Patents by Inventor Greg T. Mrozek
Greg T. Mrozek 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: 10072652Abstract: A pump system comprises an electric motor, a pump, a converter and a controller. The electric motor has a rotational output shaft that is rotatable in a first rotational direction and an opposite second rotational direction. The pump has a linearly displaceable input shaft that is movable in a first linear direction and an opposite second linear direction. The converter couples the output shaft to the input shaft such that rotation of the output shaft in the first rotational direction translates the input shaft in the first linear direction, and rotation of the output shaft in the second rotational direction translates the input shaft in the second linear direction. The controller repeatedly reverses rotation of the output shaft to produce reciprocating motion of the input shaft.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2012Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.Inventors: Timothy S. Roman, Greg T. Mrozek
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Publication number: 20140219819Abstract: A pump system comprises an electric motor, a pump, a converter and a controller. The electric motor has a rotational output shaft that is rotatable in a first rotational direction and an opposite second rotational direction. The pump has a linearly displaceable input shaft that is movable in a first linear direction and an opposite second linear direction. The converter couples the output shaft to the input shaft such that rotation of the output shaft in the first rotational direction translates the input shaft in the first linear direction, and rotation of the output shaft in the second rotational direction translates the input shaft in the second linear direction. The controller repeatedly reverses rotation of the output shaft to produce reciprocating motion of the input shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2012Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: Graco Minnesota Inc.Inventors: Timothy S. Roman, Greg T. Mrozek
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Publication number: 20140193277Abstract: A method for preventing pack-out in a system for pumping hybrid hot-melt material comprises monitoring activity of a pump that pumps hybrid hot-melt material, shutting off a heater that melts pumped hybrid hot-melt material at an inactivity threshold level, and relieving pump pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2012Publication date: July 10, 2014Inventors: Greg T. Mrozek, John S. Lihwa, Corey Dean Johnson
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Patent number: 8392028Abstract: A fluid handling control/monitoring system is divided into a network of modular, intelligent components. These individual components are generally specific to a certain function within the system and contain all the intelligence necessary to perform that function without external guidance. Examples of the different types of components include but are not limited to: human-machine interface (HMI), fluid control, heater control, motor control, field-bus communications and the like. While each type of board is specialized in function, it may control several items of the same nature. For instance, a heater control may be able to control several heaters on one system. Similarly, a fluid board may have the ability to receive input from more than one flow meter and then control fluid flow of more than one point. An example might be a plural component metering and dispensing system where two fluid components have to be combined in a precise mix ratio.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2008Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.Inventors: Christopher M. Lange, William C Scherer, Fred A Sutter, Greg T. Mrozek, Gary S. Parnes
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Patent number: 8299373Abstract: The outer case of the display module 10 is constructed of static dissipative polypropylene components that house a circuit board 16 and display 14. When the display module 10 utilizes the hand held pendant option a front cover 18 is used. This front cover 18 provides a viewing window 20 to the display 14 and a flat surface to attach the membrane 22. When the display module 10 is to be mounted inside of an enclosure, the front cover is replaced by a flat plate 28 that then provides the viewing window 30 and flat surface membrane 32 requirements. The rear portion 12 of the display module 10 is used with either option and contains the necessary features to allow for either the front cover 18 or the flat plate 28 to be attached.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2008Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Inventors: Derek R. Shaw, John C. Holman, Christopher M. Lange, Nicholas D. Long, Greg T. Mrozek, Michael L. Kashmark
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Publication number: 20120140382Abstract: The outer case of the display module 10 is constructed of static dissipative polypropylene components that house a circuit board 16 and display 14. When the display module 10 utilizes the hand held pendant option a front cover 18 is used. This front cover 18 provides a viewing window 20 to the display 14 and a flat surface to attach the membrane 22. When the display module 10 is to be mounted inside of an enclosure, the front cover is replaced by a flat plate 28 that then provides the viewing window 30 and flat surface membrane 32 requirements. The rear portion 12 of the display module 10 is used with either option and contains the necessary features to allow for either the front cover 18 or the flat plate 28 to be attached.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2008Publication date: June 7, 2012Inventors: Derek R. Shaw, John C. Holman, Christopher M. Lange, Nicholas D. Long, Greg T. Mrozek, Michael L. Kashmark
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Publication number: 20110103025Abstract: Off-the-shelf electronic packages eliminate the much of the need for hardware redesign for each product. The base unit has a base plastic housing and a power/communication board. The component module is comprised of a mid-section plastic housing, a common board, a component board, panels with connectors and a housing cover. The component board is unique board to each platform and could be, for example, a fluid control module, a low power temperature control module, a gateway module, a USB module, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2009Publication date: May 5, 2011Inventors: Daniel P. Ross, Greg T. Mrozek, Christopher M. Lange, William C. Scherer
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Patent number: 7089958Abstract: A damper unit for an air circulation system. The damper unit includes a frame defining an air flow opening, a damper vane for opening and closing the air flow opening, and a drive mechanism for turning the damper vane between the open and closed positions. The vane of the damper unit includes a main body and vane turning surfaces that project outwardly from the main body. The vane turning surfaces are configured for converting air flow into torque for assisting the drive mechanism in turning the damper vane between the open and closed positions.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2003Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Schlosser, Robert C. Knutson, Dennis R. Grabowski, Greg T. Mrozek
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Patent number: 7025672Abstract: A damper unit for an air circulation system. The damper unit includes an air flow opening, a damper vane for opening and closing the air flow opening, and a motor for moving the damper vane between the open and closed positions. The damper also includes at least two ports, each port being operable in an input and an output mode. When a control signal is received on one port, the signal is sent out on the other port, and vice versa. The ports can be identical in shape to receive the same shaped plug.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2003Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Greg T. Mrozek, Robert E. Schlosser, Marvin D. Nelson, Robert C. Knutson, Dennis R. Grabowski
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Patent number: 7021072Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a current control loop for an actuator. A typical system includes a current command controller setting a command current, the current command controller being coupled to a drive circuit used to drive the actuator and a sampling module sampling a motor current of the actuator. The system also includes a summation module calculating a current error based on the motor current, the current error being calculated by subtracting the motor current from the command current. The current error is used to compensate for an error in the motor current of the actuator. The sampling module can include a switch and a capacitor coupled in parallel with the resistor when the switch is on, a charge on the capacitor being proportional to the voltage drop across the resistor. Methods for setting a maximum control current and for providing the current control loop are also illustrated.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2003Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Scott D. McMillan, Greg T. Mrozek
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Patent number: 6997799Abstract: A damper unit for an air circulation system. The damper unit includes a frame defining an air flow opening, a damper vane for opening and closing the air flow opening, and a stepper motor for turning the damper vane between the open and closed positions. The stepper motor is directly coupled to the damper vane to move the vane between the open and closed positions. A shaft of the stepper motor extends through a frame of the damper unit and is coupled to the damper vane by a hub. A controller is coupled to the stepper motor to control the stepper motor.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Greg T. Mrozek, Scott D. McMillan
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Patent number: 6979965Abstract: An actuator including an electric motor driven by a drive circuit powered by a power source, and a load coupled to the electric motor. The actuator further includes a spring biasing the load to a first position, and a microcontroller coupled to the electric motor to commutate the electric motor. Upon failure of the power source, the spring returns the damper to the first position, and, as the spring returns the load to the first position, the electric motor is spun to generate electricity that is used to power the microcontroller. The microcontroller can govern a speed at which the spring returns the load to the first position. In addition, a potentiometer can be used to indicate when the load approaches the first position so that the microcontroller can slow the speed of return prior to the load reaching the first position.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2003Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Scott D. McMillan, Greg T. Mrozek, Christopher M. Lange
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Patent number: 6954044Abstract: An actuator is provided having an electric motor that generates a back emf. The actuator also includes a control system for controlling the speed of the electric motor. The control system includes a controller and circuitry for allowing the controller to sample the back emf of the motor. The controller uses the sampled back emf as feedback representative of motor speed for use in controlling the speed of the motor.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2003Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Scott D. McMillan, Greg T. Mrozek
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Patent number: 6940241Abstract: A drive circuit including a motor for positioning a damper from a rest position to a stalled position and protect the drive mechanism from damage due to increased current to the drive motor when the damper stalls by including a current limiter to prevent the current in the motor from exceeding a predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2004Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Christopher M. Lange, Greg T. Mrozek
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Patent number: 6880799Abstract: A damper unit for an air handling system. The damper unit includes a damper vane to regulate air flow, and a position indicator coupled to the vane. The damper also includes a sensing device that senses when the position indicator passes in close proximity thereto. A controller receives an index signal from the sensing device when the device detects the position indicator, and the controller resets a home position for the vane upon receipt of the index signal. The home position for the vane can be reset upon initialization of the damper and periodically thereafter, such as after each complete revolution of the vane.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2003Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Greg T. Mrozek
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Patent number: 6822409Abstract: A drive circuit including a motor for positioning a damper from a rest position to a stalled position and protect the drive mechanism from damage due to increased current to the drive motor when the damper stalls by including a current limiter to prevent the current in the motor from exceeding a predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2002Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Christopher M. Lange, Greg T. Mrozek
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Publication number: 20040212336Abstract: An actuator including an electric motor driven by a drive circuit powered by a power source, and a load coupled to the electric motor. The actuator further includes a spring biasing the load to a first position, and a microcontroller coupled to the electric motor to commutate the electric motor. Upon failure of the power source, the spring returns the damper to the first position, and, as the spring returns the load to the first position, the electric motor is spun to generate electricity that is used to power the microcontroller. The microcontroller can govern a speed at which the spring returns the load to the first position. In addition, a potentiometer can be used to indicate when the load approaches the first position so that the microcontroller can slow the speed of return prior to the load reaching the first position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2003Publication date: October 28, 2004Inventors: Scott D. McMillan, Greg T. Mrozek, Christopher M. Lange
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Publication number: 20040211200Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a current control loop for an actuator. A typical system includes a current command controller setting a command current, the current command controller being coupled to a drive circuit used to drive the actuator and a sampling module sampling a motor current of the actuator. The system also includes a summation module calculating a current error based on the motor current, the current error being calculated by subtracting the motor current from the command current. The current error is used to compensate for an error in the motor current of the actuator. The sampling module can include a switch and a capacitor coupled in parallel with the resistor when the switch is on, a charge on the capacitor being proportional to the voltage drop across the resistor. Methods for setting a maximum control current and for providing the current control loop are also illustrated.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2003Publication date: October 28, 2004Inventors: Scott D. McMillan, Greg T. Mrozek
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Publication number: 20040174128Abstract: A drive circuit including a motor for positioning a damper from a rest position to a stalled position and protect the drive mechanism from damage due to increased current to the drive motor when the damper stalls by including a current limiter to prevent the current in the motor from exceeding a predetermined value.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2004Publication date: September 9, 2004Inventors: Christopher M. Lange, Greg T. Mrozek
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Patent number: D593962Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2008Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.Inventors: Daniel P. Ross, Greg T. Mrozek