Patents by Inventor Phillip F McCauley
Phillip F McCauley 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: 10132388Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multiple speed transmission having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gearsets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. Each of the plurality of planetary gearsets includes a sun gear, a ring gear, and a carrier member with pinion gears. The input member is continuously interconnected with at least one member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets, and the output member is continuously interconnected with another member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. At least ten forward speeds and one reverse speed are achieved by the selective engagement of the plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2016Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.Inventors: Jorge Briceno, Phillip F. McCauley
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Publication number: 20160333983Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multiple speed transmission having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gearsets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. Each of the plurality of planetary gearsets includes a sun gear, a ring gear, and a carrier member with pinion gears. The input member is continuously interconnected with at least one member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets, and the output member is continuously interconnected with another member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. At least ten forward speeds and one reverse speed are achieved by the selective engagement of the plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2016Publication date: November 17, 2016Inventors: Jorge Briceno, Phillip F. McCauley
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Patent number: 9470293Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multiple speed transmission having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gearsets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. Each of the plurality of planetary gearsets includes a sun gear, a ring gear, and a carrier member with pinion gears. The input member is continuously interconnected with at least one member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets, and the output member is continuously interconnected with another member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. At least ten forward speeds and one reverse speed are achieved by the selective engagement of the plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2016Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.Inventors: Phillip F. McCauley, Jorge Briceno, Brian Schoolcraft
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Patent number: 8037988Abstract: A control system is provided for selectively actuating a dual area apply piston having first and second piston areas each selectively biased by hydraulic pressure within a respective first and second fill cavities. The control system includes a pressure regulator valve, a dual area activation valve, and a solenoid valve operable to selectively and variable operate the pressure regulator valve to effect biasing of the first and second piston areas by communicating hydraulic pressure to the first fill cavity and/or the second fill cavity.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2007Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Charles F. Long, Phillip F. McCauley, Jeffrey J. Cole
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Publication number: 20090088296Abstract: A control system is provided for selectively actuating a dual area apply piston having first and second piston areas each selectively biased by hydraulic pressure within a respective first and second fill cavities. The control system includes a pressure regulator valve, a dual area activation valve, and a solenoid valve operable to selectively and variable operate the pressure regulator valve to effect biasing of the first and second piston areas by communicating hydraulic pressure to the first fill cavity and/or the second fill cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2007Publication date: April 2, 2009Applicant: General Motors CorporationInventors: Charles F. Long, Phillip F. McCauley, Jeffrey J. Cole
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Patent number: 7438660Abstract: A pressure regulator valve is provided having a valve spool slidably disposed within a stepped bore defined by a valve body. A first pressure responsive surface area is defined on the valve spool and is subject to pressurized fluid from a main pressure source. A second pressure responsive surface area is defined on the valve spool and is subject to pressurized fluid from a control source. Additionally, a third pressure responsive surface area is defined on the valve spool and is selectively subject to pressurized fluid from one of the main pressure source and the control source. A sleeve is slidably disposed within the stepped bore, the sleeve being operable to selectively distribute pressurized fluid from one of the main pressure source and the control source to the third pressure responsive surface area to effect a change in pressure gain of the pressure regulator valve.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2006Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Charles F. Long, Jeffrey J. Cole, Phillip F. McCauley
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Publication number: 20080133078Abstract: A method is provided for determining variance of actual engine torque from reported engine torque, including configuring a controller with an algorithm to calculate the ratios of current and maximum engine torque to reported torque upon the initiation of high-throttle 1-2 shift, high-throttle 2-3 shift, high-throttle torque converter lockup, and at maximum Engine Rating Torque Function for each high-throttle torque converter drive cycle. An apparatus is also provided for detecting engine torque variance in a vehicle having an engine, a throttle, and a torque converter, the apparatus comprising a controller with memory and an algorithm for calculating the maximum and current engine torque variance upon the occurrence a predetermined throttle condition, and storing the values in accessible memory, wherein the controller is configured to initiate the algorithm upon the occurrence of one of the throttle conditions, and wherein the throttle and torque converter each communicate speed signals to the controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2006Publication date: June 5, 2008Applicant: GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATIONInventors: JEFFREY K. RUNDE, John P. Kresse, Brett R. Caldwell, Andrew L. Mitchell, Phillip F. McCauley
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Patent number: 6361474Abstract: An improved control for an automatic transmission closed-throttle downshift, wherein closed-throttle engine torque is used to raise the transmission input speed to the synchronous speed of the target speed ratio, and wherein the on-coming clutch is controlled in a manner to complete the shift with minimum driveline torque disturbance in spite of clutch control variability. The invention includes a primary on-coming clutch control for completing the downshift when the input speed reaches the synchronous speed, and a contingent on-coming clutch control that is initiated if shift completion is not achieved by the primary control, the contingent control being effective to re-establish input speed synchronization and thereupon engage the on-coming clutch to complete the shift.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2000Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Sean E Gleason, Jeffrey Kurt Runde, Phillip F McCauley, Gregory A Hubbard
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Patent number: 6358184Abstract: An improved control for an automatic transmission garage shift, wherein a dynamic model of the transmission is used to estimate the transmission input torque during the shift and to schedule the on-coming clutch pressure in accordance with the estimated input torque to achieve a desired input shaft trajectory. The transmission input torque is estimated based on two different methodologies —one suited to steady-state engine idle conditions, and the other suited to engine output torque transient conditions. A fuzzy summation of the input torques provided by the two methodologies is utilized in transitions between the two conditions. Shift quality variations due to variations in mechanical and/or hydraulic stiffness are minimized by a pause or hold interval inserted between the end of the fill period and the initiation of on-coming clutch pressure control, which results in a reasonably consistent degree of perceived transmission-to-transmission hydraulic and mechanical compliance.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Todd M Steinmetz, Gregory A Hubbard, Charles Francis Long, Sean E Gleason, Jeffrey Kurt Runde, Phillip F McCauley, Martin Robert Dadel
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Patent number: 6285942Abstract: An improved shift control for a hydraulic automatic transmission in which the apply chamber of an on-coming clutch is filled in the preparation phase of the shift using a hydraulic flow rate model to estimate the volume of hydraulic fluid supplied to the apply chamber. In an initial portion of the fill interval, fluid is supplied to the apply chamber at a first elevated pressure, while continuously updating the fluid volume estimate. When the remaining un-filled volume of the apply chamber reaches a reference volume, the supply pressure is reduced to a second pressure at which the next phase of the shift is to be carried out. When the chamber volume is filled, the torque capacity of the clutch rises to a level corresponding to the second pressure, and the next phase of the shift automatically ensues.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2000Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Todd M Steinmetz, Jeffrey Kurt Runde, Gregory A Hubbard, Phillip F McCauley, Charles Francis Long, Martin Robert Dadel
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Patent number: 5616093Abstract: Power transmissions incorporate gear ratios including a plurality of forward ratios, a neutral condition and at least one reverse ratio. The establishment of each ratio is controlled by selectively engageable hydraulically operated friction devices, such as clutches and brakes. The interchange between forward ratios is controlled by the interchange of at least one friction device. The control elements to accomplish the establishment and interchange of the ratios include a pressure source, shift valve, solenoid control valves and pressure control valves. The solenoid valves are electrically actuated and the hydraulic portion of the control includes elements that permit continued operation of the transmission in selected ratios in the event of electrical discontinuance.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1995Date of Patent: April 1, 1997Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Charles F. Long, Jeffrey J. Cole, Phillip F. McCauley
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Patent number: 5601506Abstract: Power transmissions incorporate gear ratios including a plurality of forward ratios, a neutral condition and at least one reverse ratio. The establishment of each ratio is controlled by selectively engageable hydraulically operated friction devices, such as clutches and brakes. The interchange between forward ratios is controlled by the interchange of at least one friction device. The control elements to accomplish the establishment and interchange of the ratios include a pressure source, shift valve, solenoid control valves and pressure control valves. The solenoid valves are electrically actuated and the hydraulic portion of the control includes elements that permit continued operation of the transmission in selected ratios in the event of electrical discontinuance.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1995Date of Patent: February 11, 1997Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Charles F. Long, Jeffrey J. Cole, Phillip F. McCauley
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Patent number: 5509448Abstract: An engagement control valve for a fluid operated torque transmitter, such as a clutch, has a pulse width modulated (PWM) solenoid, a valve spool and an accumulator. The PWM solenoid supplies control pressure through a flow restrictor to a control chamber adjacent one end of the valve spool which responds by establishing a proportionate engagement pressure for the torque transmitter. The accumulator has a piston slidably disposed in the valve spool, adjacent the control chamber, for fluid communication with the control pressure from the PWM solenoid. A damping chamber is formed adjacent the other end of the valve spool and is in fluid communication with an exhaust port via a flow restrictor.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1994Date of Patent: April 23, 1996Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Thomas H. Wilson, Phillip F. McCauley
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Patent number: 5351795Abstract: An electronically controlled hydrodynamic retarder interconnects with the output shaft of a vehicle transmission to selectively apply a braking torque thereto. The retarder includes a solenoid valve, the operating duty cycle of which controls the retarder capacity and resultant braking torque. A control unit, interconnecting the transmission and the retarder, regulates the duty cycle of the solenoid valve to regulate the retarder operation as a function of excessive deceleration or overheating, while also regulating such operation during downshift to assure efficient, effective, and comfortable operation of the transmission/retarder. The retarder is adaptive to accommodate variations resulting from age, wear, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1992Date of Patent: October 4, 1994Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Martin R. Dadel, Bradley L. McCafferty, Phillip F. McCauley
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Patent number: 5352161Abstract: A method and apparatus for increased clutch capacity in an automatic vehicle transmission having a nested clutch pair. An electronic control unit controls a pulse width modulator which applies control signals to the actuating solenoid valves of the nested pair of clutches. The electronic control unit operates to reduce the pressure on an engaged clutch of the pair during the period of time that the other clutch is being actuated during the shift. Once the shift is completed, the operating pressure on the previously engaged clutch is restored to a normal operating pressure. Provisions are also made for assuring that the period of time required for the shift is maintained between threshold limits or within a window of time. This adaptive feature precludes excessively short or long shifts.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 1993Date of Patent: October 4, 1994Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Joel E. Mowatt, Charles F. Long, Phillip F. McCauley
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Patent number: 5319949Abstract: A regulator valve assembly adapted to be used in conjunction with a torque converter in a vehicular transmission having a pressurized hydraulic distribution system, a cooling system and a torque converter. The regulator valve assembly has a stepped valve chamber to receive a spool valve member for axial translation. The spool valve member defines first, second, third and fourth subchambers within the stepped valve chamber. Axial translation of the valve member effects selective communication between the subchambers. A first land on the spool valve member is interposed between the first and second subchambers. A second land is interposed between the second and third subchambers. A third land is interposed between the third and fourth subchambers, and a fourth land is exposed to the fourth subchamber. A first outlet communicates with the first subchamber. A first inlet and a second outlet communicate with the second subchamber. A second inlet and third outlet communicate with the third subchamber.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1992Date of Patent: June 14, 1994Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Charles F. Long, Dennis M. Cooke, Phillip F. McCauley
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Patent number: 5282386Abstract: An apparatus and technique for fluid level determination in automatic transmissions. The invention employs an electronic control unit in association with an automatic transmission for a vehicle, the electronic control unit receiving data corresponding to transmission oil level, transmission oil temperature, engine speed, transmission speed, and transmission selected range. Upon determining that such data satisfies certain diagnostic tests, the level of transmission fluid within the transmission is determined and adjusted or otherwise normalized to ideal test conditions. The electronic control unit compensates an oil level signal for deviations in oil temperature from an optimum test temperature, and makes further compensation for deviations in engine speed and settling time at the time that the test data is acquired. Additionally, variations in oil density as a function of oil temperature are also compensated.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1992Date of Patent: February 1, 1994Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Robert T. Niemczyk, Thomas H. Wilson, Phillip F. McCauley, Ronald A. Lee, William M. Murray
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Patent number: 5195399Abstract: A transmission has alignment and assembly assisting structures for controlling the assembly of a valve body and separator plate with a transmission housing within a family of transmissions. The alignment and assembly assisting structures generally include tabs and locator surfaces, as well as pin locators which prevent a component or subassembly of one family member from being assembled with a different family member.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 1992Date of Patent: March 23, 1993Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Charles F. Long, Phillip F. McCauley, John D. Slaubaugh
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Patent number: 5119914Abstract: An accumulator and relay valve is operable to isolate a fluid operated electric switch from the transient pressure pulses present at the output of a pulse-width-modulated pressure control valve. The accumulator and relay valve is further operable to control a minimum pressure level that is communicated from the pressure control valve to the switch.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1991Date of Patent: June 9, 1992Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Martin R. Dadel, Charles F. Long, Phillip F. McCauley, J. Curt Vapor, Dennis M. Cooke
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Patent number: RE42131Abstract: An electro-hydraulic control mechanism for use with a multi-speed transmission includes a pair of logic valves, which are manipulated during the ratio interchanges and the ratio establishment by aiding in the distribution of fluid pressure from a plurality of trim valves. The logic valves are retained in specific drive ranges in the event of electrical discontinuance.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2008Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Charles F. Long, Phillip F. McCauley, Darren J. Weber, Scott E. Mundy, Jeffrey E. Shultz