Patents Assigned to Johnson, Controls, Inc.
  • Patent number: 12025335
    Abstract: An air damper assembly for an air duct having an interior wall and an exterior wall is provided. The air damper assembly includes a damper plate having a periphery and multiple teeth spaced at least partially around and extending from the periphery. The multiple teeth vary in length from a maximum to a minimum over a span of approximately 90 degrees around the periphery. The air damper assembly further includes an axle assembly fixedly coupled to the damper plate and rotatably coupled to the air duct. Rotation of the axle assembly causes the damper plate to rotate within the air duct between a fully open position and a fully closed position to increase or decrease a flow of fluid through the air duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: Johnson Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean H. Scholten, Aurimas Aniulis, Damon Bryan Smith
  • Publication number: 20220390145
    Abstract: An air damper assembly for an air duct having an interior wall and an exterior wall is provided. The air damper assembly includes a damper plate having a periphery and multiple teeth spaced at least partially around and extending from the periphery. The multiple teeth vary in length from a maximum to a minimum over a span of approximately 90 degrees around the periphery. The air damper assembly further includes an axle assembly fixedly coupled to the damper plate and rotatably coupled to the air duct. Rotation of the axle assembly causes the damper plate to rotate within the air duct between a fully open position and a fully closed position to increase or decrease a flow of fluid through the air duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2022
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Applicant: Johnson Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean H. SCHOLTEN, Aurimas ANIULIS, Damon Bryan SMITH
  • Patent number: 11448420
    Abstract: An air damper assembly for an air duct having an interior wall and an exterior wall is provided. The air damper assembly includes a damper plate having a periphery and multiple teeth spaced at least partially around and extending from the periphery. The multiple teeth vary in length from a maximum to a minimum over a span of approximately 90 degrees around the periphery. The air damper assembly further includes an axle assembly fixedly coupled to the damper plate and rotatably coupled to the air duct. Rotation of the axle assembly causes the damper plate to rotate within the air duct between a fully open position and a fully closed position to increase or decrease a flow of fluid through the air duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Johnson Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean H. Scholten, Aurimas Aniulis, Damon Bryan Smith
  • Publication number: 20210172779
    Abstract: A controller for an HVAC system includes processing circuitry configured to perform a volumetric offset control (VOC) scheme based on a flowrate offset setpoint to operate a valve to drive an actual flowrate offset between a supply rate of air entering a space and an exhaust rate of air leaving the space toward the flowrate offset setpoint. In some embodiments, the valve is configured to control the supply rate of air entering the space or the exhaust rate of air leaving the space and to provide sensor data indicating a flowrate therethrough. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry is configured to monitor a pressure of the space to detect a pressure condition and update the flowrate offset setpoint in response to detecting the pressure condition. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry is configured to perform the VOC scheme based on the updated offset flowrate setpoint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Applicant: Johnson Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Jean H. Scholten
  • Publication number: 20210172778
    Abstract: An air duct includes a shell, a first annular chamber defined along a circumference of the sidewall and fluidly coupled with an inner volume defined by the shell through multiple first openings, a second annular chamber defined along the circumference of the shell at a longitudinal position downstream of the first annular chamber, and fluidly coupled with the inner volume of the shell through multiple second openings, a first pressure sensing coupler, a second pressure sensing coupler, a first field accessible coupler, and a second field accessible coupler. The first pressure sensing coupler is fluidly coupled with the first annular chamber and the second pressure sensing coupler is fluidly coupled with the second annular chamber for pressure detection. The first and second field accessible couplers are fluidly coupled with the first and second annular chambers for providing pressurized air to the first annular chamber and the second annular chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Applicant: Johnson Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean H. Scholten, Aurimas Aniulis, Damon Bryan Smith
  • Publication number: 20200370936
    Abstract: An airflow sensor assembly for an air duct is provided. The airflow sensor assembly includes an air duct having an interior wall and an exterior wall, a high pressure detection device, and a low pressure detection device. The low pressure detection device includes a hollow ring disposed within the interior wall of the air duct. The hollow ring includes an inner periphery portion, an outer periphery portion, and a first set of apertures defined therein. The first set of apertures is spaced around the inner periphery portion of the hollow ring. The airflow sensor assembly further includes a pressure sensor fluidly coupled to the high pressure detection device and the low pressure detection device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Publication date: November 26, 2020
    Applicant: Johnson Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Jean H. Scholten
  • Patent number: 10768031
    Abstract: An airflow sensor assembly for an air duct is provided. The airflow sensor assembly includes an air duct having an interior wall and an exterior wall, a high pressure detection device, and a low pressure detection device. The low pressure detection device includes a hollow ring disposed within the interior wall of the air duct. The hollow ring includes an inner periphery portion, an outer periphery portion, and a first set of apertures defined therein. The first set of apertures is spaced around the inner periphery portion of the hollow ring. The airflow sensor assembly further includes a pressure sensor fluidly coupled to the high pressure detection device and the low pressure detection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Johnson Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Jean H. Scholten
  • Publication number: 20110127803
    Abstract: An air duct system which mates an air duct attached to the roof of an automotive vehicle and an air duct attached to a nonexposed surface of a headliner is provided. The air duct system is attached to an air supply which delivers directed air and is disposed between an inner surface of the roof and the nonexposed surface of the headliner. The headliner includes an opening into the passenger compartment of the automotive vehicle. The air duct system includes a first air duct and a second air duct. The first air duct is attached to the inner surface of the roof, and the second air duct is attached to the nonexposed surface of the headliner. Upon installation of the headliner to the roof a portal on the first air duct registers with a portal on the second air duct so as to provide an air flow passage between said first air duct and said second air duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicants: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Johnson Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Michael Ludwig, Jeff Charles Hills, Donald Federico
  • Publication number: 20110127804
    Abstract: A snap post for use in conjunction with a snap lid to attach a trim ring to an opening of a headliner of an automotive vehicle is provided. The snap post includes an elongated leg extending outwardly from the trim ring. The elongated leg has a barb for engaging with the snap lid disposed on a distal end thereof. A support structure provides the elongated leg with sufficient reinforcement to withstand the stress imposed during the installation of the headliner, yet provides sufficient flexibility for the quick and easy attachment of the trim ring to the opening of the headliner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicants: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Johnson Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Keith Moenter, Kevin Lyle Gilleo, Michael Harry Weiss
  • Patent number: 7455581
    Abstract: An air duct outlet includes a housing having a front wall with an opening therein through which air flows. A louver assembly is operably coupled with the housing and includes a first set of louvers pivotally secured within the housing, and a second set of louvers pivotally secured within the housing. A joystick is remotely positioned relative to the front wall opening away from the front wall opening. The joystick is operably coupled with the first and second sets of louvers and is configured to pivot the first and second sets of louvers in response to user movement thereof. The joystick is connected to the first set of louvers via a shaft and is connected to the second set of louvers via multiple interconnected linkages. The linkages are configured to allow the joystick to move the first set of louvers without moving the second set of louvers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Johnson Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Franz Josef Gehring, Ireneusz Jankowski, Dejan Havidic, Jeffrey A. McKerrall
  • Patent number: 6929295
    Abstract: A latch device for a cover member includes a box body having at least of a pair of walls and an upside opening, a cover member that is mounted on the box body to enable the upside opening to be opened and closed, a handle member mounted on the cover member such that the handle member may rotate. The handle member includes a pair of claws formed at both ends of the cover member; and latch holes formed in the walls of the box body such that the pair of claws are engaged with the latch holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignees: Johnson Controls, Inc., Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Randy William Nurenberg, Joel Evan Vanden Heuvel, Allan Wayne Getliff, Kathleen Margaret Lathrop
  • Patent number: 6301794
    Abstract: The compass system of the present invention utilizes an improved calibration routine in which a processing circuit of the compass recalibrates the compass each time three data points are obtained from a magnetic field sensor that meet predetermined criteria. One such criterion is that the three data points define corners of a triangle that is substantially non-obtuse. When three data points have been obtained that define a triangle meeting this criterion, the processing circuit calculates a center point for a circle upon which all three data points lie by solving the equation x2+y2+Ax+By+C=0 for A, B, and C, using the coordinate values (x,y) for the three data points and defining the center point as (−A/2, −B/2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Johnson Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey N. Parks, Thomas R. Olson, David J. Slater
  • Patent number: 6185483
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for controlling an energy storage medium connected to an environmental control system that is providing environmental conditioning. The controller includes an energy pricing data structure for storing a real-time energy pricing profile indicative of energy rates corresponding to time-varying production costs of energy. The controller also includes a storage medium containing rules that approximate optimal control trajectories of an energy cost function that is dependent upon the real-time energy pricing profile, with the rules governing the operation of the energy storage medium. In addition, the controller has an engine for generating a storage medium control signal based upon the real-time energy pricing profile and the rules whereby the energy storage medium is controlled with the storage medium control signal in order to minimize energy costs associated with environmental control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Johnson Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Kirk H. Drees
  • Patent number: 6015142
    Abstract: A spring module having a shaft movable in first and second directions and a biasing element for urging the shaft into a normal position upon loss of power. The spring module also includes motion limiting means for limiting the deenergization of the biasing element and a speed reduction apparatus intercoupling the motion limiting means and the shaft. The biasing element is energized upon movement of the shaft in the second direction and deenergized by shaft movement in the first direction. Similarly, the motion limiting means are coupled to the shaft for movement in third and fourth directions. The speed reduction apparatus moves the motion limiting means at a slower rate in the third and fourth directions than the shaft moves in the first and second directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Johnson Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis J. Ulicny
  • Patent number: 5804999
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an electrical appliance coupled with an output terminus and configured to operate in response to an alternating input signal, such as input AC power. The apparatus comprises a reference signal generator for receiving the input signal and generating a reference signal (either V.sub.RAMP or V.sub.CONTROL) in response to the input signal, and a control circuit for controlling connection of the input signal to the output terminus in response to the reference signal and to a user-defined set-point signal. The control circuit is coupled with the reference signal generator and with a set-point terminal. The set-point terminal receives the set-point signal and the control circuit controls connection of the input signal with the output terminus in response to a predetermined relationship between the reference signal and the set-point signal; the apparatus is capable of generating a modified periodically interrupted AC power output based on an AC power input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Johnson Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. DeBoer, August A. Divjak
  • Patent number: 5728001
    Abstract: A fail-safe closed damper for installation in a system of ducts. The damper includes at least one damper blade connected to a spring-loaded shaft. A power-actuated unit is employed to disengage a coupling which interconnects the spring-loaded shaft to an operating linkage. The use of the power-actuated unit ensures that the damper will be tripped at the appropriate predetermined temperature and will not be affected by the large frictional forces imparted on the components of the damper by the biasing spring or by such external factors as dust, humidity and dirt. The damper employs a sensor having dual sensing devices and which is centrally disposed in the duct to ensure receipt of a representative sample of airflow. The damper further includes a damper blade position indicator for sensing whether the damper blade is open or closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Johnson Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell G. Attridge, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4836497
    Abstract: A valve actuator mechanism for supplying a selectively adjustable close-off force to an associated valve. The mechanism comprises a means for urging the valve plunger into engagement with the valve seat with a predetermined initial force and resistive means for generating a resistive force such that the close-off force is less than the initial by a predetermined amount. The resistive force can be selectively adjusted also.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: Johnson Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles F. Beeson
  • Patent number: D842712
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Johnson Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Swanson, Devin Sidell, Alexander McAuley, Gary Hsieh, Robert S. Munin
  • Patent number: D860012
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Johnson Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Hsieh, Alexander McAuley, Robert S. Munin
  • Patent number: D875569
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Johnson Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Swanson, Devin Sidell, Alexander McAuley, Gary Hsieh, Robert Munin