Patents by Inventor Jeffrey G. Harkness

Jeffrey G. Harkness 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: 11828215
    Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to a prime mover system. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a prime mover exhaust system that can prevent the accumulation of debris (e.g., soot or unburned fuel) in the prime mover system. In accordance with at least one embodiment described and recited herein, a self-cleaning prime mover exhaust system is provided. The prime mover exhaust system includes an exhaust tip, an exhaust pipe, and a cleaning tube. The exhaust tip is configured to eject exhaust out of the prime mover exhaust system, the exhaust pipe is configured to direct the exhaust away from a prime mover, and the cleaning tube is configured to accumulate debris exiting from the exhaust pipe and configured to vacuum the debris out of the self-cleaning prime mover exhaust system through the exhaust tip using the Venturi effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: THERMO KING LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey G. Harkness
  • Publication number: 20080314059
    Abstract: A double clutch system that allows the engine to drive the compressor of an OEM system through a first engaged clutch when the engine is running and allows an electric motor to drive the compressor through a second engaged clutch when the engine is not running. The electric motor is powered by either a power source external to the tractor's engine compartment (e.g., a electric outlet or an auxiliary power unit having a diesel-fired engine and a generator) or powered by the tractor battery, which is charged by a power source external to the tractor's engine compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: THERMO KING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffrey G. Harkness, Bruce McClellan