Patents by Inventor Todd R. Berger
Todd R. Berger 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: 10514094Abstract: A method for controlling internal electronic range selection for an automatic transmission includes: confirming if a range change command has been ordered from a current transmission operating state; verifying expected performance from at least first and second mode valves and a park servo are present in the current transmission operating state prior to allowing a range change event; during the range change event: generating proactive commands including ordering a reduction in a hydraulic system pressure; and identifying if an unexpected event is detected; and following completion of the range change event confirming expected performance is obtained from at least the first and second mode valves and the park servo to achieve a driver intended state.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2017Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Todd R. Berger, David C. Webert, Roberto Diaz, David H. Moiseev, Joseph V. Pittiglio, Dustin A. Nygaard
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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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Patent number: 10393232Abstract: A method of operating a motor vehicle transmission includes measuring an operating temperature of the transmission, the transmission having at least seven torque transmitting mechanisms and at least three planetary gear sets, each planetary gear set having three gear members; determining if the transmission is in a park mode; determining if the operating temperature is below a predetermined threshold; if the operating temperature is below the predetermined threshold and the transmission is the park mode, implementing a shift delay mitigation process that includes engaging a fourth torque transmitting mechanism and a firth torque transmitting mechanism of the at least seven torque transmitting mechanisms so that they are locked to a ground to prevent a first gear member of the first planetary gear set from moving, which, in turn, prevents an input torque being transferred to a park pawl.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2017Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: David C. Webert, Todd R. Berger
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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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Publication number: 20190017592Abstract: A method for controlling internal electronic range selection for an automatic transmission includes: confirming if a range change command has been ordered from a current transmission operating state; verifying expected performance from at least first and second mode valves and a park servo are present in the current transmission operating state prior to allowing a range change event; during the range change event: generating proactive commands including ordering a reduction in a hydraulic system pressure; and identifying if an unexpected event is detected; and following completion of the range change event confirming expected performance is obtained from at least the first and second mode valves and the park servo to achieve a driver intended state.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2017Publication date: January 17, 2019Inventors: Todd R. Berger, David C. Webert, Roberto Diaz, David H. Moiseev, Joseph V. Pittiglio, Dustin A. Nygaard
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Publication number: 20180335133Abstract: A method of operating a motor vehicle transmission includes measuring an operating temperature of the transmission, the transmission having at least seven torque transmitting mechanisms and at least three planetary gear sets, each planetary gear set having three gear members; determining if the transmission is in a park mode; determining if the operating temperature is below a predetermined threshold; if the operating temperature is below the predetermined threshold and the transmission is the park mode, implementing a shift delay mitigation process that includes engaging a fourth torque transmitting mechanism and a firth torque transmitting mechanism of the at least seven torque transmitting mechanisms so that they are locked to a ground to prevent a first gear member of the first planetary gear set from moving, which, in turn, prevents an input torque being transferred to a park pawl.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2017Publication date: November 22, 2018Inventors: David C. Webert, Todd R. Berger
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Patent number: 10018269Abstract: A solenoid assembly is disposed in a bore of a valve body where the bore includes a plurality of ports. The solenoid assembly includes a bushing or sleeve disposed in the bore. The sleeve has at least one slot that is aligned with at least one of the plurality of ports. A valve is slidably disposed within the sleeve. A solenoid has a movable armature configured to move the valve.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2015Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Kelly E. Eber, Todd R. Berger, Christopher G. Benson
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Patent number: 9835206Abstract: A one-way clutch includes a clutch body and body bore. A clutch plate stack includes first, second, and third clutch plates, the first and third clutch plates fixed to the clutch body. The second clutch plate rotates axially on a longitudinal axis. The first clutch plate includes a first strut cavity and the second clutch plate includes a second strut cavity. A forward strut is rotatably connected to the second clutch plate and biased toward the first clutch plate. The forward strut when positioned in the first strut cavity defines a clutch engaged position preventing second clutch plate rotation in a first rotational direction, while allowing rotation in a second rotational direction. A reverse strut slidably disposed in a strut bore extends through the third clutch plate, is partially positioned in the second strut cavity and is displaced in the strut bore during rotation of the second clutch plate.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2015Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Kelly E. Eber, Todd R. Berger, Christopher G. Benson
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Patent number: 9816607Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a transmission includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid that communicates with an electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) subsystem or manual valve and a clutch actuation subsystem.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2016Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Todd R. Berger, Kevin Michael Dougan
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Publication number: 20170130784Abstract: A one-way clutch includes a clutch body and body bore. A clutch plate stack includes first, second, and third clutch plates, the first and third clutch plates fixed to the clutch body. The second clutch plate rotates axially on a longitudinal axis. The first clutch plate includes a first strut cavity and the second clutch plate includes a second strut cavity. A forward strut is rotatably connected to the second clutch plate and biased toward the first clutch plate. The forward strut when positioned in the first strut cavity defines a clutch engaged position preventing second clutch plate rotation in a first rotational direction, while allowing rotation in a second rotational direction. A reverse strut slidably disposed in a strut bore extends through the third clutch plate, is partially positioned in the second strut cavity and is displaced in the strut bore during rotation of the second clutch plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2015Publication date: May 11, 2017Inventors: Kelly E. Eber, Todd R. Berger, Christopher G. Benson
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Patent number: 9383007Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a transmission with a shift valve, an alternator, an auxiliary battery, a voltage sensor operable to measure an auxiliary voltage, and an electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) system. The ETRS system includes a controller, and also an electronic range selector device that transmits an electronic range request signal to the controller to request the shift of the transmission to a requested operating range. The controller executes a method to predict a loss of auxiliary power aboard the vehicle, and to control an action of the vehicle in response to the predicted loss of auxiliary power. The electronic range request signal is received from the range selector device and auxiliary voltage. The controller calculates a slope of a decrease in the measured auxiliary voltage. A control action is executed with the alternator is in the charging state and the calculated slope exceeds a calibrated slope threshold.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2014Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Steven P. Moorman, Todd R. Berger, Orson S. Wang, Dong Da
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Publication number: 20160153550Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a transmission includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid that communicates with an electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) subsystem or manual valve and a clutch actuation subsystem.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2016Publication date: June 2, 2016Inventors: Todd R. Berger, Kevin Michael Dougan
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Patent number: 9341199Abstract: A torque converter hydraulic control subsystem for a transmission is provided. The torque converter hydraulic control subsystem includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid that communicates with a torque converter clutch (TCC) regulation valve, a TCC control valve, and a lubrication boost valve. The torque converter hydraulic control subsystem is configured to provide cooling and lubrication fluid flow to a torque converter in all modes of operation.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2013Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Christopher G. Benson, Todd R. Berger
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Publication number: 20160123461Abstract: A solenoid assembly is disposed in a bore of a valve body where the bore includes a plurality of ports. The solenoid assembly includes a bushing or sleeve disposed in the bore. The sleeve has at least one slot that is aligned with at least one of the plurality of ports. A valve is slidably disposed within the sleeve. A solenoid has a movable armature configured to move the valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2015Publication date: May 5, 2016Inventors: Kelly E. Eber, Todd R. Berger, Christopher G. Benson
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Patent number: 9321435Abstract: A system for locking a Park device in a transmission in an out-of-Park mode of operation includes a valve body that defines a bore, a solenoid connected to the valve body, a lock feature disposed in the valve body and interconnected with the solenoid, and a servo piston disposed within the bore of the valve body. The servo piston has a detent and the servo piston is interconnected to the Park device and is moveable between a first position and a second position. The detent is radially aligned with the lock feature when the servo piston is in the first position. Activation of the solenoid locks the lock feature into the detent of the servo piston to lock the Park device of the transmission in the no-Park mode.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2012Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations Inc.Inventors: Christopher J. Landino, Stephen W. Powell, Todd R. Berger
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Publication number: 20160053887Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a transmission with a shift valve, an alternator, an auxiliary battery, a voltage sensor operable to measure an auxiliary voltage, and an electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) system. The ETRS system includes a controller, and also an electronic range selector device that transmits an electronic range request signal to the controller to request the shift of the transmission to a requested operating range. The controller executes a method to predict a loss of auxiliary power aboard the vehicle, and to control an action of the vehicle in response to the predicted loss of auxiliary power. The electronic range request signal is received from the range selector device and auxiliary voltage. The controller calculates a slope of a decrease in the measured auxiliary voltage. A control action is executed with the alternator is in the charging state and the calculated slope exceeds a calibrated slope threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2014Publication date: February 25, 2016Inventors: Steven P. Moorman, Todd R. Berger, Orson S. Wang, Dong Da
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Patent number: 9254831Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a transmission includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid that communicates with an electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) subsystem or manual valve and a clutch actuation subsystem.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2013Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Todd R. Berger, Kevin Michael Dougan
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Publication number: 20150285369Abstract: An active thermal hydraulic control system for a transmission is provided. The active thermal hydraulic control system improves fuel economy by storing transmission fluid in areas away from rotating components during hot operation. However, during other conditions the transmission fluid is kept in the sump. The active thermal hydraulic control system includes an active thermal valve. The active thermal valve is an electro-mechanical device which converts electrical energy into thermal energy which melts a wax pellet which in turn moves a plunger. Movement of the plunger controls the opening and closing of a valve that communicates between the sump and the side or front cover of the transmission. The system improves fuel economy by as much as 0.5% by storing excess hydraulic fluid away from rotating components.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2015Publication date: October 8, 2015Inventors: Christopher G. Benson, Todd R. Berger, Mark David Kieliszewski, Philip C. Lundberg
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Patent number: 9080666Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a transmission is provided. The hydraulic control system includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid that communicates with a discrete electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) subsystem. The hydraulic control system includes first and second mode valves located downstream of a hydraulic fluid pressure source. The mode valves are supplied with fluid via one or more solenoid valves or other valves. The mode valves have a plurality of ports configured to transfer pressurized hydraulic fluid. The first mode valve transfers pressurized hydraulic fluid from the source to the second mode valve. The second mode valve transfers pressurized hydraulic fluid from the first mode valve to one of drive or reverse. An electro-hydraulic circuit for pulling the transmission out of park and putting the transmission into park is also provided. A park sensor assembly including a Hall Effect sensor switch is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2013Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Todd R. Berger, Peter Donald Bock, John R. Czoykowski, Christopher J. Landino, Bradford E. Vorbeck, Stephen W. Powell
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Patent number: 8967351Abstract: A hydraulic control system of an automatic transmission includes a clutch compensator feed circuit that is in communication with clutch apply circuit exhaust fluid. The clutch compensator feed circuit receives exhaust fluid from one or more apply clutches, or other torque transmitting device(s), and feeds the exhaust fluid to the balance side of the clutch or other torque transmitting device. The clutch compensator feed circuit may be open to atmospheric pressure, such that the clutch compensator feed circuit is not pressurized with respect to atmospheric pressure.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2013Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Christopher G. Benson, Todd R. Berger