Patents by Inventor Kenneth R. Bornemann
Kenneth R. Bornemann 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: 10790664Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a method of adding and shedding loads that are connected to a generator. The method includes determining whether a plurality of loads is being supplied with power by the generator and then determining the total load that the generator is supplying to the plurality of loads. The method further includes determining whether to change a number of the loads in the plurality of loads based on the amount of load L that is being supplied by the generator. The method further includes determining an amount of time T in which to change the number of loads in the plurality of loads based on the amount of load that is being supplied by the generator.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2018Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventors: Isaac S. Frampton, Kenneth R. Bornemann, Harrison C. Chiu
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Patent number: 10509075Abstract: A diagnostic test is conducted by operating an engine-generator set at a plurality of reduced speeds. At each of those speeds, operating parameters of the engine are sensed and analyzed to detect an unsatisfactory operating condition. For example, such operating parameters may include speed of the engine-generator set, engine oil pressure and level, engine temperature, coolant level, and battery voltage. When a transition in engine speed occurs, a throttle test also may be conducted to measure how quickly and smoothly the engine reaches the new speed. After the engine reaches the normal operating speed, the generator is activated to produce electricity. One or more characteristic of that electricity, such as voltage, current and frequency, are sensed and evaluated to detect an unsatisfactory operating condition.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2015Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventors: Eric D. Albsmeier, Kenneth R. Bornemann, Harrison Chirkdo Chiu, Zane Eaton, Anthony James Hackbarth, Richard Allen Mauk, Jeffrey John Neis, Edward Douglas Brey
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Publication number: 20180262004Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a method of adding and shedding loads that are connected to a generator. The method includes determining whether a plurality of loads is being supplied with power by the generator and then determining the total load that the generator is supplying to the plurality of loads. The method further includes determining whether to change a number of the loads in the plurality of loads based on the amount of load L that is being supplied by the generator. The method further includes determining an amount of time T in which to change the number of loads in the plurality of loads based on the amount of load that is being supplied by the generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2018Publication date: September 13, 2018Inventors: Isaac S. Frampton, Kenneth R. Bornemann, Harrison C. Chiu
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Patent number: 9991709Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a method of adding and shedding loads that are connected to a generator. The method includes determining whether a plurality of loads is being supplied with power by the generator and then determining the total load that the generator is supplying to the plurality of loads. The method further includes determining whether to change a number of the loads in the plurality of loads based on the amount of load L that is being supplied by the generator. The method further includes determining an amount of time T in which to change the number of loads in the plurality of loads based on the amount of load that is being supplied by the generator.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2011Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventors: Isaac S. Frampton, Kenneth R. Bornemann, Harrison C. Chiu
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Publication number: 20150120247Abstract: A diagnostic test is conducted by operating an engine-generator set at a plurality of reduced speeds. At each of those speeds, operating parameters of the engine are sensed and analyzed to detect an unsatisfactory operating condition. For example, such operating parameters may include speed of the engine-generator set, engine oil pressure and level, engine temperature, coolant level, and battery voltage. When a transition in engine speed occurs, a throttle test also may be conducted to measure how quickly and smoothly the engine reaches the new speed. After the engine reaches the normal operating speed, the generator is activated to produce electricity. One or more characteristic of that electricity, such as voltage, current and frequency, are sensed and evaluated to detect an unsatisfactory operating condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2015Publication date: April 30, 2015Inventors: Eric D. Albsmeier, Kenneth R. Bornemann, Harrison Chirkdo Chiu, Zane Eaton, Anthony James Hackbarth, Richard Allen Mauk, Jeffrey John Neis, Edward Douglas Brey
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Patent number: 8965734Abstract: A diagnostic test is conducted by operating an engine-generator set at a plurality of reduced speeds. At each of those speeds, operating parameters of the engine are sensed and analyzed to detect an unsatisfactory operating condition. For example, such operating parameters may include speed of the engine-generator set, engine oil pressure and level, engine temperature, coolant level, and battery voltage. When a transition in engine speed occurs, a throttle test also may be conducted to measure how quickly and smoothly the engine reaches the new speed. After the engine reaches the normal operating speed, the generator is activated to produce electricity. One or more characteristic of that electricity, such as voltage, current and frequency, are sensed and evaluated to detect an unsatisfactory operating condition.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2011Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventors: Eric D. Albsmeier, Kenneth R. Bornemann, Harrison Chirkdo Chiu, Zane Eaton, Anthony James Hackbarth, Richard Allen Mauk, Jeffrey John Neis, Edward Douglas Brey
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Publication number: 20130116847Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a method of adding and shedding loads that are connected to a generator. The method includes determining whether a plurality of loads is being supplied with power by the generator and then determining the total load that the generator is supplying to the plurality of loads. The method further includes determining whether to change a number of the loads in the plurality of loads based on the amount of load L that is being supplied by the generator. The method further includes determining an amount of time T in which to change the number of loads in the plurality of loads based on the amount of load that is being supplied by the generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2011Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: KOHLER CO.Inventors: Isaac S. Frampton, Kenneth R. Bornemann, Harrison C. Chiu
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Publication number: 20130113457Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a method of sensing generator speed. The method includes detecting an AC waveform produced by a generator and determining a threshold voltage from the AC waveform produced by the generator. The method further includes determining generator speed by comparing the threshold voltage with the AC waveform. The generator speed may be determined by a time period between cycles of an output of the generator. Other example embodiments relate to a method that includes detecting an AC waveform produced by an alternative stator winding within the generator and measuring the period of the AC waveform to inversely determine generator speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2011Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: Kohler Co.Inventors: Eric D. Albsmeier, Isaac S. Frampton, Kenneth R. Bornemann, Gary Allen Kroll, Douglas W. Dorn
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Patent number: 8400001Abstract: A generator set includes an internal combustion engine and a generator driven by the engine. The generator provides electricity to a plurality of loads, each of which is selectively connected to the generator by a switch. The generator set is controlled by a method that includes receiving a command to connect a given load to the generator. In response to that command, a throttle of the engine is changed to a transition throttle position and an transition excitation voltage is applied to the generator. Then the switch is operated to connect the given load to the generator. Thereafter, in response to a defined event occurring, the throttle is changed to a normal position and a normal excitation voltage is applied to the generator.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, Kenneth R. Bornemann
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Publication number: 20110175372Abstract: A generator set includes an internal combustion engine and a generator driven by the engine. The generator provides electricity to a plurality of loads, each of which is selectively connected to the generator by a switch. The generator set is controlled by a method that includes receiving a command to connect a given load to the generator. In response to that command, a throttle of the engine is changed to a transition throttle position and an transition excitation voltage is applied to the generator. Then the switch is operated to connect the given load to the generator. Thereafter, in response to a defined event occurring, the throttle is changed to a normal position and a normal excitation voltage is applied to the generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2010Publication date: July 21, 2011Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, Kenneth R. Bornemann
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Publication number: 20110172966Abstract: A diagnostic test is conducted by operating an engine-generator set at a plurality of reduced speeds. At each of those speeds, operating parameters of the engine are sensed and analyzed to detect an unsatisfactory operating condition. For example, such operating parameters may include speed of the engine-generator set, engine oil pressure and level, engine temperature, coolant level, and battery voltage. When a transition in engine speed occurs, a throttle test also may be conducted to measure how quickly and smoothly the engine reaches the new speed. After the engine reaches the normal operating speed, the generator is activated to produce electricity. One or more characteristic of that electricity, such as voltage, current and frequency, are sensed and evaluated to detect an unsatisfactory operating condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2011Publication date: July 14, 2011Inventors: Eric D. Albsmeier, Kenneth R. Bornemann, Harrison Chirkdo Chiu, Zane Eaton, Anthony James Hackbarth, Richard Allen Mauk, Jeffrey John Neis, Edward Douglas Brey
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Patent number: 6980911Abstract: An automatic transfer switch (ATS) system and method of operating an ATS system to switch between first and second powers received from respective first and second power supplies, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes sensing a first phase associated with the first power and a second phase associated with the second power, and determining whether the first and second phases have failed to become synchronized within a first time period. The method further includes providing a control signal at a second output port when it is determined that the first and second phases have failed to become synchronized within the time period, determining that the first and second phases have become synchronized in response to the control signal, and switching between the first and second powers once it is determined that the first and second phases have become synchronized.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2003Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, Kenneth R. Bornemann
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Publication number: 20040172204Abstract: An automatic transfer switch (ATS) system and method of operating an ATS system to switch between first and second powers received from respective first and second power supplies, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes sensing a first phase associated with the first power and a second phase associated with the second power, and determining whether the first and second phases have failed to become synchronized within a first time period. The method further includes providing a control signal at a second output port when it is determined that the first and second phases have failed to become synchronized within the time period, determining that the first and second phases have become synchronized in response to the control signal, and switching between the first and second powers once it is determined that the first and second phases have become synchronized.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2003Publication date: September 2, 2004Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, Kenneth R. Bornemann
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Patent number: 6731098Abstract: A system and method for sensing alternator current levels are disclosed. The system includes the combination including an operational amplifier having an input and an output, an input resistor connecting the input to a signal indicative of an alternator current level, and a feedback resistor connected between the input and the output. The system further includes an adjustment resistor and a switching element coupled in series between the input and the output, in parallel with the feedback resistor, and a processor coupled to the output. The processor is operable, based upon a current indication related to a level of alternator current indicated at the output, to control the operation of the switching element such that the switching element is closed when the current indication increases to exceed a first threshold, and such that the switching element is opened when the current indication decreases to fall below a second threshold.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2000Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventors: David A. Hintz, Kenneth R. Bornemann