Patents Assigned to Control Technology
  • VEHICLE SEAT
    Publication number: 20110043019
    Abstract: A vehicle seat has a backrest that includes a user support surface and a structural part. The user support surface is configured to be adjusted at least partially relative to the structural part to a first position corresponding to a use position and to a second position corresponding to a stowage position. First and second partial surfaces of the backrest may be separately displaceable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: Johnson Control Technology Company
    Inventors: Stefan Flucht, Stuart Soolston, Peter Szegeny, Frank Gerhardt
  • Absorption system
    Patent number: 7891202
    Abstract: An absorption system includes a generator, a condenser, an evaporator, and an absorber configured to circulate a solution of an absorber and a refrigerant. A purge system removes a non-condensable gas from the absorber. The purge system includes a first pump to remove the solution from the absorber, a connection to remove the refrigerant vapor and the non-condensable gas from a low pressure region of the absorption system, an eductor to receive and mix the solution, a separator to receive the solution and remove the non-condensable gas from it, a tank to receive the non-condensable gas from the separator, a controller to monitor a pressure level of the tank, and a second pump to remove the non-condensable gas from the tank in response to the monitored pressure level in the tank being greater than a predetermined pressure level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Brian T. Gallus
  • Adjustable motor base for an HVAC&R blower motor
    Patent number: 7891210
    Abstract: An HVAC&R system including a blower system having a vertical motor adjustment is provided. The HVAC&R system includes a cooling unit, a heating unit, an air conditioning unit, and a blower unit. The blower unit includes a blower assembly having a fan unit within a fan unit support frame. A motor attached to a height adjustable motor base is attached to a top surface of the fan unit support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Dubensky, Wayne Joseph Pierjok, Jyotindra S. Shah, Martin Dale Weatherd, Robert E. Bender, Bryan Burnworth
  • HEAT-PUMP CHILLER WITH IMPROVED HEAT RECOVERY FEATURES
    Publication number: 20110036113
    Abstract: A heating and cooling system includes an evaporator, a compressor, and a condenser. A heat exchanger, which may be an outdoor heat exchanger, is configured to receive the refrigerant from the condenser, to selectively extract heat from or to add heat to the refrigerant, and to transfer the refrigerant to the evaporator. First control valving, disposed between the condenser and the heat exchanger, is configured to regulate flow of the refrigerant from the condenser to the heat exchanger in a first mode of operation. Second control valving, disposed between the condenser and the heat exchanger, is configured to regulate flow of the refrigerant from the heat exchanger to the evaporator in a second mode of operation. The system may be operated in a variety of modes by appropriate control of the valving and other system components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: William L. Kopko, Ian Michael Casper, Douglas Alan Kester, Satheesh Kulankara
  • Overhead console
    Patent number: 7887115
    Abstract: An overhead console for a vehicle includes a substrate formed of a substantially clear material configured to provide a conduit for light. The substrate has a first surface and an opposite second surface. The overhead console also includes a first film layer coupled to the first surface of the substrate. The first film layer has a first portion simulating a first component of the overhead console and a second portion simulating a second component of the overhead console. The overhead console further includes a second film layer coupled to the second surface of the substrate. The second film layer is configured to cooperate with the first film layer to affect the appearance of at least one of the first component and second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Arne Dassen
  • System and method for training a trainable transmitter
    Patent number: 7889050
    Abstract: A method for training a trainable transmitter in a vehicle that includes receiving a request to enter a training mode of the trainable transmitter from a user, beginning a training mode of the trainable transmitter, receiving a control signal from an original transmitter associated with a remote control system, detecting a frequency and control data of the control signal. The method further includes determining if the control signal is a fixed code signal or a rolling code signal. If the control signal is a fixed code signal, storing the detected frequency and control data. If the control signal is a rolling code signal, comparing the detected control signal frequency to a plurality of predetermined frequencies and based on the comparison, shifting the detected frequency to match one of the predetermined frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Todd R. Witkowski
  • Interlock for a seat recliner mechanism
    Patent number: 7887134
    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: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Yi Shao
  • Point-of interest display system
    Patent number: 7890254
    Abstract: A point-of-interest display system includes an updateable database which interfaces with a microprocessor which receives data from a GPS receiver providing the system with current vehicle location and direction of travel information. A display provides the operator textural and elemental graphic display information, and easily accessible control switches allow the operator to select upcoming highway exits, categories of points of interest, and points of interest and display directions to a selected entry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Nisa M. Arnold-Huyser, Alan S. Hughes, John S. Bambini, Ian Milstead, Susan K. Sonday
  • Vehicle seat with improved craftsmanship
    Patent number: 7883770
    Abstract: A process for improving vehicle seat craftsmanship by camouflaging a receiving surface on a predetermined vehicle component (e.g., a foam seat cushion) is described. The camouflaging conceals the vehicle component from observation. One example of the process includes designating a receiving surface area on the vehicle component and providing a covering material having an opaque characteristic. The covering material includes an opaque dye that bonds with the polyurethane foam that is poured into a mold with deionized water for solidification. Another example of the process further includes spraying the covering material according to a surface of the mold cavity which corresponds to the designated receiving surface area on the vehicle component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Terrence Marsh McRoberts, James T. McEvoy
  • REFRIGERANT CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20110023515
    Abstract: A refrigeration system is provided, such as for use with chillers. The system uses a tube-side condenser, such as a microchannel condenser, along with a shell-side evaporator such as a falling film evaporator. A flash tank economizer is disposed between the condenser and the evaporator, and an inlet valve to the flash tank is controlled based upon subcooling of condensate from the condenser. The vapor exiting the flash tank may be fed via an economizer line to a system compressor. Liquid phase refrigerant combined with some gas phase refrigerant exits the flash tank and is directed through an orifice before entering the evaporator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: William L. Kopko, Israel Federman, Satheesh Kulankara, Andrew John Graybill
  • Wireless device for physical coupling to another object
    Patent number: 7881678
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a radio frequency (RF) device for communicating on a wireless network. The device includes an antenna coupled to an RF circuit. The device further includes a body housing the RF circuit and the antenna. The device yet further includes a support member extending from the body. The support member is configured to be coupled to an object. The support member is prevented from moving laterally and vertically relative to the object when coupled to the object. The support member and body are configured to allow the body and the antenna to rotate about an axis when the support member is prevented from moving laterally and vertically relative to the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Thomas Menden, Timothy Gamroth, Jerel Scott Jamieson
  • Loader and loader control system
    Patent number: 7881845
    Abstract: A loader and a control system for a loader provide for monitoring the position of a part of the implement carried by the loader. The loader has a body with left and right upright tower portions, and a loader drive system including ground engaging drive elements. Left and right interconnected lift arm assemblies each have an implement lift arm pivotally connected with a corresponding tower portion of the body at a lift arm pivot point. A lift actuator is connected between the body and the lift arm. The implement is pivotally connected with the lift arm assemblies about an implement pivot axis. The lift arm pivot point and the implement pivot axis in side elevation define a straight reference line. At least one implement tilt actuator is connected between at least one of the lift arm assemblies and the implement. A position sensor is mounted on the body at the level of, or above, the lift arm pivot points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Trimble Control Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Mark Nichols
  • Method for making a vehicle panel
    Patent number: 7879424
    Abstract: A method of forming a panel is disclosed. The method includes forming a flexible skin (22); coupling a compressible material (24) to the skin (22); positioning the skin (22) and compressible material (24) in a mold; and forming a rigid substrate (20) around the skin (22) and compressible material (24) providing a first soft region (12) wherein the compressible material (24) is disposed between the skin (22) and the substrate (20) so that a first soft region (12) is defined by the compressible material (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Nels R. Smith, James D. Schichtel, Chad M. Baumann
  • VEHICLE SEAT POWER TRACK ENHANCEMENTS
    Publication number: 20110022274
    Abstract: A vehicle seat power track for an automobile vehicle seat which includes a sensor arrangement to detect the seat position along the track relative to a front airbag apparatus and generate a signal to control the apparatus of the airbag. The vehicle seat power track also includes brackets configured to reduce horizontal movement of the track components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicants: Johnson Controls Technology Company, HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Paul J. Jefferies, Vasile E. Bozintan, Nishide Harutomi, Honda Hiyoyuki, Ishii Yukihisa, Uno Koji, Thomas Dobry, Richard T. Krause
  • Vehicle indicator assembly
    Patent number: 7876235
    Abstract: An indicator assembly for a vehicle instrument cluster is provided. The indicator assembly includes a (“floating”) needle configured to rotate with respect to an indicator housing. The needle is selectively illuminable by a light source which may be mounted in various placements with respect the indicator assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Joel Fournier, Stephane Voillot
  • Cooling systems for variable speed drives and inductors
    Patent number: 7876561
    Abstract: A plastic liquid cooled variable speed drive or inductor provided. The cooler provides lightweight, space conservative, corrosive free cooling to the components as well as provides a mounting area for modules. A cooler can be mounted to the core of an inductor to absorb heat generated by the core losses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Harold R. Schnetzka, Ivan Jadric, Steve Hoover, Kathleen S. Rogers, Mustafa Kemel Yanik
  • INJECTION-MOLDED MOLD-BEHIND SUN VISOR
    Publication number: 20110012387
    Abstract: A sun visor for a vehicle is made by inserting a coverstock material into a mold and molding a core behind at least part of the coverstock material. The coverstock material is thus integrally connected to the core and will follow the contour of the core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: Johnson Control Technology Company
    Inventors: Steven J. Cicholski, Steven M. Davage, Thomas S. Hodgson
  • Ballast protecting device
    Patent number: 7872426
    Abstract: A ballast protecting device is connected between an AC input voltage and a ballasted lamp. The device includes a voltage sensing block, a current sensing block, a pulse forming block, a switch block, and a micro-controller unit (MCU). The pulse forming block converts positive half cycles of the voltage and current provided by the voltage and current sensing blocks to square wave pulses, and the MCU performs a phase angle comparison between generated pulses. Upon lamp malfunction, ballast current is phase shifted. Current may also be phase shifted when there is a radical change in the input voltage. As a trend of the phase shift between current and voltage is determined by the MCU, a ballast disconnect decision is made, and the MCU actuates the switch block to disconnect the connected ballast and malfunctioning lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Power Control Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian Florentine Ionescu, Andrei E. Ionescu, legal representative
  • VEHICLE SEAT
    Publication number: 20110006575
    Abstract: A vehicle seat (10) includes an 2 improved seat frame member (14) used as a seat back, a recliner mechanism connection (16) and a vehicle seat track actuator mechanism (18). The seat back frame member (14) includes a side frame member (30) having a side frame structural member (32) preferably made from a relatively high strength steel and a stiffening insert member (42) to provide strength and rigidity to the recliner mechanism connection (16) and to reduce the overall mass of the vehicle seat frame member and thereby the vehicle seat (10). The seat frame member (14) further includes a recliner mechanism (34) welded to the side frame structural member (32) preferably utilizing a shaped laser weld pattern (40). The vehicle seat track actuator mechanism (18) includes a bar (56), first and second pivot pins (62, 64) and connectors (70).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Nandakumar Sankaran, Elizabeth Ann Allen, Robert Michael Heilman
  • Apparatus for mechanically guiding a water vehicle that is being released or retrieved
    Patent number: D630994
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Vehicle Control Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Tureaud, Douglas E. Humphreys, Ronald D. Russell, Raymond K. Russell