Patents by Inventor James Murdock

James Murdock 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: 11632835
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a lighting system that includes a line control module and light modules. The line control module can be configured to interrupt power to the light modules according to one or more power interruption schemes to control an operation of the light modules. The line control module can have user interface circuitry including a rotary encoder with a shaft and a push button, a preview circuit, and indicator light emitting diodes. A user can interact with the lighting system via the user interface circuitry, which can be configured to provide visual feedback of various settings of the lighting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Hayward Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Danny Raposo, James Carter, Gregory Fournier, James Murdock, Kevin Potucek
  • Patent number: 11619377
    Abstract: A light includes a body, a front housing secured to a front end of the body, a translating retainer rotatably engaged with the front housing, a slip ring positioned around the front housing and between the translating member and the front end of the body, a compressible ring positioned around the front housing and between the slip ring and the front end of the body, a lens mounted to the front housing, an electronic assembly, and a light emitting element in electrical communication with the electronic assembly and positioned within the lens. Rotation of the translating retainer in a first direction causes the translating retainer to drive the slip ring toward the front end of the body, compressing the compressible ring and causing the compressible ring to bulge outward to contact, and removably engage, an inner wall of a pipe or conduit that the light is positioned in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Hayward Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Potucek, James Carter, Gregory Fournier, James Murdock, Steven Mitchell, Douglas Sawyer, Jr., Matt Williamson
  • Patent number: 11554077
    Abstract: A pool or spa system includes networked pool or spa devices that can be dynamically configured with network address by a controller. The controller can transmit a device discovery request on a network and can receive a discovery response from pool or spa devices that require a network address. The system determines and assigns the network addresses for the pool or spa devices based on unique device identifiers associated with the responding pool or spa devices. The network addresses assigned to the pool or spa device are transmitted to the pool or spa device to be used by the pool or spa devices to communicate with the controller over the network. The system can be used to discover and assign addresses to various types of pool or spa devices, such as pumps, underwater lights, chlorinators, water feature controllers, remote controllers, and/or other types of devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Hayward Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Blaine, Kenneth W. White, Jr., Craig Andrew Horrocks, James Murdock, Douglas M. Sawyer, Jr., Carl Brunetti, Robert Donald Heon, Linnette Rivera
  • Publication number: 20220409481
    Abstract: A pool or spa system includes networked pool or spa devices that can be dynamically configured with network address by a controller. The controller can transmit a device discovery request on a network and can receive a discovery response from pool or spa devices that require a network address. The system determines and assigns the network addresses for the pool or spa devices based on unique device identifiers associated with the responding pool or spa devices. The network addresses assigned to the pool or spa device are transmitted to the pool or spa device to be used by the pool or spa devices to communicate with the controller over the network. The system can be used to discover and assign addresses to various types of pool or spa devices, such as pumps, underwater lights, chlorinators, water feature controllers, remote controllers, and/or other types of devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2022
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Applicant: Hayward Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Blaine, Kenneth W. White, JR., Craig Andrew Horrocks, James Murdock, Douglas M. Sawyer, JR., Carl Brunetti, Robert Donald Heon, Linnette Rivera
  • Publication number: 20220283207
    Abstract: One example relates to a monitoring circuit that includes a capacitive digital-to-analog converter that receives a binary code, a reference voltage, a monitored voltage, and a ground reference, the capacitive digital-to-analog converter outputting an analog signal based on the binary code, the reference voltage, the monitored voltage, and the ground reference. The monitoring circuit further includes a comparator including a first input coupled to receive the analog signal and a second input coupled to the reference voltage, the comparator comparing the analog signal to the reference voltage and outputting a comparator signal based on the comparison. The monitoring circuit yet further includes a binary code generator that generates the binary code based on the comparator signal, the binary code approximating a magnitude of the monitored voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2022
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Inventors: RAJAT CHAUHAN, DANIELLE GRIFFITH, PER TORSTEIN ROINE, JAMES MURDOCK, BERNHARD RUCK
  • Patent number: 11426325
    Abstract: A pool or spa system includes networked pool or spa devices that can be dynamically configured with network address by a controller. The controller can transmit a device discovery request on a network and can receive a discovery response from pool or spa devices that require a network address. The system determines and assigns the network addresses for the pool or spa devices based on unique device identifiers associated with the responding pool or spa devices. The network addresses assigned to the pool or spa device are transmitted to the pool or spa device to be used by the pool or spa devices to communicate with the controller over the network. The system can be used to discover and assign addresses to various types of pool or spa devices, such as pumps, underwater lights, chlorinators, water feature controllers, remote controllers, and/or other types of devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Hayward Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Blaine, Kenneth W. White, Jr., Craig Andrew Horrocks, James Murdock, Douglas M. Sawyer, Jr., Carl Brunetti, Robert Donald Heon, Linnette Rivera
  • Patent number: 11416015
    Abstract: A reference generator provides a reference output voltage that is continuously available while providing certain efficiencies of a duty-cycled voltage regulator. The reference output voltage is generated by a sample-and-hold circuit that is coupled to a voltage regulator. On command, the sample-and-hold circuit samples a low dropout voltage regulator that may be referenced by a bandgap circuit. During hold periods of the sample-and-hold circuit, the voltage regulator, in particular the bandgap circuit, may be disabled in order to conserve power. A sample cycle by the sample-and-hold circuit may be triggered by a signal received from a configurable finite state machine. The reference generator is effectively duty cycled in a manner that conserves available battery power, while still providing a constant reference output that is always available. The reference generator is especially suited for low-power, battery operated applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: James Murdock, Danielle Griffith, Per Torstein Roine
  • Patent number: 11372032
    Abstract: One example relates to a monitoring circuit that includes a capacitive digital-to-analog converter that receives a binary code, a reference voltage, a monitored voltage, and a ground reference, the capacitive digital-to-analog converter outputting an analog signal based on the binary code, the reference voltage, the monitored voltage, and the ground reference. The monitoring circuit further includes a comparator including a first input coupled to receive the analog signal and a second input coupled to the reference voltage, the comparator comparing the analog signal to the reference voltage and outputting a comparator signal based on the comparison. The monitoring circuit yet further includes a binary code generator that generates the binary code based on the comparator signal, the binary code approximating a magnitude of the monitored voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Rajat Chauhan, Danielle Griffith, Per Torstein Roine, James Murdock, Bernhard Ruck
  • Publication number: 20220179436
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling water temperature in a body of water. The temperature control system includes a processor, a user interface for receiving a desired temperature and a desired time for reaching the desired temperature, a sensor interface for receiving sensor information from one or more sensors, and an actuator interface for controlling a plurality of heat sources. The processor determines one or more optimal heat sources for heating the body of water to the desired temperature by the desired time. The processor controls the one or more optimal heat sources through the actuator interface and periodically polls the sensor interface to determine whether changes in the operating environment require additional or alternate heat sources to be activated to ensure that the body of water is heated to the desired temperature by the desired time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Applicant: Hayward Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Potucek, Gilbert Conover, James Murdock
  • Publication number: 20220117054
    Abstract: A system and method for an accent lighting system is provided. The system includes a plurality of underwater luminaires each having a plurality of light emitting diodes, and a junction box controller housing a plurality of electrical components for generating electrical signals for controlling the plurality of underwater luminaries. The junction box controller can be mounted to an electrical conduit and a plurality of cables can connect the plurality of underwater luminaires with the junction box controller. An underwater luminaire can include a heat sink and a flexible circuit board having a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted on the heat sink. The flexible circuit board transfers heat from the light emitting diodes to the heat sink. The underwater luminaire can also include a wiring harness for connecting the underwater luminaire to a cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Applicant: Hayward Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Fournier, Kevin Potucek, James Murdock, Steven Mitchell, James Carter
  • Patent number: 11256274
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling water temperature in a body of water. The temperature control system includes a processor, a user interface for receiving a desired temperature and a desired time for reaching the desired temperature, a sensor interface for receiving sensor information from one or more sensors, and an actuator interface for controlling a plurality of heat sources. The processor determines one or more optimal heat sources for heating the body of water to the desired temperature by the desired time. The processor controls the one or more optimal heat sources through the actuator interface and periodically polls the sensor interface to determine whether changes in the operating environment require additional or alternate heat sources to be activated to ensure that the body of water is heated to the desired temperature by the desired time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Hayward Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Potucek, Gilbert Conover, James Murdock
  • Patent number: 11206719
    Abstract: A system and method for an accent lighting system is provided. The system includes a plurality of underwater luminaires each having a plurality of light emitting diodes, and a junction box controller housing a plurality of electrical components for generating electrical signals for controlling the plurality of underwater luminaries. The junction box controller can be mounted to an electrical conduit and a plurality of cables can connect the plurality of underwater luminaires with the junction box controller. An underwater luminaire can include a heat sink and a flexible circuit board having a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted on the heat sink. The flexible circuit board transfers heat from the light emitting diodes to the heat sink. The underwater luminaire can also include a wiring harness for connecting the underwater luminaire to a cable. The underwater luminaire can also include a housing having a lens positioned at one end, an end cap mounted to an opposite end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Hayward Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Fournier, Kevin Potucek, James Murdock, Steven Mitchell, James Carter
  • Patent number: 11129256
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing network connectivity and remote monitoring, optimization, and control of pool/spa equipment are provided. “Internet-of-Things” (IoT) functionality is provided for pool and spa equipment in a flexible and cost-effective manner. Network connectivity and remote monitoring/control of pool and spa equipment is provided by various components such as a network communication and local control subsystem installed in pool/spa equipment, and other components. Also disclosed are various control processes (“pool logic”) which can be embodied as software code installed in any of the various embodiments of the present disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Hayward Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Potucek, James Murdock, James Carter, Gregory Fournier, Arthur W. Johnson, III, David Blaine, Jason DeBruin, Bruce Aubrey, Scott Petty, Jason Parcell, Craig Horrocks
  • Publication number: 20210285629
    Abstract: A light includes a body, a front housing secured to a front end of the body, a translating retainer rotatably engaged with the front housing, a slip ring positioned around the front housing and between the translating member and the front end of the body, a compressible ring positioned around the front housing and between the slip ring and the front end of the body, a lens mounted to the front housing, an electronic assembly, and a light emitting element in electrical communication with the electronic assembly and positioned within the lens. Rotation of the translating retainer in a first direction causes the translating retainer to drive the slip ring toward the front end of the body, compressing the compressible ring and causing the compressible ring to bulge outward to contact, and removably engage, an inner wall of a pipe or conduit that the light is positioned in.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2021
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Applicant: Hayward Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Potucek, James Carter, Gregory Fournier, James Murdock, Steven Mitchell, Douglas Sawyer, JR., Matt Williamson
  • Patent number: 11122669
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing network connectivity and remote monitoring, optimization, and control of pool/spa equipment are provided. “Internet-of-Things” (IoT) functionality is provided for pool and spa equipment in a flexible and cost-effective manner. Network connectivity and remote monitoring/control of pool and spa equipment is provided by various components such as a network communication and local control subsystem installed in pool/spa equipment, and other components. Also disclosed are various control processes (“pool logic”) which can be embodied as software code installed in any of the various embodiments of the present disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Hayward Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Potucek, James Murdock, James Carter, Gregory Fournier, Arthur W. Johnson, III, David Blaine, Jason DeBruin, Bruce Aubrey, Jason Parcell, Craig Horrocks
  • Patent number: 11096862
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing network connectivity and remote monitoring, optimization, and control of pool/spa equipment are provided. “Internet-of-Things” (IoT) functionality is provided for pool and spa equipment in a flexible and cost-effective manner. Network connectivity and remote monitoring/control of pool and spa equipment is provided by various components such as a network communication and local control subsystem installed in pool/spa equipment, and other components. Also disclosed are various control processes (“pool logic”) which can be embodied as software code installed in any of the various embodiments of the present disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Hayward Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Potucek, James Murdock, James Carter, Gregory Fournier, Arthur W. Johnson, III, Ray Denkewicz, David Blaine, Jason DeBruin, Vance Willis, Bruce Aubrey, Scott Petty, Jason Parcell, Craig Horrocks
  • Patent number: 11045384
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing network connectivity and remote monitoring, optimization, and control of pool/spa equipment are provided. “Internet-of-Things” (IoT) functionality is provided for pool and spa equipment in a flexible and cost-effective manner. Network connectivity and remote monitoring/control of pool and spa equipment is provided by various components such as a network communication and local control subsystem installed in pool/spa equipment, and other components. Also disclosed are various control processes (“pool logic”) which can be embodied as software code installed in any of the various embodiments of the present disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Hayward Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Potucek, James Murdock, James Carter, Gregory Fournier, Arthur W. Johnson, III, Ray Denkewicz, David Blaine, Jason DeBruin, Vance Willis, Bruce Aubrey, Scott Petty, Jason Parcell, Craig Horrocks
  • Patent number: 11045385
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing network connectivity and remote monitoring, optimization, and control of pool/spa equipment are provided. “Internet-of-Things” (IoT) functionality is provided for pool and spa equipment in a flexible and cost-effective manner. Network connectivity and remote monitoring/control of pool and spa equipment is provided by various components such as a network communication and local control subsystem installed in pool/spa equipment, and other components. Also disclosed are various control processes (“pool logic”) which can be embodied as software code installed in any of the various embodiments of the present disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Hayward Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Potucek, James Murdock, James Carter, Gregory Fournier, Arthur W. Johnson, III, David Blaine, Jason DeBruin, Bruce Aubrey, Jason Parcell, Craig Horrocks
  • Publication number: 20210179454
    Abstract: Systems and methods for sanitizing pool and spa water are provided. An electrolytic chlorinator is provided which includes a combined flow, temperature, and salt concentration sensor. The electrolytic chlorinator could include an acid tank for in-situ cleaning of the electrolytic chlorinator or acidification of pool/spa water where needed. A delayed polarity reversal technique is provided for de-scaling and managing passivation of the blades of an electrolytic chlorinator. The electrolytic chlorinator could include a sacrificial anode for protecting components of the chlorinator as well as other pool/spa components. The electrolytic chlorinator could include an integral, electrically-controlled acid generator, a brine tank for periodically superchlorinating and/or shocking pool/spa water, and/or a plurality of chemical tanks/feeds for periodically injecting chemicals into the chlorinator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Applicant: Hayward Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond P. Denkewicz, JR., Arthur W. Johnson, III, James Murdock, James Carter
  • Patent number: 11022298
    Abstract: A light includes a body, a front housing secured to a front end of the body, a translating retainer rotatably engaged with the front housing, a slip ring positioned around the front housing and between the translating member and the front end of the body, a compressible ring positioned around the front housing and between the slip ring and the front end of the body, a lens mounted to the front housing, an electronic assembly, and a light emitting element in electrical communication with the electronic assembly and positioned within the lens. Rotation of the translating retainer in a first direction causes the translating retainer to drive the slip ring toward the front end of the body, compressing the compressible ring and causing the compressible ring to bulge outward to contact, and removably engage, an inner wall of a pipe or conduit that the light is positioned in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Hayward Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Potucek, James Carter, Gregory Fournier, James Murdock, Steven Mitchell, Douglas Sawyer, Jr., Matt Williamson