Air compressor utilizing an electronic control system

Abstract

An air compressor utilizing an electronic control system. A pneumatically controlled regulator is provided for controlling output pressure for an air compressor. Digital gauges are provided on the air compressor to replace conventional mechanical gauges. A variable speed motor is used, which in turn varies the speed of the pump. Tools are provided for an air compressor that are capable of transmitting a signal to the air compressor indicating a desired pressure and/or motor speed at which the air compressor is to operate.

1 . An air compressor, comprising: 
 a regulator; and    a pneumatic controller for controlling output air pressure of the regulator.    
   
   
       2 . The air compressor of  claim 1 , further comprising a storage tank for compressed air, and wherein the regulator is fed air by the storage tank.  
   
   
       3 . The air compressor of  claim 2 , wherein the pneumatic controller utilizes compressed air from the storage tank to control output air pressure of the regulator.  
   
   
       4 . The air compressor of  claim 3 , wherein the regulator comprises a piston to control output pressure, and wherein the pneumatic controller supplies air pressure to the piston to control output air pressure of the regulator.  
   
   
       5 . The air compressor of  claim 4 , wherein the piston is configured to open a valve on the regulator to release pressurized air.  
   
   
       6 . The air compressor of  claim 4 , wherein the pneumatic controller comprises an electronic control system for controlling the amount of air pressure supplied to the piston.  
   
   
       7 . The air compressor of  claim 6 , wherein the electronic control system comprises at least one pressure sensor.  
   
   
       8 . The air compressor of  claim 7 , wherein the electronic control system comprises at least one solenoid for controlling the amount of air within the pneumatic controller.  
   
   
       9 . The air compressor of  claim 1 , wherein the regulator comprises a piston to control output pressure, and wherein the pneumatic controller supplies air pressure to the piston to control output air pressure of the regulator.  
   
   
       10 . The air compressor of  claim 9 , wherein the piston is configured to open a valve on the regulator to release pressurized air.  
   
   
       11 . The air compressor of  claim 9 , wherein the pneumatic controller comprises an electronic control system for controlling the amount of air pressure supplied to the piston.  
   
   
       12 . The air compressor of  claim 11 , wherein the electronic control system comprises at least one pressure sensor.  
   
   
       13 . The air compressor of  claim 12 , wherein the electronic control system comprises at least one solenoid for controlling the amount of air within the pneumatic controller.  
   
   
       14 . The air compressor of  claim 1 , further comprising a user interface for selecting output air pressure of the regulator.  
   
   
       15 . The air compressor of  claim 14 , further comprising a digital display for displaying selected output pressure of the regulator.  
   
   
       16 . The air compressor of  claim 15 , wherein the display is configured to be display both selected output pressure and pressure of a tank.  
   
   
       17 . The air compressor of  claim 15 , wherein the display is configured to be toggled between a display of selected output pressure and pressure of a tank.  
   
   
       18 . The air compressor of  claim 14 , wherein the user interface comprises a preset for selecting a particular output pressure of the regulator.  
   
   
       19 . An air compressor, comprising: 
 an electronic control system for controlling output air of the air compressor; and    a user interface for selecting output air pressure of the system.    
   
   
       20 . The air compressor of  claim 19 , further comprising a digital display for displaying selected output pressure of the regulator.  
   
   
       21 . The air compressor of  claim 20 , wherein the display is configured to be toggled between a display of selected output pressure and pressure of a tank.  
   
   
       22 . The air compressor of  claim 19 , wherein the user interface comprises a first button for increasing output pressure, and a second button for decreasing output pressure.  
   
   
       23 . The air compressor of  claim 19 , wherein the user interface comprises a preset for selecting a particular output pressure of the regulator.  
   
   
       24 . The air compressor of  claim 19 , further comprising: 
 a pump; and    a variable speed motor for driving the pump; and    wherein the user interface comprises at least one interaction mechanism for setting a speed for the variable speed motor.    
   
   
       25 . The air compressor of  claim 24 , wherein said at least one interaction mechanism comprises a first button for increasing motor speed, and a second button for decreasing motor speed.  
   
   
       26 . The air compressor of  claim 24 , wherein the user interface further comprises a second interaction mechanism for setting an optimum mode for the air compressor, at which the motor is set to operate to maintain a tank for the air compressor at a particular pressure level that is lower than a maximal pressure.  
   
   
       27 . The air compressor of  claim 24 , wherein the user interface further comprises a second interaction mechanism for setting a maximum mode for the air compressor, at which the motor is set to operate at a maximum speed.  
   
   
       28 . An air compressor, comprising: 
 a pump;    a variable speed motor for driving the pump;    an electronic controller for controlling operation of the variable speed motor; and    a user interface having at least one interaction mechanism for setting a speed for the variable speed motor.    
   
   
       29 . The air compressor of  claim 28 , wherein said at least one interaction mechanism comprises a first button for increasing motor speed, and a second button for decreasing motor speed.  
   
   
       30 . The air compressor of  claim 28 , wherein the user interface further comprises a second interaction mechanism for setting an optimum mode for the air compressor, at which the motor is set to operate to maintain a tank for the air compressor at a particular pressure level that is lower than a maximal pressure.  
   
   
       31 . The air compressor of  claim 28 , wherein the user interface further comprises a second interaction mechanism for setting a maximum mode for the air compressor, at which the motor is set to operate at a maximum speed.