Patents by Inventor Michael D. Sowards

Michael D. Sowards 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: 9873431
    Abstract: A transmission launch system includes a control system and a transmission having a plurality of clutches, where actuation of combinations of a predetermined number of clutches provides powerflow for different transmission drive gears. The control system is configured to initiate a performance launch of the vehicle where the transmission is commanded to engage a combination of the predetermined number of clutches corresponding to a forward drive gear. The transmission is then commanded to engage an additional clutch to lock its output shaft such that engine torque is prevented from being transferred to vehicle drive wheels. The engine generates drive torque greater than a capacity of a vehicle brake system and the control system then commands release of the additional clutch thereby unlocking the output shaft and allowing powerflow in the forward drive gear such that the generated engine drive torque is transferred to the drive wheels to propel the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Michael D Sowards, James M Wilder, Joseph M Johnson
  • Publication number: 20170203760
    Abstract: A transmission launch system includes a control system and a transmission having a plurality of clutches, where actuation of combinations of a predetermined number of clutches provides powerflow for different transmission drive gears. The control system is configured to initiate a performance launch of the vehicle where the transmission is commanded to engage a combination of the predetermined number of clutches corresponding to a forward drive gear. The transmission is then commanded to engage an additional clutch to lock its output shaft such that engine torque is prevented from being transferred to vehicle drive wheels. The engine generates drive torque greater than a capacity of a vehicle brake system and the control system then commands release of the additional clutch thereby unlocking the output shaft and allowing powerflow in the forward drive gear such that the generated engine drive torque is transferred to the drive wheels to propel the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Inventors: Michael D. Sowards, James M. Wilder, Joseph M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8613681
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system in a transmission includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid and a compensator valve in communication with the source of pressurized hydraulic fluid and a torque transmitting device. The compensator valve is operable to allow communication of the hydraulic fluid from the source of pressurized hydraulic fluid to the torque transmitting device to release the torque transmitting device. A regulation valve is in communication with the source of pressurized hydraulic fluid and the torque transmitting device. The regulation valve is moveable between a first position that prevents the hydraulic fluid from communicating with the torque transmitting device and a second position that allows the hydraulic fluid to communicate with the torque transmitting device to engage the torque transmitting device. An override feature is operable to prevent the compensator valve from communicating the hydraulic fluid to the torque transmitting device when the torque transmitting device is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Sowards, Brian W. Whitmarsh
  • Publication number: 20110118080
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system in a transmission includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid and a compensator valve in communication with the source of pressurized hydraulic fluid and a torque transmitting device. The compensator valve is operable to allow communication of the hydraulic fluid from the source of pressurized hydraulic fluid to the torque transmitting device to release the torque transmitting device. A regulation valve is in communication with the source of pressurized hydraulic fluid and the torque transmitting device. The regulation valve is moveable between a first position that prevents the hydraulic fluid from communicating with the torque transmitting device and a second position that allows the hydraulic fluid to communicate with the torque transmitting device to engage the torque transmitting device. An override feature is operable to prevent the compensator valve from communicating the hydraulic fluid to the torque transmitting device when the torque transmitting device is engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael D. Sowards, Brian W. Whitmarsh