Patents by Inventor Kevin STUTZMAN

Kevin STUTZMAN 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: 11040718
    Abstract: A launch control method is provided for a vehicle having an accelerator, a brake and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The method comprises determining: (i) a braking torque set by a vehicle operator by pressing a brake pedal of the vehicle; and (ii) a holding torque required to hold the vehicle in a stationary position. The method also determines that the operator has released the brake pedal. The brake is released whilst engaging a launch clutch of the CVT, wherein the launch clutch is engaged by increasing a clutch engagement pressure at a first pressure ramp rate, such that the sum of the braking torque and a clutch torque of the clutch remains equal to the holding torque. An acceleration torque requested by the operator via the accelerator is determined. The clutch engagement pressure is increased at a second pressure ramp rate when it is determined that the braking torque is substantially zero, such that the clutch torque is increased by the acceleration torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Perkins Engines Company Limited
    Inventors: Michael Beyer, Michael Cronin, Steven Spencer, Matthew Mauritzson, Kevin Stutzman
  • Publication number: 20200282994
    Abstract: A launch control method is provided for a vehicle having an accelerator, a brake and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The method comprises determining: (i) a braking torque set by a vehicle operator by pressing a brake pedal of the vehicle; and (ii) a holding torque required to hold the vehicle in a stationary position. The method also determines that the operator has released the brake pedal. The brake is released whilst engaging a launch clutch of the CVT, wherein the launch clutch is engaged by increasing a clutch engagement pressure at a first pressure ramp rate, such that the sum of the braking torque and a clutch torque of the clutch remains equal to the holding torque. An acceleration torque requested by the operator via the accelerator is determined. The clutch engagement pressure is increased at a second pressure ramp rate when it is determined that the braking torque is substantially zero, such that the clutch torque is increased by the acceleration torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Applicant: Perkins Engines Company Limited
    Inventors: Michael BEYER, Michael CRONIN, Steven SPENCER, Matthew MAURITZSON, Kevin STUTZMAN
  • Publication number: 20200217415
    Abstract: A method of operating a transmission of a vehicle drive train is provided. The transmission comprises at least one interlocking shift element and at least one frictional shift element. The method comprises receiving a command for the at least one interlocking shift element to move to an engaged position, and applying a first pressure of fluid to the at least one interlocking shift element. The first pressure of fluid is less than a maximum engagement pressure. A second pressure of fluid to the at least one frictional shift element is pulsed. It is then determined whether the interlocking shift element has moved to the engaged position. The first pressure of fluid is then increased towards the maximum engagement pressure once it has been determined that the shift element is in the engaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Applicant: Perkins Engines Company LTD
    Inventors: Michael BEYER, Michael CRONIN, Steven SPENCER, Erik DRANEY, Kevin STUTZMAN