Patents by Inventor Richard A. Mauk
Richard A. Mauk 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: 8755942Abstract: An HVAC controller and a method of controlling an HVAC system. In one embodiment, the controller includes: (1) a processor couplable to at least one indoor air quality sensor to receive values therefrom representing at least three levels of indoor air quality and (2) memory coupled to the processor and configured to store a software program capable of causing the processor to control an HVAC system based on magnitudes of the values.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2010Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Lennox Industries, Inc.Inventors: Absalon Bonilla, Carlos O. Chamorro, Richard A. Mauk
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Patent number: 8725299Abstract: Disclosed herein is a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit and controller with memory provisions for storing, receiving, and transmitting customer equipment profiles. The controller may include a plurality of profiles that allows a selection thereof for restoration. A method for configuring HVAC equipment, including a customer profile database and efficiently transmitting unique customer and factory profiles, is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2010Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Lennox Industries, Inc.Inventors: Mark D. Hess, Richard A. Mauk, John G. Thomas
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Publication number: 20140084598Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a power generation system. The power generation system includes a first generator and a first battery charger. The first battery charger is adapted to charge a first battery and a second battery. The first battery and the second battery are each adapted to provide power to start the first generator. The power generation system further includes a controller that determines a state of charge for each of the first battery and the second battery. Based on the state of charge for each of the first battery and the second battery, the controller determines which of the first battery and the second battery receives charging current from the first battery charger.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2012Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: Kohler Co.Inventors: Eric D. Albsmeier, Richard A. Mauk, Harrison C. Chiu
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Publication number: 20140070760Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a power generation system. The power generation system includes a first generator and a first battery charger. The first battery charger is adapted to charge a first battery and a second battery. The first battery and the second battery are each adapted to provide power to start the first generator. The power generation system further includes a controller that determines a state of charge for each of the first battery and the second battery. Based on the state of charge for each of the first battery and the second battery, the controller determines which of the first battery and the second battery receives charging current from the first battery charger.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2012Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: Kohler Co.Inventors: Eric D. Albsmeier, Richard A. Mauk, Harrison C. Chiu
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Publication number: 20140055081Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a power management system. The power management system includes a generator that provides a voltage output to a bus. The bus is adapted to be connected to a load. The power management system further includes a battery charger that is adapted to charge a battery. A generator controller operates the generator and also adjusts operating conditions of the battery charger. In some embodiments, the generator includes an internal combustion engine that drives an alternator. Embodiments are contemplated where the battery charger is adapted to receive power from a primary power source. As an example, the primary power source may be utility power or some other form of generator power.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2012Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicant: Kohler Co.Inventors: Eric D. Albsmeier, Richard A. Mauk, Harrison C. Chiu
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Publication number: 20140001769Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an example generator management system. The generator management system includes a first generator having a first set of power leads and a second generator having a second set of power leads. The generator management system further includes a bus that connects the first output and the second output. A controller selectively cuts off fuel to the second generator to add a load to the bus. It should be noted that embodiments are contemplated where the generator management system alternatively cuts off fuel to the first generator to add a load to the bus.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2012Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: Kohler Co.Inventors: Isaac S. Frampton, Richard A. Mauk, Douglas W. Dorn
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Publication number: 20140002032Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a standby power system. The standby power system includes a sensor that is adapted to monitor a primary power source which provides power to a load. In some embodiments, the sensor may monitor characteristics of the power supplied by the primary power source 12 that may be used to sense abnormalities. The standby power system further includes a generator that is also adapted to supply power to the load. As an example, the generator may include an internal combustion engine that drives an alternator. The standby power system further includes a generator controller that operates the generator and exchanges data with the sensor. The generator controller predicts a need to supply power to the load based on data received from the sensor. The generator controller then acts to minimize a time to availability of the generator based on the prediction.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2012Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: Kohler Co.Inventors: Isaac S. Frampton, Douglas W. Dorn, Richard A. Mauk
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Publication number: 20140001868Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an example generator management system. The generator management system includes a first generator that is adapted to supply power to load and a first generator controller that operates the first generator. The generator management system further includes a second generator that is adapted to supply power to the load and a second generator controller that operates the second generator. The generator management system further includes a communication bus that connects the first generator controller and the second generator controller such that the first generator controller and the second generator controller exchange data. At least one of the first generator controller and the second generator controller selectively activates the first generator and the second generator in an order that depends on an operating parameter of the first generator and the second generator (as opposed to a fixed sequence which is done in existing systems).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2012Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: Kohler Co.Inventors: Isaac S. Frampton, Richard A. Mauk, Douglas W. Dorn
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Publication number: 20130274934Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a power management system. The power management system includes a variable speed generator that provides a voltage output to a bus that is adapted to be connected to a load and an energy storage device. The power management system further includes a generator controller that controls the speed of the variable speed generator and monitors a charge level of the energy storage device. The generator controller also remotely displays information relating to the charge level of the energy storage device by supplying information relating to operation of the power management system over a network. The generator controller may remotely display information relating to the charge level of the energy storage device by supplying information relating to operation of the power management system over the Internet. The generator controller may also start/stop the variable speed generator based on the charge level of the energy storage device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2012Publication date: October 17, 2013Applicant: Kohler Co.Inventors: Eric D. Albsmeier, Richard A. Mauk, Isaac S. Frampton, Harrison C. Chiu
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Publication number: 20130138258Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a method of identifying electrical devices in a power management system. The method includes accessing a controller using a server that includes identifiers of the electrical devices. The controller is electrically connected (directly or indirectly) to the electrical devices. The method further includes exchanging data between the server and the controller to correlate the identifiers with the electrical devices. The potential identifiers that may be used to correlate the identifiers with the electrical devices may be stored in an identifier database on the server. In some embodiments, the identifiers of the electrical devices may also be stored in an identifier database on the controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2011Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: Kohler Co.Inventors: Richard A. Mauk, Edward Douglas Brey, William Herman Gross, Gary Allen Kroll
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Patent number: 8444442Abstract: A wiring system for use in an air conditioning system comprising a printed circuit board having wiring receptacles and wiring connectors. In one aspect, at least some of the wiring receptacles comprise two or more wiring sub-receptacles, and each of the wiring sub-receptacles includes a slotted sub-receptacle connection pattern. Furthermore, the slotted sub-receptacle connection pattern of each of the wiring sub-receptacles is different from every other sub-receptacle connection pattern. Each of the wiring connectors includes a ridged connection pattern that is different from every other ridged connection pattern of the wiring connectors, such that a given wiring connector is receivable within only one of the wiring sub-receptacles. An air conditioning system and a method of manufacturing is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2012Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.Inventors: Steven C. Brown, Carlos O. Chamorro, Merlin K. Chapin, Robert W. Gilkison, Aylan A. Him, Randall L. Lisbona, Richard A. Mauk, Michael Renker
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Publication number: 20130116840Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a power management system that includes an engine-driven generator and a plurality of load switching and sensor modules that are located remotely from the generator. The load switching and sensor modules include power switching devices and/or sensor circuits. In some embodiments, the power switching devices are operated to selectively provide protected power from a breaker to loads. The power management system further includes a generator controller that is mounted to the engine-driven generator. The generator controller is configured to operate the engine-driven generator and the sensor and load switching modules. The generator controller is further configured to receive input signals from the load switching and sensor modules via a databus, and provide commands to the load switching and sensor modules via the databus to operate the power switching devices and selectively provide power to loads.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2011Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: Kohler Co.Inventors: Richard A. Mauk, Eric D. Albsmeier
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Patent number: 8368337Abstract: An HVAC unit includes a transformer and a system controller. The transformer is configured to receive power from a first and a second phase of a three-phase power source and to produce a first reduced-voltage waveform therefrom. The system controller is adapted to sample the reduced voltage waveform to determine a figure of merit of the three-phase power source. The controller is further configured to operate the HVAC unit in response to the figure of merit.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2010Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.Inventors: Absalon Bonilla, Carlos O. Chamorro, Richard A. Mauk, John P. Stachler
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Publication number: 20120122323Abstract: A wiring system for use in an air conditioning system comprising a printed circuit board having wiring receptacles and wiring connectors. In one aspect, at least some of the wiring receptacles comprise two or more wiring sub-receptacles, and each of the wiring sub-receptacles includes a slotted sub-receptacle connection pattern. Furthermore, the slotted sub-receptacle connection pattern of each of the wiring sub-receptacles is different from every other sub-receptacle connection pattern. Each of the wiring connectors includes a ridged connection pattern that is different from every other ridged connection pattern of the wiring connectors, such that a given wiring connector is receivable within only one of the wiring sub-receptacles. An air conditioning system and a method of manufacturing is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2012Publication date: May 17, 2012Inventors: Steven C. Brown, Carlos O. Chamorro, Merlin K. Chapin, Robert W. Gilkison, Aylan A. Him, Randall L. Lisbona, Richard A. Mauk, Michael Renker
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Patent number: 8123571Abstract: A wiring system for use in an air conditioning system comprising a printed circuit board having a perimeter and wiring receptacles located proximate the perimeter and wiring connectors. In one aspect, at least some of the wiring receptacles comprise two or more wiring sub-receptacles, and each of the wiring sub-receptacles includes a slotted sub-receptacle connection pattern. Furthermore, the slotted sub-receptacle connection pattern of each of the wiring sub-receptacles is different from every other sub-receptacle connection pattern. Each of the wiring connectors includes a ridged connection pattern that is different from every other ridged connection pattern of the wiring connectors, such that a given wiring connector is receivable within only one of the wiring sub-receptacles. An air conditioning system and a method of manufacturing is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2010Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.Inventors: Steven C. Brown, Carlos O. Chamorro, Merlin K. Chapin, Robert W. Gilkison, Aylan A. Him, Randall L. Lisbona, Richard A. Mauk, Michael Renker
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Publication number: 20100298981Abstract: An HVAC controller and a method of controlling an HVAC system. In one embodiment, the controller includes: (1) a processor couplable to at least one indoor air quality sensor to receive values therefrom representing at least three levels of indoor air quality and (2) memory coupled to the processor and configured to store a software program capable of causing the processor to control an HVAC system based on magnitudes of the values.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2010Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: Lennox Industries, IncorporatedInventors: Carlos O. Chamorro, Richard A. Mauk, Absalon Bonilla
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Publication number: 20100298993Abstract: An airflow managing system for monitoring airflow of a HVAC system, a HVAC system and a method of monitoring the airflow in a HVAC system is provided. In one embodiment, the airflow managing system includes: (1) an air pressure sensor configured to obtain an air pressure measurement directly from a scroll of an air blower of the HVAC system and (2) a HVAC controller configured to determine an airflow rate for the HVAC system based on the air pressure measurement and corresponding parameters associated with the air blower.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2010Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: Lennox Industries, IncorporatedInventors: Erroll L. Eaton, Mark D. Hess, Richard A. Mauk, Stephen A. Walter, David M. Wynnick
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Publication number: 20100293991Abstract: A wiring system for use in an air conditioning system comprising a printed circuit board having a perimeter and wiring receptacles located proximate the perimeter and wiring connectors. In one aspect, at least some of the wiring receptacles comprise two or more wiring sub-receptacles, and each of the wiring sub-receptacles includes a slotted sub-receptacle connection pattern. Furthermore, the slotted sub-receptacle connection pattern of each of the wiring sub-receptacles is different from every other sub-receptacle connection pattern. Each of the wiring connectors includes a ridged connection pattern that is different from every other ridged connection pattern of the wiring connectors, such that a given wiring connector is receivable within only one of the wiring sub-receptacles. An air conditioning system and a method of manufacturing is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2010Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: Lennox Industries, IncorporatedInventors: Steven C. Brown, Carlos O. Chamorro, Merlin K. Chapin, Robert W. Gilkison, Aylan A. Him, Randall L. Lisbona, Richard A. Mauk, Michael Renker
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Publication number: 20100295700Abstract: An HVAC controller, a method for operating a HVAC unit and a HVAC unit are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the HVAC controller includes: (1) a memory configured to store a unique default network address for the controller and (2) a processor configured to automatically generate the unique default network address based on a seed value that is uniquely associated with the HVAC unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2010Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: Lennox Industries, IncorporatedInventors: Richard A. Mauk, John P. Stachler
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Publication number: 20100298988Abstract: An HVAC controller, a method of starting a HVAC unit and a HVAC system are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the HVAC controller includes: (1) an interface configured to receive a delay originating signal and (2) a processor configured to automatically generate an offset delay value for the HVAC unit upon receipt of the delay originating signal and delay starting identified components of the HVAC unit based on the offset delay value.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2010Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: Lennox Industries, IncorporatedInventors: John P. Stachler, Stephen A. Walter, Alan E. Bennett, Richard A. Mauk