Patents by Inventor Thomas P. Buescher

Thomas P. Buescher 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).

  • Publication number: 20240060322
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of self-configuring ignition controls or control modules (e.g., 120V/240V automatic self-configuring combined ignition and pool control for gas fired pool heating equipment, etc.).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2023
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Inventors: Thomas P. BUESCHER, John F. BROKER, Donald R. SHAW, III
  • Publication number: 20230411094
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are disclosed that include multi-voltage contactors, controls, and related methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: Thomas P. BUESCHER, Gregory E. SISK, Vincent P. FARGO, Randy T. RUIZ, Bradley C. ZIKES
  • Publication number: 20230366596
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to controls and related methods for mitigating liquid (e.g., compressor refrigerant, etc.) migration and/or floodback.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2023
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Inventors: Thomas P. BUESCHER, Gregory E. SISK, Charles P. KETTERER, Frank S. WALLIS
  • Patent number: 11768019
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to controls and related methods for mitigating liquid (e.g., compressor refrigerant, etc.) migration and/or floodback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Copeland Comfort Control LP
    Inventors: Thomas P. Buescher, Gregory E. Sisk, Charles P. Ketterer, Frank S. Wallis
  • Patent number: 11764014
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are disclosed that include multi-voltage contactors, controls, and related methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Copeland Comfort Control LP
    Inventors: Thomas P. Buescher, Greg Sisk, Vince Fargo, Randy T. Ruiz, Bradley C. Zikes
  • Publication number: 20230213582
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of contactors with data-based preventive maintenance replacement indicators and related methods for indicating that relay contact(s) should be replaced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2022
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Inventor: Thomas P. BUESCHER
  • Publication number: 20230152140
    Abstract: A system for externally monitoring a tank level is provided. The system includes a tank monitoring computer device and at least one sensor array. The at least one sensor array includes a plurality of sensors and a plurality of fasteners. The at least one sensor array is configured to be attached to a tank by the plurality of fasteners. The tank monitoring computer device is in communication with the at least one sensor array. The tank monitoring computer device is programmed to a) receive a plurality of sensor readings from the plurality of sensors associated with the at least one sensor array, b) calculate a first tank level using a first method, c) calculate a second tank level using a second method, d) compare the first tank level to the second tank level to determine a final tank level, and e) report the final tank level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2021
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventors: Jeffrey N. Arensmeier, Thomas P. Buescher
  • Patent number: 11402128
    Abstract: A processor for a controller of a water heater is configured to receive water heater control parameters and an output from a sensor indicating a measured temperature of water in the water heater. The processor is also configured to determine whether to enter an anti-stacking control mode or to enter a demand anticipation control mode. In the anti-stacking control mode the processor is configured to initiate a call for heat when the measured temperature reaches a trigger temperature, calculate a burner on delay value and set a second timer with the calculated value, and calculate a reduced activation time. In the demand anticipation control mode the processor is configured to increase the variable offset based on a frequency of the demand anticipation control mode being activated, initiate a call for heat, and control, based on the reduced activation time or the increased offset value, the burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: SIT MANUFACTURING N.A. S.A. DE C.V.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Buescher, Daniel L. Furmanek, John E. Kopp
  • Patent number: 11371752
    Abstract: A system and method of operating a water heater controller that includes a powered vent electronic control circuit including a controller configured to control an operation of heating device having a powered draft inducer, a gas valve assembly configured to control a flow of a fuel gas to a burner of a heating device, and a switch assembly including a switch in each leg of a plurality of legs of a power supply to the gas valve assembly, the switch assembly configured to supply power and a return to the gas valve assembly in a first position and to open the plurality of legs of the power supply to the gas valve assembly in a second position, the switch assembly configured to indicate a position of the switch assembly to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Thomas P. Buescher
  • Patent number: 11371751
    Abstract: A system and method of operating a gas fuel valve control circuit are disclosed. The gas valve control circuit includes a gas valve assembly configured to control a flow of a fuel gas to a load and a switch assembly including a switch in each leg of a plurality of legs of a power supply to the gas valve assembly. The switch assembly is configured to supply power and a return to the gas valve assembly in a first position and to open the plurality of legs of the power supply to the gas valve assembly in a second position. The switch assembly is configured to indicate a position of the switch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Thomas P. Buescher
  • Patent number: 11306954
    Abstract: A valve system includes a motor, a first valve, a second valve, and a controller. The first valve is connected to the motor shaft and is rotatable to an open position, in which fluid flows through a first channel, and a close position, in which fluid is prevented from flowing through the first channel. The second valve is connected to the motor shaft and is rotatable to an open position, in which fluid flows through a second channel from a first end to a second end, and to a close position, in which fluid is prevented from flowing through the second channel. The controller is connected to the motor and can sequentially actuate the first valve and the second valve to create at least a first, second, third, and fourth position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Jeffrey N. Arensmeier, Jacob Harris, Thomas P. Buescher, John M. Bronson, Gregory E. Sisk, Christina M. Gillam
  • Publication number: 20210333026
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to controls and related methods for mitigating liquid (e.g., compressor refrigerant, etc.) migration and/or floodback.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas P. BUESCHER, Gregory E. SISK, Charles P. KETTERER, Frank S. WALLIS
  • Patent number: 11098898
    Abstract: An automatic pilot lighting system for unattended automatic lighting of a standing pilot may include a powered (e.g., battery powered, etc.) circuit. The powered circuit may include an analog timer circuit including a timer switch. A spark ignitor may be coupled with the timer switch. A temperature knob pilot momentary switch may be coupled with the timer switch. An ON/OFF switch may be coupled with the temperature knob pilot momentary switch and the timer switch. The ON/OFF switch may be configured to be operable for selectively disabling and enabling a power source. The analog timer circuit may be configured to be selectively activatable for applying voltage from the power source via the ON/OFF switch for pilot hold voltage and spark ignition for an amount of time sufficient to allow for unattended automatic lighting of the standing pilot and sufficient voltage generation to support standalone operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: EMERSON ELECTRIC CO.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Buescher, Daniel L. Furmanek, Ryan Jensen
  • Publication number: 20210254875
    Abstract: A valve system includes a motor, a first valve, a second valve, and a controller. The first valve is connected to the motor shaft and is rotatable to an open position, in which fluid flows through a first channel, and a close position, in which fluid is prevented from flowing through the first channel. The second valve is connected to the motor shaft and is rotatable to an open position, in which fluid flows through a second channel from a first end to a second end, and to a close position, in which fluid is prevented from flowing through the second channel. The controller is connected to the motor and can sequentially actuate the first valve and the second valve to create at least a first, second, third, and fourth position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2020
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Inventors: Jeffrey N. Arensmeier, Jacob Harris, Thomas P. Buescher, John M. Bronson, Gregory E. Sisk, Christina M. Gilliam
  • Publication number: 20210095892
    Abstract: A processor for a controller of a water heater is configured to receive water heater control parameters and an output from a sensor indicating a measured temperature of water in the water heater. The processor is also configured to determine whether to enter an anti-stacking control mode or to enter a demand anticipation control mode. In the anti-stacking control mode the processor is configured to initiate a call for heat when the measured temperature reaches a trigger temperature, calculate a burner on delay value and set a second timer with the calculated value, and calculate a reduced activation time. In the demand anticipation control mode the processor is configured to increase the variable offset based on a frequency of the demand anticipation control mode being activated, initiate a call for heat, and control, based on the reduced activation time or the increased offset value, the burner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas P. Buescher, Daniel L. Furmanek, John E. Kopp
  • Publication number: 20200191440
    Abstract: A system and method of operating a gas fuel valve control circuit are disclosed. The gas valve control circuit includes a gas valve assembly configured to control a flow of a fuel gas to a load and a switch assembly including a switch in each leg of a plurality of legs of a power supply to the gas valve assembly. The switch assembly is configured to supply power and a return to the gas valve assembly in a first position and to open the plurality of legs of the power supply to the gas valve assembly in a second position. The switch assembly is configured to indicate a position of the switch assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventor: Thomas P. Buescher
  • Publication number: 20200191441
    Abstract: A system and method of operating a water heater controller that includes a powered vent electronic control circuit including a controller configured to control an operation of heating device having a powered draft inducer, a gas valve assembly configured to control a flow of a fuel gas to a burner of a heating device, and a switch assembly including a switch in each leg of a plurality of legs of a power supply to the gas valve assembly, the switch assembly configured to supply power and a return to the gas valve assembly in a first position and to open the plurality of legs of the power supply to the gas valve assembly in a second position, the switch assembly configured to indicate a position of the switch assembly to the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventor: Thomas P. Buescher
  • Publication number: 20200194205
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are disclosed that include multi-voltage contactors, controls, and related methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas P. Buescher, Greg Sisk, Vince Fargo, Randy T. Ruiz, Bradley C. Zikes
  • Patent number: 10655891
    Abstract: A system and method of operating a gas fuel valve control circuit are disclosed. The gas valve control circuit includes a gas valve assembly configured to control a flow of a fuel gas to a load and a switch assembly including a switch in each leg of a plurality of legs of a power supply to the gas valve assembly. The switch assembly is configured to supply power and a return to the gas valve assembly in a first position and to open the plurality of legs of the power supply to the gas valve assembly in a second position. The switch assembly is configured to indicate a position of the switch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Thomas P. Buescher
  • Publication number: 20200103110
    Abstract: An automatic pilot lighting system for unattended automatic lighting of a standing pilot may include a powered (e.g., battery powered, etc.) circuit. The powered circuit may include an analog timer circuit including a timer switch. A spark ignitor may be coupled with the timer switch. A temperature knob pilot momentary switch may be coupled with the timer switch. An ON/OFF switch may be coupled with the temperature knob pilot momentary switch and the timer switch. The ON/OFF switch may be configured to be operable for selectively disabling and enabling a power source. The analog timer circuit may be configured to be selectively activatable for applying voltage from the power source via the ON/OFF switch for pilot hold voltage and spark ignition for an amount of time sufficient to allow for unattended automatic lighting of the standing pilot and sufficient voltage generation to support standalone operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Thomas P. BUESCHER, Daniel L. FURMANEK, Ryan JENSEN