Patents by Inventor Thomas E. Darlington

Thomas E. Darlington 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).

  • Patent number: 6931850
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, an electric motor and a transmission. A turbocharger is in fluid communication with the internal combustion engine. Moreover, a generator is mechanically coupled to the turbocharger and thereby driven by exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine. The generator can provide electricity to the motor and/or a battery while simultaneously providing altitude compensation for the internal combustion engine so that the internal combustion engine output remains at the same power and efficiency as altitude and environmental conditions change. The turbocharger can also be used for power boost if desired. The exhaust gas driven generator system can be deployed in conventional vehicles as well to charge the battery and/or power electrical accessories, thereby replacing the alternator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: The Regents of the Univesity of California
    Inventors: Andrew A. Frank, Thomas E. Darlington