Patents by Inventor Thomas F. Wilton

Thomas F. Wilton 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: 7122979
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle and method that stores an upper energy storage limit and a lower energy storage limit for an energy storage system for each of a plurality of predetermined driving modes, determines a currently selected driving mode from the plurality of predetermined driving modes, sets the upper energy storage limit and the lower energy storage limit for the energy storage system based on the currently selected driving mode, determines parameters for operation of vehicle components within the currently selected driving mode and generates command signals to the vehicle components for operation within determined parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Transportation Techniques, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas F. Wilton, Joshua J. Anderson, Robert W. Schmitz
  • Patent number: 7121234
    Abstract: A series type hybrid electric vehicle that controls an internal combustion engine, generator, and electric motor for reducing the load applied to the internal combustion engine when the internal combustion engine is restarted, lowers the thermal stresses to the internal combustion engine when the engine is turned off and is able to remove excess fuel when turning off the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Transportation Techniques, LLC
    Inventors: Robert W. Schmitz, Thomas F. Wilton, Joshua J. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7071642
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle having an energy generation system, an energy storage system and at least one, and preferable two or more, traction drive units includes a controller for controlling operation of vehicle systems. The controller may adaptively control traction by one or more traction drive units to better propel the vehicle. The controller may, for example, prevent unnecessary wheel slip, allow a traction profile to match a desired profile, and may be used to assist in turning of the vehicle. A method of adaptive control is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Transportation Techniques, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas F. Wilton, Joshua J. Anderson, Robert W. Schmitz
  • Patent number: 7017542
    Abstract: A series type hybrid electric vehicle that controls an internal combustion engine, generator, and electric motor for reducing the load applied to the internal combustion engine when the internal combustion engine is restarted, lowers the thermal stresses to the internal combustion engine when the engine is turned off and is able to remove excess fuel when turning off the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Transportation Techniques, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas F. Wilton, Joshua J. Anderson, Robert W. Schmitz
  • Patent number: 6897629
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle having an energy generation system, an energy storage system and at least one electric motor includes a controller for controlling operation of vehicle systems. The controller monitors the status of vehicle systems and system parameters and determines if all systems are operating within predetermined safe operating ranges. The controller generates commands based upon these determinations to disconnect and isolate systems that exceed safe operating ranges, and to modify or change operating commands sent to other systems to compensate for the isolated system or systems. The controller also generates commands to place system components into a safe configuration or state in shutdown or failure events so as to protect the vehicle and maintenance personnel from potential damage or injury. A method of adaptively controlling a hybrid electric vehicle is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Transportation Techniques, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas F. Wilton, Joshua J. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6877576
    Abstract: A series type hybrid electric vehicle that controls an internal combustion engine, generator, and electric motor for reducing the load applied to the internal combustion engine when the internal combustion engine is restarted, lowers the thermal stresses to the internal combustion engine when the engine is turned off and is able to remove excess fuel when turning off the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Transportation Techniques, LLC.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Wilton, Joshua J. Anderson, Robert W. Schmitz
  • Publication number: 20040245947
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle having an energy generation system, an energy storage system and at least one electric motor includes a controller for controlling operation of vehicle systems. The controller monitors the status of vehicle systems and system parameters and determines if all systems are operating within predetermined safe operating ranges. The controller generates commands based upon these determinations to disconnect and isolate systems that exceed safe operating ranges, and to modify or change operating commands sent to other systems to compensate for the isolated system or systems. The controller also generates commands to place system components into a safe configuration or state in shutdown or failure events so as to protect the vehicle and maintenance personnel from potential damage or injury. A method of adaptively controlling a hybrid electric vehicle is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Applicant: Transportation Techniques, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas F. Wilton, Joshua J. Anderson, Robert W. Schmitz
  • Publication number: 20040210356
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle and method that stores an upper energy storage limit and a lower energy storage limit for an energy storage system for each of a plurality of predetermined driving modes, determines a currently selected driving mode from the plurality of predetermined driving modes, sets the upper energy storage limit and the lower energy storage limit for the energy storage system based on the currently selected driving mode, determines parameters for operation of vehicle components within the currently selected driving mode and generates command signals to the vehicle components for operation within determined parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: Transportation Techniques, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas F. Wilton, Joshua J. Anderson, Robert W. Schmitz
  • Publication number: 20040207348
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle having an energy generation system, an energy storage system and at least one, and preferable two or more, traction drive units includes a controller for controlling operation of vehicle systems. The controller may adaptively control traction by one or more traction drive units to better propel the vehicle. The controller may, for example, prevent unnecessary wheel slip, allow a traction profile to match a desired profile, and may be used to assist in turning of the vehicle. A method of adaptive control is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: Transportation Techniques LLC
    Inventors: Thomas F. Wilton, Joshua J. Anderson, Robert W. Schmitz
  • Publication number: 20040207350
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle having an energy generation system, an energy storage system and at least one electric motor includes a controller for controlling operation of vehicle systems. The controller monitors the status of vehicle systems and system parameters and determines the regenerative braking mode of the vehicle and the appropriate level of regenerative braking for proper vehicle operation. The controller generates commands based upon these determinations to produce regenerative braking, monitors the status to determine the effects of the regenerative braking command generated, and adaptively changes the regenerative braking command generated in response to the measured effects. A method for adaptively controlling a hybrid electric vehicle is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: Transportation Techniques, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas F. Wilton, Joshua J. Anderson, Robert W. Schmitz
  • Publication number: 20040174125
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle having an energy generation system, an energy storage system and at least one electric motor includes a controller for controlling operation of vehicle systems. The controller determines which of a plurality of component configurations is selected. Based upon this determination, the controller establishes the vehicle components in the selected configuration and connected in the selected component architecture. The controller also generates commands based upon this determination to operate the vehicle in a control method corresponding to the determined component configuration. A method for implementing various component configurations is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: Transportation Techniques LLC
    Inventors: Thomas F. Wilton, Joshua J. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20040026142
    Abstract: A series type hybrid electric vehicle that controls an internal combustion engine, generator, and electric motor for reducing the load applied to the internal combustion engine when the internal combustion engine is restarted, lowers the thermal stresses to the internal combustion engine when the engine is turned off and is able to remove excess fuel when turning off the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: TRANSPORTATION TECHNIQUES, LLC
    Inventors: Robert W. Schmitz, Thomas F. Wilton, Joshua J. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20040007404
    Abstract: A series type hybrid electric vehicle that controls an internal combustion engine, generator, and electric motor for reducing the load applied to the internal combustion engine when the internal combustion engine is restarted, lowers the thermal stresses to the internal combustion engine when the engine is turned off and is able to remove excess fuel when turning off the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: TRANSPORTATION TECHNIQUES, LLC
    Inventors: Robert W. Schmitz, Thomas F. Wilton, Joshua J. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6622804
    Abstract: A series type hybrid electric vehicle that controls an internal combustion engine, generator, and electric motor for reducing the load applied to the internal combustion engine when the internal combustion engine is restarted, lowers the thermal stresses to the internal combustion engine when the engine is turned off and is able to remove excess fuel when turning off the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Transportation Techniques, LLC.
    Inventors: Robert W. Schmitz, Thomas F. Wilton, Joshua J. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6573675
    Abstract: A series type hybrid electric vehicle and method including a generator set having an internal combustion engine and a generator, a battery array and at least one electric motor includes a controller for controlling propulsion of the vehicle. The controller generates a second signal having a value proportional to the value of a first signal, indicative of user demand, and indicative of a demand of the at least one electric motor, determines if the value of the first signal is larger than the value of the second signal, increases the value of a command signal to the at least one electric motor, if the value of the first signal is not larger than the value of the second signal, and decreases the value of the command signal, if the value of the first signal is larger than the value of the second signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Transportation Techniques LLC
    Inventors: Robert W. Schmitz, Thomas F. Wilton, Joshua J. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6483198
    Abstract: A series type hybrid electric vehicle that controls an internal combustion engine, generator, and electric motor for zero emissions within a zero emission zone. As the vehicle approaches the zero emission zone, the internal combustion engine and generator increase the electrical charge of the battery array to a predetermined level. The internal combustion engine and generator are eventually turned off to prevent emissions from entering the zero emission zone. As the vehicle leaves the zero emission zone, the internal combustion engine and generator are warmed to a predetermined level for a full capacity operation. When the internal combustion engine and generator reach the predetermined level, they operate at full capacity to bring the electrical charge of the battery array to a predetermined electrical level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Transportation Techniques LLC
    Inventors: Robert W. Schmitz, Thomas F. Wilton, Joshua J. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20020096375
    Abstract: A series type hybrid electric vehicle that controls an internal combustion engine, generator, and electric motor for reducing the load applied to the internal combustion engine when the internal combustion engine is restarted, lowers the thermal stresses to the internal combustion engine when the engine is turned off and is able to remove excess fuel when turning off the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Applicant: TRANSPORTATION TECHNIQUES, LLC
    Inventors: Robert W. Schmitz, Thomas F. Wilton, Joshua J. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20020096886
    Abstract: A series type hybrid electric vehicle that controls an internal combustion engine, generator, and electric motor for zero emissions within a zero emission zone. As the vehicle approaches the zero emission zone, the internal combustion engine and generator increase the electrical charge of the battery array to a predetermined level. The internal combustion engine and generator are eventually turned off to prevent emissions from entering the zero emission zone. As the vehicle leaves the zero emission zone, the internal combustion engine and generator are warmed to a predetermined level for a full capacity operation. When the internal combustion engine and generator reach the predetermined level, they operate at full capacity to bring the electrical charge of the battery array to a predetermined electrical level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Applicant: TRANSPORTATION TECHNIQUES LLC
    Inventors: Robert W. Schmitz, Thomas F. Wilton, Joshua J. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20020079853
    Abstract: A series type hybrid electric vehicle including a generator set having an internal combustion engine and a generator, a battery array and at least one electric motor includes a controller for controlling propulsion of the vehicle. The controller generates a second signal having a value proportional to the value of a first signal, indicative of user demand, and indicative of a demand of the at least one electric motor, determines if the value of the first signal is larger than the value of the second signal, increases the value of a command signal to the at least one electric motor, if the value of the first signal is not larger than the value of the second signal, and decreases the value of the command signal, if the value of the first signal is larger than the value of the second signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: TRANSPORTATION TECHNIQUES LLC
    Inventors: Robert W. Schmitz, Thomas F. Wilton, Joshua J. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6333620
    Abstract: A series type hybrid electric vehicle including a generator set having an internal combustion engine and a generator, a battery array and at least one electric motor includes a controller for maintaining a state of charge of the battery array within a control limit. A controller of the vehicle determines if the vehicle is in one of a plurality of forward driving modes, compares a state of charge of the battery array to an upper control limit associated with a forward driving mode, decreases generated by the generator, if the state of charge is equal to or greater than the associated upper control limit, and increases the power generated by the generator, if the state of charge is less than the associated upper control limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Transportation Techniques LLC
    Inventors: Robert W. Schmitz, Thomas F. Wilton, Joshua J. Anderson