Air compressor control
US6036449A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 24, 1998 |
| Grant date | Mar 14, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 24, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF04B2207/043
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for air compressor control wherein the air compressor is loaded only when engine activities require it to be loaded or when free engine power is available to operate the compressor. An air compressor system is an engine-driven, piston-type compressor which operates in a loaded and an unloaded mode and provides air to a vehicle's air powered devices, such as service brakes, air suspension, windshield wipers, etc. The operating mode of the compressor is controlled by a pressure activated air governor which applies an air signal when pressure in a reservoir reaches a set level that activates a cap valve on an unloader stopping the air compressor. When the air pressure in the reservoir drops below a lower set pressure or when energy is "free," such as during downhill operations, the air governor exhausts the air signal allowing the air compressor to resume operation. Additionally, when the reservoir is of a pressure between the two set pressures and is in an unloaded state it will be maintained in that state for a set period of time to prevent rapid cycling of the air compressor. Further, when the reservoir is of a pressure between the two set pressures and is in a …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.