoint and the process variable of the performance controller. The setpoint is determined dynamically during operation of the two or more compressors by the load sharing controller based on a load sharing parameter associated with the two or more compressors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter Grassens, Brian Eldredge
  • Patent number: 10383993
    Abstract: The specification discloses a portable dialysis machine having a detachable controller unit and base unit with an improved reservoir heating system. The controller unit includes a door having an interior face, a housing with a panel, where the housing and panel define a recessed region configured to receive the interior face of the door, and a manifold receiver fixedly attached to the panel. The base unit has a reservoir with an internal pan and external pan, separated by a space that holds a heating element. The heating element is electrically coupled to electrical contacts attached to the external surface of the external pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Alec Huang, Brian Thomas Kelly, Tam Nolan
  • Patent number: 10371142
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for pairing load and position values are disclosed. An example method includes determining, via a rod pump controller, a first position value of a polished rod of a pumping unit, assigning a first time value to the determined first position value, receiving first load values of the polished rod, assigning second time values to respective ones of the first load values, adjusting each of the second time values to respective third time values based on a wireless communication delay value, and determining a second load value associated with the first position value at the first time value based on the first load values and the third time values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: BRISTOL, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas Matthew Mills
  • Patent number: 10359747
    Abstract: A controlling device for indoor apparatus includes a detection module, a human machine interface (HMI) and a wireless transmission module. The controlling device accepts supervisor's setting for an indoor electronic apparatus via the HMI, detects the environment around the controlling device for generating a plurality of detection value via the detective module, and receives another detection value from a plurality of slave detection devices in same controlling system. The controlling device generates a control command based on setting parameter of the supervisor and the plurality of detection value, and transmits the generated control command to the indoor electronic apparatus via the wireless transmission module. The indoor electronic apparatus works based on the received control command, so the environment around the controlling system can satisfy supervisor's demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Cheng-Chieh Chan, Cheng-Yi Huang, Hsu-Fan Ai, Chien-Chung Lee, Yuan-Ping Hsieh, Jo-Fang Wei
  • Patent number: 10340675
    Abstract: A watertight electrical compartment for use in an irrigation device can include a compartment body having a chamber and a sealing section configured to mate with one or more sealing rings. A sealing cap can mate with the sealing section and/or the sealing rings to seal the chamber. A cap retainer can be advanced over at least a portion of the sealing cap. One of the compartment body and cap retainer can have internal threads to be screwed onto external threads of the other one of the compartment body and cap retainer. The cap retainer can also have a stopping feature to keep the sealing cap in its sealed position. The watertight electrical compartment can be used in a wireless flow sensor assembly, a battery operated irrigation controller, and/or a battery-operated central controller device, to provide irrigation control, and/or sensor information, without the need for AC power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael F. Paul
  • Patent number: 10288760
    Abstract: Current supplied to electrical submersible pumps in wells is monitored, and signal processing based on wavelet analysis and phase diagram analysis is performed on the data obtained from monitoring. An incipient malfunction of the electrical submersible pump, such as one due to scale build-up in and around the pump, can be detected at an early stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Mohamed Nabil Noui-Mehidi, Ahmed Yasin Bukhamseen
  • Patent number: 10289125
    Abstract: A method of servicing a request during high pressure wellsite pumping operations to manipulate a valve in a manifold system having a plurality of valves includes receiving a plurality of valve configurations that would result in an overpressured manifold system and comparing the request to a proposed valve configuration that would result from a proposed valve manipulation. The method includes determining whether a pump to the manifold system is operating. The method further includes determining whether the proposed valve manipulation inhibits a flow path between the pump and an outlet of the manifold system and would result in an overpressured manifold system. The method also includes in response to a determination that the proposed valve manipulation inhibits the flow path: blocking the proposed valve manipulation and presenting an operator with an override option.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Chip L. Imel, James Douglas Funkhouser, Charles Edward Neal, III, Derek Williams
  • Patent number: 10280916
    Abstract: A diaphragm pump (10), in particular for use as a detergent dosage pump, comprises a pump housing (12) with at least a first check valve (14) and a second check valve (16), a fluid chamber (18), a diaphragm (20) defining a wall of the fluid chamber (18) and reciprocatingly movable, driving means (28) with a driving shaft (30) for reciprocating said diaphragm (20), a control unit (36), wherein the driving means (28) is connected to the diaphragm (20) by an eccentric (26) and a con rod (24), wherein the driving means (28) is configured as a gearless drive to directly reciprocate the diaphragm (20). The diaphragm pump (10) according to the invention offers increased cost efficiency and further it is possible to increase the dosing capabilities of the diaphragm pump (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Sauer, Rudolf Albrecht
  • Patent number: 10245908
    Abstract: A system for tire inflation including a drive mechanism defining a rotational axis, including an eccentric mass that offsets a center of mass of the drive mechanism from the rotational axis along a radial vector; a pump arranged radially distal the rotational axis of the drive mechanism, including a chamber defining a chamber lumen, and a reciprocating element arranged at least partially within the chamber lumen and translatable along a pump axis; a drive coupler coupled between the drive mechanism at a first position and the reciprocating element at a second position fixed to the reciprocating element; a torque regulation mechanism; and a controller, communicatively coupled to the torque regulation mechanism; wherein the system is operable between at least a first mode and a second mode by the torque regulation mechanism in cooperation with the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Aperia Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Brandon Richardson
  • Patent number: 10219985
    Abstract: A flow control apparatus adapted for a feeding set includes a housing capable of receiving at least a portion of the feeding set, a pumping device for acting on the feeding set to produce fluid flow in the feeding set for delivery of fluid. The apparatus has a sensor arranged with respect to the pumping device to produce a signal indicative of a rotational position of a rotor, and a control circuit in communication with the sensor and in communication with the pumping device. The control circuit controls operation of the motor at a first output to rotate the rotor to produce fluid flow in the feeding set and at a second output effectively less than the first output, the control circuit monitoring the sensor signal during operation of the motor at the second output to determine occlusion in the feeding set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: KPR U.S., LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Hudson
  • Patent number: 10199815
    Abstract: A watertight electrical compartment for use in an irrigation device can include a compartment body having a chamber and a sealing section configured to mate with one or more sealing rings. A sealing cap can mate with the sealing section and/or the sealing rings to seal the chamber. A cap retainer can be advanced over at least a portion of the sealing cap. One of the compartment body and cap retainer can have internal threads to be screwed onto external threads of the other one of the compartment body and cap retainer. The cap retainer can also have a stopping feature to keep the sealing cap in its sealed position. The watertight electrical compartment can be used in a wireless flow sensor assembly, a battery operated irrigation controller, and/or a battery-operated central controller device, to provide irrigation control, and/or sensor information, without the need for AC power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael F. Paul
  • Patent number: 10190587
    Abstract: A motor-driven compressor includes an electric motor including a rotor, a housing, a compression unit, a drive circuit, and a controller. The controller includes a deceleration controller that performs a deceleration control, which decelerates the rotor, during a first period in response to the rotor being rotating in a direction opposite to the forward direction, and a continuation controller that performs a continuation control, which continues the rotation of the rotor, during a second period that is longer than the first period after the deceleration control is performed. A fluctuation difference of a rotational frequency of the rotor during the continuation control is less than a deceleration rotational frequency difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventors: Shinichi Kawamura, Takashi Kawashima
  • Patent number: 10087944
    Abstract: A method for controlling a compressor that includes a compressor element, whereby during a transition from full load or partial load to zero load, a process A is followed that involves: (1) reducing the inlet pressure; and (2) reducing the speed and/or the drive torque. During a transition from zero load to part load or full load, a process B is followed that involves: (3) increasing of the speed or drive; and (4) increasing the inlet pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: ATLAS COPCO AIRPOWER, NAAMLOZE VENNOOTSCHAP
    Inventors: Filip Gustaaf M. Huberland, Uwe Pahner, Filip Petrus I Beyens, Stijn Jozef Rita Johanna Janssens
  • Patent number: 10036572
    Abstract: Technologies for use with a hot water recirculation system containing a hot water source, a booster pump downstream from the sensor, a conduit connecting the booster pump and water source, a flow sensor external to the conduit for sensing water flow within the conduit, and a plumbing fixture downstream from the pump are provided. The technologies enable a controller to couple to the sensor and the pump, and operate in a calibration mode and a control mode. Such operations can increase energy efficiency of the pump and increase operational longevity of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Inventor: Lawrence Halff