Patents by Inventor Thomas Kieffer

Thomas Kieffer 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: 9650049
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for an intelligent quick bed-in of an automatic transmission comprising the steps of operating the vehicle according to a predetermined protocol so that the powertrain controller can learn about powertrain variations and adapt operation of the transmission; obtaining feedback information regarding operator performance of the method and vehicle performance during the method; determining whether the bed-in method was successful by the level of run-up or tie-up, by whether the powertrain controller was allowed to adapt, or by the level of powertrain controller adaptation; and completing the bedding-in process. The method being capable of reducing the time required for a bedding-in process, while improving the reliability of the bedding-in process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignees: Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc., Hyundai Motor Company, KIA Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Betts, BeongYeol You, Anthony Golletti, Thomas Kieffer
  • Publication number: 20170072965
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for an intelligent quick bed-in of an automatic transmission comprising the steps of operating the vehicle according to a predetermined protocol so that the powertrain controller can learn about powertrain variations and adapt operation of the transmission; obtaining feedback information regarding operator performance of the method and vehicle performance during the method; determining whether the bed-in method was successful by the level of run-up or tie-up, by whether the powertrain controller was allowed to adapt, or by the level of powertrain controller adaptation; and completing the bedding-in process. The method being capable of reducing the time required for a bedding-in process, while improving the reliability of the bedding-in process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Applicants: Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc., Hyundai Motor Company, KIA Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Betts, BeongYeol YOU, Anthony Golletti, Thomas Kieffer
  • Patent number: 8874336
    Abstract: Featured is are methods and systems for bedding-in an automatic transmission of a vehicle prior to delivery of the vehicle to an end customer. Such a bedding-in method is performed so as to reduce the occurrence of shifting problems or concerns occurring during the initial stages of ownership of the vehicle. More particularly, such a bedding-in method includes providing an automatic transmission having a controller that is configured to measure and learn about powertrain variation(s) and configured to adapt one or more operational parameters associated with shifting of the automatic transmission. Such a method also includes operating the vehicle according to a predetermined protocol before the vehicle reaches an end customer. Such a protocol being established so the transmission controller can learn about powertrain variations and adapt operation of the transmission to minimize effects on shifting of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc., Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Raymond J. Tessier, Jr., Anthony Golletti, Thomas Kieffer
  • Publication number: 20130226417
    Abstract: Featured is are methods and systems for bedding-in an automatic transmission of a vehicle prior to delivery of the vehicle to an end customer. Such a bedding-in method is performed so as to reduce the occurrence of shifting problems or concerns occurring during the initial stages of ownership of the vehicle. More particularly, such a bedding-in method includes providing an automatic transmission having a controller that is configured to measure and learn about powertrain variation(s) and configured to adapt one or more operational parameters associated with shifting of the automatic transmission. Such a method also includes operating the vehicle according to a predetermined protocol before the vehicle reaches an end customer. Such a protocol being established so the transmission controller can learn about powertrain variations and adapt operation of the transmission to minimize effects on shifting of the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc., Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond J. Tessier, JR., Anthony Golletti, Thomas Kieffer
  • Publication number: 20060288795
    Abstract: A strain gage includes a strain gage grid of a conductive foil formed by a plurality of grid lines joined in series by end loops and first and second solder tabs electrically connected to the strain gage grid. The end loops of the strain gage are aligned off-axis with or at an angle relative to the measurement axis of the strain gage to thereby alter creep characteristics of the strain gage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Publication date: December 28, 2006
    Applicant: Vishay Measurements Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Kieffer, Robert Watson, Rebecca Showalter, Sharon Harris
  • Publication number: 20060231622
    Abstract: A method for strain measurement measures strain in a printed circuit board having an integral strain measurement layer. The strain measurement layer includes an insulating layer having a top surface and a bottom surface, a strain sensitive layer of metallic foil adhered to the top surface of the insulating layer for measuring strain associated with the printed circuit board, and a copper coating disposed on the strain sensitive layer of metallic foil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Publication date: October 19, 2006
    Applicant: VISHAY MEASUREMENTS GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: THOMAS KIEFFER, ROBERT WATSON
  • Publication number: 20060189201
    Abstract: An integral strain measurement layer for use in an assembly printed circuit board to provide for strain measurement on the printed circuit board. The strain measurement layer includes an insulating layer having a top surface and a bottom surface, a strain sensitive layer of metallic foil adhered to the top surface of the insulating layer for measuring strain associated with the printed circuit board, and a copper coating disposed on the strain sensitive layer of metallic foil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Publication date: August 24, 2006
    Applicant: VISHAY MEASUREMENTS GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Kieffer, Robert Watson
  • Publication number: 20050039539
    Abstract: An improved strain gage and an improved manufacturing method are disclosed. The strain gage includes a semi-rigid substrate having a thickness of 3 to 30 mils, a resistive strain sensitive foil bonded to the semi-rigid substrate for providing a resistance varying with strain associated with a surface to which the strain gage is attached, a first and a second terminal operatively connected to the resistive strain sensitive foil, and an anti-static layer. The improved strain gage allows for reduced labor content in manufacturing by allowing use of modern automated electronic component manufacturing equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Publication date: February 24, 2005
    Applicant: VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Kieffer, Robert Watson, Sharon Karcher Harris