Patents Assigned to PHILLIPS AND TEMRO INDUSTRIES INC.
  • Patent number: 11881908
    Abstract: An intake air heating system for a vehicle includes: an air heater configured to heat air an intake system of an engine; an air heater control module configured to selectively apply power to the air heater via a power conductor; and a voltage sensor and communication module configured to: measure a voltage on terminals of the air heater; and transmit an indicator of the voltage to the air heater control module on the power conductor, where the air heater control module is further configured to: receive the indicator via the power conductor; determine a resistance of the air heater based on the voltage on the terminals of the air heater and a current through the air heater; and apply power to the air heater based on the resistance of the air heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Phillips & Temro Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Steven W. Tonkin
  • Patent number: 11774152
    Abstract: The auxiliary AC system includes a temperature measurement device configured to generate a variable output based on an air temperature in an environment proximate to the AC system and a compressor control circuit communicably coupled to a variable speed motor. The compressor control circuit is configured to receive the variable output from the temperature measurement device, determine that the output indicates a change in the air temperature, and generate a control signal for the variable speed motor, the control signal including a current having a magnitude depending on the extent of the change to vary a rate at which a compressor pressurizes a refrigerant vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: PHILLIPS & TEMRO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey James Martell, Eric Graham Ruggles, John David Sweazey
  • Patent number: 11772447
    Abstract: A mounting structure for a compressor assembly of an auxiliary air conditioning system for a vehicle includes a mounting plate that includes a first surface, a second surface, a first plurality of apertures, and a second plurality of apertures. The mounting structure also includes a plurality of mounts disposed at the first surface, the plurality of mounts including a mount attached to the mounting plate via fasteners extending through the first plurality of apertures. The mounting structure also includes a mounting panel of a compressor unit of the auxiliary air conditioning system. The mounting panel includes a main portion having mounting apertures overlapping the plurality of mounts. Fasteners are disposed at the mounting apertures to attach the mounting panel to the mounting plate via the plurality of mounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: PHILLIPS & TEMRO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: John David Sweazey, Jeffrey James Martell, Eric Graham Ruggles, Donald Joseph Manderfeld
  • Patent number: 11770876
    Abstract: A heater control system is disclosed. In an embodiment, the heater control system includes a fluid heater that includes a heating element. The heating element controlled by a switch. The heater control system also includes a controller that can operate the switch. The controller is configured to determine whether a temperature associated with the fluid heater is below a predetermined temperature threshold. The controller causes the switch to transition to an operational state when the temperature is below the predetermined temperature threshold allowing current to flow through the at least one heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Phillips & Temro Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Roger J. Halberg, Steven W. Tonkin
  • Patent number: 11394230
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, an alternator, and a battery bank electrically connected to the alternator via a connection line. The connection line includes a current sensor configured to measure an electrical current through the connection line. The vehicle also includes a start-stop system configured to determine, during a time when the engine is off, that a voltage of the battery bank is below a first threshold value for a first predetermined period, provide a control signal to a starter to start the engine to initiate charging of battery bank, determine, by the current sensor, that the electrical current is below a second threshold value, and in response to the determination, provide a control signal to turn the engine off to terminate the charging of the battery bank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Phillips & Temro Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey James Martell, Eric Graham Ruggles, John David Sweazey
  • Patent number: 11235639
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a start-stop system configured to stop and restart operation of the engine in response to predetermined triggers, and an auxiliary air conditioning AC system including a controller communicably coupled to the start-stop system. The start-stop system is configured to provide a first indication to the auxiliary AC system indicating ignition of the engine and a second indication to the auxiliary AC system after stopping the engine. The auxiliary AC system is configured to turn off the auxiliary AC system in response to receiving the first indication and restart the auxiliary AC system in response to receiving the second indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Phillips & Temro Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey James Martell, Eric Graham Ruggles, John David Sweazey
  • Publication number: 20210341198
    Abstract: The auxiliary AC system includes a temperature measurement device configured to generate a variable output based on an air temperature in an environment proximate to the AC system and a compressor control circuit communicably coupled to a variable speed motor. The compressor control circuit is configured to receive the variable output from the temperature measurement device, determine that the output indicates a change in the air temperature, and generate a control signal for the variable speed motor, the control signal including a current having a magnitude depending on the extent of the change to vary a rate at which a compressor pressurizes a refrigerant vapor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: Phillips & Temro Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey James Martell, Eric Graham Ruggles, John David Sweazey
  • Publication number: 20210221193
    Abstract: A mounting structure for a compressor assembly of an auxiliary air conditioning system for a vehicle includes a mounting plate that includes a first surface, a second surface, a first plurality of apertures, and a second plurality of apertures. The mounting structure also includes a plurality of mounts disposed at the first surface, the plurality of mounts including a mount attached to the mounting plate via fasteners extending through the first plurality of apertures. The mounting structure also includes a mounting panel of a compressor unit of the auxiliary air conditioning system. The mounting panel includes a main portion having mounting apertures overlapping the plurality of mounts. Fasteners are disposed at the mounting apertures to attach the mounting panel to the mounting plate via the plurality of mounts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Applicant: Phillips & Temro Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John David Sweazey, Jeffrey James Martell, Eric Graham Ruggles, Donald Joseph Manderfeld
  • Patent number: 11060777
    Abstract: The auxiliary AC system includes a temperature measurement device configured to generate a variable output based on an air temperature in an environment proximate to the AC system and a compressor control circuit communicably coupled to a variable speed motor. The compressor control circuit is configured to receive the variable output from the temperature measurement device, determine that the output indicates a change in the air temperature, and generate a control signal for the variable speed motor, the control signal including a current having a magnitude depending on the extent of the change to vary a rate at which a compressor pressurizes a refrigerant vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Phillips & Temro Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey James Martell, Eric Graham Ruggles, John David Sweazey
  • Patent number: 10974565
    Abstract: A mounting structure for a compressor assembly of an auxiliary air conditioning system for a vehicle includes a mounting plate that includes a first surface, a second surface, a first plurality of apertures, and a second plurality of apertures. The mounting structure also includes a plurality of mounts disposed at the first surface, the plurality of mounts including a mount attached to the mounting plate via fasteners extending through the first plurality of apertures. The mounting structure also includes a mounting panel of a compressor unit of the auxiliary air conditioning system. The mounting panel includes a main portion having mounting apertures overlapping the plurality of mounts. Fasteners are disposed at the mounting apertures to attach the mounting panel to the mounting plate via the plurality of mounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Phillips & Temro Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John David Sweazey, Jeffrey James Martell, Eric Graham Ruggles, Donald Joseph Manderfeld
  • Patent number: 10774802
    Abstract: An air intake assembly includes heating elements. The heating elements include windings arranged in a serpentine configuration and having crest portions and trough portions. At least one crest portion of a first heating element is fastened to a corresponding trough portion of a second heating element. The heating elements are arranged in a honeycomb configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Phillips & Temro Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Tonkin, Jeremy N. Douglas, Roger J. Halberg
  • Patent number: 10573863
    Abstract: An assembly may include an auxiliary power unit housing, a battery box, and a pair of brackets. The battery box may include a base, a first cover and a second cover. The first cover may be removably attached to the base. The auxiliary power unit housing may be mounted to the second cover. The first cover may include a lip that engages a flange of the second cover. The brackets may extend laterally outward from lateral sides of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Phillips & Temro Industries Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Sweazey, Mark A. Fancher, Robert H. Jordan
  • Publication number: 20200045774
    Abstract: A heater control system is disclosed. In an embodiment, the heater control system includes a fluid heater that includes a heating element. The heating element controlled by a switch. The heater control system also includes a controller that can operate the switch. The controller is configured to determine whether a temperature associated with the fluid heater is below a predetermined temperature threshold. The controller causes the switch to transition to an operational state when the temperature is below the predetermined temperature threshold allowing current to flow through the at least one heating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Applicant: PHILLIPS & TEMRO INDUSTRIES INC.
    Inventors: Roger J. HALBERG, Steven W. TONKIN
  • Publication number: 20190237987
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, an alternator, and a battery bank electrically connected to the alternator via a connection line. The connection line includes a current sensor configured to measure an electrical current through the connection line. The vehicle also includes a start-stop system configured to determine, during a time when the engine is off, that a voltage of the battery bank is below a first threshold value for a first predetermined period, provide a control signal to a starter to start the engine to initiate charging of battery bank, determine, by the current sensor, that the electrical current is below a second threshold value, and in response to the determination, provide a control signal to turn the engine off to terminate the charging of the battery bank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Applicant: Phillips & Temro Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey James Martell, Eric Graham Ruggles, John David Sweazey
  • Publication number: 20190234662
    Abstract: The auxiliary AC system includes a temperature measurement device configured to generate a variable output based on an air temperature in an environment proximate to the AC system and a compressor control circuit communicably coupled to a variable speed motor. The compressor control circuit is configured to receive the variable output from the temperature measurement device, determine that the output indicates a change in the air temperature, and generate a control signal for the variable speed motor, the control signal including a current having a magnitude depending on the extent of the change to vary a rate at which a compressor pressurizes a refrigerant vapor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Applicant: Phillips & Temro Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey James Martell, Eric Graham Ruggles, John David Sweazey
  • Publication number: 20190232753
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a start-stop system configured to stop and restart operation of the engine in response to predetermined triggers, and an auxiliary air conditioning AC system including a controller communicably coupled to the start-stop system. The start-stop system is configured to provide a first indication to the auxiliary AC system indicating ignition of the engine and a second indication to the auxiliary AC system after stopping the engine. The auxiliary AC system is configured to turn off the auxiliary AC system in response to receiving the first indication and restart the auxiliary AC system in response to receiving the second indication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Applicant: Phillips & Temro Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey James Martell, Eric Graham Ruggles, John David Sweazey
  • Publication number: 20190234648
    Abstract: A mounting structure for a compressor assembly of an auxiliary air conditioning system for a vehicle includes a mounting plate that includes a first surface, a second surface, a first plurality of apertures, and a second plurality of apertures. The mounting structure also includes a plurality of mounts disposed at the first surface, the plurality of mounts including a mount attached to the mounting plate via fasteners extending through the first plurality of apertures. The mounting structure also includes a mounting panel of a compressor unit of the auxiliary air conditioning system. The mounting panel includes a main portion having mounting apertures overlapping the plurality of mounts. Fasteners are disposed at the mounting apertures to attach the mounting panel to the mounting plate via the plurality of mounts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Applicant: Phillips & Temro Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John David Sweazey, Jeffrey James Martell, Eric Graham Ruggles, Donald Joseph Manderfeld
  • Patent number: 10344717
    Abstract: In one or more implementations, an example air heater assembly is described. The air heater assembly includes a frame defining an aperture and an air heater that includes at least one heating element. The frame is configured to receive the air heater. The air heater assembly includes a terminal configured to connect with the at least one heating element. The air heater assembly includes a hard coated bushing configured to receive the terminal, and the hard coated bushing is configured to be received within the aperture to form a seal and to electrically isolate the terminal from the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Phillips & Temro Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Tonkin, Reginald M. McKeever
  • Patent number: 10221817
    Abstract: An intake air heating system for a vehicle includes an electrical switching device configured to selectively connect a battery of the vehicle to a heater coil in contact with intake air of the vehicle. The intake air heating system includes a control circuit configured to, in response to an enable signal from an engine controller, drive the electrical switching device to connect the battery to the heater coil at full current. The control circuit is configured to measure a resistance of the heater coil indicative of an initial temperature of the heater coil and, in response to an estimated temperature of the heater coil exceeding a desired temperature value, modulate the electrical switching device to reduce current from the battery of the vehicle to the heater coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Phillips & Temro Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Tonkin, Jeremy N. Douglas, Roger J. Halberg
  • Patent number: 10077745
    Abstract: An intake air heating system for a vehicle includes an electrical switching device configured to selectively connect a battery of the vehicle to a heater coil in contact with intake air of the vehicle. The intake air heating system includes a control circuit configured to, in response to an enable signal from an engine controller, drive the electrical switching device to connect the battery to the heater coil at full current. The control circuit is configured to measure a resistance of the heater coil indicative of a temperature of the heater coil. The control circuit is configured to, in response to the temperature of the heater coil exceeding a desired temperature value, modulate the electrical switching device to reduce current from the battery of the vehicle to the heater coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Phillips & Temro Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Tonkin, Jeremy N. Douglas, Roger J. Halberg