Patents by Inventor Kevin Michael Dougan

Kevin Michael Dougan 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: 9816607
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a transmission includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid that communicates with an electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) subsystem or manual valve and a clutch actuation subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Todd R. Berger, Kevin Michael Dougan
  • Publication number: 20160153550
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a transmission includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid that communicates with an electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) subsystem or manual valve and a clutch actuation subsystem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Publication date: June 2, 2016
    Inventors: Todd R. Berger, Kevin Michael Dougan
  • Patent number: 9254831
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a transmission includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid that communicates with an electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) subsystem or manual valve and a clutch actuation subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Todd R. Berger, Kevin Michael Dougan
  • Patent number: 9187096
    Abstract: A system for controlling a transmission of a vehicle includes an engine control module that generates a command, while the vehicle is rolling in either a forward or reverse direction, to change a transmission of the vehicle from a reverse drive gear to a forward drive gear. The transmission includes a first clutch, a second clutch, a third clutch, and a fourth clutch. A transmission control module, in response to the command, maintains a first clutch in an engaged state, releases a second clutch and a fourth clutch, with the first clutch in the engaged state and the second clutch and the fourth clutch released, applies a third clutch with a synchronizer to engage the third clutch, and, after the third clutch is engaged, reapplies the fourth clutch to engage the fourth clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Vijay A. Neelakantan, Kevin Michael Dougan
  • Patent number: 8678780
    Abstract: A system for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid in a transmission of a motor vehicle includes a pump for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid having an inlet port and an outlet port. A bypass valve includes an inlet port in communication with the outlet port of the pump, a first outlet port in communication with the inlet port of the pump, and a second outlet port. The inlet port of the bypass valve is in communication with the second outlet port of the bypass valve when the bypass valve is in a first position and the inlet port of the bypass valve is in communication with the first outlet port of the bypass valve when the bypass valve is in a second position. A control device and accumulator are operatively associated with the bypass valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Michael Dougan, Fredrick R. Poskie, Edwin T. Grochowski, Bret M. Olson, James W. Haynes
  • Publication number: 20140034437
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a transmission includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid that communicates with an electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) subsystem or manual valve and a clutch actuation subsystem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: TODD R. BERGER, KEVIN MICHAEL DOUGAN
  • Patent number: 8640452
    Abstract: A hydraulic fluid circuit for a power transmission device includes a first hydraulic circuit segment fluidly decoupled from a second hydraulic circuit segment. A hydraulic pump includes a first fluidic pumping element and a second fluidic pumping element. The first fluidic pumping element fluidly communicates with the first hydraulic circuit segment. The second fluidic pumping element fluidly communicates with the second hydraulic circuit segment. The first fluidic pumping element is controllable to a first pump operating point to achieve a preferred high fluidic flow rate in the first hydraulic circuit segment. The second fluidic pumping element is controllable to a second pump operating point to achieve a preferred high fluidic pressure in the second hydraulic circuit segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: John C. Schultz, Norman Schoenek, Kevin Michael Dougan, Edwin T. Grochowski, Daryl A Wilton, Edward W. Mellet
  • Patent number: 8596440
    Abstract: A solenoid pump and associated hydraulic circuitry are intended for use in automatic transmissions capable of engine start stop (ESS) operation. In a first embodiment, a solenoid pump provides pressurized hydraulic fluid to respective inputs of two way check valves. The other inputs are provided with controlled hydraulic fluid from a transmission valve body. The outputs of the check valves are provided to those hydraulically operated torque transmitting devices associated with first gear. The solenoid pump is activated when the transmission is in gear and the engine is stopped to maintain hydraulic pressure in those actuators associated with first gear. A second embodiment provides hydraulic fluid to actuators associated with reverse. A third embodiment includes a solenoid pump and latching solenoid valve both communicating with a hydraulic supply In a fourth embodiment, a solenoid pump provides hydraulic fluid to the exhaust backfill circuits of hydraulic operators in an automatic transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Vijay A. Neelakantan, Kevin Michael Dougan, Bret M. Olson
  • Publication number: 20130263683
    Abstract: A system for controlling a transmission of a vehicle includes an engine control module that generates a command, while the vehicle is rolling in either a forward or reverse direction, to change a transmission of the vehicle from a reverse drive gear to a forward drive gear. The transmission includes a first clutch, a second clutch, a third clutch, and a fourth clutch. A transmission control module, in response to the command, maintains a first clutch in an engaged state, releases a second clutch and a fourth clutch, with the first clutch in the engaged state and the second clutch and the fourth clutch released, applies a third clutch with a synchronizer to engage the third clutch, and, after the third clutch is engaged, reapplies the fourth clutch to engage the fourth clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Vijay A. Neelakantan, Kevin Michael Dougan
  • Patent number: 8434603
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a dual clutch transmission includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid, first and second actuator control devices in downstream fluid communication with the source of pressurized hydraulic fluid, and first and second clutch control devices in downstream fluid communication with the source of pressurized hydraulic fluid. A first valve is in downstream fluid communication with the first and second actuator control devices. A second valve is in downstream fluid communication with the first valve, the first clutch control device and the second clutch control device, and the second valve is moveable between two positions by the first and second clutch control devices. Selective activation of combinations of the control devices allows for a pressurized fluid to engage the dual clutch and an actuator in order to shift the transmission into a desired gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Philip C. Lundberg, Bret M. Olson, Robert L. Moses, Kevin Michael Dougan
  • Patent number: 8413777
    Abstract: Pairs of variable feed solenoid valves provide fluid to a pair of input clutch actuators and a pair of inlet ports of a first logic valve. The position of the first logic valve spool is controlled by a solenoid valve. A first pair of outlet ports of the first logic valve provide hydraulic to a first piston which selects two speed ratio. A second pair of outlet ports of the first logic valve provide fluid to a pair of inlet ports of a second logic valve. The position of the second logic valve spool is controlled by fluid from the input clutch circuits. A first pair of outlet ports of the second logic valve provide fluid to a second piston which selects two other speed ratios and a second pair of outlet ports of the second logic valve provide fluid to a third piston which selects two additional speed ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Philip C. Lundberg, Kevin Michael Dougan, Bret M. Olson
  • Patent number: 8266986
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a transmission includes a motor, a sump for storing a hydraulic fluid, and a dual element pump connected to the motor. The dual element pump has at least one input port connected to the sump, a first outlet port, and a second outlet port. The dual element pump provides a first volume of hydraulic fluid to the first outlet port and provides a second volume of hydraulic fluid to the second outlet port. The first volume is greater than the second volume. The first outlet port is connected to a diversion valve. The second outlet port is connected to a high pressure hydraulic circuit. The diversion valve is operable to transmit the hydraulic fluid from the first outlet port to a low pressure hydraulic circuit and the high pressure hydraulic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan G. Holmes, Jy-Jen F. Sah, Kevin Michael Dougan, Norman Schoenek, Michael R. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20120193188
    Abstract: A solenoid pump and associated hydraulic circuitry are intended for use in automatic transmissions capable of engine start stop (ESS) operation. In a first embodiment, a solenoid pump provides pressurized hydraulic fluid to respective inputs of two way check valves. The other inputs are provided with controlled hydraulic fluid from a transmission valve body. The outputs of the check valves are provided to those hydraulically operated torque transmitting devices associated with first gear. The solenoid pump is activated when the transmission is in gear and the engine is stopped to maintain hydraulic pressure in those actuators associated with first gear in order that a first gear vehicle launch may be quickly and smoothly achieved when the engine is restarted. A second, similar embodiment provides hydraulic fluid to actuators associated with reverse gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Vijay A. Neelakantan, Kevin Michael Dougan, Bret M. Olson
  • Patent number: 8206265
    Abstract: The present invention provides a control system for a dual clutch automatic transmission having a torque converter. The transmission provides seven forward speeds or gear ratios and reverse. The control system includes a hydraulic pump, a pressure regulator assembly and control valves that provide and release pressurized hydraulic fluid to the torque converter, a pair of input clutches and eight synchronizer clutches. A first pair of control valves are high flow rate valves which are capable of rapidly engaging and disengaging the input clutches. A second pair of high flow rate valves, control valves and spool valves provide a branching control circuit which controls engagement and disengagement of the synchronizer clutches. A control valve linked to the shift lever blocks hydraulic fluid flow to the first pair of high flow rate valves to inhibit input clutch activation when the shift lever is in Park or Neutral.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: John R. Maten, Kevin Michael Dougan, Richard T. Tamba, Darren Firth
  • Publication number: 20110209470
    Abstract: A system for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid in a transmission of a motor vehicle includes a pump for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid having an inlet port and an outlet port. A bypass valve includes an inlet port in communication with the outlet port of the pump, a first outlet port in communication with the inlet port of the pump, and a second outlet port. The inlet port of the bypass valve is in communication with the second outlet port of the bypass valve when the bypass valve is in a first position and the inlet port of the bypass valve is in communication with the first outlet port of the bypass valve when the bypass valve is in a second position. A control device and accumulator are operatively associated with the bypass valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin Michael Dougan, Fredrick R. Poskie, Edwin T. Grochowski, Bret M. Olson, James W. Haynes
  • Publication number: 20110198178
    Abstract: A high efficiency hydraulic control system for a dual clutch transmission includes one or two hydraulic pumps. In a first embodiment, a single hydraulic pump provides pressurized hydraulic fluid to a pressure control valve, filter and accumulator. A first pair of variable feed solenoid valves independently and mutually exclusively provide hydraulic fluid to a respective pair of main or input clutch actuators. A second pair of variable feed solenoid valves provide hydraulic fluid to a pair of inlet ports of a first spool or logic valve. The position of the spool of the first logic valve is controlled by an on-off solenoid valve. A first pair of outlet ports of the first logic valve selectively provide hydraulic fluid to a first three area piston which selects two gear or speed ratios, for example, reverse and third gear. A second pair of outlet ports of the first logic valve selectively provide hydraulic fluid to a pair of inlet ports of a second spool or logic valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Philip C. Lundberg, Kevin Michael Dougan, Bret M. Olson
  • Publication number: 20110198179
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a dual clutch transmission includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid, first and second actuator control devices in downstream fluid communication with the source of pressurized hydraulic fluid, and first and second clutch control devices in downstream fluid communication with the source of pressurized hydraulic fluid. A first valve is in downstream fluid communication with the first and second actuator control devices. A second valve is in downstream fluid communication with the first valve, the first clutch control device and the second clutch control device, and the second valve is moveable between two positions by the first and second clutch control devices. Selective activation of combinations of the control devices allows for a pressurized fluid to engage the dual clutch and an actuator in order to shift the transmission into a desired gear ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Philip C. Lundberg, Bret M. Olson, Robert L. Moses, Kevin Michael Dougan
  • Publication number: 20110173965
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a transmission includes a motor, a sump for storing a hydraulic fluid, and a dual element pump connected to the motor. The dual element pump has at least one input port connected to the sump, a first outlet port, and a second outlet port. The dual element pump provides a first volume of hydraulic fluid to the first outlet port and provides a second volume of hydraulic fluid to the second outlet port. The first volume is greater than the second volume. The first outlet port is connected to a diversion valve. The second outlet port is connected to a high pressure hydraulic circuit. The diversion valve is operable to transmit the hydraulic fluid from the first outlet port to a low pressure hydraulic circuit and the high pressure hydraulic circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Alan G. Holmes, Jy-Jen F. Sah, Kevin Michael Dougan, Norman Schoenek, Michael R. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20110176932
    Abstract: A hydraulic fluid circuit for a power transmission device includes a first hydraulic circuit segment fluidly decoupled from a second hydraulic circuit segment. A hydraulic pump includes a first fluidic pumping element and a second fluidic pumping element. The first fluidic pumping element fluidly communicates with the first hydraulic circuit segment. The second fluidic pumping element fluidly communicates with the second hydraulic circuit segment. The first fluidic pumping element is controllable to a first pump operating point to achieve a preferred high fluidic flow rate in the first hydraulic circuit segment. The second fluidic pumping element is controllable to a second pump operating point to achieve a preferred high fluidic pressure in the second hydraulic circuit segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: John C. Schultz, Norman Schoenek, Kevin Michael Dougan, Edwin T. Grochowski, Daryla A. Wilton, Edward W. Mellet
  • Patent number: 7931135
    Abstract: A torque transmitting assembly includes an actuator for engaging a torque transmitting element. A mechanism is connected to the actuator. The mechanism is operable to selectively allow fluid communication therethrough. The mechanism communicates between two separate fluid spaces located on opposite sides of the actuator. During movement of the actuator, a fluid is allowed to transfer through the mechanism between the two separate fluid spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Michael Dougan, Steven P. Moorman