Patents by Inventor Terry Zeigler
Terry Zeigler 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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Publication number: 20230382197Abstract: Disclosed are climate systems for vehicles and methods for controlling the climate systems. In some implementations, a climate system includes: (1) a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature within the compartment of the vehicle; (2) a first compressor powered by an engine of the vehicle to compress a refrigerant; (3) a second compressor driven by an electric motor to compress the refrigerant; and (4) a controller electrically coupled to the first compressor and the second compressor. The controller configured to: (1) calculate a thermal load of the compartment based on a difference between a desired temperature and a measured temperature; and, (2) based on the calculated load, selectively activate: (i) the engine, (ii) the first compressor, and/or (iii) the second compressor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2023Publication date: November 30, 2023Inventors: Brett S. Connell, Aaron D. Sullivan, Brett J. Herrmann, Terry Zeigler
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Patent number: 11712946Abstract: Disclosed are climate systems for vehicles and methods for controlling the climate systems. In some implementations, a climate system includes: (1) a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature within the compartment of the vehicle; (2) a first compressor powered by an engine of the vehicle to compress a refrigerant; (3) a second compressor driven by an electric motor to compress the refrigerant; and (4) a controller electrically coupled to the first compressor and the second compressor. The controller configured to: (1) calculate a thermal load of the compartment based on a difference between a desired temperature and a measured temperature; and, (2) based on the calculated load, selectively activate: (i) the engine, (ii) the first compressor, and/or (iii) the second compressor.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Bergstrom, Inc.Inventors: Brett S. Connell, Aaron D. Sullivan, Brett J. Herrmann, Terry Zeigler
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Publication number: 20230091408Abstract: An HVAC system includes a refrigerant liquid-gas separator. The liquid-gas separator is thermally coupled to electronics to transfer heat away from the electronics, and assist in vaporizing liquid refrigerant. The liquid-gas separator device includes a refrigeration section configured to couple to a refrigeration loop, and electronics thermally coupled to the refrigeration section. The refrigeration section includes: (a) a refrigerant inlet configured to receive refrigerant from the refrigeration loop; (b) a refrigerant outlet configured to release vapor refrigerant to the refrigeration loop; and (c) a cavity coupled to the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet, the cavity configured to separate liquid refrigerant from vapor refrigerant. During use of the HVAC system, heat from the electronics board is transferred to the refrigerant. The liquid-gas separator includes a check valve configured to inhibit flow of refrigerant into the liquid-gas separator device via the refrigerant outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2022Publication date: March 23, 2023Inventors: Brett S. CONNELL, Brett Herrmann, Aaron D. Sullivan, Terry Zeigler
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Publication number: 20230078956Abstract: The various implementations described herein include methods, devices, and systems for cooling a vehicular electronics system. In one aspect, a vehicular refrigerant system includes: (1) a refrigerant loop having a compressor configured to compress a refrigerant, a condenser configured to condense the compressed refrigerant, an expansion device configured to enable expansion of the condensed refrigerant, and a heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from a liquid coolant to the expanded refrigerant; (2) a liquid coolant loop configured to transfer heat from an electronics system via the liquid coolant; and (3) a controller configured to: (a) obtain operating data regarding the refrigerant, the liquid coolant, and/or the electronics system; and (b) adjust operation of the refrigerant loop and/or the liquid coolant loop based on the obtained operating data.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2022Publication date: March 16, 2023Inventors: Terry Zeigler, Brett S. CONNELL
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Patent number: 11512883Abstract: An HVAC system includes a refrigerant liquid-gas separator. The liquid-gas separator is thermally coupled to electronics to transfer heat away from the electronics, and assist in vaporizing liquid refrigerant. The liquid-gas separator device includes a refrigeration section configured to couple to a refrigeration loop, and electronics thermally coupled to the refrigeration section. The refrigeration section includes: (a) a refrigerant inlet configured to receive refrigerant from the refrigeration loop; (b) a refrigerant outlet configured to release vapor refrigerant to the refrigeration loop; and (c) a cavity coupled to the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet, the cavity configured to separate liquid refrigerant from vapor refrigerant. During use of the HVAC system, heat from the electronics board is transferred to the refrigerant. The liquid-gas separator includes a check valve configured to inhibit flow of refrigerant into the liquid-gas separator device via the refrigerant outlet.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2020Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: BERGSTROM, INC.Inventors: Brett S. Connell, Brett Herrmann, Aaron D. Sullivan, Terry Zeigler
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Patent number: 11479086Abstract: Disclosed are climate systems and methods for control the climate systems. A climate system includes a plurality of compressors, a first heat exchanger disposed downstream of the compressors and a second heat exchanger disposed downstream of the first heat exchanger. The compressors and heat exchangers are fluidly connected by refrigerant lines to form a refrigerant circuit. The climate system also includes a controller that controls the operation of the compressors to draw back lubricant to the compressors without use of an oil equalization system.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2020Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: BERGSTROM, INC.Inventors: Brett S. Connell, Brett Herrmann, Aaron D. Sullivan, Terry Zeigler
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Patent number: 11448441Abstract: The various implementations described herein include methods, devices, and systems for cooling a vehicular electronics system. In one aspect, a vehicular refrigerant system includes: (1) a refrigerant loop having a compressor configured to compress a refrigerant, a condenser configured to condense the compressed refrigerant, an expansion device configured to enable expansion of the condensed refrigerant, and a heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from a liquid coolant to the expanded refrigerant; (2) a liquid coolant loop configured to transfer heat from an electronics system via the liquid coolant; and (3) a controller configured to: (a) obtain operating data regarding the refrigerant, the liquid coolant, and/or the electronics system; and (b) adjust operation of the refrigerant loop and/or the liquid coolant loop based on the obtained operating data.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2018Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: BERGSTROM, INC.Inventors: Terry Zeigler, Brett S. Connell
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Publication number: 20220185071Abstract: Disclosed are climate systems for vehicles and methods for controlling the climate systems. In some implementations, a climate system includes: (1) a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature within the compartment of the vehicle; (2) a first compressor powered by an engine of the vehicle to compress a refrigerant; (3) a second compressor driven by an electric motor to compress the refrigerant; and (4) a controller electrically coupled to the first compressor and the second compressor. The controller configured to: (1) calculate a thermal load of the compartment based on a difference between a desired temperature and a measured temperature; and, (2) based on the calculated load, selectively activate: (i) the engine, (ii) the first compressor, and/or (iii) the second compressor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2021Publication date: June 16, 2022Inventors: Brett S. Connell, Aaron D. Sullivan, Brett J. Herrmann, Terry Zeigler
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Publication number: 20220088261Abstract: The various embodiments described herein include methods, devices, and systems for sanitizing a vehicle. In one aspect, a sanitizing system includes a sanitizing system housing configured to be disposed within a compartment of the vehicle, an air filtration assembly, and an ultraviolet lighting assembly. The air filtration assembly includes an air inlet and an air outlet in fluid communication with the compartment of the vehicle, an air filter, and a blower fan. The ultraviolet lighting assembly includes a UV light source, and a reflector disposed between the UV light source and the sanitizing system housing. The reflector is configured to direct UV light from the UV light source into the compartment of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2021Publication date: March 24, 2022Inventors: Terry Zeigler, Brett S. Connell, Ross Koehler
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Patent number: 11241939Abstract: Disclosed are climate systems for vehicles and methods for controlling the climate systems. In some implementations, a climate system includes: (1) a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature within the compartment of the vehicle; (2) a first compressor powered by an engine of the vehicle to compress a refrigerant; (3) a second compressor driven by an electric motor to compress the refrigerant; and (4) a controller electrically coupled to the first compressor and the second compressor. The controller configured to: (1) calculate a thermal load of the compartment based on a difference between a desired temperature and a measured temperature; and, (2) based on the calculated load, selectively activate: (i) the engine, (ii) the first compressor, and/or (iii) the second compressor.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2020Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Assignee: BERGSTROM, INC.Inventors: Brett Sean Connell, Aaron D. Sullivan, Brett J. Herrmann, Terry Zeigler
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Publication number: 20210010730Abstract: An HVAC system includes a refrigerant liquid-gas separator. The liquid-gas separator is thermally coupled to electronics to transfer heat away from the electronics, and assist in vaporizing liquid refrigerant. The liquid-gas separator device includes a refrigeration section configured to couple to a refrigeration loop, and electronics thermally coupled to the refrigeration section. The refrigeration section includes: (a) a refrigerant inlet configured to receive refrigerant from the refrigeration loop; (b) a refrigerant outlet configured to release vapor refrigerant to the refrigeration loop; and (c) a cavity coupled to the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet, the cavity configured to separate liquid refrigerant from vapor refrigerant. During use of the HVAC system, heat from the electronics board is transferred to the refrigerant. The liquid-gas separator includes a check valve configured to inhibit flow of refrigerant into the liquid-gas separator device via the refrigerant outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2020Publication date: January 14, 2021Inventors: Brett S. Connell, Brett Herrmann, Aaron D. Sullivan, Terry Zeigler
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Publication number: 20200331322Abstract: Disclosed are climate systems and methods for control the climate systems. A climate system includes a plurality of compressors, a first heat exchanger disposed downstream of the compressors and a second heat exchanger disposed downstream of the first heat exchanger. The compressors and heat exchangers are fluidly connected by refrigerant lines to form a refrigerant circuit. The climate system also includes a controller that controls the operation of the compressors to draw back lubricant to the compressors without use of an oil equalization system.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2020Publication date: October 22, 2020Inventors: Brett S. Connell, Brett Herrmann, Aaron D. Sullivan, Terry Zeigler
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Publication number: 20200298670Abstract: Disclosed are climate systems for vehicles and methods for controlling the climate systems. In some implementations, a climate system includes: (1) a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature within the compartment of the vehicle; (2) a first compressor powered by an engine of the vehicle to compress a refrigerant; (3) a second compressor driven by an electric motor to compress the refrigerant; and (4) a controller electrically coupled to the first compressor and the second compressor. The controller configured to: (1) calculate a thermal load of the compartment based on a difference between a desired temperature and a measured temperature; and, (2) based on the calculated load, selectively activate: (i) the engine, (ii) the first compressor, and/or (iii) the second compressor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2020Publication date: September 24, 2020Inventors: Brett Sean Connell, Aaron D. Sullivan, Brett J. Herrmann, Terry Zeigler
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Patent number: 10724772Abstract: An HVAC system includes a refrigerant liquid-gas separator. The liquid-gas separator is thermally coupled to electronics to transfer heat away from the electronics, and assist in vaporizing liquid refrigerant. The liquid-gas separator device includes a refrigeration section configured to couple to a refrigeration loop, and electronics thermally coupled to the refrigeration section. The refrigeration section includes: (a) a refrigerant inlet configured to receive refrigerant from the refrigeration loop; (b) a refrigerant outlet configured to release vapor refrigerant to the refrigeration loop; and (c) a cavity coupled to the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet, the cavity configured to separate liquid refrigerant from vapor refrigerant. During use of the HVAC system, heat from the electronics board is transferred to the refrigerant. The liquid-gas separator includes a check valve configured to inhibit flow of refrigerant into the liquid-gas separator device via the refrigerant outlet.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2017Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: BERGSTROM, INC.Inventors: Brett S. Connell, Brett Herrmann, Aaron D. Sullivan, Terry Zeigler
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Patent number: 10703173Abstract: Disclosed are climate systems and methods for control the climate systems. A climate system includes a plurality of compressors, a first heat exchanger disposed downstream of the compressors and a second heat exchanger disposed downstream of the first heat exchanger. The compressors and heat exchangers are fluidly connected by refrigerant lines to form a refrigerant circuit. The climate system also includes a controller that controls the operation of the compressors to draw back lubricant to the compressors without use of an oil equalization system.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2018Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: BERGSTROM, INC.Inventors: Brett S. Connell, Brett Herrmann, Aaron D. Sullivan, Terry Zeigler
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Patent number: 10675948Abstract: Disclosed are climate systems for vehicles and methods for controlling the climate systems. In some implementations, a climate system includes: (1) a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature within the compartment of the vehicle; (2) a user interface configured to receive a desired temperature from a user; (3) a first compressor powered by an engine of the vehicle to compress a refrigerant; (4) a second compressor driven by an electric motor to compress the refrigerant; and (5) a controller electrically coupled to the first compressor and the second compressor. The controller configured to: (1) calculate a thermal load of the compartment based on a difference between a desired temperature and a measured temperature; and, (2) based on the calculated load, selectively activate: (i) the engine, (ii) the first compressor, and/or (iii) the second compressor.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: BERGSTROM, INC.Inventors: Brett S. Connell, Brett Herrmann, Aaron D. Sullivan, Terry Zeigler
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Patent number: 10589598Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated compressor system configured to be integrated with existing air conditioning systems. The integrated compressor system generally includes a mounting assembly, a first compressor and a valve. The mounting assembly can be mounted directly on a condenser of an existing air conditioning system. The first compressor and the valve are mounted directly on the mounting assembly. The valve has a first valve inlet, a second valve inlet and a valve outlet. When assembly and integrated with an existing AC system, the first valve inlet is fluidly coupled to a compressor outlet of the first compressor, the second valve inlet is fluidly coupled to a compressor outlet of the compressor of existing AC system, and a valve outlet is fluidly connected to a condenser inlet of the condenser.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2016Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: BERGSTROM, INC.Inventors: Brett S. Connell, Terry Zeigler
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Patent number: 10527332Abstract: The various embodiments described herein include methods, devices, and systems for determining refrigerant charge level. In one aspect, a refrigeration system includes: (1) a compressor to compress a refrigerant; (2) a condenser disposed downstream of the compressor to condense the refrigerant; (3) an evaporator disposed downstream of the condenser to vaporize the refrigerant; (4) refrigerant lines fluidly connecting the compressor, the condenser and the evaporator in series to form a refrigerant circuit for circulating the refrigerant; (5) at least one sensor configured to measure temperature and pressure of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit; and (6) a controller communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor and configured to: (a) determine a sub-cooling level or super-heating level based on the temperature and/or pressure measured by the at least one sensor; and (b) facilitate operation of the refrigeration system based on the sub-cooling level or the super-heating level.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2017Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: Bergstrom, Inc.Inventors: Brett S. Connell, Aaron D. Sullivan, Brett J. Herrmann, Terry Zeigler
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Patent number: 10369863Abstract: The refrigerant liquid-gas separator is thermally coupled to electronics to transfer heat away from the electronics, and assist in vaporizing the liquid refrigerant. The liquid-gas separator device includes a refrigeration section configured to couple to a refrigeration loop, and an electronics board thermally coupled to the refrigeration section. The refrigeration section includes: (a) a refrigerant inlet configured to receive refrigerant from the refrigeration loop; (b) a refrigerant outlet configured to release vapor refrigerant to the refrigeration loop; and (c) a cavity coupled to the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet, the cavity configured to separate liquid refrigerant from vapor refrigerant. In use, heat from the electronics board is transferred to the refrigerant.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2016Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: Bergstrom, Inc.Inventors: Brett S. Connell, Brett Herrmann, Aaron D. Sullivan, Terry Zeigler
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Publication number: 20190030984Abstract: The various implementations described herein include methods, devices, and systems for cooling a vehicular electronics system. In one aspect, a vehicular refrigerant system includes: (1) a refrigerant loop having a compressor configured to compress a refrigerant, a condenser configured to condense the compressed refrigerant, an expansion device configured to enable expansion of the condensed refrigerant, and a heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from a liquid coolant to the expanded refrigerant; (2) a liquid coolant loop configured to transfer heat from an electronics system via the liquid coolant; and (3) a controller configured to: (a) obtain operating data regarding the refrigerant, the liquid coolant, and/or the electronics system; and (b) adjust operation of the refrigerant loop and/or the liquid coolant loop based on the obtained operating data.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2018Publication date: January 31, 2019Inventors: Terry Zeigler, Brett S. Connell