Patents by Inventor Charles F. Long

Charles F. Long 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: 12173788
    Abstract: An electro-hydraulic control system for a multispeed transmission having a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms includes a controller for operably controlling the transmission, a fluid source for supplying hydraulic fluid, and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms being operably selected between an applied and an unapplied state to achieve a plurality of ranges including at least one reverse, a neutral, and a plurality of forward ranges. The system includes a plurality of trim systems having pressure control solenoids and trim valves. The system may also include one or more shift valves disposed in fluid communication with the fluid source and being capable of moving between stroked and de-stroked positions. In any given range, only two of the plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms may be applied. Moreover, three of the plurality of pressure control solenoids are normally high solenoids, and the remaining solenoids are normally low solenoids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2024
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventors: Eric Tryon, Charles F. Long, Bryan Hagelskamp
  • Patent number: 12135083
    Abstract: Transmissions, park systems, and methods of operating transmissions are disclosed. A transmission includes an input shaft to receive torque from a drive unit, an output shaft to transmit torque to a load, and a park system to selectively brake the output shaft. The park system includes a park gear assembly, an actuator valve, and an actuation linkage coupled between the actuator valve and the park gear assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2024
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Cole, Charles F. Long
  • Publication number: 20240288071
    Abstract: Transmissions, park systems, and methods of operating transmissions are disclosed. A transmission includes an input shaft to receive torque from a drive unit, an output shaft to transmit torque to a load, and a park system to selectively brake the output shaft. The park system includes a park gear assembly, an actuator valve, and an actuation linkage coupled between the actuator valve and the park gear assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2023
    Publication date: August 29, 2024
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Cole, Charles F. Long
  • Patent number: 11858495
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling a transmission. An engine stop-start event may be allowed or denied based on one or more characteristics of the vehicle including the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Claire Etchason, Jacob Hoeschen, Charles F. Long
  • Publication number: 20230332682
    Abstract: An electro-hydraulic control system for a multispeed transmission having a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms includes a controller for operably controlling the transmission, a fluid source for supplying hydraulic fluid, and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms being operably selected between an applied and an unapplied state to achieve a plurality of ranges including at least one reverse, a neutral, and a plurality of forward ranges. The system includes a plurality of trim systems having pressure control solenoids and trim valves. The system may also include one or more shift valves disposed in fluid communication with the fluid source and being capable of moving between stroked and de-stroked positions. In any given range, only two of the plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms may be applied. Moreover, three of the plurality of pressure control solenoids are normally high solenoids, and the remaining solenoids are normally low solenoids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Eric Tryon, Charles F. Long, Bryan Hagelskamp
  • Patent number: 11725724
    Abstract: An electro-hydraulic control system for a multispeed transmission having a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms includes a controller for operably controlling the transmission, a fluid source for supplying hydraulic fluid, and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms being operably selected between an applied and an unapplied state to achieve a plurality of ranges including at least one reverse, a neutral, and a plurality of forward ranges. The system includes a plurality of trim systems having pressure control solenoids and trim valves. The system may also include one or more shift valves disposed in fluid communication with the fluid source and being capable of moving between stroked and de-stroked positions. In any given range, only two of the plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms may be applied. Moreover, three of the plurality of pressure control solenoids are normally high solenoids, and the remaining solenoids are normally low solenoids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventors: Eric Tryon, Charles F. Long, Bryan Hagelskamp
  • Patent number: 11549584
    Abstract: A hydraulic system of a transmission having a controller and a variable displacement pump. The pump includes an inlet and outlet and is adapted to be driven by a torque-generating mechanism. The system also includes a lube circuit fluidly coupled to the pump. A lube regulator valve is disposed in the lube circuit, such that the lube regulator valve is configured to move between at least a regulated position and an unregulated position. The regulated position corresponds to a regulated pressure in the lube circuit. A pressure switch is fluidly coupled to the lube regulator valve and configured to move between a first position and a second position, where the switch is disposed in electrical communication with the controller. A solenoid is disposed in electrical communication with the controller and is controllably coupled to the pump to alter the displacement of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Charles T. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20220355782
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling a transmission. An engine stop-start event may be allowed or denied based on one or more characteristics of the vehicle including the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Inventors: Claire Etchason, Jacob Hoeschen, Charles F. Long
  • Patent number: 11420609
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling a transmission. An engine stop-start event may be allowed or denied based on one or more characteristics of the vehicle including the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Claire Etchason, Jacob Hoeschen, Charles F. Long
  • Publication number: 20220185260
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling a transmission. An engine stop-start event may be allowed or denied based on one or more characteristics of the vehicle including the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Inventors: Claire Etchason, Jacob Hoeschen, Charles F. Long
  • Publication number: 20210293330
    Abstract: An electro-hydraulic control system for a multispeed transmission having a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms includes a controller for operably controlling the transmission, a fluid source for supplying hydraulic fluid, and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms being operably selected between an applied and an unapplied state to achieve a plurality of ranges including at least one reverse, a neutral, and a plurality of forward ranges. The system includes a plurality of trim systems having pressure control solenoids and trim valves. The system may also include one or more shift valves disposed in fluid communication with the fluid source and being capable of moving between stroked and de-stroked positions. In any given range, only two of the plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms may be applied. Moreover, three of the plurality of pressure control solenoids are normally high solenoids, and the remaining solenoids are normally low solenoids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: Eric Tryon, Charles F. Long, Bryan Hagelskamp
  • Patent number: 11047474
    Abstract: An electro-hydraulic control system for a multispeed transmission having a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms includes a controller for operably controlling the transmission, a fluid source for supplying hydraulic fluid, and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms being operably selected between an applied and an unapplied state to achieve a plurality of ranges including at least one reverse, a neutral, and a plurality of forward ranges. The system includes a plurality of trim systems having pressure control solenoids and trim valves. The system may also include one or more shift valves disposed in fluid communication with the fluid source and being capable of moving between stroked and de-stroked positions. In any given range, only two of the plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms may be applied. Moreover, three of the plurality of pressure control solenoids are normally high solenoids, and the remaining solenoids are normally low solenoids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventors: Eric Tryon, Charles F. Long, Bryan Hagelskamp
  • Patent number: 10975960
    Abstract: A transmission system includes a fluid-coupling device, an electro-hydraulic control system, and a clutch. The fluid-coupling device includes an input coupled to an impeller, an output coupled to a turbine, and a stator disposed between the impeller and the turbine. The electro-hydraulic control system includes a flow valve disposed in fluid communication with the input and the output of the fluid-coupling device that is movable between at least a first position and a second position, at least one trim valve system fluidly coupled to the flow valve, and a solenoid disposed in fluid communication with the flow valve that is electrically controllable between an energized state and a de-energized state. The clutch is disposable in fluid communication with the flow valve and controllable between an applied position and an unapplied position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Rietdorf, Charles F. Long
  • Publication number: 20210054927
    Abstract: A hydraulic system of a transmission having a controller and a variable displacement pump. The pump includes an inlet and outlet and is adapted to be driven by a torque-generating mechanism. The system also includes a lube circuit fluidly coupled to the pump. A lube regulator valve is disposed in the lube circuit, such that the lube regulator valve is configured to move between at least a regulated position and an unregulated position. The regulated position corresponds to a regulated pressure in the lube circuit. A pressure switch is fluidly coupled to the lube regulator valve and configured to move between a first position and a second position, where the switch is disposed in electrical communication with the controller. A solenoid is disposed in electrical communication with the controller and is controllably coupled to the pump to alter the displacement of the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Charles T. Taylor
  • Patent number: 10920875
    Abstract: An electro-hydraulic control system for a multispeed transmission having a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms includes a controller for operably controlling the transmission, a fluid source for supplying hydraulic fluid, and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms being operably selected between an applied and an unapplied state to achieve a plurality of ranges including at least one reverse, a neutral, and a plurality of forward ranges. The system includes a plurality of trim systems having pressure control solenoids and trim valves. The system may also include one or more shift valves disposed in fluid communication with the fluid source and being capable of moving between stroked and de-stroked positions. In any given range, only two of the plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms may be applied. Moreover, three of the plurality of pressure control solenoids are normally high solenoids, and the remaining solenoids are normally low solenoids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventors: Eric Tryon, Charles F. Long, Bryan Hagelskamp
  • Patent number: 10844951
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of controlling a torque transmitting apparatus having multiple selectively engageable couplers is provided. The multiple couplers may be selectively engaged and disengaged to provide a mechanical, friction or fluid coupling between portions of the torque transmitting apparatus and other components of a vehicle powertrain during various operational stages. The control apparatus includes a fluid pressure control device and a fluid flow control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, David C. Ames
  • Patent number: 10830343
    Abstract: A hydraulic system of a transmission having a controller and a variable displacement pump. The pump includes an inlet and outlet and is adapted to be driven by a torque-generating mechanism. The system also includes a lube circuit fluidly coupled to the pump. A lube regulator valve is disposed in the lube circuit, such that the lube regulator valve is configured to move between at least a regulated position and an unregulated position. The regulated position corresponds to a regulated pressure in the lube circuit. A pressure switch is fluidly coupled to the lube regulator valve and configured to move between a first position and a second position, where the switch is disposed in electrical communication with the controller. A solenoid is disposed in electrical communication with the controller and is controllably coupled to the pump to alter the displacement of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Charles T. Taylor
  • Patent number: 10830341
    Abstract: An electro-hydraulic control system for a multispeed transmission having a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms includes a controller for operably controlling the transmission, a fluid source for supplying hydraulic fluid, and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms being operably selected between an applied and an unapplied state to achieve a plurality of ranges including at least one reverse, a neutral, and a plurality of forward ranges. The system includes a plurality of trim systems having pressure control solenoids and trim valves. The system may also include one or more shift valves disposed in fluid communication with the fluid source and being capable of moving between stroked and de-stroked positions. In any given range, only two of the plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms may be applied. Moreover, three of the plurality of pressure control solenoids are normally high solenoids, and the remaining solenoids are normally low solenoids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventors: Eric Tryon, Charles F. Long, Bryan Hagelskamp
  • Patent number: 10780853
    Abstract: The present disclosure is related to a transmission for a powered vehicle. The transmission includes a housing defining an interior of the transmission and a fluid supply portion disposed in the housing. The fluid supply portion is configured to supply fluid throughout the transmission. The transmission also includes a first fluid circuit disposed within the housing and defining a first fluid path in fluid communication with the fluid supply portion. A second fluid circuit fluidly defines a second fluid path in fluid communication with the fluid supply portion. The transmission further includes a coupling mechanism for fluidly coupling the first fluid circuit and second fluid circuit, wherein the second fluid circuit is disposed outside the housing of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Richard H. Price
  • Patent number: 10718426
    Abstract: An electro-hydraulic control system for a multispeed transmission having a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms includes a controller for operably controlling the transmission, a fluid source for supplying hydraulic fluid, and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms being operably selected between an applied and an unapplied state to achieve a plurality of ranges including at least one reverse, a neutral, and a plurality of forward ranges. The system includes a plurality of trim systems having pressure control solenoids and trim valves. The system may also include one or more shift valves disposed in fluid communication with the fluid source and being capable of moving between stroked and de-stroked positions. In any given range, only two of the plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms may be applied. Moreover, three of the plurality of pressure control solenoids are normally high solenoids, and the remaining solenoids are normally low solenoids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventors: Eric Tryon, Charles F. Long, Bryan Hagelskamp