System for tracking and testing generator sets used in conjunction with temperature controlled containers
AssigneeThermo King Corporation
InventorsDermott C. Crombie, Michael Stark, Arlo G. Eslinger, Randall S. Burnham
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A generator set system for use with a refrigerated shipping container, the generator set system including a prime mover, a generator coupled to the prime mover, a generator set controller, and a generator set telematics unit. The generator set telematics unit determines a geographical location of the generator set, and the generator set controller performs pre-trip inspections on the generator set prior to the generator set leaving a pre-defined geographical area.
Claims25
An automated method for diagnostic testing of a generator set used in association with a refrigerated container for transporting cargo, the generator set including a plurality of components and a generator set controller, the method comprising:
- the generator set controller determining whether the generator set has entered a geo-fenced area;
- the generator set controller determining whether a pre-trip inspection is due to be performed on the generator set;
- the generator set controller performing a pre-trip inspection on the generator set when the generator set controller determines that the generator set is located within the geo-fenced area and a pre-trip inspection is due to be performed;
- determining whether the plurality of components is operating within acceptable limits;
- and
- generating a pre-trip inspection report based on the plurality of components.
A generator set system for use in association with a refrigerated container for transporting cargo, the generator set system comprising:
- a generator set comprising a prime mover and a generator;
- a generator set telematics unit associated with the generator set, the generator set telematics unit comprising GPS technology to identify a geographical location of the generator set,
- a generator set controller associated with the generator set, the generator set controller comprising a microprocessor, the generator set controller programmed to be in communication with both the generator set and the generator set telematics unit, the generator set controller programmed to:
- determine whether the generator set has entered a geo-fenced area;
- determine whether a pre-trip inspection is due to be performed on the generator set;
- perform a pre-trip inspection on the generator set when the generator set is located within the geo-fenced area and a pre-trip inspection is due to be performed.
A refrigerated cargo system comprising:
- a container for transporting cargo;
- a refrigeration system comprising:
- a refrigeration unit located on or within the container;
- and
- a refrigeration unit controller that includes a first microprocessor, the refrigeration unit controller programmed to be in communication with the refrigeration unit;
- a generator set system comprising:
- a generator set comprising a motor and generator;
- and
- a generator set controller that includes a second microprocessor, the generator set controller programmed to be in communication with both the generator set and the refrigeration unit controller, the generator set controller programmed to:
- determine whether the generator set has entered a geo-fenced area;
- determine whether a pre-trip inspection is due to be performed on the generator set;
- perform a pre-trip inspection on the generator set when the generator set is located within the geo-fenced area and a pre-trip inspection is due to be performed.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.