Patents by Inventor Gregory Ralph Harrod

Gregory Ralph Harrod 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: 20200214191
    Abstract: A method for adjusting an economic balance point in a dual fuel HVAC system includes a furnace, a heat pump and a control system. The method comprises providing a control device having a preprogrammed algorithm for controlling the HVAC system, providing a communication path between the control device and at least one component of the HVAC system, and accessing current fuel cost data; determining an economic balance point temperature based on the current fuel cost data; and updating the economic balance point temperature in the preprogrammed algorithm to adjust an actual balance point of the HVAC system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Gregory Ralph Harrod, Jeffrey Norris Nichols
  • Patent number: 8826165
    Abstract: Controllers for controlling heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and cooling (HVAC) systems are provided. The controllers include graphical user interfaces for user adjustment of system settings. The graphical user interfaces also may be designed to present information that facilitates user understanding of system operations. In certain embodiments, the graphical user interfaces may display virtual representations of HVAC systems with graphical elements representing units and/or operating status of the HVAC systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Gregory Ralph Harrod, Mimoun Abaraw, Bradley A. Beers, Grant E. Carmichael
  • Patent number: 8346397
    Abstract: Controllers for controlling heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and cooling (HVAC) systems are provided. The controllers include graphical user interfaces for user adjustment of system settings. The graphical user interfaces also may be designed to present information that facilitates user understanding of system operations. In certain embodiments, the controllers may allow users to adjust airflow values within a wide range of values. In these embodiments, the graphical user interfaces may include slide bars for adjusting the airflow values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Gregory Ralph Harrod, Amanda L. Slavens, Jedidiah O. Bentz, Grant E. Carmichael, Bradley A. Beers, Nathan T. Ostrye
  • Patent number: 8332075
    Abstract: Controllers for controlling heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and cooling (HVAC) systems are provided. The controllers include graphical user interfaces for user adjustment of system settings. The graphical user interfaces also may be designed to present information that facilitates user understanding of system operations. In certain embodiments, the controllers may allow users to adjust balance point and/or LTCO temperature values. In these embodiments, the graphical user interfaces may include slide bars for adjusting the balance point and/or LTCO temperature values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Gregory Ralph Harrod, Bradley A. Beers, Grant E. Carmichael, Brian D. Rigg
  • Publication number: 20120310418
    Abstract: Controllers for controlling heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and cooling (HVAC) systems are provided. The controllers include graphical user interfaces for user adjustment of system settings. In certain embodiments, the graphical user interfaces may include slide bars for adjusting temperature set points. In certain embodiments, the graphical user interfaces may include selectable calendars for adjusting program schedules for the HVAC systems. In certain embodiments, the graphical user interfaces may include screens for adjusting a nightlight feature of the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
    Inventors: Gregory Ralph Harrod, Bradley A. Beers, Grant E. Carmichael, Amanda L. Slavens, Jeremiah M. Horn, Mimoun Abaraw
  • Publication number: 20120253523
    Abstract: Controllers for controlling heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and cooling (HVAC) systems are provided. The controllers include graphical user interfaces for user adjustment of system settings. The controllers also include communication interfaces for receiving climate data. In certain embodiments, the controllers govern operation of the HVAC systems based at least in part on the climate data. Further, the controllers may display information and alerts related to the climate data. The controllers also may govern operation of air treatment devices within the HVAC systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
    Inventors: Gregory Ralph Harrod, Bradley A. Beers, Grant E. Carmichael, Jedidiah O. Bentz
  • Patent number: 8219249
    Abstract: Controllers for controlling heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and cooling (HVAC) systems are provided. The controllers include graphical user interfaces for user adjustment of system settings. The controllers also include communication interfaces for receiving climate data. In certain embodiments, the controllers govern operation of the HVAC systems based at least in part on the climate data. Further, the controllers may display information and alerts related to the climate data. The controllers also may govern operation of air treatment devices within the HVAC systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Gregory Ralph Harrod, Bradley A. Beers, Grant E. Carmichael, Jedidiah O. Bentz
  • Patent number: 8011197
    Abstract: An HVAC system and method for configuring a controller to control a compressor including a detection system provided to determine a type of compressor. The detection system includes a processor; and a load sensing circuit connected between the processor and a controller. The controller has a plurality of output connections connectable to a compressor. The load sensing circuit senses whether a load is present on each output connection of the plurality of output connections and provides a load signal to the processor indicating whether a load is present on each output connection. The load signals are processed with the processor to determine the type of compressor is present. The controller is configured to control the compressor in response to the determined type of compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: York International Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory Ralph Harrod, Jeffrey Lee Tucker
  • Publication number: 20100251742
    Abstract: An HVAC&R system is disclosed that utilizes energy-efficient valving. The valving controls the flow of refrigerant and may be adapted for evaporator or condenser applications, on both AC systems and heat pumps (as well as chillers and other refrigeration systems). The valving may provide simultaneous and individualized control of flow through individual coils or groups of coils for improved control of evaporation, condensation, defrosting and so forth. In some configurations a common sensor may be shared between individual coils or groups of coils and may provide sensed parameters to control circuitry for controlling the valving. Other configurations may include bypass valving to direct fluid around the flow control valving. In yet other configurations, a valve may be used to bypass tapped vapor around a heat exchanger functioning as an evaporator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey Lee Tucker, Jeremiah Marshall Horn, Jeffrey Norris Nichols, Thomas John Martin, Gregory Ralph Harrod, Kenneth E. Hickman
  • Publication number: 20100070085
    Abstract: Controllers for controlling heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and cooling (HVAC) systems are provided. The controllers include graphical user interfaces for user adjustment of system settings. The graphical user interfaces also may be designed to present information that facilitates user understanding of system operations. In certain embodiments, the controllers may allow users to adjust airflow values within a wide range of values. In these embodiments, the graphical user interfaces may include slide bars for adjusting the airflow values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Gregory Ralph Harrod, Amanda L. Slavens, Jedidiah O. Bentz, Grant E. Carmichael, Bradley A. Beers, Nathan T. Ostrye
  • Publication number: 20100070089
    Abstract: Controllers for controlling heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and cooling (HVAC) systems are provided. The controllers include graphical user interfaces for user adjustment of system settings. In certain embodiments, the graphical user interfaces may include slide bars for adjusting temperature set points. In certain embodiments, the graphical user interfaces may include selectable calendars for adjusting program schedules for the HVAC systems. In certain embodiments, the graphical user interfaces may include screens for adjusting a nightlight feature of the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Gregory Ralph Harrod, Bradley A. Beers, Grant E. Camichael, Amanda L. Slavens, Jeremiah M. Horn, Mimoun Abaraw
  • Publication number: 20100070907
    Abstract: Controllers for controlling heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and cooling (HVAC) systems are provided. The controllers include graphical user interfaces for user adjustment of system settings. The graphical user interfaces also may be designed to present information that facilitates user understanding of system operations. In certain embodiments, the graphical user interfaces may display virtual representations of HVAC systems with graphical elements representing units and/or operating status of the HVAC systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Gregory Ralph Harrod, Mimoun Abaraw, Bradley A. Beers, Grant E. Carmichael
  • Publication number: 20100070093
    Abstract: Controllers for controlling heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and cooling (HVAC) systems are provided. The controllers include graphical user interfaces for user adjustment of system settings. The graphical user interfaces also may be designed to present information that facilitates user understanding of system operations. In certain embodiments, the controllers may allow users to adjust balance point and/or LTCO temperature values. In these embodiments, the graphical user interfaces may include slide bars for adjusting the balance point and/or LTCO temperature values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Gregory Ralph Harrod, Bradley A. Beers, Grant E. Carmichael, Brian D. Rigg
  • Publication number: 20100070086
    Abstract: Controllers for controlling heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and cooling (HVAC) systems are provided. The controllers include graphical user interfaces for user adjustment of system settings. The controllers also include communication interfaces for receiving climate data. In certain embodiments, the controllers govern operation of the HVAC systems based at least in part on the climate data. Further, the controllers may display information and alerts related to the climate data. The controllers also may govern operation of air treatment devices within the HVAC systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Gregory Ralph Harrod, Bradley A. Beers, Grant E. Carmichael, Jedidiah O. Bentz
  • Publication number: 20090266092
    Abstract: An HVAC system and method for configuring a controller to control a compressor including a detection system provided to determine a type of compressor. The detection system includes a processor; and a load sensing circuit connected between the processor and a controller. The controller has a plurality of output connections connectable to a compressor. The load sensing circuit senses whether a load is present on each output connection of the plurality of output connections and provides a load signal to the processor indicating whether a load is present on each output connection. The load signals are processed with the processor to determine the type of compressor is present. The controller is configured to control the compressor in response to the determined type of compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: YORK INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gregory Ralph HARROD, Jeffrey Lee TUCKER
  • Patent number: 7562536
    Abstract: An HVAC system and method for configuring a controller to control a compressor including a detection system provided to determine a type of compressor. The detection system includes a processor; and a load sensing circuit connected between the processor and a controller. The controller has a plurality of output connections connectable to a compressor. The load sensing circuit senses whether a load is present on each output connection of the plurality of output connections and provides a load signal to the processor indicating whether a load is present on each output connection. The load signals are processed with the processor to determine the type of compressor is present. The controller is configured to control the compressor in response to the determined type of compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: York International Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory Ralph Harrod, Jeffrey Lee Tucker
  • Publication number: 20090171862
    Abstract: A method for adjusting an economic balance point in a dual fuel HVAC system includes a furnace, a heat pump and a control system. The method comprises providing a control device having a preprogrammed algorithm for controlling the HVAC system, providing a communication path between the control device and at least one component of the HVAC system, and accessing current fuel cost data; determining an economic balance point temperature based on the current fuel cost data; and updating the economic balance point temperature in the preprogrammed algorithm to adjust an actual balance point of the HVAC system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
    Inventors: Gregory Ralph HARROD, Jeffrey Norris NICHOLS
  • Patent number: 7451606
    Abstract: A tool for the analysis of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, methods for performing various analyses of an HVAC system with the tool, and a computer executable program used by the tool to perform the analyses are disclosed. The tool includes a processing machine, a database, a memory device having a software program executable by the processing machine, and a display device. The database stores information on each of a plurality of HVAC components and the software program is configured to identify and access information pertaining to at least one HVAC unit in an HVAC system from the database and is configured to generate a wiring diagram using the accessed information from the database that is displayed to the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Gregory Ralph Harrod
  • Patent number: 7299111
    Abstract: A method of clearing an HVAC control fault code memory is disclosed. The method includes assigning a predetermined reset code to an HVAC control system, the predetermined reset code comprising a plurality of control signals receivable by the HVAC control system, detecting control signals at the HVAC control system, determining whether the detected HVAC control input signals match the predetermined reset code and clearing a fault code memory of the HVAC control system in response to control signals matching the predetermined reset code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Gregory Ralph Harrod
  • Patent number: 7085626
    Abstract: A heating control method is provided for a multi-stage heating system including a heating circuit having a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator. An auxiliary heater is provided that is selectively controlled independently of the heating circuit. During a heating cycle in which the ambient outside temperature is greater than the balance point temperature associated with the operation of the heating circuit, the auxiliary heating circuit is normally prevented from operating. However, if the heating requirements are not satisfied after a predetermined time or the compressor is non-functional or operating improperly, the auxiliary heater is enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: York International Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory Ralph Harrod, Jeffrey Lee Tucker