Patents by Inventor Curtis C. Crane

Curtis C. Crane has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20110093133
    Abstract: A controller for a chiller includes processing electronics configured to detect a plurality of surge events. The processing electronics calculate a point for each detected surge event in at least a three dimensional coordinate system. The three dimensional coordinate system describes at least three conditions of the chiller when the surge event was detected. The processing electronics are configured to calculate a surface map for the at least three dimensional coordinate system using the calculated points. The processing electronics are further configured to control at least one setpoint for the chiller using the calculated surface map.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Robert D. Turney, Kirk H. Drees, Brett M. Lenhardt, Curtis C. Crane
  • Patent number: 7793509
    Abstract: A capacity control algorithm for a multiple compressor liquid chiller system is provided wherein the speed and number of compressors in operation are controlled in order to obtain a leaving liquid temperature setpoint. In response to an increase in the load in the chiller system, the algorithm determines if a compressor should be started and adjusts the operating speed of all operating compressors when an additional compressor is started. In response to a decrease in the load in the chiller system with multiple compressors operating, the algorithm determines if a compressor should be de-energized and adjusts the operating speed of all remaining operating compressors when a compressor is de-energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Curtis C. Crane
  • Patent number: 6530236
    Abstract: This invention increases efficiency of a refrigeration system by maximizing the cooling of the condenser and reducing unnecessary work done by the compressor. In air cooled systems it will also increase the stability of the fans by reducing fan cycling. The fan controller will utilize an algorithm that will consider the following inputs: oil pressure, compressor suction pressure, expansion valve position, compressor loading, last compressor loading change, and current fan stage. The algorithm uses fuzzy logic to characterize the inputs and generates an output that controls the system cooling fans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: York International Corporation
    Inventors: Curtis C. Crane, John F. Judge
  • Publication number: 20030014986
    Abstract: This invention increases efficiency of a refrigeration system by maximizing the cooling of the condenser and reducing unnecessary work done by the compressor. In air cooled systems it will also increase the stability of the fans by reducing fan cycling. The fan controller will utilize an algorithm that will consider the following inputs: oil pressure, compressor suction pressure, expansion valve position, compressor loading, last compressor loading change, and current fan stage. The algorithm uses fuzzy logic to characterize the inputs and generates an output that controls the system cooling fans.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: Curtis C. Crane, John F. Judge