Patents by Inventor Jeffrey C. Flath

Jeffrey C. Flath 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).

  • Publication number: 20240131894
    Abstract: A reefer truck power unit employs a plurality of power sources including roof mounted solar panels, momentum generation, shore power and high capacity storage batteries. The refrigeration system is configured for refrigerating a payload area of the vehicle utilizing power from the power sources, and employs a voltage converter for augmenting the power from the propulsion vehicle source for use with a native vehicle charging//starting system, and a transport load transformer for converting power from the power sources to 3 phase power for powering the refrigeration system. A bank of batteries stores power from the sources for subsequent dispersal to the refrigeration unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Applicant: eNow Systems LLC
    Inventors: Gerald Larson, Jeffrey C. Flath, Robert W. Doane, Philip R. Pierce, Stephen Lasher, Ryan Kennedy Kemmet
  • Patent number: 11872867
    Abstract: A reefer truck power unit employs a plurality of power sources including roof mounted solar panels, momentum generation, shore power and high capacity storage batteries. The refrigeration system is configured for refrigerating a payload area of the vehicle utilizing power from the power sources, and employs a voltage converter for augmenting the power from the propulsion vehicle source for use with a native vehicle charging//starting system, and a transport load transformer for converting power from the power sources to 3 phase power for powering the refrigeration system. A bank of batteries stores power from the sources for subsequent dispersal to the refrigeration unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: eNOW Systems LLC
    Inventors: Gerald Larson, Jeffrey C. Flath, Robert W. Doane, Philip R. Pierce, Stephen Lasher, Ryan Kennedy Kemmet
  • Publication number: 20230336005
    Abstract: A power management and selection system for a class 8 tractor trailer, directs excess solar and vehicular charge capacity to an auxiliary load by measuring available charge capacity from a reefer power system including a reefer battery, solar panel and charge controller for moderating solar power to the reefer batter, and measuring available charge capacity from a cab vehicle power system including a propulsion system battery and alternator. Charge logic, in a selector configured for switching charge capacity to the auxiliary load, determines which of the reefer power system and cab vehicle power system has the most potential excess charge capacity, and directs the determined excess charge capacity to the auxiliary load, while the measured available charge capacity remains sufficient for powering the respective reefer power system or cab vehicle power system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Robert W. Doane, Jeffrey C. Flath, Ryan Kennedy Kemmet
  • Patent number: 11728659
    Abstract: A power management and selection system for a class 8 tractor trailer, directs excess solar and vehicular charge capacity to an auxiliary load by measuring available charge capacity from a reefer power system including a reefer battery, solar panel and charge controller for moderating solar power to the reefer batter, and measuring available charge capacity from a cab vehicle power system including a propulsion system battery and alternator. Charge logic, in a selector configured for switching charge capacity to the auxiliary load, determines which of the reefer power system and cab vehicle power system has the most potential excess charge capacity, and directs the determined excess charge capacity to the auxiliary load, while the measured available charge capacity remains sufficient for powering the respective reefer power system or cab vehicle power system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: eNOW Systems LLC
    Inventors: Robert W. Doane, Jeffrey C. Flath, Ryan Kennedy Kemmet
  • Publication number: 20220402473
    Abstract: A motion detection and interlock mechanism prevents unintended drive-off of a trailer still connected to a charging source, which could cause damage and/or injury if continued unimpeded. Trailer power for electrical components is a high voltage AC connection, typically between 277-480 VAC. Forced disconnection of an engaged plug could damage the plug and receptacle, leave electrical conductive members unprotected, and cause a short circuit. Electrical connections to trailers may be made for powering electric TRUs (Transport Refrigeration Units) for refrigerated loads, and for charging a storage battery for powering the TRU over the road or even the tractor itself in the case of a hybrid/electric tractor. In configurations herein, an e-axle is provided on the trailer suspension, such that a driveaway prevention circuit reverse biases the wheels to prevent movement of the trailer while engaged with a charging outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2022
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Inventors: Ryan Kennedy Kemmet, Jeffrey C. Flath, Robert W. Doane
  • Publication number: 20220281307
    Abstract: A self contained battery and slide frame houses a pair of trailer axles and an electrical vehicle storage battery secured by parallel slide frame rails adapted for attachment to an underside of a standard tractor trailer (Class 8) trailer frame. The slide frame attaches to an underside of a trailer using perforated frame beams used to vary a position of the wheel/axle assemblies relative to the trailer body and payload. The slide frame rails provide self contained support for a storage battery, e-axle, control electronics and connecting wires for charging and running a vehicle load from the storage battery. Vehicle loads powered by the storage battery include transport refrigeration units (TRUs) and electrical vehicle (EV) tractors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Inventors: Ryan Kennedy Kemmet, Jeffrey C. Flath, Robert W. Doane
  • Publication number: 20210218268
    Abstract: A power management and selection system for a class 8 tractor trailer, directs excess solar and vehicular charge capacity to an auxiliary load by measuring available charge capacity from a reefer power system including a reefer battery, solar panel and charge controller for moderating solar power to the reefer batter, and measuring available charge capacity from a cab vehicle power system including a propulsion system battery and alternator. Charge logic, in a selector configured for switching charge capacity to the auxiliary load, determines which of the reefer power system and cab vehicle power system has the most potential excess charge capacity, and directs the determined excess charge capacity to the auxiliary load, while the measured available charge capacity remains sufficient for powering the respective reefer power system or cab vehicle power system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2021
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Robert W. Doane, Jeffrey C. Flath, Ryan Kennedy Kemmet
  • Publication number: 20210197645
    Abstract: A reefer truck power unit employs a plurality of power sources including roof mounted solar panels, momentum generation, shore power and high capacity storage batteries. The refrigeration system is configured for refrigerating a payload area of the vehicle utilizing power from the power sources, and employs a voltage converter for augmenting the power from the propulsion vehicle source for use with a native vehicle charging//starting system, and a transport load transformer for converting power from the power sources to 3 phase power for powering the refrigeration system. A bank of batteries stores power from the sources for subsequent dispersal to the refrigeration unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Inventors: Gerald Larson, Jeffrey C. Flath, Robert W. Doane, Philip R. Pierce, Stephen Lasher, Ryan Kennedy Kemmet
  • Patent number: 10965147
    Abstract: A power management and selection system for a class 8 tractor trailer, directs excess solar and vehicular charge capacity to an auxiliary load by measuring available charge capacity from a reefer power system including a reefer battery, solar panel and charge controller for moderating solar power to the reefer batter, and measuring available charge capacity from a cab vehicle power system including a propulsion system battery and alternator. Charge logic, in a selector configured for switching charge capacity to the auxiliary load, determines which of the reefer power system and cab vehicle power system has the most potential excess charge capacity, and directs the determined excess charge capacity to the auxiliary load, while the measured available charge capacity remains sufficient for powering the respective reefer power system or cab vehicle power system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: eNow, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Doane, Jeffrey C. Flath
  • Patent number: 10899192
    Abstract: A reefer truck power unit employs a plurality of power sources including: a propulsion vehicle source driven mechanically by a diesel engine of the vehicle, and having an enhanced alternator configured for generation in excess of needs of a charging/starting system of the vehicle, in which the enhanced alternator has a pulley ratio increasing idle speed generation, and a passive vehicle source including a bank of solar panels disposed on the vehicle. The refrigeration system is configured for refrigerating a payload area of the vehicle utilizing power from the power sources, and employs a voltage converter for augmenting the power from the propulsion vehicle source for use with a native vehicle charging/starting system, and a transport load transformer for converting power from the power sources to 3 phase power for powering the refrigeration system. A bank of batteries stores power from the sources for subsequent dispersal to the refrigeration unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: eNow, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald Larson, Jeffrey C. Flath, Robert W. Doane, Philip R. Pierce, Stephen Lasher
  • Patent number: 10710525
    Abstract: A charge controller for a vehicle passive energy system employs an interface to a plurality of charge sources including intermittent sources, such as vehicle mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and the vehicle engine and alternator, and an interface to a plurality of charge loads, such as a comfort heating ventilation, refrigeration and air conditioning (HVAC) system and auxiliary vehicle loads. Charge logic computes which of the plurality of sources will supply the charge current and which of the plurality of loads will receive the charge current, and a switch responsive to the charge logic will direct the charge current from at least one of the plurality of sources to at least one of the loads, the plurality of charge sources mutually exclusive from simultaneously powering a common load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: eNow, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip R. Pierce, Robert Doane, Jeffrey C. Flath, Stephen Lasher
  • Publication number: 20200148142
    Abstract: A charge controller for a vehicle passive energy system employs an interface to a plurality of charge sources including intermittent sources, such as vehicle mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and the vehicle engine and alternator, and an interface to a plurality of charge loads, such as a comfort heating ventilation, refrigeration and air conditioning (HVAC) system and auxiliary vehicle loads. Charge logic computes which of the plurality of sources will supply the charge current and which of the plurality of loads will receive the charge current, and a switch responsive to the charge logic will direct the charge current from at least one of the plurality of sources to at least one of the loads, the plurality of charge sources mutually exclusive from simultaneously powering a common load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Philip R. Pierce, Robert Doane, Jeffrey C. Flath, Stephen Lasher
  • Publication number: 20180233944
    Abstract: A power management and selection system for a class 8 tractor trailer, directs excess solar and vehicular charge capacity to an auxiliary load by measuring available charge capacity from a reefer power system including a reefer battery, solar panel and charge controller for moderating solar power to the reefer batter, and measuring available charge capacity from a cab vehicle power system including a propulsion system battery and alternator. Charge logic, in a selector configured for switching charge capacity to the auxiliary load, determines which of the reefer power system and cab vehicle power system has the most potential excess charge capacity, and directs the determined excess charge capacity to the auxiliary load, while the measured available charge capacity remains sufficient for powering the respective reefer power system or cab vehicle power system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Robert W. Doane, Jeffrey C. Flath
  • Patent number: 9948136
    Abstract: A power management and selection system for a class 8 tractor trailer, directs excess solar and vehicular charge capacity to an auxiliary load by measuring available charge capacity from a reefer power system including a reefer battery, solar panel and charge controller for moderating solar power to the reefer batter, and measuring available charge capacity from a cab vehicle power system including a propulsion system battery and alternator. Charge logic, in a selector configured for switching charge capacity to the auxiliary load, determines which of the reefer power system and cab vehicle power system has the most potential excess charge capacity, and directs the determined excess charge capacity to the auxiliary load, while the measured available charge capacity remains sufficient for powering the respective reefer power system or cab vehicle power system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: eNow, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Doane, Jeffrey C. Flath
  • Patent number: 9878682
    Abstract: A charge controller for a vehicle passive energy system employs an interface to a plurality of charge sources including intermittent sources, such as vehicle mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and the vehicle engine and alternator, and an interface to a plurality of charge loads, such as a comfort heating ventilation, refrigeration and air conditioning (HVAC) system and auxiliary vehicle loads. Charge logic computes which of the plurality of sources will supply the charge current and which of the plurality of loads will receive the charge current, and a switch responsive to the charge logic will direct the charge current from at least one of the plurality of sources to at least one of the loads, the plurality of charge sources mutually exclusive from simultaneously powering a common load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: ENOW, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip R. Pierce, Robert Doane, Jeffrey C. Flath, Stephen Lasher
  • Publication number: 20170217280
    Abstract: A reefer truck power unit employs a plurality of power sources including: a propulsion vehicle source driven mechanically by a diesel engine of the vehicle, and having an enhanced alternator configured for generation in excess of needs of a charging/starting system of the vehicle, in which the enhanced alternator has a pulley ratio increasing idle speed generation, and a passive vehicle source including a bank of solar panels disposed on the vehicle. The refrigeration system is configured for refrigerating a payload area of the vehicle utilizing power from the power sources, and employs a voltage converter for augmenting the power from the propulsion vehicle source for use with a native vehicle charging/starting system, and a transport load transformer for converting power from the power sources to 3 phase power for powering the refrigeration system. A bank of batteries stores power from the sources for subsequent dispersal to the refrigeration unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Gerald Larson, Jeffrey C. Flath, Robert W. Doane, Philip R. Pierce, Stephen Lasher
  • Patent number: 9586458
    Abstract: A refrigeration trailer (reefer) truck power unit controller employs a plurality of power sources including a propulsion vehicle source driven mechanically by a diesel engine of the vehicle, and having an enhanced alternator having a pulley ratio for increasing idle speed power generation, and a passive vehicle source including a bank of solar panels disposed on the vehicle. The controller is configured for refrigerating a payload area of the vehicle utilizing power from the power sources, and employs a voltage converter for augmenting the power from the propulsion vehicle source for use with a native vehicle charging//starting system, and a transport load transformer for converting power from the power sources for powering the refrigeration system. A bank of batteries stores power from the sources for subsequent dispersal to the refrigeration unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: ENOW, INC.
    Inventors: Gerald Larson, Jeffrey C. Flath, Robert W. Doane, Philip R. Pierce, Stephen Lasher
  • Patent number: 9321352
    Abstract: An integrated truck and trailer power system comprises auxiliary power generation and storage devices mounted on a trailer, such as an array of solar panels mounted on the roof of the trailer and a storage battery mounted on the trailer, and switching devices for controlling flow of power there between and to an electrically powered HVAC system of the truck, whereby the truck can be maintained at a comfortable temperature by supply of power stored by the auxiliary power storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Arpin Renewable Energy, LLC
    Inventors: Philip R. Pierce, Peter Arpin, Norman Cook, Jay Johnson, Jeffrey C. Flath, Gary T. Wenger
  • Publication number: 20150353036
    Abstract: A charge controller for a vehicle passive energy system employs an interface to a plurality of charge sources including intermittent sources, such as vehicle mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and the vehicle engine and alternator, and an interface to a plurality of charge loads, such as a comfort heating ventilation, refrigeration and air conditioning (HVAC) system and auxiliary vehicle loads. Charge logic computes which of the plurality of sources will supply the charge current and which of the plurality of loads will receive the charge current, and a switch responsive to the charge logic will direct the charge current from at least one of the plurality of sources to at least one of the loads, the plurality of charge sources mutually exclusive from simultaneously powering a common load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Inventors: Philip R. Pierce, Robert Doane, Jeffrey C. Flath, Stephen Lasher
  • Publication number: 20150246593
    Abstract: A reefer truck power unit employs a plurality of power sources including: a propulsion vehicle source driven mechanically by a diesel engine of the vehicle, and having an enhanced alternator configured for generation in excess of needs of a charging/starting system of the vehicle, in which the enhanced alternator has a pulley ratio increasing idle speed generation, and a passive vehicle source including a bank of solar panels disposed on the vehicle. The refrigeration system is configured for refrigerating a payload area of the vehicle utilizing power from the power sources, and employs a voltage converter for augmenting the power from the propulsion vehicle source for use with a native vehicle charging//starting system, and a transport load transformer for converting power from the power sources to 3 phase power for powering the refrigeration system. A bank of batteries stores power from the sources for subsequent dispersal to the refrigeration unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Publication date: September 3, 2015
    Inventors: Gerald Larson, Jeffrey C. Flath, Robert W. Doane, Philip R. Pierce, Stephen Lasher