Patents by Inventor J. Steven Martin

J. Steven Martin 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: 7571865
    Abstract: An apparatus such as a wireless temperature control system or a method for controlling an HVAC unit from a central location may include a control transmitter for sending programming data. One or more thermostats, each wired to an associated HVAC unit or units, have a wireless component for receiving the programming data from the control transmitter via a localized wireless network. The one or more thermostats of the system are not dependent upon the control transmitter or the localized wireless network for continued operation. Using this apparatus or method, a user may, among other things, transmit programming data to one or more HVAC units from one central location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Tonerhead, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry E. Nicodem, J. Steven Martin
  • Publication number: 20080099568
    Abstract: An apparatus such as a wireless temperature control system or a method for controlling an HVAC unit from a central location may include a control transmitter for sending programming data. One or more thermostats, each wired to an associated HVAC unit or units, have a wireless component for receiving the programming data from the control transmitter via a localized wireless network. The one or more thermostats of the system are not dependent upon the control transmitter or the localized wireless network for continued operation. Using this apparatus or method, a user may, among other things, transmit programming data to one or more HVAC units from one central location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: TONERHEAD, INC.
    Inventors: Harry E. Nicodem, J. Steven Martin
  • Patent number: 5412955
    Abstract: A refrigerant recycling system includes a recycled refrigerant tank for storing recycled refrigerant, and first and second valves connected in series between the recycled refrigerant tank and atmosphere. In purging non-condensables from the recycled refrigerant tank to atmosphere, a programmed microcontroller holds the first valve open for exposing the pressure transducer to the pressure in the recycled refrigerant tank, and opens the second valve when the measured pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure for purging non-condensables to atmosphere, holding the second valve open until the measured pressure drops below the predetermined pressure. The pressure checking and purging steps are repeated after a short period, as often as necessary until the measured pressure is less than or equal to the predetermined pressure while the second valve is closed and then, after a longer delay, the system goes through one more pressure check and, if necessary, purging operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Roger L. Husarik, J. Steven Martin
  • Patent number: 5369959
    Abstract: A refrigerant recycling system includes a recycled refrigerant tank for storing recycled refrigerant, and first and second valves connected in series between the recycled refrigerant tank and atmosphere. In purging non-condensables from the recycled refrigerant tank to atmosphere, a programmed microcontroller holds the first valve open for exposing the pressure transducer to the pressure in the recycled refrigerant tank, and opens the second valve when the measured pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure for purging non-condensables to atmosphere, holding the second valve open until the measured pressure drops below the predetermined pressure. The pressure checking and purging steps are repeated after a short period, as often as necessary until the measured pressure is less than or equal to the predetermined pressure while the second valve is closed and then, after a longer delay, the system goes through one more pressure check and, if necessary, purging operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Dean P. Pfefferle, Roger L. Husarik, J. Steven Martin