Patents by Inventor Thomas Connolly

Thomas Connolly has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20190025214
    Abstract: A hand-held bioanalytic instrument is described that can perform massively parallel sample analysis including single-molecule gene sequencing. The instrument includes a pulsed optical source that produces ultrashort excitation pulses and a compact beam-steering assembly. The beam-steering assembly provides automated alignment of excitation pulses to an interchangeable bio-optoelectronic chip that contains tens of thousands of reaction chambers or more. The optical source, beam-steering assembly, bio-optoelectronic chip, and coupling optics register to an alignment structure in the instrument that can form at least one wall of an enclosure and dissipate heat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Applicant: Quantum-Si Incoroprated
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Rothberg, Benjamin Cipriany, Todd Rearick, Paul E. Glenn, Faisal R. Ahmad, Todd Roswech, Brittany Lathrop, Thomas Connolly
  • Patent number: 10155511
    Abstract: A control system for a modular hybrid electric vehicle operates an internal combustion engine at a torque level above the driver demanded torque improving the engine's efficiency. A traction motor driveably connected to the engine is operated at a torque level such that the combined torque satisfies the driver demand. The traction motor torque is limited to avoid inefficient combinations of speed and torque at which the motor is inefficient. During idle operation, the traction motor is operated at a torque determined from a battery state of charge and the engine is operated to maintain a predetermined speed. If the engine speed drops below a threshold, motor torque is adjusted to reduce the load on the engine to avoid stalling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Steven Yamazaki, Christopher Alan Lear, Francis Thomas Connolly
  • Publication number: 20180326969
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine and an electric machine coupled to a gearbox through a torque converter. The vehicle includes a controller programmed to command an engine torque and an electric machine torque to achieve a predetermined positive torque at the input of the torque converter when a driver demand torque at the torque converter input decreases to fall within a range between the predetermined positive torque and a predetermined negative torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Inventors: Rajit JOHRI, Ming Lang KUANG, Francis Thomas CONNOLLY, Bernard D. NEFCY, Yanan ZHAO, Fazal Urrahman SYED
  • Patent number: 10112596
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a hybrid powertrain. The hybrid powertrain includes an engine and an electric machine. In response to a loss of controllability of the electric machine, a controller is programmed to operate the powertrain in a limited operating mode. In the limited operating mode, the powertrain is controlled so that a speed of the engine is within a speed range such that the electric machine generates a current to charge a traction battery. In response to a loss of communication with a power inverter that controls the electric machine, the powertrain is controlled so that the speed of the engine is within the speed range and the current flowing to the traction battery is monitored. If the current flow is above a threshold, then the limited operating mode is entered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan Andrew Butcher, Walter Joseph Ortmann, Francis Thomas Connolly
  • Publication number: 20180244265
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an electric motor and an engine selectively coupled to the electric motor. The vehicle has an electric motor controller configured to, in response to (i) an absence of receiving a motor command signal within a predetermined time, (ii) a battery voltage being below a first threshold and (iii) a motor speed exceeding a second threshold, restrict operation of the electric motor to a limited operating mode and control the electric motor to generate a charging torque for a battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Inventors: Jonathan Andrew BUTCHER, Francis Thomas CONNOLLY
  • Patent number: 10029670
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine and an electric machine coupled to a gearbox through a torque converter. The vehicle includes a controller programmed to command an engine torque and an electric machine torque to achieve a predetermined positive torque at the input of the torque converter when a driver demand torque at the torque converter input decreases to fall within a range between the predetermined positive torque and a predetermined negative torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rajit Johri, Ming Lang Kuang, Francis Thomas Connolly, Bernard D. Nefcy, Yanan Zhao, Fazal Urrahman Syed
  • Publication number: 20180180500
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input shaft and an output shaft, the input shaft selectively accepting a torque input from a prime mover, and the output shaft selectively providing torque output to a driveline. A controller determines a shaft displacement angle representing an angle value of rotational displacement difference between at least two shafts of the transmission, and performs a transmission operation responsive to the shaft displacement angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: June 28, 2018
    Inventors: Jeff Hawarden, Yeidei Wang, Thomas Connolly, Sipei Chen, Graeme Andrew Jackson
  • Publication number: 20180178804
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input shaft coupled to a prime mover, a countershaft, main shaft, and an output shaft, with gears between the countershaft and the main shaft. A shift actuator selectively couples the input shaft to the main shaft by rotatably coupling gears between the countershaft and the main shaft. The shift actuator is mounted on an exterior wall of a housing including the countershaft and the main shaft. A controller controls the shift actuator utilizing an actuating pulse and an opposing pulse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: June 28, 2018
    Inventors: Sujay Kawale, Thomas Connolly, Justin Keith Griffiths, Joseph Paul Furner, Sipei Chen, Jeff Hawarden, Yeidei Wang, Adam Christopher Maurer, Carl Christopher Smith, Ian Daniel McKenzie, Ryan Pauls, William A. David, Matthew R. Busdiecker, Christopher DeBoer
  • Publication number: 20180180168
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input shaft coupled to a prime mover, a countershaft, main shaft, and an output shaft, with gears between the countershaft and the main shaft. A shift actuator selectively couples the input shaft to the main shaft by rotatably coupling gears between the countershaft and the main shaft. The shift actuator is mounted on an exterior wall of a housing including the countershaft and the main shaft. An integrated actuator housing includes a single external power access for the shift actuator. A controller interprets a shaft displacement angle, determines if the transmission is in an imminent zero or zero torque region, and performs a transmission operation in response to the transmission in the imminent zero or zero torque region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: June 28, 2018
    Inventors: Paul Peterson, Graeme Andrew Jackson, Timothy Scott Smith, Paul Wilson, Christian Chimner, Andrzej Wota, Carlos H. Wink, Benjamin S. Sheen, Kevin McGovern, David L. Wadas, Troy Scott Reinoehl, James Lee Whitaker, Steven Michael Peterson, Clinton Lee McClellan, Paige Elizabeth Fernald, William A. David, Sujay Kawale, Thomas Connolly, Justin Keith Griffiths, Joseph Paul Furner, Sipei Chen, Jeff Hawarden, Yeidei Wang, Adam Christopher Maurer, Carl Christopher Smith, Ian Daniel McKenzie, Ryan Pauls, Matthew R. Busdiecker, Christopher DeBoer
  • Publication number: 20180178803
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input shaft coupled to a prime mover, a countershaft, main shaft, and an output shaft, with gears between the countershaft and the main shaft. A shift actuator selectively couples the input shaft to the main shaft by rotatably coupling gears between the countershaft and the main shaft. The shift actuator is mounted on an exterior wall of a housing including the countershaft and the main shaft. An integrated actuator housing includes a single external power access for the shift actuator. A controller interprets controls the shift actuator with actuating and opposing pulses, and interprets a shaft displacement angle, determines if the transmission is in an imminent zero or zero torque region, and performs a transmission operation in response to the transmission in the imminent zero or zero torque region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: June 28, 2018
    Inventors: Sujay Kawale, Thomas Connolly, Justin Keith Griffiths, Joseph Paul Furner, Sipei Chen, Jeff Hawarden, Yeidei Wang, Adam Christopher Maurer, Carl Christopher Smith, Ian Daniel McKenzie, Ryan Pauls, William A. David, Matthew R. Busdiecker, Christopher DeBoer, Graeme Andrew Jackson
  • Publication number: 20180180167
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input shaft coupled to a prime mover, a countershaft, main shaft, and an output shaft, with gears between the countershaft and the main shaft. The shift actuator is mounted on an exterior wall of a housing including the countershaft and the main shaft. A shift control circuit operates a shift actuator using a first opposing pulse command and a first actuating pulse command, and releases pressure with shift actuating and opposing volumes of the shift actuator upon determining a shift completion event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: June 28, 2018
    Inventors: Paul Peterson, Graeme Andrew Jackson, Timothy Scott Smith, Paul Wilson, Christian Chimner, Andrzej Wota, Carlos H. Wink, Benjamin S. Sheen, Kevin McGovern, David L. Wadas, Troy Scott Reinoehl, James Lee Whitaker, Steven Michael Peterson, Clinton Lee McClellan, Paige Elizabeth Fernald, William A. David, Sujay Kawale, Thomas Connolly, Justin Keith Griffiths, Joseph Paul Furner, Sipei Chen, Jeff Hawarden, Yeidei Wang, Adam Christopher Maurer, Carl Christopher Smith, Ian Daniel McKenzie, Ryan Pauls, Matthew R. Busdiecker, Christopher DeBoer
  • Publication number: 20180178798
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input shaft coupled to a prime mover, a countershaft, main shaft, and an output shaft, with gears between the countershaft and the main shaft. A shift actuator selectively couples the input shaft to the main shaft by rotatably coupling gears between the countershaft and the main shaft. The shift actuator is mounted on an exterior wall of a housing including the countershaft and the main shaft. An integrated actuator housing includes a single external power access for the shift actuator. A controller interprets a shaft displacement angle, determines if the transmission is in an imminent zero or zero torque region, and performs a transmission operation in response to the transmission in the imminent zero or zero torque region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: June 28, 2018
    Inventors: Paul Peterson, Graeme Andrew Jackson, Timothy Scott Smith, Paul Wilson, Christian Chimner, Andrzej Wota, Carlos H. Wink, Benjamin S. Sheen, Kevin McGovern, David L. Wadas, Troy Scott Reinoehl, James Lee Whitaker, Steven Michael Peterson, Clinton Lee McClellan, Paige Elizabeth Fernald, William A. David, Sujay Kawale, Thomas Connolly, Justin Keith Griffiths, Joseph Paul Furner, Sipei Chen, Jeff Hawarden, Yeidei Wang, Adam Christopher Maurer, Carl Christopher Smith, Ian Daniel McKenzie, Ryan Pauls, Matthew R. Busdiecker, Christopher DeBoer
  • Publication number: 20180180166
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input shaft coupled to a prime mover, a countershaft, main shaft, and an output shaft, with gears between the countershaft and the main shaft. The shift actuator is mounted on an exterior wall of a housing including the countershaft and the main shaft. A shift control circuit operates a shift actuator using a first opposing pulse command and a first actuating pulse command, and releases pressure with shift actuating and opposing volumes of the shift actuator upon determining a shift completion event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: June 28, 2018
    Inventors: Paul Peterson, Graeme Andrew Jackson, Timothy Scott Smith, Paul Wilson, Christian Chimner, Andrzej Wota, Carlos H. Wink, Benjamin S. Sheen, Kevin McGovern, David L. Wadas, Troy Scott Reinoehl, James Lee Whitaker, Steven Michael Peterson, Clinton Lee McClellan, Paige Elizabeth Fernald, William A. David, Sujay Kawale, Thomas Connolly, Justin Keith Griffiths, Joseph Paul Furner, Sipei Chen, Jeff Hawarden, Yeidei Wang, Adam Christopher Maurer, Carl Christopher Smith, Ian Daniel McKenzie, Ryan Pauls, Matthew R. Busdiecker, Christopher DeBoer
  • Publication number: 20180134298
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a vehicle having an electric machine and at least one controller is described. The electric machine may be configured to generate creep torque to move the vehicle. The controller may be programmed to decrease a target speed of a torque converter impeller to create a desired brake torque and partially cancel the creep torque without application of friction brakes in response to a brake pedal being pressed while an accelerator pedal is not being pressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Rajit JOHRI, Francis Thomas CONNOLLY, Fazal Urrahman SYED, Minku LEE, Mark Steven YAMAZAKI
  • Publication number: 20180126975
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine and an electric machine coupled to a gearbox through a torque converter. The vehicle includes a controller programmed to command an engine torque and an electric machine torque to achieve a predetermined positive torque at the input of the torque converter when a driver demand torque at the torque converter input decreases to fall within a range between the predetermined positive torque and a predetermined negative torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Rajit JOHRI, Ming Lang KUANG, Francis Thomas CONNOLLY, Bernard D. NEFCY, Yanan ZHAO, Fazal Urrahman SYED
  • Publication number: 20180119758
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a driveline disconnect clutch for a hybrid vehicle shifting are presented. In one example, pressure of a working fluid supplied to the driveline disconnect clutch is adjusted in response to a rate of change in accelerator pedal position. Further, pressure of the working fluid may be decreased responsive to selected operating conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Felix Nedorezov, Francis Thomas Connolly, Xiaoyong Wang, Hong Jiang, Mark Steven Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 9937913
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating and hybrid driveline are presented. In one example, driver demand torque may be supplied to vehicle wheels via a hydraulic torque path and a friction torque path. Torque is distributed between the friction torque path and the hydraulic torque path in a way that ensures that driver demand torque is met and the friction torque path transfers torque up to its capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Xiaoyong Wang, Wei Liang, Rajit Johri, Francis Thomas Connolly, Daniel Colvin, Ming Lang Kuang, Ryan Abraham McGee
  • Patent number: 9932031
    Abstract: A method for operating a powertrain of a hybrid vehicle is provided. The method includes outputting via a controller an engine speed command that is based on a predicted impeller speed of a torque converter and corresponds to the accelerator tip-in to output a torque from the engine to wheels of the vehicle in response to detection of an accelerator pedal tip-in greater than a predetermined threshold. The method may also include accessing a history of impeller speed outputs of the hybrid vehicle to obtain the predicted impeller speed. The engine speed command may set engine speed substantially equal to or greater than the predicted impeller speed. The predetermined threshold may be based on a driver requested torque output of the wheels in which torque from the torque converter to the wheels results in saturation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rajit Johri, Francis Thomas Connolly
  • Patent number: 9828924
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine and an electric machine coupled to a transmission element. The electric machine is also selectively coupled with the engine by a clutch. The vehicle includes a belt integrated starter-generator (BISG) operatively coupled to the engine. An electronic controller includes one or more inputs adapted to receive a temperature measurement and a request to start the engine. The electronic controller is programmed to, in response to the one or more inputs receiving the request to start the engine and the temperature measurement less than a threshold temperature measurement, effect actuation of the electric machine and close the clutch to apply a first torque to the engine. The electronic controller is further programmed to, in response to an engine speed achieving an engine speed threshold, effect actuation of the BISG to apply a second torque to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Francis Thomas Connolly, Scott James Thompson
  • Publication number: 20170334427
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a hybrid powertrain. The hybrid powertrain includes an engine and an electric machine. In response to a loss of controllability of the electric machine, a controller is programmed to operate the powertrain in a limited operating mode. In the limited operating mode, the powertrain is controlled so that a speed of the engine is within a speed range such that the electric machine generates a current to charge a traction battery. In response to a loss of communication with a power inverter that controls the electric machine, the powertrain is controlled so that the speed of the engine is within the speed range and the current flowing to the traction battery is monitored. If the current flow is above a threshold, then the limited operating mode is entered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: Jonathan Andrew BUTCHER, Walter Joseph ORTMANN, Francis Thomas CONNOLLY