Patents by Inventor Scott Shaffer

Scott Shaffer 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: 10785335
    Abstract: A method and system for providing private web browsing includes a client module for transmitting a request to begin a browsing session to a web server and displaying video data for the browsing session from the web server. The system also includes a database that stores a browser build in a non-executable directory including at least one executable browser file. The system also includes a web server module configured for creating a temporary executable directory and copying the executable browser file to the temporary executable directory, executing the executable browser file in the temporary executable directory, starting the browsing session, wherein all browsing session files are stored in the temporary executable directory, generating video data from the browsing session and transmitting it to the client module, and, after ending the browsing session, deleting all files in the temporary executable directory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: TRACEFREE CORP.
    Inventor: Scott Shaffer
  • Patent number: 10663188
    Abstract: A method for operating a packaged terminal air conditioner includes activating a compressor of the packaged terminal air conditioner such that refrigerant flows through an interior coil of the packaged terminal air conditioner, and, while the compressor is active, periodically cycling a fan of the packaged terminal air conditioner between a low speed active operating state and an inactive operating state. The fan runs at a modulated speed limit of the fan in the low speed active operating state, and the fan is unpowered in the inactive operating state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Scott Shaffer
  • Patent number: 10655867
    Abstract: A packaged terminal air conditioner unit (PTAC) and methods for operating the same are provided. A PTAC controller is operably coupled to a proximity indication device for detecting that a proximity trigger condition exists and is configured for adjusting an operating parameter of the PTAC to adjust an outlet temperature of a flow of discharge air in response to determining that the proximity trigger condition exists. The proximity trigger condition may exist when a proximity sensor detects an occupant close to the PTAC, when a user input button is activated, or when a voice command is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert William Jewell, Bryan Isaac D'Souza, Timothy Scott Shaffer
  • Publication number: 20200132334
    Abstract: Air conditioner units and methods for operating air conditioner units are provided. A method includes determining a steady state speed of a blower fan of the air conditioner unit. The method further includes receiving a call for heating and activating the blower fan in response to the call for heating. The method further includes measuring a speed of the blower fan after activating the blower fan and comparing the measured speed of the blower fan to the steady state speed of the blower fan. When the measured speed of the blower fan is greater than the steady state speed of the blower fan, the method includes disabling one of a plurality of heater banks of a heating unit of the air conditioner unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventor: Timothy Scott Shaffer
  • Publication number: 20200132320
    Abstract: Air conditioner units and methods for operating air conditioner units are provided. A method includes determining a benchmark control signal corresponding to a predetermined speed of a fan of the air conditioner unit. The method further includes activating a heating unit of the air conditioner unit. The heating unit includes a plurality of heater banks. The method also includes activating the fan while the heating unit is active and measuring a control signal to the fan after activating the fan. The method further includes comparing the measured control signal to the benchmark control signal, and disabling one of the plurality of heater banks when the measured control signal is less than the benchmark control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventor: Timothy Scott Shaffer
  • Patent number: 10465942
    Abstract: A water heater tank has several components formed of a one-piece seamless construction. The water heater tank includes a cylindrical wall with inner and outer surfaces. A helical condenser channel may be formed in the outer surface of the cylindrical wall. The water heater includes a cold water inlet. A cold water channel may be formed in the inner surface of the cylindrical wall in fluid communication with the cold water inlet and the interior volume of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Scott Shaffer, Gregory Leon Hutchison, Christopher Bryan Rissler
  • Publication number: 20190271478
    Abstract: An air conditioner unit includes a compressor, an exterior coil, a main interior coil, a main expansion device, a reheat interior coil and a reheat expansion device. The reheat interior coil is positioned adjacent the main interior coil. The main expansion device is connected in series between the exterior coil and the main interior coil, and the reheat expansion device is connected in series between the main expansion device and the reheat interior coil. A reheat valve is operable to selectively adjust a flow direction through the reheat interior coil. The reheat valve is a four-way valve, and one port of the four-way valve is blocked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Inventors: Richard Dustin Henderson, Bryan Isaac D'Souza, Robert William Jewell, Timothy Scott Shaffer
  • Publication number: 20190226689
    Abstract: A packaged terminal air conditioner unit (PTAC) and methods for operating the same are provided. A PTAC controller is operably coupled to a proximity indication device for detecting that a proximity trigger condition exists and is configured for adjusting an operating parameter of the PTAC to adjust an outlet temperature of a flow of discharge air in response to determining that the proximity trigger condition exists. The proximity trigger condition may exist when a proximity sensor detects an occupant close to the PTAC, when a user input button is activated, or when a voice command is received.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Inventors: Robert William Jewell, Bryan Isaac D'Souza, Timothy Scott Shaffer
  • Patent number: 10352594
    Abstract: A sealed heat exchange system and air conditioner are provided herein. The sealed heat exchange system may include a compressor, a heat exchanger, a line filter, a variable electronic expansion device, a primary fluid path, and an alternate fluid path. The compressor may generally increase a pressure of a flowed refrigerant within the sealed heat exchange system. The heat exchanger may be in fluid communication with the compressor and the line filter may be in fluid communication with the heat exchanger. The primary fluid path may define a fluid inlet to receive the flowed refrigerant downstream of the heat exchanger and upstream of the expansion device. The alternate fluid path may define a fluid inlet to receive the flowed refrigerant downstream of the variable electronic expansion device and upstream of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Isaac D'Souza, Timothy Scott Shaffer
  • Patent number: 10352587
    Abstract: A split system water heater includes a storage tank and a separate power module for heating water outside of the tank. A distribution tube provides high volume, low velocity flow of water between the tank and the power module to avoid or limit mixing and maintain thermal stratification within the tank. The distribution tube includes a longitudinal axis and a plurality of openings generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Scott Shaffer
  • Publication number: 20190203970
    Abstract: A method for operating a packaged terminal air conditioner includes activating a compressor of the packaged terminal air conditioner such that refrigerant flows through an interior coil of the packaged terminal air conditioner, and, while the compressor is active, periodically cycling a fan of the packaged terminal air conditioner between a low speed active operating state and an inactive operating state. The fan runs at a modulated speed limit of the fan in the low speed active operating state, and the fan is unpowered in the inactive operating state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Inventor: Timothy Scott Shaffer
  • Patent number: 10316981
    Abstract: A heat pump water heater appliance includes an electronic mixing valve. The electronic mixing valve is positioned within a casing of the heat pump water heater appliance. A mixed water conduit and a heated water conduit of the electronic mixing valve may be positioned coaxially with each other, and a cold water conduit of the electronic mixing valve may be oriented such that the cold water conduit extends orthogonal to the heated water conduit and the mixed water conduit. A plunger is positioned within the valve body at the mixing chamber of the valve body. A motor is coupled to the plunger, the motor being operable to adjust a position of a head of the plunger within the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Shaun Michael Ward, Timothy Scott Shaffer
  • Publication number: 20190154278
    Abstract: A packaged terminal air conditioner unit (PTAC) includes a vent aperture defined in a bulkhead of the PTAC and a fan assembly for urging a flow of make-up air through the vent aperture. The fan assembly includes a fan duct fluidly coupled to the bulkhead over the vent aperture, the fan duct defining an inlet that extends away from the bulkhead toward a rear of the PTAC. An auxiliary fan is mounted to the fan duct for urging the flow of make-up air through the vent aperture, the auxiliary fan including a plurality of fan blades and a stabilizer ring extending about the circumferential direction between the plurality of fan blades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Robert William Jewell, Timothy Scott Shaffer
  • Patent number: 10281171
    Abstract: A drain pump assembly for discharging condensate from a water heater appliance is provided. The drain pump assembly includes a condensate collection tray positioned below an evaporator of the water heater appliance for collecting condensate. A condensate level sensor is configured for measuring a level of condensate within the condensate collection tray and is in operative communication with a drain pump. The drain pump is configured for discharging collected condensate from the condensate collection tray when the level of condensate exceeds a first threshold and turning off after the condensate level drops below a second threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Scott Shaffer, Jonathan Nelson
  • Publication number: 20190068739
    Abstract: A method and system for providing private web browsing includes a client module for transmitting a request to begin a browsing session to a web server and displaying video data for the browsing session from the web server. The system also includes a database that stores a browser build in a non-executable directory including at least one executable browser file. The system also includes a web server module configured for creating a temporary executable directory and copying the executable browser file to the temporary executable directory, executing the executable browser file in the temporary executable directory, starting the browsing session, wherein all browsing session files are stored in the temporary executable directory, generating video data from the browsing session and transmitting it to the client module, and, after ending the browsing session, deleting all files in the temporary executable directory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventor: Scott Shaffer
  • Patent number: 10139145
    Abstract: Stand-alone ice making appliances are provided. An appliance includes a container defining a first storage volume for receipt of ice, a water tank defining a second storage volume for receipt of water, and a pump in fluid communication with the second storage volume. The appliance further includes an ice maker which is in fluid communication with the pump for receiving water from the pump. The appliance further includes a filter, the filter including a filter medium operable to remove contaminants from water flowing through the filter medium, the filter positioned upstream of the ice maker in a flow direction of water from the second storage volume to the ice maker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Samuel Vincent DuPlessis, Timothy Scott Shaffer, Ronald Scott Tarr, Tomas Garces
  • Publication number: 20180328629
    Abstract: A sealed heat exchange system and air conditioner are provided herein. The sealed heat exchange system may include a compressor, a heat exchanger, a line filter, a variable electronic expansion device, a primary fluid path, and an alternate fluid path. The compressor may generally increase a pressure of a flowed refrigerant within the sealed heat exchange system. The heat exchanger may be in fluid communication with the compressor and the line filter may be in fluid communication with the heat exchanger. The primary fluid path may define a fluid inlet to receive the flowed refrigerant downstream of the heat exchanger and upstream of the expansion device. The alternate fluid path may define a fluid inlet to receive the flowed refrigerant downstream of the variable electronic expansion device and upstream of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Inventors: Bryan Isaac D'Souza, Timothy Scott Shaffer
  • Publication number: 20180274792
    Abstract: A water heater appliance includes an electronic mixing valve configured for adjusting a ratio of cold water from a cold water inlet conduit to hot water from a hot water outlet conduit at a mixed water outlet of the electronic mixing valve. A flow meter is mounted to the mixed water outlet conduit or the cold water inlet conduit. A controller is configured to calculate a flow rate of hot water through the hot water outlet conduit based on a temperature measurement from each of a mixed water temperature sensor, a cold water temperature sensor and a hot water temperature sensor and a flow rate measurement from the flow meter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventor: Timothy Scott Shaffer
  • Publication number: 20180274793
    Abstract: A water heater appliance includes an electronic mixing valve configured for adjusting a ratio of cold water from a cold water inlet conduit to hot water from a hot water outlet conduit at a mixed water outlet of the electronic mixing valve. A cold water bypass conduit extends between the cold water inlet conduit and the mixed water outlet conduit. A cold water bypass valve is on the cold water bypass conduit. A controller is configured to close the cold water bypass valve when a temperature measurement from a mixed water temperature sensor is less than a threshold temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventor: Timothy Scott Shaffer
  • Patent number: 10082301
    Abstract: A water heater appliance includes an electronic mixing valve configured for adjusting a ratio of cold water from a cold water inlet conduit to hot water from a hot water outlet conduit at a mixed water outlet of the electronic mixing valve. A cold water bypass conduit extends between the cold water inlet conduit and the mixed water outlet conduit. A cold water bypass valve is on the cold water bypass conduit. A controller is configured to close the cold water bypass valve when a temperature measurement from a mixed water temperature sensor is less than a threshold temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Scott Shaffer