Patents by Inventor Scott Gilman Humphrey
Scott Gilman Humphrey 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: 11867429Abstract: Various implementations include a water heater system. The system includes a variable speed pump. The variable speed pump has having an inlet and an outlet. The system includes a heat exchanger, having an inlet and an outlet. The heat exchanger outlet is fluidically connected to the variable speed pump inlet. The system includes an output temperature sensor disposed downstream of the heat exchanger outlet. The system includes a controller configured to receive a first temperature reading from the output temperature sensor. The controller is configured to control operation of the variable speed pump to adjust an output flow rate in response to the first temperature reading. The controller is further configured to receive a second temperature reading from a recovery temperature sensor on a storage tank. The controller is configured to turn off the variable speed pump upon a determination that the second temperature reading has reached a maximum temperature.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2020Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: Rinnai America CorporationInventors: Scott Gilman Humphrey, Michael Scott Knoblett
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Patent number: 11719444Abstract: A water heater system includes a controller configured to integrate control of both recovery and recirculation operations of a recovery pump and a recirculation pump. As such, a separate device, installation location, and power source (e.g., available outlet) is not needed with the controller. Because a single controller is configured to control both recovery and recirculation operations, additional control functions are available. The controller may be in communication with an internal controller of the water heater and configured to receive an error notification upon abnormal operation of the water heater. The controller can stop recovery and recirculation operations in response to an error notification, unlike with traditional water heating systems which may otherwise continue to function. The recovery and recirculation operations are based on a setpoint temperature of the water heater such that changes made to the setpoint temperature will automatically adjust in the recovery and recirculation operations.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2022Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: RINNAI AMERICA CORPORATIONInventors: Scott Gilman Humphrey, Michael Scott Knoblett, Jason William Siler
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Publication number: 20230175736Abstract: A hybrid water heater incudes a storage tank, a first temperature sensor, a tankless heater fluidly coupled to the storage tank, and a controller configured to determine a target output temperature range for the tankless heater based on a temperature setpoint, measure a temperature of hot water stored in an upper portion of the storage tank using the first temperature sensor, determine whether the measured temperature of the hot water is less than a first minimum temperature setpoint, generate an adjusted target output temperature range for the tankless heater based on a determination that the measured temperature is less than the first minimum temperature by increasing a value of both the lower threshold and the upper threshold, and control the tankless heater to produce the heated water according to the adjusted target output temperature range.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2022Publication date: June 8, 2023Inventors: Michael Scott Knoblett, Scott Gilman Humphrey
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Publication number: 20230151974Abstract: A hot water circulation system comprises a water heater having a cold-water inlet and a hot water outlet. A water pump circulates water through the water heater to produce hot water. The hot water is circulated to a thermal bypass valve, which is configured to close when hot water contacts a heat activated seal. A bypass circuit is coupled between the hot water outlet and the cold water inlet of the water heater. The bypass circuit prevents hot water from circulating from the hot water outlet to the cold-water inlet when the thermal bypass valve is open and promotes circulating hot water from the hot water outlet to the cold water inlet when the thermal bypass valve is closed. Upon a temperature sensor sensing hot water entering the cold-water inlet, the water heater turns of the water pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2022Publication date: May 18, 2023Inventors: Matthew Ryan Dettmering, Jason Siler, Scott Gilman Humphrey
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Publication number: 20220373192Abstract: A water heater system includes a controller configured to integrate control of both recovery and recirculation operations of a recovery pump and a recirculation pump. As such, a separate device, installation location, and power source (e.g., available outlet) is not needed with the controller. Because a single controller is configured to control both recovery and recirculation operations, additional control functions are available. The controller may be in communication with an internal controller of the water heater and configured to receive an error notification upon abnormal operation of the water heater. The controller can stop recovery and recirculation operations in response to an error notification, unlike with traditional water heating systems which may otherwise continue to function. The recovery and recirculation operations are based on a setpoint temperature of the water heater such that changes made to the setpoint temperature will automatically adjust in the recovery and recirculation operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2022Publication date: November 24, 2022Inventors: Scott Gilman Humphrey, Michael Scott Knoblett, Jason William Siler
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Patent number: 11486586Abstract: A hot water circulation system comprises a water heater having a cold-water inlet and a hot water outlet. A water pump circulates water through the water heater to produce hot water. The hot water is circulated to a thermal bypass valve, which is configured to close when hot water contacts a heat activated seal. A bypass circuit is coupled between the hot water outlet and the cold water inlet of the water heater. The bypass circuit prevents hot water from circulating from the hot water outlet to the cold-water inlet when the thermal bypass valve is open and promotes circulating hot water from the hot water outlet to the cold water inlet when the thermal bypass valve is closed. Upon a temperature sensor sensing hot water entering the cold-water inlet, the water heater turns of the water pump.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2020Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: Rinnai America CorporationInventors: Matthew Ryan Dettmering, Jason Siler, Scott Gilman Humphrey
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Patent number: 11384944Abstract: A water heater system includes a controller configured to integrate control of both recovery and recirculation operations of a recovery pump and a recirculation pump. As such, a separate device, installation location, and power source (e.g., available outlet) is not needed with the controller. Because a single controller is configured to control both recovery and recirculation operations, additional control functions are available. The controller may be in communication with an internal controller of the water heater and configured to receive an error notification upon abnormal operation of the water heater. The controller can stop recovery and recirculation operations in response to an error notification, unlike with traditional water heating systems which may otherwise continue to function. The recovery and recirculation operations are based on a setpoint temperature of the water heater such that changes made to the setpoint temperature will automatically adjust in the recovery and recirculation operations.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2020Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: RINNAI AMERICA CORPORATIONInventors: Scott Gilman Humphrey, Michael Scott Knoblett, Jason William Siler
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Publication number: 20220042686Abstract: A hot water circulation system comprises a water heater having a cold-water inlet and a hot water outlet. A water pump circulates water through the water heater to produce hot water. The hot water is circulated to a thermal bypass valve, which is configured to close when hot water contacts a heat activated seal. A bypass circuit is coupled between the hot water outlet and the cold water inlet of the water heater. The bypass circuit prevents hot water from circulating from the hot water outlet to the cold-water inlet when the thermal bypass valve is open and promotes circulating hot water from the hot water outlet to the cold water inlet when the thermal bypass valve is closed. Upon a temperature sensor sensing hot water entering the cold-water inlet, the water heater turns of the water pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2020Publication date: February 10, 2022Inventors: Matthew Ryan Dettmering, Jason Siler, Scott Gilman Humphrey
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Patent number: 11226136Abstract: A hot water supply system decouples an intelligent hot water storage system from a water heating engine system. The water heating engine system includes a plurality of instantaneous water heaters that provide for redundant operation for improved reliability. The intelligent hot water storage system includes a storage tank that encloses a volume for storage of water. The intelligent hot water storage system includes a recirculation loop driven by an integrated pump and operated by an integrated controller. By positioning the tank recirculation outlet and inlet farther apart from each other, additional usable volume of hot water is provided by the intelligent hot water storage system. Isolation valves positioned on the input and output of a recirculation pump in the recirculation loop facilitate repair or replacement of the recirculation pump. The hot water system provides for increased capacity while providing redundant heating engines in a smaller floor space than conventional systems.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2020Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: RINNAI AMERICA CORPORATIONInventors: Michael Scott Knoblett, Matthew Ryan Dettmering, Scott Gilman Humphrey
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Publication number: 20210063024Abstract: Various implementations include a water heater system. The system includes a variable speed pump. The variable speed pump has having an inlet and an outlet. The system includes a heat exchanger, having an inlet and an outlet. The heat exchanger outlet is fluidically connected to the variable speed pump inlet. The system includes an output temperature sensor disposed downstream of the heat exchanger outlet. The system includes a controller configured to receive a first temperature reading from the output temperature sensor. The controller is configured to control operation of the variable speed pump to adjust an output flow rate in response to the first temperature reading. The controller is further configured to receive a second temperature reading from a recovery temperature sensor on a storage tank. The controller is configured to turn off the variable speed pump upon a determination that the second temperature reading has reached a maximum temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2020Publication date: March 4, 2021Inventors: Scott Gilman Humphrey, Michael Scott Knoblett
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Publication number: 20210055005Abstract: A water heater system includes a controller configured to integrate control of both recovery and recirculation operations of a recovery pump and a recirculation pump. As such, a separate device, installation location, and power source (e.g., available outlet) is not needed with the controller. Because a single controller is configured to control both recovery and recirculation operations, additional control functions are available. The controller may be in communication with an internal controller of the water heater and configured to receive an error notification upon abnormal operation of the water heater. The controller can stop recovery and recirculation operations in response to an error notification, unlike with traditional water heating systems which may otherwise continue to function. The recovery and recirculation operations are based on a setpoint temperature of the water heater such that changes made to the setpoint temperature will automatically adjust in the recovery and recirculation operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2020Publication date: February 25, 2021Inventors: Scott Gilman Humphrey, Michael Scott Knoblett, Jason William Siler
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Publication number: 20200393164Abstract: A hot water supply system decouples an intelligent hot water storage system from a water heating engine system. The water heating engine system includes a plurality of instantaneous water heaters that provide for redundant operation for improved reliability. The intelligent hot water storage system includes a storage tank that encloses a volume for storage of water. The intelligent hot water storage system includes a recirculation loop driven by an integrated pump and operated by an integrated controller. By positioning the tank recirculation outlet and inlet farther apart from each other, additional usable volume of hot water is provided by the intelligent hot water storage system. Isolation valves positioned on the input and output of a recirculation pump in the recirculation loop facilitate repair or replacement of the recirculation pump. The hot water system provides for increased capacity while providing redundant heating engines in a smaller floor space than conventional systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2020Publication date: December 17, 2020Inventors: Michael Scott Knoblett, Matthew Ryan Dettmering, Scott Gilman Humphrey
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Patent number: 10760823Abstract: A hot water supply system decouples an intelligent hot water storage system from a water heating engine system. The water heating engine system includes a plurality of instantaneous water heaters that provide for redundant operation for improved reliability. The intelligent hot water storage system includes a storage tank that encloses a volume for storage of water. The intelligent hot water storage system includes a recirculation loop driven by an integrated pump and operated by an integrated controller. By positioning the tank recirculation outlet and inlet farther apart from each other, additional usable volume of hot water is provided by the intelligent hot water storage system. Isolation valves positioned on the input and output of a recirculation pump in the recirculation loop facilitate repair or replacement of the recirculation pump. The hot water system provides for increased capacity while providing redundant heating engines in a smaller floor space than conventional systems.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2018Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: Rinnai America CorporationInventors: Michael Scott Knoblett, Matthew Ryan Dettmering, Scott Gilman Humphrey
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Publication number: 20200103144Abstract: A hot water supply system decouples an intelligent hot water storage system from a water heating engine system. The water heating engine system includes a plurality of instantaneous water heaters that provide for redundant operation for improved reliability. The intelligent hot water storage system includes a storage tank that encloses a volume for storage of water. The intelligent hot water storage system includes a recirculation loop driven by an integrated pump and operated by an integrated controller. By positioning the tank recirculation outlet and inlet farther apart from each other, additional usable volume of hot water is provided by the intelligent hot water storage system. Isolation valves positioned on the input and output of a recirculation pump in the recirculation loop facilitate repair or replacement of the recirculation pump. The hot water system provides for increased capacity while providing redundant heating engines in a smaller floor space than conventional systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2018Publication date: April 2, 2020Inventors: Michael Scott Knoblett, Matthew Ryan Dettmering, Scott Gilman Humphrey
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Patent number: 9909780Abstract: The present invention is a system for tank recovery comprising a tankless having an outlet and a storage tank that is operatively connected to the tankless. A pump is operatively connected to the tankless and the pump is operatively connected to the storage tank. A first thermistor is in thermal communication with the outlet of the tankless. The first thermistor measures a first temperature of the outlet of the tankless when the pump is active. A second thermistor is in thermal communication with the storage tank. The second thermistor measures a second temperature of the storage tank. A controller has a stored default temperature for the tankless. The controller receives the measured second temperature from the second thermistor. The controller compares the stored default temperature for the tankless to the measured second temperature from the second thermistor.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2016Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: RINNAI AMERICA CORPORATIONInventors: Scott Gilman Humphrey, Jason William Siler
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Patent number: D799650Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2016Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: Rinnai America CorporationInventors: Scott Gilman Humphrey, Jose Luis Aponte Keillor
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Patent number: D825724Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2017Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Rinnai America CorporationInventors: Scott Gilman Humphrey, Jose Luis Aponte Keillor
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Patent number: D849519Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2016Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: Rinnai America CorporationInventors: Matthew Ryan Dettmering, Scott Gilman Humphrey
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Patent number: D859617Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2018Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: Rinnai America CorporationInventors: Scott Gilman Humphrey, Jose Luis Aponte Keillor
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Patent number: D980047Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2019Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: Rinnai America CorporationInventors: Matthew Ryan Dettmering, Scott Gilman Humphrey