Patents by Inventor Michael James VANOUS
Michael James VANOUS 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: 11975592Abstract: An interface system for connecting a vehicle and a transport climate control system (TCCS) is disclosed. The interface system includes a two-way communication interface that connects a vehicle electrical system (VES) controller and a TCCS controller. The interface system also includes a power interface that connects a vehicle energy source of the VES to the TCCS and a TCCS energy source of the TCCS to the VES. The two-way communication interface is configured to distribute a TCCS status from the TCCS controller to the VES controller, and is configured to distribute a VES status from the VES controller to the TCCS controller. The power interface is configured to distribute power from the vehicle energy source to the TCCS when a VES instruction is received, and distribute power from the TCCS energy source to the VES when a TCCS instruction is received.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2022Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: Thermo King LLCInventors: Ryan Wayne Schumacher, Mark D. Leasure, Nicholas Allan Cregan, Michael James Vanous, Matthew Srnec, Wallace Stephen Hubbard
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Patent number: 11827106Abstract: A power distribution unit (PDU) for use with an electrically powered accessory is disclosed. The PDU includes at least one power input configured to receive electrical power from an electrical supply equipment and/or a second power source. The PDU also includes an accessory power interface configured to provide power to the electrically powered accessory. The PDU further includes a vehicle power interface configured to provide power to a vehicle electrical system of the vehicle. Also the PDU includes at least one switch configured to selectively connect the at least one power input to a power bus, and selectively connect the power bus to at least one of the accessory power interface and the vehicle power interface. The PDU also includes a controller configured to control the at least one switch to provide power to the electrically powered accessory and/or the vehicle electrical storage device of the vehicle electrical system.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2021Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: THERMO KING LLCInventors: Ryan Wayne Schumacher, Nicholas Allan Cregan, Mark D. Leasure, Michael James Vanous
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Publication number: 20230356561Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling noise generated by a transport climate control system (TCCS) that provides climate control within a climate controlled space of a transport unit are disclosed. The methods and systems include a controller obtaining a noise tolerance, wherein the noise tolerance is a threshold noise level that includes at least a noise level generated by the TCCS; the controller monitoring the noise level generated by the TCCS; the controller comparing the noise tolerance with the noise level generated by the TCCS; upon the controller determining that the noise level generated by the TCCS is greater than the noise tolerance, the controller determining a target operating condition of the TCCS for matching the noise level generated by the TCCS with the noise tolerance; and the controller adjusting the TCCS to the target operating condition to adjust the noise level generated by the TCCS.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2023Publication date: November 9, 2023Inventors: Panayu Robert Srichai, Michael James Vanous, Adam Leonard Clark, Ferdy Martinus, Scott R Bates
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Publication number: 20230344234Abstract: Technologies are described herein to prioritize delivery of power to electrical components associated with a vehicle and an electrically powered accessory. A power distribution unit may assess real-time power needs for the electrical storage system associated with the vehicle and electrical storage device of the electrically powered accessory and direct incoming power to the electrical storage system associated with the vehicle and the electrical storage device of the electrically powered accessory based on a prioritization of various factors.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2023Publication date: October 26, 2023Inventors: Ryan Wayne Schumacher, Michael James Vanous, Mark D. Leasure, Nicholas Allan Cregan, Matt Srnec, Alessandro Silvestri
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Publication number: 20230278398Abstract: A method of minimizing C-Rate fluctuations with an electrically powered accessory (EPA) is disclosed. The EPA is configured to be used with at least one of a vehicle, a trailer, and a transport container that has a first controller. The EPA has a second controller. The method includes determining, by the first controller, a first C-Rate of a Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS). Also, the method includes comparing the first C-Rate to a first predetermined threshold. The method also includes when the first C-Rate exceeds the first predetermined threshold, the first controller sending a first request to the second controller to adjust a load of the EPA. The method further includes the second controller determining a first operational mode of the EPA based on the first request. Also the method includes when the first operational mode of the EPA allows a load change, the second controller adjusting the load of the EPA.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2023Publication date: September 7, 2023Inventors: Michael James Vanous, Carolyn Lewelling, Christos Alkiviadis Polyzois
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Publication number: 20230256925Abstract: Electrically powered accessories connected to vehicle power systems are authenticated, and connections between the accessories and the vehicle power systems are based on permissions resulting from that authentication. accessories may supply authentication information associated with an authentication level, and form a permitted connection based on the authentication level. Vehicle power systems may obtain the authentication information, obtain the authentication level, and operate a power connection according to the authentication level. Authentication information can be obtained from the component or from a user of the component through, for example, a portable device. A system may include the electrically powered component and the vehicle power system. The system may further include a remote server to process the authentication information and determine the authentication level.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2023Publication date: August 17, 2023Inventors: Ryan Wayne Schumacher, Bryce Butler, Michael James Vanous, Matthew Srnec, Tracey Patterson
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Publication number: 20230234422Abstract: Technologies described herein pertain to delivering power to primary and accessory electrical components associated with a vehicle that is at least partially electrically powered, as well as to a power source of the vehicle itself. To operate one or more of accessory electrical components and deliver power to a vehicle battery, via a power distribution unit, the embodiments facilitate understanding of dynamic power available to the accessory electrical components as well as the vehicle battery, and distributing of the power in a prioritized manner to optimize the system for a most efficient power delivery process, with regards to power needs and power availability. Managing power supplied to a climate control unit that is used in a transport climate control system providing climate control to at least one of an internal space of a vehicle, may be performed by a controller that is electrically connected to at least the climate control unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2023Publication date: July 27, 2023Inventors: Matthew Srnec, Michael James Vanous, Ryan Wayne Schumacher, Carolyn Lewelling
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Patent number: 11708038Abstract: Methods and systems for efficient power management of a finite power storage unit that provides a finite amount of power to a vehicle accessory are provided. The method includes receiving an input parameter. The input parameter includes one of a desired runtime for the vehicle accessory and a desired condition setting for the vehicle accessory. The method also includes receiving an environment data. Also, the method includes a processor determining an output parameter based on the input parameter and the environment data. The output parameter includes one of an acceptable condition setting for the vehicle accessory and a predicted runtime for the vehicle accessory. Further, the method includes providing the output parameter to a display for displaying the output parameter.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2021Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: THERMO KING LLCInventors: Ryan Wayne Schumacher, Russell L. Sanders, Mark D. Leasure, Srinivasa Rao Koppineedi, Michael James Vanous
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Patent number: 11703341Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a transport climate control system of a vehicle are provided. The method includes obtaining a state of charge of an energy storage device capable of providing power to the transport climate control system; determining an energy level including the state of charge, receiving a planned route for the vehicle, and receiving route status data associated with the planned route for the vehicle. The route status data includes traffic data, weather data, and/or geographic data identifying areas where the transport climate control system is to be solely powered by the energy storage device. The method further includes determining whether the energy level is sufficient to complete the planned route for the vehicle based on the planned route and the route data, and when the energy level is not sufficient to complete the planned route for the vehicle, providing a notification to a user via a display.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2021Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: Thermo King LLCInventors: Matthew Srnec, Wallace Hubbard, Michael James Vanous, Mark D. Leasure, Paul J. Kroes, Philip Lavrich
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Patent number: 11695275Abstract: Technologies are described herein to prioritize delivery of power to electrical components associated with a vehicle and an electrically powered accessory. A power distribution unit may assess real-time power needs for the electrical storage system associated with the vehicle and electrical storage device of the electrically powered accessory and direct incoming power to the electrical storage system associated with the vehicle and the electrical storage device of the electrically powered accessory based on a prioritization of various factors.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2020Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: THERMO KING LLCInventors: Ryan Wayne Schumacher, Michael James Vanous, Mark D. Leasure, Nicholas Allan Cregan, Matt Srnec, Alessandro Silvestri
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Patent number: 11648821Abstract: A method of minimizing C-Rate fluctuations with an electrically powered accessory (EPA) is disclosed. The EPA is configured to be used with at least one of a vehicle, a trailer, and a transport container that has a first controller. The EPA has a second controller. The method includes determining, by the first controller, a first C-Rate of a Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS). Also, the method includes comparing the first C-Rate to a first predetermined threshold. The method also includes when the first C-Rate exceeds the first predetermined threshold, the first controller sending a first request to the second controller to adjust a load of the EPA. The method further includes the second controller determining a first operational mode of the EPA based on the first request. Also the method includes when the first operational mode of the EPA allows a load change, the second controller adjusting the load of the EPA.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2019Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: THERMO KING LLCInventors: Michael James Vanous, Carolyn Lewelling, Christos Alkiviadis Polyzois
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Patent number: 11634094Abstract: Electrically powered accessories connected to vehicle power systems are authenticated, and connections between the accessories and the vehicle power systems are based on permissions resulting from that authentication. accessories may supply authentication information associated with an authentication level, and form a permitted connection based on the authentication level. Vehicle power systems may obtain the authentication information, obtain the authentication level, and operate a power connection according to the authentication level. Authentication information can be obtained from the component or from a user of the component through, for example, a portable device. A system may include the electrically powered component and the vehicle power system. The system may further include a remote server to process the authentication information and determine the authentication level.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2019Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: THERMO KING LLCInventors: Ryan Wayne Schumacher, Bryce Butler, Michael James Vanous, Matthew Srnec, Tracey Patterson
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Patent number: 11623499Abstract: Technologies described herein pertain to delivering power to primary and accessory electrical components associated with a vehicle that is at least partially electrically powered, as well as to a power source of the vehicle itself. To operate one or more of accessory electrical components and deliver power to a vehicle battery, via a power distribution unit, the embodiments facilitate understanding of dynamic power available to the accessory electrical components as well as the vehicle battery, and distributing of the power in a prioritized manner to optimize the system for a most efficient power delivery process, with regards to power needs and power availability. Managing power supplied to a climate control unit that is used in a transport climate control system providing climate control to at least one of an internal space of a vehicle, may be performed by a controller that is electrically connected to at least the climate control unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2019Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: THERMO KING LLCInventors: Matthew Srnec, Michael James Vanous, Ryan Wayne Schumacher, Carolyn Lewelling
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Patent number: 11554638Abstract: A method for preserving autonomous operation of a transport climate control system is provided. The method includes the controller determining whether a regulatory compliance at a current location is restricting and/or preventing the use of a prime mover for powering the transport climate control system while a transport unit is in transit. When the controller determines that use of the prime mover is not being restricted or prevented because of a regulatory compliance, the method includes operating the transport climate control system and the transport power system in an energy harvesting operation mode for storing excess power generated by the prime mover into the auxiliary energy storage. When the controller determines that use of the prime mover is being restricted or prevented because of a regulatory compliance, the method includes the controller instructing the auxiliary energy storage to provide power to the transport climate control system.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2018Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: THERMO KING LLCInventors: Ryan Wayne Schumacher, Matthew Srnec, Michael James Vanous, Mark D. Leasure, Wallace Stephen Hubbard, Adam B. Carey
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Publication number: 20220388369Abstract: An interface system for connecting a vehicle and a transport climate control system (TCCS) is disclosed. The interface system includes a two-way communication interface that connects a vehicle electrical system (VES) controller and a TCCS controller. The interface system also includes a power interface that connects a vehicle energy source of the VES to the TCCS and a TCCS energy source of the TCCS to the VES. The two-way communication interface is configured to distribute a TCCS status from the TCCS controller to the VES controller, and is configured to distribute a VES status from the VES controller to the TCCS controller. The power interface is configured to distribute power from the vehicle energy source to the TCCS when a VES instruction is received, and distribute power from the TCCS energy source to the VES when a TCCS instruction is received.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2022Publication date: December 8, 2022Inventors: Ryan Wayne Schumacher, Mark D. Leasure, Nicholas Allan Cregan, Michael James Vanous, Matthew Srnec, Wallace Stephen Hubbard
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Patent number: 11420495Abstract: An interface system for connecting a vehicle and a transport climate control system (TCCS) is disclosed. The interface system includes a two-way communication interface that connects a vehicle electrical system (VES) controller and a TCCS controller. The interface system also includes a power interface that connects a vehicle energy source of the VES to the TCCS and a TCCS energy source of the TCCS to the VES. The two-way communication interface is configured to distribute a TCCS status from the TCCS controller to the VES controller, and is configured to distribute a VES status from the VES controller to the TCCS controller. The power interface is configured to distribute power from the vehicle energy source to the TCCS when a VES instruction is received, and distribute power from the TCCS energy source to the VES when a TCCS instruction is received.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2019Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: Thermo King CorporationInventors: Ryan Wayne Schumacher, Mark D. Leasure, Nicholas Allan Cregan, Michael James Vanous, Matthew Srnec, Wallace Stephen Hubbard
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Publication number: 20220105807Abstract: A power distribution unit (PDU) for use with an electrically powered accessory is disclosed. The PDU includes at least one power input configured to receive electrical power from an electrical supply equipment and/or a second power source. The PDU also includes an accessory power interface configured to provide power to the electrically powered accessory. The PDU further includes a vehicle power interface configured to provide power to a vehicle electrical system of the vehicle. Also the PDU includes at least one switch configured to selectively connect the at least one power input to a power bus, and selectively connect the power bus to at least one of the accessory power interface and the vehicle power interface. The PDU also includes a controller configured to control the at least one switch to provide power to the electrically powered accessory and/or the vehicle electrical storage device of the vehicle electrical system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2021Publication date: April 7, 2022Inventors: Ryan Wayne Schumacher, Nicholas Allan Cregan, Mark D. Leasure, Michael James Vanous
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Patent number: 11203262Abstract: A power distribution unit (PDU) for use with an electrically powered accessory is disclosed. The PDU includes at least one power input configured to receive electrical power from an electrical supply equipment and/or a second power source. The PDU also includes an accessory power interface configured to provide power to the electrically powered accessory. The PDU further includes a vehicle power interface configured to provide power to a vehicle electrical system of the vehicle. Also the PDU includes at least one switch configured to selectively connect the at least one power input to a power bus, and selectively connect the power bus to at least one of the accessory power interface and the vehicle power interface. The PDU also includes a controller configured to control the at least one switch to provide power to the electrically powered accessory and/or the vehicle electrical storage device of the vehicle electrical system.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2019Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: Thermo King CorporationInventors: Ryan Wayne Schumacher, Nicholas Allan Cregan, Mark D. Leasure, Michael James Vanous
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Publication number: 20210285780Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a transport climate control system of a vehicle are provided. The method includes obtaining a state of charge of an energy storage device capable of providing power to the transport climate control system; determining an energy level including the state of charge, receiving a planned route for the vehicle, and receiving route status data associated with the planned route for the vehicle. The route status data includes traffic data, weather data, and/or geographic data identifying areas where the transport climate control system is to be solely powered by the energy storage device. The method further includes determining whether the energy level is sufficient to complete the planned route for the vehicle based on the planned route and the route data, and when the energy level is not sufficient to complete the planned route for the vehicle, providing a notification to a user via a display.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2021Publication date: September 16, 2021Inventors: Matthew SRNEC, Wallace HUBBARD, Michael James VANOUS, Mark D. LEASURE, Paul J. KROES, Philip LAVRICH
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Patent number: 11085686Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting and correcting improper operation of a compressor in a refrigeration system and/or an HVAC system include a component level detection and prevention and a system level detection and prevention. The system level detection and prevention can be a backup or a confirmation of the component level detection and prevention. The component level detection and prevention can detect and prevent improper compressor operation within a predetermined time so that the compressor's operation period in an improper direction can be minimized, thereby minimizing wear and damage to the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2019Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: Thermo King CorporationInventors: Ryan Wayne Schumacher, Russell L. Sanders, Michael James Vanous, Marcelo Andrade Dias