Patents by Inventor Michael G. Andrew

Michael G. Andrew 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: 8872379
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to energy demand and supply for buildings, vehicles, and equipment. In exemplary embodiments, energy may be stored in one or more battery packs (e.g., stationary batteries or vehicle batteries) for use in buildings, appliances, and equipment typically relying on energy from a power grid. The exemplary embodiments may store the energy during periods of low demand and/or low cost of energy. Thus, the exemplary embodiments may reduce costs associated with energy usage. The exemplary embodiments may use the stored energy to reduce demand on the power utility during periods of high demand and/or provide energy back to the power utility to meet demands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: John Ismael Ruiz, Clay Grenwell Nesler, Michael G. Andrew
  • Patent number: 8632898
    Abstract: A lithium battery for use in a vehicle includes a container, a plurality of positive terminals extending from a first end of the lithium battery, and a plurality of negative terminals extending from a second end of the lithium battery. The plurality of positive terminals are provided in a first configuration and the plurality of negative terminals are provided in a second configuration, the first configuration differing from the second configuration. A battery system for use in a vehicle may include a plurality of electrically connected lithium cells or batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Dougherty, James S. Symanski, Joerg A. Kuempers, Uwe Koehler, Ronald C. Miles, Scott A. Hansen, Nels R. Smith, Majid Taghikhani, Edward N. Mrotek, Michael G. Andrew
  • Patent number: 8518568
    Abstract: A battery module includes a plurality of battery cells and a system configured for passing a fluid past at least a portion of the plurality of battery cells in a parallel manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Dougherty, Steven J. Wood, Dale B. Trester, Michael G. Andrew
  • Publication number: 20110204720
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to energy demand and supply for buildings, vehicles, and equipment. In exemplary embodiments, energy may be stored in one or more battery packs (e.g., stationary batteries or vehicle batteries) for use in buildings, appliances, and equipment typically relying on energy from a power grid. The exemplary embodiments may store the energy during periods of low demand and/or low cost of energy. Thus, the exemplary embodiments may reduce costs associated with energy usage. The exemplary embodiments may use the stored energy to reduce demand on the power utility during periods of high demand and/or provide energy back to the power utility to meet demands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
    Inventors: John Ismael Ruiz, Clay Grenwell Nesler, Michael G. Andrew
  • Publication number: 20100092849
    Abstract: A battery module includes a housing configured to receive a plurality of cells. The housing includes a first tray that includes a plurality of depressions and a second tray coupled to the first tray that includes a plurality of depressions. Each of the plurality of cells is received within a depression of at least one of the first tray and the second tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Steven J. Wood, Gary P. Houchin-Miller, Dale B. Trester, Michael G. Andrew
  • Publication number: 20100017045
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system having a building control system with a vehicle battery controller. The vehicle battery controller may be configured to control a vehicle battery charge and a vehicle battery discharge of a vehicle having a vehicle battery coupled to an electrical system of a building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Clay G. Nesler, Michael G. Andrew, John I. Ruiz, David B. Busch
  • Publication number: 20080268330
    Abstract: A battery system for a vehicle includes a battery module having a plurality of cells electrically coupled together and a first conductive element for electrically coupling the battery module to other elements in the battery system. The battery system also has a base configured for securing the battery module in place in the vehicle. The base includes a second conductive element for electrically coupling the base to the first conductive element, and a rotatable arm for securing the battery module in place relative to the base. The first conductive element is configured to contact the second conductive element when the rotatable arm is positioned to secure the battery module in place relative to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Scott A. Hansen, Nels R. Smith, Michael G. Andrew, Thomas J. Dougherty, Majid Taghikhani, Elisabet A. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20080220315
    Abstract: A battery module includes a plurality of battery cells and a system configured for passing a fluid past at least a portion of the plurality of battery cells in a parallel manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas J. Dougherty, Steven J. Wood, Dale B. Trester, Michael G. Andrew
  • Patent number: 7045236
    Abstract: A heat and gas exchange system for a battery is disclosed. The batter includes a plurality of cells and at least one space between the cells. The system includes a base configured to support the battery. The system also includes a plurality of members coupled to the base. Each of the members is configured to extend at least partially within at least one space between the cells of the battery. A heat and gas exchange system for a battery is also disclosed. A module for a battery for a vehicle is also disclosed. The battery includes a plurality of cells and at least one space between the cells. The module includes a base for supporting the battery. The module also includes a plurality of members coupled to the base. The module also includes a control system configured to provide air through the plurality of members from the space between the cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Michael G. Andrew, Gary P. Houchin-Miller, William P. Segall, Jr., Thomas J. Dougherty, William J. Wruck
  • Publication number: 20030047366
    Abstract: A module for use in a vehicle includes a first compartment for containing a battery and a second compartment contiguous to the first compartment for containing a liquid. The second compartment is configured to route the liquid between the second compartment and a vehicle subsystem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Michael G. Andrew, Thomas J. Dougherty, Glenn W. Andersen, Scott A. Hansen, Nels R. Smith, Dale S. Di lulio
  • Patent number: 6399239
    Abstract: A battery system includes a battery with a pair of terminals extending from one side of the battery case, and a tray-like battery holder. The terminals have hollow sockets inserted therein which are engaged by posts extending from conductive plugs that extend through an end wall of the holder. A threaded connection is formed in the plug and opens to the outside of the holder. Alignment posts are formed in the holder to be disposed within cylindrical wells in the bottom of the battery case and ensure proper alignment of the battery in the holder. A hinged latch is formed in the holder and engages a projection on the battery case. When in place in the holder, the battery case rests on resilient pads located on a floor of the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: James J. Bolstad, James T. Daley, James A. Lenz, Michael G. Andrew, Thomas J. Dougherty, Edward N. Mrotek
  • Publication number: 20020022159
    Abstract: A modular electric storage battery is adaptable to a variety of applications, and for example, as a starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) battery of a car, truck, motorcycle, lawn and garden equipment or other internal combustion engine powered product. The modular battery is constructed from a plurality of battery cells assembled into a battery housing. The cells are sealed, maintenance-free, rechargeable cells. The housing includes quick connect termination, and the starting application is adapted with a base unit having complementary termination. The modular battery and base unit also include aligning features to ensure proper interconnection of the battery terminals. The base unit may be adapted to receive several sizes of modular battery. In addition, a second modular battery, that may be configured as a flashlight or other device, is provided and can inter-connected with the base unit to provide a jump starting capability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: John R. Pierson, Michael G. Andrew, James J. Bolstad, James T. Daley, William P. Segall
  • Patent number: 6265091
    Abstract: A modular electric storage battery is adaptable to a variety of applications, and for example, as a starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) battery of a car, truck, motorcycle, lawn and garden equipment or other internal combustion engine powered product. The modular battery is constructed from a plurality of battery cells assembled into a battery housing. The cells are sealed, maintenance-free, rechargeable cells. The housing includes quick connect termination, and the starting application is adapted with a base unit having complementary termination. The modular battery and base unit also include aligning features to ensure proper interconnection of the battery terminals. The base unit may be adapted to receive several sizes of modular battery. In addition, a second modular battery, that may be configured as a flashlight or other device, is provided and can inter-connected with the base unit to provide a jump starting capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: John R. Pierson, Michael G. Andrew, James J. Bolstad, James T. Daley, William P. Segall, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20010007727
    Abstract: A battery system includes a battery with a pair of terminals extending from one side of the battery case, and a tray-like battery holder. The terminals have hollow sockets inserted therein which are engaged by posts extending from conductive plugs that extend through an end wall of the holder. A threaded connection is formed in the plug and opens to the outside of the holder. Alignment posts are formed in the holder to be disposed within cylindrical wells in the bottom of the battery case and ensure proper alignment of the battery in the holder. A hinged latch is formed in the holder and engages a projection on the battery case. When in place in the holder, the battery case rests on resilient pads located on a floor of the holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 1999
    Publication date: July 12, 2001
    Inventors: JAMES J. BOLSTAD, JAMES T. DALEY, JAMES A. LENZ, MICHAEL G. ANDREW, THOMAS J. DOUGHERTY, EDWARD N. MROTEK
  • Patent number: 6255014
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention provides a cover for venting gases from thin metal film battery cells having vents disposed at the center of one end of the cells. The vents comprise cylindrical wells that recess into, and substantially fill, the top portions of battery cell cavities within a battery housing. The cavities are sized to hold the battery cells securely and are configured to provide an electrical serial connection. The wells include pipes which extend outward from the bottom of the wells and lead from openings in the bases of the wells. The openings in the pipes are covered with flexible valve caps and well lids cover the wells. The center point arrangement of the recessed wells permit gases from the battery cells to escape through the openings, yet restrict the electrolyte from exiting the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Dougherty, Michael G. Andrew, James A. Lenz
  • Patent number: 6221524
    Abstract: A thin metal film battery cell is formed by one or more plates wound in a spiral thereby forming a roll with two ends at which spiralled edges of the plates are exposed. Each end of the roll is covered by an end strap which includes a body of electrically conductive material from which a tab extends. The body contacts each convolution of the roll while leaving a portion of each convolution exposed so that an electrolyte is able to flow into the roll. The tab attached to and projecting outward from the body for making electical connection to the thin metal film battery cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Michael G. Andrew, Thomas J. Dougherty, Jeffrey P. Zagrodnik
  • Patent number: 6051336
    Abstract: The present invention includes a battery case and battery wherein the battery case includes a housing having a top and a bottom and wherein the housing defines a plurality of cavities that are generally octagonal in cross-section. The battery includes a housing defining octagonal shaped cavities, a terminal coupled to the housing, a top and bottom sealingly coupled to the housing, and a plurality of battery cells disposed win the cavities and electrically interconnected in series with the terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology
    Inventors: Thomas J. Dougherty, Michael G. Andrew, Gerald K. Bowen, Jeffrey P. Zagrodnik
  • Patent number: 5508131
    Abstract: An injection molded containment for bipolar batteries of the type which include terminal electrodes and one or more bipolar battery cells is disclosed. In the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, a novel spacer is employed, including beveled edges to facilitate sealing of the injection molding material and the individual cells. Furthermore, the preferred spacer includes a crush ridge to assist in sealing. The present invention facilitates assembly of bipolar batteries in a way which improves sealing when compared to other techniques, such as vibration welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Globe-Union Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald K. Bowen, Michael G. Andrew, John P. Dinkelman
  • Patent number: 5227260
    Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a sealed, oxygen recombinant lead-acid battery which includes a series of modules, e.g. 4-volt modules. The modules are prepared from frame and film assemblies which are easily stacked to the desired voltage or capacity. In the preferred embodiment, the assemblies include two 2.0 normal voltage cells, attached in series, three of which are then combined to form a 12-volt system. Modularity eliminates the need for expensive tooling and parts inventory and permits the creation of a wide variety of battery designs. Specially designed vents are employed to permit gas escape during overcharge or if recombination efficiencies are less than desired and to prevent entry of oxygen or moisture when the battery is in its recombinant mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Globe-Union, Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer L. Rose, John P. Dinkelman, Gerald K. Bowen, Michael G. Andrew
  • Patent number: D442542
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Dougherty, Michael G. Andrew, Gerald K. Bowen, Jeffrey P. Zagrodnik