Patents by Inventor Dale C. VanPatten

Dale C. VanPatten 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).

  • Patent number: 11519376
    Abstract: An operating system for a standby generator includes a control unit, a switch, an inverter, a terminal, a current sensor, a starter circuit, a power control circuit, and an ignition kill circuit. The control unit is powered by a rechargeable twelve volt DC battery. The switch is selectively operable by the control unit to connect one of a first input or a second input to an output. The second input receives the supply of electrical power from an internal combustion engine. The inverter is positioned between the DC battery and the first input, and supplies electrical power to the electrical device when a movable contact of the switch connects the output to the first input. The power control circuit is connected to the control unit and is operable to adjust the movable contact of the switch to selectively connect the output to either the first input or the second input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton, LLC
    Inventors: Robert John Koenen, Jason A. Hansen, Dale C. VanPatten, Jeffrey Berger, Philip Betzhold
  • Publication number: 20210363926
    Abstract: An operating system for a standby generator includes a control unit, a switch, an inverter, a terminal, a current sensor, a starter circuit, a power control circuit, and an ignition kill circuit. The control unit is powered by a rechargeable twelve volt DC battery. The switch is selectively operable by the control unit to connect one of a first input or a second input to an output. The second input receives the supply of electrical power from an internal combustion engine. The inverter is positioned between the DC battery and the first input, and supplies electrical power to the electrical device when a movable contact of the switch connects the output to the first input. The power control circuit is connected to the control unit and is operable to adjust the movable contact of the switch to selectively connect the output to either the first input or the second input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Applicant: Briggs & Stratton, LLC
    Inventors: Robert John Koenen, Jason A. Hansen, Dale C. VanPatten, Jeffrey Berger, Philip Betzhold
  • Patent number: 11105279
    Abstract: An on-demand generator starting system and method is disclosed. The generator starting system is included as part of a standby or portable generator that includes one or more outlets that provide electrical power to an electrical device. The operating system includes a generator controller that monitors for a request for power from the electrical device connected to the outlet. When the control circuit of the generator controller determines that electric power is required from the generator, the control circuit initiates operation of the internal combustion engine. After the internal combustion engine starts, the control circuit operates a relay to provide power from the generator to the outlet of the generator. When the electrical device is no longer operating, the control circuit of the generator controller terminates operation of the internal combustion engine of the generator. In this manner, the generator operates only when the electrical device is requesting electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton, LLC
    Inventors: Robert John Koenen, Jason A. Hansen, Dale C. VanPatten, Jeffrey Berger, Philip Betzhold
  • Publication number: 20200003134
    Abstract: An on-demand generator starting system and method is disclosed. The generator starting system is included as part of a standby or portable generator that includes one or more outlets that provide electrical power to an electrical device. The operating system includes a generator controller that monitors for a request for power from the electrical device connected to the outlet. When the control circuit of the generator controller determines that electric power is required from the generator, the control circuit initiates operation of the internal combustion engine. After the internal combustion engine starts, the control circuit operates a relay to provide power from the generator to the outlet of the generator. When the electrical device is no longer operating, the control circuit of the generator controller terminates operation of the internal combustion engine of the generator. In this manner, the generator operates only when the electrical device is requesting electrical power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2018
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Applicant: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert John Koenen, Jason A. Hansen, Dale C. VanPatten, Jeffrey Berger, Philip Betzhold