Patents by Inventor Steven P. Moorman
Steven P. Moorman 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: 11841078Abstract: A transmission hydraulic control system includes a manual valve, a default valve, and a clutch prime valve. The manual valve allows fluid flow from a pressurized line to a drive line when the manual valve is open (when a transmission is in drive or reverse). The manual valve prevents fluid flow from the pressurized line to the drive line when the manual valve is closed (when the transmission is in neutral or park). The clutch prime valve allows fluid to flow from the pressurized line to the drive line, and thereby bypass the manual valve, when the manual valve is closed and the clutch prime valve is open. The default valve allows fluid bypassing the manual valve to flow to prime a clutch of the transmission when the default valve is open. The clutch prime valve prevents fluid from bypassing the manual valve when the clutch prime valve is closed.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2021Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Timothy Z. Jin, Steven P. Moorman, Kenneth William Lampert, Patrick Jebson Carroll, Leah Rose Bridson
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Patent number: 11767005Abstract: A method of testing a braking system for an automotive vehicle that includes a master cylinder, a brake booster, a plurality of brake assemblies, a plurality of inlet valves, each inlet valve adapted to selectively allow brake fluid to flow into one of the plurality of brake assemblies and a plurality of outlet valves, each outlet valve adapted to selectively allow brake fluid to flow from one of the brake assemblies to a brake fluid reservoir, the method includes testing a first one of the plurality of inlet valves, testing a first one of the plurality of outlet valves, and sending diagnostic information to a controller within the automotive vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2020Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Steven P. Moorman, Bret M. Olson, Shawn M. Harris
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Publication number: 20230126525Abstract: A transmission hydraulic control system includes a manual valve, a default valve, and a clutch prime valve. The manual valve allows fluid flow from a pressurized line to a drive line when the manual valve is open (when a transmission is in drive or reverse). The manual valve prevents fluid flow from the pressurized line to the drive line when the manual valve is closed (when the transmission is in neutral or park). The clutch prime valve allows fluid to flow from the pressurized line to the drive line, and thereby bypass the manual valve, when the manual valve is closed and the clutch prime valve is open. The default valve allows fluid bypassing the manual valve to flow to prime a clutch of the transmission when the default valve is open. The clutch prime valve prevents fluid from bypassing the manual valve when the clutch prime valve is closed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2021Publication date: April 27, 2023Inventors: Timothy Z. JIN, Steven P. Moorman, Kenneth William Lampert, Patrick Jebson Carroll, Leah Rose Bridson
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Patent number: 11312208Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for management of a thermal system. A system for thermal management includes a thermal system with fluid conduits. A sensor is disposed to monitor an input parameter state of the thermal system. An actuator is configured to vary a flow in the fluid conduits. A controller is configured to receive a signal representative of the input parameter state; process an actuator state through a flow model of the thermal system to obtain an existing flow in the fluid conduits; process the existing flow through a thermal model of the thermal system to determine an input that reduces an error between a desired parameter state and the input parameter state; process the input through an inverse flow model to convert the input to a desired actuator state; and position the actuator in the desired actuator state.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2019Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Min Sun, Yiran Hu, David E. Edwards, Jun Chen, Insu Chang, Steven P. Moorman
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Publication number: 20220055599Abstract: A method of testing a braking system for an automotive vehicle that includes a master cylinder, a brake booster, a plurality of brake assemblies, a plurality of inlet valves, each inlet valve adapted to selectively allow brake fluid to flow into one of the plurality of brake assemblies and a plurality of outlet valves, each outlet valve adapted to selectively allow brake fluid to flow from one of the brake assemblies to a brake fluid reservoir, the method includes testing a first one of the plurality of inlet valves, testing a first one of the plurality of outlet valves, and sending diagnostic information to a controller within the automotive vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2020Publication date: February 24, 2022Inventors: Steven P. Moorman, Bret M. Olson, Shawn M. Harris
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Patent number: 11085532Abstract: A hydraulic system may include an electrohydraulic control valve disposed in fluid communication between a source of pressured fluid and a hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic system may be controlled to correct for offset errors between a target actuator pressure and a current actuator pressure output from the control valve, without amplifying pressure oscillations in the fluid between the control valve and the hydraulic actuator.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2019Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Steven P. Moorman, Christopher J. Weingartz
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Patent number: 11021146Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for a hybrid powertrain having an engine and an electric motor. The hydraulic control circuit includes a first pressure regulating valve configured to cooperate with a shift valve for selectively communicating a hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic piston actuator of a clutch assembly for engaging the engine to a driveline. The hydraulic control circuit further includes a second pressure regulating valve configured to selectively communicate a flow of hydraulic fluid to a cooling circuit for the cooling of the electric motor and to cooperate with a check valve and the shift valve to actuate the hydraulic piston actuator during a predetermined fail mode of the first pressure regulating valve, thus providing a limp-home mode by coupling the torque output from the engine to driveline of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Steven P. Moorman
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Publication number: 20210061063Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for management of a thermal system. A system for thermal management includes a thermal system with fluid conduits. A sensor is disposed to monitor an input parameter state of the thermal system. An actuator is configured to vary a flow in the fluid conduits. A controller is configured to receive a signal representative of the input parameter state; process an actuator state through a flow model of the thermal system to obtain an existing flow in the fluid conduits; process the existing flow through a thermal model of the thermal system to determine an input that reduces an error between a desired parameter state and the input parameter state; process the input through an inverse flow model to convert the input to a desired actuator state; and position the actuator in the desired actuator state.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2019Publication date: March 4, 2021Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Min Sun, Yiran Hu, David E. Edwards, Jun Chen, Insu Chang, Steven P. Moorman
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Publication number: 20200361448Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for a hybrid powertrain having an engine and an electric motor. The hydraulic control circuit includes a first pressure regulating valve configured to cooperate with a shift valve for selectively communicating a hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic piston actuator of a clutch assembly for engaging the engine to a driveline. The hydraulic control circuit further includes a second pressure regulating valve configured to selectively communicate a flow of hydraulic fluid to a cooling circuit for the cooling of the electric motor and to cooperate with a check valve and the shift valve to actuate the hydraulic piston actuator during a predetermined fail mode of the first pressure regulating valve, thus providing a limp-home mode by coupling the torque output from the engine to driveline of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2019Publication date: November 19, 2020Inventor: Steven P. Moorman
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Publication number: 20200292071Abstract: A hydraulic system may include an electrohydraulic control valve disposed in fluid communication between a source of pressured fluid and a hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic system may be controlled to correct for offset errors between a target actuator pressure and a current actuator pressure output from the control valve, without amplifying pressure oscillations in the fluid between the control valve and the hydraulic actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2019Publication date: September 17, 2020Inventors: Steven P. Moorman, Christopher J. Weingartz
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Patent number: 10774930Abstract: A method and system for selecting a speed ratio for a continuously variable transmission (CVT) of a vehicle during braking. The method and system includes determining a Current Actual Speed Ratio of the CVT when the distance of a brake pedal travel exceeds a predetermined distance, determining, by a transmission control module (TCM), an amount of Available Speed Ratio Change (?r), a Current Ratio Change Capability (Current-{dot over (r)}), and a Predictive Ratio Change Capability (Predictive-{dot over (r)}). The method further includes the TCM calculating a Time to Reach the Minimum Under-drive Ratio (tUD), calculating a Predicted Velocity of the Vehicle (vPr) using (tUD), determining a Desired Speed Ratio of the CVT using the Predicted Velocity of the Vehicle (vPr), and actuating the CVT to the Desired Speed Ratio.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2019Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Xuefeng T. Tao, Steven P. Moorman, Ronald W. Van Diepen, Jeffrey M. DeSimone, Madhura N. Paranjape
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Patent number: 10697539Abstract: A system for determining a torque converter clutch is stuck in an engaged position includes a control module, an engine speed sensor, and a transmission speed sensor. The control module evaluates the torque converter clutch by determining a value of a torque converter clutch command. The torque converter clutch command indicates a position of the torque converter clutch. In response to determining that the value of the torque converter clutch command indicates the disengaged position, the control module calculates accumulated slip based on the transmission speed and the engine speed during an evaluation time. In response to determining the evaluation time is complete, the control module compares the accumulated slip with a calibrated threshold of slip. In response to the accumulated slip being less than or equal to the calibrated threshold of slip, the control module determines the torque converter clutch is stuck in the engaged position.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2018Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Steven P. Moorman
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Patent number: 10571016Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a continuously variable transmission (CVT) of a motor vehicle includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid that communicates with an electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) subsystem. The ETRS subsystem may include one or more mode valves, a park servo, and a park mechanism. A pressure regulator subsystem is configured to provide a pressurized hydraulic fluid. The ETRS subsystem is in downstream fluid communication with the pressure regulator subsystem and has first and second outputs. The ETRS subsystem has an electronically-activated mode control valve in communication with the mode valve. The mode control valve is operable to move the mode valve between a first position and a second position. The ETRS subsystem is configured to selectively communicate pressurized hydraulic fluid to the forward clutch for the CVT through the first output and to the reverse clutch through the second output.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Steven P Moorman
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Patent number: 10495214Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a transmission of a motor vehicle includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid that communicates with an analog electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) subsystem or a manual valve. The ETRS subsystem includes an ETRS valve, a park servo, a park mechanism, a mode valve, and a plurality of solenoids. The ETRS and manual valve communicate with a clutch actuator subsystem that engages a one-way clutch and six clutches/brakes.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2017Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Todd R. Berger, Kelly Eber, Steven P. Moorman, Christopher G. Benson, Cheol W. Kim, Ryan M. Jenness, Christopher M. Kaminski
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Publication number: 20190338850Abstract: A system for determining a torque converter clutch is stuck in an engaged position includes a control module, an engine speed sensor, and a transmission speed sensor. The control module evaluates the torque converter clutch by determining a value of a torque converter clutch command. The torque converter clutch command indicates a position of the torque converter clutch. In response to determining that the value of the torque converter clutch command indicates the disengaged position, the control module calculates accumulated slip based on the transmission speed and the engine speed during an evaluation time. In response to determining the evaluation time is complete, the control module compares the accumulated slip with a calibrated threshold of slip. In response to the accumulated slip being less than or equal to the calibrated threshold of slip, the control module determines the torque converter clutch is stuck in the engaged position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2018Publication date: November 7, 2019Inventor: Steven P. Moorman
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Publication number: 20190203828Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a continuously variable transmission (CVT) of a motor vehicle includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid that communicates with an electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) subsystem. The ETRS subsystem may include one or more mode valves, a park servo, and a park mechanism. A pressure regulator subsystem is configured to provide a pressurized hydraulic fluid. The ETRS subsystem is in downstream fluid communication with the pressure regulator subsystem and has first and second outputs. The ETRS subsystem has an electronically-activated mode control valve in communication with the mode valve. The mode control valve is operable to move the mode valve between a first position and a second position. The ETRS subsystem is configured to selectively communicate pressurized hydraulic fluid to the forward clutch for the CVT through the first output and to the reverse clutch through the second output.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2018Publication date: July 4, 2019Inventor: Steven P Moorman
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Publication number: 20190063597Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a transmission of a motor vehicle includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid that communicates with an analog electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) subsystem or a manual valve. The ETRS subsystem includes an ETRS valve, a park servo, a park mechanism, a mode valve, and a plurality of solenoids. The ETRS and manual valve communicate with a clutch actuator subsystem that engages a one-way clutch and six clutches/brakes.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2017Publication date: February 28, 2019Inventors: Todd R. Berger, Kelly Eber, Steven P. Moorman, Christopher G. Benson, Cheol W. Kim, Ryan M. Jenness, Christopher M. Kaminski
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Patent number: 10047860Abstract: A target module determines a target ratio between a speed of an input shaft and a speed of an output shaft of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) based on an accelerator pedal position. A maximum rate of change (ROC) module determines a maximum ROC of the target ratio. A switching valve control module, based on a comparison of the maximum ROC and a ROC of the target ratio, selectively actuates a switching valve of the CVT one of (i) from a closed position to an open position and (ii) from the open position to the closed position. The switching valve prevents transmission fluid flow through a flow path between a transmission fluid pump and a pressure regulator valve of the CVT when the switching valve is in the closed position. The switching valve allows transmission fluid flow through the flow path when the switching valve is in the open position.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Minh Q. Truong, Bret M. Olson, Chinar S. Ghike, Craig J. Hawkins, Steven P. Moorman, Paul G. Otanez
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Patent number: 9970540Abstract: A switching valve control module selectively actuates a switching valve of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) either: (i) from a closed position to an open position; or (ii) from the open position to the closed position. The switching valve prevents and allows transmission fluid flow through a flow path between a transmission fluid pump and a pressure regulator valve of the CVT when the switching valve is in the closed position and the open position, respectively. An adjustment determination module determines a pressure adjustment when the switching valve actuates. A target pressure module determines a target pressure output from the pressure regulator valve. An adjusting module determines an adjusted target pressure based on the pressure adjustment and the target pressure. A regulator valve control module controls opening of the pressure regulator valve based on the adjusted target pressure.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Minh Q. Truong, Bret M. Olson, Steven P. Moorman, Mohamed O. Egal
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Patent number: 9863522Abstract: A torque converter clutch (TCC) release fluid lubrication system for a motor vehicle transmission includes a first fluid line, a second fluid line and a third fluid line. The first fluid line supplies TCC apply fluid to the TCC. The second fluid line receives TCC release fluid from the TCC. And the third fluid line supplies a first lubrication fluid to the transmission. The TCC release fluid and the first lubrication fluid combine into a second lubrication fluid that is fed into the transmission.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: David J. Varda, James D. Hendrickson, Steven P. Moorman