Patents by Inventor John C. Buchanan

John C. Buchanan 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: 9964199
    Abstract: A transmission storage oil level control system includes a first fluid reservoir and a second fluid reservoir separated from the first fluid reservoir by a barrier. A valve positioned in the barrier is controlled to open and close a fluid communication path between the second fluid reservoir and the first fluid reservoir. The valve is normally closed when a temperature of the hydraulic fluid is above a predetermined value. A sensor is positioned in at least one of the first reservoir and the second reservoir. The sensor identifies a condition of a hydraulic fluid. A control device communicates with the valve to apply a signal received from the sensor to selectively open and close the valve when the temperature of the hydraulic fluid is above the predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Yan Ann Chen, Samuel J. Harbin, John C. Buchanan
  • Publication number: 20170292602
    Abstract: A transmission storage oil level control system includes a first fluid reservoir and a second fluid reservoir separated from the first fluid reservoir by a barrier. A valve positioned in the barrier is controlled to open and close a fluid communication path between the second fluid reservoir and the first fluid reservoir. The valve is normally closed when a temperature of the hydraulic fluid is above a predetermined value. A sensor is positioned in at least one of the first reservoir and the second reservoir. The sensor identifies a condition of a hydraulic fluid. A control device communicates with the valve to apply a signal received from the sensor to selectively open and close the valve when the temperature of the hydraulic fluid is above the predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Publication date: October 12, 2017
    Inventors: Yan Ann Chen, Samuel J. Harbin, John C. Buchanan