Patents by Inventor Thomas Crowell

Thomas Crowell 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: 20070143002
    Abstract: A method for monitoring driving performance is provided. The method may include determining an engine fuel efficiency based on an engine speed and power output and determining a transmission fuel efficiency based on a drive ratio. A drive-train fuel efficiency may be determined based on the engine fuel efficiency and transmission fuel efficiency, and the drive-train efficiency may be compared to a target drive-train efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas Crowell, Steven Funko, Scott Leman
  • Publication number: 20050279329
    Abstract: A method of controlling a variable valve actuation system for an engine is provided. A cam assembly is operated to move an intake valve between a first position and a second position. A parameter indicative of an altitude at which the engine is operating is sensed. A first lookup map is accessed to determine a desired air-to-fuel ratio when the sensed parameter indicates that the engine is operating at an altitude below a first predetermined value. A second lookup map is accessed to determine a desired air-to-fuel ratio when the sensed parameter indicates that the engine is operating at an altitude above the first predetermined value. A desired valve actuation period is determined based on the determined air-to-fuel ratio. The intake valve is prevented from returning to the first position until the end of the determined valve actuation period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Publication date: December 22, 2005
    Inventors: David Pierpont, Thomas Crowell
  • Publication number: 20050126525
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling an intake engine valve capable of variable closing timing. A condition indicative of white smoke production is determined. An intake engine valve is closed at a first crank angle for a given engine operating condition when the condition indicative of white smoke production does not exist. The intake valve is closed at a second crank angle for the given engine operating condition when the condition indicative of white smoke production exists. The second crank angle is less than the first crank angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Publication date: June 16, 2005
    Inventors: D. Pierpont, Thomas Crowell
  • Publication number: 20050054632
    Abstract: The instant invention provides novel substituted naphthyl compounds, intermediates, compositions, pharmaceutical formulations, and methods of use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Publication date: March 10, 2005
    Inventors: Henry Bryant, Thomas Crowell, Charles Jones, Alan Palkowitz
  • Patent number: 6484386
    Abstract: An apparatus adapted to form curved beam sections, such as a brake shoe, includes a rollformer, a cut-off device, and a re-former or sweeping device. The rollformer includes rollers constructed and arranged to rollform the sheet material into an elongated linear beam, where the beam has a T-shaped cross-section. The cut-off device cuts the arcuately-shaped beam into segments that are about 9 to 12 inches long. The sweep device is positioned in line with the rollformer (or off-line as a secondary operation) and is adapted to form the beam into a tightly-radiused longitudinal shape, such as about 100 mm radius, where the support flange and center web form an arcuate crescent shape. In an alternative form, the apparatus also has a re-forming device configured to reshape the segments so that the beam section is very accurately formed. However, it is contemplated that, depending upon the arcuately shaped beam section desired, a re-former may not be required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Shape Corporation
    Inventors: Steve Tuin, Thomas Crowell
  • Publication number: 20010037921
    Abstract: An apparatus adapted to form curved beam sections, such as a brake shoe, includes a rollformer, a cut-off device, and a re-former or sweeping device. The rollformer includes rollers constructed and arranged to rollform the sheet material into an elongated linear beam, where the beam has a T-shaped cross-section. The cut-off device cuts the arcuately-shaped beam into segments that are about 9 to 12 inches long. The sweep device is positioned in line with the rollformer (or off-line as a secondary operation) and is adapted to form the beam into a tightly-radiused longitudinal shape, such as about 100 mm radius, where the support flange and center web form an arcuate crescent shape. In an alternative form, the apparatus also has a re-forming device configured to reshape the segments so that the beam section is very accurately formed. However, it is contemplated that, depending upon the arcuately shaped beam section desired, a re-former may not be required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventors: Steve Tuin, Thomas Crowell
  • Patent number: 4760334
    Abstract: A digital panel meter that is mounted in a panel and that is comprised of a housing for containing a circuit assembly having a digital display at the front of the housing. A bezel is adapted to cover the front of the housing and has a transparent window for the viewing of the digital display. The bezel includes a pair of elongated bezel locking arms that are spacedly disposed and extend towards the rear of the housing where they interlock with the housing. The housing is also provided with locking tabs for securing the housing to the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Assignee: R. T. Engineering Service, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Crowell, Brian Paulsen