Patents by Inventor Michael J. Birnkrant

Michael J. Birnkrant 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: 20230094980
    Abstract: A refrigerant detection assembly operable to detect refrigerant mixed with air includes a housing having an internal cavity fluidly connected with an ambient atmosphere surrounding the housing via an opening. A subassembly mounted within the internal cavity includes an air chamber fluidly connected with the internal cavity, a non-dispersive infrared sensor operably coupled to the air chamber, a printed circuit board, and a heat conduction plate mechanically and thermally coupled to the printed circuit board. At least one insulator is arranged within the internal cavity at a position between a portion of the subassembly and the housing. A shell is connectable to the housing in overlapping arrangement with the opening. The shell has at least one shell opening formed therein such that a flow path extends from the shell opening, through the opening formed in the housing to the internal cavity, and into the air chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2022
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Inventors: Michael J. Birnkrant, Marcin Piech
  • Patent number: 11615682
    Abstract: A detection system for measuring one or more conditions within an area. At least one fiber optic cable transmits light wherein the at least one fiber optic cable defines a plurality of nodes arranged to measure the one or more conditions. A control system communicates with the at least one fiber optic cable such that scattered light and a time of flight record is transmitted from the at least one fiber optic cable to the control system. The control system includes a detection algorithm operable to identify a portion of the scattered light associated with each of the plurality of nodes. When determining an alert, the control system transmits data associated with a presence and magnitude of the one or more conditions at each of the plurality of nodes to a cloud computing environment and, in return, receives a notification based on the data transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jie Xi, Michael J. Birnkrant, Junyang Lin, Jun Hou, Tianyuan Chen, Craig R. Walker
  • Patent number: 11605278
    Abstract: A method of operating a detection system includes switching the system from a normal mode for sensing smoke to a high sensitivity mode for sensing airborne particles, such that in the high sensitivity mode the detection system is configured to discriminate between particles of diameters less than 2.5 micrometers and 10 micrometers. Transmitting light from one or more light sources of the detection system into a monitored space, and detecting scattered light at one or more light sensing devices of the detection system. The detection of scattered light is indicative of one or more indoor air quality conditions in the monitored space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: David L. Lincoln, Jennifer M. Alexander, Peter R. Harris, Michael J. Birnkrant
  • Patent number: 11598722
    Abstract: A multi-point detection system includes one or more light sources, one or more light sensors, and a controller. The light sources are configured to emit an array of collimated light beams, and the light sensors define an array of lines of view. Each of the lines of view intersect different ones of the collimated light beams at respective detection nodes. The light sensors are operable to emit sensor signals responsive to received scattered light from interaction of the collimated light beams with an analyte at the detection nodes. The controller is connected to receive the sensor signals and configured to determine from the scattered light whether the analyte contains a contaminant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alan Matthew Finn, Michael J. Birnkrant
  • Patent number: 11594116
    Abstract: A detection system for measuring one or more conditions within an area. At least one fiber optic cable transmits light wherein the at least one fiber optic cable defines a plurality of nodes arranged to measure the one or more conditions. A control system communicates with the at least one fiber optic cable such that scattered light and a time of flight record is transmitted from the at least one fiber optic cable to the control system. The control system includes a detection algorithm operable to identify a portion of the scattered light associated with each of the plurality of nodes. When determining an alert, the control system transmits data associated with a presence and magnitude of the one or more conditions at each of the plurality of nodes and, in return, receives a notification based on the data transmitted to the cloud computing environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jun Hou, Jie Xi, Junyang Lin, Michael J. Birnkrant, Tianyuan Chen
  • Publication number: 20230028619
    Abstract: A detector assembly for a duct of a heating ventilation and air conditioning system includes an outer housing having at least one through hole formed therein, an inner sampling support receivable within a hollow interior of the outer housing, and at least one detector mounted to the inner sampling support. The at least one detector is axially aligned with the at least one through hole when the inner sampling support is installed within the hollow interior of the outer housing. The at least one detector is operable to sample air within the duct to detect a hazardous condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2022
    Publication date: January 26, 2023
    Inventors: David L. Lincoln, Marcin Piech, Slade R. Culp, Joseph Anthony Vidulich, Rick Wolf, Michael J. Birnkrant, Michael T. Gorski, Kyle Aaron, Devis Dishnica
  • Publication number: 20230014910
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to monitoring air quality. At least one of temperature, humidity, and particulate concentrations is measured by an indoor air quality monitor, which may be disposed in a spot location. Air from that spot location is drawn into the housing of the indoor air quality monitor via a fan assembly. The air drawn into the housing is directed passed at least one of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensors, and a particulate detector. The air is then expelled back outside the housing through an outlet in a non-planar upper surface of the housing. A processor generates the indoor air quality summary based on the measured temperature, humidity, and particulate concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventor: Michael J. Birnkrant
  • Publication number: 20220392324
    Abstract: A system for measuring a status of a detection device having a component transformable between a plurality of configurations includes a fiber optic cable for transmitting light. The at least one fiber optic cable defines a node arranged in communication with the component. A control system is operably coupled to the fiber optic cable such that scattered light reflected from the component and returned to the node is transmitted to the control system. The control system analyzes the scattered light to determine the configuration of the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2022
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Inventors: Michael J. Birnkrant, Hector Ortiz Valencia, Marcin Piech, Michael T. Gorski, Peter R. Harris
  • Patent number: 11493229
    Abstract: A detector assembly for a duct of a heating ventilation and air conditioning system includes an outer housing having at least one through hole formed therein, an inner sampling support receivable within a hollow interior of the outer housing, and at least one detector mounted to the inner sampling support. The at least one detector is axially aligned with the at least one through hole when the inner sampling support is installed within the hollow interior of the outer housing. The at least one detector is operable to sample air within the duct to detect a hazardous condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: David L. Lincoln, Marcin Piech, Slade R. Culp, Joseph Anthony Vidulich, Rick Wolf, Michael J. Birnkrant, Michael T Gorski, Kyle Aaron, Devis Dishnica
  • Patent number: 11492967
    Abstract: A multi-angle multi-wave array may comprise a first set of sensing elements, a second set of sensing elements, and a third set of sensing elements wherein the first set of sensing elements, the second set of sensing elements, and the third set of sensing elements are collectively configured to detect and discriminate between categories of foreign object debris including solid objects and particulates including silicate sand, water vapor, dust, volcanic ash, and smoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Lincoln, Wayde R. Schmidt, Michael J. Birnkrant, Michael T. Gorski, Jonathan Gilson, Xuemei Wang, Coy Bruce Wood
  • Patent number: 11487912
    Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) visual monitoring method for a building, a 3D visual monitoring system for a building, and a storage medium. The 3D visual monitoring method for a building includes acquiring a building information modeling (BIM) model and sensor data of a building, the sensor data being collected by a sensor arranged in a building area; integrating the sensor data into the BIM model; and transmitting the integrated BIM model to a display terminal, for use in a monitoring operation of the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Guichun Zhou, Danqing Sha, Zhen Jia, Zhengang Zhu, Timothy C. Wagner, Michael J. Birnkrant
  • Patent number: 11474018
    Abstract: A combined capability sensor includes a first laser source and a second laser source. The first laser source is configured to emit light having a wavelength in at least one of an infrared spectrum and a visible spectrum and the second laser source is configured to emit light having a wavelength in a blue or ultraviolet spectrum. A director is configured to direct the first and second laser source to a detection zone. A first sensor is configured to detect scattered light originating from the first laser source, thereby detecting a presence of smoke in the detection zone. A second sensor is configured to detect fluoresced light originating from the second laser source, thereby detecting a presence of a biological agent in the detection zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: David L Lincoln, Peter R Harris, Michael J Birnkrant, Jennifer M Alexander, Michael T Gorski
  • Patent number: 11453955
    Abstract: A nanocellular single crystal nickel based material is provided having a thermal diffusivity in the range of 0.0002 cm{circumflex over (?)}2/s to 0.02 cm{circumflex over (?)}2/s and a thermal conductivity in the range of 0.024 W/mK to 9.4 W/mK. The nanocellular single crystal nickel based material may be used to form turbine engine components. The nanocellular single crystal nickel based material may be produced by providing a first solution containing a nickel precursor and deionized water, providing a second solution containing a structure controlling polymer/surfactant and an alcohol, mixing the first and second solutions into a solution containing a reducing agent to form a third solution, and processing the third solution to create the nanocellular single crystal based material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Birnkrant, Weina Li
  • Patent number: 11448581
    Abstract: According to another embodiment, a method of detecting the occurrence of a condition using a detection system located within a predetermined area includes transmitting light from at least one node of a plurality of nodes into an ambient atmosphere adjacent the at least one node, receiving scattered light from the ambient atmosphere at the at least one node, communicating the received scattered light to a control system operably coupled to the at least one node, analyzing the scattered light at the control system to determine a condition of the ambient atmosphere adjacent each at least one node, and adjusting a sensitivity of the at least one node of the plurality of nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jie Xi, Michael J. Birnkrant, Alan Matthew Finn, Jennifer M. Alexander, David L. Lincoln, Jun Hou
  • Patent number: 11443604
    Abstract: A system for measuring a status of a detection device having a component transformable between a plurality of configurations includes a fiber optic cable for transmitting light. The at least one fiber optic cable defines a node arranged in communication with the component. A control system is operably coupled to the fiber optic cable such that scattered light reflected from the component and returned to the node is transmitted to the control system. The control system analyzes the scattered light to determine the configuration of the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael J. Birnkrant, Hector Ortiz Valencia, Marcin Piech, Michael T. Gorski, Peter R. Harris
  • Publication number: 20220252280
    Abstract: An air purification includes a body portion, having a first installation space, a second installation space and a third installation space; a positive/negative ion module, removably mounted in the first installation space and controlled to generate positive ions and/or negative ions; a plasma module, removably mounted in the second installation space and controlled to generate plasmas; and a power supply module, removably mounted in the third installation space and configured to supply power for the positive/negative ion module and the plasma module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2022
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    Inventors: Shuguang Zhang, Yuhui Kuang, Hui Zhai, Guangyu Shen, Hongsheng Liu, Michael J. Birnkrant
  • Publication number: 20220249893
    Abstract: An integrated fire suppression system includes a plurality of fire detection systems. Each of the fire detection systems is individually addressable. A control system is communicatively coupled to each of the fire detection systems. A plurality of building systems is communicatively connected to the control system. The plurality of building systems includes at least one of a fire suppression system, an alarm system, a heating ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system, a building power supply system, and a building security system. The control system is configured to provide a localized response to a fire detection by at least one fire detection system in the plurality of fire detection systems, the localized response being a response in at least one of the plurality of building systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    Inventors: Michael J. Birnkrant, May L. Corn, Marcin Piech, Changmin Cao
  • Publication number: 20220189272
    Abstract: A detection system for measuring one or more conditions within an area. At least one fiber optic cable transmits light wherein the at least one fiber optic cable defines a plurality of nodes arranged to measure the one or more conditions. A control system communicates with the at least one fiber optic cable such that scattered light and a time of flight record is transmitted from the at least one fiber optic cable to the control system. The control system includes a detection algorithm operable to identify a portion of the scattered light associated with each of the plurality of nodes. When determining an alert, the control system transmits data associated with a presence and magnitude of the one or more conditions at each of the plurality of nodes and, in return, receives a notification based on the data transmitted to the cloud computing environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Inventors: Jun Hou, Jie Xi, Junyang Lin, Michael J. Birnkrant, Tianyuan Chen
  • Publication number: 20220189273
    Abstract: A detection system for measuring one or more conditions within an area. At least one fiber optic cable transmits light wherein the at least one fiber optic cable defines a plurality of nodes arranged to measure the one or more conditions. A control system communicates with the at least one fiber optic cable such that scattered light and a time of flight record is transmitted from the at least one fiber optic cable to the control system. The control system includes a detection algorithm operable to identify a portion of the scattered light associated with each of the plurality of nodes. When determining an alert, the control system transmits data associated with a presence and magnitude of the one or more conditions at each of the plurality of nodes to a cloud computing environment and, in return, receives a notification based on the data transmitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Inventors: Jie Xi, Michael J. Birnkrant, Junyang Lin, Jun Hou, Tianyuan Chen, Craig R. Walker
  • Patent number: 11361121
    Abstract: A method of optimizing the layout of a smoke detection system in a space includes obtaining requirements for the smoke detection system, accessing a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of the space, integrating the requirements and the digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of the space in a fiber deployment algorithm, determining a layout of smoke detection system components based on the fiber deployment algorithm, and installing the smoke detection system in the space according to the determined layout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael J. Birnkrant, Jie Xi