Patents by Inventor Douglas W. Dorn

Douglas W. Dorn 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: 11073808
    Abstract: A generator system for operation of at least one generator and at least one breaker includes an interface, a database, and a generator controller. The interface is configured to receive an architecture for the generator system. The database includes at least one generator parameter and at least one breaker parameter. The generator controller is configured to determine generator layouts from the architecture for the generator system. The generator controller determines a generator system command based on a comparison of the generator layouts, the at least one generator parameter, and the at least one breaker parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Isaac S. Frampton, Steve Jungers, Douglas W. Dorn, Allen Frederick
  • Patent number: 10823772
    Abstract: A generator waveform is measured using one or more techniques that reduce the computing resources for measuring the generator waveform and the time required for measuring the generator waveform. One example includes a template matching technique that iteratively selects templates to estimate the phase offset of the generator waveform. One example includes a root mean squared value calculated from less than sample time period that is less than one half of a cycle of the generator waveform. A generator controller calculates a command or parameter for the generator based on the estimated phase offset or the root mean squared value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Isaac S. Frampton, Douglas W. Dorn
  • Publication number: 20200218216
    Abstract: A generator system for operation of at least one generator and at least one breaker includes an interface, a database, and a generator controller. The interface is configured to receive an architecture for the generator system. The database includes at least one generator parameter and at least one breaker parameter. The generator controller is configured to determine generator layouts from the architecture for the generator system. The generator controller determines a generator system command based on a comparison of the generator layouts, the at least one generator parameter, and the at least one breaker parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Inventors: Isaac S. Frampton, Steve Jungers, Douglas W. Dorn, Allen Frederick
  • Patent number: 10635066
    Abstract: A generator system for operation of at least one generator and at least one breaker includes an interface, a database, and a generator controller. The interface is configured to receive an architecture for the generator system. The database includes at least one generator parameter and at least one breaker parameter. The generator controller is configured to determine generator layouts from the architecture for the generator system. The generator controller determines a generator system command based on a comparison of the generator layouts, the at least one generator parameter, and the at least one breaker parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Isaac S. Frampton, Steve Jungers, Douglas W. Dorn, Allen Frederick
  • Publication number: 20190265284
    Abstract: A generator waveform is measured using one or more techniques that reduce the computing resources for measuring the generator waveform and the time required for measuring the generator waveform. One example includes a template matching technique that iteratively selects templates to estimate the phase offset of the generator waveform. One example includes a root mean squared value calculated from less than sample time period that is less than one half of a cycle of the generator waveform. A generator controller calculates a command or parameter for the generator based on the estimated phase offset or the root mean squared value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Inventors: Isaac S. Frampton, Douglas W. Dorn
  • Patent number: 10338119
    Abstract: A generator waveform is measured using one or more techniques that reduce the computing resources for measuring the generator waveform and the time required for measuring the generator waveform. One example includes a template matching technique that iteratively selects templates to estimate the phase offset of the generator waveform. One example includes a root mean squared value calculated from less than sample time period that is less than one half of a cycle of the generator waveform. A generator controller calculates a command or parameter for the generator based on the estimated phase offset or the root mean squared value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Isaac S. Frampton, Douglas W. Dorn
  • Patent number: 10158248
    Abstract: An electrical power generator system may include two or more paralleled generators. At least one of the generators includes a first power source and a second power source. A disconnection of a first power source is identified at a generator controller of one of the generators. The generator controller may be configured to access or generate a power failure message indicative of the disconnection of the first power source. The generator controller may be configured to transmit the power failure message using the second power source because the second power source is switched to the generator controller in response to the disconnection of the first power source. The system may enter a communication failure handling mode based on the power failure message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Douglas W. Dorn, Isaac S. Frampton, Steve Jungers
  • Patent number: 10108165
    Abstract: A generator system may include two or more generators electrically connected through a generator bus. A controller receives operation data from a first generator. The operation data may describe a power flow from a second generator to the first generator. From the operation data, either a loss of speed control or a loss of voltage control may be identified at the second generator. The controller may generate a command for the second generator based on the loss of speed control or the loss of voltage control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Isaac S. Frampton, Douglas W. Dorn
  • Publication number: 20180173180
    Abstract: A generator system for operation of at least one generator and at least one breaker includes an interface, a database, and a generator controller. The interface is configured to receive an architecture for the generator system. The database includes at least one generator parameter and at least one breaker parameter. The generator controller is configured to determine generator layouts from the architecture for the generator system. The generator controller determines a generator system command based on a comparison of the generator layouts, the at least one generator parameter, and the at least one breaker parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Isaac S. Frampton, Steve Jungers, Douglas W. Dorn, Allen Frederick
  • Publication number: 20180052193
    Abstract: A generator waveform is measured using one or more techniques that reduce the computing resources for measuring the generator waveform and the time required for measuring the generator waveform. One example includes a template matching technique that iteratively selects templates to estimate the phase offset of the generator waveform. One example includes a root mean squared value calculated from less than sample time period that is less than one half of a cycle of the generator waveform. A generator controller calculates a command or parameter for the generator based on the estimated phase offset or the root mean squared value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Isaac Frampton, Douglas W. Dorn
  • Patent number: 9689330
    Abstract: A power system may include a first generator configured to be connected to at least one other generator. Each generator may be configured to be connected to a bus. The bus may be connected to at least one load. The first generator includes a controller that operates the first generator and determines a need to regenerate a diesel particulate filter in the first generator. The controller communicates the need to regenerate the diesel particulate filter to the at least one other generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Douglas W. Dorn, Isaac S. Frampton
  • Publication number: 20160370782
    Abstract: A generator system may include two or more generators electrically connected through a generator bus. A controller receives operation data from a first generator. The operation data may describe a power flow from a second generator to the first generator. From the operation data, either a loss of speed control or a loss of voltage control may be identified at the second generator. The controller may generate a command for the second generator based on the loss of speed control or the loss of voltage control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventors: Isaac S. Frampton, Douglas W. Dorn
  • Publication number: 20160344186
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an example generator management system. The generator management system includes a first generator that is adapted to supply power to a load and a first generator controller that operates the first generator. The generator management system further includes a second generator that is adapted to supply power to the load and a second generator controller that operates the second generator. The generator management system further includes a communication bus that connects the first generator controller and the second generator controller such that the first generator controller and the second generator controller exchange data. At least one of the first generator controller and the second generator controller selectively activates the first generator and the second generator in an order that depends on an operating parameter of the first generator and the second generator (as opposed to a fixed sequence which is done in existing systems).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Isaac S. Frampton, Richard A. Mauk, Douglas W. Dorn
  • Patent number: 9467080
    Abstract: A generator system may include two or more generators electrically connected through a generator bus. A controller receives operation data from a first generator. The operation data may describe a power flow from a second generator to the first generator. From the operation data, either a loss of speed control or a loss of voltage control may be identified at the second generator. The controller may generate a command for the second generator based on the loss of speed control or the loss of voltage control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Kohler, Co.
    Inventors: Isaac S. Frampton, Douglas W. Dorn
  • Patent number: 9431942
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an example generator management system. The generator management system includes a first generator that is adapted to supply power to load and a first generator controller that operates the first generator. The generator management system further includes a second generator that is adapted to supply power to the load and a second generator controller that operates the second generator. The generator management system further includes a communication bus that connects the first generator controller and the second generator controller such that the first generator controller and the second generator controller exchange data. At least one of the first generator controller and the second generator controller selectively activates the first generator and the second generator in an order that depends on an operating parameter of the first generator and the second generator (as opposed to a fixed sequence which is done in existing systems).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Isaac S. Frampton, Richard A. Mauk, Douglas W. Dorn
  • Publication number: 20160215666
    Abstract: A power system may include a first generator configured to be connected to at least one other generator. Each generator may be configured to be connected to a bus. The bus may be connected to at least one load. The first generator includes a controller that operates the first generator and determines a need to regenerate a diesel particulate filter in the first generator. The controller communicates the need to regenerate the diesel particulate filter to the at least one other generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Douglas W. Dorn, Isaac S. Frampton
  • Publication number: 20160172905
    Abstract: An electrical power generator system may include two or more paralleled generators. At least one of the generators includes a first power source and a second power source. A disconnection of a first power source is identified at a generator controller of one of the generators. The generator controller may be configured to access or generate a power failure message indicative of the disconnection of the first power source. The generator controller may be configured to transmit the power failure message using the second power source because the second power source is switched to the generator controller in response to the disconnection of the first power source. The system may enter a communication failure handling mode based on the power failure message.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Douglas W. Dorn, Isaac S. Frampton, Steve Jungers
  • Patent number: 9281716
    Abstract: A power management system may include a generator controller. The generator controller may (i) operate the generator; and (ii) prohibit a transfer switch from supplying first or second power to an output of the transfer switch. In some systems, the first power may be primary power (e.g., from a primary power source such as a utility) while the second power is secondary power (e.g., from a secondary power source such as a generator). In other systems, the second power may be primary power while the first power is secondary power, or both the first and second power may be secondary power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Eric D. Albsmeier, Douglas W. Dorn, William Herman Gross, Andrew John Sember, Anthony J. Hackbarth
  • Publication number: 20160049891
    Abstract: A generator system may include two or more generators electrically connected through a generator bus. A controller receives operation data from a first generator. The operation data may describe a power flow from a second generator to the first generator. From the operation data, either a loss of speed control or a loss of voltage control may be identified at the second generator. The controller may generate a command for the second generator based on the loss of speed control or the loss of voltage control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Inventors: Isaac S. Frampton, Douglas W. Dorn
  • Patent number: 9197098
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a standby power system. The standby power system includes a sensor that is adapted to monitor a primary power source which provides power to a load. In some embodiments, the sensor may monitor characteristics of the power supplied by the primary power source 12 that may be used to sense abnormalities. The standby power system further includes a generator that is also adapted to supply power to the load. As an example, the generator may include an internal combustion engine that drives an alternator. The standby power system further includes a generator controller that operates the generator and exchanges data with the sensor. The generator controller predicts a need to supply power to the load based on data received from the sensor. The generator controller then acts to minimize a time to availability of the generator based on the prediction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Isaac S. Frampton, Douglas W. Dorn, Richard A. Mauk