Patents by Inventor Glenn W. Kowald

Glenn W. Kowald 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).

  • Patent number: 11719457
    Abstract: An HVAC system includes a blower configured to provide a flow of air into a conditioned space. A temperature sensor measures a discharge air temperature of the flow of air provided to the conditioned space. The blower provides the flow of air at a predefined flow rate. The controller determines that the measured discharge air temperature satisfies predefined stability criteria associated with a change in the discharge air temperature during a first period of time being less than a threshold value. If the stability criteria are satisfied, a temperature offset is determined between the discharge air temperature and an indoor temperature. The temperature offset is stored in a memory and is associated with the flow rate of air provided by the blower and the outdoor temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Payam Delgoshaei, Glenn W. Kowald
  • Patent number: 11644206
    Abstract: An HVAC system includes a heating element, a discharge air temperature sensor, and a return air temperature sensor. A controller of the HVAC system determines that the HVAC system has been operating in the heating mode for at least a predefined amount of time. The controller receives measurements of the discharge air temperature and the return air temperature. A temperature rise value is determined using the discharge air temperature and return air temperature. If the temperature rise value is less than a predefined minimum threshold value, the controller determines that a first fault of the HVAC system is detected and provides a corresponding alert. If the temperature rise value is greater than a predefined maximum threshold value, the controller determines that a second fault of the HVAC system is detected and provides a corresponding alert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Payam Delgoshaei, Glenn W. Kowald, Eric Berg
  • Patent number: 11598557
    Abstract: A burner assembly according to aspects of the disclosure includes a burner surface carried by a burner, the burner surface extending outward from a front side of the burner, a housing coupled to the burner on a side opposite the front side of the burner, a gasket disposed between the burner and the housing, a thermally anisotropic protective covering located on the front side of the burner and surrounding a perimeter of the burner surface, and an igniter positioned adjacent to the burner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Perez, Randal Poirier, Eric Chanthalangsy, Steven Schneider, Glenn W. Kowald, Ian Burmania
  • Publication number: 20220290896
    Abstract: A clamshell heat exchanger for use in a combustion furnace of an HVAC system is presented that includes in one instance two passageways coupled by a turnaround passageway. The first passageway that receives the combustion products diverges. A cross section of the first passageway resembles a tear drop or air foil with the widest portion closest to the second passageway. The second passageway also diverges from the turnaround portion towards the outlet. The second passageway may include a baffle that forms two flow streams. Other embodiments are presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2021
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Inventors: Aditya Prasad Botla, Glenn W. Kowald, RanjithKumar Palanivelu, Akshay Todkar
  • Patent number: 11415470
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a HVAC system to detect erroneous sensor installation. The method includes determining whether a circulation fan has been operational for a first predetermined time interval. If the circulation fan has been operational for the first predetermined time interval, determining whether a cooling demand is present. If the cooling demand is present, determining whether the HVAC system has been conditioning air for the first predetermined time interval responsive to the cooling demand. If the HVAC system has been conditioning the air for the first predetermined time interval, determining whether a difference between an indoor air temperature value corresponding to an enclosed space and an air temperature value from a discharge air temperature (DAT) sensor is greater than a predetermined temperature value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Payam Delgoshaei, Sridhar Venkatesh, Glenn W. Kowald, Lars Noergaard Oernbo
  • Publication number: 20220146170
    Abstract: An HVAC system includes a heating element, a discharge air temperature sensor, and a return air temperature sensor. A controller of the HVAC system determines that the HVAC system has been operating in the heating mode for at least a predefined amount of time. The controller receives measurements of the discharge air temperature and the return air temperature. A temperature rise value is determined using the discharge air temperature and return air temperature. If the temperature rise value is less than a predefined minimum threshold value, the controller determines that a first fault of the HVAC system is detected and provides a corresponding alert. If the temperature rise value is greater than a predefined maximum threshold value, the controller determines that a second fault of the HVAC system is detected and provides a corresponding alert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventors: Payam Delgoshaei, Glenn W. Kowald, Eric Berg
  • Patent number: 11268721
    Abstract: An HVAC system includes a heating element, a discharge air temperature sensor, and a return air temperature sensor. A controller of the HVAC system determines that the HVAC system has been operating in the heating mode for at least a predefined amount of time. The controller receives measurements of the discharge air temperature and the return air temperature. A temperature rise value is determined using the discharge air temperature and return air temperature. If the temperature rise value is less than a predefined minimum threshold value, the controller determines that a first fault of the HVAC system is detected and provides a corresponding alert. If the temperature rise value is greater than a predefined maximum threshold value, the controller determines that a second fault of the HVAC system is detected and provides a corresponding alert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Payam Delgoshaei, Glenn W. Kowald, Eric Berg
  • Publication number: 20220049875
    Abstract: A burner assembly according to aspects of the disclosure includes a burner surface carried by a burner, the burner surface extending outward from a front side of the burner, a housing coupled to the burner on a side opposite the front side of the burner, a gasket disposed between the burner and the housing, a thermally anisotropic protective covering located on the front side of the burner and surrounding a perimeter of the burner surface, and an igniter positioned adjacent to the burner surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Publication date: February 17, 2022
    Applicant: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Eric PEREZ, Randal POIRIER, Eric CHANTHALANGSY, Steven SCHNEIDER, Glenn W. KOWALD, Ian BURMANIA
  • Publication number: 20210396414
    Abstract: An HVAC system includes a heating element, a discharge air temperature sensor, and a return air temperature sensor. A controller of the HVAC system determines that the HVAC system has been operating in the heating mode for at least a predefined amount of time. The controller receives measurements of the discharge air temperature and the return air temperature. A temperature rise value is determined using the discharge air temperature and return air temperature. If the temperature rise value is less than a predefined minimum threshold value, the controller determines that a first fault of the HVAC system is detected and provides a corresponding alert. If the temperature rise value is greater than a predefined maximum threshold value, the controller determines that a second fault of the HVAC system is detected and provides a corresponding alert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Inventors: Payam Delgoshaei, Glenn W. Kowald, Eric Berg
  • Publication number: 20210372651
    Abstract: An HVAC system includes a blower configured to provide a flow of air into a conditioned space. A temperature sensor measures a discharge air temperature of the flow of air provided to the conditioned space. The blower provides the flow of air at a predefined flow rate. The controller determines that the measured discharge air temperature satisfies predefined stability criteria associated with a change in the discharge air temperature during a first period of time being less than a threshold value. If the stability criteria are satisfied, a temperature offset is determined between the discharge air temperature and an indoor temperature. The temperature offset is stored in a memory and is associated with the flow rate of air provided by the blower and the outdoor temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Inventors: Payam Delgoshaei, Glenn W. Kowald
  • Patent number: 11187433
    Abstract: A burner assembly according to aspects of the disclosure includes a burner surface carried by a burner, the burner surface extending outward from a front side of the burner, a housing coupled to the burner on a side opposite the front side of the burner, a gasket disposed between the burner and the housing, a thermally anisotropic protective covering located on the front side of the burner and surrounding a perimeter of the burner surface, and an igniter positioned adjacent to the burner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Perez, Randal Poirier, Eric Chanthalangsy, Steven Schneider, Glenn W. Kowald, Ian Burmania
  • Publication number: 20210318017
    Abstract: An HVAC system includes a blower configured to provide a flow of air into a conditioned space. A temperature sensor measures a discharge air temperature of the flow of air provided to the conditioned space. A controller of the HVAC system determines that heating or cooling mode operation is not requested. Following this determination, the blower provides the flow of air at a predefined flow rate. The controller determines that the measured discharge air temperature satisfies predefined stability criteria associated with a change in the discharge air temperature during the first period of time being less than a threshold value. If the stability criteria are satisfied, a temperature offset is determined between the discharge air temperature and an indoor temperature. The temperature offset is stored in a lookup table such that the temperature offset is associated with the flow rate of air provided by the blower and the outdoor temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Inventors: Payam Delgoshaei, Glenn W. Kowald
  • Patent number: 11143425
    Abstract: An HVAC system includes a blower configured to provide a flow of air into a conditioned space. A temperature sensor measures a discharge air temperature of the flow of air provided to the conditioned space. A controller of the HVAC system determines that heating or cooling mode operation is not requested. Following this determination, the blower provides the flow of air at a predefined flow rate. The controller determines that the measured discharge air temperature satisfies predefined stability criteria associated with a change in the discharge air temperature during the first period of time being less than a threshold value. If the stability criteria are satisfied, a temperature offset is determined between the discharge air temperature and an indoor temperature. The temperature offset is stored in a lookup table such that the temperature offset is associated with the flow rate of air provided by the blower and the outdoor temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Payam Delgoshaei, Glenn W. Kowald
  • Patent number: 10928078
    Abstract: Provided herein are embodiments of, a multistage gas furnace, a controller therefor and a computer-usable medium having non-transitory computer readable instructions stored thereon for execution by a processor to perform a method for operating a gas furnace. In one embodiment, the gas furnace includes: (1) a burner, (2) a circulation fan and (3) a furnace controller. The furnace controller having: (3A) an interface configured to receive heating calls and a blower control signal, the blower control signal corresponding to an operating speed of the circulation fan and (3B) a processor configured to respond to the heating calls and the blower control signal by setting and adjusting a gas input rate for the burner that is based on the blower control signal and that corresponds to a discharge air temperature determined by a dedicated discharge air sensor associated with the furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Hrejsa, Glenn W. Kowald, Darko Hadzidedic
  • Patent number: 10697668
    Abstract: A flue shield and mesh baffle are described for use within HVAC systems and inside of a combustion chamber. The shield or baffle can be installed around the burner and within the combustion chamber to help dissipate heat that builds up as a result of the combustion of gas and air. An air gap is created between the flue shield and the inner surfaces of the combustion chamber and heat exchanger tubes. A mesh baffle can provide heat insulation and noise dampening. Installation of a flue shield or mesh baffle provides better efficiency than insulation solutions, reduces stresses on the heat exchanger, and provides safety benefits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn W. Kowald
  • Publication number: 20200173868
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a HVAC system to detect erroneous sensor installation. The method includes determining whether a circulation fan has been operational for a first predetermined time interval. If the circulation fan has been operational for the first predetermined time interval, determining whether a cooling demand is present. If the cooling demand is present, determining whether the HVAC system has been conditioning air for the first predetermined time interval responsive to the cooling demand. If the HVAC system has been conditioning the air for the first predetermined time interval, determining whether a difference between an indoor air temperature value corresponding to an enclosed space and an air temperature value from a discharge air temperature (DAT) sensor is greater than a predetermined temperature value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Applicant: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Payam DELGOSHAEI, Sridhar Venkatesh, Glenn W. Kowald, Lars Noergaard Oernbo
  • Patent number: 10598553
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a HVAC system to detect erroneous sensor installation. The method includes determining whether a circulation fan has been operational for a first predetermined time interval. If the circulation fan has been operational for the first predetermined time interval, determining whether a cooling demand is present. If the cooling demand is present, determining whether the HVAC system has been conditioning air for the first predetermined time interval responsive to the cooling demand. If the HVAC system has been conditioning the air for the first predetermined time interval, determining whether a difference between an indoor air temperature value corresponding to an enclosed space and an air temperature value from a discharge air temperature (DAT) sensor is greater than a predetermined temperature value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Payam Delgoshaei, Sridhar Venkatesh, Glenn W. Kowald, Lars Noergaard Oernbo
  • Patent number: 10544961
    Abstract: A flue shield is described for use within HVAC systems and inside of a combustion chamber. The flue shield can be installed around the burner and within the combustion chamber to help dissipate heat that builds up as a result of the combustion of gas and air. Extensions from the flue shield extend through holes in the combustion chamber and into tubes of a heat exchanger. An air gap is created between the flue shield and the inner surfaces of the combustion chamber and heat exchanger tubes. Installation of a flue shield provides better efficiency than insulation solutions, reduces stresses on the heat exchanger, and provides safety benefits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn W. Kowald
  • Patent number: 10480783
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described related to a premix combustion system used in a furnace system. Prior systems have to create a negative pressure in the premix chamber to draw gas into the chamber. Embodiments under the current disclosure can use an amplifier that is pneumatically coupled to an air supply and a secondary location (besides the gas valve). Coupling to the amplifier to a location apart from the gas valve allows the system to avoid a negative pressure in the mixing chamber. The amplifier can apply an amplified pressure or signal to a gas valve regulator and thereby raise the gas pressure so that the gas supply is driven into the premix chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn W. Kowald
  • Patent number: 10480784
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for a screen assembly for gas-air mixers in HVAC systems, such as for furnaces. A screen assembly can comprise a mesh screen, a housing, and a pressure tap. The mesh screen can allow for the intake of an air supply while also blocking unwanted foreign matter such as dust or leaves. The housing can receive the air supply and direct it into a gas-air mixer or other component. The pressure tap can be coupled to a gas valve or regulator in order to modulate the flow of gas when air flow is restricted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn W. Kowald