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).

  • Publication number: 20260202828
    Abstract: A method provided herein includes identifying a component set from component configuration data. In some embodiments, the method includes retrieving a component feature set. In some embodiments, the component feature set comprises one or more component features corresponding to a component configuration type. In some embodiments, the method includes generating a first clustering parameter set comprising a first subset of the component feature set. In some embodiments, the method includes generating, using the first clustering parameter set and a clustering model, a component cluster comprising a subset of the component set. In some embodiments, the method includes generating, using a component reconfiguration model, component reconfiguration data for the component cluster. In some embodiments, the method includes initiating performance of one or more component reconfiguration actions based on the component reconfiguration data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2025
    Publication date: July 16, 2026
    Inventors: Ananda Vel Murugan Chandra MOHAN, Sunil BARDESKAR, Douglas BIRD, Ivan Borastero VILLAN, Chandrashekar SRINIVAS
  • Publication number: 20260168502
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2025
    Publication date: June 18, 2026
    Inventors: Steve Thompson, Vladislav Milchev Stakev, Robert F. Birkenstock, JR., Douglas Bird, David E. Sweet
  • Patent number: 12473923
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2025
    Assignee: TACO, INC.
    Inventors: Steve Thompson, Vladislav Milchev Stakev, Robert F. Birkenstock, Jr., Douglas Bird, David E. Sweet
  • Patent number: 12313075
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2025
    Assignee: TACO, INC.
    Inventors: Steve Thompson, David E. Sweet, Vladislav Milchev Stakev, Robert F. Birkenstock, Jr., Douglas Bird
  • Publication number: 20240254992
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2023
    Publication date: August 1, 2024
    Applicant: TACO, INC.
    Inventors: STEVE THOMPSON, VLADISLAV MILCHEV STAKEV, ROBERT F. BIRKENSTOCK, JR., DOUGLAS BIRD, DAVID E. SWEET
  • Patent number: 11719436
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Ademco Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Chian, Bruce L. Hill, Timothy J Nordberg, Rolf L. Strand, Douglas Bird, Peter Anderson
  • Publication number: 20210095676
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventors: Steve Thompson, Vladislav Milchev Stakev, Robert F. Birkenstock, JR., Douglas Bird, David E. Sweet
  • Patent number: 10631944
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Inventors: Brock Bodashefsky, Douglas Bird
  • Patent number: 10429068
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Ademco Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Chian, Douglas Bird, Peter Anderson, Timothy J. Nordberg, Thomas Johnson, Rolf L. Strand
  • Publication number: 20190249871
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Brent Chian, Bruce L. Hill, Timothy J Nordberg, Rolf L. Strand, Douglas Bird, Peter Anderson
  • Publication number: 20190125478
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Publication date: May 2, 2019
    Inventors: Brock Bodashefsky, Douglas Bird
  • Patent number: 10208954
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Ademco Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Chian, Bruce L. Hill, Timothy J. Nordberg, Rolf L. Strand, Douglas Bird, Peter Anderson
  • Publication number: 20170115005
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Inventors: Brent Chian, Douglas Bird, Peter Anderson, Timothy J. Nordberg, Thomas Johnson, Rolf L. Strand
  • Patent number: 9494320
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Chian, Douglas Bird, Peter Anderson, Timothy J. Nordberg, Thomas Johnson, Rolf L. Strand
  • Publication number: 20160230767
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Steve Thompson, Vladislav Michev Stakev, Robert F. Birkenstock, JR., Douglas Bird, David E. Sweet
  • Publication number: 20140199640
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Chian, Bruce L. Hill, Timothy J. Nordberg, Rolf L. Strand, Douglas Bird, Peter Anderson
  • Publication number: 20140199641
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Chian, Douglas Bird, Peter Anderson, Timothy J. Nordberg, Thomas Johnson, Rolf L. Strand
  • Patent number: 8245987
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Fritz Hazzard, James E. Eickson, Douglas Bird, Bruce L. Hill
  • Publication number: 20110147549
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Fritz Hazzard, James E. Erickson, Douglas Bird, Bruce L. Hill
  • Patent number: 7485153
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Aravind Padmanabhan, Tom Rezachek, Ron L. Bardell, Douglas Bird, Bernard S. Fritz