Patents by Inventor Kevin M. Ray

Kevin M. Ray 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: 20240142126
    Abstract: Embodiments include overflow sensor assemblies for water heaters, HVAC systems, and other devices for which temperature control systems may be used. An example overflow sensor assembly for detecting fluid leaks at a device may include a sensor probe configured to be in electrical communication with a power supply, and a sensor mounting bracket that forms a ground, where the sensor mounting bracket is configured to be adjustably coupled to a mounting surface on the device, such that the sensor mounting bracket can deflect about the mounting surface. The sensor probe is suspended from the sensor mounting bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2024
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Robert L. Long, Kenneth D. Frederick, Kevin M. Ray, Karl S. Tallakson, Sivakumar Gopalnarayanan
  • Patent number: 11906183
    Abstract: Embodiments include overflow sensor assemblies for water heaters, HVAC systems, and other devices for which temperature control systems may be used. An example overflow sensor assembly for detecting fluid leaks at a device may include a sensor probe configured to be in electrical communication with a power supply, and a sensor mounting bracket that forms a ground, the sensor mounting bracket configured to attach to a mounting surface on the device and suspend the sensor probe in a condensate drain pan of the device. An overflow detection circuit can be activated when the sensor probe and the sensor mounting bracket come in contact with a condensate fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Rheem Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Robert L. Long, Kenneth D. Frederick, Kevin M. Ray, Karl S. Tallakson, Sivakumar Gopalnarayanan
  • Publication number: 20230076857
    Abstract: Embodiments include overflow sensor assemblies for water heaters, HVAC systems, and other devices for which temperature control systems may be used. An example overflow sensor assembly for detecting fluid leaks at a device may include a sensor probe configured to be in electrical communication with a power supply, and a sensor mounting bracket that forms a ground, the sensor mounting bracket configured to attach to a mounting surface on the device and suspend the sensor probe in a condensate drain pan of the device. An overflow detection circuit can be activated when the sensor probe and the sensor mounting bracket come in contact with a condensate fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Robert L. Long, Kenneth D. Frederick, Kevin M. Ray, Karl S. Tallakson, Sivakumar Gopalnarayanan
  • Patent number: 11530829
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an overflow sensor assembly of an HVAC unit includes a sensor mounting bracket that is configured to be coupled to a mounting surface of the HVAC unit such that sensor probes of the overflow sensor assembly are suspended within and extend into a condensate drain pan of the HVAC unit. The sensor probes are defined by a sensor element that is coupled to the sensor mounting bracket and a spring that is coupled to the sensor element. The sensor probes are configured to activate an overflow detection circuit when the sensor probes come in contact with condensate fluid collected in the condensate drain pan prior to the condensate fluid overflowing from the condensate drain pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: RHEEM MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert L. Long, Kenneth D. Frederick, Kevin M. Ray, Karl S. Tallakson, Sivakumar Gopalnarayanan
  • Publication number: 20200149765
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an overflow sensor assembly of an HVAC unit includes a sensor mounting bracket that is configured to be coupled to a mounting surface of the HVAC unit such that sensor probes of the overflow sensor assembly are suspended within and extend into a condensate drain pan of the HVAC unit. The sensor probes are defined by a sensor element that is coupled to the sensor mounting bracket and a spring that is coupled to the sensor element. The sensor probes are configured to activate an overflow detection circuit when the sensor probes come in contact with condensate fluid collected in the condensate drain pan prior to the condensate fluid overflowing from the condensate drain pan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Robert L. Long, Kenneth D. Frederick, Kevin M. Ray, Karl S. Tallakson, Sivakumar Gopalnarayanan