Patents by Inventor Patrick B. Usoro

Patrick B. Usoro 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: 7247120
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman K. Bucknor, Patrick B. Usoro
  • Patent number: 7226382
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman K. Bucknor, Patrick B. Usoro, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 7222011
    Abstract: A starting clutch control includes an engine control state and a slip control state. The engine and slip control states include feedforward and driveline damping control terms. The engine state control may further include an engine speed control term. The slip control state further includes a clutch slip control term. Changes to clutch engagement commands are frozen upon throttle tip-in events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony L. Smith, Patrick B. Usoro, Chi-Kuan Kao
  • Patent number: 7192378
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman K. Bucknor, Patrick B. Usoro
  • Patent number: 7192373
    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 four or five selectable torque-transfer devices. 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 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: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Norman K. Bucknor, James D. Hendrickson, Madhusudan Raghavan, Alan G. Holmes, Patrick B. Usoro
  • Patent number: 7175561
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick B. Usoro, Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman K. Bucknor
  • Patent number: 7166053
    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 four 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: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Norman K. Bucknor, Patrick B. Usoro, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 7153231
    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 two 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: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick B. Usoro, Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman K. Bucknor
  • Patent number: 7153232
    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 a grounded planetary gear member. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected 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 and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of four to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick B. Usoro, Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman K. Bucknor
  • Patent number: 7150695
    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 fixed 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 three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick B. Usoro, Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman K. Bucknor
  • Patent number: 7150696
    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, two interconnecting members, and a grounded planetary gear member. 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 three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Norman K. Bucknor, Patrick B. Usoro, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 7128684
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least eight forward torque ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets having seven torque-transmitting mechanisms, and two interconnecting members, one of which is grounded. 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 three to establish at least eight forward torque ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman K. Bucknor, Patrick B. Usoro
  • Patent number: 7118508
    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 two 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 three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick B. Usoro, Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman K. Bucknor
  • Patent number: 7118510
    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 two fixed interconnecting members and a grounded member. 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 three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman K. Bucknor, Patrick B. Usoro
  • Patent number: 7108627
    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, two interconnecting members, and a grounded planetary gear member. 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 three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Norman K. Bucknor, Patrick B. Usoro, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 7104914
    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, two interconnecting members, and a grounded planetary gear member. 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 three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Norman K. Bucknor, Patrick B. Usoro, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 7104916
    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 two interconnecting members, one of which is grounded. 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 three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick B. Usoro, Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman K. Bucknor
  • Patent number: 7101302
    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, an interconnecting member, and a grounded planetary gear member. 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 four to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman K. Bucknor, Patrick B. Usoro
  • Patent number: 7094173
    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, a fixed interconnection and a stationary (grounded) member. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected 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 and with the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman K. Bucknor, Patrick B. Usoro
  • Patent number: 7090610
    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 fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected 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, the output 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: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick B. Usoro, Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman K. Bucknor