Patents by Inventor Gary A. Romanowich
Gary A. Romanowich 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: 10684029Abstract: An actuator in a HVAC system includes a mechanical transducer, a processing circuit, a wireless transceiver, and a power circuit. The processing circuit includes a processor and memory and is configured to operate the mechanical transducer according to a control program stored in the memory. The wireless transceiver is configured to facilitate bidirectional wireless data communications between the processing circuit and an external device. The power circuit is configured to draw power from a wireless signal received via the wireless transceiver and power the processing circuit and the wireless transceiver using the drawn power. The processing circuit is configured to use the power drawn from the wireless signal to wirelessly transmit data stored in the memory of the actuator to the external device via the wireless transceiver, wirelessly receive data from the external device via the wireless transceiver, and store the data received from the external device in the memory.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2017Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Robert K. Alexander, Christopher Merkl, Gary A. Romanowich, Bernard Clement, Kevin Weiss
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Publication number: 20200136677Abstract: A sensor in a building HVAC system includes a transducer configured to measure a variable in the building HVAC system and to generate a sensor reading indicating a value of the measured variable. The sensor includes a communications interface configured to provide the sensor reading to a control device in the building HVAC system and a near field communication (NFC) circuit separate from the communications interface. The NFC circuit is configured to facilitate bidirectional NFC data communications between the sensor and a mobile device. The sensor includes a processing circuit having a processor and memory. The processing circuit is configured to wirelessly transmit data stored in the memory of the sensor to the mobile device via the NFC circuit, wirelessly receive data from the mobile device via the NFC circuit, and store the data received from the mobile device in the memory of the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2019Publication date: April 30, 2020Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Daniel R. Rumler, Steven L. Whitsitt, Robert K. Alexander, Christopher Merkl, Gary A. Romanowich, Bernard Clement, Kevin A. Weiss
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Publication number: 20200119982Abstract: A system on a chip for enabling communication between a building management system (BMS) device and a BMS network. The system on a chip includes a device interface, a network interface, and a processing circuit. The device interface is configured to connect the system on a chip to the BMS device via a serial communication link. The network interface configured to connect the system on a chip to the BMS network. The processing circuit is configured to identify and update an attribute of an equipment object associated with the BMS device that corresponds to a command received from the BMS network via the network interface and transmit a message to the BMS device via the device interface using the updated attribute of the equipment object.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2019Publication date: April 16, 2020Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Donald A. Gottschalk, Michael R. Brownie, Gary A. Romanowich, Robert K. Alexander, Nathan J. Vandermause
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Publication number: 20200091747Abstract: A method of determining a lifetime parameter of a capacitor in a failsafe device including measuring an amount of energy required to return the failsafe device to a failsafe position, measuring an effective capacitance of the capacitor, and comparing the amount of energy to the effective capacitance to determine the lifetime parameter of the capacitor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2019Publication date: March 19, 2020Inventors: Christopher J. Merkl, George John Dietz, Gary A. Romanowich, Kevin Anthony Weiss
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Publication number: 20200088437Abstract: An actuator in a HVAC system includes a mechanical transducer, a processing circuit, a wireless transceiver, and a power circuit. The processing circuit includes a processor and memory and is configured to operate the mechanical transducer according to a control program stored in the memory. The wireless transceiver is configured to facilitate bidirectional wireless data communications between the processing circuit and an external device. The power circuit is configured to draw power from a wireless signal received via the wireless transceiver and power the processing circuit and the wireless transceiver using the drawn power. The processing circuit is configured to use the power drawn from the wireless signal to wirelessly transmit data stored in the memory of the actuator to the external device via the wireless transceiver, wirelessly receive data from the external device via the wireless transceiver, and store the data received from the external device in the memory.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2019Publication date: March 19, 2020Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Robert K. Alexander, Christopher Merkl, Gary A. Romanowich, Bernard Clement, Kevin Weiss
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Publication number: 20200088436Abstract: An actuator in a HVAC system includes a mechanical transducer, a processing circuit, a wireless transceiver, and a power circuit. The processing circuit includes a processor and memory and is configured to operate the mechanical transducer according to a control program stored in the memory. The wireless transceiver is configured to facilitate bidirectional wireless data communications between the processing circuit and an external device. The power circuit is configured to draw power from a wireless signal received via the wireless transceiver and power the processing circuit and the wireless transceiver using the drawn power. The processing circuit is configured to use the power drawn from the wireless signal to wirelessly transmit data stored in the memory of the actuator to the external device via the wireless transceiver, wirelessly receive data from the external device via the wireless transceiver, and store the data received from the external device in the memory.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2019Publication date: March 19, 2020Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Robert K. Alexander, Christopher Merkl, Gary A. Romanowich, Bernard Clement, Kevin Weiss
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Patent number: 10571304Abstract: An actuator in a HVAC system includes an inductive sensor, a conductive target, and a controller. The conductive target has multiple different portions that become aligned with the inductive sensor as a position of the actuator changes. Each of the multiple different portions have a different inductance. The controller receives a signal from the inductive sensor indicating an observed inductance of the portion of the conductive target aligned with the inductive sensor. The controller uses a stored relationship between the observed inductance and the position of the actuator to determine the position of the actuator based on the observed inductance. The controller operates the actuator to change the position of the actuator based on the determined position.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2016Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Robert K. Alexander, Gary A. Romanowich, Russell T. Jenks, Cory C. Strebe, Kevin A. Weiss
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Publication number: 20190353260Abstract: An actuator controls the operation of a valve member to achieve desired flow or no-flow states through different inlet ports of the valve in response to different types of input signals from one or more input sources. In some embodiments, the actuator drives the valve member along a first portion of a travel path to regulate flow through a first inlet port using analog or binary input signal(s) from a first input source, and drives the valve member along a second portion of the travel path to regulate flow through a second inlet port using analog or binary input signal(s) from a second input source. In some embodiments the actuator drives the valve member along the entire travel path to regulate flow through each of the first inlet port and the second inlet port responsive to an analog input signal from a single input source.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2019Publication date: November 21, 2019Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Russell T. Jenks, Gary A. Romanowich, Stephanie P. Lynn, Ralph L. Arndt, JR., Matthew A. Ward
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Patent number: 10465803Abstract: A multipurpose valve tool is provided. The multipurpose valve tool includes multiple flow control discs, a retention ring, and a valve key. The flow control discs are configured to be installed within a valve body of a valve assembly to modulate a flow of fluid through an outlet port of the valve body. The retention ring is configured to retain the flow control discs on a component of the valve assembly when the flow control discs are not installed within the valve body. The valve key includes a first end configured to engage an installation feature in a retention fastener for one of the flow control discs. The flow control discs, the retention ring, and the valve key are detachably coupled to each other.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2017Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Bernard P. Clement, Brian D. Klarkowski, Duane S. Freimuth, Kevin A. Weiss, Russell T. Jenks, Kyle M. Bero, Nicholas P. Prato, Gary A. Romanowich
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Publication number: 20190222265Abstract: A sensor in a building HVAC system includes a transducer configured to measure a variable in the building HVAC system and to generate a sensor reading indicating a value of the measured variable. The sensor includes a communications interface configured to provide the sensor reading to a control device in the building HVAC system and a near field communication (NFC) circuit separate from the communications interface. The NFC circuit is configured to facilitate bidirectional NFC data communications between the sensor and a mobile device. The sensor includes a processing circuit having a processor and memory. The processing circuit is configured to wirelessly transmit data stored in the memory of the sensor to the mobile device via the NFC circuit, wirelessly receive data from the mobile device via the NFC circuit, and store the data received from the mobile device in the memory of the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2019Publication date: July 18, 2019Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Daniel R. Rumler, Steven L. Whitsitt, Robert K. Alexander, Christopher Merkl, Gary A. Romanowich, Bernard Clement, Kevin A. Weiss
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Publication number: 20190149069Abstract: An actuator in a HVAC system includes a motor and a drive device driven by the motor. The drive device is coupled to a movable HVAC component for driving the movable HVAC component between multiple positions. The actuator includes an input connection configured to receive an input signal and a processing circuit coupled to the motor. The processing circuit is configured to determine whether the input signal is an AC voltage signal or a DC voltage signal. The processing circuit is configured to operate the motor using an AC motor control technique in response to determining that the input signal is an AC voltage signal and configured to operate the motor using a DC motor control technique in response to determining that the input signal is a DC voltage signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2019Publication date: May 16, 2019Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Robert K. Alexander, Gary A. Romanowich, Bernard P. Clement
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Patent number: 10291292Abstract: A sensor in a building HVAC system includes a transducer configured to measure a variable in the building HVAC system and to generate a sensor reading indicating a value of the measured variable. The sensor includes a communications interface configured to provide the sensor reading to a control device in the building HVAC system and a near field communication (NFC) circuit separate from the communications interface. The NFC circuit is configured to facilitate bidirectional NFC data communications between the sensor and a mobile device. The sensor includes a processing circuit having a processor and memory. The processing circuit is configured to wirelessly transmit data stored in the memory of the sensor to the mobile device via the NFC circuit, wirelessly receive data from the mobile device via the NFC circuit, and store the data received from the mobile device in the memory of the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2016Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Daniel R. Rumler, Steven L. Whitsitt, Robert K. Alexander, Christopher Merkl, Gary A. Romanowich, Bernard Clement, Kevin A. Weiss
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Patent number: 10203671Abstract: An actuator in an HVAC system includes a housing, a motor, a hub configured to receive a shaft, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to operate the actuator in at least a first speed mode and a second speed mode that is faster than the first speed mode. The processing circuit is further configured to perform a calibration process for the actuator. The calibration process includes temporarily shifting the actuator from the first speed mode to the second speed mode and driving the shaft through a predetermined sequence of positions with the actuator in the second speed mode.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2015Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Gary A. Romanowich, Kevin A. Weiss, Jeff S. Flannery, Russell W. Diamond, Robert K. Alexander
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Patent number: 10199962Abstract: An actuator in a HVAC system includes a motor and a drive device driven by the motor. The drive device is coupled to a movable HVAC component for driving the movable HVAC component between multiple positions. The actuator includes an input connection configured to receive an input signal and a processing circuit coupled to the motor. The processing circuit is configured to determine whether the input signal is an AC voltage signal or a DC voltage signal. The processing circuit is configured to operate the motor using an AC motor control technique in response to determining that the input signal is an AC voltage signal and configured to operate the motor using a DC motor control technique in response to determining that the input signal is a DC voltage signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2016Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Robert K. Alexander, Bernard P. Clement, Gary A. Romanowich
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Publication number: 20180238577Abstract: An integrated device in an HVAC system is configured to modify an environmental condition of a building. The integrated device includes a valve configured to regulate a flow of a fluid through a conduit and an actuator. The actuator includes a motor and a drive device. The drive device is driven by the motor and coupled to the valve for driving the valve between multiple positions. The integrated device further includes a processing circuit coupled to the motor. The processing circuit is configured to detect device identifying information for the valve or the actuator and to detect the integrated device location within the building.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2018Publication date: August 23, 2018Inventors: Kirk H. Drees, Herbert J. Doll, Gerald A. Duenkel, Marcello Passoni, Abu Bakr Khan, Kevin A. Weiss, Christopher Merkl, Gary A. Romanowich, Joe Mann, Hunter Hobgood, Dinesh Trikha, Rick A. Van Buren, Nicholas P. Prato
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Publication number: 20180094736Abstract: A valve assembly is provided. The valve assembly includes a valve body having a valve chamber and a plurality of ports into the valve chamber. The plurality of ports include a first port, a second port, and a third port. The first port and the second port are aligned with a common axis and located on opposite sides of the valve chamber. The system further includes a valve member located within the valve chamber. The valve member is a rotatable ball having a fluid passage that extends through the ball and includes an opening at the end of the ball. The fluid passage is substantially oval-shaped when viewed at the opening in a direction parallel to the fluid passage. The valve assembly further includes a valve stem that is coupled to a valve member and has a first end that extends from the valve body.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2017Publication date: April 5, 2018Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Bernard P. Clement, Brian D. Klarkowski, Duane S. Freimuth, Kevin A. Weiss, Russell T. Jenks, Kyle M. Bero, Nicholas P. Prato, Gary A. Romanowich
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Publication number: 20180094733Abstract: A valve assembly is provided. The valve assembly includes a valve body having a valve chamber and a plurality of ports into the valve chamber. The plurality of ports include a first port, a second port, and a third port. The first port and the second port are aligned with a common axis and located on opposite sides of the valve chamber. The system further includes a valve member located within the valve chamber. The valve member is a rotatable ball having a fluid passage that extends through the ball and includes an opening at the end of the ball. The fluid passage is substantially oval-shaped when viewed at the opening in a direction parallel to the fluid passage. The valve assembly further includes a valve stem that is coupled to a valve member and has a first end that extends from the valve body.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2017Publication date: April 5, 2018Inventors: Bernard P. Clement, Brian D. Klarkowski, Duane S. Freimuth, Kevin A. Weiss, Russell T. Jenks, Kyle M. Bero, Nicholas P. Prato, Gary A. Romanowich
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Publication number: 20180094735Abstract: A multipurpose valve tool is provided. The multipurpose valve tool includes multiple flow control discs, a retention ring, and a valve key. The flow control discs are configured to be installed within a valve body of a valve assembly to modulate a flow of fluid through an outlet port of the valve body. The retention ring is configured to retain the flow control discs on a component of the valve assembly when the flow control discs are not installed within the valve body. The valve key includes a first end configured to engage an installation feature in a retention fastener for one of the flow control discs. The flow control discs, the retention ring, and the valve key are detachably coupled to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2017Publication date: April 5, 2018Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Bernard P. Clement, Brian D. Klarkowski, Duane S. Freimuth, Kevin A. Weiss, Russell T. Jenks, Kyle M. Bero, Nicholas P. Prato, Gary A. Romanowich
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Publication number: 20180094737Abstract: A valve assembly is provided. The valve assembly includes a valve body having a valve chamber and multiple ports into the valve chamber. The multiple ports include a first port, a second port, and a third port. The first port and the second port are aligned with a common axis and located on opposite sides of the valve chamber. The system further includes a valve member controllably movable relative to the valve body and configured to modulate fluid flow through the valve assembly and a valve stem coupled to the valve member. The valve stem extends from the valve body and includes a keying feature that ensures correct orientation of the valve member relative to an actuator. The actuator is configured to controllably move the valve member.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2017Publication date: April 5, 2018Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Bernard P. Clement, Brian D. Klarkowski, Duane S. Freimuth, Kevin A. Weiss, Russell T. Jenks, Kyle M. Bero, Nicholas P. Prato, Gary A. Romanowich
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Publication number: 20170307241Abstract: An actuator in a HVAC system includes a mechanical transducer, a processing circuit, a wireless transceiver, and a power circuit. The processing circuit includes a processor and memory and is configured to operate the mechanical transducer according to a control program stored in the memory. The wireless transceiver is configured to facilitate bidirectional wireless data communications between the processing circuit and an external device. The power circuit is configured to draw power from a wireless signal received via the wireless transceiver and power the processing circuit and the wireless transceiver using the drawn power. The processing circuit is configured to use the power drawn from the wireless signal to wirelessly transmit data stored in the memory of the actuator to the external device via the wireless transceiver, wirelessly receive data from the external device via the wireless transceiver, and store the data received from the external device in the memory.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2017Publication date: October 26, 2017Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Robert K. Alexander, Christopher Merkl, Gary A. Romanowich, Bernard Clement, Kevin Weiss