Company Filing History:
Years Active: 2009-2013
Title: **Innovator Spotlight: Donald D. Crites**
Introduction
Donald D. Crites is an accomplished inventor based in Washington, MI, known for his significant contributions to the field of automotive technology. With a total of seven patents to his name, he has focused on enhancing vehicle performance and efficiency, particularly in hybrid and dual-clutch transmission systems.
Latest Patents
Among his latest inventions is a patent for a gear preselect system for a dual-clutch transmission. This innovative system includes a vehicle speed offset module that generates a vehicle speed offset signal based on preselect time and a vehicle acceleration signal. Furthermore, a compensated vehicle speed module creates a compensated vehicle speed, which is then utilized by a preselect command module to generate a predicted gear signal. This signal informs the system about the first predicted gear, facilitating smoother transitions between gears.
In addition, Crites holds a patent for a battery control method for hybrid vehicles. This hybrid control module consists of a vehicle load module that determines power requirements for the vehicle and a hybrid battery discharge module that selectively regulates power from the hybrid battery based on specific conditions. The invention addresses the management of power consumption and enhances the overall efficiency of hybrid systems.
Career Highlights
Donald D. Crites is currently employed at GM Global Technology Operations LLC, where he continues to drive innovation within the automotive industry. His work and patents have made significant advancements in vehicle technology, showcasing his dedication to improving automotive systems.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Crites has collaborated with notable engineers such as William Leonard Aldrich III and Goro Tamai. These partnerships have played a vital role in the successful development of complex automotive technologies, merging their expertise to achieve groundbreaking results.
Conclusion
Donald D. Crites exemplifies the spirit of innovation in the automotive sector. With his impressive portfolio of patents and collaborations, he continues to impact the industry significantly, paving the way for advancements in vehicle technology and efficiency. As he progresses in his career, the contributions made by Crites will undoubtedly inspire future generations of inventors and engineers.
Inventor’s Patent Attorneys refers to legal professionals with specialized expertise in representing inventors throughout the patent process. These attorneys assist inventors in navigating the complexities of patent law, including filing patent applications, conducting patent searches, and protecting intellectual property rights. They play a crucial role in helping inventors secure patents for their innovative creations.