Patents Represented by Attorney Christopher DeVries

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  • Planetary transmission having a rotating-type torque-transmitting mechanism with a stationary piston
    Patent number: 7070532
    Abstract: A planetary transmission has a plurality of rotating-type torque-transmitting mechanism that are operable to connect a rotating input mechanism with one or more planetary gear members. At least two of the rotating-type torque-transmitting mechanisms are radially stacked and axially aligned. At least one of the radially stacked rotating torque-transmitting mechanisms has an apply piston that is slidably mounted in a stationary transmission housing, an apply plate that is rotatable with a portion of the torque-transmitting mechanism, and a bearing disposed therebetween to accommodate relative rotation therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Paul D. Stevenson, Raymond J. Haka
  • Shift mechanism for a manual planetary transmission
    Patent number: 7070535
    Abstract: A plurality of shift rails are manipulated by a manual control rod to selectively actuate one or more synchronizer mechanisms. The control rod is moved angularly and linearly during ratio selection. Each synchronizer mechanism may control two or more drive ratios in a planetary transmission. At least two of the rails are interconnected by a reversing mechanism to permit consistent movement of the rails regardless of the direction of movement of the control rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, Raymond J. Haka
  • Power transmission with preselected ratios and a preselected output splitter
    Patent number: 7070534
    Abstract: A power transmission includes a plurality of ratio gear members, a planetary splitter, and a plurality of splitter control gear members. The ratio gear members are divided between two countershafts and two input clutches such that two power paths are provided from the transmission input. The splitter control gear members are disposed on the output of each of the ratio gears to establish input power paths to the planetary splitter, which delivers power to the transmission output shaft. By providing selective engagement of two selectively operable input clutches, a plurality of mechanical clutches and the planetary splitter gearset eight forward speed ratios are provided. A ninth forward ratio is provide by a mechanical clutch directly interconnecting one of the input clutches with the transmission output shaft in bypassing relation to the planetary splitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Pelouch
  • Manifold air flow (MAF) and manifold absolute pressure (MAP) residual electronic throttle control (ETC) security
    Patent number: 7069773
    Abstract: An engine fault diagnostic system includes a diagnostic module that generates a manifold absolute pressure (MAP) error signal and that generates a mass air flow (MAF) error signal. A security module generates an air flow fault when the MAP error signal exceeds a MAP threshold and the MAF error signal exceeds a MAF threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph M. Stempnik, Colin A. Roberts, Kerfegar K. Katrak, Paul A. Bauerle, Bruce A. Rogers
  • Grommet bridge assembly
    Patent number: 7070377
    Abstract: A grommet bridge assembly includes a grommet bridge having at least one grommet-receiving aperture disposed therein and a plurality of grommets. Each of the grommet-receiving apertures is shaped for engaging at least a portion of one of the grommets. The grommet bridge assembly also includes a fastener-receiving aperture and an elongated fastener that is fitted through the fastener-receiving aperture and fitted through one of the grommets. At least a portion of each of the other grommets is received in each of the grommet-receiving apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Carl E. Fonville
  • Combination of cylinder deactivation with flywheel starter generator
    Patent number: 7070537
    Abstract: An engine control system and method incorporates an FSG to reduce engine speed variation for a displacement on demand engine. The control system transitions between a normal operating mode wherein all cylinders of the engine are operating and a cylinder deactivation mode wherein cylinders of the engine are deactivated. The FSG adjusts torque output to said crankshaft to reduce engine speed variation in response to an unrequested change in engine speed. This allows expanded use of cylinder deactivation. Cylinder deactivation allows reduced fuel consumption when the engine and the FSG are used in generator mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. Polom, Stephen G. Poulos
  • Method of determining initial transmission calibration
    Patent number: 7069767
    Abstract: A process for learning the pressure and volume characteristics for a given torque-transmitting mechanism is established on the final assembly line wherein a powertrain incorporating the desired transmission learning is installed within a vehicle. During the test process, the vehicle speed is generally maintained at Idle and the vehicle shift mechanism is maintained in Park, thereby mechanically locking the transmission output shaft. The torque-transmitting mechanisms to be learned are then engaged and disengaged in a predetermined sequence and the volume of the torque-transmitting mechanisms and the pressure characteristics of the controlling solenoid are learned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Runde, Kevin L. Kluemper, Scott T. Kluemper
  • Apparatus and methods for protecting a catalytic converter from misfire
    Patent number: 7069911
    Abstract: A method of controlling engine operation in a vehicle in response to a misfire of one of a plurality of engine cylinders fueled through fuel injectors. The vehicle includes a fuel vapor storage canister. The method includes disabling at least one of the fuel injectors, using an open loop to control fuel delivery by the injectors to the cylinders, and disabling purging of the canister. The disabling and using steps are performed while the misfire continues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald Joseph Kubani, Vincent A. White, Daniel P. Grenn
  • Clutch control for automated manual transmission (AMT)
    Patent number: 7070538
    Abstract: A vehicle having an engine and an automated manual transmission (AMT) includes an electronically controlled clutch (ECC) that selectively couples the engine and the AMT to transfer drive torque to the AMT. A controller communicates with the ECC and the engine and generates a load signal based on an anticipated engine load. The controller adjusts spark timing of the engine based on the load signal prior to engagement of the ECC. The controller adjusts spark timing of the engine based on a rate of change of engine speed after engagement of the ECC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas J. Babcock
  • Method of obtaining desired manifold pressure for torque based engine control
    Patent number: 7069905
    Abstract: A torque control system for an engine includes a first module that estimates a first engine torque based on an air-per-cylinder (APC) value and a second module that estimates a second engine torque based on a manifold absolute pressure (MAP). A third module determines a desired MAP based on the first engine torque and the second engine torque. A throttle opening is regulated based on the desired MAP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Livshiz, Scott J. Chynoweth
  • Acceleration based cruise control system
    Patent number: 7069136
    Abstract: A cruise control system for a vehicle includes a throttle and a controller. The controller determines an open-loop speed compensation factor and calculates a closed-loop speed compensation factor. The controller determines a throttle area based on the open-loop speed compensation factor and the closed-loop speed compensation factor and operates the throttle based on the throttle area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Tameem K. Assaf, Joseph R. Dulzo, Onassis Matthews
  • Vehicle powertrain with two-wheel and four-wheel drive ratios
    Patent number: 7062984
    Abstract: A vehicle powertrain incorporates a planetary gearset which is coupled with a front wheel drive mechanism and a rear wheel drive mechanism. The planetary gearset is controlled by two torque-transmitting mechanisms to establish an input member of the planetary gearset as well as a grounded member for the planetary gearset in combinations that will provide a two-wheel low drive ratio, a two-wheel high drive ratio, a four-wheel low drive ratio, and a four-wheel high drive ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond J. Haka
  • Fluid aeration test apparatus and method
    Patent number: 7059169
    Abstract: A test apparatus for measuring the air entrainment characteristics of a fluid includes a reservoir for containing the fluid, an aerator apparatus to cause air entrainment of the fluid, and a density meter to measure the effects of air entrainment on fluid density. The test apparatus enables in-situ measurement of the transient air entrainment behavior of the fluid. A corresponding method is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jill M. Cummings, Christopher C. Morgan, Jr., Roy Fewkes, James L. Linden, Diana Foghel
  • Seven- or eight-speed transmission
    Patent number: 7059995
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft, and three planetary gear sets. The ring gear of the second planetary gear set is integral with the ring gear of the first planetary gear set, and the carrier of the second planetary gear set is continuously connected with the carrier of the first planetary gear set. Six torque-transmitting mechanisms are engaged in combinations of two to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio between the input shaft and the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Paul D. Stevenson
  • Latching valve for a torque-transmitting mechanism in a transmission
    Patent number: 7059579
    Abstract: A torque-transmitting mechanism control valve disposed between a hydrostatic source of pressure and a torque-transmitting mechanism is effective to direct fluid pressure to engage the torque-transmitting mechanism when a control pressure is present, effective to retain the valve closed when source pressure is present but control pressure is not, and to retain the valve closed when torque-transmitting apply pressure is present and source pressure is not and control pressure is not present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Paul D. Stevenson
  • Torque-transmitting apparatus
    Patent number: 7059461
    Abstract: A torque-transmitting mechanism has a plurality of friction plates, which are forced into engagement by a fluid-operated piston and reacted in engagement by a backing plate. The backing plate is assembled on a rotatable shaft to be aligned with splines on the shaft to prevent axial removal of the backing plate without rotation thereof which is restricted due to a spline engagement between the backing plate and the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: James A. Raszkowski
  • DOD control methods for manual transmissions
    Patent number: 7059998
    Abstract: An engine control system transitions between activated and deactivated modes in a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission. The engine control system includes a clutch plate position sensor and a shifter shaft position sensor in communication with a controller. The controller determines if conditions to increase or reduce the number of active cylinders based on data collected from the position sensors, engine speed, and manifold absolute pressure. Prediction of the driver's next movements is the basis of the control. The sensors provide the history, averages, acceleration data, and velocity data, which lead to the driver's intent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas E. Bolander, Gregory P. Matthews, Alexander J. Roberts, Jeffrey J. Allen
  • Method and system for improved thermal management of a voltage source inverter operating at low output frequency utilizing a zero vector modulation technique
    Patent number: 7061134
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method for thermal management in a voltage source inverter. The method includes sensing a low output frequency condition, determining a zero vector modulation responsive to the sensed low output frequency condition, and applying the determined zero vector modulation to reduce thermal stress in the voltage source inverter. The step of determining the zero vector modulation responsive to the sensed low output frequency condition includes mapping an output voltage requirement to a space vector structure and determining state switching space vectors based on the mapped output voltage requirement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Silva Hiti, Constantin C. Stancu, Khwaja Rahman, Scott D. Downer, James M. Nagashima, Eric R. Ostrom
  • Electrically variable transmission
    Patent number: 7059986
    Abstract: A powertrain having a fuel cell prime mover, an electronic control unit, two motor/generator units, two planetary gearsets, and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms is operable to provide three ranges of operation. During one range of operation, the power take-off unit operates at a constant speed. During the second range of operation, the power take-off unit, one of the motor/generator units, and the output shaft operate at a same speed, and during the third range of operation, both motor/generator units, the output shaft, and the power take-off unit operate at a same speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Michael R. Schmidt
  • Electronic clutch-to-clutch transmission control system
    Patent number: 7056263
    Abstract: A transmission system includes a first clutch, a second clutch, and a controller. The controller communicates with the first and second clutches and commands a gear shift. The controller calculates a torque phase time for the gear shift and determines a desired torque trajectory within said torque phase time. The controller determines on-coming torque values for the second clutch and off-going torque values for the first clutch to achieve the desired torque trajectory within the torque phase time. The controller calculates an on-coming clutch pressure based on the on-coming torque value, and an off-going clutch pressure based on the off-going torque value. The controller delays actuation of the first and second clutches to compensate for hydraulic delays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew D. Whitton