Patents by Inventor Lawrence Kates
Lawrence Kates 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).
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Patent number: 10861316Abstract: Various embodiments of wireless ambient sensor unit are presented. The sensor unit may include a wireless transceiver configured to transmit sensor data and to receive instructions. The sensor unit may include a sensor configured to measure an ambient condition. The sensor unit may include a controller in communication with the wireless transceiver and the sensor. The controller may be configured to compare data measured about the ambient condition to a stored threshold while the wireless ambient sensor unit is functioning in a low-power mode. The controller may be configured to exit the low-power mode in response to the comparison of the data with the stored threshold. The controller may be configured to cause the data measured about the ambient condition to be transmitted by the wireless transceiver as one or more messages in response to the comparison to the stored threshold.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2018Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: Google LLCInventor: Lawrence Kates
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Publication number: 20200285258Abstract: A monitoring system is disclosed for a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system of a residential or commercial building. The monitoring system includes an evaporator unit device including a first current sensor that measures current supplied to a circulator blower. The measured current from the first current sensor is used to diagnose a problem with the circulator blower. The monitoring system includes a first temperature sensor that measures refrigerant temperature between a condenser and an expansion valve. The monitoring system includes a second temperature sensor that measures refrigerant temperature between an evaporator and a compressor. The monitoring system includes a condenser unit device that communicates with the evaporator unit device. The condenser unit device includes a second current sensor that measures current supplied to the compressor. The evaporator unit device transmits sensor data to a remote monitoring service over a data network.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2020Publication date: September 10, 2020Applicant: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Lawrence KATES
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Patent number: 10663443Abstract: Various devices, systems, and methods may be presented. A sensor unit may be presented that includes a housing and a chamber arranged within the housing and configured to receive air from outside of the housing of the sensor unit. Also present may be a sensor arranged within the housing and configured to measure a characteristic within the chamber. The sensor unit may include a fan arranged within the housing in relation to the chamber, the fan configured to clear air from the chamber of the sensor unit. Further, the sensor unit may include a controller in communication with the fan and the sensor, the controller configured to operate the fan.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2014Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: Google LLCInventor: Lawrence Kates
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Patent number: 10573166Abstract: Various embodiments of wireless ambient sensor unit are presented. The sensor unit may include a wireless transceiver configured to transmit sensor data and to receive instructions. The sensor unit may include a sensor configured to measure an ambient condition. The sensor unit may include a controller in communication with the wireless transceiver and the sensor. The controller may be configured to compare data measured about the ambient condition to a stored threshold while the wireless ambient sensor unit is functioning in a low-power mode. The controller may be configured to exit the low-power mode in response to the comparison of the data with the stored threshold. The controller may be configured to cause the data measured about the ambient condition to be transmitted by the wireless transceiver as one or more messages in response to the comparison to the stored threshold.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Google LLCInventor: Lawrence Kates
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Patent number: 10565858Abstract: A low cost, robust, wireless sensor that provides an extended period of operability without maintenance is described. The wireless sensors are configured to communicate with a base unit or repeater. When the sensor unit detects an anomalous ambient condition (e.g., smoke, fire, water, etc.) the sensor communicates with the base unit and provides data regarding the anomalous condition. The sensor unit receives instructions to change operating parameters and/or control external devices.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2017Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: Google LLCInventor: Lawrence Kates
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Patent number: 10558229Abstract: A monitoring system for a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system of a residential or commercial building includes an evaporator unit device and four temperature sensors. The evaporator unit device includes an electrical sensor that measures current supplied to a circulator blower of the HVAC system. The measured current from the first electrical sensor is used to diagnose a problem with the circulator blower. The first temperature sensor that measures a temperature of refrigerant flowing between a condenser of the HVAC system and an expansion valve of the HVAC system. The second temperature sensor measures a temperature of refrigerant flowing between an evaporator and a compressor. The third temperature sensor measures a temperature of air flowing away from the evaporator. The fourth temperature sensor measures a temperature of air flowing toward the evaporator. The evaporator unit device transmits sensor data to a remote monitoring service over a data network.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2017Date of Patent: February 11, 2020Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies Inc.Inventor: Lawrence Kates
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Patent number: 10395513Abstract: Various embodiments of wireless ambient sensor unit are presented. The sensor unit may include a wireless transceiver configured to transmit sensor data and to receive instructions. The sensor unit may include a sensor configured to measure an ambient condition. The sensor unit may include a controller in communication with the wireless transceiver and the sensor. The controller may be configured to compare data measured about the ambient condition to a stored threshold while the wireless ambient sensor unit is functioning in a low-power mode. The controller may be configured to exit the low-power mode in response to the comparison of the data with the stored threshold. The controller may be configured to cause the data measured about the ambient condition to be transmitted by the wireless transceiver as one or more messages in response to the comparison to the stored threshold.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2018Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: Google LLCInventor: Lawrence Kates
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Patent number: 10352602Abstract: A portable monitoring system that monitors various aspects of the operation of a refrigerant-cycle system is described. In one embodiment, the system includes a processor that measures power provided to the refrigerant-cycle system and gathers data from one or more sensors and uses the sensor data to calculate a figure of merit related to the efficiency of the system. In one embodiment, the measurements performed by the monitoring system include one or more of: an evaporator input air temperature, an evaporator output air temperature, evaporator air flow, evaporator air humidity, condenser air input temperature, condenser air output temperature sensor, electrical power. In one embodiment, the portable monitoring system receives information about the refrigerant-cycle system from either the system itself or from a computer network.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2016Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Lawrence Kates
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Patent number: 10229586Abstract: Various embodiments of wireless ambient sensor unit are presented. The sensor unit may include a wireless transceiver configured to transmit sensor data and to receive instructions. The sensor unit may include a sensor configured to measure an ambient condition. The sensor unit may include a controller in communication with the wireless transceiver and the sensor. The controller may be configured to compare data measured about the ambient condition to a stored threshold while the wireless ambient sensor unit is functioning in a low-power mode. The controller may be configured to exit the low-power mode in response to the comparison of the data with the stored threshold. The controller may be configured to cause the data measured about the ambient condition to be transmitted by the wireless transceiver as one or more messages in response to the comparison to the stored threshold.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2018Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: Google LLCInventor: Lawrence Kates
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Patent number: 10215437Abstract: An Electronically-Controlled Register vent (ECRV) that can be easily installed by a homeowner or general handyman is disclosed. The ECRV can be used to convert a non-zoned HVAC system into a zoned system. The ECRV can also be used in connection with a conventional zoned HVAC system to provide additional control and additional zones not provided by the conventional zoned HVAC system. In one embodiment, the ECRV is configured have a size and form-factor that conforms to a standard manually-controlled register vent. In one embodiment, a zone thermostat is configured to provide thermostat information to the ECRV. In one embodiment, the zone thermostat communicates with a central monitoring system that coordinates operation of the heating and cooling zones.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2015Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: Google LLCInventor: Lawrence Kates
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Patent number: 10126011Abstract: Various arrangements for controlling multiple environmental zones are presented. A first zone specific device may be configured to alter an environmental condition of a first environmental zone of the multiple environmental zones. The first zone specific device may include a rechargeable power source for at least partially powering the operation of the first zone specific device. The first zone specific device may include a communication interface for communicating with other devices of the system. Also, a central controller may be present that is configured to communicate with the first zone specific device to determine a power status of the rechargeable power source of the first zone specific device.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2015Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: Google LLCInventor: Lawrence Kates
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Publication number: 20180262985Abstract: Various embodiments of wireless ambient sensor unit are presented. The sensor unit may include a wireless transceiver configured to transmit sensor data and to receive instructions. The sensor unit may include a sensor configured to measure an ambient condition. The sensor unit may include a controller in communication with the wireless transceiver and the sensor. The controller may be configured to compare data measured about the ambient condition to a stored threshold while the wireless ambient sensor unit is functioning in a low-power mode. The controller may be configured to exit the low-power mode in response to the comparison of the data with the stored threshold. The controller may be configured to cause the data measured about the ambient condition to be transmitted by the wireless transceiver as one or more messages in response to the comparison to the stored threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2018Publication date: September 13, 2018Applicant: Google LLCInventor: Lawrence Kates
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Publication number: 20180262986Abstract: Various embodiments of wireless ambient sensor unit are presented. The sensor unit may include a wireless transceiver configured to transmit sensor data and to receive instructions. The sensor unit may include a sensor configured to measure an ambient condition. The sensor unit may include a controller in communication with the wireless transceiver and the sensor. The controller may be configured to compare data measured about the ambient condition to a stored threshold while the wireless ambient sensor unit is functioning in a low-power mode. The controller may be configured to exit the low-power mode in response to the comparison of the data with the stored threshold. The controller may be configured to cause the data measured about the ambient condition to be transmitted by the wireless transceiver as one or more messages in response to the comparison to the stored threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2018Publication date: September 13, 2018Applicant: Google LLCInventor: Lawrence Kates
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Publication number: 20180262987Abstract: Various embodiments of wireless ambient sensor unit are presented. The sensor unit may include a wireless transceiver configured to transmit sensor data and to receive instructions. The sensor unit may include a sensor configured to measure an ambient condition. The sensor unit may include a controller in communication with the wireless transceiver and the sensor. The controller may be configured to compare data measured about the ambient condition to a stored threshold while the wireless ambient sensor unit is functioning in a low-power mode. The controller may be configured to exit the low-power mode in response to the comparison of the data with the stored threshold. The controller may be configured to cause the data measured about the ambient condition to be transmitted by the wireless transceiver as one or more messages in response to the comparison to the stored threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2018Publication date: September 13, 2018Applicant: Google LLCInventor: Lawrence Kates
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Patent number: 10015743Abstract: Various embodiments of wireless ambient sensor unit are presented. The sensor unit may include a wireless transceiver configured to transmit sensor data and to receive instructions. The sensor unit may include a sensor configured to measure an ambient condition. The sensor unit may include a controller in communication with the wireless transceiver and the sensor. The controller may be configured to compare data measured about the ambient condition to a stored threshold while the wireless ambient sensor unit is functioning in a low-power mode. The controller may be configured to exit the low-power mode in response to the comparison of the data with the stored threshold. The controller may be configured to cause the data measured about the ambient condition to be transmitted by the wireless transceiver as one or more messages in response to the comparison to the stored threshold.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2017Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: Google LLCInventor: Lawrence Kates
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Patent number: 9995497Abstract: An Electronically-Controlled Register vent (ECRV) that can be easily installed by a homeowner or general handyman is disclosed. The ECRV can be used to convert a non-zoned HVAC system into a zoned system. The ECRV can also be used in connection with a conventional zoned HVAC system to provide additional control and additional zones not provided by the conventional zoned HVAC system. In one embodiment, the ECRV is configured have a size and form-factor that conforms to a standard manually-controlled register vent. In one embodiment, a zone thermostat is configured to provide thermostat information to the ECRV. In one embodiment, the zone thermostat communicates with a central monitoring system that coordinates operation of the heating and cooling zones.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2015Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Google LLCInventor: Lawrence Kates
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Publication number: 20180129233Abstract: A monitoring system for a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system of a residential or commercial building includes an evaporator unit device and four temperature sensors. The evaporator unit device includes an electrical sensor that measures current supplied to a circulator blower of the HVAC system. The measured current from the first electrical sensor is used to diagnose a problem with the circulator blower. The first temperature sensor that measures a temperature of refrigerant flowing between a condenser of the HVAC system and an expansion valve of the HVAC system. The second temperature sensor measures a temperature of refrigerant flowing between an evaporator and a compressor. The third temperature sensor measures a temperature of air flowing away from the evaporator. The fourth temperature sensor measures a temperature of air flowing toward the evaporator. The evaporator unit device transmits sensor data to a remote monitoring service over a data network.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2017Publication date: May 10, 2018Applicant: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Lawrence KATES
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Publication number: 20180115951Abstract: Various embodiments of wireless ambient sensor unit are presented. The sensor unit may include a wireless transceiver configured to transmit sensor data and to receive instructions. The sensor unit may include a sensor configured to measure an ambient condition. The sensor unit may include a controller in communication with the wireless transceiver and the sensor. The controller may be configured to compare data measured about the ambient condition to a stored threshold while the wireless ambient sensor unit is functioning in a low-power mode. The controller may be configured to exit the low-power mode in response to the comparison of the data with the stored threshold. The controller may be configured to cause the data measured about the ambient condition to be transmitted by the wireless transceiver as one or more messages in response to the comparison to the stored threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2017Publication date: April 26, 2018Applicant: Google LLCInventor: Lawrence Kates
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Patent number: 9955423Abstract: An arrangement for measuring environmental conditions in a wireless sensor system. A threshold value may be determined. An environmental condition sensor unit may measure, over a defined period of time, an environmental condition level. The measured environmental condition level may be compared to the determined threshold value. It may be determined whether the measured environmental condition level exceeds the defined threshold value for the defined period of time. At least in part based on the determination of whether the measured environmental condition level exceeds the defined threshold value over the defined period of time, information indicative of the measured environmental condition level may be transmitted.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2014Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: Google LLCInventor: Lawrence Kates
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Publication number: 20180110006Abstract: Various embodiments of wireless ambient sensor unit are presented. The sensor unit may include a wireless transceiver configured to transmit sensor data and to receive instructions. The sensor unit may include a sensor configured to measure an ambient condition. The sensor unit may include a controller in communication with the wireless transceiver and the sensor. The controller may be configured to compare data measured about the ambient condition to a stored threshold while the wireless ambient sensor unit is functioning in a low-power mode. The controller may be configured to exit the low-power mode in response to the comparison of the data with the stored threshold. The controller may be configured to cause the data measured about the ambient condition to be transmitted by the wireless transceiver as one or more messages in response to the comparison to the stored threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2017Publication date: April 19, 2018Applicant: Google LLCInventor: Lawrence Kates