Patents by Inventor Ronald F. Lochocki
Ronald F. Lochocki 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).
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Patent number: 10518778Abstract: A vehicle propulsion system includes a prime mover having a prime mover output shaft, a continuously variable transmission having a variator input shaft coupled to the prime mover output shaft and having a variator output shaft, a driver torque request module in communication with a driver input and for outputting a driver torque request, an engine backbone in communication with the prime mover, and a transmission backbone in communication with the continuously variable transmission and the engine backbone in the vehicle propulsion system. The transmission backbone includes a positive torque request module that generates a positive torque request, and a positive torque request monitor that limits a torque request from the transmission backbone to the engine backbone to a maximum of a predetermined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2017Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Ronald F Lochocki, Jr., Christopher J Weingartz, Bret J Keller
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Patent number: 10408287Abstract: A clutch-to-clutch transmission monitoring system for an automobile vehicle includes a control software generating a control signal. A monitor is in communication with the control software. A pre-compute monitor is in communication with the control software. The pre-compute monitor also receives the input data and outputs an operating threshold signal to the control software. The operating threshold signal defines allowed operating bounds for at least one component in communication with the monitor. A post-compute monitor is in communication with both the control software and the pre-compute monitor. The post-compute monitor receives both the control signal and the operating threshold signal. The post-compute monitor compares the control signal to the operating threshold signal to identify if the control signal violates the allowed operating bounds defined by the pre-compute monitor.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2017Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Scott D. Biggs, Ronald F. Lochocki, Jr., Brian W. Hanselman, Greg J. Perantoni
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Patent number: 10316968Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 16, 2017Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Ronald F. Lochocki, Christopher J. Weingartz, Greg J. Perantoni, Stuart W. Parker, Paul G. Otanez, Bret M. Olson, Mary M. Whitley, Nathan A. Schmidt
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Publication number: 20190118816Abstract: A vehicle propulsion system includes a prime mover having a prime mover output shaft, a continuously variable transmission having a variator input shaft coupled to the prime mover output shaft and having a variator output shaft, a driver torque request module in communication with a driver input and for outputting a driver torque request, an engine backbone in communication with the prime mover, and a transmission backbone in communication with the continuously variable transmission and the engine backbone in the vehicle propulsion system. The transmission backbone includes a positive torque request module that generates a positive torque request, and a positive torque request monitor that limits a torque request from the transmission backbone to the engine backbone to a maximum of a predetermined threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2017Publication date: April 25, 2019Inventors: Ronald F. Lochocki, JR., Christopher J. Weingartz, Bret J. Keller
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Publication number: 20180335138Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2017Publication date: November 22, 2018Inventors: Ronald F. Lochocki, Christopher J. Weingartz, Greg J. Perantoni, Stuart W. Parker, Paul G. Otanez, Bret M. Olson, Mary M. Whitley, Nathan A. Schmidt
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Publication number: 20180328421Abstract: A clutch-to-clutch transmission monitoring system for an automobile vehicle includes a control software generating a control signal. A monitor is in communication with the control software. A pre-compute monitor is in communication with the control software. The pre-compute monitor also receives the input data and outputs an operating threshold signal to the control software. The operating threshold signal defines allowed operating bounds for at least one component in communication with the monitor. A post-compute monitor is in communication with both the control software and the pre-compute monitor. The post-compute monitor receives both the control signal and the operating threshold signal. The post-compute monitor compares the control signal to the operating threshold signal to identify if the control signal violates the allowed operating bounds defined by the pre-compute monitor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2017Publication date: November 15, 2018Inventors: Scott D. Biggs, Ronald F. Lochocki, JR., Brian W. Hanselman, Greg J. Perantoni
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Patent number: 10041586Abstract: A vehicle includes a prime mover, a transmission having an electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) system, a user interface device that generates an electric range selection (ERS) signal in response to a selected operating range, and a controller. The controller processes the ERS signal and determines the operating range and executes a remedial control action when the incorrect powerflow is detected. The remedial action may include interrupting powerflow. A control apparatus includes the user interface device and controller. A method includes determining if a powerflow fault condition is present, including comparing clutches commanded on against a calibrated list of clutches not permitted to be on, and one or both of comparing a measured speed ratio to an expected speed ratio and comparing actual switch states of mode valves to states commanded by the ETRS system. The method includes executing the remedial control action when the incorrect powerflow is detected.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2016Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Ronald F. Lochocki, Jr., Moussa Ndiaye, Jill A. Hampton, Joel H. Gunderson, Angela G. Hundley, Scott D. Biggs
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Patent number: 10030765Abstract: A vehicle includes a prime mover, transmission, drive axle, and controller. The controller identifies clutches involved in establishing or maintaining a requested gear state, and detects an impending fault condition of the transmission. The controller also executes a pre-remedial control action in response to the impending fault condition, and places the transmission in a hydraulic default mode when the remedial control action does not clear the fault condition after a calibrated duration. A system includes the transmission and controller. A method for providing pre-remedial control of a transmission includes identifying clutches of the transmission that are involved in establishing or maintaining a requested gear state, and detecting an impending fault condition. The method further includes executing a pre-remedial control action in response to the impending fault condition and placing the transmission in a hydraulic default mode if the remedial control action does not clear the fault condition.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2016Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Ronald F. Lochocki, Jr., Scott D. Biggs, Moussa Ndiaye, Patrick M. Gibson, Brian W. Hanselman
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System and method for rationalizing torque phase ratio values in a vehicle propulsion control system
Patent number: 9938917Abstract: A propulsion system controller for a vehicle that includes a prime mover operable for generating an input torque on an input shaft, and a transmission connected to the prime mover that is configured to receive the input torque from the input shaft and produce an output torque on an output shaft. The controller is programmed to generate a torque phase ratio, rationalize the generated torque phase ratio, and submit a torque request to the prime mover that is based upon a desired output torque divided by the rationalized torque phase ratio.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Ronald F Lochocki, Jr., Scott D Biggs, Jonathan P Kish, Mark A Schang, Ryan Z Goode -
Publication number: 20180094723Abstract: A controller for a vehicle propulsion system that includes a prime mover, a transmission connected to the prime mover to receive input torque on an input shaft and to convert the input torque to an output torque on an output shaft, a transmission input shaft speed sensor, and a transmission output shaft speed sensor. The controller provides a gear ratio value that is based upon a signal indicating an operating condition of the transmission other than a signal from the transmission input shaft speed sensor and the transmission output shaft sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2016Publication date: April 5, 2018Inventors: Ronald F. Lochocki, JR., Moussa Ndiaye, Bret Olson, Paul G. Otanez, Mark S. Reinhart, Jeryl McIver
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SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RATIONALIZING TORQUE PHASE RATIO VALUES IN A VEHICLE PROPULSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Publication number: 20180094595Abstract: A propulsion system controller for a vehicle that includes a prime mover operable for generating an input torque on an input shaft, and a transmission connected to the prime mover that is configured to receive the input torque from the input shaft and produce an output torque on an output shaft. The controller is programmed to generate a torque phase ratio, rationalize the generated torque phase ratio, and submit a torque request to the prime mover that is based upon a desired output torque divided by the rationalized torque phase ratio.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2016Publication date: April 5, 2018Inventors: Ronald F. Lochocki, JR., Scott D. Biggs, Jonathan P. Kish, Mark A. Schang, Ryan Z. Goode -
Patent number: 9869259Abstract: A propulsion system controller for a vehicle that includes a prime mover operable for generating an input torque on an input shaft, and a transmission connected to the prime mover that is configured to receive the input torque from the input shaft and produce an output torque on an output shaft. The controller is programmed to generate a torque phase ratio, and submit a torque request to the prime mover that is based upon a desired output torque divided by the torque phase ratio.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2016Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Ronald F. Lochocki, Jr., Ryan Z. Goode, Mark A. Schang, Jonathan Kish
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Publication number: 20170276239Abstract: A vehicle includes a prime mover, a transmission having an electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) system, a user interface device that generates an electric range selection (ERS) signal in response to a selected operating range, and a controller. The controller processes the ERS signal and determines the operating range and executes a remedial control action when the incorrect powerflow is detected. The remedial action may include interrupting powerflow. A control apparatus includes the user interface device and controller. A method includes determining if a powerflow fault condition is present, including comparing clutches commanded on against a calibrated list of clutches not permitted to be on, and one or both of comparing a measured speed ratio to an expected speed ratio and comparing actual switch states of mode valves to states commanded by the ETRS system. The method includes executing the remedial control action when the incorrect powerflow is detected.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2016Publication date: September 28, 2017Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Ronald F. Lochocki, JR., Moussa Ndiaye, Jill A. Hampton, Joel H. Gunderson, Angela G. Hundley, Scott D. Biggs
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Publication number: 20170276238Abstract: A vehicle includes a prime mover, transmission, drive axle, and controller. The controller identifies clutches involved in establishing or maintaining a requested gear state, and detects an impending fault condition of the transmission. The controller also executes a pre-remedial control action in response to the impending fault condition, and places the transmission in a hydraulic default mode when the remedial control action does not clear the fault condition after a calibrated duration. A system includes the transmission and controller. A method for providing pre-remedial control of a transmission includes identifying clutches of the transmission that are involved in establishing or maintaining a requested gear state, and detecting an impending fault condition. The method further includes executing a pre-remedial control action in response to the impending fault condition and placing the transmission in a hydraulic default mode if the remedial control action does not clear the fault condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2016Publication date: September 28, 2017Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Ronald F. Lochocki, JR., Scott D. Biggs, Moussa Ndiaye, Patrick M. Gibson, Brian W. Hanselman
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Patent number: 9316308Abstract: A transmission assembly for a vehicle includes a transmission and a controller. The transmission includes an input member, at least one clutch and gear set, and an output member. The input member receives an input torque from an engine. The output member receives an output torque from the clutch and gear set(s). The clutch and gear set(s) connect to the input member and establish a plurality of operating states including a neutral idle (NI) state. A designated NI clutch is selectively actuated to enter the NI state when the transmission is in a drive state and the vehicle is stationary. The controller calculates a reference slip error as a function of engine and turbine speed, and detects when the designated NI clutch is exhausting fluid while operating in the NI state using a function of the reference slip error. A control action executes when the exhausting NI clutch is detected.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2014Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Ronald F. Lochocki, Jr., Sindu Sebastian, Min K. Kim
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Patent number: 9222531Abstract: A vehicle includes a prime mover, transmission, and controller. The transmission, e.g., a DCT or 8-speed automatic transmission, includes an input member, an output member, gear sets, and a plurality of clutches. The controller monitors the transmission for a threshold tie-up condition via a method, which includes processing clutch control input signals and a gearbox status signal to identify the clutches involved in a present operating mode of the transmission, e.g., a shift, neutral, or fixed gear. The controller determines the torque capacity of each involved clutch, compares the determined clutch torque capacities to respective calibrated clutch torque capacities, and executes a control action in response to a threshold tie-up condition. The threshold tie-up condition is present when the determined clutch torque capacities exceed the calibrated clutch torque capacity for at least one of the involved clutches for longer than a calibrated duration.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2014Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Scott D. Biggs, Ronald F. Lochocki, Jr., Moussa Ndiaye, Patrick Alan Lewis, Jeffrey Nicholas Trush
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Patent number: 9200704Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, input clutch, transmission, and controller. The transmission includes an input member, output member, and bidirectional speed sensor. The speed sensor measures a magnitude and direction of a rotational speed of the output member. Engagement of the input clutch selectively connects the engine to the input member. The controller has a commanded gear shift monitoring (CGSM) module. The CGSM module executes a method via a processor to cause the controller to detect a requested shift of the transmission to a destination gear, and to receive the measured magnitude and direction from the speed sensor. The controller determines a calibrated maximum output speed for the destination gear using the measured magnitude and direction, and executes a control action with respect to the transmission when the measured magnitude exceeds the calibrated maximum output speed. A transmission assembly includes the transmission and controller.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2014Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Ronald F. Lochocki, Jr., Brian Hanselman
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Publication number: 20150276052Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, input clutch, transmission, and controller. The transmission includes an input member, output member, and bidirectional speed sensor. The speed sensor measures a magnitude and direction of a rotational speed of the output member. Engagement of the input clutch selectively connects the engine to the input member. The controller has a commanded gear shift monitoring (CGSM) module. The CGSM module executes a method via a processor to cause the controller to detect a requested shift of the transmission to a destination gear, and to receive the measured magnitude and direction from the speed sensor. The controller determines a calibrated maximum output speed for the destination gear using the measured magnitude and direction, and executes a control action with respect to the transmission when the measured magnitude exceeds the calibrated maximum output speed. A transmission assembly includes the transmission and controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2014Publication date: October 1, 2015Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Ronald F. Lochocki, JR., Brian Hanselman
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Publication number: 20150233432Abstract: A vehicle includes a prime mover, transmission, and controller. The transmission, e.g., a DCT or 8-speed automatic transmission, includes an input member, an output member, gear sets, and a plurality of clutches. The controller monitors the transmission for a threshold tie-up condition via a method, which includes processing clutch control input signals and a gearbox status signal to identify the clutches involved in a present operating mode of the transmission, e.g., a shift, neutral, or fixed gear. The controller determines the torque capacity of each involved clutch, compares the determined clutch torque capacities to respective calibrated clutch torque capacities, and executes a control action in response to a threshold tie-up condition. The threshold tie-up condition is present when the determined clutch torque capacities exceed the calibrated clutch torque capacity for at least one of the involved clutches for longer than a calibrated duration.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2014Publication date: August 20, 2015Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Scott D. Biggs, Ronald F. Lochocki, JR., Moussa Ndiaye, Patrick Alan Lewis, Jeffrey Nicholas Trush
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Patent number: 9090245Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes an axle torque determination module, an engine torque determination module, a torque security module, and an engine torque control module. The axle torque determination module determines an axle torque request based on a driver input and a vehicle speed. The engine torque determination module determines an engine torque request based on the axle torque request and at least one of a first turbine speed and whether a clutch of a torque converter is applied. The torque security module determines a secured torque request based on at least one of the driver input, the vehicle speed, and an engine speed. The engine torque control module controls an amount of torque produced by an engine based on one of the engine torque request and the secured torque request.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2013Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Michael Livshiz, Ryan Z. Goode, Richard B. Jess, Michael L. Waterman, Ronald F. Lochocki, Jr.