Patents by Inventor Tom Connolly

Tom Connolly 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: 20100000835
    Abstract: A method of engaging a clutch within a drive train may include detecting a fault in a clutch engagement data link, selecting an alternative clutch control logic, detecting a value indicative of a rotational speed of a first portion of the clutch and moving a second portion of the clutch based upon the detected value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Tom Connolly, Mark E. Hope
  • Publication number: 20100004837
    Abstract: A method of determining a torque transfer touch point of a clutch within a drive train includes applying a predetermined amount of current to an electric motor such that the electric motor will apply a torque to at least a portion of a clutch. The predetermined amount of current will not rotate a shaft of the motor when the clutch is at least partially engaged. The method also includes initiating disengagement of the clutch, detecting movement of at least a portion of the motor, and recording a clutch parameter that is generally coincident with the detecting movement of a least a portion of the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Tom Connolly, George A. Brunemann, Matthew P. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090287366
    Abstract: A method of operating a parallel hybrid electric drive train may include manually selecting a first mode by a user. The first mode include an electric mode that provides for propelling a vehicle using only an electric motor. The method may also include propelling the vehicle in the electric mode, limiting an allowed vehicle acceleration below a predetermined acceleration value, detecting a battery state of charge, and preventing an engine start during operation in the electric mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Scott W. Davis, Tom Connolly, Zhanjiang Zou, Richard A. Nellums