公开(公告)号：US20080317447A1

公开(公告)日：2008-12-25

申请号：US11767835

申请日：2007-06-25

申请人： Tracy L. Lentz ,  Steven R. Hoglund

发明人： Tracy L. Lentz ,  Steven R. Hoglund

IPC分类号： F22B1/30

CPC分类号： F22B1/284 ,  F22B37/56

摘要： A humidifier configured to determine when the humidifier requires cleaning. The humidifier includes a tank for containing water, a heater for heating the water in the tank to generate steam, and one or more water level sensors for detecting the level of water in the tank, including detecting water at first level and a second level, where the first level is lower than the second level. The humidifier further includes a drain valve for draining water from the tank and a controller. The controller is configured to open the drain valve to drain water from the tank, measure a time interval required for the water to drain from the second level to the first level, and compare the time interval against a threshold value. If the time interval exceeds the threshold value, then the controller is configured to provide an indication to clean the humidifier. Methods are also disclosed.

摘要翻译： 一个加湿器，用于确定加湿器何时需要清洁。 加湿器包括用于容纳水的罐，用于加热罐中的水以产生蒸汽的加热器，以及用于检测罐中的水位的一个或多个水位传感器，包括检测第一水位和第二水位的水， 第一级低于第二级。 加湿器还包括用于从罐排出水的排水阀和控制器。 控制器被配置为打开排水阀以从罐中排出水，测量水从第二级排到第一级所需的时间间隔，并将时间间隔与阈值进行比较。 如果时间间隔超过阈值，则控制器被配置为提供清洁加湿器的指示。 还公开了方法。

公开(公告)号：US07623771B2

公开(公告)日：2009-11-24

申请号：US11767835

申请日：2007-06-25

申请人： Tracy L. Lentz ,  Steven R. Hoglund

发明人： Tracy L. Lentz ,  Steven R. Hoglund

IPC分类号： A01G13/06 ,  F24F3/14

CPC分类号： F22B1/284 ,  F22B37/56

摘要： A humidifier configured to determine when the humidifier requires cleaning. The humidifier includes a tank for containing water, a heater for heating the water in the tank to generate steam, and one or more water level sensors for detecting the level of water in the tank, including detecting water at first level and a second level, where the first level is lower than the second level. The humidifier further includes a drain valve for draining water from the tank and a controller. The controller is configured to open the drain valve to drain water from the tank, measure a time interval required for the water to drain from the second level to the first level, and compare the time interval against a threshold value. If the time interval exceeds the threshold value, then the controller is configured to provide an indication to clean the humidifier. Methods are also disclosed.

摘要翻译： 一个加湿器，用于确定加湿器何时需要清洁。 加湿器包括用于容纳水的罐，用于加热罐中的水以产生蒸汽的加热器，以及用于检测罐中的水位的一个或多个水位传感器，包括检测第一水位和第二水位的水， 第一级低于第二级。 加湿器还包括用于从罐排出水的排水阀和控制器。 控制器被配置为打开排水阀以从罐中排出水，测量水从第二级排到第一级所需的时间间隔，并将时间间隔与阈值进行比较。 如果时间间隔超过阈值，则控制器被配置为提供清洁加湿器的指示。 还公开了方法。

公开(公告)号：US06776817B2

公开(公告)日：2004-08-17

申请号：US09995066

申请日：2001-11-26

申请人： Tracy L. Lentz ,  Jeffrey M. Hammer ,  Mark E. Stout ,  Leisha J. Rotering

发明人： Tracy L. Lentz ,  Jeffrey M. Hammer ,  Mark E. Stout ,  Leisha J. Rotering

IPC分类号： G01F168

CPC分类号： G01F1/6845 ,  G01F1/6847 ,  G01P13/006

摘要： An airflow sensor including a housing, a flexible substrate, and electrical components. The housing defines an internal compartment and a top face opening. The substrate includes circuitry traces, and defines a front and a back. The substrate is disposed within the compartment such that the back is exposed relative to the opening. The electrical components are electrically connected to the circuitry traces, extending from the front of the substrate opposite the opening, and include a heated temperature sensor spaced from a baseline temperature sensor. During use, airflow interfaces with the substrate back to cool the heated temperature sensor. The extent of this cooling as compared to the baseline temperature sensor is indicative of airflow. The system and method include detecting the presence or absence of airflow based upon a temperature differential between the temperature sensors as well as a rate of change in the temperature differential.

摘要翻译： 一种气流传感器，包括壳体，柔性基板和电气部件。 壳体限定内部隔间和顶面开口。 衬底包括电路迹线，并且限定正面和背面。 衬底设置在隔室内，使得背部相对于开口露出。 电气部件电连接到从基板的与开口相对的前部延伸的电路迹线，并且包括与基准温度传感器间隔开的加热的温度传感器。 在使用过程中，气流与衬底相接触，以冷却加热的温度传感器。 与基线温度传感器相比，该冷却的程度表示气流。 该系统和方法包括基于温度传感器之间的温差以及温度差的变化率检测气流的存在或不存在。

公开(公告)号：US07632459B2

公开(公告)日：2009-12-15

申请号：US11032466

申请日：2005-01-10

申请人： Tracy L. Lentz ,  Timothy J. Kensok ,  Jeffrey M. Hammer ,  Mark E. Stout ,  Richard N. Metzger ,  Jon W. Orr

发明人： Tracy L. Lentz ,  Timothy J. Kensok ,  Jeffrey M. Hammer ,  Mark E. Stout ,  Richard N. Metzger ,  Jon W. Orr

IPC分类号： A61L2/00 ,  G05B1/00 ,  G05B17/00 ,  G01N23/00 ,  G01N21/00 ,  G01N21/01 ,  B01D39/00 ,  B01D45/00 ,  G01F25/00 ,  F24F11/02 ,  G05F1/00 ,  H05B37/00

CPC分类号： A61L9/20 ,  F24F3/166 ,  F24F2003/1667 ,  Y10S422/90

摘要： A system and method for controlling operation of an ultraviolet air treatment device including an ultraviolet lamp positioned to treat air within an air handling system that operates in either an on state or an off state. The method includes activating the ultraviolet lamp, and determining the operational state of the air handling system. The ultraviolet lamp is deactivated upon expiration of a predetermined time period during which the air handling system remains in the off state. The predetermined time period is preferably 30-60 minutes, preferably 40 minutes for residential applications.

摘要翻译： 一种用于控制紫外线空气处理装置的操作的系统和方法，所述紫外线空气处理装置包括紫外线灯，所述紫外线灯定位成处理处于接通状态或关闭状态的空气处理系统内的空气。 该方法包括激活紫外灯，并确定空气处理系统的操作状态。 在空气处理系统处于关闭状态的预定时间段期满时，紫外线灯熄灭。 预定时间段优选为30-60分钟，优选为40分钟用于住宅应用。

公开(公告)号：US07009829B2

公开(公告)日：2006-03-07

申请号：US10304460

申请日：2002-11-26

申请人： Tracy L. Lentz ,  Timothy J. Kensok ,  Philip O. Readio

发明人： Tracy L. Lentz ,  Timothy J. Kensok ,  Philip O. Readio

IPC分类号： H02H5/04

CPC分类号： H05B41/2856 ,  H02H5/04

摘要： A system, apparatus, and method for preventing thermal cycling of a ballast coupled to one or more lamps. A monitor circuit is provided to monitor for activation of the ballast's thermal protection mechanism. Such monitoring may include monitoring of the ballast's thermal protection mechanism itself, or monitoring lamp current and ambient temperature in the vicinity of the ballast to determine that the ballast's thermal protection mechanism has been activated. Power to the ballast is temporarily disabled when the ballast's thermal protection mechanism has been activated, thereby preventing thermal cycling of the ballast, and consequently of the lamps, when power to the ballast has been removed.

摘要翻译： 一种用于防止耦合到一个或多个灯的镇流器的热循环的系统，装置和方法。 提供监视器电路以监视镇流器的热保护机构的激活。 这种监测可以包括监测镇流器的热保护机构本身，或监控镇流器附近的灯电流和环境温度，以确定镇流器的热保护机构已被激活。 当镇流器的热保护机构已经被激活时，镇流器的电力被暂时禁用，从而当去除镇流器的电力时，防止镇流器以及因此的灯的热循环。

公开(公告)号：US06849234B2

公开(公告)日：2005-02-01

申请号：US09995068

申请日：2001-11-26

申请人： Tracy L. Lentz ,  Timothy J. Kensok ,  Jeffrey M. Hammer ,  Mark E. Stout ,  Richard N. Metzger ,  Jon W. Orr

发明人： Tracy L. Lentz ,  Timothy J. Kensok ,  Jeffrey M. Hammer ,  Mark E. Stout ,  Richard N. Metzger ,  Jon W. Orr

IPC分类号： A61L9/20 ,  F24F3/16 ,  A61L2/00 ,  B01J19/08 ,  G01D11/26 ,  G05D23/00

CPC分类号： A61L9/20 ,  F24F3/166 ,  F24F2003/1667 ,  Y10S422/90

摘要： A system and method for controlling operation of an ultraviolet air treatment device including an ultraviolet lamp positioned to treat air within an air handling system that operates in either an on state or an off state. The method includes activating the ultraviolet lamp, and determining the operational state of the air handling system. The ultraviolet lamp is deactivated upon expiration of a predetermined time period during which the air handling system remains in the off state. The predetermined time period is preferably 30-60 minutes, preferably 40 minutes for residential applications.

摘要翻译： 一种用于控制紫外线空气处理装置的操作的系统和方法，所述紫外线空气处理装置包括紫外线灯，所述紫外线灯定位成处理处于接通状态或关闭状态的空气处理系统内的空气。 该方法包括激活紫外灯，并确定空气处理系统的操作状态。 在空气处理系统处于关闭状态的预定时间段期满时，紫外线灯熄灭。 预定时间段优选为30-60分钟，优选为40分钟用于住宅应用。

公开(公告)号：US07826725B2

公开(公告)日：2010-11-02

申请号：US11874623

申请日：2007-10-18

申请人： Steven L. Wolff ,  Brad A. Terlson ,  Tracy L. Lentz ,  Josef Novotny ,  Peter Bernat

发明人： Steven L. Wolff ,  Brad A. Terlson ,  Tracy L. Lentz ,  Josef Novotny ,  Peter Bernat

IPC分类号： F24H6/00

CPC分类号： F24F6/18 ,  G01F23/242 ,  H01R9/223 ,  H01R13/405

摘要： A water level sensor for a steam humidifier. The water level sensor includes a plurality of conductive probes, where the plurality of conductive probes includes at least one common probe and a plurality of water level probes. Each of the conductive probes are separated from each other conductive probe. The water level sensor further includes a non-conductive overmolding covering at least a portion of each of the conductive probes. The non-conductive overmolding defines a flange configured to seal an opening in a tank of the steam humidifier and an electrical connection point configured to receive an electrical connector for providing electrical connections to each of the conductive probes. A steam humidifier is also disclosed.

摘要翻译： 蒸汽加湿器水位传感器。 水位传感器包括多个导电探针，其中多个导电探针包括至少一个公共探针和多个水位探针。 每个导电探针与彼此的导电探针分离。 水位传感器还包括不导电的包覆成型覆盖每个导电探针的至少一部分。 不导电的包覆成型限定了一个法兰，其被配置为密封蒸汽加湿器的罐中的开口，以及电连接点，该电连接点构造成接收电连接器以提供与每个导电探针的电连接。 还公开了蒸汽加湿器。

公开(公告)号：US06819060B2

公开(公告)日：2004-11-16

申请号：US10304548

申请日：2002-11-26

申请人： Philip O. Readio ,  Tracy L. Lentz

发明人： Philip O. Readio ,  Tracy L. Lentz

IPC分类号： H05B3702

CPC分类号： H05B41/2853 ,  Y02B20/186

摘要： A system and method for mitigating the effects of low power line voltage that can otherwise cause premature lamp mortality. A monitor circuit is provided for monitoring power characteristics relating to UV and/or fluorescent lamp operation, such as the lamp supply voltage or the current traversing the lamp. A controller operates in conjunction with the monitor circuit. The controller receives a signal indicative of the state of the monitored power characteristics, and temporarily interrupts the power to the lamp when the signal indicates that the power source is currently failing to maintain a stable current flow through the lamp. Power is therefore removed from the lamp during periods of brownout or other low voltage conditions to prevent accelerated lamp mortality.

公开(公告)号：US20090103904A1

公开(公告)日：2009-04-23

申请号：US11874623

申请日：2007-10-18

申请人： Steven L. Wolff ,  Brad A. Terlson ,  Tracy L. Lentz ,  Josef Novotny ,  Peter Bernat

发明人： Steven L. Wolff ,  Brad A. Terlson ,  Tracy L. Lentz ,  Josef Novotny ,  Peter Bernat

IPC分类号： F24F6/18 ,  G08B21/18

CPC分类号： F24F6/18 ,  G01F23/242 ,  H01R9/223 ,  H01R13/405

摘要： A water level sensor for a steam humidifier. The water level sensor includes a plurality of conductive probes, where the plurality of conductive probes includes at least one common probe and a plurality of water level probes. Each of the conductive probes are separated from each other conductive probe. The water level sensor further includes a non-conductive overmolding covering at least a portion of each of the conductive probes. The non-conductive overmolding defines a flange configured to seal an opening in a tank of the steam humidifier and an electrical connection point configured to receive an electrical connector for providing electrical connections to each of the conductive probes. A steam humidifier is also disclosed.

摘要翻译： 蒸汽加湿器水位传感器。 水位传感器包括多个导电探针，其中多个导电探针包括至少一个公共探针和多个水位探针。 每个导电探针与彼此的导电探针分离。 水位传感器还包括不导电的包覆成型覆盖每个导电探针的至少一部分。 不导电的包覆成型限定了一个法兰，其被配置为密封蒸汽加湿器的罐中的开口，以及电连接点，该电连接点构造成接收电连接器以提供与每个导电探针的电连接。 还公开了蒸汽加湿器。

公开(公告)号：US06438971B1

公开(公告)日：2002-08-27

申请号：US09995049

申请日：2001-11-26

申请人： Tracy L. Lentz ,  Timothy J. Kensok

发明人： Tracy L. Lentz ,  Timothy J. Kensok

IPC分类号： F24F316

CPC分类号： F24F3/166 ,  F24F2003/1667

摘要： A method of controlling an ultraviolet air treatment device including an ultraviolet lamp positioned to irradiate an air conditioner cooling coil. A controller is connected to the ultraviolet air treatment device to dictate activation and deactivation of the ultraviolet lamp. A first control sequence is performed to automatically cycle the ultraviolet lamp between a powered on condition for a first predetermined time period and a powered off condition for a second predetermined time period. In one preferred embodiment, the method further includes monitoring an operational mode of the air conditioner. A transition routine is initiated upon determining that the operational mode has switched from cooling to non-cooling, and the ultraviolet lamp is controlled in accordance with a second control sequence if the air conditioner remains in the non-cooling mode throughout an entirety of the transition routine.

摘要翻译： 一种控制紫外线空气处理装置的方法，所述紫外线空气处理装置包括定位成照射空调冷却盘管的紫外灯。 控制器连接到紫外线空气处理装置以指示紫外线灯的激活和去激活。 执行第一控制顺序以在第一预定时间段的通电状态和第二预定时间段的断电条件之间自动循环紫外灯。 在一个优选实施例中，该方法还包括监视空调器的操作模式。 在确定操作模式已经从冷却切换到非冷却时开始转换程序，并且如果空调器在整个转换过程中保持非冷却模式，则根据第二控制顺序来控制紫外线灯 常规。