The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 22, 2008
Filed:
Mar. 22, 2006
Paul D. Stevenson, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Hamid Vahabzadeh, Oakland, MI (US);
Paul D. Stevenson, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Hamid Vahabzadeh, Oakland, MI (US);
GM Global Technology Operations, Inc., Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
A more efficient method for maintaining the hydraulic actuation of a selectively engageable torque transmitting device in a vehicle. The method includes generating a predetermined pressure level of a hydraulic fluid such as, for example, with a pump. The pressurized hydraulic fluid is transferred through an open valve and to a selectively engageable torque transmitting device such that the selectively engageable torque transmitting device is engaged. Thereafter, the valve is closed so that the predetermined pressure level of hydraulic fluid at the selectively engageable torque transmitting device remains relatively constant. Accordingly, the selectively engageable torque transmitting device remains engaged without continuously generating additional pressure such that the fuel economy of the vehicle is improved. A corresponding apparatus is also provided.