Patents by Inventor Ronald C. Allison

Ronald C. Allison 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: 8112214
    Abstract: A system for limiting the speed of a vehicle includes a first module that generates a first torque signal based on a vehicle speed, a second module that generates a second torque signal based on a difference between a predetermined vehicle speed limit and the vehicle speed, and a third module that generates an output torque signal based on the first and second torque signals. The output torque signal is adapted to control the output torque of a motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventors: Chad W. Lehner, Richard H. Clutz, William G. Howell, Mark T. Hutchinson, Richard B. Jess, Bahram Younessi, Ronald C. Allison
  • Publication number: 20080228366
    Abstract: A system for limiting the speed of a vehicle includes a first module that generates a first torque signal based on a vehicle speed, a second module that generates a second torque signal based on a difference between a predetermined vehicle speed limit and the vehicle speed, and a third module that generates an output torque signal based on the first and second torque signals. The output torque signal is adapted to control the output torque of a motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Chad W. Lehner, Richard H. Clutz, William G. Howell, Mark T. Hutchinson, Richard B. Jess, Bahram Younessi, Ronald C. Allison
  • Patent number: 6510377
    Abstract: A method for continuously predicting the type of traffic in which a vehicle is traveling. The traffic pattern can be used in other vehicle control systems as an input to determine how to adjust system parameters, such as control loop proportional and integral gain calibrations. Vehicle speed is sampled over a variable number of sampling intervals, defining a prediction period. The prediction period varies as a function of distance traveled, and is limited for conditions where the distance interval is not reached within a particular time interval. When the prediction period is reached, average vehicle speed and speed variation over the period are determined. A lookup table incorporating average speed and speed variation is used to determine the traffic pattern. The prediction period can be shortened to quickly recognize transitions from city or highway traffic pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Tam A. Phung, Ronald C. Allison, James R. Yurgil, Xiaowen Dai, Thomas E. Bolander
  • Publication number: 20020173903
    Abstract: A method for continuously predicting the type of traffic in which a vehicle is traveling. The traffic pattern can be used in other vehicle control systems as an input to determine how to adjust system parameters, such as control loop proportional and integral gain calibrations. Vehicle speed is sampled over a variable number of sampling intervals, defining a prediction period. The prediction period varies as a function of distance traveled, and is limited for conditions where the distance interval is not reached within a particular time interval. When the prediction period is reached, average vehicle speed and speed variation over the period are determined. A lookup table incorporating average speed and speed variation is used to determine the traffic pattern. The prediction period can be shortened to quickly recognize transitions from city or highway traffic pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Tam A. Phung, Ronald C. Allison, James R. Yurgil, Xiaowen Dai, Thomas E. Bolander
  • Patent number: 6370469
    Abstract: A method of controlling a cruise control system, comprising the steps of: assigning a low lateral acceleration limit; assigning a high lateral acceleration limit; determining a lateral acceleration of a vehicle; comparing the lateral acceleration to the low and high lateral acceleration limits; monitoring a torque command of a torque control computer at least where the lateral acceleration is above the low lateral acceleration limit; and compensating the torque command by setting the torque command equal to a minimum torque command where the lateral acceleration is between the low and high lateral acceleration limits and the torque command increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Tam Anh Phung, Ronald C. Allison, James R. Yurgil, Thomas Eugene Bolander