Abstract: A method of operating a transport refrigeration unit that is operable to regulate a temperature of a cargo space. The method includes providing a controller, driving a refrigerant compressor of the transport refrigeration unit with an internal combustion engine to compress a refrigerant defining an engine operating state of the transport refrigeration unit, and driving the refrigerant compressor of the transport refrigeration unit with an electric motor to compress the refrigerant defining a motor operating state of the transport refrigeration unit. The method further includes sensing the temperature of the cargo space, receiving into the controller a signal indicative of the temperature of the cargo space, determining the temperature of the cargo space using the controller, and switching between the engine operating state and the motor operating state in response to a signal generated by the controller based on the temperature of the cargo space.

Abstract: A mobile environment-controlled unit having a structure, a compartment supported by the structure, and an environmental-control system in environmental communication with the compartment. The environmental-control system is configured to control an environmental parameter of the compartment. The environmental-control system includes an internal combustion engine, having a starter, powering the environmental-control system; a battery powering the starter; and a controller. The controller monitors battery health status, predicts battery failure, and communicates the predicted battery failure. Also, described is a method of operating the mobile environment-controlled unit and a controller for controlling the mobile environment-controlled unit.

Abstract: A mobile environment-controlled unit having a structure, a compartment supported by the structure, and an environmental-control system in environmental communication with the compartment. The environmental-control system is configured to control an environmental parameter of the compartment. The environmental-control system includes an internal combustion engine, having a starter, powering the environmental-control system; a battery powering the starter; and a controller. The controller monitors battery health status, predicts battery failure, and communicates the predicted battery failure. Also, described is a method of operating the mobile environment-controlled unit and a controller for controlling the mobile environment-controlled unit.

Abstract: A method of operating a transport refrigeration unit that is operable to regulate a temperature of a cargo space. The method includes providing a controller, driving a refrigerant compressor of the transport refrigeration unit with an internal combustion engine to compress a refrigerant defining an engine operating state of the transport refrigeration unit, and driving the refrigerant compressor of the transport refrigeration unit with an electric motor to compress the refrigerant defining a motor operating state of the transport refrigeration unit. The method further includes sensing the temperature of the cargo space, receiving into the controller a signal indicative of the temperature of the cargo space, determining the temperature of the cargo space using the controller, and switching between the engine operating state and the motor operating state in response to a signal generated by the controller based on the temperature of the cargo space.

Abstract: A self-locking seal ring is disclosed. The self-locking seal ring includes a ring body having a tab end segment on one end and a channel end segment on the opposite end. A lock tab is provided on the tab end segment, and a lock channel is provided on the channel end segment for receiving the lock tab. The self-locking seal ring is easy to install in a ring groove in a main butterfly plate of a butterfly valve, for example, and facilitates optimum sealing of the main butterfly plate with respect to the butterfly valve housing.

Abstract: A flexible coupling for transferring a fluid between two fluid conduits and for providing an effective fluid seal is disclosed. The device includes a body portion containing a hollow interior open on opposite ends thereof and having a raised cylindrically shaped end collar formed around at least one of the open ends. The end collar defines an outwardly opening, endlessly extending groove in which a seal ring assembly is removably disposed and which projects out of the groove to provide an effective fluid seal against a cylindrically shaped bearing surface of a hollow conduit collar, the latter being attachable to one of the fluid conduits. A pair of stop members disposed in the conduit collar confines the end collar for both rotatable and translatable sliding movement therebetween. The body portion is also angularly adjustable relative to a centerline of the hollow interior of the conduit collar. Various removable seal ring and biasing spring configurations for use in the end collars are also disclosed.