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).

  • Publication number: 20190195353
    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: March 5, 2019
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Charles T. Taylor
  • Patent number: 10253875
    Abstract: An apparatus for multiplexing gear engagement control in an automatic transmission is provided. At least two friction engagement devices are configured to selectively engage and disengage a different gear ratio of the transmission. A trim system is configured to selectively supply engagement and disengagement pressures to at least one fluid passageway. A first control valve is fluidly coupled directly to the at least one fluid passageway and directly to each of the at least two friction engagement devices. The first control valve is configured to selectively route the engagement and disengagement pressures through the first control valve directly to the at least two friction devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Darren J. Weber, John William Edward Fuller
  • Patent number: 10253874
    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: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Charles T. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20190003578
    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 20, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Eric Tryon, Charles F. Long, Bryan Hagelskamp
  • Publication number: 20190003585
    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 20, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Eric Tryon, Charles F. Long, Bryan Hagelskamp
  • Publication number: 20190003580
    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 20, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Eric Tryon, Charles F. Long, Bryan Hagelskamp
  • Publication number: 20190003579
    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 20, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Eric Tryon, Charles F. Long, Bryan Hagelskamp
  • Patent number: 10024394
    Abstract: A multiple speed transmission includes an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gearsets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. The plurality of planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The input member is continuously interconnected with at least one member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets, and the output member is continuously interconnected with another member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. At least eight forward speeds and one reverse speed are achieved by the selective engagement of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Phillip McCauley, Brian Schoolcraft, Michael Foster
  • Patent number: 9903242
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes a hybrid module, a transmission and a torque converter. The lubrication system associated with the torque converter includes an oil sump within the torque converter housing which is intended to be managed as a “dry” sump oil lubrication system. There is an oil pump in communication with the sump in order to manage the sump oil level. By monitoring an operational parameter of the oil pump motor (pressure, torque, or current) oil aeration can be detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Thomas A. Wright
  • Patent number: 9784366
    Abstract: A fast valve actuation system for an automatic vehicle transmission includes a pair of spring-biased shift valves. Solenoids control the application of pressurized hydraulic fluid to the head of each of the shift valves. Each shift valve has at least one port that is coupled to a fluid chamber of a torque transferring mechanism of an automatic transmission. The position of each of the shift valves determines whether its ports are connected with fluid pressure. Fluid passages connect the head of each shift valve to the spring pocket of the other shift valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Darren J. Weber
  • Publication number: 20170284541
    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: June 19, 2017
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Charles T. Taylor
  • Patent number: 9772032
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a hybrid module which is located between an engine and a transmission includes a parallel arrangement of a mechanical pump and an electric pump. Each pump is constructed and arranged to deliver oil to other portions of the hydraulic system depending on the operational mode. Three operational modes are described including an electric mode, a transition mode, and a cruise mode. Various monitoring and control features are incorporated into the hydraulic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Charles T. Taylor
  • Patent number: 9765877
    Abstract: A shift by wire control for a multi-speed vehicle transmission is provided. The control includes a shift by wire shift valve in fluid communication with other shift valves and clutch trim valves to provide double blocking features in the neutral range and a reverse range. The shift by wire valve is configured with multiple differential areas to provide failure modes for all forward ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Charles T. Taylor
  • Patent number: 9759318
    Abstract: A transmission includes an electro-hydraulic controller that includes redundancy in the hydraulic circuit that permits single fault failures to be compensated for by changing the flow path of hydraulic fluid to bypass the single fault failure. The redundancy results in the ability of the transmission to maintain full operation in all modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Darren J. Weber, John William Edward Fuller, Stephen Murray
  • Patent number: 9752678
    Abstract: A transmission includes an electro-hydraulic controller that includes redundancy in the hydraulic circuit that permits single fault failures to be compensated for by changing the flow path of hydraulic fluid to bypass the single fault failure. The redundancy results in the ability of the transmission to maintain full operation in all modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Darren J. Weber, John William Edward Fuller, Stephen Murray
  • Patent number: 9709163
    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 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Charles T. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20170175854
    Abstract: A multiple speed transmission includes an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gearsets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. The plurality of planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The input member is continuously interconnected with at least one member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets, and the output member is continuously interconnected with another member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. At least eight forward speeds and one reverse speed are achieved by the selective engagement of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Phillip McCauley, Brian Schoolcraft, Michael Foster
  • Patent number: 9657614
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes a hybrid module, a transmission and a torque converter. The lubrication system associated with the torque converter includes an oil sump within the torque converter housing which is intended to be managed as a “dry” sump oil lubrication system. There is an oil pump in communication with the sump in order to manage the sump oil level. By monitoring an operational parameter of the oil pump motor (pressure, torque, or current) oil aeration can be detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Thomas A. Wright
  • Patent number: 9651144
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of controlling a vehicle. The method includes receiving a signal indicative of the vehicle being in a stop condition or in the process of stopping. The method also includes activating an auxiliary hydraulic pressurization system in response to the signal and regulating a hydraulic pressure in a hydraulic control system of a transmission. A drive unit is disabled such that a main pump of the hydraulic control system discontinues providing hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic control system. The hydraulic pressure is maintained at a hold pressure in the hydraulic control system by the auxiliary hydraulic pressurization system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Jeffrey K. Runde
  • Patent number: 9625007
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multiple speed transmission having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gearsets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. The plurality of planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The input member is continuously interconnected with at least one member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets, and the output member is continuously interconnected with another member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. At least eight forward speeds and one reverse speed are achieved by the selective engagement of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Phillip McCauley, Brian Schoolcraft, Michael Foster