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).

  • Water Chiller Apparatus
    Publication number: 20170146268
    Abstract: The present subject matter provides chiller apparatus including a storage tank for storing the liquid and a refrigerant cooling system. The refrigerant cooling system includes a compressor attached to the storage tank, a condenser positioned downstream from the compressor to condense a refrigerant received therefrom, and at least one evaporator positioned downstream of the condenser and wrapped about the outer surface of the storage tank. The evaporator includes a negative pitch coil configured to direct refrigerant flow from a position near a top of the storage tank to a position near a bottom of the storage tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Timothy Scott Shaffer, Noel Aguilar, Craig lung-Pei Tsai, Alan George Constance, Christopher Bryan Rissler, Michelle Diana Gross, Timothy David Gantt, Jonathan D. Nelson
  • METHODS FOR OPERATING HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER APPLIANCES
    Publication number: 20170122634
    Abstract: Heat pump water heater appliances and operational methods therefor are provided. A method includes receiving a peak generation signal, and activating a secondary heating element of the heat pump water heater appliance when the peak generation signal is received. The method further includes activating a sealed system of the heat pump water heater appliance when the peak generation signal is received, and deactivating the secondary heating element when the sealed system is operational after activation or when a non-peak generation signal is received subsequent to receipt of the peak generation signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Timothy Scott Shaffer
  • Water heater appliance
    Patent number: 9638439
    Abstract: A water heater appliance with a mixing valve positioned within a casing of the water heater appliance is provided. The mixing valve is fluidly coupled to a heated water conduit and a bypass conduit of the water heater appliance. An actuator assembly is configured for selectively adjusting a mixing ratio of the mixing valve. The actuator assembly includes a knob positioned at an outer surface of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Scott Shaffer, Shaun Michael Ward, Dan Riley
  • AIR CONDITIONER UNITS HAVING IMPROVED MAKE-UP AIR MODULE COMMUNICATION
    Publication number: 20170115014
    Abstract: Air conditioner units and operating methods are provided. A unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, and a compressor. The unit further includes a bulkhead disposed between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. The unit further includes a vent aperture defined in the bulkhead. The unit further includes a dehumidification system which includes an evaporator, a condenser, and an auxiliary compressor in fluid communication with the evaporator and the condenser. The unit further includes a humidity sensor disposed within the outdoor portion, and a controller in communication with the compressor, the auxiliary compressor and the humidity sensor. The controller is configured to deactivate the auxiliary compressor when the compressor is active and an outdoor humidity level sensed by the humidity sensor is above a predetermined humidity threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Inventors: Brent Alden Junge, Timothy Scott Shaffer, Michael John Kempiak
  • AIR CONDITIONER UNITS HAVING IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING MAKE-UP AIR
    Publication number: 20170067655
    Abstract: Air conditioner units and methods for providing make-up air are provided. An air conditioner unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger and a bulkhead. The air conditioner unit further includes a vent aperture defined in a rear wall of the bulkhead. The air conditioner unit further includes a dehumidification system, the dehumidification system including an evaporator assembly configured for removing heat from outdoor air flowing therethrough and a condenser assembly configured for adding heat to outdoor air flowing therethrough. The air conditioner unit further includes a movable panel disposed proximate the vent aperture. The movable panel is movable between an open position wherein air flow through the vent aperture is permitted and a closed position wherein air flow through the vent aperture is restricted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Timothy Scott Shaffer, Thomas Allen Bailey
  • WATER HEATER APPLIANCE
    Publication number: 20170016631
    Abstract: Water heater appliances are provided. A water heater appliance includes a tank, a hot water conduit and a cold water conduit. The water heater appliance further includes a heat pump assembly configured to heat water within the chamber of the tank, and a thermo-electric assembly configured to generate an electrical current. The thermo-electric assembly includes a thermo-electric converter, a working fluid flowable through the thermo-electric converter, and a heat source configured to heat the working fluid within the thermo-electric converter. At least a portion of the electrical current generated by the thermo-electric assembly is flowed to the heat pump assembly to at least partially power the heat pump assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventor: Timothy Scott Shaffer
  • AIR CONDITIONER UNITS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING MAKE-UP AIR
    Publication number: 20170016635
    Abstract: Air conditioner units and methods for providing make-up air are provided. An air conditioner unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger and a bulkhead. The air conditioner unit further includes a vent aperture defined in a rear wall of the bulkhead. The air conditioner unit further includes a dehumidification system, the dehumidification system including an evaporator assembly and a condenser assembly. The evaporator assembly is configured for removing heat from outdoor air flowing therethrough. The evaporator assembly is in fluid communication with the vent aperture for flowing outdoor air from the evaporator assembly through the vent aperture, The condenser assembly is configured for adding heat to outdoor air flowing therethrough. The condenser assembly is spaced from the vent aperture for flowing outdoor air from the condenser assembly into the outdoor portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Timothy Scott Shaffer, Shaun Michael Ward
  • Water heater appliance and a method for operating a water heater appliance
    Patent number: 9541305
    Abstract: A water heater appliance and method for operating a water heater appliance are provided. The method includes measuring a temperature of water within the water heater appliance, operating a heating element of the water heater appliance if the temperature of water within the water heater appliance is less than a threshold temperature and deactivating the heating element of the water heater appliance when the temperature of water within the water heater appliance exceeds the threshold temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Scott Shaffer, Michael Thomas Beyerle
  • WATER HEATER APPLIANCE
    Publication number: 20170003050
    Abstract: A water heater appliance includes a tank and a heated water conduit extending from the tank. A mixing valve is coupled to the heated water conduit, and a heat trap is mounted to the heated water conduit upstream of the mixing valve. The heat trap includes a membrane disposed within the heated water conduit. The membrane of the heat trap may assist with obstructing recirculation of heated water from the tank into the heated water conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: Shaun Michael Ward, Timothy Scott Shaffer
  • WATER HEATER APPLIANCE WITH TANK CAPACITY CONTROL INTERFACE AND RELATED CONTROL METHODS
    Publication number: 20160377323
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method for controlling the operation of a water heater appliance may generally include receiving a user input associated with a selection of a tank capacity setpoint for the water heater appliance, determining a tank temperature setpoint for water contained within a tank of the water heater appliance based on the user-selected tank capacity setpoint and controlling the operation of the water heater appliance based on the tank temperature setpoint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Shaun Michael Ward, Timothy Scott Shaffer, Brett Alan Farris
  • WATER HEATER APPLIANCE
    Publication number: 20160377322
    Abstract: A water heater appliance includes a tank and a heated water conduit that extends from the tank. A mixing valve is coupled to the heated water conduit, and a mixed water conduit extends from the mixing valve. A thermal mass is positioned on the mixed water conduit, and a thermal safety sensor is positioned at the thermal mass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Shaun Michael Ward, Timothy Scott Shaffer
  • HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER APPLIANCE AND AN ELECTRONIC MIXING VALVE
    Publication number: 20160348952
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Shaun Michael Ward, Timothy Scott Shaffer
  • Induction cooktop appliance
    Patent number: 9491809
    Abstract: An induction cooktop appliance is provided. The induction cooktop appliance includes an induction heating element and a metal top panel positioned above the induction heating element for supporting cooking utensils thereon. The metal top panel defines an opening above the induction heating element. The opening can limit or regulate eddy currents within the metal top panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Scott Shaffer, John Stanley Glaser
  • METHOD FOR OPERATING A WATER HEATER APPLIANCE
    Publication number: 20160313029
    Abstract: A method for operating a water heater appliance includes determining a temperature, Ttank, of water within a tank of the water heater appliance, a temperature, Tcold, of water at an inlet conduit of the water heater appliance and an actual position, VMPactual, of a mixing valve of the water heater appliance. The method also includes calculating a theoretical position, VMPtheoretical, of the mixing valve of the water heater appliance and establishing a lower flow rate limit for water exiting the water heater appliance and an upper flow rate limit for water exiting the water heater appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Inventors: Shaun Michael Ward, Timothy Scott Shaffer, Brett Alan Farris
  • Valve with air-gap provision to prevent backflow
    Patent number: 9403125
    Abstract: A valve is provided having an air gap to protect against backflow in a fluid system. The valve can also be used to control fluid flow while providing such backflow protection. The valve can be used with e.g., a reverse osmosis water filtration system and/or other systems. By incorporating both backflow protection and flow control into the same device, efficiencies in space, complexity, and/or installation time are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Scott Shaffer
  • WATER HEATER APPLIANCE
    Publication number: 20160201946
    Abstract: A water heater appliance with a mixing valve positioned within a casing of the water heater appliance is provided. The mixing valve is fluidly coupled to a heated water conduit and a bypass conduit of the water heater appliance. An actuator assembly is configured for selectively adjusting a mixing ratio of the mixing valve. The actuator assembly includes a knob positioned at an outer surface of the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Inventors: Timothy Scott Shaffer, Shaun Michael Ward, Dan Riley
  • Flow diverter device
    Patent number: 9328485
    Abstract: A flow diverter device includes a diverter body defining therein a diverter channel that connects with two inlet channels and an outlet channel, and a diverter valve stem including at least two sealing mechanisms. The diverter valve stem is movable between a first position wherein one of the sealing mechanisms engages the diverter channel such that the diverter channel fluidly connects one of the inlet channels with the outlet channel only and a second position wherein another of the sealing mechanisms engages the diverter channel such that the diverter channel fluidly connects the other of the inlet channels with the outlet channel only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Timothy Scott Shaffer
  • TRANSITION MEMBER FOR HEAT PUMP APPLIANCE
    Publication number: 20160109154
    Abstract: A heat pump water heater appliance is provided including a tank defining an interior volume, a sealed system configured for heating water within the interior volume, and a casing. The casing defines an airflow inlet and an airflow exhaust, and the tank and an evaporator of the sealed system are disposed within the casing. A transition member is also provided, including a first end attached to the casing over the airflow inlet and a second end. A passage is defined between the first and second ends. Additionally, a filter tray is removably positioned in the passage of the transition member, allowing, e.g., a user or operator to easily remove and/or replace filter medium supported by the filter tray without disassembling the transition member or any ductwork attached thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventors: Timothy Scott Shaffer, Michael Lee Alsip
  • DAMPER VALVE AND A HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER APPLIANCE
    Publication number: 20160097573
    Abstract: The present subject matter provides a damper valve. The damper valve includes an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve. The inner sleeve is positioned within the outer sleeve and is pivotable between a first position and a second position within the outer sleeve. Radial openings of the inner sleeve align with radial openings of the outer sleeve when the inner sleeve is in the first position, and axial openings of the inner sleeve align with axial openings of the outer sleeve when the inner sleeve is in the second position. A related heat pump water heater appliance is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Inventors: Timothy Scott Shaffer, Shaun Michael Ward
  • FILTER CARTRIDGE AND A METHOD FOR FORMING A FILTER MEDIUM
    Publication number: 20160090313
    Abstract: A method for forming a filter medium includes mixing activated carbon and nitrogen enriched plastic binder. The activated carbon and nitrogen enriched plastic binder are heated in order to bind the activated carbon to the nitrogen enriched plastic binder and form a filter medium block. A related filter cartridge is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: Timothy Scott Shaffer, Brian Christopher Moore, Doo Young Kim