Patents by Inventor Christopher Lewis Wynkoop

Christopher Lewis Wynkoop 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: 10513263
    Abstract: A method for controlling an engagement of a lock-up clutch (LUC) of a torque converter of a machine is disclosed. The method includes detecting a pedal tap of a pedal, wherein the pedal tap is detected when the pedal is depressed from a position corresponding to a pedal displacement less than a first threshold displacement to a position corresponding to a pedal displacement greater than a second threshold displacement, and then released to a position corresponding to a pedal displacement less than the first threshold displacement within a threshold time duration. The method further includes causing the LUC to move to the LUC unlocked position if the pedal tap is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Lewis Wynkoop, Matthew Michael Tinker, Abhishek Awana
  • Publication number: 20190143979
    Abstract: A method for controlling an engagement of a lock-up clutch (LUC) of a torque converter of a machine is disclosed. The method includes detecting a pedal tap of a pedal, wherein the pedal tap is detected when the pedal is depressed from a position corresponding to a pedal displacement less than a first threshold displacement to a position corresponding to a pedal displacement greater than a second threshold displacement, and then released to a position corresponding to a pedal displacement less than the first threshold displacement within a threshold time duration. The method further includes causing the LUC to move to the LUC unlocked position if the pedal tap is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Lewis Wynkoop, Matthew Michael Tinker, Abhishek Awana
  • Patent number: 10024423
    Abstract: A braking reduction and transmission control system is implemented in a vehicle or machine having a power source and an automatic transmission connected by a torque converter providing a fluid coupling between a power source output shaft and a transmission input shaft. A lock-up clutch operatively connect to the torque converter is locked when the shafts are rotating at approximately the same speed. The braking reduction and transmission control system unlocks the lock-up clutch when operating conditions of the machine indicate that a transmission downshift will occur, such as when a combination of a brake input device displacement and a machine ground speed compared to a transmission downshift schedule indicate that the downshift will occur. Prior to downshifting the transmission and unlocking the torque converter, the drivetrain assists the service brakes in slowing the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Lewis Wynkoop, Matthew James Sirovatka, Sairam Gopalan Velamakanni