Patents by Inventor Norman Bucknor

Norman Bucknor 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: 20080015082
    Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first, second and third differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, and six selectable torque-transfer devices, which may include a dog clutch. The selectable torque transfer devices are engaged singly or combinations of two to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and up to four mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transfer devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman Bucknor
  • Publication number: 20070225097
    Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first, second and third differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators and five or six selectable torque-transfer devices. The selectable torque transfer devices are engaged to provide an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse), four or more mechanically fixed forward speed ratios and at least one mechanical reverse speed ratio. The torque transfer devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide six operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, fixed forward mode and mechanical reverse mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Tejinder Singh, John Diemer, Joel Maguire, James Hendrickson, Norman Bucknor, Joshua Lehrmann, Alan Holmes
  • Publication number: 20070219035
    Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first and second differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, four or five selectable torque-transmitting devices, and possibly a dog clutch. The selectable torque transmitting devices are engaged to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and at least one mechanically fixed forward speed ratio. The torque transmitting devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman Bucknor
  • Publication number: 20070219036
    Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first, second and third differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, up to five selectable torque-transfer devices and possibly a dog clutch. The selectable torque transmitting devices are engaged to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and up to four mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transmitting devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Inventors: Norman Bucknor, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Publication number: 20070213159
    Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first, second and third differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, three or four selectable torque-transfer devices, and possibly a dog clutch. The selectable torque transfer devices are engaged to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transfer devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Norman Bucknor, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Publication number: 20070197335
    Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first, second and third differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, up to six selectable torque-transfer devices, and possibly a dog clutch. The selectable torque transfer devices are engaged to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transfer devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman Bucknor
  • Publication number: 20070129204
    Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first, second and third differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, four selectable torque-transfer devices (one clutch and three brakes), and possibly a dog clutch. The selectable torque transfer devices are engaged to provide an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and four mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transfer devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventors: Norman Bucknor, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Publication number: 20070129196
    Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first, second and third differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, four or five selectable torque-transfer devices (two clutches and two or three brakes), and possibly a dog clutch. The selectable torque transfer devices are engaged to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transfer devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventors: Norman Bucknor, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Publication number: 20070129203
    Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first, second and third differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, three or four selectable torque-transfer devices (one clutch and two or three brakes), and possibly a dog clutch. The selectable torque transfer devices are engaged to provide an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and up to four mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transfer devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman Bucknor
  • Publication number: 20070129202
    Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first, second and third differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, up to five selectable torque-transfer devices and possibly a dog clutch. The selectable torque transfer devices are engaged to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and up to four mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transfer devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman Bucknor
  • Publication number: 20070105678
    Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first and second differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, four selectable torque-transfer devices, and a dog clutch. The selectable torque transfer devices are engaged singly or in combinations to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and up to four mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transfer devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Publication date: May 10, 2007
    Inventors: Norman Bucknor, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Publication number: 20070072724
    Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first and second differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, five selectable torque-transfer devices, and a dog clutch. The selectable torque transfer devices are engaged singly or in combinations of two, three or four to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and up to four mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transfer devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman Bucknor
  • Publication number: 20070072725
    Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first and second differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, and up to five selectable torque-transfer devices, and a dog clutch. The selectable torque transfer devices are engaged singly or in combinations of two to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and up to four mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transfer devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventors: Norman Bucknor, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Publication number: 20070049440
    Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first, second and third differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, and up to five selectable torque-transfer devices. The selectable torque transfer devices are engaged singly or combinations of two to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and up to four mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transfer devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman Bucknor
  • Publication number: 20070042852
    Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first, second and third differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, and five selectable torque-transfer devices. The selectable torque transfer devices are engaged in combinations of two or three to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and four or five mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transfer devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventors: Norman Bucknor, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Publication number: 20070042858
    Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first, second and third differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, and up to five selectable torque-transfer devices, and possibly a dog clutch. The selectable torque transfer devices are engaged singly or combinations of two to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and up to four mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transfer devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman Bucknor
  • Publication number: 20070032328
    Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first, second and third differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, five selectable torque-transfer devices (two clutches and three brakes), and possibly a dog clutch. The selectable torque transfer devices are engaged singly or in combinations of two, three or four to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and up to four mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transfer devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman Bucknor
  • Publication number: 20070032327
    Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including two or three differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, and four or five selectable torque-transfer devices. The selectable torque transfer devices are engaged singly or in combinations of two or three to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and four mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transfer devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman Bucknor
  • Publication number: 20070010372
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets having seven torque-transmitting mechanisms and three interconnecting members. The powertrain includes an engine that is selectively connectable to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The seven torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, the input shaft and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Publication date: January 11, 2007
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman Bucknor, Patrick Usoro
  • Publication number: 20070010367
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets having seven torque-transmitting mechanisms and three interconnecting members. The powertrain includes an engine that is selectively connectable to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The seven torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, the input shaft and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Publication date: January 11, 2007
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman Bucknor, Patrick Usoro