Patents by Inventor David Szpara

David Szpara 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: 9371065
    Abstract: A method of controlling a transmission includes determining if the transmission is currently executing a first torque controlled shift from a first gear ratio to a second gear ratio. A torque controlled shift is defined as a shift control operation in which the speed of the engine is controlled to perform a shift operation. When a second torque controlled shift is detected while the transmission is currently executing the first torque controlled shift, a dual torque controlled shift strategy is executed, which merges a first shift control strategy for executing the first torque controlled shift with a second shift control strategy for executing the second torque controlled shift. The dual torque controlled shift strategy seamlessly executes the first torque controlled shift and the second torque controlled shift without a time delay and engine torque disruption therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Harinath Atmaram, Brian H Fiore, David Szpara
  • Publication number: 20150266463
    Abstract: A method of controlling a transmission includes determining if the transmission is currently executing a first torque controlled shift from a first gear ratio to a second gear ratio. A torque controlled shift is defined as a shift control operation in which the speed of the engine is controlled to perform a shift operation. When a second torque controlled shift is detected while the transmission is currently executing the first torque controlled shift, a dual torque controlled shift strategy is executed, which merges a first shift control strategy for executing the first torque controlled shift with a second shift control strategy for executing the second torque controlled shift. The dual torque controlled shift strategy seamlessly executes the first torque controlled shift and the second torque controlled shift without a time delay and engine torque disruption therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Harinath Atmaram, Brian H. Fiore, David Szpara
  • Patent number: 8972131
    Abstract: A control system for a transmission includes an actuator module, a timer module, and a pulse module. The actuator module engages N hydraulic clutches and disengages M hydraulic clutches to operate the transmission in a gear ratio, wherein N and M are integers greater than zero. The timer module determines a first period starting when the transmission begins operating in the gear ratio. The pulse module selectively supplies a pressure pulse to P of the M hydraulic clutches based on the first period, wherein P is an integer greater than zero. A method for controlling a transmission is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Steven Dietz, Gabriel M. Gibson, David Szpara, Brandon E. Hancock
  • Patent number: 8721498
    Abstract: A method of controlling engine crankshaft torque on a vehicle requests crankshaft torque modification using multiple types of torque actuators prior to and during a single commanded shift, such as an upshift. Appropriate levels of torque modification for the request, as well as appropriate times to make determinations regarding actuator type and make crankshaft torque reduction requests are determined in light of timing of key events during the shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technologies Operations LLC
    Inventors: Mark A Schang, Robert L. Williams, David Szpara
  • Publication number: 20130045835
    Abstract: A method of controlling engine crankshaft torque on a vehicle requests crankshaft torque modification using multiple types of torque actuators prior to and during a single commanded shift, such as an upshift. Appropriate levels of torque modification for the request, as well as appropriate times to make determinations regarding actuator type and make crankshaft torque reduction requests are determined in light of timing of key events during the shift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Schang, Robert L. Williams, David Szpara
  • Publication number: 20120316741
    Abstract: A control system for a transmission includes an actuator module, a timer module, and a pulse module. The actuator module engages N hydraulic clutches and disengages M hydraulic clutches to operate the transmission in a gear ratio, wherein N and M are integers greater than zero. The timer module determines a first period starting when the transmission begins operating in the gear ratio. The pulse module selectively supplies a pressure pulse to P of the M hydraulic clutches based on the first period, wherein P is an integer greater than zero. A method for controlling a transmission is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Steven Dietz, Gabriel M. Gibson, David Szpara, Brandon E. Hancock