Patents by Inventor Mark A. Rain
Mark A. Rain 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: 10738882Abstract: Systems and methods for managing shift changes of a multi-speed automatic transmission of a vehicle are provided. The multi-speed automatic transmission being capable of establishing a plurality of forward speed ratios. The vehicle may include a transmission shift selector having at least one operator selectable shift request input to request a shift change of the multi-speed automatic transmission. A control circuit operatively coupled to the multi-speed automatic transmission is provided which shifts the multi-speed automatic transmission from a first forward speed ratio to a second forward speed ratio in response to shift criteria. The shift criteria may be based on a plurality of operational characteristics related to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2018Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.Inventors: Brent Maurer, Mark A. Rains, Edmond M. Etchason
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Patent number: 10619728Abstract: Systems and methods for managing shift changes of a multi-speed automatic transmission of a vehicle are provided. The multi-speed automatic transmission being capable of establishing a plurality of forward speed ratios. The vehicle may include a transmission shift selector having at least one operator selectable shift request input to request a shift change of the multi-speed automatic transmission. A control circuit operatively coupled to the multi-speed automatic transmission is provided which shifts the multi-speed automatic transmission from a first forward speed ratio to a second forward speed ratio in response to shift criteria. The shift criteria may be based on a plurality of operational characteristics related to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2017Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.Inventors: Brent Maurer, Mark A. Rains, Edmond M. Etchason
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Patent number: 10619727Abstract: Systems and methods for managing shift changes of a multi-speed automatic transmission of a vehicle are provided. The multi-speed automatic transmission being capable of establishing a plurality of forward speed ratios. The vehicle may include a transmission shift selector having at least one operator selectable shift request input to request a shift change of the multi-speed automatic transmission. A control circuit operatively coupled to the multi-speed automatic transmission is provided which shifts the multi-speed automatic transmission from a first forward speed ratio to a second forward speed ratio in response to shift criteria. The shift criteria may be based on a plurality of operational characteristics related to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2017Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.Inventors: Brent Maurer, Mark A. Rains, Edmond M. Etchason
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Patent number: 10281030Abstract: Systems and methods for managing shift changes of a multi-speed automatic transmission of a vehicle are provided. The multi-speed automatic transmission being capable of establishing a plurality of forward speed ratios. The vehicle may include a transmission shift selector having at least one operator selectable shift request input to request a shift change of the multi-speed automatic transmission. A control circuit operatively coupled to the multi-speed automatic transmission is provided which shifts the multi-speed automatic transmission from a first forward speed ratio to a second forward speed ratio in response to shift criteria. The shift criteria may be based on a plurality of operational characteristics related to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2016Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.Inventors: Brent Maurer, Mark A. Rains, Edmond M. Etchason
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Publication number: 20190113136Abstract: Systems and methods for managing shift changes of a multi-speed automatic transmission of a vehicle are provided. The multi-speed automatic transmission being capable of establishing a plurality of forward speed ratios. The vehicle may include a transmission shift selector having at least one operator selectable shift request input to request a shift change of the multi-speed automatic transmission. A control circuit operatively coupled to the multi-speed automatic transmission is provided which shifts the multi-speed automatic transmission from a first forward speed ratio to a second forward speed ratio in response to shift criteria. The shift criteria may be based on a plurality of operational characteristics related to the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2018Publication date: April 18, 2019Inventors: Brent Maurer, Mark A. Rains, Edmond M. Etchason
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Patent number: 10125874Abstract: Valve assemblies include a valve body having a fluid passage through the valve body and a valve member disposed in a chamber of the valve body. The valve assembly further includes a first seat and a second seat, where both seats are configured to contact and provide a seal between the valve body and the valve member to at least partially inhibit fluid flow through the fluid passage. Methods of providing a seal in a valve include forcing a primary seat into a seat portion of a valve body to provide a seal between a valve member and the valve body with the primary seat and deflecting at least one arm of a secondary seat to provide another seal between the valve member and the valve body with the secondary seat.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2016Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: Flowserve Management CompanyInventor: Mark A. Rain
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Publication number: 20180112780Abstract: Valve assemblies include a valve body having a fluid passage through the valve body and a valve member disposed in a chamber of the valve body. The valve assembly further includes a first seat and a second seat, where both seats are configured to contact and provide a seal between the valve body and the valve member to at least partially inhibit fluid flow through the fluid passage. Methods of providing a seal in a valve include forcing a primary seat into a seat portion of a valve body to provide a seal between a valve member and the valve body with the primary seat and deflecting at least one arm of a secondary seat to provide another seal between the valve member and the valve body with the secondary seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2016Publication date: April 26, 2018Inventor: Mark A. Rain
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Publication number: 20180073630Abstract: Systems and methods for managing shift changes of a multi-speed automatic transmission of a vehicle are provided. The multi-speed automatic transmission being capable of establishing a plurality of forward speed ratios. The vehicle may include a transmission shift selector having at least one operator selectable shift request input to request a shift change of the multi-speed automatic transmission. A control circuit operatively coupled to the multi-speed automatic transmission is provided which shifts the multi-speed automatic transmission from a first forward speed ratio to a second forward speed ratio in response to shift criteria. The shift criteria may be based on a plurality of operational characteristics related to the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2017Publication date: March 15, 2018Inventors: Brent Maurer, Mark A. Rains, Edmond M. Etchason
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Publication number: 20180073631Abstract: Systems and methods for managing shift changes of a multi-speed automatic transmission of a vehicle are provided. The multi-speed automatic transmission being capable of establishing a plurality of forward speed ratios. The vehicle may include a transmission shift selector having at least one operator selectable shift request input to request a shift change of the multi-speed automatic transmission. A control circuit operatively coupled to the multi-speed automatic transmission is provided which shifts the multi-speed automatic transmission from a first forward speed ratio to a second forward speed ratio in response to shift criteria. The shift criteria may be based on a plurality of operational characteristics related to the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2017Publication date: March 15, 2018Inventors: Brent Maurer, Mark A. Rains, Edmond M. Etchason
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Publication number: 20180031119Abstract: Systems and methods for managing shift changes of a multi-speed automatic transmission of a vehicle are provided. The multi-speed automatic transmission being capable of establishing a plurality of forward speed ratios. The vehicle may include a transmission shift selector having at least one operator selectable shift request input to request a shift change of the multi-speed automatic transmission. A control circuit operatively coupled to the multi-speed automatic transmission is provided which shifts the multi-speed automatic transmission from a first forward speed ratio to a second forward speed ratio in response to shift criteria. The shift criteria may be based on a plurality of operational characteristics related to the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2016Publication date: February 1, 2018Inventors: Brent Maurer, Mark A. Rains, Edmond M. Etchason
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Patent number: 9403532Abstract: The present invention provides a method of reducing the output speed of a transmission in a vehicle, whereby the transmission includes a speed sensor and a controller and the vehicle includes a proximity sensor. The method includes measuring the output speed with the speed sensor and comparing the measured output speed to an output speed threshold. The controller receives throttle percentage and compares the throttle percentage to a throttle threshold. The method further includes receiving an input signal from the proximity sensor and comparing the input signal to a signal threshold. The output speed of the transmission can be controlled based on the values of the measured output speed, throttle percentage, and input signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2010Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.Inventors: Randall S. Conn, Mark A. Rains
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Patent number: 9169921Abstract: A system and method for controlling double transition shifts in an automatic transmission having multiple gear sections. During a double transition shift, the system performs simultaneous closed loop control of the primary oncoming clutch in the primary gear section and the secondary off-going clutch of the secondary gear section. Before the input shaft of the secondary gear section is fully pulled down or the secondary off-going clutch becomes overheated, the system switches closed loop control of the input shaft to the secondary on-coming clutch of the secondary gear section. The system utilizes model-based calculations to determine the initial clutch pressure settings when a clutch enters closed loop control.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2014Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.Inventors: John Andrew Byerly, John P. Kresse, Mark A. Rains, Jeffrey K. Runde
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Publication number: 20150032347Abstract: A system and method for controlling double transition shifts in an automatic transmission having multiple gear sections. During a double transition shift, the system performs simultaneous closed loop control of the primary oncoming clutch in the primary gear section and the secondary off-going clutch of the secondary gear section. Before the input shaft of the secondary gear section is fully pulled down or the secondary off-going clutch becomes overheated, the system switches closed loop control of the input shaft to the secondary on-coming clutch of the secondary gear section. The system utilizes model-based calculations to determine the initial clutch pressure settings when a clutch enters closed loop control.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Inventors: John Andrew Byerly, John P. Kresse, Mark A. Rains, Jeffrey K. Runde
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Patent number: 8935068Abstract: A method of selecting a gear ratio of a transmission. The method includes measuring a current road grade with a sensing device and communicating the current road grade measurement to the controller. The controller receives a signal corresponding to a service brake input and determines a desired maximum acceleration limit of the vehicle. The method also includes calculating a predicted vehicle acceleration, measuring a current vehicle acceleration, and calculating an error value as a function of the predicted vehicle acceleration and measured vehicle acceleration. The method also computes an estimated required tractive braking effort and estimated tractive braking effort for at least one of N automatically selectable gear ratios of the transmission and selects one gear ratio of the N automatically selectable gear ratios for the operation of the transmission based on a comparison of the estimated required tractive braking effort and estimated tractive braking effort.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2013Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.Inventors: John Kresse, John A. Byerly, Todd Dygert, Mark A. Rains
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Publication number: 20140336890Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of selecting a gear ratio of a transmission. The method includes measuring a current road grade with a sensing device and communicating the current road grade measurement to the controller. The controller receives a signal corresponding to a service brake input and determines a desired maximum acceleration limit of the vehicle. The method also includes calculating a predicted vehicle acceleration, measuring a current vehicle acceleration, and calculating an error value as a function of the predicted vehicle acceleration and measured vehicle acceleration. The method also computes an estimated required tractive braking effort and estimated tractive braking effort for at least one of N automatically selectable gear ratios of the transmission and selects one gear ratio of the N automatically selectable gear ratios for the operation of the transmission based on a comparison of the estimated required tractive braking effort and estimated tractive braking effort.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2013Publication date: November 13, 2014Inventors: John Kresse, John A. Byerly, Todd Dygert, Mark A. Rains
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Patent number: 8718886Abstract: A system and method for controlling double transition shifts in an automatic transmission having multiple gear sections. During a double transition shift, the system performs simultaneous closed loop control of the primary oncoming clutch in the primary gear section and the secondary off-going clutch of the secondary gear section. Before the input shaft of the secondary gear section is fully pulled down or the secondary off-going clutch becomes overheated, the system switches closed loop control of the input shaft to the secondary on-coming clutch of the secondary gear section. The system utilizes model-based calculations to determine the initial clutch pressure settings when a clutch enters closed loop control.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2013Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.Inventors: John Andrew Byerly, John P. Kresse, Mark A. Rains, Jeffrey K. Runde
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Publication number: 20140019023Abstract: A system and method for controlling double transition shifts in an automatic transmission having multiple gear sections. During a double transition shift, the system performs simultaneous closed loop control of the primary oncoming clutch in the primary gear section and the secondary off-going clutch of the secondary gear section. Before the input shaft of the secondary gear section is fully pulled down or the secondary off-going clutch becomes overheated, the system switches closed loop control of the input shaft to the secondary on-coming clutch of the secondary gear section. The system utilizes model-based calculations to determine the initial clutch pressure settings when a clutch enters closed loop control.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2013Publication date: January 16, 2014Inventors: John Andrew Byerly, John P. Kresse, Mark A. Rains, Jeffrey K. Runde
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Patent number: 8483919Abstract: A system and method for controlling double transition shifts in an automatic transmission having multiple gear sections. During a double transition shift, the system performs simultaneous closed loop control of the primary oncoming clutch in the primary gear section and the secondary off-going clutch of the secondary gear section. Before the input shaft of the secondary gear section is fully pulled down or the secondary off-going clutch becomes overheated, the system switches closed loop control of the input shaft to the secondary on-coming clutch of the secondary gear section. The system utilizes model-based calculations to determine the initial clutch pressure settings when a clutch enters closed loop control.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2011Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.Inventors: John Andrew Byerly, John P. Kresse, Mark A. Rains, Jeffrey K. Runde
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Patent number: 8463482Abstract: An improved method for predicting the health of a power transmission and an apparatus for practicing the same are provided. The method includes: monitoring a total number of converged shifts after a first shift has converged; determining if the total number of converged shifts is greater then a calibrated number of completed converged shifts; if yes, determining an initial clutch volume, an initial free running clearance, a free running clearance, and a free running clearance per face and monitoring a change in free running clearance per face; determining if either the free running clearance per face is greater than a calibrated free running clearance per friction surface for failure or if the change in free running clearance per face is greater than a calibrated change in free running clearance per friction surface for failure; if yes, activating a service indicator configured to warn vehicle occupants that transmission service is required.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2008Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Mark A. Rains, Brett R. Caldwell
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Patent number: 8170758Abstract: An automatic transmission may be coupled to an internal combustion engine. A shift selector may be coupled to the transmission and may have a plurality of user selectable inputs for controlling operation of the transmission that are electrically connected to a control circuit. The control circuit may include a memory having a value stored therein that relates to operation of the transmission. The memory may further include instructions stored therein that are executable by the control circuit to change the value stored in the memory to a different value upon detection of user selection of a predefined sequence of two or more of the plurality of user selectable inputs.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2011Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.Inventor: Mark A. Rains