Patents Assigned to Control Technology
  • ELECTRO-MECHANICAL PUSH BUTTON VEHICLE SEAT ACTUATION MECHANISM
    Publication number: 20130200668
    Abstract: A vehicle seat having a seat back pivotably coupled to a seat base by a seat recliner mechanism such that the seat back can be pivoted in a forward and rearward direction relative the seat base. The seat includes a track assembly coupled to the vehicle and the seat, such that the seat can be moved in the forward and rearward directions relative to the vehicle interior. The seat further includes an actuator mechanism having a first actuator that includes a push button located on the seat and an actuator in electrical communication with the push button, A force transmitting device has one end connected to the actuator and a second end connected to the seat recliner mechanism, such that energizing the actuator actuates the force transmitting device to release the seat recliner mechanism and move the seat between a use and a tipped and forward position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Eric B. Michalak, Joseph Rajkumar, Mark Kowalski, Vijay Havali, Jeffrey P. Medvecky
  • VOLTAGE AND TEMPERATURE SENSING OF BATTERY CELL GROUPS
    Publication number: 20130193977
    Abstract: The embodiments described herein include a system and a method. One embodiment provides a sensing apparatus for a battery system having a plurality of cells. The sensing apparatus includes an elongated substrate configured to extend along one side of the plurality of cells and a plurality of sensors, each corresponding to a respective one of the plurality of cells, and each configured to contact its respective cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Johnson Controls Technology Company
  • Method and system for monitoring the operation of a cable shovel machine
    Patent number: 8498787
    Abstract: A monitor system for an electric cable shovel determines when the shovel has completed a digging operation, and a subsequent dumping operation. The system includes an inclinometer, a current sensor, and a monitor circuit. The inclinometer is mounted on the dipper arm for providing an output indicative of the inclination of the dipper arm. The current sensor senses the level of the electrical current supplied to the electric motor. The monitor circuit determines when the current sensor provides an indication of a current level in excess of a digging current threshold level for a period of time in excess of a predetermined period, and during such period of time the inclinometer indicates that the inclination of the dipper arm is below a digging threshold inclination. In such a case, the monitor circuit provides an output indicating that the shovel has completed a digging operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Trimble Control Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Claude Wesley Keefer
  • Adaptive real-time optimization control
    Patent number: 8495888
    Abstract: A computerized method for operating a process includes using at least one sensor to determine when to transition a state machine between a first operating state wherein the process is operated using extremum seeking control and a second operating state wherein the process is operated without extremum seeking control. The method further includes, in response to the determination, automatically transitioning from the first operating state to the second operating state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: John E. Seem
  • Cooling member
    Patent number: 8495890
    Abstract: A cooling member for a variable speed drive is disclosed. The cooling member includes including at least two channels, each channel including at least one inlet and at least one outlet, a first passageway configured to provide fluid to the at least two channels through the at least one inlet of each channel, a second passageway configured to receive fluid from the at least one outlet of each channel the at least two channels, and a connector to connect the cooling member to a second cooling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Ivan Jadric, Steve M. Hoover, Kathleen S. Rogers, Michael S. Todd, Mathias R. Fox, Christopher J. Keizer, Ronald C. Perry, Matthew T. Boerma, Justin D. Warner, Scott V. Slothower, Julie S. Muszynski, David J. Laforme
  • PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS AND METHODS HAVING LEARNING FEATURES
    Publication number: 20130190900
    Abstract: A system for operating a process includes a processing circuit that uses a self-optimizing control strategy to learn a steady-state relationship between an input and an output. The processing circuit is configured to switch from using the self-optimizing control strategy to using a different control strategy that operates based on the learned steady-state relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Johnson Controls Technology Company
  • Self-learning transceiver
    Patent number: 8494547
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a transceiver (10) used in a determined geographical zone (100), comprising a learning module (123) for adapting its operating characteristics, bound by the regulations and/or by the specifications of the said geographical zone A, by other regulations and/or specifications of other geographical zones B, characterized in that it comprises means of identification (125) of the geographical zone B, and means (122) of checking the said characteristics as a function of the said zone. The user can thus check that he is using a permitted frequency band and adapt his transceiver to suit if necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Frederic Nigon
  • Vehicle seat
    Patent number: 8491054
    Abstract: A vehicle seat system including a seat-bottom (1.7) and a.seatback (15) wherein the seatback (15) is prevented from rotating by both a recliner mechanism (50) and a latch mechanism (60) connected to the seatback (15). The latch mechanism (60) is configured to be disengaged to permit rotation of the seatback (15), to a forward position to aid ingress into a rearward positioned seat, which in turn releases a pair of tracks to shuttle the seat forward, to provide for easier ingress into a rearward positioned seat. When the latch mechanism (60) is released or unlocked, the recliner mechanism (50) release handle is free to rotate, but the lockout mechanism is prevented from, releasing the recliner mechanism. The seat is configured so that the seatback (15) unfolds and returns to the specific comfort position prior to activation of the latch mechanism release handle (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Timothy S. Myers, Keith R. Ziegler, Michael J. Leighton
  • Wireless communications system and method
    Patent number: 8494449
    Abstract: A system for communicating information facilitates wireless communication between electronic devices. The system includes a transceiver provided in a vehicle. The transceiver communicates with an electronic device located external to the transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Kurt A. Dykema, Steven L. Geerlings, Mark L. Zeinstra
  • Exhaust muffler
    Patent number: 8485314
    Abstract: An exhaust muffler of an internal combustion engine has pipe sections on the inflow side and on the outflow side, respectively, and a muffler housing that is in communication with the pipe sections. The muffler housing, which includes an outer casing and end walls, is made at least in sections of a plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Faurecia Emissions Control Technologies, Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Tobias Danner, Thorsten Keesser, Thorsten Linde, Christine Huth, Marco Ranalli
  • Compressor
    Patent number: 8475151
    Abstract: A compressor is provided with a substantially cylindrical housing. Inside the housing is a motor housing having a substantially cylindrical shape and a compressor housing having a substantially cylindrical shape. The motor housing and the compressor housing are connected or fit into the housing with a frictional connection to prevent axial movement of the motor housing and the compressor housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Paul Nemit, Jr., Angela Marie Comstock
  • Fault detection systems and methods for self-optimizing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning controls
    Patent number: 8478433
    Abstract: A fault detection system for detecting a fault in a process system includes a first circuit configured to modify an input of the process system with a modifying signal. The fault detection system further includes a second circuit configured to receive an output from the process system and configured to determine whether the fault exists based on at least one of a reduction of a signal component and an unexpected transformation of the signal component, wherein the signal component corresponds to a function of the modifying signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: John E. Seem, Yaoyu Li, Timothy Salsbury
  • Method and system for performing non-contact based determination of the position of an implement
    Patent number: 8478492
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and system for performing non-contact based determination of the position of an implement. In one embodiment, a non-contact based measurement system is used to determine the relative position of an implement coupled with a mobile machine. The geographic position of the mobile machine is determined and the geographic position of said implement based upon the geographic position of the mobile machine and the position of the implement relative to the mobile machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Trimble Control Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur James Taylor, Mark Nichols, Philip Jackson
  • Display device, notably for a motor vehicle
    Patent number: 8477426
    Abstract: A display device for a motor vehicle includes a projection module for generating an image for projection in a normal direction of looking of a user long an optical path. The display device comprises a reflection element capable of being moved between a first rest position and a second display position. The reflection element in its display position is provided in the normal direction of looking of the user. When the reflection element moves between its first rest position and its second display position, it is subjected to rotary movement about a fixed axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Benoit Box, Jean-Luc Croy, Sebastien Hervy, Pierre Bascoul, Philippe Fedorawiez, Giany Pitte, Olivier Luneau, Georges Prigent, Pascal Choquart
  • ONE-PIECE SEAT BACK STRUCTURE
    Publication number: 20130161992
    Abstract: A seat back structure includes a web extending about a central opening, and an inner flange extending about an inner perimeter of the web adjacent to the central opening. The seat back structure also includes an outer flange extending about an outer perimeter of the web. The inner flange, the outer flange and the web form a channel extending about the seat back structure, and the seat back structure is formed from a single piece of material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Ornela Zekavica, Phillip W. Wilson, Anthony M. Kestian, Elizabeth A. Allen, Mark S. Williamson, Joseph F. Prosniewski, Catherine M. Amodeo, Miodrag Mitch Petrovich, Ronald G. Bedro, Edward J. Lamont, Michael J. Leighton, William Shawn Brewer, David J. Hayes, Robert J. Hicks, Andrew J. Erard, Michael G. Buss, Mark A. Harris, Alexander I. Balin, Alex Saveski, Eric B. Michalak, Kurt A. Seiboid, Daniel J. Sakkinen, Nicholas L. Petouhoff
  • Control of cooling towers for chilled fluid systems
    Patent number: 8473080
    Abstract: A system for controlling a cooling tower that cools condenser fluid for a condenser of a chiller includes a cooling tower fan system that controllably varies a speed of at least one fan motor. The system further includes an extremum seeking controller that receives inputs of power expended by the cooling tower fan system and of power expended by the chiller. The extremum seeking controller provides an output to the cooling tower fan system that controls the speed of the at least one fan motor. The extremum seeking controller determines the output by searching for a speed of the at least one fan motor that minimizes the sum of the power expended by the cooling tower fan system and the power expended by the chiller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: John E. Seem, Yaoyu Li
  • System and method for cooling a compressor motor
    Patent number: 8465265
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for cooling motors used to drive gas and air compressors. In particular, the cooling of hermetic and semi-hermetic motors is accomplished by a gas sweep using a gas source located in the low-pressure side of a gas compression circuit. The gas sweep is provided by the creation of a pressure reduction at the compressor inlet sufficient to draw uncompressed gas through a motor housing, across the motor, and out of the housing for return to the suction assembly. The pressure reduction is created by means provided in the suction assembly, such as a nozzle and gap assembly, or alternatively a venturi, located upstream of the compressor inlet. Additional motor cooling can be provided by circulating liquid or another cooling fluid through a cooling jacket in the motor housing portion adjacent the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Paul de Larminat
  • Method of operating a magnetic compass on a machine
    Patent number: 8463569
    Abstract: A method of determining the heading of an excavator at a worksite uses a magnetic field sensor, mounted on the excavator, inclinometers that provide an indication of the pitch and roll of the excavator, a gyroscopic sensor that senses the rotational rate of the excavator about the Z axis of the magnetic field sensor, and a processor circuit, having an associated memory. A calibration table of data is created and stored using the gyroscopic sensor as the excavator is rotated at a uniform velocity. The sensed indications of the magnetic field from the coordinate reference frame of the sensor are transformed to the local level plane coordinate reference frame using the outputs from the inclinometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Trimble Control Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Gary Lynn Cain, Chad Curtis Apple, Bruce Wayne Enix
  • Method for making a vehicle component
    Patent number: 8458905
    Abstract: A process for providing a cushioned region (14) on a substrate (12) is disclosed. The substrate (12) is at least partially covered by a sheet (18) of preferably textured material. A skin (22) is coupled to the substrate (12) and a compressible material (24) (such as foam) is injected between the sheet (22) and skin (24). The sheet (18) is intended to promote adhesion to the compressible material (24) (e.g. mechanical and/or chemical joining or bonding). If portions of the coversheet (18) are exposed on a visible surface, the coversheet may also be configured to provide a decorative or ornamental appearances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Bart W. Fox
  • Rail system and vehicle seat
    Patent number: 8459605
    Abstract: A rail system for a vehicle seat comprises at least one profiled fitting part and at least one cross member. The cross member is arranged perpendicular to a main direction of travel. The at least one fitting part completely surrounds the cross member. The cross member is able to be moved in relation to the fitting part perpendicular to the main direction of travel. Rolling bodies guide the cross member in the interior of the fitting part, and are arranged between the cross member and the fitting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Uwe Schmale, Paul Frank, Allen Sorgenfrei