Patents by Inventor Jeffrey L. Stewart

Jeffrey L. Stewart 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: 11920822
    Abstract: An air handling unit has an interior wall configured to selectively retain a removable component of the air handling unit. An air handling unit has an interior wall configured as a drain pan. An air handling unit has an outer skin joined to the interior wall, an insulator disposed between the interior wall and the outer skin, and the interior wall has a mounting channel configured to selectively retain a removable component of the air handling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Stewart, Mark Hudgins, Richard Lee Jameson, Keith Adam Novak, Leslie Zinger
  • Patent number: 11898768
    Abstract: Methods and related systems are disclosed for retrieving personality data for a first unit a climate control system. In an embodiment, the method includes querying a second unit controller that has replaced the first unit controller. In addition, the method includes determining that the second unit controller lacks personality data that is unique to the first unit. Further, the method includes transferring the personality data to the second unit controller from a memory of the climate control system that is separate from the second unit controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Stewart, Drew Whitehurst
  • Patent number: 11885546
    Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure relate to climate control systems and outdoor units that use humidity measurements associated with the outdoor environment to improve the operation of one or more components. In some examples, an outdoor unit of a climate control system includes a housing, a compressor located within the housing that circulate a refrigerant fluid, and a humidity sensor that detects a humidity condition of an outdoor environment. The outdoor unit may further include control circuitry that controls the compressor by establishing a target parameter, where the target parameter is associated with a property of a refrigerant fluid. The control circuitry may further receive measurements associated with the humidity condition of the outdoor environment, adjust the target parameter based on the measurement, monitor the property of the refrigerant fluid, compare the monitored property to the adjusted target parameter, and adjust operation of the compressor based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20230417435
    Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure relate to climate control systems and air handler units with improved leak detection, along with method for installing these systems. In some examples, the climate control system comprises a heat exchanger configured to exchange thermal energy between a conditioned airflow and a refrigerant fluid; a drain pan arranged to collect condensate produced at the heat exchanger, the drain pan including one or more drains configured to route condensate out of the drain pan; a refrigerant leak sensor coupled to the drain pan and positioned above the one or more drains and configured to detect a refrigerant leak; and control circuitry operably coupled to the refrigerant leak sensor, the control circuitry configured to: receive a signal from the refrigerant leak sensor indicative of refrigerant located outside the closed circuit associated with the heat exchanger, and determine a refrigerant leak has occurred based on the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2022
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Inventors: Daren Lee Epperson, Leslie Lynn Zinger, Henry Traver Berry, Chad Daniel Bowers, Lane A. Liudahl, Jeffrey L. Stewart, Timothy Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20230128490
    Abstract: An air handling unit has an interior wall configured to selectively retain a removable component of the air handling unit. An air handling unit has an interior wall configured as a drain pan. An air handling unit has an outer skin joined to the interior wall, an insulator disposed between the interior wall and the outer skin, and the interior wall has a mounting channel configured to selectively retain a removable component of the air handling unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2022
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Stewart, Mark Hudgins, Richard Lee Jameson, Keith Adam Novak, Leslie Zinger
  • Patent number: 11585565
    Abstract: An air handling unit has an interior wall configured to selectively retain a removable component of the air handling unit. An air handling unit has an interior wall configured as a drain pan. An air handling unit has an outer skin joined to the interior wall, an insulator disposed between the interior wall and the outer skin, and the interior wall has a mounting channel configured to selectively retain a removable component of the air handling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Stewart, Mark Hudgins, Richard Lee Jameson, Keith Adam Novak, Leslie Zinger
  • Patent number: 11466872
    Abstract: An HVAC system utilizes one or more modular heat pump units installed within an outer wall or corner of a building, and one or more active registers. A central hub, which can be integrated into a modular HVAC unit, receives input from thermostats and sensors in the building and adjusts operation of the modular HVAC units and active registers to distribute conditioned air throughout the building. The system provides convenience and comfort of a traditional split HVAC system with significantly reduced installation and maintenance costs. The modular HVAC unit includes an interchangeable cartridge that contains the active components of a heat pump. Cartridges of different capacities can be installed as required, and are easily swapped out for maintenance, servicing, and replacement. A user can control the system using traditional-style thermostats and with a smart phone, tablet or computer. A cloud server provides backup services and remote access to the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Clark, Franklin K. Rolles, Qiao Tian, Jeffrey L. Stewart, Jin Min Sun
  • Publication number: 20220082287
    Abstract: Methods and related systems are disclosed for retrieving personality data for a first unit a climate control system. In an embodiment, the method includes querying a second unit controller that has replaced the first unit controller. In addition, the method includes determining that the second unit controller lacks personality data that is unique to the first unit. Further, the method includes transferring the personality data to the second unit controller from a memory of the climate control system that is separate from the second unit controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Stewart, Drew Whitehurst
  • Patent number: 11215378
    Abstract: Methods and related systems are disclosed for retrieving personality data for a first unit a climate control system. In an embodiment, the method includes querying a second unit controller that has replaced the first unit controller. In addition, the method includes determining that the second unit controller lacks personality data that is unique to the first unit. Further, the method includes transferring the personality data to the second unit controller from a memory of the climate control system that is separate from the second unit controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Stewart, Drew Whitehurst
  • Publication number: 20210348794
    Abstract: Methods and related systems are disclosed for retrieving personality data for a first unit a climate control system. In an embodiment, the method includes querying a second unit controller that has replaced the first unit controller. In addition, the method includes determining that the second unit controller lacks personality data that is unique to the first unit. Further, the method includes transferring the personality data to the second unit controller from a memory of the climate control system that is separate from the second unit controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2020
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Stewart, Drew Whitehurst
  • Patent number: 11105531
    Abstract: An air handling unit has a blower assembly, a first interior zone, and a second interior zone and the blower assembly physically separates the first interior zone from the second interior zone. A method includes providing a cabinet configured to receive a blower assembly, inserting a blower assembly into the air duct, and closing a cabinet door of the cabinet, wherein upon closing the cabinet door, the primary air flow path from a location within the cabinet downstream of the blower assembly to a location within the cabinet upstream of the blower assembly is through a blower housing of the blower assembly. A blower assembly has a blower housing comprising at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet and a blower deck extending from the outlet, wherein the blower deck comprises at least one substantially flat component having a substantially orthogonal wall extending from the flat component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Stewart, Mark Hudgins, Richard Lee Jameson, Kirk W. Beason
  • Patent number: 10845076
    Abstract: A method of operating a diagnostic data collection device and a diagnostic data bus for an HVAC system are disclosed. In an embodiment, the diagnostic data collection device includes a diagnostic communication interface and a flexible interface module. The interface module measures electrical properties associated with an HVAC component. Electrical properties may include a sensor output and may include analog and digital signals. The diagnostic data collection device generates an exception message if the sensed property is out of specification. Evaluation rules are provided to detect various types of failures, including transient failures, steady state failures, and trending failures. The diagnostic data collection device self-calibrates by recording electrical properties during normal operation of the HVAC equipment. A plurality of diagnostic data collection devices may be coupled by a diagnostic data bug independent of the HVAC system's control bus, to ensure operational integrity of the diagnostic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel John Blair, Carl L. Garrett, Mark E. Groskreutz, Jeffrey L. Stewart, Karl J. Mutchnik, William David Daugherty, III, Mahfuz Imam, Gang (Jacky) Chen
  • Publication number: 20200182489
    Abstract: An HVAC system utilizes one or more modular heat pump units installed within an outer wall or corner of a building, and one or more active registers. A central hub, which can be integrated into a modular HVAC unit, receives input from thermostats and sensors in the building and adjusts operation of the modular HVAC units and active registers to distribute conditioned air throughout the building. The system provides convenience and comfort of a traditional split HVAC system with significantly reduced installation and maintenance costs. The modular HVAC unit includes an interchangeable cartridge that contains the active components of a heat pump. Cartridges of different capacities can be installed as required, and are easily swapped out for maintenance, servicing, and replacement. A user can control the system using traditional-style thermostats and with a smart phone, tablet or computer. A cloud server provides backup services and remote access to the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Applicant: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Clark, Franklin K. Rolles, Qiao Tian, Jeffrey L. Stewart, Jin Min Sun
  • Publication number: 20200056805
    Abstract: An air handling unit has an interior wall configured to selectively retain a removable component of the air handling unit. An air handling unit has an interior wall configured as a drain pan. An air handling unit has an outer skin joined to the interior wall, an insulator disposed between the interior wall and the outer skin, and the interior wall has a mounting channel configured to selectively retain a removable component of the air handling unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Stewart, Mark Hudgins, Richard Lee Jameson, Keith Adam Novak, Leslie Zinger
  • Patent number: 10401054
    Abstract: An air handling unit has an interior wall configured to selectively retain a removable component of the air handling unit. An air handling unit has an interior wall configured as a drain pan. An air handling unit has an outer skin joined to the interior wall, an insulator disposed between the interior wall and the outer skin, and the interior wall has a mounting channel configured to selectively retain a removable component of the air handling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Stewart, Mark Hudgins, Richard Lee Jameson, Keith Adam Novak, Leslie Zinger
  • Publication number: 20190212031
    Abstract: An air handling unit has a blower assembly, a first interior zone, and a second interior zone and the blower assembly physically separates the first interior zone from the second interior zone. A method includes providing a cabinet configured to receive a blower assembly, inserting a blower assembly into the air duct, and closing a cabinet door of the cabinet, wherein upon closing the cabinet door, the primary air flow path from a location within the cabinet downstream of the blower assembly to a location within the cabinet upstream of the blower assembly is through a blower housing of the blower assembly. A blower assembly has a blower housing comprising at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet and a blower deck extending from the outlet, wherein the blower deck comprises at least one substantially flat component having a substantially orthogonal wall extending from the flat component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Stewart, Mark Hudgins, Richard Lee Jameson, Kirk W. Beason
  • Publication number: 20190107304
    Abstract: A method of operating a diagnostic data collection device and a diagnostic data bus for an HVAC system are disclosed. In an embodiment, the diagnostic data collection device includes a diagnostic communication interface and a flexible interface module. The interface module measures electrical properties associated with an HVAC component. Electrical properties may include a sensor output and may include analog and digital signals. The diagnostic data collection device generates an exception message if the sensed property is out of specification. Evaluation rules are provided to detect various types of failures, including transient failures, steady state failures, and trending failures. The diagnostic data collection device self-calibrates by recording electrical properties during normal operation of the HVAC equipment. A plurality of diagnostic data collection devices may be coupled by a diagnostic data bug independent of the HVAC system's control bus, to ensure operational integrity of the diagnostic system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Applicant: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel John Blair, Carl L. Garrett, Mark E. Groskreutz, Jeffrey L. Stewart, Karl J. Mutchnik, William David Daugherty, III, Mahfuz Imam, Gang (Jacky) Chen
  • Publication number: 20190107296
    Abstract: An HVAC system utilizes one or more modular heat pump units installed within an outer wall or corner of a building, and one or more active registers. A central hub, which can be integrated into a modular HVAC unit, receives input from thermostats and sensors in the building and adjusts operation of the modular HVAC units and active registers to distribute conditioned air throughout the building. The system provides convenience and comfort of a traditional split HVAC system with significantly reduced installation and maintenance costs. The modular HVAC unit includes an interchangeable cartridge that contains the active components of a heat pump. Cartridges of different capacities can be installed as required, and are easily swapped out for maintenance, servicing, and replacement. A user can control the system using traditional-style thermostats and with a smart phone, tablet or computer. A cloud server provides backup services and remote access to the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Applicant: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Clark, Franklin K. Rolles, Qiao Tian, Jeffrey L. Stewart, Jin Min Sun
  • Patent number: 10139122
    Abstract: A diagnostic data collection device and a diagnostic data bus are disclosed. In an embodiment, the diagnostic data collection device includes a diagnostic communication interface and a flexible interface module. The interface module is configurable to measure one or more electrical properties associated with an HVAC component, such as voltage, current, resistance. Electrical properties may include a sensor output and may include analog and digital signals. The diagnostic data collection device generates an exception message if the sensed property is out of specification. Evaluation rules are provided to detect various types of failures, including transient failures, steady state failures, and trending failures. The diagnostic data collection device self-calibrates by recording electrical properties during normal operation of the HVAC equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel John Blair, Carl L. Garrett, Mark E. Groskreutz, Jeffrey L. Stewart, Karl J. Mutchnik, William David Daugherty, III, Mahfuz Imam, Gang (Jacky) Chen
  • Publication number: 20180017283
    Abstract: An air handling unit has an interior wall configured to selectively retain a removable component of the air handling unit. An air handling unit has an interior wall configured as a drain pan. An air handling unit has an outer skin joined to the interior wall, an insulator disposed between the interior wall and the outer skin, and the interior wall has a mounting channel configured to selectively retain a removable component of the air handling unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Stewart, Mark Hudgins, Richard Lee Jameson, Keith Adam Novak, Leslie Zinger