Patents Assigned to EControls, LLC
-
Patent number: 11959442Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system for an internal combustion (IC) engine. The EGR system has a first cooler configured to cool exhaust from an exhaust system of the IC and to drain exhaust liquid formed by the cooling. The EGR system has a mixture chamber configured to mix exhaust cooled by the first cooler with intake air to form an exhaust-air mixture. The EGR system has a second cooler configured to cool the exhaust-air mixture. The EGR system has a heat exchange system for circulating and cooling coolant fluid used by the first and second coolers, and includes a split valve configured to divide coolant fluid flow between the first and second coolers. The EGR system has an engine control module configured to adjust the split valve based on comparing a temperature of the exhaust-air mixture to a determined dewpoint temperature of the exhaust-air mixture.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2021Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: EControls, LLCInventors: Michael Walser, Steve Dent
-
Publication number: 20240110525Abstract: A system for determining properties of fuel supplied to an internal combustion (IC) engine and for adjusting operations of the IC engine based on the determined properties. The system includes an air-flow throttle configured to control the air supplied to the IC engine; a fuel-flow throttle configured to control the fuel supplied to the IC engine; and an engine control module (ECM) configured to receive readings from and control operation of the throttles. The ECM is configured to perform a fuel-air determination program where the ECM determines a percent-error air-to-fuel ratio (AF) based on a true AF ratio compared to an ideal AF ratio. The ECM is configured to perform a fuel property determination and adjustment program in which the ECM is configured to adjust operations of the IC engine based on a fuel property value determined using the percent-error AF ratio.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2022Publication date: April 4, 2024Applicant: EControls, LLCInventors: Kennon Guglielmo, Justin H. Sanders, Michael T. Hambidge, Timothy J. Westerdale, James Cole, Chad Stovell, Timothy J. Barton
-
Publication number: 20240097259Abstract: A rechargeable lithium-ion battery assembly configured to provide power to a forklift vehicle, the battery assembly including a plurality of battery modules integrated into the assembly, where each integrated battery module includes a plurality of battery cells within a module casing, with the cells being grouped and interconnected in both series and parallel to provide in combination an overall predetermined electrical potential between a positive terminal and a negative terminal for each module, and where each module uses two conductors within a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) as busbars, with the PCBA being disposed adjacent to a first end of each battery cell in the module and being electrically coupled by wire bonds with each battery cell, and the PCBA also having a processor (a battery management system, or BMS) for management control of the integrated module.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2021Publication date: March 21, 2024Applicant: EControls, LLCInventors: Kennon Guglielmo, Adam Schumann, Brent Ludwig, Matthew Martin, Justin Sanders
-
Publication number: 20240044305Abstract: Methods and systems for accurate and precise fuel supply control for continuous-flow of gaseous fuel to an internal combustion engine over a large dynamic power range, including a dual-stage valve that allows optimal control—a first stage in the form of a voice-coil driven electronic pressure regulator, and a second stage in the form of a voice-coil-driven choked-flow valve; monitoring the pressure of the fuel intermediate the two stages and making appropriate adjustments to the first stage via a pressure actuator loop; feeding the gaseous fuel mixture through a unitary block assembly into the second stage; monitoring the pressure of the air/fuel mixture and making appropriate adjustments to the second stage via a valve actuator control loop.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2023Publication date: February 8, 2024Applicant: EControls, LLCInventors: Michael W. Walser, Randall W. Walser, Christopher M. Cole, Justin H. Sanders, Joseph Grogan, Kenneth Shouse, Kennon Guglielmo
-
Publication number: 20240003318Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system for an internal combustion (IC) engine. The EGR system has a first cooler configured to cool exhaust from an exhaust system of the IC and to drain exhaust liquid formed by the cooling. The EGR system has a mixture chamber configured to mix exhaust cooled by the first cooler with intake air to form an exhaust-air mixture. The EGR system has a second cooler configured to cool the exhaust-air mixture. The EGR system has a heat exchange system for circulating and cooling coolant fluid used by the first and second coolers, and includes a split valve configured to divide coolant fluid flow between the first and second coolers. The EGR system has an engine control module configured to adjust the split valve based on comparing a temperature of the exhaust-air mixture to a determined dewpoint temperature of the exhaust-air mixture.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2021Publication date: January 4, 2024Applicant: EControls, LLCInventors: Michael Walser, Steve Dent
-
Patent number: 11859568Abstract: Systems and methods for automatic calibration of large industrial engines in applications where the quality of the fuel supply is unknown and/or variable over time, particularly engines that drive compressors on a natural gas well site. A combination of throttles and an oxygen sensor including a mass-flow-air throttle and a mass-flow-gas throttle to determine the mass flow of air and mass flow of gas. As a response to exhaust gas oxygen level readings, the mass flow measurements are used to determine real time air-fuel ratios. An algorithm uses the air-fuel ratios as input data, wherein a microcontroller adjusts the throttles to meet engine performance demands. Additionally, using the air-fuel ratio data and suggested engine OEM calibration specifications as block multiplier inputs, particular fuel properties, such as British Thermal Unit (BTU) content, can be accurately interpolated, thereby enabling automatic calibration of the engine.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2021Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: EControls, LLCInventors: Kennon Guglielmo, Justin H. Sanders, Michael T. Hambidge, Timothy J. Westerdale, James Cole, Chad Stovell
-
Patent number: 11788478Abstract: A mass-flow throttle for highly accurate control of the gaseous supplies (fuel and/or air) to the combustion chambers for a large engine in response to instantaneous demand signals from the engine's ECM, especially for large (i.e., 30 liters or greater in size) spark-ignited internal combustion engines fueled by natural gas. With a unitary block assembly and a throttle blade driven by a non-articulated rotary actuator shaft, in combination with tight control circuitry including multiple pressure sensors as well as sensors for temperature and throttle position, the same basic throttle concepts are innovatively suited to be used for both MFG and MFA throttles in industrial applications, to achieve highly accurate mass-flow control even despite pressure fluctuations while operating in non-choked flow.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2023Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: ECONTROLS, LLCInventors: Justin H. Sanders, Michael T. Hambidge, Timothy J. Westerdale, Kennon Guglielmo
-
Patent number: 11781508Abstract: Methods and systems for accurate and precise fuel supply control for continuous-flow of gaseous fuel to an internal combustion engine over a large dynamic power range, including a dual-stage valve that allows optimal control—a first stage in the form of a voice-coil driven electronic pressure regulator, and a second stage in the form of a voice-coil-driven choked-flow valve; monitoring the pressure of the fuel intermediate the two stages and making appropriate adjustments to the first stage via a pressure actuator loop; feeding the gaseous fuel mixture through a unitary block assembly into the second stage; monitoring the pressure of the air/fuel mixture and making appropriate adjustments to the second stage via a valve actuator control loop.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2021Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: EControls, LLCInventors: Michael W Walser, Randall W Walser, Christopher M Cole, Justin H Sanders, Joseph Grogan, Kenneth Shouse, Kennon Guglielmo
-
Patent number: 11668256Abstract: A mass-flow throttle for highly accurate control of gaseous supplies of fuel and/or air to the combustion chambers for a large engine in response to instantaneous demand signals from the engine's engine control module (ECM), especially for large spark-ignited internal combustion engines. With a unitary block assembly and a throttle blade driven by a non-articulated rotary actuator shaft, in combination with control circuitry including multiple pressure sensors as well as sensors for temperature and throttle position, the same basic throttle concepts are suited to be used for both mass-flow gas (MFG) and mass-flow air (MFA) throttles in industrial applications, to achieve highly accurate mass-flow control despite pressure fluctuations while operating in non-choked flow. The throttle, in combination with the sensors and ECM, enable detection of backfire events, with the throttle system further being enabled to take operative measures to prevent damage to the throttle components resulting from a backfire event.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2020Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: EControls, LLCInventors: Kennon Guglielmo, Justin H. Sanders, Michael T. Hambidge, Timothy J. Westerdale, James Cole
-
Publication number: 20230148398Abstract: A mass-flow throttle for highly accurate control of the gaseous supplies (fuel and/or air) to the combustion chambers for a large engine in response to instantaneous demand signals from the engine's ECM, especially for large (i.e., 30 liters or greater in size) spark-ignited internal combustion engines fueled by natural gas. With a unitary block assembly and a throttle blade driven by a non-articulated rotary actuator shaft, in combination with tight control circuitry including multiple pressure sensors as well as sensors for temperature and throttle position, the same basic throttle concepts are innovatively suited to be used for both MFG and MFA throttles in industrial applications, to achieve highly accurate mass-flow control even despite pressure fluctuations while operating in non-choked flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2023Publication date: May 11, 2023Applicant: EControls, LLCInventors: Justin H. Sanders, Michael T. Hambidge, Timothy J. Westerdale, Kennon Guglielmo
-
Publication number: 20230116609Abstract: Systems and methods for automatic calibration of large industrial engines in applications where the quality of the fuel supply is unknown and/or variable over time, particularly engines that drive compressors on a natural gas well site. A combination of throttles and an oxygen sensor including a mass-flow-air throttle and a mass-flow-gas throttle to determine the mass flow of air and mass flow of gas. As a response to exhaust gas oxygen level readings, the mass flow measurements are used to determine real time air-fuel ratios. An algorithm uses the air-fuel ratios as input data, wherein a microcontroller adjusts the throttles to meet engine performance demands. Additionally, using the air-fuel ratio data and suggested engine OEM calibration specifications as block multiplier inputs, particular fuel properties, such as British Thermal Unit (BTU) content, can be accurately interpolated, thereby enabling automatic calibration of the engine .Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2021Publication date: April 13, 2023Applicant: EControls, LLCInventors: Kennon Guglielmo, Justin H. Sanders, Michael T. Hambidge, Timothy J. Westerdale, James Cole, Chad Stovell
-
Publication number: 20230114741Abstract: Disclosed embodiments involve a rechargeable lithium-ion battery module assembly for use as an auxiliary power unit (APU), particularly in commercial trucks. Battery module assembly is recharged through the semi-trailer truck's alternator during engine operation. Battery module assembly has active voltage control capabilities to reduce charge time. Each battery array has two collector plate printed circuit board assemblies (PCBA) and two banks of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells. Individual battery cells are wire bonded to the collector plate PCBs, one of such PCBs incorporates a battery management system to monitor the electrical parameters and state of charge of the battery cells in the system. Battery cells are thermally coupled to an aluminum enclosure with a thermal gap filling material. Using different chemistries for the APU and the starting battery of the commercial truck, and methods of sequential charge and discharge cycles of each, without any other discrete device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2021Publication date: April 13, 2023Applicant: EControls, LLCInventors: Kennon Guglielmo, Adam Schumann, Brent Ludwig, Matthew Martin, Bruno Balocco, Eric J. Kastanis
-
Patent number: 11578670Abstract: A mass-flow throttle for highly accurate control of the gaseous supplies (fuel and/or air) to the combustion chambers for a large engine in response to instantaneous demand signals from the engine's ECM, especially for large (i.e., 30 liters or greater in size) spark-ignited internal combustion engines fueled by natural gas. With a unitary block assembly and a throttle blade driven by a non-articulated rotary actuator shaft, in combination with tight control circuitry including multiple pressure sensors as well as sensors for temperature and throttle position, the same basic throttle concepts are innovatively suited to be used for both MFG and MFA throttles in industrial applications, to achieve highly accurate mass-flow control even despite pressure fluctuations while operating in non-choked flow.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2019Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: EControls, LLCInventors: Justin H Sanders, Kennon Guglielmo, Michael T. Hambidge, Timothy J. Westerdale
-
Publication number: 20220352560Abstract: Many embodiments involve rechargeable battery assemblies that are forklift-battery-sized but that comprise multiple built in battery modules. A housing typically contains battery modules installed within the assembly as the assembly is typically symmetrical in configuration. Each battery module has an integrated battery supervisor system (BSS). A Battery Operating System Supervisor (BOSS) module processor serves as a battery management system for all the battery modules. The BOSS module grants permissions to battery modules to enable them to connect and disconnect from busbars at the appropriate times to prevent electrical issues.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2022Publication date: November 3, 2022Applicant: EControls, LLCInventors: Kennon Guglielmo, Adam Schumann, Brent Ludwig, Matthew Martin
-
Publication number: 20220209320Abstract: A lithium-ion battery assembly configured to provide electric power to a vehicle. The battery assembly includes a plurality of battery cells interconnected to provide a combined electrical potential between positive and negative terminals of the battery assembly, and a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) disposed adjacent to a first array of battery cells of the plurality of battery cells. The PCBA includes a collector plate electrically coupled with the first array of battery cells, a temperature sensor configured to obtain temperature readings, a plurality of heaters configured to generate heat using electrical power, and an assembly processor. The assembly processor is configured to obtain readings from the temperature sensor, determine an estimated battery cell temperature, and initiate a heating program by delivering electrical power to the plurality of heaters from an electrical power source when the estimated battery cell temperature is below a threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2022Publication date: June 30, 2022Applicant: EControls, LLCInventors: Kennon H. Guglielmo, Jason S. Souder, Brent C. Ludwig, Matthew J. Martin, Justin H. Sanders
-
Publication number: 20220136451Abstract: A mass-flow throttle for highly accurate control of gaseous supplies of fuel and/or air to the combustion chambers for a large engine in response to instantaneous demand signals from the engine's engine control module (ECM), especially for large spark-ignited internal combustion engines. With a unitary block assembly and a throttle blade driven by a non-articulated rotary actuator shaft, in combination with control circuitry including multiple pressure sensors as well as sensors for temperature and throttle position, the same basic throttle concepts are suited to be used for both mass-flow gas (MFG) and mass-flow air (MFA) throttles in industrial applications, to achieve highly accurate mass-flow control despite pressure fluctuations while operating in non-choked flow. The throttle, in combination with the sensors and ECM, enable detection of backfire events, with the throttle system further being enabled to take operative measures to prevent damage to the throttle components resulting from a backfire event.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2020Publication date: May 5, 2022Applicant: EControls, LLCInventors: Kennon Guglielmo, Justin H. Sanders, Michael T. Hambidge, Timothy J. Westerdale, James Cole
-
Publication number: 20220099049Abstract: Methods and systems for accurate and precise fuel supply control for continuous-flow of gaseous fuel to an internal combustion engine over a large dynamic power range, including a dual-stage valve that allows optimal control—a first stage in the form of a voice-coil driven electronic pressure regulator, and a second stage in the form of a voice-coil-driven choked-flow valve; monitoring the pressure of the fuel intermediate the two stages and making appropriate adjustments to the first stage via a pressure actuator loop; feeding the gaseous fuel mixture through a unitary block assembly into the second stage; monitoring the pressure of the air/fuel mixture and making appropriate adjustments to the second stage via a valve actuator control loop.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2021Publication date: March 31, 2022Applicant: EControls, LLCInventors: Michael W. Walser, Randall W. Walser, Christopher M. Cole, Justin H. Sanders, Joseph Grogan, Kenneth Shouse, Kennon Guglielmo
-
Publication number: 20210351444Abstract: Many embodiments involve rechargeable battery assemblies that are forklift-battery-sized but that comprise multiple built in battery modules. A housing typically contains battery modules installed within the assembly as the assembly is typically symmetrical in configuration. Each battery module has an integrated battery supervisor system (BSS). A Battery Operating System Supervisor (BOSS) module processor serves as a battery management system for all the battery modules. The BOSS module grants permissions to battery modules to enable them to connect and disconnect from busbars at the appropriate times to prevent electrical issues.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2021Publication date: November 11, 2021Applicant: EControls, LLCInventors: Kennon Guglielmo, Adam Schumann, Brent Ludwig, Matthew Martin
-
Patent number: 11105299Abstract: Methods and systems for accurate and precise fuel supply control for continuous-flow of gaseous fuel to an internal combustion engine over a large dynamic power range, including a dual-stage valve that allows optimal control—a first stage in the form of a voice-coil driven electronic pressure regulator, and a second stage in the form of a voice-coil-driven choked-flow valve; monitoring the pressure of the fuel intermediate the two stages and making appropriate adjustments to the first stage via a pressure actuator loop; feeding the gaseous fuel mixture through a unitary block assembly into the second stage; monitoring the pressure of the air/fuel mixture and making appropriate adjustments to the second stage via a valve actuator control loop.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2019Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: EControls, LLCInventors: Michael W Walser, Randall W Walser, Christopher M Cole, Justin H Sanders, Joseph Grogan, Kenneth Shouse, Kennon Guglielmo
-
Patent number: D987685Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2020Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: EControls, LLCInventors: Justin H. Sanders, Randall W. Walser, Thomas Branyon