Patents Assigned to Siemens Building Technologies
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Patent number: 7463159Abstract: The fire detector comprises an insertable detector assembly which includes a sensor arrangement, an electronic evaluation system and a housing which surrounds the sensor arrangement and has openings to provide access by air and, when applicable, smoke to the sensor arrangement. The detector is of modular construction and is configured to accommodate detection modules having sensors for different fire parameters, all detection modules being compatible with a single housing. The detection module may be configured for optical, thermal or optical-thermal fire detection and/or for detecting combustion gases. The sensor arrangement and the above-mentioned access openings are arranged substantially in one plane, whereby a shallow construction is achieved even in the case of a multi-criterion detector. The detection modules have a carrier plate which is identical for all detector types and is insertable in the detector, which carrier plate is configured to accommodate the sensors for the different fire parameters.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2003Date of Patent: December 9, 2008Assignee: Siemens Building Technologies AGInventors: Kurt Hess, Max Schlegel
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Publication number: 20080282944Abstract: A method and system transfer, cool, store, and load an ash waste product of a gasification process. Hot ash is moved toward a storage silo via one or more augers and/or conveyors. Ash may be sent through a means for reducing the size of any ash chucks, such as roller crushers. The ash may be transferred via a first auger affixed with a glycol/water indirect cooling means. The ash may then be transferred to a second auger, also having a glycol/water indirect cooling means, but further being operable to blanket the ash with an inert gas, such as slightly pressurized nitrogen. Then, the ash may be transferred to a storage silo via a continuous flow bucket conveyor. The silo and conveyor may be operable to maintain the ash blanketed with inert gas. Subsequently, the ash may be unloaded from the silo, such as into a vehicle, via a retractable spout.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2008Publication date: November 20, 2008Applicant: Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Emily Tuzson, Dan Shabo
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Patent number: 7451017Abstract: An Energy and Cost Savings Calculation System is provided that automates the determination of energy and cost savings due to energy conservation measures. The system provides Multi-Variant, Non-Linear (MVNL) load forecasting techniques, energy and cost savings calculations, and Weather Ranking. The load forecasting technique may accept numerous external parameters as input. The technique may use multiple Baselines. It may also use multiple Basic Reference Periods to reduce the load forecasting error. The load forecasting technique may utilize external parameters that are updated on a daily basis, such as dry bulb temperature, dew point temperature, solar condition, and interval meter data. The technique may use Baseline Extensions to perform forecasts and Reference Period Modifications to enhance accuracy. The system may calculate energy and cost savings using Complex Rates and time-of-use (TOU) energy data.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2007Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.Inventor: James T. McNally
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Publication number: 20080266558Abstract: The smoke detector contains an optical measuring chamber, having a sensor arrangement with at least one light source and one light receiver, and a labyrinth system with screens arranged on the periphery of the measuring chamber. The light source and the light receiver are each arranged in a housing. The housings have an elongated shape and a small window opening The at least one light source and light receiver are arranged in the rear part of their housings, so that between the window openings of the housings and the light-penetrated optical surfaces of the at least one light source and/or the lens of the light receiver a relatively large gap is formed. This gap is preferably greater than the diameter of the above-mentioned optical surfaces, or of the lens. In the measuring chamber between the light exit and entry side of the housings and the screens opposite them, a compact, open scattering space is formed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2007Publication date: October 30, 2008Applicant: Siemens Building Technologies AGInventors: Kurt Hess, Urs Riedi
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Patent number: 7437596Abstract: In building automation architectures, components may be associated through physical communications paths and at a different level through building automation applications. Building automation applications implement control processes for a building function. Due to changing needs, such as a failure of a physical communications path or the addition or removal of components, the building automation application may be more appropriately performed in a different device. By dynamically positioning or determining a processor for implementing a building automation application, an architecture or network may more optimally control building functions, such as by requiring less user input, more rapid response and/or avoiding building function failures.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2006Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Norman R. McFarland
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Publication number: 20080198036Abstract: An automation component configured for optimized wireless communication within a building automation system is disclosed. The automation component includes a wireless communications component, a processor in communication with the wireless communications component, a memory in communication with the processor, the memory configured to store computer readable instructions which are executable by the processor. The computer readable instructions being programmed to process at least one communication variable received via the wireless communications component; to optimize a communication or radio transmit power level associated with the wireless communication component, wherein the optimized communication power level is a function of the at least one communication variable; and an adjustment of the communication power level associated with the wireless communication component based on the optimized communication power level.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2008Publication date: August 21, 2008Applicant: Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Pornsak Songkakul, Geoffrey D. Nass, Norman R. McFarland
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Patent number: 7408839Abstract: In a building environment, a distance associated with a building automation device is determined as a function of an inserted time delay between a wireless transmission of a signal and wireless reception of another signal. For example, a two-way communication is provided with a time delay inserted before responding to a received transmission. By using two-way transmissions, the building automation devices may be free of clock synchronization. Acoustic signals may be used in a building environment to determine a distance. The building automation device may also use radio frequency information for communicating with other devices. Communication between devices allows a controller to coordinate the determination of distances associated with different devices within a network, such as through transmission of a test signal and assigning distance measurement operations to devices that receive the test signal with sufficient strength or other characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2004Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Norman R. McFarland
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Patent number: 7382140Abstract: A capacitor connected to a voltage source is charged during a charging phase up to a voltage value, and during a discharging phase the capacitor is discharged via a coupling element connected to the flame sensor. The period for the charging or discharging phase of the capacitor respectively is selected in this case as a function of the characteristics of the flame sensor, especially of its impedance. For flame monitoring the charging and discharging of the capacitor is repeated cyclically, with the voltage signal obtained in this way being evaluated in single-channel mode with the aid of a threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2006Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Siemens Building Technologies HVAC Products GmbHInventor: Klaus Obrecht
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Patent number: 7382271Abstract: In a building environment, a coordinate location or local position of various automation devices is determined. The location or position may be determined using a wireless distance measurement. Applications, associations, and utilizations for wireless building automation devices are developed according to location and/or positions of the devices. The position may be determined based on techniques for determining a relative distance of device from other devices and/or a reference point. The position may be mapped to the coordinate location within the building. Devices may be grouped, a commissioning table of binding associations between devices may be created, and addresses assigned to the building automation devices according to the location, the position and/or distances between the devices. Associations between devices may be established and updated based on proximity of the devices. Device communication also may be controlled according to position and distance information.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2004Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Norman R. McFarland
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Patent number: 7383148Abstract: A method and apparatus uses a stored three dimensional model of an object to render an image showing a condition sensed by a building control system. The building condition may be sensed by a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) network that is wirelessly integrated into the building control system. The three dimensional model may include structural components, ventilation equipment, safety equipment, furniture and machinery and allow a user to navigate through the rendered image by varying the viewpoint of the rendered image.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2005Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Osman Ahmed
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Patent number: 7378980Abstract: In a building environment, coordinate locations for building automation devices is determined. The location may be based on triangulation methods for determining coordinate locations from wireless distance information for the building automation devices. Erroneous determinations for coordinate location are identified and a corrected coordinate location determined according to distance determinations.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2004Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Norman R. McFarland
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Patent number: 7380210Abstract: A user interface is provided having a display for displaying information about a system, wherein said system is comprised of a plurality of elements. The user interface is provided with a plurality of modes of user operation, including an installment mode which allows the user to configure the user interface to perform in a desired manner while the element is being installed.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2002Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Bruce J. Lontka, Michael Pierce
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Patent number: 7379390Abstract: In a building environment, a distance associated with a building automation device is determined as a function of an inserted time delay between a wireless transmission of a signal and wireless reception of another signal. For example, a two-way communication is provided with a time delay inserted before responding to a received transmission. By using two-way transmissions, the building automation devices may be free of clock synchronization. Acoustic signals may be used in a building environment to determine a distance. The building automation device may also use radio frequency information for communicating with other devices. Communication between devices allows a controller to coordinate the determination of distances associated with different devices within a network, such as through transmission of a test signal and assigning distance measurement operations to devices that receive the test signal with sufficient strength or other characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2007Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Norman R. McFarland
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Patent number: 7353070Abstract: An arrangement in a building control system includes a plurality of field panel devices. Each field panel device is configured to receive control inputs and further configured to provide control outputs to at least one building control device. Each field panel device includes a data store, a communication circuit, and a processing circuit. The data store maintains a set of global data that is shared by all field panel devices. The communication circuit is operably connected to others of the plurality of field panel devices via a logical network. The processing circuit is operable to communicate changes of any of the set of global data to at least one other field panel device via the communication circuit.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2004Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Bruno P. Landou, Joseph F. Vitaterna, Robert L. Old, Jr., Robert Gaffaney, Robert Kalafut
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Publication number: 20080070547Abstract: A method for radio transmission in a radio cell of an alarm system uses a time slot for communication between users or with a radio cell central unit that is subdivided into a first main area and a second main area. At least two of the users send routine signals to the radio cell central unit within the first main area, before detector data is transferred to the radio cell central unit or to another user in the second main area. This enables more users to be operated in the radio cell, with the reaction time remaining the same and lower power consumption of the peripheral elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2007Publication date: March 20, 2008Applicant: Siemens Building Technologies Fire & Security Products GmbH & Co.oHGInventor: Karlheinz Schreyer
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Patent number: 7345591Abstract: An intelligent sensor module with an electrical sensor element and a printed circuit board comprises a bipartite guiding device through which electrical connecting wires are guided to the printed circuit board in an insulated fashion at a certain spacing from one another. The guiding device is configured in such a way that it can be used directly as a production tool during mounting of the sensor element. The intelligent sensor module can be produced cost effectively with high quality through the use of the guiding device.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Siemens Building Technologies AGInventor: Ralph Kayser
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Patent number: 7341193Abstract: A portable, preferably hand-held device is provided which may be used to test device loops in fire safety systems for short circuits, open circuits, ground faults and can test the response of the devices in the loop before or after the device loop is connected to the system.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2004Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Iasso, Peter Sun, Michael Pierce, Brian Stouchko
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Publication number: 20080051024Abstract: A damper actuator assembly comprises a gear train including a follower gear. The follower gear is arranged such that the position of the follower gear indicates the position of at least one blocking member of a damper that the actuator is connected to. A sensor is positioned within the damper actuator and is configured to monitor the position of the follower gear. Accordingly, the sensor is configured to provide an electrical signal indicative of the position of the follower gear to a processor. A driving member is connected to the gear train and is configured to drive the gear train at two or more variable speeds depending on the electrical signal provided to the processor from the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2006Publication date: February 28, 2008Applicant: Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Guy Caliendo, Dean Anderson, Pankaj Kalore
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Patent number: 7335015Abstract: Method for controlling or regulating a burner (5) to which a defined air quantity (3) and fuel quantity (4) are fed, the exhaust gas (6) formed during the combustion being fed to a sensor (7), and the actual value (8) detected by the sensor being compared with a desired value (9), and a control deviation being obtained from the difference between desired value and actual value, which control deviation is converted into a control variable (11) which is independent of the burner power, characterized in that a power-dependent control variable (15) is generated from the power-independent control variable (11) and from burner-specific parameters (13) which are determined during setting of the burner for the respective power points of the burner, and in that the power-dependent control variable (15) is converted into a control signal (17, 18) in order to influence the ratio of the air quantity (3) to the fuel quantity (4).Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2004Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Siemens Building Technologies AGInventor: Alexander Meier
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Patent number: 7337191Abstract: A method and system is provided for communicating service and maintenance information about equipment located at distributed building sites. A customer web portal is provided with a database for storing the equipment service information. The web portal provides an efficient way of determining the service activity for equipment located at distributed sites without the need for maintaining service related information at each site. The user can also obtain information about individual service orders and service agreements for individual pieces of equipment.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2003Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Brad Haeberle, Michael Dehart, Karen Wisniewski, Doug Emery