Patents Assigned to Thermo King
  • Patent number: 11843303
    Abstract: A transport climate control system is disclosed. The system includes a compressor, a motor-generator-rectifier machine, a belt drive connected to the motor-generator-rectifier machine and the compressor, at least one condenser fan, at least one evaporator fan, and a DC to DC converter. The motor-generator-rectifier machine connects to the at least one condenser fan, the at least one evaporator fan, and the DC to DC converter. The motor-generator-rectifier machine includes a motor, a low voltage generator connected to the motor, and a rectifier connected to the low voltage generator. The motor-generator-rectifier machine can provide a first low voltage DC power to the at least one condenser fan, the at least one evaporator fan, and the DC to DC converter. The DC to DC converter can convert the first low voltage DC power to a second low voltage DC power that is different from the first low voltage DC power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: THERMO KING LLC
    Inventors: Wayne Donnellan, Sean Keaveney
  • Patent number: 11828215
    Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to a prime mover system. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a prime mover exhaust system that can prevent the accumulation of debris (e.g., soot or unburned fuel) in the prime mover system. In accordance with at least one embodiment described and recited herein, a self-cleaning prime mover exhaust system is provided. The prime mover exhaust system includes an exhaust tip, an exhaust pipe, and a cleaning tube. The exhaust tip is configured to eject exhaust out of the prime mover exhaust system, the exhaust pipe is configured to direct the exhaust away from a prime mover, and the cleaning tube is configured to accumulate debris exiting from the exhaust pipe and configured to vacuum the debris out of the self-cleaning prime mover exhaust system through the exhaust tip using the Venturi effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: THERMO KING LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey G. Harkness
  • Patent number: 11827106
    Abstract: A power distribution unit (PDU) for use with an electrically powered accessory is disclosed. The PDU includes at least one power input configured to receive electrical power from an electrical supply equipment and/or a second power source. The PDU also includes an accessory power interface configured to provide power to the electrically powered accessory. The PDU further includes a vehicle power interface configured to provide power to a vehicle electrical system of the vehicle. Also the PDU includes at least one switch configured to selectively connect the at least one power input to a power bus, and selectively connect the power bus to at least one of the accessory power interface and the vehicle power interface. The PDU also includes a controller configured to control the at least one switch to provide power to the electrically powered accessory and/or the vehicle electrical storage device of the vehicle electrical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: THERMO KING LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Wayne Schumacher, Nicholas Allan Cregan, Mark D. Leasure, Michael James Vanous
  • Patent number: 11821436
    Abstract: A condenser fan includes a lock hub and multiple blades that are fastened to the hub. Each of the blades includes six planes, each of which having variable parameters including pitch angle, sickle, chord length, and blade curve. For each embodiment of the evaporator fan, the blades are identically configured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: THERMO KING LLC
    Inventors: Srikanth Kanduri, Ramesh Vedula, Preman Reynold Joseph, Sudalairaja Madasamy, Ajaya Kumar, Harikrishnan Nayanar K, Manivannan Loganathan, Evan Jones, Ross Jones, Bharath Gm
  • Patent number: 11813925
    Abstract: A transport climate control system to cost-effectively maintain an ultra-low temperature over an extended period of time is provided. The transport climate control system includes a primary climate control system and a secondary climate control system. The primary climate control system includes a first compressor, a first condenser, a first expander, and a main evaporator that is configured to thermally communicate with a climate controlled space. The secondary climate control system includes an ultra-low temperature phase changing medium packaged inside or outside of an enclosure for a cargo. The secondary climate control system is configured to thermally communicate with the climate controlled space, the primary climate control system, and the cargo to provide additional or backup climate control capacity at the ultra-low temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: THERMO KING LLC
    Inventor: Lars I. Sjoholm
  • Patent number: 11794551
    Abstract: A method for optimizing power distribution amongst one or more electrical supply equipment stations at a power distribution site is provided. The method includes obtaining infrastructure data about the power distribution site, obtaining vehicle/transport climate control system data from one or more transport climate control systems and one or more vehicles demanding power from the one or more electrical supply equipment, and obtaining external data from an external source that can impact power demand from the one or more transport climate control systems. Each of the one or more transport climate control systems configured to provide climate control within a climate controlled space. The method also includes generating an optimized power distribution schedule based on the infrastructure data, the vehicle/transport climate control system data and the external data, and distributing power to the one or more transport climate control systems based on the optimized power distribution schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: THERMO KING LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Wayne Schumacher, Matthew Srnec, Philip Lewis Lavrich, Wallace Stephen Hubbard, Matthias Gorski, Eckardt Augenstein
  • Patent number: 11794556
    Abstract: A climate control circuit for a transport climate control system is provided. The circuit includes a compressor, a plurality of evaporators, a suction flow control device, and a controller. The suction flow control device is downstream of the plurality of evaporators and directs the working fluid from each of the evaporators to one of a main suction port and an auxiliary port of the compressor. The controller determines whether each of the evaporators is operating in a fresh temperature range or in a frozen temperature range. For each of the evaporators operating in the fresh temperature range, the controller instructs the suction flow control device to direct the working fluid from the corresponding evaporator to the auxiliary suction port. For each of the plurality of evaporators operating in the frozen temperature range, the controller instructs the suction flow control device to direct the working fluid to the main suction port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: THERMO KING LLC
    Inventors: Joseph R. Kaiser, Lars I. Sjoholm, Panayu Robert Srichai, David J. Dykes
  • Patent number: 11780298
    Abstract: There is disclosed an environmental control system for heating at least one enclosed space. The system comprises a heat-pump circuit that includes a compressor, a heat-output stage, an expansion device and an evaporator arranged in series along a flow path for a refrigerant. The heat-output stage comprises a primary heat exchanger and a secondary heat exchanger that are both configured to transfer heat from the refrigerant to one or more external mediums in thermal communication with the at least one enclosed space. The primary heat exchanger and the secondary heat exchanger are connected in series along the flow path, such that the secondary heat exchanger will transfer excess heat energy remaining within the refrigerant after passing through the primary heat exchanger to the one or more external mediums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: THERMO KING LLC
    Inventors: Martin Galansky, Diego Cearra, Michal Kolda, Pavel Houdek
  • Patent number: 11781497
    Abstract: A transport power system is provided. The transport power system includes a prime mover separate from another prime mover used for operating a vehicle, an absolute pressure sensor configured to sense an absolute pressure, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine an altitude of the transport power system based on a first absolute pressure sensed during a start-up sequence of the transport power system prior to running of the prime mover, adjust a power output upper limit for the prime mover based on the determined altitude, and control an operation of the prime mover of the transport power system not to exceed the adjusted power output upper limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Thermo King LLC
    Inventors: James Goodsell, Adam B Carey
  • Patent number: 11738623
    Abstract: A method of remotely managing a transport climate control system (TCCS) includes a remote management device receiving performance data from the TCCS. The performance data based on one or more detected operating parameters of the climate control circuit. The method also including the remote management device providing the performance data to one or more user devices. A remote management system includes a remote management device configured to receive performance data for a climate control circuit from a climate controller of a TCCS and to provide the performance data to one or more user devices. A TCCS includes a controller configured to: generate performance data based on the one or more detected operating parameters of a climate control circuit, and transmit the performance data to a remote monitoring device. The climate controller also configured to receive an operating instruction from the remote monitoring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: THERMO KING LLC
    Inventors: David J. Renken, Tony Spetz, Matthew Srnec, Mark D. Leasure
  • Patent number: 11712943
    Abstract: A climate control system for use in a transport vehicle is disclosed. The climate control system includes a variable speed electric load, a controller configured to determine a load of the variable speed electric load, and a battery pack voltage configurator circuit. The battery pack voltage configurator circuit includes a first battery bank providing a first voltage and a first current, a second battery bank providing a second voltage and a second current, and a plurality of switches. The controller is configured to control the plurality of switches based on the determined load of the variable speed electric load. The battery pack voltage configurator circuit is configured to provide an output voltage and an output current to drive the variable speed electric load. The output voltage and the output current vary in magnitude based on the control of the plurality of switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: THERMO KING LLC
    Inventors: Marcelo Andrade Dias, Ryan Wayne Schumacher
  • Patent number: 11708038
    Abstract: Methods and systems for efficient power management of a finite power storage unit that provides a finite amount of power to a vehicle accessory are provided. The method includes receiving an input parameter. The input parameter includes one of a desired runtime for the vehicle accessory and a desired condition setting for the vehicle accessory. The method also includes receiving an environment data. Also, the method includes a processor determining an output parameter based on the input parameter and the environment data. The output parameter includes one of an acceptable condition setting for the vehicle accessory and a predicted runtime for the vehicle accessory. Further, the method includes providing the output parameter to a display for displaying the output parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: THERMO KING LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Wayne Schumacher, Russell L. Sanders, Mark D. Leasure, Srinivasa Rao Koppineedi, Michael James Vanous
  • Patent number: 11703341
    Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a transport climate control system of a vehicle are provided. The method includes obtaining a state of charge of an energy storage device capable of providing power to the transport climate control system; determining an energy level including the state of charge, receiving a planned route for the vehicle, and receiving route status data associated with the planned route for the vehicle. The route status data includes traffic data, weather data, and/or geographic data identifying areas where the transport climate control system is to be solely powered by the energy storage device. The method further includes determining whether the energy level is sufficient to complete the planned route for the vehicle based on the planned route and the route data, and when the energy level is not sufficient to complete the planned route for the vehicle, providing a notification to a user via a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Thermo King LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Srnec, Wallace Hubbard, Michael James Vanous, Mark D. Leasure, Paul J. Kroes, Philip Lavrich
  • Patent number: 11695275
    Abstract: Technologies are described herein to prioritize delivery of power to electrical components associated with a vehicle and an electrically powered accessory. A power distribution unit may assess real-time power needs for the electrical storage system associated with the vehicle and electrical storage device of the electrically powered accessory and direct incoming power to the electrical storage system associated with the vehicle and the electrical storage device of the electrically powered accessory based on a prioritization of various factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: THERMO KING LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Wayne Schumacher, Michael James Vanous, Mark D. Leasure, Nicholas Allan Cregan, Matt Srnec, Alessandro Silvestri
  • Patent number: 11692495
    Abstract: A generator set for a transport climate control unit is provided that is operable at a first frequency and a second frequency. The generator set includes a generator, a prime mover configured to operate at a first non-zero speed and a second non-zero speed that is less than the first non-zero speed, and a genset controller configured to control operation of the generator set. When operating at the first non-zero speed, the genset controller is configured to monitor a prime mover load parameter to determine whether the prime mover is approaching or has exceeded an overload or stall situation. The genset controller is configured to reduce the speed of the prime mover from the first non-zero speed to the second non-zero speed to prevent the overload or stall situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: THERMO KING LLC
    Inventors: John G Simpson, Randy S. Burnham, Kyle J. Gleason
  • Patent number: 11674726
    Abstract: A method of controlling a transport climate control system includes detecting for leaking of working fluid from a climate control circuit. The method also includes isolating a high-pressure side of the climate control circuit when leaking of the working fluid is detected. A method of controlling a transport climate control circuit includes detecting for overcharge and/or an undercharge of the climate control circuit. A transport climate control system includes a climate control circuit and a climate controller that is configured to detect for working fluid leaking from the climate control circuit. The climate controller configured to isolate a high-pressure side of the climate control circuit when leaking of the working fluid is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: THERMO KING LLC
    Inventors: David J. Renken, Tony Spetz
  • Patent number: 11673449
    Abstract: A method for controlling a power system that powers a load is provided. The power system includes a prime mover, an electrical machine coupled to the prime mover, a battery source, an inverter coupled to the battery source, and a power system controller configured to control operation of the power system. The method includes monitoring a power demand on the power system from the load. The method also includes comparing the monitored power demand with a load threshold value. Also, the method includes determining that the monitored power demand is less than the load threshold value. Further, the method includes upon determining that the monitored power demand is less than the load threshold value: inactivating the prime mover, and instructing the battery source with the inverter to supply power to the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: THERMO KING LLC
    Inventors: Erich A. Lucht, Ross T. Nelson, John G. Simpson
  • Patent number: 11654740
    Abstract: A controller for a transport climate control system is provided. The controller includes a main processor, a co-processor and a verification memory. The main processor is configured to control operation of a compressor of the transport climate control system. The co-processor is separate from the main processor. The verification memory is connected in electronic communication with only the co-processor and is not in electronic communication with the main processor. The co-processor is configured to receive verification data from an independent sensor and wherein the independent sensor is not in communication with the main processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: THERMO KING LLC
    Inventors: Adam Howard Raybin, Shawn Alan Schemmel, Oscar Sanz de Acedo Pollan, Niall Lynch
  • Patent number: 11648821
    Abstract: A method of minimizing C-Rate fluctuations with an electrically powered accessory (EPA) is disclosed. The EPA is configured to be used with at least one of a vehicle, a trailer, and a transport container that has a first controller. The EPA has a second controller. The method includes determining, by the first controller, a first C-Rate of a Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS). Also, the method includes comparing the first C-Rate to a first predetermined threshold. The method also includes when the first C-Rate exceeds the first predetermined threshold, the first controller sending a first request to the second controller to adjust a load of the EPA. The method further includes the second controller determining a first operational mode of the EPA based on the first request. Also the method includes when the first operational mode of the EPA allows a load change, the second controller adjusting the load of the EPA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: THERMO KING LLC
    Inventors: Michael James Vanous, Carolyn Lewelling, Christos Alkiviadis Polyzois
  • Patent number: 11647767
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating an active controlled atmosphere (CA) system to regulate the atmosphere in a cargo storage space. The controlled atmosphere system comprises: a plurality of gas exchange modules, each being operable to vary the level of a respective component gas in the cargo storage space, and/or at least one gas exchange module operable in a plurality of different modes to vary the level of a respective component gas in the cargo storage space; and a control module configured to control operation of each gas exchange module according to a plurality of different predetermined atmospheric control logics. Each atmospheric control logic defines operational gas exchange modules and/or operational modes for use over respective operational ranges of atmospheric conditions, and each atmospheric control logic is configured to cause operation of a different combination of gas exchange modules and/or modes over a comparable operational range, independently of any setpoints for gas component levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: THERMO KING LLC
    Inventors: Petra Stavova, Jiri Zita, Martin Vojik, Michal Kolda