Patents by Inventor Erich Albert Lucht

Erich Albert Lucht 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: 11300125
    Abstract: Embodiments to help detect operation conditions of a compressor of a TRU in real time by a genset are disclosed. The operation conditions of the compressor can be determined by monitoring a parameter pattern of the genset, such as value changes of a horsepower, a torque, an exhaust temperature, fuel consumption and/or a RPM of a prime mover of the genset, or a current drawn from a generator of the genset, over a period of time. In one embodiment, when a scroll compressor is used in the TRU, the scroll compressor may start a periodical load/unload duty cycle when the TRU reaches its setpoint. The periodical load/unload duty cycle of the scroll compressor can be detected based on a corresponding fluctuation pattern in genset parameters. When this periodically fluctuating pattern of ECU parameters and/or current drawn is detected, the prime mover can be switched to a low operation speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Thermo King Corporation
    Inventors: Randall Scott Burnham, David Jon Renken, Erich Albert Lucht, Cullen Evan Hall
  • Publication number: 20200208636
    Abstract: Embodiments to help detect operation conditions of a compressor of a TRU in real time by a genset are disclosed. The operation conditions of the compressor can be determined by monitoring a parameter pattern of the genset, such as value changes of a horsepower, a torque, an exhaust temperature, fuel consumption and/or a RPM of a prime mover of the genset, or a current drawn from a generator of the genset, over a period of time. In one embodiment, when a scroll compressor is used in the TRU, the scroll compressor may start a periodical load/unload duty cycle when the TRU reaches its setpoint. The periodical load/unload duty cycle of the scroll compressor can be detected based on a corresponding fluctuation pattern in genset parameters. When this periodically fluctuating pattern of ECU parameters and/or current drawn is detected, the prime mover can be switched to a low operation speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Randall Scott BURNHAM, David Jon RENKEN, Erich Albert LUCHT, Cullen Evan HALL
  • Patent number: 10682897
    Abstract: Systems and methods to control a prime mover of a transport refrigeration system are disclosed. A controller may be configured to receive input from various information sources including a global satellite positioning system and/or a human machine interface. The controller can be configured to select a prime mover operation mode based on the input received. In some embodiment, the controller can select a noise reduction operation mode when the TRU is located in a noise regulated area, and can select a fuel efficient mode when the TRU is located outside of the noise regulated areas. In some embodiments, the noise reduction operation mode may include increasing a speed of the prime mover in a soft sloped ramp. In some embodiments, the operation modes can include prime mover operation instructions containing parameters of fuel injection of the prime mover. The operation instructions can be sent to an ECU to execute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Thermo King Corporation
    Inventors: Erich Albert Lucht, Art Ambaruch
  • Patent number: 10598179
    Abstract: Embodiments to help detect operation conditions of a compressor of a TRU in real time by a genset are disclosed. The operation conditions of the compressor can be determined by monitoring a parameter pattern of the genset, such as value changes of a horsepower, a torque, an exhaust temperature, fuel consumption and/or a RPM of a prime mover of the genset, or a current drawn from a generator of the genset, over a period of time. In one embodiment, when a scroll compressor is used in the TRU, the scroll compressor may start a periodical load/unload duty cycle when the TRU reaches its setpoint. The periodical load/unload duty cycle of the scroll compressor can be detected based on a corresponding fluctuation pattern in genset parameters. When this periodically fluctuating pattern of ECU parameters and/or current drawn is detected, the prime mover can be switched to a low operation speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Thermo King Corporation
    Inventors: Randy Scott Burnham, David Jon Renken, Erich Albert Lucht, Cullen Evan Hall
  • Patent number: 10353410
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically adjust control parameters of a TRS according to local, regional and/or federal regulations on emissions, noise and/or other requirements applicable to a particular location and/or time, are provided. When the TRS is operating within a predefined geographic region at a specific time, control parameters or an operation mode of the TRS can be automatically adjusted so that emission and/or noise from the TRS can be compliant with the regulations applicable to that predefined geographic region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: THERMO KING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott Robert Bates, Robert Michael Lattin, Erich Albert Lucht
  • Patent number: 10233829
    Abstract: A generator set for a transport refrigeration unit that is operable at a first frequency and a second frequency. The generator set includes a generator and a prime mover. The generator set is controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU) that is coupled to a controller. The ECU is configured to monitor the engine operation condition to obtain an engine operation condition value; whereas the controller is configured to receive the engine operation condition value and compare the value with an engine operation condition threshold. When the engine operation condition value, for example, exceeds the engine operation condition threshold, the controller instructs the ECU to operate the engine at a first speed; and when the engine operation condition value, for example, is below the engine operation condition threshold, the controller instructs the ECU to operate the engine at a second speed that is slower than the first speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: THERMO KING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Randall Scott Burnham, David Jon Renken, Erich Albert Lucht, Cullen Evan Hall, Alec Jeffery, Cesar Armengod Villalba
  • Publication number: 20180306105
    Abstract: A generator set for a transport refrigeration unit that is operable at a first frequency and a second frequency. The generator set includes a generator and a prime mover. The generator set is controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU) that is coupled to a controller. The ECU is configured to monitor the engine operation condition to obtain an engine operation condition value; whereas the controller is configured to receive the engine operation condition value and compare the value with an engine operation condition threshold. When the engine operation condition value, for example, exceeds the engine operation condition threshold, the controller instructs the ECU to operate the engine at a first speed; and when the engine operation condition value, for example, is below the engine operation condition threshold, the controller instructs the ECU to operate the engine at a second speed that is slower than the first speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Randall Scott Burnham, David Jon Renken, Erich Albert Lucht, Cullen Evan Hall, Alec Jeffery, Cesar Armengod Villalba
  • Patent number: 9995210
    Abstract: A generator set for a transport refrigeration unit that is operable at a first frequency and a second frequency. The generator set includes a generator and a prime mover. The generator set is controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU) that is coupled to a controller. The ECU is configured to monitor the engine operation condition to obtain an engine operation condition value; whereas the controller is configured to receive the engine operation condition value and compare the value with an engine operation condition threshold. When the engine operation condition value, for example, exceeds the engine operation condition threshold, the controller instructs the ECU to operate the engine at a first speed; and when the engine operation condition value, for example, is below the engine operation condition threshold, the controller instructs the ECU to operate the engine at a second speed that is slower than the first speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: THERMO KING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Randall Scott Burnham, David Jon Renken, Erich Albert Lucht, Cullen Evan Hall, Alec Jeffery, Cesar Armengod Villalba
  • Patent number: 9920733
    Abstract: A system and method for preventing unauthorized modification to engine control software or an engine control system of, for example, a refrigerated transport application is provided. Particularly, the embodiments described herein prevent unauthorized parties from inadvertently or intentionally making changes to the engine control software used for controlling the engine or the engine control system that could, for example, potentially bypass emission strategies implemented in the refrigerated transport application. Accordingly, emission strategies such as, for example, EPA Tier IV not-to-exceed (“NTE”) regulations can be maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: THERMO KING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Cullen Evan Hall, Gary McGinley, Erich Albert Lucht, Michael James Vanous, Michael Dean Turnquist
  • Patent number: 9803610
    Abstract: A system and method for preventing unauthorized modification to engine control software or an engine control system of, for example, a refrigerated transport application is provided. Particularly, the embodiments described herein prevent unauthorized parties from inadvertently or intentionally making changes to the engine control software used for controlling the engine or the engine control system that could, for example, potentially bypass emission strategies implemented in the refrigerated transport application. Accordingly, emission strategies such as, for example, EPA Tier IV not-to-exceed (“NTE”) regulations can be maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: THERMO KING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Cullen Evan Hall, Gary McGinley, Erich Albert Lucht, Michael James Vanous, Michael Dean Turnquist
  • Patent number: 9745908
    Abstract: A method of evaluating operating capability of a prime mover includes: starting the prime mover with a minimum load requirement threshold; obtaining a reference prime mover operation parameter for the prime mover; comparing the reference prime mover operation parameter with a standard prime mover operation parameter to determine a reference matrix; and adjusting via a TRS controller a standard operation threshold based on the reference matrix to obtain an optimal operation threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: THERMO KING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Erich Albert Lucht, Titilope Zaburat Sule
  • Publication number: 20170082079
    Abstract: A system and method for preventing unauthorized modification to engine control software or an engine control system of for example, a refrigerated transport application is provided. Particularly, the embodiments described herein prevent unauthorized parties from inadvertently or intentionally making changes to the engine control software used for controlling the engine or the engine control system that could, for example, potentially bypass emission strategies implemented in the refrigerated transport application. Accordingly, emission strategies such as, for example, EPA Tier IV not-to-exceed (“NTE”) regulations can be maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Cullen Evan HALL, Gary McGINLEY, Erich Albert LUCHT, Michael James VANOUS, Michael Dean TURNQUIST
  • Patent number: 9546610
    Abstract: A system and method for preventing unauthorized modification to engine control software or an engine control system of, for example, a refrigerated transport application is provided. Particularly, the embodiments described herein prevent unauthorized parties from inadvertently or intentionally making changes to the engine control software used for controlling the engine or the engine control system that could, for example, potentially bypass emission strategies implemented in the refrigerated transport application. Accordingly, emission strategies such as, for example, EPA Tier IV not-to-exceed (“NTE”) regulations can be maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: THERMO KING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Cullen Evan Hall, Gary McGinley, Erich Albert Lucht, Michael James Vanous, Michael Dean Turnquist
  • Publication number: 20160053696
    Abstract: A system and method for preventing unauthorized modification to engine control software or an engine control system of, for example, a refrigerated transport application is provided. Particularly, the embodiments described herein prevent unauthorized parties from inadvertently or intentionally making changes to the engine control software used for controlling the engine or the engine control system that could, for example, potentially bypass emission strategies implemented in the refrigerated transport application. Accordingly, emission strategies such as, for example, EPA Tier IV not-to-exceed (“NTE”) regulations can be maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Cullen Evan HALL, Gary MCGINLEY, Erich Albert LUCHT, Michael James VANOUS, Michael Dean TURNQUIST
  • Publication number: 20150338858
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically adjust control parameters of a TRS according to local, regional and/or federal regulations on emissions, noise and/or other requirements applicable to a particular location and/or time, are provided. When the TRS is operating within a predefined geographic region at a specific time, control parameters or an operation mode of the TRS can be automatically adjusted so that emission and/or noise from the TRS can be compliant with the regulations applicable to that predefined geographic region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Inventors: Scott Robert Bates, Robert Michael Lattin, Erich Albert Lucht
  • Patent number: 9194286
    Abstract: A transport refrigeration system includes an engine, a generator set, and a refrigeration system. An electronic control unit and/or a reefer controller are configured to obtain an engine operation condition value and a transport refrigeration system operation value respectively. A genset controller is configured to determine a fuel efficient engine operation speed that is associated with the engine and/or transport refrigeration system operation condition value. The genset controller instructs the electronic control unit to operate the engine at the fuel efficient operation speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: THERMO KING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Randall Scott Burnham, David Jon Renken, Erich Albert Lucht
  • Publication number: 20150330321
    Abstract: A method of evaluating operating capability of a prime mover includes: starting the prime mover with a minimum load requirement threshold; obtaining a reference prime mover operation parameter for the prime mover; comparing the reference prime mover operation parameter with a standard prime mover operation parameter to determine a reference matrix; and adjusting via a TRS controller a standard operation threshold based on the reference matrix to obtain an optimal operation threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Inventors: Erich Albert LUCHT, Titilope Zaburat SULE
  • Publication number: 20150314670
    Abstract: Systems and methods to control a prime mover of a transport refrigeration system are disclosed. A controller may be configured to receive input from various information sources including a global satellite positioning system and/or a human machine interface. The controller can be configured to select a prime mover operation mode based on the input received. In some embodiment, the controller can select a noise reduction operation mode when the TRU is located in a noise regulated area, and can select a fuel efficient mode when the TRU is located outside of the noise regulated areas. In some embodiments, the noise reduction operation mode may include increasing a speed of the prime mover in a soft sloped ramp. In some embodiments, the operation modes can include prime mover operation instructions containing parameters of fuel injection of the prime mover. The operation instructions can be sent to an ECU to execute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Inventors: Erich Albert LUCHT, Art AMBARUCH
  • Publication number: 20150252805
    Abstract: Embodiments to help detect operation conditions of a compressor of a TRU in real time by a genset are disclosed. The operation conditions of the compressor can be determined by monitoring a parameter pattern of the genset, such as value changes of a horsepower, a torque, an exhaust temperature, fuel consumption and/or a RPM of a prime mover of the genset, or a current drawn from a generator of the genset, over a period of time. In one embodiment, when a scroll compressor is used in the TRU, the scroll compressor may start a periodical load/unload duty cycle when the TRU reaches its setpoint. The periodical load/unload duty cycle of the scroll compressor can be detected based on a corresponding fluctuation pattern in genset parameters. When this periodically fluctuating pattern of ECU parameters and/or current drawn is detected, the prime mover can be switched to a low operation speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Inventors: Randy Scott Burnham, David Jon Renken, Erich Albert Lucht, Cullen Evan Hall
  • Publication number: 20130283826
    Abstract: A transport refrigeration system includes an engine, a generator set, and a refrigeration system. An electronic control unit and/or a reefer controller are configured to obtain an engine operation condition value and a transport refrigeration system operation value respectively. A genset controller is configured to determine a fuel efficient engine operation speed that is associated with the engine and/or transport refrigeration system operation condition value. The genset controller instructs the electronic control unit to operate the engine at the fuel efficient operation speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: THERMO KING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Randall Scott Burnham, David Jon Renken, Erich Albert Lucht