Patents by Inventor Bret M. Olson

Bret M. Olson 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: 10449283
    Abstract: A cell processing system includes at least one processor connectable to a source container filled with a biological fluid, the at least one processor including a spinning membrane configured to receive and separate target cells from the biological fluid, the target cells exiting at a first outlet, one or more containers selectively connected to the first outlet; and, and a magnet. The system also includes a controller coupled to the at least one processor and configured to operate the spinning membrane to receive biological fluid from the source container and to direct the target cells to one of the one or more containers, to pause to permit magnetic particles to be associated with the target cells, and to operate the spinning membrane to receive the contents of one of the one or more containers with the magnet applied to the target cells associated with the magnetic particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Bret M. Olson, Alaina Schlinker, Steven Binninger, Avnie A. Kadakia, Kyle Thompson, Kyle Wolok, Melanie Hamilton
  • Patent number: 10400216
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the washing of biological fluid/biological cells are disclosed. The method provides for the automated dilution of the cell feed during the cell washing procedure using a separator in which the separator has a predetermined maximum output concentration for the biological cells that are being washed. The method further includes determining the concentration ratio of the biological cells to be washed in the washing procedure and determining a maximum input concentration as a function of the maximum output concentration and the concentration ratio. Wash solution is then added to dilute said biological cells so that the maximum input concentration of the diluted biological cells entering the separator is not exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Daniel R. Boggs, Bret M. Olson
  • Patent number: 10316968
    Abstract: An apparatus for ratio control of a continuously variable transmission includes a driver commanded ratio unit outputting a signal defining a commanded ratio. A clamp control portion is in communication with the driver commanded ratio unit. The clamp control portion includes: a ratio limits and override ring selecting a ratio matching the commanded ratio from an executable functions having stored ratio code data; a screening monitor continuously receiving output from the executable functions and using an input from a vehicle speed signal to compute minimum and maximum ratio limits for the ratio selected by the ratio limits and override ring; and a ratio control execution ring in communication with the screening monitor. The ratio control execution ring calculates a range of pressures allowed for operation of both primary and secondary pulleys of the continuously variable transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Ronald F. Lochocki, Christopher J. Weingartz, Greg J. Perantoni, Stuart W. Parker, Paul G. Otanez, Bret M. Olson, Mary M. Whitley, Nathan A. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20190128414
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission for a vehicle propulsion system includes a controller including an instruction set, the instruction set executable to determine whether a current inertia torque value is greater than a previous inertia torque value, execute control over one of a first clamp pressure and a second clamp pressure such that one of the first clamp pressure and the second clamp pressure corresponds to a current inertia torque value if the current inertia torque value is greater than a previous inertia torque value, and execute control over one of the first clamp pressure and the second clamp pressure such that said one of the first clamp pressure and the second clamp pressure corresponds to previous inertia torque value if the current inertia torque value is not greater than a previous inertia torque value for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Publication date: May 2, 2019
    Inventors: Virinchi Mallela, Douglas A. Ward, Paul G. Otanez, Bret M. Olson, Ronald W. Van Diepen
  • Patent number: 10251990
    Abstract: A method for automated processing of a cellular product comprising target substrate cells, the method comprising providing a separation apparatus configured to associate with a disposable sterile circuit comprising a separator in communication with the cellular product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Bret M. Olson, Alaina Schlinker, Steven Binninger, Avnie A. Kadakia
  • Publication number: 20180335138
    Abstract: An apparatus for ratio control of a continuously variable transmission includes a driver commanded ratio unit outputting a signal defining a commanded ratio. A clamp control portion is in communication with the driver commanded ratio unit. The clamp control portion includes: a ratio limits and override ring selecting a ratio matching the commanded ratio from an executable functions having stored ratio code data; a screening monitor continuously receiving output from the executable functions and using an input from a vehicle speed signal to compute minimum and maximum ratio limits for the ratio selected by the ratio limits and override ring; and a ratio control execution ring in communication with the screening monitor. The ratio control execution ring calculates a range of pressures allowed for operation of both primary and secondary pulleys of the continuously variable transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Publication date: November 22, 2018
    Inventors: Ronald F. Lochocki, Christopher J. Weingartz, Greg J. Perantoni, Stuart W. Parker, Paul G. Otanez, Bret M. Olson, Mary M. Whitley, Nathan A. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 10082215
    Abstract: A fluid circuit includes a device, a cooler, and a valve. The valve includes a housing, a sealing member, a biasing device, and an actuator. The sealing member moves inside the housing between a first position and a second position. The actuator includes a smart material that is activated when the temperature of a fluid inside the housing exhibiting at least a first temperature, causing the sealing member to move to the second position. The smart material is deactivated when the fluid is a sufficient number of degrees less than the first temperature, causing the sealing member to move to the first position. The fluid flows from the housing to the device and then to the housing when the sealing member is in the first position. The fluid flows from the housing to the cooler and then to the device when the sealing member is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Dynalloy, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiujie Gao, Nancy L. Johnson, Bret M. Olson, Vijay A. Neelakantan, Tyler P. Ownby, James H. Brown
  • Patent number: 10047860
    Abstract: A target module determines a target ratio between a speed of an input shaft and a speed of an output shaft of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) based on an accelerator pedal position. A maximum rate of change (ROC) module determines a maximum ROC of the target ratio. A switching valve control module, based on a comparison of the maximum ROC and a ROC of the target ratio, selectively actuates a switching valve of the CVT one of (i) from a closed position to an open position and (ii) from the open position to the closed position. The switching valve prevents transmission fluid flow through a flow path between a transmission fluid pump and a pressure regulator valve of the CVT when the switching valve is in the closed position. The switching valve allows transmission fluid flow through the flow path when the switching valve is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Minh Q. Truong, Bret M. Olson, Chinar S. Ghike, Craig J. Hawkins, Steven P. Moorman, Paul G. Otanez
  • Patent number: 9970540
    Abstract: A switching valve control module selectively actuates a switching valve of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) either: (i) from a closed position to an open position; or (ii) from the open position to the closed position. The switching valve prevents and allows transmission fluid flow through a flow path between a transmission fluid pump and a pressure regulator valve of the CVT when the switching valve is in the closed position and the open position, respectively. An adjustment determination module determines a pressure adjustment when the switching valve actuates. A target pressure module determines a target pressure output from the pressure regulator valve. An adjusting module determines an adjusted target pressure based on the pressure adjustment and the target pressure. A regulator valve control module controls opening of the pressure regulator valve based on the adjusted target pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Minh Q. Truong, Bret M. Olson, Steven P. Moorman, Mohamed O. Egal
  • Patent number: 9939077
    Abstract: A fluid circuit includes a device, a cooler, and a valve. The valve includes a housing, a sealing member, a biasing device, and an actuator. The sealing member moves inside the housing between a first position and a second position. The actuator includes a smart material that is activated when the temperature of a fluid inside the housing exhibiting at least a first temperature, causing the sealing member to move to the second position. The smart material is deactivated when the fluid is a sufficient number of degrees less than the first temperature, causing the sealing member to move to the first position. The fluid flows from the housing to the device and then to the housing when the sealing member is in the first position. The fluid flows from the housing to the cooler and then to the device when the sealing member is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Dynalloy, Inc., Bend All Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiujie Gao, Nancy L. Johnson, Ronald R. Semel, Rory P. McIntyre, Mark J. Heikoop, Vijay A. Neelakantan, Bret M. Olson, Tyler P. Ownby, James H. Brown
  • Publication number: 20180058600
    Abstract: A fluid circuit includes a device, a cooler, and a valve. The valve includes a housing, a sealing member, a biasing device, and an actuator. The sealing member moves inside the housing between a first position and a second position. The actuator includes a smart material that is activated when the temperature of a fluid inside the housing exhibiting at least a first temperature, causing the sealing member to move to the second position. The smart material is deactivated when the fluid is a sufficient number of degrees less than the first temperature, causing the sealing member to move to the first position. The fluid flows from the housing to the device and then to the housing when the sealing member is in the first position. The fluid flows from the housing to the cooler and then to the device when the sealing member is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, DYNALLOY, INC.
    Inventors: Xiujie Gao, Nancy L. Johnson, Bret M. Olson, Vijay A. Neelakantan, Tyler P. Ownby, James H. Brown
  • Publication number: 20180058601
    Abstract: A fluid circuit includes a device, a cooler, and a valve. The valve includes a housing, a sealing member, a biasing device, and an actuator. The sealing member moves inside the housing between a first position and a second position. The actuator includes a smart material that is activated when the temperature of a fluid inside the housing exhibiting at least a first temperature, causing the sealing member to move to the second position. The smart material is deactivated when the fluid is a sufficient number of degrees less than the first temperature, causing the sealing member to move to the first position. The fluid flows from the housing to the device and then to the housing when the sealing member is in the first position. The fluid flows from the housing to the cooler and then to the device when the sealing member is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, BEND ALL AUTOMOTIVE INC, DYNALLOY, INC.
    Inventors: Xiujie Gao, Nancy L. Johnson, Ronald R. Semel, Rory P. McIntyre, Mark J. Heikoop, Vijay A. Neelakantan, Bret M. Olson, Tyler P. Ownby, James H. Brown
  • Patent number: 9890857
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) includes an input member, an output member, a variator assembly having a primary variator pulley operable for receiving an input torque via the input member, a secondary variator pulley operable for transmitting an output torque via the output member, and an endless rotatable drive element in frictional engagement with the primary and secondary variator pulleys, first and second speed sensors operable for measuring a respective rotational speed of the primary and secondary variator pulleys, and a controller. The controller executes a method to detect gross slip of the endless rotatable drive element with respect to the primary and secondary variator pulleys using the measured rotational speeds, and in response to the detected gross slip, to request a reduction in the input torque by a calculated amount over a calibrated duration until a level of the detected gross slip reaches a calibrated slip level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Bret M. Olson, Ronald W. VanDiepen, Paul G. Otanez
  • Publication number: 20180015418
    Abstract: A network of cell processing systems including a plurality of cell processing instruments and a server computer. Each cell processing instrument includes a control circuit configured to operate the cell processing instrument according to a modifiable process parameter, a component of the cell processing instrument and a sensor configured to measure a characteristic of the component. The server computer is disposed remotely from the cell processing instruments, and is configured to transmit a request message for a value measured by the sensor, receive a response message based on the request message, and generate a notification message based on the response message.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Inventors: Steven C. Binninger, Bret M. Olson, Alaina Schlinker, Christopher J. Wegener
  • Publication number: 20170350504
    Abstract: A target module determines a target ratio between a speed of an input shaft and a speed of an output shaft of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) based on an accelerator pedal position. A maximum rate of change (ROC) module determines a maximum ROC of the target ratio. A switching valve control module, based on a comparison of the maximum ROC and a ROC of the target ratio, selectively actuates a switching valve of the CVT one of (i) from a closed position to an open position and (ii) from the open position to the closed position. The switching valve prevents transmission fluid flow through a flow path between a transmission fluid pump and a pressure regulator valve of the CVT when the switching valve is in the closed position. The switching valve allows transmission fluid flow through the flow path when the switching valve is in the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: Minh Q. TRUONG, Bret M. OLSON, Chinar S. GHIKE, Craig J. HAWKINS, Steven P. MOORMAN, Paul G. OTANEZ
  • Publication number: 20170350503
    Abstract: A switching valve control module selectively actuates a switching valve of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) either: (i) from a closed position to an open position; or (ii) from the open position to the closed position. The switching valve prevents and allows transmission fluid flow through a flow path between a transmission fluid pump and a pressure regulator valve of the CVT when the switching valve is in the closed position and the open position, respectively. An adjustment determination module determines a pressure adjustment when the switching valve actuates. A target pressure module determines a target pressure output from the pressure regulator valve. An adjusting module determines an adjusted target pressure based on the pressure adjustment and the target pressure. A regulator valve control module controls opening of the pressure regulator valve based on the adjusted target pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: Minh Q. TRUONG, Bret M. OLSON, Steven P. MOORMAN, Mohamed O. EGAL
  • Publication number: 20170340783
    Abstract: A cell processing system includes a processor connectable to a source container filled with a biological fluid, the processor including a separator configured to separate the biological fluid from the source container into at least two streams according to a process including at least one process parameter, and a controller coupled to the processor and an input. The controller is configured to receive the at least one process parameter, to evaluate the process using the at least one process parameter before performing the process, and to carry out one or more actions based on the evaluation, such as providing an output estimate to the operator, preventing the process from being performed according to a comparison between a calculated condition and a control, or providing an error indication to the operator according to the calculated condition and a measured in-process condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Daniel Boggs, Bret M. Olson, Steven C. Binninger, James D. Hosek
  • Publication number: 20170313968
    Abstract: A method for automated processing of a cellular product comprising target substrate cells, the method comprising providing a separation apparatus configured to associate with a disposable sterile circuit comprising a separator in communication with the cellular product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Bret M. Olson, Alaina Schlinker, Steven Binninger, Avnie A. Kadakia
  • Publication number: 20170315121
    Abstract: A cell processing system includes at least one processor connectable to a source container filled with a biological fluid, the at least one processor including a spinning membrane configured to receive and separate target cells from the biological fluid, the target cells exiting at a first outlet, one or more containers selectively connected to the first outlet; and, and a magnet. The system also includes a controller coupled to the at least one processor and configured to operate the spinning membrane to receive biological fluid from the source container and to direct the target cells to one of the one or more containers, to pause to permit magnetic particles to be associated with the target cells, and to operate the spinning membrane to receive the contents of one of the one or more containers with the magnet applied to the target cells associated with the magnetic particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Bret M. Olson, Alaina Schlinker, Steven Binninger, Avnie A. Kadakia, Kyle Thompson, Kyle Wolok, Melanie Hamilton
  • Patent number: 9765885
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a dual clutch transmission includes a plurality of solenoids and valves in fluid communication with a plurality of clutch actuators and with a plurality of synchronizer actuators. The clutch actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of torque transmitting devices and the synchronizer actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of synchronizer assemblies. Selective activation of combinations of the solenoids allows for a pressurized fluid to activate at least one of the clutch actuators and synchronizer actuators in order to shift the transmission into a desired gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Philip C. Lundberg, Bret M. Olson, Brian W. Whitmarsh, Wayne B. Vogel