Patents by Inventor Christopher Irwin Hopp

Christopher Irwin Hopp 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: 8556775
    Abstract: A system and method for regulating torque transmitted via a torque converter can include providing a lock up clutch between a crankshaft and transmission of a vehicle. A position sensor can output data indicative of at least one of an engaged position of the lock-up clutch, a transitional position of the lock-up clutch, and a disengaged position of the lock-up clutch. An engine speed sensor can output data indicative of rotational speed of the crankshaft. A controller can be placed in electrical communication with the engine speed sensor and the position sensor and configured to determine when actuation of the lock-up clutch is desired. The controller can be configured to determine a torque reduction target based on certain variables, for example, engine acceleration. The controller can then signal the engine to output torque substantially equal to the torque reduction target when conditions exist that warrant torque reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Dickinson, Christopher Irwin Hopp
  • Publication number: 20130109535
    Abstract: A system and method for regulating torque transmitted via a torque converter can include providing a lock up clutch between a crankshaft and transmission of a vehicle. A position sensor can output data indicative of at least one of an engaged position of the lock-up clutch, a transitional position of the lock-up clutch, and a disengaged position of the lock-up clutch. An engine speed sensor can output data indicative of rotational speed of the crankshaft. A controller can be placed in electrical communication with the engine speed sensor and the position sensor and configured to determine when actuation of the lock-up clutch is desired. The controller can be configured to determine a torque reduction target based on certain variables, for example, engine acceleration. The controller can then signal the engine to output torque substantially equal to the torque reduction target when conditions exist that warrant torque reduction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: MICHAEL THOMAS DICKINSON, Christopher Irwin Hopp