Patents Assigned to Control Technology
  • Patent number: 8242772
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment relates to a measuring device for measuring a current flowing in a first cable. The measuring device includes a measuring shunt in the form of a plate connected in series with the first cable and associated with a measuring electronic card connected to a data transmission cable. The measuring shunt further includes a measuring portion of resistive alloy coupled to connection portions on either side of the measuring portion. The connection portions are integrally formed with the measuring portion, and the first cable is secured to at least one of the connection portions of the measuring shunt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignees: Johnson Controls Technology Company, Kromberg & Schubert GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bruno Condamin, Pascal Muis, Ghislain Bages
  • Patent number: 8239168
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for detecting faults in an environmental control system for a building zone. The system includes a circuit configured to determine that a fault exists based on a comparison of the current value for the climate condition in a heating state and the estimate of the climate condition at which a transmission from the heating state to the no heating state is expected to be caused by a finite state machine of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: John M. House, John E. Seem
  • Patent number: 8235567
    Abstract: A lighting system is provided that includes an interior trim component having a light transmissive element. The interior trim component is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The vehicle lighting system also includes a light source optically coupled to the light transmissive element at least while the interior trim component is located in the first position. The light source is configured to illuminate a region of a vehicle interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Jason M. Hipshier, Nels Smith, Jeffrey T. Stout, Scott A. Hansen, Ronald A. Bozio
  • Patent number: 8234881
    Abstract: Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems and heat exchangers are provided that include multichannel tube configurations designed to promote flow of refrigerant within the multichannel tubes near the edges of the tubes that are contacted first by an external fluid. The tube configurations include flow paths of varying cross-sections, spacings, and sizes. Flow control mechanisms, such as inserts, blocking plates, sleeves, crimped sections, and crushed sections, may be employed with the flow paths to favor flow near the edges of the tubes that are contacted first by an external fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Mustafa K. Yanik, William L. Kopko, Jose Ruel Yalung de la Cruz
  • Publication number: 20120193954
    Abstract: A seat back frame for use in a vehicle seat assembly including a first side member, a second side member, an upper cross member, and a lower cross member. The seat back frame also includes a load transfer member that transfers impact loads from a collision through the seat assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Copany
    Inventors: Daniel James Sakkinen, Nicholas Leonard Petouhoff, Antoine A. Kmeid, Todd W. Waelde, Eric B. Michalak, Joseph F. Prosniewski, Alexander I. Balin, Ornela Zekavica, Phillip Wayne Wilson, Alexander Saveski
  • Publication number: 20120188779
    Abstract: A vehicle interior assembly includes a light guide and a light source configured to illuminate the light guide. The vehicle interior assembly also includes an interior trim component at least partially disposed about a display. The interior trim component includes a light transmissive material configured to receive light from the light guide, and to emit light into a vehicle interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Steve G. Schultz, Brook Rodney Burg, Jonathan M. Frens, Timothy J. Borgeson
  • Publication number: 20120188787
    Abstract: A vehicle interior assembly includes a light pipe that is concealed by at least one element of the assembly and is configured to illuminate a recess disposed adjacent to a display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Steve G. Schultz, Timothy J. Borgeson, Johnathan M. Frens
  • Publication number: 20120186666
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing system is disclosed that includes an above-ground interface and a below-ground dispenser. The interface may provide for selecting fuel types and grades and performing conventional fuel purchase transactions. The below-ground dispenser includes control circuitry, one or more pumps and metering components that supply fuel as desired to the above-ground interface. The above-ground equipment is coupled to the below-ground equipment via one or more break-away assemblies. In the event the above-ground equipment is impacted or torn from the base, the break-away assemblies interrupt the flow of fuel and power. The installation may be serviced by repair and/or replacement of the above-ground interface without adversely affecting the underground dispenser system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: David Randy Auton
  • Patent number: 8229606
    Abstract: A system for estimating at least one of position, attitude, and heading of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes at least three gyroscopes configured to output a signal indicative of inertial angular rates around three mutually orthogonal axes of the vehicle and at least three accelerometers configured to output a signal indicative of accelerations along three mutually orthogonal axes of the vehicle. The system further includes a triaxial magnetometer configured to output a signal indicative of a projection of ambient magnetic field on three mutually orthogonal axes of the vehicle. The system also includes a sensor configured to output a signal indicative of vehicle altitude and a differential pressure sensor configured to output a signal indicative of airspeed of the vehicle. The system further includes a device configured to receive the signals and estimate at least of one of position, attitude, and heading of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins Control Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David William Vos, Vladislav Gavrilets
  • Publication number: 20120174692
    Abstract: A drive device for a Bowden control comprises at least one electric actuator and a mechanism connected to the Bowden control. The actuator and mechanism are surrounded by at least one housing. The housing comprises a closable cover in a connecting region between the mechanism and the Bowden control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: Johnson Control Technology Company
    Inventors: Stefan Haida, Jeetendra Khare
  • Patent number: 8219249
    Abstract: Controllers for controlling heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and cooling (HVAC) systems are provided. The controllers include graphical user interfaces for user adjustment of system settings. The controllers also include communication interfaces for receiving climate data. In certain embodiments, the controllers govern operation of the HVAC systems based at least in part on the climate data. Further, the controllers may display information and alerts related to the climate data. The controllers also may govern operation of air treatment devices within the HVAC systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Gregory Ralph Harrod, Bradley A. Beers, Grant E. Carmichael, Jedidiah O. Bentz
  • Patent number: 8215688
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle floor console is provided that includes a support structure and a retaining feature pivotally biased toward the support structure. The retaining feature is configured to secure cargo between the support structure and the retaining feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Jason M. Hipshier, Jacob Maki, David J. McCarthy, Craig D. Flowerday, Zachary Lownds, Timothy Stoepker, Jonathan M. Stanley
  • Patent number: 8219348
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for calibrating and/or correcting a display device having a needle, the needle being able to move in rotation about an axis of rotation and the needle being driven by means of a stepping motor, the calibration method including several measurements of differences between a value displayed and a value to be displayed, and a computation of a correction value as a function of the differences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Jean-Yves Daurelle, Jean-Claude Lemoult
  • Patent number: 8210614
    Abstract: A seat control mechanism for a seat frame has an interlock device that includes a lock plate slidably coupled to a seatback for movement between a locked and a released position. A stop bracket is coupled to a seat bottom and has a first end engageable with the lock plate in the locked position when the seatback is in a full-forward position and a second end engageable with the lock plate in the locked position when the seat back is in a fold-flat position. An actuator moves the lock plate from the locked to the released position to release the lock plate and permit movement of the seatback between the full-forward position and the fold-flat position. The lock plate is biased toward the locked position to engage the ends of the stop bracket to lock the seat back in either the full-forward or the fold-flat position after releasing the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Yi Shao
  • Patent number: 8211198
    Abstract: Filter racks are disclosed that are adjustable to accommodate filters of various thicknesses. The filter racks may include an insert that can be positioned within the base of the filter rack in two or more positions to adjust the receiving width of the filter rack. A perforated tab of the insert may be unbent to position the insert within the base at a smaller width, and the tab may be bent to position the insert within the base at a larger width. The insert also may include a divider that can be positioned within the base to reduce the width of the filter rack. Further, a rotating guide may be attached to detents within walls of the filter rack compartment. The guide may be biased at various angles to accommodate filters of different widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Nathan A. Weber, Curtis A. Trammell
  • Publication number: 20120161487
    Abstract: A recliner assembly for a vehicular seat of the type including a backrest hingedly connected to a seat base and capable of being reclined. The recliner assembly includes an outer gear and includes an internal teeth arranged circumferentially about an axis A. The assembly also includes an inner gear including at least one tooth engaging member selectively moveable into and out of engagement with the internal teeth of the outer gear. A retainer is attached to the outer gear in order to retain the inner gear from lateral movement along axis A. The retainer is configured for mounting to the outer gear and the inner gear is configured for mounting to at least one of a top plate and a base plate. The retainer, outer gear, and inner gears can be formed from a fine-blanked steel material and simply welded together to improve recliner strength while reducing assembly costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Bruce A. Hiemstra, Michael R. Bittner, Ingo Kienke, Michael J. Kapusky, Kirubaharan Albert
  • Patent number: 8206562
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the application of material to form a layer of an organic electroluminescent device. The material is sputter deposited typically from at least one target of material held in respect to a magnetron in a coating chamber. The magnetrons used can be unbalanced magnetrons and/or are provided with other magnetrons and/or magnet arrays in a closed field configuration. The material is found to be deposited in a manner which prevents or minimises damage to the device and hence reduces or removes the need for a barrier layer to be applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignees: Cambridge Display Technology Limited, System Control Technologies Limited
    Inventors: John Michael Walls, Desmond Gibson, William Young, Nalinkumar Patel, Nicoletta Anathassopoulou
  • Patent number: 8209068
    Abstract: A control system (12) for controlling velocity and attitude of a dynamic system (20) includes a velocity controller configured to receive a desired velocity command and output a velocity error in the form of Euler angle commands to an attitude controller system. The attitude controller system includes a converter (14) configured to receive the Euler angle commands and output a desired quaternion based on the Euler angle commands. The attitude controller system further includes an attitude error generator (16) configured to receive the desired quaternion and an estimated quaternion indicative of an estimated velocity and attitude of the dynamic system (20) and to output attitude errors associated with the dynamic system (20). The attitude controller system also includes an attitude controller (18) configured to receive the attitude errors and to output error commands to the dynamic system (20) based on the attitude errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins Control Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David William Vos, Vladislav Gavrilets, Michael Daniel Piedmonte
  • Patent number: 8208888
    Abstract: A system for mounting to a first vehicle and for learning information from a first transmitter configured to be mounted to a second vehicle. The first transmitter is further configured to cause the activation of a remote device by transmitting a first control signal to the remote device. The system includes a receiver and processing electronics coupled to the receiver and configured to increase the sensitivity of the receiver. Increasing the sensitivity of the receiver is based on the receipt of a first command that indicates that the information will be communicated from the first transmitter. The receiver with increased sensitivity is configured to receive the information from the first transmitter. The processing electronics are configured to used the received information to determine signal characteristics. The system further includes a memory coupled to the processing electronics and configured to store the signal characteristics, and a second transmitter coupled to the processing electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Chutorash, Philip J. Vanderwall
  • Patent number: 8205570
    Abstract: An autonomous unmanned underwater vehicle (“AUV”) includes a body, a controller, a buoyancy engine, a rotary propulsion system and pitch control surface(s). The buoyancy engine is for alternately ingesting and expelling ambient water to change the mass of the AUV and thereby cause the AUV to alternately descend and ascend in the water. The pitch control surface(s) are for causing the AUV to move forward while alternately descending and ascending in the water. The rotary propulsion system includes a motor for rotating a propeller in the water to provide thrust. The controller is operative for responsively, automatically switching between at least the glider and rotary propulsion modes. In the glider mode, the buoyancy engine and the pitch control surface(s) are cooperative for causing the AUV to move forward while alternately descending and ascending. In the rotary propulsion mode, the rotary propulsion system is operative for causing the AUV to move forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Vehicle Control Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Tureaud, Douglas E. Humphreys