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: 8904893Abstract: A method of controlling a hydraulic control system for a dual clutch transmission includes controlling a plurality of pressure and flow control devices in fluid communication with a plurality of clutch actuators and with a plurality of synchronizer actuators. The clutch actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of torque transmitting devices and the synchronizer actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of synchronizer assemblies. Selective activation of combinations of the pressure control solenoids and the flow control solenoids allows for a pressurized fluid to activate at least one of the clutch actuators and synchronizer actuators in order to shift the transmission into a desired gear ratio.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Steven P. Moorman, Philip C. Lundberg, John R. Czoykowski, Bret M. Olson, Chinar S. Ghike, James D. Hendrickson, Christopher Jay Weingartz
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Patent number: 8850916Abstract: A method of adjusting a pressure signal to an actuator piston to control movement of a synchronizer actuator fork of a transmission includes moving the synchronizer actuator fork from a start position into a target position by applying an initial fluid pressure value. The time required to move the synchronizer actuator fork is measured to define a measured actuation time, and compared to a target actuation time. A correction factor is applied to the initial fluid pressure value to define a revised fluid pressure value when the measured actuation time is not within a pre-defined time range of the target actuation time. When the measured actuation time is greater than the pre-defined time range of the target actuation time, the initial fluid pressure value is increased. When the measured actuation time is less than the pre-defined time range of the target actuation time, the initial fluid pressure value is decreased.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2012Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Christopher Jay Weingartz, Matthew D. Whitton, Steven P. Moorman, Matthew Kempeinen
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Patent number: 8839928Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a dual clutch transmission includes a plurality of pressure and flow control devices and logic valve assemblies in fluid communication with a plurality of clutch actuators and with a plurality of synchronizer actuators. The clutch actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of torque transmitting devices and the synchronizer actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of synchronizer assemblies. Selective activation of combinations of the pressure control solenoids and the flow control solenoids allows for a pressurized fluid to activate at least one of the clutch actuators and synchronizer actuators in order to shift the transmission into a desired gear ratio.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2011Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Philip C. Lundberg, Steven P. Moorman, Bret M. Olson, John R. Czoykowski, Jonathan Hottenstein
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Patent number: 8827868Abstract: A method of cooling a multi-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) that is paired with an internal combustion engine in a vehicle includes detecting operation of the vehicle. The method also includes sensing an increase in temperature of a subsystem of the DCT while the vehicle is operating. The method also includes selecting a remedial action in response to the sensed temperature. The method aditionally includes activating the selected remedial action such that the temperature of the subsystem is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2012Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Xuefeng Tim Tao, John William Boughner, Alfonso G. Hysko, Jonathan P. Kish, Matthew D. Whitton, Fei An, Steven P. Moorman
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Patent number: 8820185Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a dual clutch transmission includes a plurality of pressure and flow control devices in fluid communication with a plurality of clutch actuators and with a plurality of synchronizer actuators. The clutch actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of torque transmitting devices and the synchronizer actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of synchronizer assemblies. Selective activation of combinations of the pressure control solenoids and the flow control solenoids allows for a pressurized fluid to activate at least one of the clutch actuators and synchronizer actuators in order to shift the transmission into a desired gear ratio.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2010Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: John R. Czoykowski, Chinar S. Ghike, James D. Hendrickson, Philip C. Lundberg, Steven P. Moorman, Bret M. Olson
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Publication number: 20140195131Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a dry dual-clutch transmission (dDCT) having a pair of input clutches and a gearbox containing oddly- and evenly-numbered gear sets, and a transmission control module (TCM). Application of one of input clutches connects the engine to a corresponding one of the oddly- or evenly-numbered gear sets. The TCM includes feed-forward PID-based control logic, and a torque-to-position (TTP) table for each input clutch. The TCM commands a position of a designated input clutch during a power-on upshift using the feed-forward, PID-based control logic, and selectively adapts the TTP table as a function of an inertia and acceleration value of the engine. The TCM may apply an asymmetrical handoff profile to commanded oncoming and offgoing clutch torques during the torque phase of the upshift. The TCM may also adjust the TTP table as a function of the frequency of use of the input clutches.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2013Publication date: July 10, 2014Inventors: Brian M. Porto, Matthew D. Whitton, Steven P. Moorman, Craig J. Hawkins, Roberto Diaz
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Patent number: 8755981Abstract: A method of controlling a transmission includes estimating an expected coefficient of friction of the clutch, estimating a value of an expected torque required to maintain a constant slip of the clutch for a current input torque applied to the transmission, and determining a value of an actual torque applied to the clutch to maintain the constant slip of the clutch at the current input torque. An actual coefficient of friction of the clutch is calculated by dividing the actual torque applied to the clutch by the expected torque applied to the clutch, and multiplying that quotient by the expected coefficient of friction of the clutch. A feed forward torque command is then adjusted based upon the actual coefficient of friction of the clutch to define a revised value of the feed forward torque command, which may then be used to control the clutch for various control operations.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2012Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Robert L. Williams, Steven P. Moorman, Matthew D. Whitton
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Patent number: 8740748Abstract: A hydraulic control system and method for controlling a dual clutch transmission includes a plurality of pressure and flow control devices and logic valve assemblies in fluid communication with a plurality of clutch actuators and with a plurality of synchronizer actuators. The clutch actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of torque transmitting devices and the synchronizer actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of synchronizer assemblies. Selective activation of combinations of the pressure control solenoids and the flow control solenoids allows for a pressurized fluid to activate at least one of the clutch actuators and synchronizer actuators in order to shift the transmission into a desired gear ratio.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2011Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Steven P. Moorman, Philip C. Lundberg, John R. Czoykowski, Bret M. Olson, Christopher Jay Weingartz
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Patent number: 8733521Abstract: The present invention provides a method of operating an electro-hydraulic control system for a dual clutch transmission having seven forward speeds or gear ratios and reverse. The control system includes an oil delivery subsystem, a clutch control subsystem and a synchronizer control subsystem. All three subsystems are under the control of a transmission control module. The method of operation includes gathering data from various shaft speed, clutch position and shift actuator position sensors and utilizing pressure control (PCS) and flow control (FCS) solenoid valves and a logic valve to pre-stage and engage (and disengage) hydraulic shift actuators associated with a requested and current gear and to sequentially engage one of a pair of input clutches.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2011Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology OperationsInventors: Steven P. Moorman, Christopher Jay Weingartz
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Patent number: 8738257Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a dual clutch transmission includes a plurality of pressure and flow control devices and logic valve assemblies in fluid communication with a plurality of clutch actuators and with a plurality of synchronizer actuators. The clutch actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of torque transmitting devices and the synchronizer actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of synchronizer assemblies. Selective activation of combinations of the pressure control solenoids and the flow control solenoids allows for a pressurized fluid to activate at least one of the clutch actuators and synchronizer actuators in order to shift the transmission into a desired gear ratio.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2011Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Steven P. Moorman, Philip C. Lundberg, John R. Czoykowski, Bret M. Olson, Christopher Jay Weingartz
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Patent number: 8702548Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a transmission includes a pressure regular subsystem, a transmission range selection control subsystem, and a clutch control subsystem. The pressure regulator subsystem includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid for providing a flow of hydraulic fluid. The transmission range selection control subsystem includes a set of four valve assemblies actuated by a pair of solenoids. And the clutch control subsystem provides pressurized hydraulic fluid to a plurality of clutch actuators activated by a plurality of variable force solenoids through a plurality of valve assemblies. The plurality of valve assemblies of the clutch control subsystem are in fluid communication with the transmission range selection control subsystem, and the transmission range selection control subsystem employs the pressurized hydraulic fluid to engage a range selection through the clutch control subsystem.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2011Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Inventor: Steven P. Moorman
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Patent number: 8702564Abstract: A hydraulic control system and method for controlling a dual clutch transmission includes a plurality of pressure and flow control devices and logic valve assemblies in fluid communication with a plurality of clutch actuators and with a plurality of synchronizer actuators. The clutch actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of torque transmitting devices and the synchronizer actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of synchronizer assemblies. Selective activation of combinations of the pressure control solenoids and the flow control solenoids allows for a pressurized fluid to activate at least one of the clutch actuators and synchronizer actuators in order to shift the transmission into a desired gear ratio.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2011Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Steven P. Moorman, Philip C. Lundberg, John R. Czoykowski, Bret M. Olson, Christopher Jay Weingartz
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Patent number: 8651990Abstract: A hydraulic control system for actuating at least one torque transmitting device in a transmission includes a sump, a pump in communication with the sump, and an accumulator. A first control device and a second control device control the communication of hydraulic fluid between the pump, the accumulator, and the torque transmitting device.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2013Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Steven P. Moorman, Peter Donald Bock
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Patent number: 8636614Abstract: A hydraulic control system for actuating at least one torque transmitting device in a transmission includes a sump, a pump in communication with the sump, and an accumulator. A first control device and a second control device control the communication of hydraulic fluid between the pump, the accumulator, and the torque transmitting device.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2013Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Steven P. Moorman, Peter Donald Bock
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Publication number: 20140007727Abstract: A method of adjusting a pressure signal to an actuator piston to control movement of a synchronizer actuator fork of a transmission includes moving the synchronizer actuator fork from a start position into a target position by applying an initial fluid pressure value. The time required to move the synchronizer actuator fork is measured to define a measured actuation time, and compared to a target actuation time. A correction factor is applied to the initial fluid pressure value to define a revised fluid pressure value when the measured actuation time is not within a pre-defined time range of the target actuation time. When the measured actuation time is greater than the pre-defined time range of the target actuation time, the initial fluid pressure value is increased. When the measured actuation time is less than the pre-defined time range of the target actuation time, the initial fluid pressure value is decreased.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2012Publication date: January 9, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Christopher Jay Weingartz, Matthew D. Whitton, Steven P. Moorman, Matthew Kempeinen
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Publication number: 20130332038Abstract: A method of controlling a transmission includes estimating an expected coefficient of friction of the clutch, estimating a value of an expected torque required to maintain a constant slip of the clutch for a current input torque applied to the transmission, and determining a value of an actual torque applied to the clutch to maintain the constant slip of the clutch at the current input torque. An actual coefficient of friction of the clutch is calculated by dividing the actual torque applied to the clutch by the expected torque applied to the clutch, and multiplying that quotient by the expected coefficient of friction of the clutch. A feed forward torque command is then adjusted based upon the actual coefficient of friction of the clutch to define a revised value of the feed forward torque command, which may then be used to control the clutch for various control operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2012Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Robert L. Williams, Steven P. Moorman, Matthew D. Whitton
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Patent number: 8606476Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, transmission, and controller. The transmission includes a clutch pack, a clutch piston, and a position sensor. The sensor measures a changing magnetic field with respect to the piston, and encodes the measured magnetic field as a raw position signal. The controller receives the raw position signal and processes the raw position signal through a signal processing module to generate a filtered signal attenuating signal noise in the position signal. The controller determines a commanded position of the piston, and calculates separate proportional (P), derivative (D), and integral (I) control terms using the commanded position and filtered position signal. The controller also calculates a feed-forward control term using the commanded position, and a required flow rate for actuating the clutch pack as a function of the PID terms and the feed-forward commanded position term. The controller actuates the clutch pack using the commanded flow rate.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2012Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Matthew D. Whitton, Robert L. Williams, Steven P. Moorman, Cheol W. Kim
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Patent number: 8590684Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a dual clutch transmission includes a plurality of pressure and flow control devices in fluid communication with a plurality of clutch actuators and with a plurality of synchronizer actuators. The clutch actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of torque transmitting devices and the synchronizer actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of synchronizer assemblies. Selective activation of combinations of the pressure control solenoids and the flow control solenoids allows for a pressurized fluid to activate at least one of the clutch actuators and synchronizer actuators in order to shift the transmission into a desired gear ratio.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2010Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: John R. Czoykowski, Chinar S. Ghike, James D. Hendrickson, Philip C. Lundberg, Steven P. Moorman, Bret M. Olson
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Patent number: 8591365Abstract: A hydraulic control system for actuating at least one torque transmitting device in a transmission includes a sump, a pump in communication with the sump, and an accumulator. A first control device and a second control device control the communication of hydraulic fluid between the pump, the accumulator, and the torque transmitting device.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2013Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Steven P. Moorman, Peter Donald Bock
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Patent number: 8579094Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a transmission includes a first source of pressurized hydraulic fluid for providing a first flow of hydraulic fluid, a second source of pressurized hydraulic fluid for providing a second flow of hydraulic fluid, and a torque converter control subsystem for controlling a torque converter and a torque converter clutch. The torque converter control subsystem includes a torque converter control valve and a solenoid. The solenoid is multiplexed to the torque converter control valve and the torque converter clutch. The torque converter control valve is operable to control a flow of hydraulic fluid to the torque converter and to other subsystems within the hydraulic control system.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2010Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Steven P. Moorman, John R. Czoykowski, Chinar S. Ghike