Alan D Miller

US Patent:

46912762, Sep 1, 1987

Filed:

Oct 21, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/789890

Inventors:

Alan L. Miller - Chicago IL
James L. Kozlowski - Whiting IN

Assignee:

Borg-Warner Industrial Products, Inc. - Long Beach CA

International Classification:

G06F 1546
F16J 1534

US Classification:

364148

Abstract:

An adaptive control system regulates operation of a mechanical seal assembly by reacting dynamically to changes in seal operating conditions to provide minimal wear with minimal fluid leakage. The disclosed "self-learning" method adapts automatically to arbitrary changes in fluid medium temperature and pressure, as well as shaft rotation speed, by detecting a limit cycle type oscillation of a seal-related variable, such as temperature of a seal face and/or fluid temperature. This variable is monitored via a microcomputer-based system which identifies these abrupt oscillations or spikes. The control algorithm selects a particular displacement of an actuator to modify the seal face deflection to the optimal value, and in this way attains maximum seal life while minimizing leakage.

US Patent:

47934549, Dec 27, 1988

Filed:

Mar 13, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/025391

Inventors:

Werner P. Petzold - Harwood Heights IL
Alan L. Miller - Chicago IL
William P. Umlauf - Schererville IN

Assignee:

Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc. - Troy MI

International Classification:

B60K 4102
B60K 4128

US Classification:

192 0032

Abstract:

A clutch control system provides and regulates pressure at a clutch for transmitting torque from an engine to a drive train through a continuously variable transmission. A positive torque value is determined for each throttle setting and provided as a pressure input signal. Engine speed is monitored through a closed loop feedback system to provide an error signal to the desired pressure setting. A pressure control loop monitors pressure at the clutch through a closed loop feedback system to maintain the pressure at the clutch at a desired level. Filtering is provided in the torque and engine speed loops to provide for a more realistic response to driver demand. Incorporation of belt ratio factor in the engine speed control loop further provides for consistent and accurate response to driver demand variations at differing transmission drive levels. Overall line pressure within the associated hydraulic system further controls a proportional gain in the pressure control loop to provide appropriate response. Phase compensation and integral dynamic phase factors in the pressure control loop further guarantee a zero level steady state error signal and the generation of accurate control over the pressure control valve.

US Patent:

46484965, Mar 10, 1987

Filed:

Apr 12, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/722578

Inventors:

Werner P. Petzold - Harwood Heights IL
Alan L. Miller - Chicago IL

Assignee:

Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc. - Troy MI

International Classification:

B60K 4102

US Classification:

192 0076

Abstract:

A clutch control system for a continuously variable transmission includes a mode determination system which samples input signals including position of the neutral-drive selector, driver demand, engine speed, vehicle speed, and clutch input speed. From these signals the operating mode is determined and the clutch control system operating mode is set. In starting the vehicle, a minor pressure feedback loop and a major engine speed feedback loop are used. When the clutch is locked up, these control loops are not employed in regulating the vehicle operation.

US Patent:

49479709, Aug 14, 1990

Filed:

Nov 8, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/268786

Inventors:

Alan L. Miller - Chicago IL
Susan W. Schultz - Boxford MA
William P. Umlauf - Schererville IN

Assignee:

Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc. - Troy MI

International Classification:

F16D 43284
B60K 4102

US Classification:

192 0076

Abstract:

A control system for a vehicle drive train includes a controller which is responsive to a throttle signal from a throttle position sensor and which controls a clutch unit to control speed and acceleration and to obtain optimum driver "feel". The system is responsive to advancing movement of a throttle to a more open position to efficiently utilize rotating energy of engine parts for more rapid vehicle acceleration.