Kohler Company

Gas Research Institute

Jonathan D Churchill

Zane Eaton

Martin W Heinrich

William T Volmary

Matthew F Slana

A genset controller that is configurable for controlling a variety of types of gensets, as well as a method of configuring a genset controller for controlling a genset, are disclosed. The genset controller includes a memory for storing a plurality of software routines, a personality profile data set, and a user-settable data set, and further includes a processor coupled to the memory for executing the software routines and reading data from the personality profile data set and the user settable data set to control the genset. The genset controller additionally includes an input port coupled to the memory for enabling changes to the personality profile data set and the user-settable data set to be downloaded into the memory. The personality profile data set and the user-settable data set include data that configures the genset controller for operation with a particular genset.

Method and apparatus for configuring a genset controller for operation with particular gensets

An electrical generation system and method for switching a plurality of isolated circuits between a generator and an electrical source. A current signal of each isolated circuit is sensed and the current signal is emitted to a computer. A generator output signal is sensed and emitted to the computer. An available power signal of the electrical source is sensed and also emitted to the computer. The computer or a microprocessor computes, as a function of the sensed load signals, a sensed generator output signal, and the sensed available power signal, whether each solid state load switch should be individually switched to connect each corresponding isolated circuit to either the generator or the electrical source. The computer or microprocessor then emits a switching signal to each solid state load switch for electrically connecting each corresponding isolated circuit to either the generator or the electrical source.

Multiple service load solid state switching for controlled cogeneration

A method of attaching a stepper motor to a throttle shaft provides constant torque transmission by connecting the shafts coaxially with a coupling that accommodates limited shaft misalignment and movement. In the preferred embodiment, the coupling comprises a fork, parallel to, and attached to, one shaft that receives a pin, perpendicular to, and attached to, the second shaft. The coupling permits the coaxial attachment of the shaft without the necessity of maintaining precise mounting tolerances.

Throttle with co-axial stepper motor drive

A throttle controller for an internal combustion engine employs a stepper motor to move the throttle valve and provides a controller to permit the use of the stepper motor. The stepper motor requires no return spring or position sensor and hence offer weight and cost advantages. The throttle position is deduced by means of an up-down counter tracking movement of the stepper motor during throttle control. The controller includes an integration means to accommodate the unknown starting throttle position. A fuel cutoff solenoid is activated in the event of over-speed or power loss. An engine speed signal for the controller is produced by a variable reluctance sensor providing a signal to a slope detector circuit to eliminate the influence of external magnetic fields.

Growing community of inventors

Sheboygan, WI, United States of America

Jonathan D Churchill