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: 11920822Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 22, 2022Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Trane International Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey L. Stewart, Mark Hudgins, Richard Lee Jameson, Keith Adam Novak, Leslie Zinger
-
Patent number: 11898768Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 29, 2021Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: Trane International Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey L. Stewart, Drew Whitehurst
-
Patent number: 11885546Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 20, 2022Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: Trane International Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey L. Stewart
-
Publication number: 20230417435Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2022Publication date: December 28, 2023Inventors: Daren Lee Epperson, Leslie Lynn Zinger, Henry Traver Berry, Chad Daniel Bowers, Lane A. Liudahl, Jeffrey L. Stewart, Timothy Schmitt
-
Publication number: 20230128490Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2022Publication date: April 27, 2023Inventors: Jeffrey L. Stewart, Mark Hudgins, Richard Lee Jameson, Keith Adam Novak, Leslie Zinger
-
Patent number: 11585565Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 30, 2019Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: Trane International Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey L. Stewart, Mark Hudgins, Richard Lee Jameson, Keith Adam Novak, Leslie Zinger
-
Patent number: 11466872Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 19, 2020Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: Trane International Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Clark, Franklin K. Rolles, Qiao Tian, Jeffrey L. Stewart, Jin Min Sun
-
Publication number: 20220082287Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2021Publication date: March 17, 2022Inventors: Jeffrey L. Stewart, Drew Whitehurst
-
Patent number: 11215378Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 6, 2020Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: Trane International Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey L. Stewart, Drew Whitehurst
-
Publication number: 20210348794Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2020Publication date: November 11, 2021Inventors: Jeffrey L. Stewart, Drew Whitehurst
-
Patent number: 11105531Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 14, 2019Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: Trane International Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey L. Stewart, Mark Hudgins, Richard Lee Jameson, Kirk W. Beason
-
Patent number: 10845076Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 23, 2018Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: 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: 20200182489Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2020Publication date: June 11, 2020Applicant: Trane International Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Clark, Franklin K. Rolles, Qiao Tian, Jeffrey L. Stewart, Jin Min Sun
-
Publication number: 20200056805Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2019Publication date: February 20, 2020Inventors: Jeffrey L. Stewart, Mark Hudgins, Richard Lee Jameson, Keith Adam Novak, Leslie Zinger
-
Patent number: 10401054Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 11, 2017Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: Trane International Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey L. Stewart, Mark Hudgins, Richard Lee Jameson, Keith Adam Novak, Leslie Zinger
-
Publication number: 20190212031Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2019Publication date: July 11, 2019Inventors: Jeffrey L. Stewart, Mark Hudgins, Richard Lee Jameson, Kirk W. Beason
-
Publication number: 20190107304Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2018Publication date: April 11, 2019Applicant: 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: 20190107296Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2017Publication date: April 11, 2019Applicant: Trane International Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Clark, Franklin K. Rolles, Qiao Tian, Jeffrey L. Stewart, Jin Min Sun
-
Patent number: 10139122Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 26, 2016Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Assignee: 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: 20180017283Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2017Publication date: January 18, 2018Inventors: Jeffrey L. Stewart, Mark Hudgins, Richard Lee Jameson, Keith Adam Novak, Leslie Zinger