Patents by Inventor Brian W. Whitmarsh

Brian W. Whitmarsh 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: 10167948
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a motor vehicle transmission includes a pressure regulation subsystem in fluid communication with a pump for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid. A manual valve assembly is in direct fluid communication with the pressure regulation subsystem, and is moveable by an operator of the motor vehicle between at least park, neutral, drive, and reverse positions. A default disable valve assembly is in direct fluid communication with the manual valve assembly, a default disable solenoid, and a default select valve assembly. The manual valve assembly is in direct fluid communication with the default disable valve assembly which is in direct fluid communication with the default disable solenoid and the default select valve assembly. The default disable solenoid enables the default disable valve assembly to enable three default modes of operation and the default select valve assembly selects between two of the three default modes of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Chinar S. Ghike, Brian W. Whitmarsh, Joel H. Gunderson
  • Patent number: 10161506
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a multiple speed motor vehicle automatic transmission having electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) provides both a forward gear ratio and Park options during default conditions where the transmission loses electronic control when the ETRS system is in a drive mode. The hydraulic control system includes a two position default disable solenoid valve, an ETRS valve, a park servo, position sensors, a default disable valve, a drive select valve, various orifices and blow-off valves as well as main and auxiliary pumps, a torque converter, a torque converter regulator and control valve and a plurality of linear force solenoid valves and clutch regulation valves which control a like plurality of clutch and brake actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Chinar S. Ghike, Brian W. Whitmarsh, Joel H. Gunderson
  • Patent number: 10161508
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a transmission is provided. The hydraulic control system provides one or more default gears during a default condition when the transmission loses electronic control. The hydraulic control system includes a default enable valve, a default select valve, and a plurality of clutch regulation valves. The default enable valve and the default select valve feed hydraulic fluid through exhaust circuits to a set number of the clutch regulation valves during a default condition in order to provide a default gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Brian W. Whitmarsh
  • Patent number: 10012311
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a transmission includes a reverse, a low gear ratio, and a high gear ratio during default conditions where the transmission loses electronic control. The hydraulic control system also provides neutral locked turbine capability that engages clutches to lock the transmission input shaft in order to generate heat. The hydraulic control system includes a manual valve, a default enable valve, a default select valve, and a plurality of clutch regulation valves. The neutral locked turbine capability may be engaged when the manual valve is in either a park or neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Brian W. Whitmarsh
  • Publication number: 20180003295
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a multiple speed motor vehicle automatic transmission having electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) provides both a forward gear ratio and Park options during default conditions where the transmission loses electronic control when the ETRS system is in a drive mode. The hydraulic control system includes a two position default disable solenoid valve, an ETRS valve, a park servo, position sensors, a default disable valve, a drive select valve, various orifices and blow-off valves as well as main and auxiliary pumps, a torque converter, a torque converter regulator and control valve and a plurality of linear force solenoid valves and clutch regulation valves which control a like plurality of clutch and brake actuators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Chinar S. Ghike, Brian W. Whitmarsh, Joel H. Gunderson
  • Publication number: 20170268666
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a motor vehicle transmission includes a pressure regulation subsystem in fluid communication with a pump for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid. A manual valve assembly is in direct fluid communication with the pressure regulation subsystem, and is moveable by an operator of the motor vehicle between at least park, neutral, drive, and reverse positions. A default disable valve assembly is in direct fluid communication with the manual valve assembly, a default disable solenoid, and a default select valve assembly. The manual valve assembly is in direct fluid communication with the default disable valve assembly which is in direct fluid communication with the default disable solenoid and the default select valve assembly. The default disable solenoid enables the default disable valve assembly to enable three default modes of operation and the default select valve assembly selects between two of the three default modes of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Chinar S. Ghike, Brian W. Whitmarsh, Joel H. Gunderson
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20160327153
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a transmission is provided. The hydraulic control system provides one or more default gears during a default condition when the transmission loses electronic control. The hydraulic control system includes a default enable valve, a default select valve, and a plurality of clutch regulation valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Inventor: Brian W. WHITMARSH
  • Publication number: 20160327152
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a transmission is provided. The hydraulic control system provides a reverse, a low gear ratio, and a high gear ratio during default conditions where the transmission loses electronic control. The hydraulic control system also provides neutral locked turbine capability that engages clutches to lock the transmission input shaft in order to generate heat. The hydraulic control system includes a manual valve, a default enable valve, a default select valve, and a plurality of clutch regulation valves. The neutral locked turbine capability may be engaged when the manual valve is in either a park or neutral position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Inventor: BRIAN W. WHITMARSH
  • Patent number: 9033681
    Abstract: An integrated control valve body and hydraulic pump for an automatic transmission includes a control valve body having a plurality of control valves and passageways and an internal cavity having an inlet and an outlet, a pump rotor received within the internal cavity and having a plurality of radially and axially extending slots, radially moveable vanes and a shaft, and a device for transferring drive energy from a drive shaft extending between an output of a torque converter and an input of the transmission to the shaft of the hydraulic pump. The device for transferring drive energy may be a pair of chain sprockets and a chain, a pair of spur or helical gears or other inter-axis power transfer components and may affect a speed increase or reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Michael P. Fannin, John A. Diemer, Douglas John Dwenger, Brian W. Whitmarsh
  • Publication number: 20150128743
    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: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Philip C. Lundberg, Bret M. Olson, Brian W. Whitmarsh, Wayne B. Vogel
  • Patent number: 8955661
    Abstract: A valve body assembly for a hybrid drive unit includes a pressure regulator valve, a first on/off shift valve for controlling a stationary clutch, a second on/off shift valve for controlling a rotating clutch, and a third on/off shift valve for controlling a damper bypass clutch. The control system controls the stationary clutch and the rotating clutch to operate the hybrid drive unit in four different modes. The first shift valve, the second shift valve and the third shift valve do not include a regulated pressure feedback port, nor a pressure switch for indicating a clutch fill level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Brian W. Whitmarsh, Tami A. Curtis, Denise Ann Miller
  • Patent number: 8942901
    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: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Philip C. Lundberg, Bret M. Olson, Brian W. Whitmarsh, Wayne B. Vogel
  • Patent number: 8887498
    Abstract: A system for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid includes a pump. A bypass valve assembly includes an inlet port in communication with the pump and an outlet port in communication with an accumulator. The pump and the accumulator are both in communication with a hydraulic control system that controls, lubricates, and cools a transmission of a motor vehicle. The bypass valve assembly has a valve moveable between at least a two positions. The bypass valve assembly is operable to bypass the accumulator when the vehicle is first started such that the pump charges the hydraulic control system before charging the accumulator. The accumulator provides pressurized hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic control system after vehicle start.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Todd A. Frerichs, Brian W. Whitmarsh
  • Patent number: 8771120
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for shifting or controlling a dual clutch transmission where the transmission may operate in at least a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. The system includes a controller and a plurality of solenoids in fluid communication with a valve assembly. Selective activation of the solenoids by the controller engages the valve assembly to provide the first mode and the second mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Vernacchia, Brian W. Whitmarsh, Joshua E. Lehrmann, Wayne B. Vogel, Todd W. Rooney
  • Publication number: 20140054126
    Abstract: A valve body assembly for a hybrid drive unit includes a pressure regulator valve, a first on/off shift valve for controlling a stationary clutch, a second on/off shift valve for controlling a rotating clutch, and a third on/off shift valve for controlling a damper bypass clutch. The control system controls the stationary clutch and the rotating clutch to operate the hybrid drive unit in four different modes. The first shift valve, the second shift valve and the third shift valve do not include a regulated pressure feedback port, nor a pressure switch for indicating a clutch fill level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Brian W. Whitmarsh, Tami A. Curtis, Denise Ann Miller
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8485931
    Abstract: A vehicle includes one or more electric traction motors, an engine, a damper bypass clutch (DBC) assembly, a transmission, a fluid pump, a multiplexed fluid control circuit, and a controller. Two clutches and the DBC assembly are selectively engaged to select between eight transmission operating states. The DBC assembly selectively connects the engine to the transmission. The pump circulates fluid for cooling the motor(s) and actuating the clutches. The circuit has a variable force solenoid (VFS) and only three on/off solenoid valves. The solenoids are multiplexed together to control flow to the DBC assembly and to the clutches. The VFS valve controls line pressure to the on/off solenoids. The controller transmits signals to the VFS and to the on/off solenoid valves to select between the eight different transmission operating states. The multiplexed fluid control circuit is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Brian W. Whitmarsh
  • Patent number: 8475336
    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: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Brian W. Whitmarsh, Bret M. Olson, Philip C. Lundberg, Wayne B. Vogel
  • Publication number: 20120144946
    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: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Philip C. Lundberg, Bret M. Olson, Brian W. Whitmarsh, Wayne B. Vogel