Patents by Inventor Edwin T. Grochowski

Edwin T. Grochowski 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).

  • Patent number: 8220351
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output transfer gear, first and second shaft members, a countershaft, a reverse shaft, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Craig S. Ross, Edwin T. Grochowski, Scott H. Wittkopp
  • Publication number: 20120178583
    Abstract: A front wheel drive transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and a brake arranged within a transmission housing. Each of the clutches and the brake are located within specific areas defined by the planetary gear sets and the housing walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Clinton E. Carey, Daryl A. Wilton, Edwin T. Grochowski, James M. Hart, Scott H. Wittkopp, Andrew W. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20120178574
    Abstract: A powertrain for a hybrid electric vehicle includes an engine, an electric motor module, and a transmission. The electric motor module includes a hydraulic cooling circuit for the electric motor. The hydraulic cooling circuit includes a fluid passage and an annulus in fluid communication with the fluid passage. The annulus is radially outwardly disposed relative to a stator of an electric motor for circulating hydraulic fluid around an outer circumference of the stator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Edwin T. Grochowski, James M. Hart
  • Publication number: 20120175212
    Abstract: A launch and disconnect clutch for the electric motor of a P2 hybrid powertrain is compact and provides improved operation. The clutch is mounted between the engine and transmission in the space formerly occupied by the torque converter. The clutch assembly is configured so that actuation, compensation and cooling are provided by only two oil channels. The clutch utilizes single-sided reaction plates which achieve high clutch gain thereby providing high torque capacity under electric operation and improved launch shudder characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Edwin T. Grochowski, Anthony L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20120174998
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a clutch of a transmission includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid, a line pressure regulator valve, a clutch control valve, a control valve bore, and a bypass sleeve. The bypass sleeve is installed in the control valve bore and includes an axial bore, and a first and a second port. The first port is in communication with the axial bore and the first of the plurality of ports of the control valve bore, the second port is in communication with the axial bore and the second of the plurality of ports of the control valve bore, and the axial bore is not in communication with the remainder of the plurality of ports of the control valve bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Edwin T. Grochowski
  • Publication number: 20120178569
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Edwin T. Grochowski, James M. Hart
  • Publication number: 20120178573
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Edwin T. Grochowski
  • Patent number: 8197377
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque-transmitting devices. Further, a hydraulic fluid control circuit is provided for controlling the operation of the plurality of torque-transmitting devices. The hydraulic fluid control circuit receives pressurized hydraulic fluid from an off-axis hydraulic fluid pump and has a plurality of fluid passages disposed in the transmission house, input member and other coupling members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Andrew W. Phillips, Edwin T. Grochowski, Elizabeth I. Wooden, Scott H. Wittkopp, James B. Borgerson, Clinton E. Carey
  • Publication number: 20120129640
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque-transmitting devices. Further, a hydraulic fluid control circuit is provided for controlling the operation of the plurality of torque-transmitting devices. The hydraulic fluid control circuit receives pressurized hydraulic fluid from an off-axis hydraulic fluid pump and has a plurality of fluid passages disposed in the transmission house, input member and other coupling members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Patrick S. Portell, John A. Diemer, James M. Hart, Scott H. Wittkopp, Edwin T. Grochowski, Douglas John Dwenger, Elizabeth I. Wooden, Boris Burgman, Clinton E. Carey, Tejinder Singh
  • Patent number: 8172058
    Abstract: A method of operating a friction plate clutch includes activating a clutch control mechanism to engage the friction plate clutch, and engaging a holding clutch. The clutch control mechanism is then deactivated, rendering it unable to maintain engagement of the friction plate clutch. The holding clutch is used to retain engagement of the friction plate clutch. One embodiment of the method uses a wedge clutch as the holding clutch, and another embodiment uses a one-way bearing clutch. The clutch control mechanism may be a hydraulic clutch control. A latching clutch assembly includes a friction plate clutch movable between an engaged and a disengaged position. A bearing clutch is operatively coupled to the friction plate clutch and has a locked and a released position. The locked position is configured to oppose movement of the friction plate clutch from the engaged position to the disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Edwin T. Grochowski, Chi-Kuan Kao
  • Patent number: 8105196
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque-transmitting devices. Further, a hydraulic fluid control circuit is provided for controlling the operation of the plurality of torque-transmitting devices. The hydraulic fluid control circuit receives pressurized hydraulic fluid from an off-axis hydraulic fluid pump and has a plurality of fluid passages disposed in the transmission house, input member and other coupling members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Patrick S. Portell, John A. Diemer, James M. Hart, Scott H. Wittkopp, Edwin T. Grochowski, Douglas John Dwenger, Elizabeth I. Wooden, Boris Burgman, Clinton E. Carey, Tejinder Singh
  • Patent number: 8075441
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque-transmitting devices. Further, a hydraulic fluid control circuit is provided for controlling the operation of the plurality of torque-transmitting devices. The hydraulic fluid control circuit receives pressurized hydraulic fluid from an off-axis hydraulic fluid pump and has a plurality of fluid passages disposed in the transmission house, input shaft, output shaft and other coupling members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Scott H. Wittkopp, Clinton E. Carey, Andrew W. Phillips, James B. Borgerson, Steven P. Moorman, Elizabeth I. Wooden, Edwin T. Grochowski
  • Patent number: 8047958
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, two planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches, centrifugal clutches, and synchronizers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, Edwin T. Grochowski, James M. Hart
  • Publication number: 20110209470
    Abstract: A system for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid in a transmission of a motor vehicle includes a pump for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid having an inlet port and an outlet port. A bypass valve includes an inlet port in communication with the outlet port of the pump, a first outlet port in communication with the inlet port of the pump, and a second outlet port. The inlet port of the bypass valve is in communication with the second outlet port of the bypass valve when the bypass valve is in a first position and the inlet port of the bypass valve is in communication with the first outlet port of the bypass valve when the bypass valve is in a second position. A control device and accumulator are operatively associated with the bypass valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin Michael Dougan, Fredrick R. Poskie, Edwin T. Grochowski, Bret M. Olson, James W. Haynes
  • Publication number: 20110176932
    Abstract: A hydraulic fluid circuit for a power transmission device includes a first hydraulic circuit segment fluidly decoupled from a second hydraulic circuit segment. A hydraulic pump includes a first fluidic pumping element and a second fluidic pumping element. The first fluidic pumping element fluidly communicates with the first hydraulic circuit segment. The second fluidic pumping element fluidly communicates with the second hydraulic circuit segment. The first fluidic pumping element is controllable to a first pump operating point to achieve a preferred high fluidic flow rate in the first hydraulic circuit segment. The second fluidic pumping element is controllable to a second pump operating point to achieve a preferred high fluidic pressure in the second hydraulic circuit segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: John C. Schultz, Norman Schoenek, Kevin Michael Dougan, Edwin T. Grochowski, Daryla A. Wilton, Edward W. Mellet
  • Publication number: 20110053725
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque-transmitting devices. Further, a hydraulic fluid control circuit is provided for controlling the operation of the plurality of torque-transmitting devices. The hydraulic fluid control circuit receives pressurized hydraulic fluid from an off-axis hydraulic fluid pump and has a plurality of fluid passages disposed in the transmission house, input member and other coupling members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Andrew W. Phillips, Edwin T. Grochowski, Elizabeth I. Wooden, Scott H. Wittkopp, James B. Borgerson, Clinton E. Carey
  • Patent number: 7878940
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes arranged within a transmission housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Clinton E. Carey, James M. Hart, Scott H. Wittkopp, Andrew W. Phillips, Edwin T. Grochowski, Elizabeth I. Wooden
  • Publication number: 20110021300
    Abstract: Various embodiments of electrically-variable transmissions are provided that have two motor-generators, two planetary gear sets, and two torque-transmitting mechanisms, including a rotating-type clutch and a stationary-type clutch. An input member is connected for common rotation with a ring gear of the first planetary gear set. Carriers of both of the planetary gear sets are connected for common rotation with one another, and with an output member. The first motor/generator is connected for common rotation with the sun gear of the first planetary gear set. The second motor/generator is connected for common rotation with the sun gear of the second planetary gear set. A drive transfer assembly transfers torque from components establishing the first axis of rotation through components establishing one or two additional axes of rotation to a differential establishing yet another axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Edwin T. Grochowski, Scott H. Wittkopp, James B. Borgerson, James M. Hart
  • Patent number: 7867130
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes arranged within a transmission housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Clinton E. Carey, James M. Hart, Scott H. Wittkopp, Andrew W. Phillips, Edwin T. Grochowski, Elizabeth I. Wooden
  • Patent number: 7867128
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes arranged within a transmission housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Clinton E. Carey, James M. Hart, Scott H. Wittkopp, Andrew W. Phillips, Edwin T. Grochowski, Elizabeth I. Wooden