Patents by Inventor Kenneth M. Frank
Kenneth M. Frank has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20020114983Abstract: A portable fuel cell electric power generator is disclosed, suitable for use as a UPS (100), including a fuel cell assembly (200), a power conditioning system (160) including a DC to DC converter and a DC to AC inverter, a plurality of metal hydride canisters (300), a manifold assembly (320), and a battery system (150), all enclosed in a mobile chassis (130). The fuel cell assembly includes a compressor (230) for providing compressed air to the fuel cell stack (210) and a condenser for condensing water vapor generated by the fuel cell stack. The canisters provide hydrogen to the fuel cells, and can be hot swapped such that the generator can operate continuously for an indefinite period. The battery system provides start-up power to the compressor, as well as initial back up power for the power outlet during fuel cell start-up. A heat transfer device (307) in the canisters aids in maintaining the desired temperature in the metal hydride.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2001Publication date: August 22, 2002Applicant: Coleman Powermate, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth M. Frank, Douglas A. Nichols
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Patent number: 6313543Abstract: A portable generator system includes an interface mounting element for supporting a selected engine, from a plurality of engines, with a vertically oriented output shaft when the generator system is positioned on a substantially horizontal surface. A generator is directly coupled to the output shaft of the engine and rotates therewith about a common axis. The generator is selectable from a plurality of generators having different output power characteristics. A movable support cart supports interface, engine and generator and is formed of a single piece of tubular stock. The tubular stock is bent to form two substantially parallel, displaced, U-shaped regions bounded by a third U-shaped region substantially perpendicular thereto wherein the interface element, the selected engine and the selected generator are supported and protected. The cart supports first and second displaced wheels which rotate about a common axis which extends between the first and second regions, parallel to the third region.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2000Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Assignee: Coleman Powermate, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth M. Frank
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Patent number: 6310404Abstract: A portable generator system includes an interface mounting element for supporting a selected engine, from a plurality of engines, with a vertically oriented output shaft when the generator system is positioned on a substantially horizontal surface. A generator is directly coupled to the output shaft of the engine and rotates therewith about a common axis. The generator is selectable from a plurality of generators having different output power characteristics. A movable support cart supports interface, engine and generator and is formed of a single piece of tubular stock. The tubular stock is bent to form two substantially parallel, displaced, U-shaped regions bounded by a third U-shaped region substantially perpendicular thereto wherein the interface element, the selected engine and the selected generator are supported and protected. The cart supports first and second displaced wheels which rotate about a common axis which extends between the first and second regions, parallel to the third region.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2000Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: Coleman Powermate, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth M. Frank
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Patent number: 6181019Abstract: A portable generator system includes an interface mounting element for supporting a selected engine, from a plurality of engines, with a vertically oriented output shaft when the generator system is positioned on a substantially horizontal surface. A generator is directly coupled to the output shaft of the engine and rotates therewith about a common axis. The generator is selectable from a plurality of generators having different output power characteristics. A movable support cart supports interface, engine and generator and is formed of a single piece of tubular stock. The tubular stock is bent to form two substantially parallel, displaced, U-shaped regions bounded by a third U-shaped region substantially perpendicular thereto wherein the interface element, the selected engine and the selected generator are supported and protected. The cart supports first and second displaced wheels which rotate about a common axis which extends between the first and second regions, parallel to the third region.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2000Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Coleman Powermate, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth M. Frank
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Patent number: 6084313Abstract: A portable generator system includes an interface mounting element for supporting a selected engine, from a plurality of engines, with a vertically oriented output shaft when the generator system is positioned on a substantially horizontal surface. A generator is directly coupled to the output shaft of the engine and rotates therewith about a common axis. The generator is selectable from a plurality of generators having different output power characteristics. A movable support cart supports interface, engine and generator and is formed of a single piece of tubular stock. The tubular stock is bent to form two substantially parallel, displaced, U-shaped regions bounded by a third U-shaped region substantially perpendicular thereto wherein the interface element, the selected engine and the selected generator are supported and protected. The cart supports first and second displaced wheels which rotate about a common axis which extends between the first and second regions, parallel to the third region.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1998Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Assignee: Coleman Powermate, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth M. Frank
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Patent number: 5965999Abstract: A vertical generator assembly includes an engine having an engine housing and a vertical drive shaft extending downwardly from the engine housing. A support frame is attached to the bottom of the engine housing, and a stator is attached to the bottom of the support frame. A rotor is mounted within the stator and is attached to the drive shaft. A generator housing is attached to the support frame and encloses the stator and rotor.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1997Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Assignee: Coleman Powermate, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth M. Frank
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Patent number: 5529460Abstract: A pressure washer is provided with a flow control switch and a bypass passage. The flow control switch shuts the motor of the pressure washer off when fluid is not being supplied to the pressure washer or when the spray gun of the pressure washer is closed. The bypass passage relieves excess outlet pressure and activates the flow control switch when the spray gun is closed. The pressure washer may include a soap pump for injecting soap into low pressure fluid at the inlet of the pressure washer.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1993Date of Patent: June 25, 1996Assignee: Coleman Powermate, Inc.Inventors: John A. Eihusen, Kenneth M. Frank, Dean L. Tietz, Stephen W. Leutbecher, Bob Crum
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Patent number: 4775828Abstract: A power level indicator is described for use with an electric generator for indicating to the operator the percentage of the total power available from the generator which is being consumed by a load.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1986Date of Patent: October 4, 1988Assignee: Ag-Tronic, Inc.Inventors: L. Dale Watley, Kenneth M. Frank, Douglas A. Nichols
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Patent number: D418809Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1998Date of Patent: January 11, 2000Assignee: Coleman Powermate, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth M. Frank