Patents by Inventor Peter Hrejsa

Peter Hrejsa 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: 10928078
    Abstract: Provided herein are embodiments of, a multistage gas furnace, a controller therefor and a computer-usable medium having non-transitory computer readable instructions stored thereon for execution by a processor to perform a method for operating a gas furnace. In one embodiment, the gas furnace includes: (1) a burner, (2) a circulation fan and (3) a furnace controller. The furnace controller having: (3A) an interface configured to receive heating calls and a blower control signal, the blower control signal corresponding to an operating speed of the circulation fan and (3B) a processor configured to respond to the heating calls and the blower control signal by setting and adjusting a gas input rate for the burner that is based on the blower control signal and that corresponds to a discharge air temperature determined by a dedicated discharge air sensor associated with the furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Hrejsa, Glenn W. Kowald, Darko Hadzidedic
  • Patent number: 10830474
    Abstract: A method for operating a heating, ventilation, and air condition (“HVAC”) system includes determining a current temperature of the enclosed space and receiving a first comfort temperature. The method further including determining, based on a selection of a time period, a first consumption value indicating a predicted amount of energy required to maintain the first comfort temperature for the time period, wherein the first consumption value is determined based at least on a first predicted value and a second predicted value, the first predicted value being indicative of an amount of energy required to condition the enclosed space to the first comfort temperature from the current temperature and the second predicted value being indicative of an amount of energy required to, upon conditioning the enclosed space to the first comfort temperature, maintain the first comfort temperature for the time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Rohini Brahme, Peter Hrejsa
  • Publication number: 20200141603
    Abstract: A method for operating a heating, ventilation, and air condition (“HVAC”) system includes determining a current temperature of the enclosed space and receiving a first comfort temperature. The method further including determining, based on a selection of a time period, a first consumption value indicating a predicted amount of energy required to maintain the first comfort temperature for the time period, wherein the first consumption value is determined based at least on a first predicted value and a second predicted value, the first predicted value being indicative of an amount of energy required to condition the enclosed space to the first comfort temperature from the current temperature and the second predicted value being indicative of an amount of energy required to, upon conditioning the enclosed space to the first comfort temperature, maintain the first comfort temperature for the time period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Inventors: Rohini Brahme, Peter Hrejsa
  • Patent number: 10518206
    Abstract: A method includes initiating, by a controller of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) system, a filter calibration procedure, curve fitting a first line based on a plurality of static pressure measurements and corresponding flowrates of air, and generating a second line based on the first line. The method further includes determining a first static pressure measurement sensed by at least one sensor in response to determining that a first flowrate of air has been moved by the at least one blower and comparing the first static pressure value to a predicted static pressure value of the second line, the predicted static pressure value corresponding to the first flowrate of air. The method further includes determining that an air filter of the HVAC system has no more usable life in response to determining that the first static pressure value is greater than the predicted static pressure value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Sanjeev Hingorani, Henry Greist, Peter Hrejsa
  • Publication number: 20190374894
    Abstract: A method includes initiating, by a controller of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) system, a filter calibration procedure, curve fitting a first line based on a plurality of static pressure measurements and corresponding flowrates of air, and generating a second line based on the first line. The method further includes determining a first static pressure measurement sensed by at least one sensor in response to determining that a first flowrate of air has been moved by the at least one blower and comparing the first static pressure value to a predicted static pressure value of the second line, the predicted static pressure value corresponding to the first flowrate of air. The method further includes determining that an air filter of the HVAC system has no more usable life in response to determining that the first static pressure value is greater than the predicted static pressure value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Publication date: December 12, 2019
    Inventors: Sanjeev Hingorani, Henry Greist, Peter Hrejsa
  • Patent number: 10496057
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a controller for a heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system comprises an interface and a processor. The interface receives a comfort temperature set point and a sensed temperature for the enclosed space. The comfort temperature set point comprises a single set point used for both heating and cooling mode operation of the HVAC system. The processor determines a total error value based on comparing the sensed temperature and comfort temperature set point, selects a mode of operation based on the total error value, and operates the HVAC system in the selected mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Hrejsa
  • Patent number: 10247434
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system comprises a circulation fan, one or more humidity sensors operable to sense humidity data associated with an enclosed space, and a controller. In operation, the controller receives the humidity data from the one or more humidity sensors and receives air quality data associated with at least one air pollutant. The controller determines, based on the air quality data, that a threshold associated with the air pollutant has been exceeded and determines, based on the humidity data, that a threshold associated with humidity has not been exceeded. The controller operates the circulation fan in response to determining that the threshold associated with the air pollutant has been exceeded and the threshold associated with humidity has not been exceeded, the circulation fan operated for filtration purposes while not servicing any conditioning demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Hrejsa, Kyle Golden, Kevin Lyons, Jonathan Douglas, Thomas Wolowicz, Shailesh Manohar
  • Patent number: 10174964
    Abstract: A system comprising an air conditioning unit operable to run at a capacity level determined by a difference between a temperature set-point and an actual temperature of an environment. The system comprises a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, and a controller. The controller comprises a memory and a microprocessor. The controller is operable to operate the air conditioning unit in a normal mode and a tracking mode comprising operating the air conditioning unit at a reduced capacity comprising setting the temperature set-point of the air conditioning unit as a tracked actual temperature of the environment. The controller is operable to terminate the tracking mode if the actual temperature of the environment either rises above the first temperature value or drops below the second temperature value, or if the humidity level of the environment drops below the humidity threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Rakesh Goel, Peter Hrejsa
  • Publication number: 20170219221
    Abstract: Provided herein are embodiments of, a multistage gas furnace, a controller therefor and a computer-usable medium having non-transitory computer readable instructions stored thereon for execution by a processor to perform a method for operating a gas furnace. In one embodiment, the gas furnace includes: (1) a burner, (2) a circulation fan and (3) a furnace controller. The furnace controller having: (3A) an interface configured to receive heating calls and a blower control signal, the blower control signal corresponding to an operating speed of the circulation fan and (3B) a processor configured to respond to the heating calls and the blower control signal by setting and adjusting a gas input rate for the burner that is based on the blower control signal and that corresponds to a discharge air temperature determined by a dedicated discharge air sensor associated with the furnace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Peter Hrejsa, Glenn W. Kowald, Darko Hadzidedic
  • Publication number: 20170146257
    Abstract: A system comprising an air conditioning unit operable to run at a capacity level determined by a difference between a temperature set-point and an actual temperature of an environment. The system comprises a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, and a controller. The controller comprises a memory and a microprocessor. The controller is operable to operate the air conditioning unit in a normal mode and a tracking mode comprising operating the air conditioning unit at a reduced capacity comprising setting the temperature set-point of the air conditioning unit as a tracked actual temperature of the environment. The controller is operable to terminate the tracking mode if the actual temperature of the environment either rises above the first temperature value or drops below the second temperature value, or if the humidity level of the environment drops below the humidity threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Rakesh Goel, Peter Hrejsa
  • Patent number: 9625177
    Abstract: Provided herein are embodiments of a multistage gas furnace, a controller therefor and a computer-usable medium having non-transitory computer readable instructions stored thereon for execution by a processor to perform a method for operating a gas furnace. In one embodiment, the gas furnace includes: (1) a burner, (2) a circulation fan and (3) a furnace controller. The furnace controller having: (3A) an interface configured to receive heating calls and a blower control signal, the blower control signal corresponding to an operating speed of the circulation fan and (3B) a processor configured to respond to the heating calls and the blower control signal by setting and adjusting a gas input rate for the burner that is based on the blower control signal and that corresponds to a discharge air temperature determined by a dedicated discharge air sensor associated with the furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Hrejsa, Glenn W. Kowald, Darko Hadzidedic
  • Patent number: 9625169
    Abstract: The disclosure provides an HVAC system, an HVAC controller and a method of operating an HVAC system. In one embodiment, the HVAC controller includes: (1) an interface configured to receive a thermostat call and (2) a processor configured to initiate operation of the HVAC system in response to the thermostat call and control operation thereof based on a temperature difference across a conditioning unit of the HVAC system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Takeshi Sakai, Peter Hrejsa
  • Publication number: 20160209064
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a controller for a heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system comprises an interface and a processor. The interface receives a comfort temperature set point and a sensed temperature for the enclosed space. The comfort temperature set point comprises a single set point used for both heating and cooling mode operation of the HVAC system. The processor determines a total error value based on comparing the sensed temperature and comfort temperature set point, selects a mode of operation based on the total error value, and operates the HVAC system in the selected mode of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventor: Peter Hrejsa
  • Publication number: 20160209070
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system comprises a circulation fan, one or more humidity sensors operable to sense humidity data associated with an enclosed space, and a controller. In operation, the controller receives the humidity data from the one or more humidity sensors and receives air quality data associated with at least one air pollutant. The controller determines, based on the air quality data, that a threshold associated with the air pollutant has been exceeded and determines, based on the humidity data, that a threshold associated with humidity has not been exceeded. The controller operates the circulation fan in response to determining that the threshold associated with the air pollutant has been exceeded and the threshold associated with humidity has not been exceeded, the circulation fan operated for filtration purposes while not servicing any conditioning demand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Peter Hrejsa, Kyle Golden, Kevin Lyons, Jonathan Douglas, Thomas Wolowicz, Shailesh Manohar
  • Publication number: 20150204567
    Abstract: The disclosure provides an HVAC system, an HVAC controller and a method of operating an HVAC system. In one embodiment, the HVAC controller includes: (1) an interface configured to receive a thermostat call and (2) a processor configured to initiate operation of the HVAC system in response to the thermostat call and control operation thereof based on a temperature difference across a conditioning unit of the HVAC system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Inventors: Takeshi Sakai, Peter Hrejsa
  • Patent number: 8713697
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing event information relating to operation of an HVAC system includes: (a) at least one memory controller coupled with the HVAC system for receiving the event information; and (b) at least one memory unit coupled with the at least one memory controller. A first memory unit of the at least one memory unit is configured for receiving first selected information of the event information for accessing by at least one of a first party and a second party. A second memory unit of the at least one memory unit is configured for receiving second selected information of the event information for accessing by the second party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Lennox Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Courtney, Wojciech Grohman, Peter Hrejsa
  • Publication number: 20140061322
    Abstract: Provided herein are embodiments of a multistage gas furnace, a controller therefor and a computer-usable medium having non-transitory computer readable instructions stored thereon for execution by a processor to perform a method for operating a gas furnace. In one embodiment, the gas furnace includes: (1) a burner, (2) a circulation fan and (3) a furnace controller. The furnace controller having: (3A) an interface configured to receive heating calls and a blower control signal, the blower control signal corresponding to an operating speed of the circulation fan and (3B) a processor configured to respond to the heating calls and the blower control signal by setting and adjusting a gas input rate for the burner that is based on the blower control signal and that corresponds to a discharge air temperature determined by a dedicated discharge air sensor associated with the furnace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: LENNOX INDUSTRIES INC.
    Inventors: Peter Hrejsa, Glenn W. Kowald, Darko Hadzidedic
  • Publication number: 20130261806
    Abstract: A user interface for use with an HVAC system, a method of providing temperature data of increased accuracy with a user interface of an HVAC system and an HVAC system incorporating the user interface or the method. In one embodiment, the user interface includes: (1) a case, (2) a backlit display configured to provide information to a user, (3) a processor and memory coupled to the backlit display and configured to drive the backlit display and (4) a temperature sensor thermally isolated from the backlit display and associated with the case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Steven C. Lazar, Peter Hrejsa
  • Publication number: 20120303165
    Abstract: A control system and method for controlling both temperature and humidity in an air conditioning system having a variable-speed compressor and a variable-speed indoor blower. In one embodiment, the control system includes: (1) a temperature control loop in which a target speed of the compressor is determined based on sensed and setpoint temperatures and (2) a humidity control loop, located in the temperature control loop, in which a target speed of the indoor blower is determined based on sensed and setpoint humidities, the target speed of the compressor employable to control the compressor and the target speed of the indoor blower employable to control the indoor blower of the air conditioning system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Yi Qu, Peter Hrejsa
  • Publication number: 20100011437
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing event information relating to operation of an HVAC system includes: (a) at least one memory controller coupled with the HVAC system for receiving the event information; and (b) at least one memory unit coupled with the at least one memory controller. A first memory unit of the at least one memory unit is configured for receiving first selected information of the event information for accessing by at least one of a first party and a second party. A second memory unit of the at least one memory unit is configured for receiving second selected information of the event information for accessing by the second party.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Courtney, Wojciech Grohman, Peter Hrejsa