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).

  • Patent number: 11841078
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Z. Jin, Steven P. Moorman, Kenneth William Lampert, Patrick Jebson Carroll, Leah Rose Bridson
  • Patent number: 11767005
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Steven P. Moorman, Bret M. Olson, Shawn M. Harris
  • Publication number: 20230126525
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2021
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Inventors: Timothy Z. JIN, Steven P. Moorman, Kenneth William Lampert, Patrick Jebson Carroll, Leah Rose Bridson
  • Patent number: 11312208
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Min Sun, Yiran Hu, David E. Edwards, Jun Chen, Insu Chang, Steven P. Moorman
  • Publication number: 20220055599
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Publication date: February 24, 2022
    Inventors: Steven P. Moorman, Bret M. Olson, Shawn M. Harris
  • Patent number: 11085532
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Steven P. Moorman, Christopher J. Weingartz
  • Patent number: 11021146
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Steven P. Moorman
  • Publication number: 20210061063
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Min Sun, Yiran Hu, David E. Edwards, Jun Chen, Insu Chang, Steven P. Moorman
  • Publication number: 20200361448
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventor: Steven P. Moorman
  • Publication number: 20200292071
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventors: Steven P. Moorman, Christopher J. Weingartz
  • Patent number: 10774930
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Xuefeng T. Tao, Steven P. Moorman, Ronald W. Van Diepen, Jeffrey M. DeSimone, Madhura N. Paranjape
  • Patent number: 10697539
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Steven P. Moorman
  • Patent number: 10571016
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Steven P Moorman
  • Patent number: 10495214
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Todd R. Berger, Kelly Eber, Steven P. Moorman, Christopher G. Benson, Cheol W. Kim, Ryan M. Jenness, Christopher M. Kaminski
  • Publication number: 20190338850
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Inventor: Steven P. Moorman
  • Publication number: 20190203828
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Inventor: Steven P Moorman
  • Publication number: 20190063597
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Todd R. Berger, Kelly Eber, Steven P. Moorman, Christopher G. Benson, Cheol W. Kim, Ryan M. Jenness, Christopher M. Kaminski
  • Patent number: 10047860
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Minh Q. Truong, Bret M. Olson, Chinar S. Ghike, Craig J. Hawkins, Steven P. Moorman, Paul G. Otanez
  • Patent number: 9970540
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Minh Q. Truong, Bret M. Olson, Steven P. Moorman, Mohamed O. Egal
  • Patent number: 9863522
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: David J. Varda, James D. Hendrickson, Steven P. Moorman