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: 7867129
    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: 7862467
    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 4, 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: 7862466
    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 4, 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: 7854675
    Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly for use in a transmission that includes a first rotating member having a first portion and a second portion, the second portion having an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the first portion and having a bore with an open end. An annulus has a port for providing a fluid and is disposed proximate to the first portion. A second rotating member is at least partially located within the bore and extends from the open end. A first passage is connected to the port of the annulus and a second passage is connected to the first passage. The second passage is located through the second portion. A third passage is connected to the second passage and is located in the second rotating member. Fluid is able to flow from the port through the passages to provide fluid to the second rotating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Edwin T. Grochowski
  • Publication number: 20100304917
    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: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Clinton E. Carey, James M. Hart, Scott H. Wittkopp, Andrew W. Phillips, Edwin T. Grochowski, Elizabeth L. Wooden
  • Publication number: 20100279811
    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: May 1, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    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: 7824297
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission has four planetary gear sets and five torque-transmitting mechanisms packaged in at least one of six possible zones within the transmission casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Clinton E. Carey, Andrew W. Phillips, Edwin T. Grochowski, Scott H. Wittkopp, James M. Hart
  • Publication number: 20100267515
    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: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Clinton E. Carey, James M. Hart, Scott H. Wittkopp, Andrew W. Phillips, Edwin T. Grochowski, Elizabeth I. Wooden
  • Publication number: 20100267514
    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: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Clinton E. Carey, James M. Hart, Scott H. Wittkopp, Andrew W. Phillips, Edwin T. Grochowski, Elizabeth I. Wooden
  • Publication number: 20100267516
    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: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Clinton E. Carey, James M. Hart, Scott H. Wittkopp, Andrew W. Phillips, Edwin T. Grochowski, Elizabeth I. Wooden
  • Publication number: 20100267513
    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: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Clinton E. Carey, James M. Hart, Scott H. Wittkopp, Andrew W. Phillips, Edwin T. Grochowski, Elizabeth I. Wooden
  • Publication number: 20100267517
    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: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Clinton E. Carey, James M. Hart, Scott H. Wittkopp, Andrew W. Phillips, Edwin T. Grochowski, Elizabeth I. Wooden
  • Publication number: 20100236358
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output transfer gear, first and second shaft members, first and second counter shaft members, 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: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Craig S. Ross, Edwin T. Grochowski, Scott H. Wittkopp
  • Publication number: 20100236359
    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: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Craig S. Ross, Edwin T. Grochowski, Scott H. Wittkopp
  • Publication number: 20100210388
    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 member of the second planetary gear set. A drive transfer assembly transfers torque from components establishing the first axis of rotation to components establishing the second axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Edwin T. Grochowski, Scott H. Wittkopp, James B. Borgerson, James M. Hart
  • Patent number: 7775931
    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: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    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
  • Publication number: 20100190602
    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: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, Edwin T. Grochowski, James M. Hart
  • Publication number: 20100179009
    Abstract: Various embodiments of electrically-variable transmissions have first and second motor-generators, first and second planetary gear sets, and two torque-transmitting mechanisms, including a rotating-type torque-transmitting mechanism and a stationary-type torque-transmitting mechanism. An input member is connected for common rotation with a ring gear of the first planetary gear set. Carrier members of both of the planetary gear sets are connected for common rotation with one another, and with an output member, via one or more radial-extending hub members and an axial-extending member or shaft. 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 member of the second planetary gear set. In each embodiment, the various components of the transmission are positioned relative to one another to minimize the number and/or size of interconnecting shafts and shells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, Alan G. Holmes, James M. Hart, Edwin T. Grochowski, Elizabeth I. Wooden
  • Publication number: 20100179026
    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: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Edwin T. Grochowski, Chi-Kuan Kao
  • Publication number: 20100038200
    Abstract: A powertrain is provided that has an engine and a torque converter. The engine is configured to provide oil to the torque converter for operation of the torque converter. The engine oil may provide both the fluid coupling and torque converter clutch apply and release functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Hamid Vahabzadeh, Scott H. Wittkopp, Edwin T. Grochowski