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).
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Patent number: 11300125Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 12, 2020Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: Thermo King CorporationInventors: Randall Scott Burnham, David Jon Renken, Erich Albert Lucht, Cullen Evan Hall
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Publication number: 20200208636Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2020Publication date: July 2, 2020Inventors: Randall Scott BURNHAM, David Jon RENKEN, Erich Albert LUCHT, Cullen Evan HALL
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Patent number: 10682897Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 27, 2013Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: Thermo King CorporationInventors: Erich Albert Lucht, Art Ambaruch
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Patent number: 10598179Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 1, 2013Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: Thermo King CorporationInventors: Randy Scott Burnham, David Jon Renken, Erich Albert Lucht, Cullen Evan Hall
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Patent number: 10353410Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 27, 2013Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: THERMO KING CORPORATIONInventors: Scott Robert Bates, Robert Michael Lattin, Erich Albert Lucht
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Patent number: 10233829Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 24, 2018Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: THERMO KING CORPORATIONInventors: Randall Scott Burnham, David Jon Renken, Erich Albert Lucht, Cullen Evan Hall, Alec Jeffery, Cesar Armengod Villalba
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Publication number: 20180306105Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2018Publication date: October 25, 2018Inventors: Randall Scott Burnham, David Jon Renken, Erich Albert Lucht, Cullen Evan Hall, Alec Jeffery, Cesar Armengod Villalba
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Patent number: 9995210Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: THERMO KING CORPORATIONInventors: Randall Scott Burnham, David Jon Renken, Erich Albert Lucht, Cullen Evan Hall, Alec Jeffery, Cesar Armengod Villalba
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Patent number: 9920733Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 6, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: THERMO KING CORPORATIONInventors: Cullen Evan Hall, Gary McGinley, Erich Albert Lucht, Michael James Vanous, Michael Dean Turnquist
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Patent number: 9803610Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 1, 2014Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: THERMO KING CORPORATIONInventors: Cullen Evan Hall, Gary McGinley, Erich Albert Lucht, Michael James Vanous, Michael Dean Turnquist
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Patent number: 9745908Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 27, 2013Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: THERMO KING CORPORATIONInventors: Erich Albert Lucht, Titilope Zaburat Sule
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Publication number: 20170082079Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2016Publication date: March 23, 2017Inventors: Cullen Evan HALL, Gary McGINLEY, Erich Albert LUCHT, Michael James VANOUS, Michael Dean TURNQUIST
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Patent number: 9546610Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 1, 2014Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: THERMO KING CORPORATIONInventors: Cullen Evan Hall, Gary McGinley, Erich Albert Lucht, Michael James Vanous, Michael Dean Turnquist
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Publication number: 20160053696Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2014Publication date: February 25, 2016Inventors: Cullen Evan HALL, Gary MCGINLEY, Erich Albert LUCHT, Michael James VANOUS, Michael Dean TURNQUIST
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Publication number: 20150338858Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2013Publication date: November 26, 2015Inventors: Scott Robert Bates, Robert Michael Lattin, Erich Albert Lucht
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Patent number: 9194286Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: THERMO KING CORPORATIONInventors: Randall Scott Burnham, David Jon Renken, Erich Albert Lucht
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Publication number: 20150330321Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2013Publication date: November 19, 2015Inventors: Erich Albert LUCHT, Titilope Zaburat SULE
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Publication number: 20150314670Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2013Publication date: November 5, 2015Inventors: Erich Albert LUCHT, Art AMBARUCH
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Publication number: 20150252805Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2013Publication date: September 10, 2015Inventors: Randy Scott Burnham, David Jon Renken, Erich Albert Lucht, Cullen Evan Hall
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Publication number: 20130283826Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Applicant: THERMO KING CORPORATIONInventors: Randall Scott Burnham, David Jon Renken, Erich Albert Lucht