Patents by Inventor Casie M. Bockenstette

Casie M. Bockenstette 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: 9732662
    Abstract: A coolant control system of a vehicle includes a pump control module and a coolant valve control module. The pump control module selectively activates a coolant pump. The coolant pump pumps coolant into coolant channels formed in an integrated exhaust manifold (IEM) of an engine. The coolant valve control module selectively actuates a coolant valve that controls coolant flow from the coolant channels formed in the IEM to a transmission heat exchanger based on a first temperature of a transmission and a second temperature of coolant within the integrated exhaust manifold of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Casie M. Bockenstette, Eugene V. Gonze, William C. Saindon
  • Patent number: 9222571
    Abstract: A system for thermally managing a transmission having a transmission heat exchanger, wherein the transmission is coupled to an engine having a block and a head. A closed cooling circuit is provided to flow coolant through the system. A block output valve is provided for receiving coolant exiting the block and having a first outlet in fluid communication with the transmission heat exchanger and a second output connected to a bypass. Thermosensors may also be provided to determine the temperature of the block and the transmission. A system having a controller to thermally manage a transmission is also provided. A method of thermally managing a transmission is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Casie M. Bockenstette, Kurt Alfred Wellenkotter
  • Patent number: 9074664
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes including a selectable one-way clutch actuatable in combinations of two to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio. The transmission also includes a transmission auto start/stop enabler which includes a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism readies one of the plurality of torque transmitting devices during an engine auto stop/start event or in preparation for a stop of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Casie M. Bockenstette, Carlos E. Marin, Paul G. Otanez, Craig S. Ross
  • Patent number: 9052014
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling an accumulator for use with a hydraulic circuit is provided. The system and method is configured to determine a set of accumulator temperature indicators and discharge and charge the accumulator as a function of the set of accumulator temperature indicators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Paul G. Otanez, Zhen J. Zhang, Casie M. Bockenstette
  • Patent number: 9028359
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms that are selectively engageable to establish at least ten forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member. The transmission further includes one or more locking mechanisms that engage one or more of the plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms during a start/stop event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Casie M. Bockenstette, Carlos E. Marin, Paul G. Otanez, Craig S. Ross
  • Publication number: 20150080179
    Abstract: A system for thermally managing a transmission having a transmission heat exchanger, wherein the transmission is coupled to an engine having a block and a head. A closed cooling circuit is provided to flow coolant through the system. A block output valve is provided for receiving coolant exiting the block and having a first outlet in fluid communication with the transmission heat exchanger and a second output connected to a bypass. Thermosensors may also be provided to determine the temperature of the block and the transmission. A system having a controller to thermally manage a transmission is also provided. A method of thermally managing a transmission is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Casie M. Bockenstette, Kurt Alfred Wellenkotter
  • Patent number: 8968143
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms that are selectively engageable to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member, and one or more latches associated with one or more of the torque-transmitting mechanisms. The one or more latches engages the respective torque-transmitting mechanisms during or prior to a start event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Casie M. Bockenstette, Robert L. Moses, Carlos E. Marin, Zhen J. Zhang
  • Patent number: 8961356
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of four to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio. The transmission also includes a transmission auto start/stop enabler which includes a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism readies at least one of the plurality of torque transmitting devices during an engine auto stop/start event or in preparation for a stop of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Casie M. Bockenstette, Carlos E. Marin, Paul G. Otanez, Craig S. Ross
  • Publication number: 20150018163
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms that are selectively engageable to establish at least ten forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member. The transmission further includes one or more locking mechanisms that engage one or more of the plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms during a start/stop event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Casie M. Bockenstette, Carlos E. Marin, Paul G. Otanez, Craig S. Ross
  • Publication number: 20140378267
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of four to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio. The transmission also includes a transmission auto start/stop enabler which includes a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism readies at least one of the plurality of torque transmitting devices during an engine auto stop/start event or in preparation for a stop of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Casie M. Bockenstette, Carlos E. Marin, Paul G. Otanez, Craig S. Ross
  • Publication number: 20140378269
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes. An transmission auto start/stop enabler includes one or multiple latches. The latches engage one or more of the plurality of torque transmitting devices during an engine auto stop/start event or in preparation for a stop of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Casie M. Bockenstette, Carlos E. Marin, Paul G. Otanez, Craig S. Ross
  • Publication number: 20140378266
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes including a selectable one-way clutch actuatable in combinations of two to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio. The transmission also includes a transmission auto start/stop enabler which includes a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism readies one of the plurality of torque transmitting devices during an engine auto stop/start event or in preparation for a stop of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Casie M. Bockenstette, CARLOS E. MARIN, PAUL G. OTANEZ, CRAIG S. ROSS
  • Publication number: 20140372008
    Abstract: A coolant control system of a vehicle includes a pump control module and a coolant valve control module. The pump control module selectively activates a coolant pump. The coolant pump pumps coolant into coolant channels formed in an integrated exhaust manifold (IEM) of an engine. The coolant valve control module selectively actuates a coolant valve that controls coolant flow from the coolant channels formed in the IEM to a transmission heat exchanger based on a first temperature of a transmission and a second temperature of coolant within the integrated exhaust manifold of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Casie M. BOCKENSTETTE, Eugene V. GONZE, William C. SAINDON
  • Publication number: 20140163845
    Abstract: A method of preventing an automatic engine stop includes: determining a pressure difference between an accumulator fill volume and a fluid conduit in selective fluid communication with the accumulator fill volume; determining a change in the accumulator fill volume from the determined pressure difference; adding the change in the accumulator fill volume to a previous estimate of the accumulator fill volume to determine a current estimate of the accumulator fill volume; comparing the current estimate of the accumulator fill volume to a predetermined threshold; and preventing an automatic engine stop if the current estimate of the accumulator fill volume is below the predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Paul G. Otanez, Zhen J. Zhang, Casie M. Bockenstette, Todd R. Berger, Kristopher J. Kokko, Min K. Kim
  • Patent number: 8702562
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling automatic stop-start of a motor vehicle is provided. The system and method is configured to disable an automatic stop-start mode of operation based on accumulator pressure conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations
    Inventors: Zhen J. Zhang, Casie M. Bockenstette, Paul G. Otanez, Shushan Bai
  • Patent number: 8639424
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling automatic stop-start of a motor vehicle is provided. The system and method is configured to enable an automatic stop-start mode of operation based on vehicle conditions. In addition, the system and method is configured to selectively actuate an accumulator to prime the transmission for a smooth restart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Philip C. Lundberg, Carlos E Marin, Casie M. Bockenstette, Zhen J. Zhang, Paul G. Otanez, James B. Borgerson
  • Publication number: 20140011626
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms that are selectively engageable to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member, and one or more latches associated with one or more of the torque-transmitting mechanisms. The one or more latches engages the respective torque-transmitting mechanisms during or prior to a start event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Casie M. Bockenstette, Robert L. Moses, Carlos E. Marin, Zhen J. Zhang
  • Patent number: 8596294
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a vehicle powertrain with an engine capable of being selectively turned on and turned off includes an accumulator, a plurality of fluid passages through which a fluid flows between the accumulator and a transmission associated with the powertrain, and a smart memory alloy (SMA) valve in fluid communication with at least one of the fluid passages. The SMA valve has a transition temperature. When the temperature of the fluid is less than or about equal to the transition temperature, the SMA valve closes, and when the temperature of the fluid exceeds the transition temperature, the SMA valve opens. When the SMA valve is closed, the accumulator cannot be charged with fluid, that is, the accumulator, does not fill with fluid, and when the SMA valve is open, the accumulator charges with fluid passively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Paul G. Otanez, Casie M. Bockenstette, Carlos E. Marin
  • Patent number: 8591381
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling automatic stop-start of a motor vehicle is provided. The system and method is configured to enable an automatic stop-start mode of operation that minimizes clutch fill during engine restart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Zhen J. Zhang, Casie M. Bockenstette, Paul G. Otanez
  • Patent number: 8585548
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling automatic stop-start of a motor vehicle is provided. The system and method is configured to enable an automatic stop-start mode of operation based on vehicle conditions. In addition, the system and method is configured to selectively actuate an accumulator to prime the transmission for a smooth restart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Zhen J. Zhang, Casie M. Bockenstette, Paul G. Otanez