Patents by Inventor Timothy J. Keenan

Timothy J. Keenan 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: 9056603
    Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a downshift determination module and a speed control module. The downshift determination module determines when a closed-throttle downshift occurs. The closed-throttle downshift is a downshift of a transmission when a throttle valve of an engine is closed. The speed control module controls engine speed based on turbine speed during the closed-throttle downshift. The turbine speed is a speed of a turbine in a torque converter that couples the engine to the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Krishnendu Kar, Leon Cribbins, William R. Mayhew, Timothy J. Keenan
  • Publication number: 20130297160
    Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a downshift determination module and a speed control module. The downshift determination module determines when a closed-throttle downshift occurs. The closed-throttle downshift is a downshift of a transmission when a throttle valve of an engine is closed. The speed control module controls engine speed based on turbine speed during the closed-throttle downshift. The turbine speed is a speed of a turbine in a torque converter that couples the engine to the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Krishnendu Kar, Leon Cribbins, William R. Mayhew, Timothy J. Keenan
  • Patent number: 8216012
    Abstract: Deployment of a moored undersea device is achieved by fixing a mooring line to an anchor, and allowing the mooring line to unwind from a winding reel. A winding reel control mechanism is responsive to underwater hydrostatic pressure to release the mooring line when the hydrostatic pressure exceeds a predetermined level. When the hydrostatic pressure falls below the predetermined level, the winding reel control mechanism prevents further pay out of the mooring line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Samuel R. Bona, Timothy J. Keenan, Joshua D. Bianchi
  • Patent number: 7736094
    Abstract: A system includes a body portion having rear portion having a fluid intake port and a nose portion having a fluid discharge port. The body portion contains an omni-directional vibratory device, a pump, a fluid conduit that is coupled to the pump and the fluid discharge port, and a power source that is electrically connected to the vibratory device and the pump. The body portion may also contain control circuitry and two end caps rigidly fixed therein, wherein the fluid conduit passes through each end cap. The vibratory device and the pump may be activated by a sensor such as a hydrostatic pressure sensor, an accelerometer, or an altimeter. The body portion may also contain communications circuitry that remotely controls the vibratory device and the pump. The body portion is configured to house a payload such as a sensor system, a battery pack, or a ballast for anchoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Josh Bianchi, Timothy J. Keenan
  • Patent number: 7363138
    Abstract: A method of controlling traction in a vehicle having at least one non-driven wheel speed sensor. Actual vehicle acceleration and a wheel speed difference are detected. At least one of the actual vehicle acceleration and the wheel speed difference is compared to at least one of a predetermined vehicle acceleration and a predetermined wheel speed difference to detect vehicle wheel slip. A wheel torque is reduced in response to detected wheel slip. The foregoing method allows traction control to be installed in many types of vehicles, including vehicles without ABS. More than one type of wheel slip detection can be implemented, and various types of wheel slip can be detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Herve Scelers, Paul A. Bauerle, Ruobai Zhang, Craig J. Hawkins, Hiep T. Do, Timothy J. Keenan