Patents by Inventor Christopher A. Tuckfield

Christopher A. Tuckfield 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: 9193252
    Abstract: A two motor electric drive hybrid transmission for a vehicle. The two motor electric drive hybrid transmission allows both electric motors to provide propulsive force during engine on and engine off operations when desired. The two motor electric drive hybrid transmission also provides improved and flexible operating configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Christopher A Tuckfield, Klaus Kersting
  • Publication number: 20150151625
    Abstract: A two motor electric drive hybrid transmission for a vehicle. The two motor electric drive hybrid transmission allows both electric motors to provide propulsive force during engine on and engine off operations when desired. The two motor electric drive hybrid transmission also provides improved and flexible operating configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher A. Tuckfield, Klaus Kersting
  • Publication number: 20130331216
    Abstract: A two motor electric drive hybrid transmission for a vehicle. The two motor electric drive hybrid transmission allows both electric motors to provide propulsive force during engine on and engine off operations when desired. The two motor electric drive hybrid transmission also provides improved and flexible operating configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: CHRYSLER GROUP LLC
    Inventors: Christopher A. Tuckfield, Klaus Kersting
  • Publication number: 20120270691
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain for a vehicle having a disconnect clutch located between an internal combustion engine, or other power source, and a hybrid transmission. When deactivated, the disconnect clutch decouples the engine from the hybrid transmission, which enables the hybrid transmission input shaft to rotate independently of the internal combustion engine. This enables enhanced electric drive performance for the hybrid transmission. The disconnect clutch provides for internal combustion engine starting, including internal combustion starting at high vehicle speeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: CHRYSLER GROUP LLC
    Inventors: Christopher A. Tuckfield, Benjamin Kaehler, Klaus Kersting, Markus Brouwer
  • Patent number: 7869926
    Abstract: A method of operating a hybrid transmission includes controlling the transmission according to a drive mode, which includes a continuously variable speed relationship, and controlling the transmission according to a fixed speed relationship mode, which includes a plurality of fixed speed relationships including mechanical gear ratios and virtual gear ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignees: Chrysler Group LLC, GM Global Technology Operations, Daimler AG, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellchaft
    Inventors: Christopher A. Tuckfield, Konstantin Neiss
  • Patent number: 7678005
    Abstract: A method of operating a hybrid transmission includes controlling the transmission according to a drive mode, which includes a continuously variable speed ratio, and according to automatic and manual fixed speed relationships modes, which include a plurality of fixed speed relationships including mechanics gear ratios and virtual gear relationships. The method also includes receiving a driver request for transmission operation in one of an Economy or a Sport mode, and operating the transmission in the requested Economy or Sport modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignees: Chrysler Group LLC, GM Global Technology Operations, Daimler AG, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Christopher A. Tuckfield
  • Publication number: 20080146407
    Abstract: A method of operating a hybrid transmission includes controlling the transmission according to a drive mode, which includes a continuously variable speed ratio, and according to automatic and manual fixed speed relationships modes, which include a plurality of fixed speed relationships including mechanics gear ratios and virtual gear relationships. The method also includes receiving a driver request for transmission operation in one of an Economy or a Sport mode, and operating the transmission in the requested Economy or Sport modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher A. Tuckfield
  • Publication number: 20080147284
    Abstract: A method of operating a hybrid transmission includes controlling the transmission according to a drive mode, which includes a continuously variable speed relationship, and controlling the transmission according to a fixed speed relationship mode, which includes a plurality of fixed speed relationships including mechanical gear ratios and virtual gear ratios.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Christopher A. Tuckfield, Konstantin Neiss
  • Patent number: 6209331
    Abstract: An air-flow management system for controlling the supply air to a motor vehicle passenger compartment is disclosed. The air-flow management system includes a reversible heat pump system for transferring heat energy between an outside environment and a refrigerant. Air from the outside environment, fresh air, and from the passenger compartment, recirculated air, is forced through the air-flow structure by a blower resulting in the transfer of heat energy between the refrigerant and the passenger compartment. A recirculation door provides a means for controlling the mixture of fresh air to recirculated air that flows through the air-flow structure. The position of the recirculation door is selectable by a controller to prevent fogging during the transition from cooling mode to heating mode, minimize the energy expended conditioning the passenger compartment air, and prevent the backflow of unconditioned outside air from the fresh air duct into the recirculation duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Barry J. Lake, Lance C. Tagliapietra, Christopher A. Tuckfield
  • Patent number: 6092376
    Abstract: An air-flow management system for controlling the supply air to a motor vehicle passenger compartment is disclosed. The air-flow management system includes a reversible heat pump system for transferring heat energy between an outside environment and a refrigerant. Air from the outside environment, fresh air, and from the passenger compartment, recirculated air, is forced through the air-flow structure by a blower resulting in the transfer of heat energy between the refrigerant and the passenger compartment. A recirculation door provides a means for controlling the mixture of fresh air to recirculated air that flows through the air-flow structure. The position of the recirculation door is selectable by a controller to prevent fogging during the transition from cooling mode to heating mode, minimize the energy expended conditioning the passenger compartment air, and prevent the backflow of unconditioned outside air from the fresh air duct into the recirculation duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Barry J. Lake, Lawrence Ziehr, Lance C. Tagliapietra, Christopher A. Tuckfield
  • Patent number: 6077158
    Abstract: An air-flow management system for controlling the supply air to a motor vehicle passenger compartment is disclosed. The air-flow management system includes a reversible heat pump system for transferring heat energy between an outside environment and a refrigerant. Air from the outside environment, fresh air, and from the passenger compartment, recirculated air, is forced through the air-flow structure by a blower resulting in the transfer of heat energy between the refrigerant and the passenger compartment. A recirculation door provides a means for controlling the mixture of fresh air to recirculated air that flows through the air-flow structure. The position of the recirculation door is selectable by a controller to prevent fogging during the transition from cooling mode to heating mode, minimize the energy expended conditioning the passenger compartment air, and prevent the backflow of unconditioned outside air from the fresh air duct into the recirculation duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Barry J. Lake, Lawrence Ziehr, Lance C. Tagliapietra, Christopher A. Tuckfield