With Indicator Or Alarm Patents (Class 236/94)
  • Patent number: 11940189
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) system include a supply damper, a return damper, and a defrost damper which are operable to control a supply airflow, a return airflow, and a defrost airflow to flow between a supply duct, a return duct, and an indoor heat exchanger without substantially flowing into and substantially cooling an indoor space. A reheat coil may also warm the supply air flow and a defrost return line may be used to bypass a bi-flow expansion device and an indoor heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Goodman Manufacturing Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael F. Taras, David L. Boyea
  • Patent number: 11920968
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for ascertaining and billing for a volume of air generated by an air-conveying device. The air quantity ascertaining and billing apparatus has an air-conveying device generating an air volume flow through an air passage. A measuring device measures air-related parameters of the particular air volume flow. An analysis unit analyzes the measured parameters, in order to determine the total air volume that was conveyed by the air conveying device through the air passage over a period. A transfer device transfers the value determined for the air volume by the analysis unit to a validation device. The validation device links the air volume flow or the determined air volume to an economic value, in order to obtain a billing value for the generated air volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: ebm-papst Mulfingen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Thomas Sauer
  • Patent number: 11924001
    Abstract: A system for adapting a water softener for wireless communication is disclosed. In some embodiments, a system for adapting a water softener with a serial communication port for communication with a user via a remote server, an internet connection, and internet enabled device is provided, the system comprising: a wireless gateway device connected to a router; and a wireless adapter connected to the serial communication port, comprising: a gateway node; a transceiver; and a processor programmed to: establish a wireless connection with the wireless gateway; receive a first message from the water softener; cause the gateway node to modify the first message; cause the first modified message to be transmitted to the remote server via the wireless gateway; receive a second message from the remote server; modify the second message for output to the water softener; and transmit the second modified message to the water softener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: PENTAIR RESIDENTIAL FILTRATION, LLC
    Inventors: Hassan Khalid, Micheal Pasche, Brian Broga, Robert Westphal, Brian Boothe
  • Patent number: 11913659
    Abstract: A computer system provides a method for analyzing various parameters, variables and/or conditions associated with the operation of HVAC systems. Some example computer systems display a coordinate system with multiple graphs of variables and conditions having disparate units of measure, such as degrees Centigrade, percent, ppm, on/off, etc. In some examples, variables and conditions with similar units of measure are grouped together. The groups of similar units are plotted along different segments of the coordinate system's y-axis. The segments and their respective graphs of similar units are distributed vertically, one above the other. All of the graphs, however, share a common x-axis, which is labeled in units of time. This makes it easier to visually compare multiple, disparate variables and conditions at particular points in time. When an HVAC related problem occurs, the visual comparisons can help identify the problem and its source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Foong Yeen Chan, Zhongshengyun Gao, Prabhat Ranjan, Bhavesh Gupta, Gutha Stalin Sanghamitra, Ashu Rawat
  • Patent number: 11898765
    Abstract: A programmable thermostat usable to program their thermostat in a more intuitive manner using the fewer commands. The programmable thermostat provides a simplified level of programming that is intuitive and quick, based on a common set of settings, such as a nighttime setback programming that automatically adjusts the thermostat setpoint down in the evening and resetting the setpoint up in the morning, and a “five and two” programming reflecting the normal five-day work week and two-day weekend, as well as four events per day during the work week but only two events during the two weekend days. By compromising infinite flexibility and customization of programming for the efficiency of assuming that the most common settings are sufficient for most users, and these most common settings can be accomplished with a greatly reduced set of intuitive commands, making it easier for users to making use of thermostat programming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Warmboard, Inc.
    Inventor: Terry Wayne Alsberg
  • Patent number: 11867396
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to create a device for indicating the status of a gas burner, which device functions independently of the circumstances of the specific gas burner design and arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Inventor: Barbara Happe
  • Patent number: 11859429
    Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator. While a user is holding an object in both hands, a door may be automatically and additionally opened using another part of a body other than hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jaehoon Shin, Myoungju Kang, Dongjeong Kim
  • Patent number: 11808442
    Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to induction systems for wirelessly transmitting electricity. Specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods and systems for wirelessly transmitting electricity to a light incorporated within, for example, a spa. In some embodiments, the systems include at least one pair of induction coils (e.g., receiving and transmitting coils) incorporated into a selectively removable spa seatback. The at least one pair of induction coils can be used to wirelessly transmit electricity to a light disposed within the selectively removable spa seatback. In some embodiments, a converter is incorporated into the system to adjust at least one characteristic of the light, such as brightness, color, and/or a lighting pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Bullfrog International, LC
    Inventors: Todd Anderson, Eric Hales, Michael Andersen
  • Patent number: 11802711
    Abstract: Each of plurality of personal terminals is configured to acquire first data indicating a result of inputting whether a possessor is comfortable, second data indicating a terminal location, and third data indicating a temperature at the terminal location. An information processing device includes a first learning unit to classify the plurality of personal terminals into a plurality of classes based on the first to third data transmitted from the plurality of personal terminals, a storage unit to store a plurality of control details each associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of classes into which the first learning unit classifies the plurality of personal terminals, and a control unit to read, from the storage unit, a control detail associated with a class into which a personal terminal detected in an air conditioning target space is classified among the plurality of classes and control an air conditioning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Yasushi Sato, Takanori Kyoya
  • Patent number: 11796248
    Abstract: A refrigerator appliance assembly includes a cabinet having at least one chamber for receipt of an item, a door permitting access to the at least one chamber, a temperature port within the at least one chamber, and a temperature probe communicatively coupled with the temperature port. The temperature probe is configured to generate one or more first temperature signals representative of an actual temperature of at least one of the item or the at least one chamber. The refrigerator appliance also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the temperature probe. Thus, upon receipt of the one or more first temperature signals, the controller determines the actual temperature of at least one of the item or the at least one chamber. Further, the refrigerator appliance also includes a user interface communicatively coupled to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Yang AiSong, Timothy David Kaiser
  • Patent number: 11796202
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring ventilation effects in one or more locations are described herein. In various embodiments, a server computer 120 tracks CO2 level changes measured for a plurality of locations over a plurality of intervals of time over a plurality of days. When the server computer 120 receives data indicating performance of a ventilation action at a particular location and time, the system tracks changes in CO2 levels to determine whether the device is operating optimally and, if the device is not operating optimally, sends a notification to a client computing device. Using tracked CO2 level changes, the server computer 120 may identify ventilation actions to perform at different points in time and send instructions to a ventilation system which, when executed, cause performance of the ventilation actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: EnerAllies, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Maruyama, Robert S. Keil
  • Patent number: 11766914
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for controlling a temperature of a computer disposed in an enclosed compartment of a vehicle. The system includes at least one temperature sensor associated with the computer, the at least one temperature sensor for providing temperature data in connection with the computer to a control module; at least one air vent provided in a surface of the enclosed compartment, wherein the at least one air vent is positioned to direct air flow to a designated area of the computer; an air conditioning system for generating air at an air temperature specified by the control module based at least in part on the temperature data provided by the at least one temperature sensor; and at least one duct for conducting the air generated by the air conditioning system into the enclosed compartment via the at least one vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: GM CRUISE HOLDINGS LLC
    Inventor: David Lee Hyatt
  • Patent number: 11708991
    Abstract: An HVAC controller is configured to automatically change between a HEAT mode and a COOL mode in accordance with a sensed temperature in the building structure, a HEAT temperature set point and a COOL temperature set point. The user is allowed to adjust the HEAT temperature set point and the COOL temperature set point, with the HVAC controller automatically adjusting one of the set points in response to the user making a change to the other of the other of the set points that violates a minimum deadband. If the user readjusts the user-adjusted set point in a way that no longer violates the minimum deadband, the HVAC controller will adjust the other set point back towards its previous setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Ademco Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Heintzelman, Christopher R. Jones, Joseph Carlos Vargas
  • Patent number: 11702155
    Abstract: A kingpin assembly includes a housing having a recess located therein, a kingpin having at least a portion located within the recess of the housing, wherein the kingpin is secured within the recess of the housing, and wherein the kingpin includes an axis extending along a length of the kingpin, and a sensor arrangement configured to sense a force exerted on the kingpin in a first direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: SAF-Holland, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy L. Schutt, Ahmad Nizam Mohamad Jembari, Gerald Hungerink
  • Patent number: 11691475
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle air conditioner and methods of operating a recreational vehicle air conditioner are provided. The recreational vehicle air conditioner may be configured for, and the method may include, receiving a mode selection input comprising one of a thermostat mode and a direct control mode. The recreational vehicle air conditioner may further be configured for, and the method may further include, operating the recreational vehicle air conditioner independently of an external display device when the mode selection input is thermostat mode and operating the recreational vehicle air conditioner in response to one or more commands from the external display device when the mode selection input is direct control mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Dustin Henderson, Tal Abraham Ohayon
  • Patent number: 11686493
    Abstract: In some examples, a device can control one or more heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) components within a building and control a digital user interface. The device includes a dial, the digital user interface, and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to scroll, in response to detecting a set of user inputs to one or both of the digital user interface and the dial, through a sequence of carousel screens for display on the digital user interface and display, on the digital user interface after a period of time following a most recent user input of the set of user inputs, a default carousel screen of the sequence of carousel screens. Additionally, the processing circuitry is configured to display, on the digital user interface, an idle screen corresponding to the default carousel screen of the sequence of carousel screens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Ademco Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher R. Jones, Jaymeson Tucker
  • Patent number: 11654748
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a system and method for displaying an indicator when temperature and fan adjustments occur which may cause passengers potential discomfort. Discomfort may be caused by deviations of expected air temperature, fan speed, or both. For example, when a desired temperature is set to seventy-two degrees Fahrenheit (72° F.), colder air at sixty degrees Fahrenheit (60° F.) may be used to bring down the temperature within the vehicle which may be at ninety degrees Fahrenheit (90° F.). The temperature difference between the desired temperature of seventy-two degrees Fahrenheit (72° F.) and the incoming air at sixty degrees Fahrenheit (60° F.) may be above a threshold comfort level, such as two degrees Fahrenheit (2° F.). When this happens, the system may provide the indicator to the passengers. Indicators for a fan speed may also be shown when discomfort may exist. Through these indicators, the passengers may recognize that the threshold for comfort has been exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Stuart M. Yamamoto, Alen Khoduzadeh
  • Patent number: 11644207
    Abstract: A thermostat for a building zone includes at least one of a model predictive controller and an equipment controller. The model predictive controller is configured to obtain a cost function that accounts for a cost of operating HVAC equipment during each of a plurality of time steps, use a predictive model to predict a temperature of the building zone during each of the plurality of time steps, and generate temperature setpoints for the building zone for each of the plurality of time steps by optimizing the cost function subject to a constraint on the predicted temperature. The equipment controller is configured to receive the temperature setpoints generated by the model predictive controller and drive the temperature of the building zone toward the temperature setpoints during each of the plurality of time steps by operating the HVAC equipment to provide heating or cooling to the building zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP
    Inventors: Robert D. Turney, Matthew J. Ellis, Michael J. Wenzel, Mohammad N. Elbsat, Juan Esteban Tapiero Bernal, Brennan H. Fentzlaff
  • Patent number: 11644206
    Abstract: An HVAC system includes a heating element, a discharge air temperature sensor, and a return air temperature sensor. A controller of the HVAC system determines that the HVAC system has been operating in the heating mode for at least a predefined amount of time. The controller receives measurements of the discharge air temperature and the return air temperature. A temperature rise value is determined using the discharge air temperature and return air temperature. If the temperature rise value is less than a predefined minimum threshold value, the controller determines that a first fault of the HVAC system is detected and provides a corresponding alert. If the temperature rise value is greater than a predefined maximum threshold value, the controller determines that a second fault of the HVAC system is detected and provides a corresponding alert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Payam Delgoshaei, Glenn W. Kowald, Eric Berg
  • Patent number: 11639806
    Abstract: Various embodiments of smart thermostats are presented herein. A smart thermostat can include a thermostat housing defining a rounded front aperture and having a sidewall. The smart thermostat can include a capacitive touch strip that senses a plurality of gestures. The smart thermostat can include an electronic display. The electronic display may be caused to display icons arranged in a graphical arc. The smart thermostat may include a reflective cover positioned such that the electronic display is viewed through the reflective cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Ranhee Chung, Dongkyu Lee, Sung Kyun Bai, Maj Isabelle Olsson, Andrew William Goldenson, Justin Wodrich, William Dong, Sathya Kurcharlapati, Eyal Ron, Prathik Muppidi
  • Patent number: 11590822
    Abstract: A mechanism is provided for controlling the internal air-quality of a vehicle, including configuring a control policy that controls an internal air-quality of a vehicle and performing an action dictated by the control policy according to a window status of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ning Duan, Jing Chang Huang, Peng Ji, Chun Yang Ma, Zhi Hu Wang, Renjie Yao
  • Patent number: 11554225
    Abstract: A heating element assembly for a vaporizing apparatus can include a housing, a heating element disposed within the housing, a magnetic connector, and a spacing member. The housing can comprise an outer wall defining an inner bore and a base portion disposed within the inner bore, the base portion defining an upper well portion and a lower well portion. The upper well portion can receive at least a portion of a therapeutic agent container. The heating element can increase in temperature when a current is applied. The magnetic connector can be disposed at least partially within the housing and coupled to the heating element. The spacing member can be disposed between the heating element and the magnetic connector. The magnetic connector can be configured to couple an electric power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Scope and Stack LLC
    Inventor: Adam Barreto
  • Patent number: 11549684
    Abstract: A controller for managing communication of a burner system. The controller may comprise a communication module to manage the exchange of messages between devices of the burner system. The controller may also incorporate a processing module to compose the messages that are exchanged between the devices, identify issues regarding the messages, determine that devices may not be operating properly, and lock-out the devices in response. The controller may also incorporate a timing module having a set of timing requirements and being configured to lock-out devices in response to violation of a timing requirement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Pavel Kejik
  • Patent number: 11524551
    Abstract: An abnormality diagnosis device that performs an abnormality diagnosis on a blower system that sends air to a plurality of air receiving objects obtains a target operating state of an airflow control device that controls airflow to the air receiving objects, obtains a temperature detected by a temperature sensor that detects a first temperature as a temperature of air fed to a first air receiving object as one of the air receiving objects or a temperature of the first air receiving object, estimates the first temperature, based on the target operating state of the airflow control device, and performs abnormality diagnosis on the airflow control device. The abnormality diagnosis device determines that there is an abnormality in the airflow control device, when a difference between the detected first temperature and the estimated first temperature is equal to or larger than a predetermined first reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kohei Takase
  • Patent number: 11515882
    Abstract: A data acquisition device comprises an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) circuit configured to produce a digital value from an analog input signal. The ADC circuit includes a signal input, a mode input, a serial output, and logic circuitry. The logic circuitry is configured to shift bits of the digital value out the serial output and change an order of the bits shifted out the serial output according to the mode input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Analog Devices International Unlimited Company
    Inventors: Miguel Usach Merino, Lluis Beltran Gil
  • Patent number: 11505937
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for automatic backflow identification, detection, remediation, and/or management. In some embodiments, a backflow management device may comprise a threaded and electronically-enabled plug installed in a non-pressurized pipe system cleanout, branch, or stub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: 900 Ethan Allen Hwy LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Mulvaney, Joseph Mulvaney
  • Patent number: 11493222
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for advanced monitoring of an HVAC system. In some implementations, a voltage measurement across at least two interface terminals of a thermostat that controls an HVAC system of a property is obtained. The voltage measurements are analyzed. A likely power cycling activity of a component of the HVAC system is determined based on analyzing the voltage measurements. Whether the HVAC system is operating properly is determined based on the likely power cycling activity of the component of the HVAC system. Data indicating whether the HVAC system is operating properly is generated and outputted based on determining whether the HVAC system is operating properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Alarm.com Incorporated
    Inventors: Ronald Byron Kabler, Murali Pasupuleti
  • Patent number: 11448553
    Abstract: A light detection device includes a Fabry-Perot interference filter provided with a light transmitting region on a predetermined line, a light detector disposed on one side with respect to the Fabry-Perot interference filter on the line, a package having an opening positioned on the other side with respect to the Fabry-Perot interference filter on the line, a light transmitting member provided in the package such that the opening is blocked, and a temperature control element having an endothermic region thermally connected to the Fabry-Perot interference filter and the light detector. The endothermic region is positioned on one side with respect to the light detector on the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventors: Masaki Hirose, Katsumi Shibayama, Takashi Kasahara, Toshimitsu Kawai, Hiroki Oyama
  • Patent number: 11441805
    Abstract: Various embodiments of smart thermostats are presented herein. A smart thermostat can include a thermostat housing defining a rounded front aperture and having a sidewall. The smart thermostat can include a capacitive touch strip that senses a plurality of gestures. The smart thermostat can include an electronic display. The electronic display may be caused to display icons arranged in a graphical arc. The smart thermostat may include a reflective cover positioned such that the electronic display is viewed through the reflective cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Ranhee Chung, Dongkyu Lee, Sung Kyun Bai, Maj Isabelle Olsson, Andrew William Goldenson, Justin Wodrich, William Dong, Sathya Kurcharlapati, Eyal Ron, Prathik Muppidi
  • Patent number: 11441799
    Abstract: A building system comprising one or more memory devices storing instructions that, are executed by one or more processors. The instructions include retrieving one or more instructions for installing a thermostat with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment and causing a user interface to display the one or more instructions. The instructions further include receiving one or more confirmation indications of the one or more instructions being performed successfully by a user and causing the user interface to display an interface including one or more indication that the one or more instructions were performed successfully by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP
    Inventors: Joseph R. Ribbich, Nicholas S. Van Derven, William P. Alberth, Jr., Alan S. Schwegler, Corey A. Poquette, Michael J. Ajax
  • Patent number: 11441804
    Abstract: A device for detecting a wire configuration connecting a thermostat and HVAC equipment includes fan controller circuitry, AC controller circuitry, switching circuitry, and processing circuitry. The fan controller circuitry is configured to operate a fan unit of the HVAC equipment using a G pin in a first wire configuration and using a K pin in a second wire configuration. The AC controller circuitry is configured to operate an AC unit of the HVAC equipment using a Y pin in the first wire configuration and the K pin in the second wire configuration. The switching circuitry is configured to refrain from electrically coupling the Y pin and the K pin in response to a deactivation signal. The processing circuitry is configured to determine the HVAC equipment is in the first wire configuration in response to determining the AC controller circuitry receives power while outputting the deactivation signal to the switching circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Ademco Inc.
    Inventors: Hyunki Kim, Robert D. Juntunen, Jesus Omar Ponce, Liliana Reategui, Anuj Kohli, David Mulhouse
  • Patent number: 11372433
    Abstract: A user-friendly programmable thermostat is described that includes a body having a central electronic display surrounded by a ring that can be rotated and pressed inwardly to provide user input in a simple and elegant fashion. The current temperature and setpoint temperature are graphically displayed as prominent tick marks over a range of background tick marks on the electronic display. Different colors can be displayed to indicate currently active HVAC functions, and different intensities of colors can be displayed to indicate an amount of heating or cooling required to reach a target temperature. The setpoint temperature for the device can be altered by user rotation of the rotatable ring, and the programmed schedule can be displayed to the user and altered by the user by virtue of rotations and inward pressings of the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: David Sloo, Anthony Michael Fadell, Matthew Lee Rogers, Michael Plitkins, Michael James Matas, Fred Bould
  • Patent number: 11324145
    Abstract: An environmental control system for a telecom shelter integrates with a native HVAC system for exchanging interior air in a conditioned space in a machine room, telecom enclosure, or other closed machine environment by forcing or directing cooler outside air to replace interior air without active refrigeration by the native HVAC system. Primary cooling and heating of the conditioned space in the enclosure is performed by an exchange system and control logic that identifies, based on sensory input, when outside air exchange is more efficient than native AC (Air Conditioner) operation. The native AC system is suppressed or inhibited, and primary environmental control performed by fan driven exchange of outside air with air in the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Schroff Technologies International, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard De Felice, David Therrien, Robert Paterson, Henry Riddoch
  • Patent number: 11268721
    Abstract: An HVAC system includes a heating element, a discharge air temperature sensor, and a return air temperature sensor. A controller of the HVAC system determines that the HVAC system has been operating in the heating mode for at least a predefined amount of time. The controller receives measurements of the discharge air temperature and the return air temperature. A temperature rise value is determined using the discharge air temperature and return air temperature. If the temperature rise value is less than a predefined minimum threshold value, the controller determines that a first fault of the HVAC system is detected and provides a corresponding alert. If the temperature rise value is greater than a predefined maximum threshold value, the controller determines that a second fault of the HVAC system is detected and provides a corresponding alert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Payam Delgoshaei, Glenn W. Kowald, Eric Berg
  • Patent number: 11175064
    Abstract: Embodiments include a system and method for performing analytics based chiller sequencing. Embodiments include a plurality of chillers, a system controller configured to control the plurality of chillers, and one or more sensors in communication with the controller, the one or more sensors configured to generate operational data based on measured operational parameters of the plurality of chillers. Embodiments include the controller including a processor configured to obtain the operational data, calculate scores for each of the plurality of chillers based on the operational data, and rank the plurality of chillers based on the scores. The processor is further configured to sequence the plurality of chillers based at least in part on the ranking, and control operation of the plurality of chillers based on the sequencing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keunmo Kang, Sheng Li, Xing Cai, Xinyu Wu, Marcin Cychowski
  • Patent number: 11131474
    Abstract: A controller for controlling an environmental condition of a building via building equipment includes a user interface configured to present information to a user, an air quality sensor configured to sense indoor air quality conditions, a communications interface configured to communicate with a server system and receive outdoor air quality data from the server system, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to generate indoor air quality data based on the sensed indoor air quality data conditions sensed by the air quality sensor, receive, via the communications interface, the outdoor air quality data from the server system, and generate one or more interfaces indicating the indoor air quality conditions and the outdoor air quality conditions based on the indoor air quality data and the outdoor air quality data and cause the user interface to display the one or more interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP
    Inventors: Alan S. Schwegler, Joseph R. Ribbich, Corey A. Poquette, Michael F. Kornacki, Brent T. Ellis, Benjamin W. Hapka
  • Patent number: 11073298
    Abstract: Directional environmental control provides nearly immediate comfort. A location associated with a mobile device determines an air terminal that best serves the location. Conditioned air may thus be streamed from the air terminal to the location associated with the mobile device. The conditioned air may be heated or cooled according to a profile associated with a user of the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignees: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P., AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: Gregory W. Edwards, Michael Lattanzi, Constance Missimer, James H. Pratt
  • Patent number: 10914476
    Abstract: A multi-circuit refrigeration system includes a first plurality of compressors, a second plurality of compressors, and a control panel. The control panel is configured to receive an input related to humidity from a humidity sensor or humidistat. Based on the input, the control panel is configured to sequence operation of the first plurality of compressors and the second plurality of compressors between a balanced mode and a clustered mode. In the balanced mode, a first compressor of the first plurality of compressors and a first compressor of second plurality of compressors are energized before a second compressor of the first plurality of compressors or a second compressor of the second plurality of compressors is energized. In the clustered mode, the first compressor and the second compressor of the first plurality of compressors are energized before the first compressor or the second compressor of the second plurality of compressors is energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technolgy Company
    Inventors: Nathan T. Ostrye, Aron Marc Seiler, Christopher R. Amundson, Tyler Paddock
  • Patent number: 10907851
    Abstract: An air-conditioning remote controller for operating an air-conditioning apparatus is provided. The air-conditioning remote controller includes a display unit, an image acquisition processing unit, and a display processing unit. The display unit displays various information. The image acquisition processing unit acquires image data from an external communication terminal. The display processing unit displays, on the display unit, a settings management screen used for operating the air-conditioning apparatus, and the image data acquired by the image acquisition processing unit from the communication terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuru Kitazaki, Hirotaka Masui
  • Patent number: 10830470
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for operating a wall mounted thermostat. An example computer-implemented method includes receiving an indication of a physical touch to an exposed portion of a housing of the thermostat, wherein the housing is movable when touched. The method also includes determining a thermostat command associated with where the housing is touched and movement of the housing in response to the touch, and operating the thermostat according to the determined thermostat command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Bevan, James Beagley, Jason C. Flint
  • Patent number: 10746409
    Abstract: A knob assembly includes a front panel, a knob located at a front side of the front panel and configured to rotate based on operation by a user, a knob shaft that is coupled to the knob and that extends through the front panel, a supporting pipe that receives the knob shaft and that supports the knob shaft, the supporting pipe being configured to maintain a position relative to the front panel, a valve configured to control supply of gas to the appliance, a valve shaft connected to the valve and configured to control the valve to adjust a flow rate of gas based on rotation of the valve shaft, and a joint that couples the knob shaft to the valve shaft and that is configured to transfer at least one of a rotational motion or a linear motion of the knob shaft to the valve shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Yeonsik Ha
  • Patent number: 10714919
    Abstract: As described herein, a wall box installation tool may include a template body, one or more hollow pegs, a guide ring, and/or one or more template cards. The template cards may be configured to be installed on a front surface of the template body. A template card may define a plurality of holes therethrough. The guide ring may be configured to be installed within a pre-drilled hole in a wall. Each template card may be associated with a respective electrical device configuration. A subset of bores extending through the hollow pegs may be accessible via the template card when the template card is installed on the front surface of the template body. The wall box installation tool may include one or more fasteners that are configured to install a template card onto the front surface of the template body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Gregory S. Altonen, Adam Andersen, Xavier Boudin, Michel Hanns, Eric Johnathan Mace
  • Patent number: 10684055
    Abstract: An HVAC system includes a plurality of sensors, a tandem compressor, and a controller. The tandem compressor comprises a first and second compressor, each comprising a crankcase heater. The controller determines that one of the sensors has failed, and in response, initiates the first and second crankcase heaters and transmits an alert indicating that one of the sensors has failed. Further, the controller may disable threshold logic such that the first and second compressors are controlled independently of a determination whether the tandem compressor is operating outside of a threshold range. The controller operates the first and second compressors according to a safe mode, wherein first on or off settings of the compressors are determined based on a first required load operation of the tandem compressor. The first required load operation is determined from a first temperature demand of a structure associated with the HVAC system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Rakesh Goel, Anuradha Sundararajan
  • Patent number: 10684021
    Abstract: A knob assembly includes a front panel, a knob located at a front side of the front panel and configured to rotate based on operation by a user, a knob shaft that is coupled to the knob and that extends through the front panel, a supporting pipe that receives the knob shaft and that supports the knob shaft, the supporting pipe being configured to maintain a position relative to the front panel, a valve configured to control supply of gas to the appliance, a valve shaft connected to the valve and configured to control the valve to adjust a flow rate of gas based on rotation of the valve shaft, and a joint that couples the knob shaft to the valve shaft and that is configured to transfer at least one of a rotational motion or a linear motion of the knob shaft to the valve shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Yeonsik Ha
  • Patent number: 10663172
    Abstract: A knob assembly includes a front panel, a knob located at a front side of the front panel and configured to rotate based on operation by a user, a knob shaft that is coupled to the knob and that extends through the front panel, a supporting pipe that receives the knob shaft and that supports the knob shaft, the supporting pipe being configured to maintain a position relative to the front panel, a valve configured to control supply of gas to the appliance, a valve shaft connected to the valve and configured to control the valve to adjust a flow rate of gas based on rotation of the valve shaft, and a joint that couples the knob shaft to the valve shaft and that is configured to transfer at least one of a rotational motion or a linear motion of the knob shaft to the valve shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Yeonsik Ha
  • Patent number: 10655876
    Abstract: Programmable controller technology, in which data is received that identifies a particular type of HVAC system component that is to be controlled by a programmable controller. Based on receiving data identifying the particular type of HVAC system component, configuration information is accessed for the particular type of HVAC system component. A configuration is determined for one or more interface ports of the programmable controller based on the configuration information for the particular type of HVAC system component. The interface ports of the programmable controller are configured according to the determined configuration. A connection between the particular type of HVAC system component and the programmable controller that satisfies the determined configuration is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Alarm.com Incorporated
    Inventors: Daniel Goodman, Craig Carl Heffernan
  • Patent number: 10534458
    Abstract: Provided is an electric device including: a main body comprising a storage chamber with an opening; a door coupled to the main body and comprising a transparent display panel such that the transparent display panel covers at least a part of the opening when the door is closed; a movement detector being configured to detect a movement of the transparent display panel and output a movement detection signal corresponding to the movement; and a controller configured to identify a position of the transparent display panel based on the movement detection signal, and control the transparent display panel to reverse an image displayed on the transparent display panel based on the identified position of the transparent display panel being changed from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Joo-yeon Lee, Sang Chul Lee, Jong Seo Lee, Se Yong Kim
  • Patent number: 10496143
    Abstract: A fan control method comprises: determining whether a processor power load value is larger than a load threshold, and generating a load determination result accordingly; determining whether a processor temperature is not larger than a temperature threshold, and generating a temperature determination result accordingly; choosing one set of PID coefficients from a plurality of sets of PID coefficients according to the load determination result and the temperature determination result; obtaining a temperature difference value related to the processor, and generating a first pulse width modulation value according to the temperature difference value and the set of PID coefficients; and calculating a second pulse width modulation value corresponding to an operation temperature, and obtaining a maximum of the first pulse width modulation value and the second pulse width modulation value to generate a fan control signal for controlling the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignees: INVENTEC (PUDONG) TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION, INVENTEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Zhao Chen, Lian-Fei Zhang, Dong-Rui Xue
  • Patent number: 10480805
    Abstract: A surge protection circuit for an electronic device such as an HVAC controller. In one example, the surge protection circuit may include a first voltage clamp, a second voltage clamp, a resistor, and an output port. The first voltage clamp may provide a first clamping voltage between a power input terminal and a common terminal. The second voltage clamp may provide a second clamping voltage that is less than the first clamping voltage. The resistor may be connected in series with the second voltage clamp, and the series connected resistor and second voltage clamp may be connected in parallel with the first voltage clamp. As such, a surge current at the power input terminal may be split between the first voltage clamp and the second voltage clamp. The amount of surge current that is provided to the second voltage clamp may be set by the value of the resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Ademco Inc.
    Inventors: David Mulhouse, Mohammad Aljabari, Tracy Lentz, Petr Adamik, Tarik Khoury, Steven J. McPherson, Arnold Kalla, Eugene J. Takach
  • Patent number: 10458669
    Abstract: A thermostat for controlling HVAC equipment via one or more control wires includes a user interface, a wiring terminal, and a processing circuit. The user interface is configured to display output to a user. The wiring terminal includes one or more connection points. The processing circuit is configured to determine one or more wiring instructions for wiring the thermostat with the HVAC equipment and cause the user interface to display the one or more instructions. The instructions instruct the user to connect the control wires to the connection points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Joseph R. Ribbich, Nicholas S. Van Derven, William P. Alberth, Jr., Alan S. Schwegler, Corey A. Poquette, Michael J. Ajax