Patents by Inventor Charles W. Barnes

Charles W. Barnes 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: 5799260
    Abstract: A system for controlling a pump in a hydraulic circuit for an automatic transmission, having a viscosity insensitive fixed orifice and a relatively high resistance laminar orifice connected in series relationship between a vent port and a control pressure supplied to a secondary regulated pressure SRP valve. At relatively low temperature, flow through the laminar orifice is negligible; therefore, the steady-state differential pressure across the fixed orifice is negligible. At relatively higher temperatures, flow through the laminar orifice increases. A pressure divider is established and the feedback differential pressure is reduced in proportion to the hydraulic resistance of the two orifices. Flow to friction elements from a primary pump and auxiliary pump and return of fluid to the inlets of the pumps is controlled through a clutch capacity pressure regulator valve acting in cooperation with the SRP valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Droste, Charles W. Barnes, Mark J. Kane, Paul J. Castiglione
  • Patent number: 5637053
    Abstract: A system for controlling operation of a bypass clutch for a torque converter in an automatic transmission includes a converter lockout valve for producing a pressure signal having a first magnitude indicating unlocked operation of the converter clutch and a second magnitude representing locked operation, the pressure magnitudes being produced in response to control pressures representing engine speed, transmission operation in any forward gear, and in a first forward gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Timothy A. Droste, Charles W. Barnes, Mark J. Kane
  • Patent number: 5315901
    Abstract: An automatic transmission having a hydraulic torque converter and a multiple-ratio gear system in an automotive vehicle driveline wherein the converter includes a pressure-actuated bypass clutch and a control valve system for maintaining a regulated charge pressure in the torque converter and for controlling the actuation and release of the bypass clutch, the valve system including a main regulator that establishes a circuit pressure and that establishes priority distribution of pressurized fluid to the torque converter while temporarily interrupting distribution of pressurized fluid to the transmission lubrication circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Charles W. Barnes