Patents Assigned to Hoffman Controls Corp.
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Patent number: 7248015Abstract: A control system and method for controlling the speed of a PSC motor having an auxiliary winding configured to provide torque for initial motor startup and a run winding configured to provide continuous motor operation. The motor is coupled to a capacitor configured to direct a portion of a current through the run winding when the PSC motor reaches its intended speed. The control system includes a speed control unit coupled between a voltage line and the PSC motor and a bypass circuit coupled between the voltage line and the capacitor via a first path. The speed control unit is configured to variably control the speed of the PSC motor. The bypass circuit is configured to receive a control signal from the speed control unit via a second path and to regulate a chopped voltage wave form generated by the speed control unit such that at least a portion of the chopped voltage wave form is not applied to the capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2005Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Hoffman Controls Corp.Inventors: Howard P. Byrnes, Jr., Walter W. Bowman
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Patent number: 7191826Abstract: A fan motor speed control system for controlling the fan motor speed of an air conditioning system includes a power output circuit including a power triac which is turned on and off by an opto-isolator connected to a pulse generator circuit for varying an AC voltage waveform imposed on the fan motor. The pulse generator circuit is connected to heating and cooling ramp circuits and a minimum speed circuit to provide a variable voltage signal imposed on the pulse generator circuit corresponding to the temperature difference sensed by a return air sensor and a heating or cooling sensor or by separate heating and cooling sensors disposed adjacent respective heating and cooling heat exchangers of the air conditioning system. An adjustable minimum speed circuit and a cutoff circuit are provided to control motor minimum speed or motor shutoff when a predetermined minimum speed is reached to prevent motor bearing failure or overheating.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2004Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Hoffman Controls Corp.Inventors: Howard P. Byrnes, Walter William Bowman
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Patent number: 6695046Abstract: A fan motor speed control system for controlling the fan motor speed of an air conditioning system includes a power output circuit including a power triac which is turned on and off by an opto-isolator connected to a pulse generator circuit for varying an AC voltage waveform imposed on the fan motor. The pulse generator circuit is connected to heating and cooling ramp circuits and a minimum speed circuit to provide a variable voltage signal imposed on the pulse generator circuit corresponding to the temperature difference sensed by a return air sensor and a heating or cooling sensor or by separate heating and cooling sensors disposed adjacent respective heating and cooling heat exchangers of the air conditioning system. An adjustable minimum speed circuit and a cutoff circuit are provided to control motor minimum speed or motor shutoff when a predetermined minimum speed is reached to prevent motor bearing failure or overheating.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2000Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Hoffman Controls Corp.Inventors: Howard P. Byrnes, Walter William Bowman
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Patent number: 6684944Abstract: A forced air heating and/or cooling system utilizing an induction type fan motor is controlled by a controller circuit which is operable to continuously vary the speed of the fan motor during a start-up phase and a shut-down phase of the heating and/or cooling cycle. The controller circuit includes terminals for connection to the source of electrical energy for the heating and/or cooling system and for connection to the system controls without altering the control function or circuitry thereof. The controller circuit includes temperature sensors which are operable to control start-up and shutdown of the fan motor over continuously variable speed operating cycles in response to sensed temperature of the air being circulated by the fan.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2000Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Hoffman Controls Corp.Inventors: Howard P. Byrnes, Daniel B. Steffen
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Patent number: 6070660Abstract: A forced air heating and/or cooling system utilizing a permanent split capacitor (PSC) or shaded pole AC induction motor and including an actuator for energizing a source of heating and/or cooling effect may be controlled by a controller circuit which is operable to continuously vary the speed of the fan motor during a start-up phase and a shut-down phase of the heating and/or cooling cycle. The controller circuit includes terminals for connection to the source of electrical energy for the heating and/or cooling system and for connection to the system controls without altering the control function or circuitry thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1997Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Assignee: Hoffman Controls Corp.Inventors: Howard P. Byrnes, Daniel B. Steffen
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Patent number: 4422571Abstract: An air conditioning control system has inputs for room temperature and air velocity voltage signals. Both signals are scaled and compared to determine which signal is larger, and the magnitude of the difference. The control circuit drives a variable speed damper motor in a direction determined by the greater of the two scaled input signals. The motor is driven at a rate proportional to the magnitude of the difference between the two signals. Means for setting the maximum and minimum open damper positions are provided within the control circuit.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1981Date of Patent: December 27, 1983Assignee: Hoffman Controls Corp.Inventor: William W. Bowman