Patents by Inventor Deborah A. Klinkert

Deborah A. Klinkert 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: 9115638
    Abstract: A genset system that includes a genset assembly, an electronic fuel injection (EFI) system and an alcohol sensor and a method of controlling air-to-fuel ratio using the genset system are described. The genset assembly includes a genset engine that (1) is capable of running on at least one of gasoline and alcohol, (2) is an air-cooled engine, and (3) operates at a rich air-to-fuel ratio (AFR). The EFI system includes an electronic control unit that is configured to determine a requested AFR based on the data from the alcohol sensor and the data from the air flow sensor, and based on the determined requested relative AFR, the electronic control unit is configured to actuate the fuel injector such that the fuel in an amount sufficient for obtaining an air/fuel mixture that is at the determined requested relative AFR is injected into the intake system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Cummins Power Generation, Inc.
    Inventors: David T. Falkowski, Nick V. Halstead, Deborah A. Klinkert, Matthew J. Ethen, Luke R. Staples
  • Patent number: 8322327
    Abstract: An open or closed loop EFI system integrating an alcohol sensor is provided on a genset engine. The EFI system provides acceptable engine performance and efficiency when using fuels or fuel blends over a wide band and when starting from a cold state, i.e., starting the engine after the engine has not run for a relatively long period of time. The alcohol sensor enables acceptable operation while the genset engine is cold. The alcohol sensor sends data to the electronic control unit (ECU) and this data, as well as data provided by other sensors that may be available such as an air flow sensor, is used to determine the optimal air-to-fuel ratio (AFR). The ECU actuates the fuel injector which sends the correct amount of atomized fuel to mix with the air flow to be combusted. The fuel mixture, at the requested AFR, enables the engine to start and operate efficiently from a cold state even if the fuel blend has been changed from a previous operation of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Cummins Power Generation, Inc.
    Inventors: David T. Falkowski, Nick V. Halstead, Deborah A. Klinkert, Matthew J. Ethen, Luke R. Staples
  • Publication number: 20110180041
    Abstract: An open or closed loop EFI system integrating an alcohol sensor is provided on a genset engine. The EFI system provides acceptable engine performance and efficiency when using fuels or fuel blends over a wide band and when starting from a cold state, i.e., starting the engine after the engine has not run for a relatively long period of time. The alcohol sensor enables acceptable operation while the genset engine is cold. The alcohol sensor sends data to the electronic control unit (ECU) and this data, as well as data provided by other sensors that may be available such as an air flow sensor, is used to determine the optimal air-to-fuel ratio (AFR). The ECU actuates the fuel injector which sends the correct amount of atomized fuel to mix with the air flow to be combusted. The fuel mixture, at the requested AFR, enables the engine to start and operate efficiently from a cold state even if the fuel blend has been changed from a previous operation of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: CUMMINS POWER GENERATION, INC.
    Inventors: David T. Falkowski, Nick V. Halstead, Deborah A. Klinkert, Matthew J. Ethen, Luke R. Staples
  • Publication number: 20110179779
    Abstract: An exhaust system that can improve emissions treatment by reducing certain emissions species. The exhaust system draws air into the exhaust system from an air source, when exhaust pressure decreases to a threshold so that air can enter the exhaust system. The exhaust system is in a genset engine. The air source is a pressurized air source, such as an existing fan of the genset engine. A portion of the air generated by the air source is pulled off so that it flows directly toward the exhaust system, using a one-way valve and conduit that fluidly connects the air source to the exhaust system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: CUMMINS POWER GENERATION, INC.
    Inventors: David T. Falkowski, Deborah A. Klinkert, Luke R. Staples, Jeffrey D. Peterson, Steven M. Swanson, Shimkiri S. Syiem, Michael J. Turbak, Aaron C. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7721537
    Abstract: A system includes a combustion engine for a genset. The engine having an exhaust to emit water and exhaust gases from the exhaust and a sound-dampening device coupled between the exhaust and a muffler, the sound-dampening device including a tubular member having internal rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Cummins Power Generation Inc.
    Inventors: Deborah A. Klinkert, Douglas L. Hanson
  • Patent number: 7377237
    Abstract: A cooling system for a hybrid power system that includes an engine employs an engine cooling circuit to deliver coolant to the engine, the engine cooling circuit including a radiator and a main fan to draw air through the radiator. When the hybrid power system further includes an inverter, then the inverter is cooled via an inverter cooling circuit that is formulated as one portion of the cooling system to deliver coolant to the inverter, the inverter cooling circuit including a heat exchanger located such that the main fan draws air through the heat exchanger when the main fan is active. The cooling system also includes a secondary fan to selectively draw air though the heat exchanger during operation of an inverter cooling circuit coolant pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Cummins Power Generation Inc.
    Inventors: Allen B. Carney, John C. Hughes, Kevin J. Keene, Deborah A. Klinkert, Bradley D. Padget
  • Publication number: 20080060589
    Abstract: A cooling system for a hybrid power system that includes an engine employs an engine cooling circuit to deliver coolant to the engine, the engine cooling circuit including a radiator and a main fan to draw air through the radiator. When the hybrid power system further includes an inverter, then the inverter is cooled via an inverter cooling circuit that is formulated as one portion of the cooling system to deliver coolant to the inverter, the inverter cooling circuit including a heat exchanger located such that the main fan draws air through the heat exchanger when the main fan is active. The cooling system also includes a secondary fan to selectively draw air though the heat exchanger during operation of an inverter cooling circuit coolant pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: Cummins Power Generation Inc.
    Inventors: Allen B. Carney, John C. Hughes, Kevin J. Keene, Deborah A. Klinkert, Bradley D. Padget
  • Publication number: 20050161281
    Abstract: A system includes a combustion engine for a genset. The engine having an exhaust to emit water and exhaust gases from the exhaust and a sound-dampening device coupled between the exhaust and a muffler, the sound-dampening device including a tubular member having internal rings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Publication date: July 28, 2005
    Inventors: Deborah Klinkert, Douglas Hanson
  • Patent number: 5333678
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an auxiliary power unit for use with a vehicle, typically a truck. The truck has a cab and a sleeper to which the auxiliary power unit provides auxiliary air conditioning and heating. The truck also has a cab evaporator, a sleeper evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and a plurality of refrigerant lines, a cab heater, a sleeper heater, and a plurality of coolant lines. The auxiliary power unit has an auxiliary evaporator and a plurality of auxiliary refrigerant lines. The auxiliary evaporator is arranged in series with the sleeper evaporator and the sleeper heater. The auxiliary refrigerant lines are separate and distinct from the truck's plurality of refrigerant lines. The auxiliary power unit also has a plurality of auxiliary coolant lines which are interconnected with the truck's plurality of coolant lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Onan Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald J. Mellum, Peter M. Hawkins, Jr., Glennard M. Kline, Deborah A. Klinkert, Ronald G. McFarlane, Gary P. Hansen
  • Patent number: 5125236
    Abstract: A combined generator set and air conditioning compressor drive system is disclosed for use in a mobile vehicle. The disclosed device includes an auxiliary engine, a compressor, and a motor-generator. When an external source of electricity is unavailable, the motor-generator is shaft driven by the auxiliary engine and operated as a generator to provide electricity to the vehicle. The compressor is also shaft driven. When an external source of electricity is available, the motor-generator operates as a motor so as to drive the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: Onan Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen M. Clancey, David A. Overland, Deborah A. Klinkert, Mark S. Lent, Paul H. Plahn