Patents Assigned to C. Cowles & Company
  • Patent number: 9851111
    Abstract: Thermal targeting technology is used to continuously adjust boiler target temperature to the minimum necessary to satisfy the required heating load. Responsive to and initiated by a first call for heat, boiler target temperature is reduced by a predetermined amount upon or subsequent to the call for heat. Once the boiler temperature reaches this new target, a call timer is activated. If demand for heat is satisfied before a time set point is reached, the system ceases providing additional heat energy until the next heat demand. Responsive to and initiated by a next call for heat, the boiler target temperature is again reduced by the predetermined amount upon or subsequent to this next call for heat. Each time the heat demand is satisfied within the predetermined time interval, the boiler target temperature is reduced. If heat demand is not satisfied, a thermal boost is provided at set time intervals until the call for heat is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: C. Cowles & Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Lyons, Christopher L. Murray, William Montgomery, Robert Schiller, Timothy Van Leeuwen
  • Patent number: 9416981
    Abstract: A dual functionality temperature control measurement and low water cutoff measurement system is taught within a single tapping to a boiler. This dual functionality combines a low water cutoff and temperature sensor into one control utilizing a sensing element suitable for use in a single existing tapping for a boiler. Independent of low water functionality, the temperature sensor is also capable of monitoring temperature as a replacement probe in an existing temperature sensor-only well. A conductive member provides a compression fit inside the probe well for thermistors, while simultaneously providing conduction with the well interior for a low water cutoff signal in a two-conductor well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: C. Cowles & Company
    Inventor: Christopher L. Murray
  • Patent number: 8931708
    Abstract: A dual functionality temperature control measurement and low water cutoff measurement system is taught within a single tapping to a boiler. This dual functionality combines a low water cutoff and temperature sensor into one control utilizing a sensing element suitable for use in a single existing tapping for a boiler. Independent of low water functionality, the temperature sensor is also capable of monitoring temperature as a replacement probe in an existing temperature sensor-only well. A conductive member provides a compression fit inside the probe well for thermistors, while simultaneously providing conduction with the well interior for a low water cutoff signal in a two-conductor well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: C. Cowles & Company
    Inventor: Christopher L. Murray
  • Patent number: 8844834
    Abstract: Thermal targeting technology is used to continuously adjust boiler target temperature to the minimum necessary to satisfy the required heating load. Responsive to and initiated by a first call for heat, boiler target temperature is reduced by a predetermined amount upon or subsequent to the call for heat. Once the boiler temperature reaches this new target, a call timer is activated. If demand for heat is satisfied before a time set point is reached, the system ceases providing additional heat energy until the next heat demand. Responsive to and initiated by a next call for heat, the boiler target temperature is again reduced by the predetermined amount upon or subsequent to this next call for heat. Each time the heat demand is satisfied within the predetermined time interval, the boiler target temperature is reduced. If heat demand is not satisfied, a thermal boost is provided at set time intervals until the call for heat is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: C. Cowles & Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Lyons, Christopher L. Murray, William Montgomery, Robert Schiller, Timothy Van Leeuwen
  • Publication number: 20110122918
    Abstract: A dual functionality temperature control measurement and low water cut-off measurement system is taught within a single tapping to a boiler. This dual functionality combines a low water cut-off and temperature sensor into one control utilizing a sensing element suitable for use in a single existing tapping for a boiler. Independent of low water functionality, the temperature sensor is also capable of monitoring temperature as a replacement probe in an existing temperature sensor-only well. A conductive member provides a compression fit inside the probe well for thermistors, while simultaneously providing conduction with the well interior for a low water cutoff signal in a two-conductor well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: C. COWLES & COMPANY
    Inventor: Christopher L. Murray
  • Patent number: 7891572
    Abstract: A dual functionality temperature control measurement and low water cutoff measurement system is taught within a single tapping to a boiler. This dual functionality combines a low water cutoff and temperature sensor into one control utilizing a sensing element suitable for use in a single existing tapping for a boiler. Independent of low water functionality, the temperature sensor is also capable of monitoring temperature as a replacement probe in an existing temperature sensor-only well. A conductive member provides a compression fit inside the probe well for thermistors, while simultaneously providing conduction with the well interior for a low water cutoff signal in a two-conductor well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: C. Cowles & Company
    Inventor: Christopher L. Murray
  • Patent number: 7093611
    Abstract: A water feeder controller for a boiler monitors a low water cutoff sensor in a boiler and uses a feed timer to feed water to the boiler for a predetermined feed period of time. The feed timer brings the water level in the boiler well above the low water cutoff sensor. The feed timer supplies water to the boiler only if the low water cutoff sensor continues to indicate a low water level for a delay period of time measured by a delay timer. A resettable display indicates the quantity of water supplied by the water feeder to the boiler based on a feed counter incremented during water feeding. A manual feed button allows water to be manually fed to the boiler. The quantity of water manually supplied to the boiler is also shown on the display. The feed timer and delay timer are preferably implemented in software in a microcontroller in the water feeder controller. A lockout loop in the software prevents overfeeding of water to the boiler in the event of a failure of the low water cutoff sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: C. Cowles & Company
    Inventors: Christopher L Murray, Richard A Lyons
  • Patent number: 6926028
    Abstract: A water feeder controller for a boiler monitors a low water cutoff sensor in a boiler and uses a feed timer to feed water to the boiler for a predetermined feed period of time. The feed timer brings the water level in the boiler well above the low water cutoff sensor. The feed timer supplies water to the boiler only if the low water cutoff sensor continues to indicate a low water level for a delay period of time measured by a delay timer. A resettable display indicates the quantity of water supplied by the water feeder to the boiler based on a feed counter incremented during water feeding. A manual feed button allows water to be manually fed to the boiler. The quantity of water manually supplied to the boiler is also shown on the display. The feed timer and delay timer are preferably implemented in software in a microcontroller in the water feeder controller. A lockout loop in the software prevents overfeeding of water to the boiler in the event of a failure of the low water cutoff sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: C. Cowles & Company
    Inventors: Christopher L. Murray, Richard A. Lyons
  • Publication number: 20040149335
    Abstract: A water feeder controller for a boiler monitors a low water cutoff sensor in a boiler and uses a feed timer to feed water to the boiler for a predetermined feed period of time. The feed timer brings the water level in the boiler well above the low water cutoff sensor. The feed timer supplies water to the boiler only if the low water cutoff sensor continues to indicate a low water level for a delay period of time measured by a delay timer. A resettable display indicates the quantity of water supplied by the water feeder to the boiler based on a feed counter incremented during water feeding. A manual feed button allows water to be manually fed to the boiler. The quantity of water manually supplied to the boiler is also shown on the display. The feed timer and delay timer are preferably implemented in software in a microcontroller in the water feeder controller. A lockout loop in the software prevents overfeeding of water to the boiler in the event of a failure of the low water cutoff sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicant: C. Cowles & Company
    Inventors: Christopher L. Murray, Richard A. Lyons
  • Patent number: 6688329
    Abstract: A water feeder controller for a boiler monitors a low water cutoff sensor in a boiler and uses a feed timer to feed water to the boiler for a predetermined feed period of time. The feed timer brings the water level in the boiler well above the low water cutoff sensor. The feed timer supplies water to the boiler only if the low water cutoff sensor continues to indicate a low water level for a delay period of time measured by a delay timer. A resettable display indicates the quantity of water supplied by the water feeder to the boiler based on a feed counter incremented during water feeding. A manual feed button allows water to be manually fed to the boiler. The quantity of water manually supplied to the boiler is also shown on the display. The feed timer and delay timer are preferably implemented in software in a microcontroller in the water feeder controller. A lockout loop in the software prevents overfeeding of water to the boiler in the event of a failure of the low water cutoff sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: C. Cowles & Company
    Inventors: Christopher L. Murray, Richard A. Lyons
  • Publication number: 20030005961
    Abstract: A water feeder controller for a boiler monitors a low water cutoff sensor in a boiler and uses a feed timer to feed water to the boiler for a predetermined feed period of time. The feed timer brings the water level in the boiler well above the low water cutoff sensor. The feed timer supplies water to the boiler only if the low water cutoff sensor continues to indicate a low water level for a delay period of time measured by a delay timer. A resettable display indicates the quantity of water supplied by the water feeder to the boiler based on a feed counter incremented during water feeding. A manual feed button allows water to be manually fed to the boiler. The quantity of water manually supplied to the boiler is also shown on the display. The feed timer and delay timer are preferably implemented in software in a microcontroller in the water feeder controller. A lockout loop in the software prevents overfeeding of water to the boiler in the event of a failure of the low water cutoff sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Applicant: C. Cowles & Company
    Inventors: Christopher L. Murray, Richard A. Lyons
  • Patent number: 6390027
    Abstract: A cycle control system for use with a boiler having a fluid therein and a method of monitoring a boiler to determine the presence of an adequate level of fluid therein. The cycle control system includes a timing circuit producing a burner control signal having alternating on and off states corresponding to on and off period timers to allow foam to settle so that a probe can accurately check the fluid level in the boiler. A burner monitor circuit monitors when a demand controller turns the burner on and off responsive to demand. The on-period timer is reset whenever the burner monitor circuit indicates the demand control circuit has turned off the burner for a length of time sufficient for the probe to accurately check the fluid level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: C. Cowles & Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Lyons, Christopher L. Murray
  • Patent number: 5739504
    Abstract: A control system for use with a boiler and associated burner. In one embodiment, the system comprises a first control circuit for producing a signal having alternating first and second states, the first state activating the burner and having a first predetermined duration, the second state deactivating the burner and having a second predetermined duration that defines a time period that allows foam and surging fluid in the boiler to settle, and a relay responsive to the first control circuit signal and adapted for connection to a power source and the burner, when the first control circuit signal has the first state, the relay connects the power source to the burner to activate the burner, when the first control circuit signal has the second state, the relay disconnects the power source from the burner to deactivate the burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: C. Cowles & Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Lyons, Christopher L. Murray
  • Patent number: 4152910
    Abstract: A highly tamper-resistant lock for attachment to an electric meter box, as a supplement to other locking means, if any, or a replacement therefor, the lock having one part secured to the box and a separable part adapted to be locked in engagement with the first part and in a position to prevent separation of the parts to project in front of the meter box cover to prevent opening thereof. The part secured to the box includes a reinforcement member having at least one wing piece which engages a portion of the separable part in the locked position to prevent tilting of the separable part by prying. The lock for the separable part is shown as a plunger type lock, to be inserted in a deep tubular chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1979
    Assignee: C. Cowles & Company
    Inventor: James A. Swisher
  • Patent number: 4107959
    Abstract: A highly tamper-resistant lock for attachment to an electric meter box, as a supplement to other locking means, if any, or a replacement therefor, the lock having one part secured to the box and a separable part adapted to be locked in engagement with the first part and in a position to prevent separation of the parts to project in front of the meter box cover to prevent opening thereof. The lock for the separable part is shown as a plunger type lock, to be inserted in a deep tubular chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1978
    Assignee: C. Cowles & Company
    Inventors: Thaddeus S. Skarzynski, James A. Swisher
  • Patent number: D937743
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignees: C.Cowles & Company, All-Fit Automotive, LLC
    Inventors: Richard A Lyons, Anthony James Dudon, II