Patents by Inventor Donald D. Crites
Donald D. Crites 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).
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Patent number: 8600633Abstract: A dual-clutch transmission (DCT) system includes a vehicle speed offset module that generates a vehicle speed offset signal based on a preselect time and a vehicle acceleration signal. A compensated vehicle speed module generates a compensated vehicle speed based on the vehicle speed offset signal and a vehicle speed. A preselect command module generates a predicted gear signal based on a comparison between the compensated vehicle speed and a shift point from a shift pattern module. The predicted gear signal, identifies a first predicted gear of a DCT. The preselect time is defined as at least an amount of time to disengage a second predicted gear and preengage the first predicted gear.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2010Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Inventors: Xuefeng Tim Tao, Donald D. Crites
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Patent number: 8319477Abstract: A hybrid control module comprises a vehicle load module and a hybrid battery discharge module. The vehicle load module determines a first power based on power delivered to an accessory power module (APM). The hybrid battery discharge module determines a discharge power based on the first power and selectively controls power consumed by an inverter based on the discharge power when a state of charge of a hybrid battery is less than a first threshold and greater than a second threshold. The inverter and the APM selectively receive power from the hybrid battery.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2008Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Inventors: Brenton J. Bergkoetter, William L. Aldrich, III, Donald D. Crites, Damon R. Frisch
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Patent number: 8116932Abstract: A system includes an auxiliary pump that provides pressurized fluid to a transmission during an engine auto stop/start event. A mechanical pump provides pressurized fluid to a transmission during engine operation after the engine auto stop/start event. An auxiliary pump diagnostic system includes a slip determination module that determines slip of a torque converter based on an engine speed and a transmission input speed. A fault determination module diagnoses a fault in the auxiliary pump in response to an engine auto start and based on the slip of the torque converter.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2009Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Inventors: William L. Aldrich, III, Steven A. Tarnowsky, Michael E. Polom, Roger Joseph Rademacher, Donald D. Crites, Keith D. Van Maanen, Brian M Porto, Michael Chernyak
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Publication number: 20120029777Abstract: A dual-clutch transmission (DCT) system includes a vehicle speed offset module that generates a vehicle speed offset signal based on a preselect time and a vehicle acceleration signal. A compensated vehicle speed module generates a compensated vehicle speed based on the vehicle speed offset signal and a vehicle speed. A preselect command module generates a predicted gear signal based on a comparison between the compensated vehicle speed and a shift point from a shift pattern module. The predicted gear signal, identifies a first predicted gear of a DCT. The preselect time is defined as at least an amount of time to disengage a second predicted gear and preengage the first predicted gear.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2010Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Xuefeng Tim Tao, Donald D. Crites
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Patent number: 8055401Abstract: A method includes diagnosing a transmission auxiliary pump in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) having an engine and an auxiliary power module (APM). A predetermined HEV operating mode is detected during which the engine is running, and the pump is cycled between on and off states. An electrical output value of the APM is determined during the on and off states. A control action is executed when the output value exceeds a corresponding threshold. An HEV includes an engine, a transmission, an APM, a battery connected to the APM, and a transmission auxiliary pump. An algorithm diagnoses operation of the pump. The APM includes an algorithm for diagnosing the pump during a predetermined mode during which the engine is running by determining an electrical output value of the APM during on and off states of the pump, and executes a control action when the output value exceeds a threshold.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2009Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: William L. Aldrich, III, Donald D. Crites
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Patent number: 7823471Abstract: The method of the present invention provides a variety of vehicle performance characteristics depending on the mode of operation. A first routine is initiated to provide an optimal balance of powertrain responsiveness and fuel economy for any given combination of vehicle speed and deceleration rate. The first routine may, according to a preferred embodiment, include a plurality of routines that are each configured to provide an optimal balance of powertrain responsiveness and fuel economy within a predefined range of vehicle speeds and deceleration rates. A second routine is initiated if said deceleration rate is within a predefined range. The second routine includes running the electric motor/generator while the hybrid vehicle is being stopped in order to control the driveline lash and thereby minimize disturbances during a subsequent engine re-start.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2006Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Goro Tamai, William L. Aldrich, III, Birendra P. Bhattarai, Donald D. Crites, Tony T. Hoang
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Publication number: 20100217470Abstract: An auxiliary pump diagnostic system includes a slip determination module and a fault determination module. The slip determination module determines slip of a torque converter based on an engine speed and a transmission input speed. The fault determination module diagnoses a fault in an auxiliary pump based on the slip of the torque converter.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2009Publication date: August 26, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: William L. Aldrich, III, Steven A. Tarnowsky, Michael E. Polom, Roger Joseph Rademacher, Donald D. Crites, Keith D. Van Maanen, Brian M. Porto, Michael Chernyak
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Publication number: 20100191402Abstract: A method includes diagnosing a transmission auxiliary pump in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) having an engine and an auxiliary power module (APM). A predetermined HEV operating mode is detected during which the engine is running, and the pump is cycled between on and off states. An electrical output value of the APM is determined during the on and off states. A control action is executed when the output value exceeds a corresponding threshold. An HEV includes an engine, a transmission, an APM, a battery connected to the APM, and a transmission auxiliary pump. An algorithm diagnoses operation of the pump. The APM includes an algorithm for diagnosing the pump during a predetermined mode during which the engine is running by determining an electrical output value of the APM during on and off states of the pump, and executes a control action when the output value exceeds a threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2009Publication date: July 29, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: William L. Aldrich, III, Donald D. Crites
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Patent number: 7703563Abstract: A method of applying regenerative braking on a hybrid vehicle may include operating the hybrid vehicle in a cruise control mode to maintain a desired vehicle speed, determining whether an actual vehicle speed is greater than the desired vehicle speed, and braking the hybrid vehicle using a regenerative brake system. The braking may be applied during operation in the cruise control mode when the actual vehicle speed is determined to be greater than the desired vehicle speed to charge a battery system that powers an electric drive motor of the hybrid vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2007Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: William L. Aldrich, III, Donald D. Crites
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Patent number: 7603224Abstract: A control system includes a cam position calculation module that determines intake and exhaust cam positions during operation of an engine. The engine includes a regeneration and fuel cut-off (FCO) mode. A cam position adjustment module generates alternate intake and exhaust cam positions during the regeneration and FCO mode. A cam positioning module positions the intake and exhaust cams based on lower values of the intake and exhaust cam positions and the alternate intake and exhaust cam positions, respectively, during the regeneration and FCO mode.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2007Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Inventors: William L. Aldrich, III, Lyle E. Hamilton, James L. Worthing, Donald D. Crites
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Publication number: 20090045780Abstract: A hybrid control module comprises a vehicle load module and a hybrid battery discharge module. The vehicle load module determines a first power based on power delivered to an accessory power module (APM). The hybrid battery discharge module determines a discharge power based on the first power and selectively controls power consumed by an inverter based on the discharge power when a state of charge of a hybrid battery is less than a first threshold and greater than a second threshold. The inverter and the APM selectively receive power from the hybrid battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2008Publication date: February 19, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Brenton J. Bergkoetter, William L. Aldrich, III, Donald D. Crites, Damon R. Frisch
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Publication number: 20090030585Abstract: A control system comprises a cam position calculation module that determines intake and exhaust cam positions during operation of an engine. The engine includes a regeneration and fuel cut-off (FCO) mode. A cam position adjustment module generates alternate intake and exhaust cam positions during the regeneration and FCO mode. A cam positioning module positions the intake and exhaust cams based on lower values of the intake and exhaust cam positions and the alternate intake and exhaust cam positions, respectively, during the regeneration and FCO mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2007Publication date: January 29, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: William L. Aldrich III, Lyle E. Hamilton, James L. Worthing, Donald D. Crites
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Publication number: 20090008172Abstract: A method of applying regenerative braking on a hybrid vehicle may include operating the hybrid vehicle in a cruise control mode to maintain a desired vehicle speed, determining whether an actual vehicle speed is greater than the desired vehicle speed, and braking the hybrid vehicle using a regenerative brake system. The braking may be applied during operation in the cruise control mode when the actual vehicle speed is determined to be greater than the desired vehicle speed to charge a battery system that powers an electric drive motor of the hybrid vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2007Publication date: January 8, 2009Inventors: William L. Aldrich, III, Donald D. Crites