Patents by Inventor William Louis Mehlhorn
William Louis Mehlhorn 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: 10544962Abstract: A storage-type water heater including a tank for supporting water to be heated, a first heating element, a first relay connected to the first heating element, a second heating element, a second relay connected to the second heating element, and a controller for selectively operating the first relay and the second relay. The controller includes instructions for selecting a mode from at least, a no-sequencing mode, wherein the first relay and the second relay are operated concurrently, and a sequencing mode, wherein the first relay and the second relay are operated sequentially. The controller also operates the first relay to supply power to the first heating element, and operates the second relay to supply power to the second heating element, based on the selected mode.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2016Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: AOS HOLDING COMPANYInventors: Andrew Robert Caves, Andrew William Phillips, Brian Thomas Branecky, William Louis Mehlhorn, Thomas G. Van Sistine, Robert Eugene Olson, Zhongsheng Niu
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Publication number: 20160348944Abstract: A storage-type water heater including a tank for supporting water to be heated, a first heating element, a first relay connected to the first heating element, a second heating element, a second relay connected to the second heating element, and a controller for selectively operating the first relay and the second relay. The controller includes instructions for selecting a mode from at least, a no-sequencing mode, wherein the first relay and the second relay are operated concurrently, and a sequencing mode, wherein the first relay and the second relay are operated sequentially. The controller also operates the first relay to supply power to the first heating element, and operates the second relay to supply power to the second heating element, based on the selected mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2016Publication date: December 1, 2016Inventors: Andrew Robert Caves, Andrew William Phillips, Brian Thomas Branecky, William Louis Mehlhorn, Thomas G. Van Sistine, Robert Eugene Olson, Zhongsheng Niu
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Patent number: 9435565Abstract: A storage-type water heater includes a tank for supporting water to be heated, a first heating bank including a first heating surface disposed within the tank, a first contactor connected to the first heating bank, a second heating bank including a second heating surface disposed within the tank, a second contactor connected to the second heating bank, and a controller for selectively operating the first contactor and the second contactor.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2008Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: AOS HOLDING COMPANYInventors: Andrew Robert Caves, Andrew William Phillips, Brian Thomas Branecky, William Louis Mehlhorn, Thomas G. Van Sistine, Robert Eugene Olson, Zhongsheng Niu
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Patent number: 8360736Abstract: A method of controlling a motor operating a pumping apparatus of a system includes determining a trip value for a parameter, floating the trip value, and monitoring the operation of the pump. Monitoring the operation of the pump includes determining a value for the parameter, comparing the value to the trip value, and determining whether the comparison indicates a condition of the pump. The method of controlling the motor also includes controlling the motor to operate the pump based on the condition of the pump.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Regal Beloit EPC Inc.Inventors: Brian Thomas Branecky, William Louis Mehlhorn
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Patent number: 8353678Abstract: A method of controlling a motor operating a pumping apparatus of a fluid-pumping application. The pumping apparatus includes a pump having an inlet to receive a fluid and an outlet to exhaust the fluid, and the motor coupled to the pump to operate the pump. The method includes the acts of controlling the motor to operate the pump and monitoring the operation of the pump. The monitoring act includes monitoring a power of the motor, and determining whether the monitored power indicates an undesired flow of fluid through the pump. The method further includes the act of controlling the motor to cease operation of the pump when the determination indicates an undesired flow of fluid through the pump and zero or more other conditions exist.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2009Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Regal Beloit EPC Inc.Inventors: William Louis Mehlhorn, Andrew William Phillips
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Patent number: 8282361Abstract: A method of controlling a motor operating a pumping apparatus of a fluid-pumping application. The pumping apparatus includes a pump having an inlet to receive a fluid and an outlet to exhaust the fluid, and the motor coupled to the pump to operate the pump. The method includes the acts of controlling the motor to operate the pump and monitoring the operation of the pump. The monitoring act includes monitoring a power of the motor, and determining whether the monitored power indicates an undesired flow of fluid through the pump. The method further includes the act of controlling the motor to cease operation of the pump when the determination indicates an undesired flow of fluid through the pump and zero or more other conditions exist.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2009Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Regal Beloit EPC Inc.Inventors: William Louis Mehlhorn, Andrew William Phillips
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Patent number: 8177520Abstract: A method of controlling a motor operating a pumping apparatus of a fluid-pumping application. The pumping apparatus includes a pump having an inlet to receive a fluid and an outlet to exhaust the fluid, and the motor coupled to the pump to operate the pump. The method includes the acts of controlling the motor to operate the pump and monitoring the operation of the pump. The monitoring act includes monitoring a power of the motor, and determining whether the monitored power indicates an undesired flow of fluid through the pump. The method further includes the act of controlling the motor to cease operation of the pump when the determination indicates an undesired flow of fluid through the pump and zero or more other conditions exist.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2005Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Regal Beloit EPC Inc.Inventors: William Louis Mehlhorn, Andrew William Phillips
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Publication number: 20110002792Abstract: A pumping apparatus for a jetted-fluid system includes a pump having an inlet connectable to the drain, and an outlet connectable to the return. The pump is adapted to receive the fluid from the drain and jet fluid through the return. The pumping apparatus includes a motor coupled to the pump to operate the pump, a sensor connectable to the power source and configured to generate a signal having a relation to a parameter of the motor, and a switch coupled to the motor and configured to control at least a characteristic of the motor. The pumping apparatus also includes a microcontroller coupled to the sensor and the switch. The microcontroller is configured to generate a derivative value based on the signal, and to control the motor based on the derivative value.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2010Publication date: January 6, 2011Inventors: Ronald P. Bartos, Brian T. Branecky, Howard Richardson, William Louis Mehlhorn, Andrew William Phillips
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Publication number: 20100232981Abstract: A method of controlling a motor operating a pumping apparatus of a system includes determining a trip value for a parameter, floating the trip value, and monitoring the operation of the pump. Monitoring the operation of the pump includes determining a value for the parameter, comparing the value to the trip value, and determining whether the comparison indicates a condition of the pump. The method of controlling the motor also includes controlling the motor to operate the pump based on the condition of the pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2010Publication date: September 16, 2010Inventors: Brian Thomas Branecky, William Louis Mehlhorn
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Publication number: 20100155386Abstract: A storage-type water heater includes a tank for supporting water to be heated, a first heating bank including a first heating surface disposed within the tank, a first contactor connected to the first heating bank, a second heating bank including a second heating surface disposed within the tank, a second contactor connected to the second heating bank, and a controller for selectively operating the first contactor and the second contactor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2008Publication date: June 24, 2010Inventors: Andrew Robert Caves, Andrew William Phillips, Brian Thomas Branecky, William Louis Mehlhorn, Thomas G. Van Sistine, Robert Eugene Olson, Zhongsheng Niu
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Patent number: 7690897Abstract: A method of controlling a motor operating a pumping apparatus of a system includes determining a trip value for a parameter, floating the trip value, and monitoring the operation of the pump. Monitoring the operation of the pump includes determining a value for the parameter, comparing the value to the trip value, and determining whether the comparison indicates a condition of the pump. The method of controlling the motor also includes controlling the motor to operate the pump based on the condition of the pump.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: A.O. Smith CorporationInventors: Brian Thomas Branecky, William Louis Mehlhorn
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Publication number: 20090290991Abstract: A method of controlling a motor operating a pumping apparatus of a fluid-pumping application. The pumping apparatus includes a pump having an inlet to receive a fluid and an outlet to exhaust the fluid, and the motor coupled to the pump to operate the pump. The method includes the acts of controlling the motor to operate the pump and monitoring the operation of the pump. The monitoring act includes monitoring a power of the motor, and determining whether the monitored power indicates an undesired flow of fluid through the pump. The method further includes the act of controlling the motor to cease operation of the pump when the determination indicates an undesired flow of fluid through the pump and zero or more other conditions exist.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2009Publication date: November 26, 2009Inventors: William Louis Mehlhorn, Andrew William Phillips
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Publication number: 20090290989Abstract: A method of controlling a motor operating a pumping apparatus of a fluid-pumping application. The pumping apparatus includes a pump having an inlet to receive a fluid and an outlet to exhaust the fluid, and the motor coupled to the pump to operate the pump. The method includes the acts of controlling the motor to operate the pump and monitoring the operation of the pump. The monitoring act includes monitoring a power of the motor, and determining whether the monitored power indicates an undesired flow of fluid through the pump. The method further includes the act of controlling the motor to cease operation of the pump when the determination indicates an undesired flow of fluid through the pump and zero or more other conditions exist.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2009Publication date: November 26, 2009Inventors: William Louis Mehlhorn, Andrew William Phillips
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Patent number: 7508156Abstract: A controller and a motor assembly having a controller. The controller includes a first switch assembly in a series configuration with the motor, where the first switch assembly has a first transistor, a second switch assembly in a parallel configuration with the motor, where the second switch assembly has a second transistor, and a control circuit electrically connected to the first transistor and to the second transistor to control the first switch assembly and the second switch assembly to provide a chopped voltage to a motor.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2006Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: A. O. Smith CorporationInventor: William Louis Mehlhorn
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Publication number: 20090061367Abstract: A gas-fired appliance is disclosed that includes a gas valve powered by a power source. A plurality of switching units, each responsive to a condition of the appliance, are arranged in series between the gas valve and the power source. Each switching unit includes an emitter, such as an emitter of an optocoupler, that is used to monitor the opened or closed status of a switch in the switching unit. When at least one switch opens, power to the gas valve is reduced preventing the gas valve from operating. However, because this reduced power is provided to each subsequent switching unit, each optocoupler can be monitored regardless of the opened or closed status of previous switching units. As such, one or more open switches can be detected simulataneously.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Inventors: Andrew Robert Caves, Andrew William Phillips, Brian Thomas Branecky, William Louis Mehlhorn, Thomas Gerard Van Sistine, John Matthew Schulz
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Publication number: 20090061368Abstract: An appliance is disclosed that includes an electrically operated load such as a gas-fired appliance having an electrically operated gas valve. A current sensing circuit is configured to sense the current provided to the load. Based upon this sensed current, it is determined whether the load is energized. Methods are also disclosed for monitoring the status of a current sensing circuit to determine the actual operating state of the load.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Inventors: Andrew Robert Caves, Andrew William Phillips, Brian Thomas Branecky, William Louis Mehlhorn, Thomas Gerard Van Sistine, John Matthew Schulz
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Publication number: 20080095640Abstract: A method of controlling a motor operating a pumping apparatus of a system includes determining a trip value for a parameter, floating the trip value, and monitoring the operation of the pump. Monitoring the operation of the pump includes determining a value for the parameter, comparing the value to the trip value, and determining whether the comparison indicates a condition of the pump. The method of controlling the motor also includes controlling the motor to operate the pump based on the condition of the pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2006Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: A.O. SMITH CORPORATIONInventors: Brian Thomas Branecky, William Louis Mehlhorn
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Publication number: 20070230926Abstract: A controller and a motor assembly having a controller. The controller includes a first switch assembly in a series configuration with the motor, where the first switch assembly has a first transistor, a second switch assembly in a parallel configuration with the motor, where the second switch assembly has a second transistor, and a control circuit electrically connected to the first transistor and to the second transistor to control the first switch assembly and the second switch assembly to provide a chopped voltage to a motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2006Publication date: October 4, 2007Applicant: A.O. SMITH CORPORATIONInventor: William Louis Mehlhorn
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Patent number: 7259487Abstract: An electric machine having a stator assembly that includes a stator core and a coil supported by the stator core and a rotor assembly that includes a shaft and a rotor supported by the shaft that is in magnetic interaction with the stator core. The electric machine may include a single sensor configured to detect magnetic polarities of the rotor as the rotor rotates relative to the sensor and to generate a signal representing the detected magnetic polarities of the rotor. The signal and an inverted version of the signal are utilized to control current through the coil. The current may be controlled indirectly by controlling the application of voltage to the coil. The sensor may be encapsulated on a circuit board to positively position the sensor relative to the circuit board. The circuit board may be mounted to a bearing housing of the electric machine. The sensor may be received in a pocket of a bearing housing of the electric machine so the sensor is positively positioned relative to the rotor.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2005Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: A.O. Smith CorporationInventors: Paul Steven Mullin, Albert Keith Pant, Dan Mircea Ionel, Brian Thomas Branecky, William Louis Mehlhorn, Alan Edward Lesak, Anthony Joseph Coloma
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Patent number: 7045979Abstract: An electric machine assembly having an electric machine. The electric machine can include a first speed circuit and a second speed circuit. In some constructions, both speed circuits can be of a permanent split capacitor design. At least one of the speed circuits can include a switch that is controlled by the controller to limit current through an auxiliary circuit of the unused speed circuit when certain conditions exist.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2004Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: A.O. Smith CorporationInventors: William Louis Mehlhorn, William James Watkins, Jevon Darvell Reynolds