Patents by Inventor David C. Ames

David C. Ames 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).

  • Control for torque converter having multiple selectively engageable converter couplers
    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
  • Control for Torque Converter Having Multiple Selectively Engageable Converter Couplers
    Publication number: 20130345943
    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: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, David C. Ames
  • Control for torque converter having multiple selectively engageable converter couplers
    Patent number: 8527169
    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: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, David C. Ames
  • Dual clutch torque converter control system
    Patent number: 8225915
    Abstract: A system for controlling a dual clutch torque converter that allows for independent control of the dual clutches includes a first valve assembly, a second valve assembly, a first solenoid, and a second solenoid. The first valve assembly is operable to control whether the dual clutches are released, trimmed, or engaged. The second valve assembly is operable to control which of the dual clutches are released, trimmed, or engaged. The first solenoid is operable to control the position of the first valve assembly and the second solenoid is operable to control the position of the second valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: David C. Ames, Charles F. Long
  • CONTROL FOR TORQUE CONVERTER HAVING MULTIPLE SELECTIVELY ENGAGEABLE CONVERTER COUPLERS
    Publication number: 20100035722
    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: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, David C. Ames
  • DUAL CLUTCH TORQUE CONVERTER CONTROL SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20090280954
    Abstract: A system for controlling a dual clutch torque converter that allows for independent control of the dual clutches includes a first valve assembly, a second valve assembly, a first solenoid, and a second solenoid. The first valve assembly is operable to control whether the dual clutches are released, trimmed, or engaged. The second valve assembly is operable to control which of the dual clutches are released, trimmed, or engaged. The first solenoid is operable to control the position of the first valve assembly and the second solenoid is operable to control the position of the second valve assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David C. Ames, Charles F. Long