Patents by Inventor Douglas Bird
Douglas Bird 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).
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Patent number: 11719436Abstract: A locally powered intermittent pilot combustion controller may include an igniter, a thermal electric and/or photoelectric device that produces an electrical signal having power when exposed to a flame, and a local power source for providing power when the thermal electric and/or photoelectric device is not exposed to a flame. In some cases, the intermittent pilot combustion controller may include a memory for storing information about an ignition sequence for igniting a pilot flame, and a controller coupled to the memory. The controller may be configured to initiate the ignition sequence of the pilot flame using information stored in the memory, determine whether the ignition was successful by monitoring the electrical signal produced by the thermal electric and/or photoelectric device, and adjust the information stored in the memory based on whether the ignition sequence completed successfully.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2019Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: Ademco Inc.Inventors: Brent Chian, Bruce L. Hill, Timothy J Nordberg, Rolf L. Strand, Douglas Bird, Peter Anderson
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Publication number: 20210095676Abstract: A highly efficient circulator system is provided, useful for hydronic systems, including both heating and cooling systems. The stand-alone circulator motor is controllable by input from certain sensors, preferably thermal sensors, which provide data enabling the controller of the brushless pump motor to vary its flow output to meet changes in systems loads. The circulator has a ceramic permanent magnet rotor, such as a ferrite, with an electronically, preferably sinusoidally, commutated, electro-magnetic stator controlling the input of electrical power.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2020Publication date: April 1, 2021Inventors: Steve Thompson, Vladislav Milchev Stakev, Robert F. Birkenstock, JR., Douglas Bird, David E. Sweet
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Patent number: 10836971Abstract: A system for forming a woody biomass component and a binder component into a solid fuel element having a predetermined density. The system includes a first compression assembly for compressing an uncompressed mixture of the woody biomass component and the binder component to provide a first compressed mixture formed into a preliminary element having a preliminary density. The system also includes a second compression assembly for compressing the preliminary element to form the solid fuel element having the predetermined density, which is greater than the preliminary density.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2017Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: ERS Fuel, Inc.Inventors: John Mark Small, Douglas Robert Bird, James Douglas Bird
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Patent number: 10631944Abstract: An oropharyngeal measurement device includes a tubular body, a sealed channel, a radial flange member, and a measurement indicator on the outer surface of the tubular body. The tubular body includes a proximal end and a distal end. The sealed channel extends within the tubular body from the proximal end to the distal end and includes a plurality of bends configured to conform with the airway of a user. The measurement indicator is useful for placing alongside the face of a patient from the mouth towards the throat, in order to gauge an approximation for a oropharyngeal airway device to be used during a medical procedure.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2017Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Inventors: Brock Bodashefsky, Douglas Bird
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Patent number: 10429068Abstract: A flame powered intermittent pilot combustion controller may include a first power source and a second power source separate from the first power source, a thermal electric and/or photoelectric device, an igniter and a controller. The thermal electric and/or photoelectric device may charge the first power source when exposed to a flame. The controller and the igniter may receive power from the first power source when the first power source has sufficient available power, and may receive power from the second power source when the first power source does not have sufficient available power.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2016Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: Ademco Inc.Inventors: Brent Chian, Douglas Bird, Peter Anderson, Timothy J. Nordberg, Thomas Johnson, Rolf L. Strand
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Publication number: 20190292475Abstract: A system for forming a woody biomass component and a binder component into a solid fuel element having a predetermined density. The system includes a first compression assembly for compressing an uncompressed mixture of the woody biomass component and the binder component to provide a first compressed mixture formed into a preliminary element having a preliminary density. The system also includes a second compression assembly for compressing the preliminary element to form the solid fuel element having the predetermined density, which is greater than the preliminary density.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2017Publication date: September 26, 2019Inventors: John Mark SMALL, Douglas Robert Bird, James Douglas BIRD
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Publication number: 20190249871Abstract: A locally powered intermittent pilot combustion controller may include an igniter, a thermal electric and/or photoelectric device that produces an electrical signal having power when exposed to a flame, and a local power source for providing power when the thermal electric and/or photoelectric device is not exposed to a flame. In some cases, the intermittent pilot combustion controller may include a memory for storing information about an ignition sequence for igniting a pilot flame, and a controller coupled to the memory. The controller may be configured to initiate the ignition sequence of the pilot flame using information stored in the memory, determine whether the ignition was successful by monitoring the electrical signal produced by the thermal electric and/or photoelectric device, and adjust the information stored in the memory based on whether the ignition sequence completed successfully.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2019Publication date: August 15, 2019Inventors: Brent Chian, Bruce L. Hill, Timothy J Nordberg, Rolf L. Strand, Douglas Bird, Peter Anderson
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Publication number: 20190125478Abstract: An oropharyngeal measurement device includes a tubular body, a sealed channel, a radial flange member, and a measurement indicator on the outer surface of the tubular body. The tubular body includes a proximal end and a distal end. The sealed channel extends within the tubular body from the proximal end to the distal end and includes a plurality of bends configured to conform with the airway of a user. The measurement indicator is useful for placing alongside the face of a patient from the mouth towards the throat, in order to gauge an approximation for a oropharyngeal airway device to be used during a medical procedure.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2017Publication date: May 2, 2019Inventors: Brock Bodashefsky, Douglas Bird
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Patent number: 10208954Abstract: A locally powered intermittent pilot combustion controller may include an igniter, a thermal electric and/or photoelectric device that produces an electrical signal having power when exposed to a flame, and a local power source for providing power when the thermal electric and/or photoelectric device is not exposed to a flame. In some cases, the intermittent pilot combustion controller may include a memory for storing information about an ignition sequence for igniting a pilot flame, and a controller coupled to the memory. The controller may be configured to initiate the ignition sequence of the pilot flame using information stored in the memory, determine whether the ignition was successful by monitoring the electrical signal produced by the thermal electric and/or photoelectric device, and adjust the information stored in the memory based on whether the ignition sequence completed successfully.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2013Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Ademco Inc.Inventors: Brent Chian, Bruce L. Hill, Timothy J. Nordberg, Rolf L. Strand, Douglas Bird, Peter Anderson
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Publication number: 20170115005Abstract: A flame powered intermittent pilot combustion controller may include a first power source and a second power source separate from the first power source, a thermal electric and/or photoelectric device, an igniter and a controller. The thermal electric and/or photoelectric device may charge the first power source when exposed to a flame. The controller and the igniter may receive power from the first power source when the first power source has sufficient available power, and may receive power from the second power source when the first power source does not have sufficient available power.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2016Publication date: April 27, 2017Inventors: Brent Chian, Douglas Bird, Peter Anderson, Timothy J. Nordberg, Thomas Johnson, Rolf L. Strand
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Patent number: 9494320Abstract: A flame powered intermittent pilot combustion controller may include a first power source and a second power source separate from the first power source, a thermal electric and/or photoelectric device, an igniter and a controller. The thermal electric and/or photoelectric device may charge the first power source when exposed to a flame. The controller and the igniter may receive power from the first power source when the first power source has sufficient available power, and may receive power from the second power source when the first power source does not have sufficient available power.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2013Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Brent Chian, Douglas Bird, Peter Anderson, Timothy J. Nordberg, Thomas Johnson, Rolf L. Strand
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Publication number: 20160230767Abstract: A highly efficient circulator system is provided, useful for hydronic systems, including both heating and cooling systems. The stand-alone circulator motor is controllable by input from certain sensors, preferably thermal sensors, which provide data enabling the controller of the brushless pump motor to vary its flow output to meet changes in systems loads. The circulator has a ceramic permanent magnet rotor, such as a ferrite, with an electronically, preferably sinusoidally, commutated, electro-magnetic stator controlling the input of electrical power.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2015Publication date: August 11, 2016Inventors: Steve Thompson, Vladislav Michev Stakev, Robert F. Birkenstock, JR., Douglas Bird, David E. Sweet
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Publication number: 20140199640Abstract: A locally powered intermittent pilot combustion controller may include an igniter, a thermal electric and/or photoelectric device that produces an electrical signal having power when exposed to a flame, and a local power source for providing power when the thermal electric and/or photoelectric device is not exposed to a flame. In some cases, the intermittent pilot combustion controller may include a memory for storing information about an ignition sequence for igniting a pilot flame, and a controller coupled to the memory. The controller may be configured to initiate the ignition sequence of the pilot flame using information stored in the memory, determine whether the ignition was successful by monitoring the electrical signal produced by the thermal electric and/or photoelectric device, and adjust the information stored in the memory based on whether the ignition sequence completed successfully.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2013Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Brent Chian, Bruce L. Hill, Timothy J. Nordberg, Rolf L. Strand, Douglas Bird, Peter Anderson
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Publication number: 20140199641Abstract: A flame powered intermittent pilot combustion controller may include a first power source and a second power source separate from the first power source, a thermal electric and/or photoelectric device, an igniter and a controller. The thermal electric and/or photoelectric device may charge the first power source when exposed to a flame. The controller and the igniter may receive power from the first power source when the first power source has sufficient available power, and may receive power from the second power source when the first power source does not have sufficient available power.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2013Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Brent Chian, Douglas Bird, Peter Anderson, Timothy J. Nordberg, Thomas Johnson, Rolf L. Strand
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Patent number: 8751961Abstract: A computer-automated image visualization method for displaying images from an image data set comprising a plurality of image elements, each image element having an associated image value, including providing a visualization application with a library of presets, each preset defining a mapping between image values and their representation in a graphical user interface; loading an image data set from a data file containing the image data set; displaying an initial representation of the loaded image data set on a graphical user interface; receiving user input from a location in the representation to indicate a region of interest in the image data set; determining properties of image elements in the region of interest; making a list of potentially suitable presets from the library of presets based on the determined properties of the region of interest; and presenting the potentially suitable presets to the user for selection.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2012Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventors: Ian Douglas Bird, Colin John Roberts
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Publication number: 20130198687Abstract: A computer-automated image visualization method for displaying images from an image data set comprising a plurality of image elements, each image element having an associated image value, including providing a visualization application with a library of presets, each preset defining a mapping between image values and their representation in a graphical user interface; loading an image data set from a data file containing the image data set; displaying an initial representation of the loaded image data set on a graphical user interface; receiving user input from a location in the representation to indicate a region of interest in the image data set; determining properties of image elements in the region of interest; making a list of potentially suitable presets from the library of presets based on the determined properties of the region of interest; and presenting the potentially suitable presets to the user for selection.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2012Publication date: August 1, 2013Inventors: Ian Douglas Bird, Colin John Roberts
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Patent number: 8245987Abstract: A mounting bracket for mounting a temperature sensor, a gas valve, a power delivery unit, a controller and/or any other suitable object or device to a water heater tank. An illustrative but non-limiting example may be found in a mounting bracket that includes a polymeric body that has a sensor portion configured to receive a temperature sensor. The sensor portion may have a distal end that extends into and supports the temperature sensor within the water heater tank. The polymeric body may also includes a threaded portion that is configured to threadably engage a threaded spud in a water heater tank such that the distal end of the sensor portion extends into the water tank of the water heater.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Fritz Hazzard, James E. Eickson, Douglas Bird, Bruce L. Hill
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Publication number: 20110147549Abstract: A mounting bracket for mounting a temperature sensor, a gas valve, a power delivery unit, a controller and/or any other suitable object or device to a water heater tank. An illustrative but non-limiting example may be found in a mounting bracket that includes a polymeric body that has a sensor portion configured to receive a temperature sensor. The sensor portion may have a distal end that extends into and supports the temperature sensor within the water heater tank. The polymeric body may also includes a threaded portion that is configured to threadably engage a threaded spud in a water heater tank such that the distal end of the sensor portion extends into the water tank of the water heater.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Fritz Hazzard, James E. Erickson, Douglas Bird, Bruce L. Hill
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Patent number: 7485153Abstract: Instrument-cartridge interfaces for fluidic analyzers that have an instrument and a removable cartridge are disclosed. For example, and in one illustrative embodiment, the instrument may include a needle that is adapted to penetrate a septum on a removable cartridge. In another illustrative embodiment, the instrument may include a plunger that is adapted to deform a deformable membrane on a removable cartridge. In yet another illustrative embodiment, the instrument may include a nozzle that is adapted to mate and seal with a flow channel on a removable cartridge. Techniques for detecting the flow rate in a flow channel on a removable cartridge, as well as the position of fluid in a flow channel of a removable cartridge, are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2005Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Aravind Padmanabhan, Tom Rezachek, Ron L. Bardell, Douglas Bird, Bernard S. Fritz
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Publication number: 20070144277Abstract: Instrument-cartridge interfaces for fluidic analyzers that have an instrument and a removable cartridge are disclosed. For example, and in one illustrative embodiment, the instrument may include a needle that is adapted to penetrate a septum on a removable cartridge. In another illustrative embodiment, the instrument may include a plunger that is adapted to deform a deformable membrane on a removable cartridge. In yet another illustrative embodiment, the instrument may include a nozzle that is adapted to mate and seal with a flow channel on a removable cartridge. Techniques for detecting the flow rate in a flow channel on a removable cartridge, as well as the position of fluid in a flow channel of a removable cartridge, are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2005Publication date: June 28, 2007Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Aravind Padmanabhan, Tom Rezachek, Ron Bardell, Douglas Bird, Bernard Fritz