Patents by Inventor Allison Transmission, Inc.

Allison Transmission, Inc. 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).

  • Publication number: 20140262670
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a disconnect mechanism for removably coupling an input member and an output member to one another. The mechanism includes a drive member configured to be rotationally driven and a driven member rotationally coupled to the drive member. A collar is rotatably coupled to the driven member, where rotation of the drive member induces rotational and longitudinal movement of the collar along the shaft. The mechanism further includes a coupler member coupled to the collar such that the coupler member is adapted to be removably coupled to the input member and output member. As the collar moves along the longitudinal shaft, the coupler member moves longitudinally between a first position in which the input member and output member are coupled and a second position in which the input member and output member are decoupled from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Allison Transmission Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130225357
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an automatic transmission having an input adapted to couple to a torque-generating mechanism and an output coupled to the input. The transmission also includes a first rotating torque-transferring mechanism disposed along a first torque path and coupled to the input. A second rotating torque-transferring mechanism is disposed along a second torque path and is coupled to the input independent of the first torque-transferring mechanism. The transmission includes a plurality of stationary torque-transferring mechanisms, each of which is disposed between the input and output. The transmission includes a first planetary gearset, a second planetary gearset, a third planetary gearset, and a fourth planetary gearset, where each gearset includes a sun gear, a ring gear, and a carrier assembly. Moreover, the ring gear of the third planetary gearset is coupled to the carrier assembly of the second planetary gearset and the carrier assembly of the fourth planetary gearset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventor: Allison Transmission, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130213501
    Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a main modulation control scheme which relies in part on the use of a VBS solenoid and the multiplexing of that solenoid. The hydraulic system is associated with a hybrid module and by controlling the main pressure at a reduced level, the fuel economy and reliability of that hybrid module are improved. The system pressure is controlled by the multiplexed VBS solenoid in order to maintain adequate clutch pressure based on torque requirements. The overall system cost is reduced by the multiplexing of valves and solenoids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: Allison Transmission, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130157796
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an automatic transmission having an input adapted to couple to a torque-generating mechanism and an output coupled to the input. The transmission also includes a first rotating torque-transferring mechanism disposed along a first torque path and coupled to the input. A second rotating torque-transferring mechanism is disposed along a second torque path and is coupled to the input independent of the first torque-transferring mechanism. The transmission includes a plurality of stationary torque-transferring mechanisms, each of which is disposed between the input and output. The transmission includes a first planetary gearset, a second planetary gearset, a third planetary gearset, and a fourth planetary gearset, where each gearset includes a sun gear, a ring gear, and a carrier assembly. Moreover, the carrier assembly of the third planetary gearset is coupled to the output and the sun gear of the fourth planetary gearset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: Allison Transmission Inc.
    Inventor: Allison Transmission Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130145883
    Abstract: A shift by wire control for a multi-speed vehicle transmission is provided. The control includes a shift by wire shift valve in fluid communication with other shift valves and clutch trim valves to provide double blocking features in the neutral range and a reverse range. The shift by wire valve is configured with multiple differential areas to provide failure modes for all forward ranges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventor: Allison Transmission, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130125995
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a hybrid module which is located between an engine and a transmission includes a parallel arrangement of a mechanical pump and an electric pump. Each pump is constructed and arranged to deliver oil to other portions of the hydraulic system depending on the operational mode. Three operational modes are described including an electric mode, a transition mode, and a cruise mode. Included is a lube splitter valve which prioritizes the delivery of oil between downstream components and the motor (eMachine). The motor temperature is monitored and an elevated motor temperature provides an indication of a clogged oil filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventor: Allison Transmission, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130118859
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an input damper for coupling to a torque-generating mechanism. The damper includes an outer cover, a hub, and a carrier assembly coupled to the hub. The carrier assembly is movably disposed within the cover. A clutch assembly moves between an engaged position and a disengaged position and is biased towards the engaged position. The input damper further includes an angular displacement mechanism operably coupled to the clutch assembly for moving the clutch assembly between the engaged position and disengaged position. The outer cover is coupled to the carrier assembly in the engaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventor: Allison Transmission, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130118617
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a hybrid module which is located between an engine and a transmission includes a parallel arrangement of a mechanical pump and an electric pump. Each pump is constructed and arranged to deliver oil to other portions of the hydraulic system depending on the operational mode. Three operational modes are described including an electric mode, a transition mode, and a cruise mode. Various monitoring and control features are incorporated into the hydraulic system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventor: Allison Transmission, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130121849
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes a hybrid module, a transmission and a torque converter. The lubrication system associated with the torque converter includes an oil sump within the torque converter housing which is intended to be managed as a “dry” sump oil lubrication system. There is an oil pump in communication with the sump in order to manage the sump oil level. By monitoring an operational parameter of the oil pump motor (pressure, torque, or current) oil aeration can be detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventor: Allison Transmission, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130105129
    Abstract: An energy storage system comprising at least one energy storage module adapted to supply electrical energy to a hybrid vehicle. The energy storage module comprises an enclosure having at least one battery array located within the enclosure. The energy storage module includes a thermal pad disposed between the battery array and an interior surface of the primary enclosure. A heat sink is disposed on an exterior surface of the primary enclosure. The heat sink comprises a plurality of fins which may be disposed angularly with respect to a longitudinal axis of the primary enclosure. The height or length of the fins may be varied relative to a fan location to provide uniform cooling across the battery cells in the battery array. An enclosing plate is mounted exterior to the heat sink and defining an airflow cavity, wherein the enclosing plate directs air from the fan across the heat sink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: Allison Transmission, Inc.