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).

  • Patent number: 10790664
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Isaac S. Frampton, Kenneth R. Bornemann, Harrison C. Chiu
  • Patent number: 10509075
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20180262004
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventors: Isaac S. Frampton, Kenneth R. Bornemann, Harrison C. Chiu
  • Patent number: 9991709
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Isaac S. Frampton, Kenneth R. Bornemann, Harrison C. Chiu
  • Publication number: 20150120247
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Eric D. Albsmeier, Kenneth R. Bornemann, Harrison Chirkdo Chiu, Zane Eaton, Anthony James Hackbarth, Richard Allen Mauk, Jeffrey John Neis, Edward Douglas Brey
  • Patent number: 8965734
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20130116847
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Isaac S. Frampton, Kenneth R. Bornemann, Harrison C. Chiu
  • Publication number: 20130113457
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Eric D. Albsmeier, Isaac S. Frampton, Kenneth R. Bornemann, Gary Allen Kroll, Douglas W. Dorn
  • Patent number: 8400001
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, Kenneth R. Bornemann
  • Publication number: 20110175372
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, Kenneth R. Bornemann
  • Publication number: 20110172966
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Eric D. Albsmeier, Kenneth R. Bornemann, Harrison Chirkdo Chiu, Zane Eaton, Anthony James Hackbarth, Richard Allen Mauk, Jeffrey John Neis, Edward Douglas Brey
  • Patent number: 6980911
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, Kenneth R. Bornemann
  • Publication number: 20040172204
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, Kenneth R. Bornemann
  • Patent number: 6731098
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: David A. Hintz, Kenneth R. Bornemann