US 12,234,843 B2
Apparatus for electronically-controlled variable flow inlets and electronically-controlled pneumatic inlet modulation of compressor systems
Ralph Kokot, Crown Point, IN (US); Andrew Ward, LaPorte, IN (US); Colin Schroeder, LaPorte, IN (US); Kai Justice, Wheatfield, IN (US); and Mark Firnhaber, LaPorte, IN (US)
Assigned to VANAIR MANUFACTURING, INC., Michigan City, IN (US)
Filed by Vanair Manufacturing, Inc., Michigan City, IN (US)
Filed on Feb. 28, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/176,232.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/314,609, filed on Feb. 28, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2023/0272809 A1, Aug. 31, 2023
Int. Cl. F15B 15/20 (2006.01); F15B 13/044 (2006.01)
CPC F15B 15/20 (2013.01) [F15B 13/044 (2013.01); F15B 2211/426 (2013.01)] 17 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system for controlling flow of air into an air compressor of an air compressor system that is part of a mobile utility machine, the system comprising:
a proportional solenoid valve configured to control flow of air through a supply air inlet into the air compressor in proportional response to sensed air pressure generated by the air compressor system for improved efficiency in compressor system load requirement; and
a controller that generates an electronic control signal proportionally responsive to the sensed air pressure for controlling the proportional solenoid valve;
wherein the controller is configured to generate the electronic control signal to be proportional to a difference between a preselected target pressure set point and the sensed air pressure; and
wherein the controller has programmatically adjustable variable ramp up and ramp down logic functions that depend on the measured difference between the sensed air pressure measured by the pressure sensor and the preselected target pressure set point.