Plural Drive Ratios Other Than Unity Patents (Class 475/296)
  • Publication number: 20040266582
    Abstract: A seven-speed transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft, and three planetary gear sets. An interconnecting member continuously connects members of the second and third planetary gear sets. Six torque-transmitting mechanisms are provided between the planetary gear sets and a transmission housing. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms are engaged in combinations of two to establish seven forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio between the input shaft and the output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Paul D. Stevenson
  • Publication number: 20040242368
    Abstract: A planetary-gear-type multiple-step transmission including a stationary member, an input rotary member, an output rotary member, and first and second transmission units. The first transmission unit transmits a rotary motion from an input rotary member to the second transmission unit through first and second intermediate transmitting paths such that a speed of the rotary motion transmitted through the second intermediate transmitting path is lower than that of the rotary motion transmitted through the first intermediate transmitting path. The second transmission unit constitutes first, second, third, fourth and fifth rotary elements, each of which is provided by at least one of sun gears, carriers and ring gears of three planetary gear sets. The first rotary element is selectively connected to the second intermediate transmitting path, while being selectively connected to the stationary member. The second rotary element is selectively connected to the first intermediate transmitting path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Akira Hoshino, Terufumi Miyazaki, Atsushi Honda, Akiharu Abe, Hirofumi Ota
  • Patent number: 6783477
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets, two input clutches, nine, ten or eleven torque transmitting mechanisms and a fixed interconnection. The invention provides a low content multi-speed dual clutch transmission mechanism wherein the two input clutches alternately connect the engine to realize odd and even number speed ratio ranges. The torque transmitting mechanisms provide connections between various gear members, the fixed interconnection, the input clutches, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of at least three to establish at least five forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Usoro, Chunhao J. Lee, Paul D. Stevenson
  • Patent number: 6776738
    Abstract: A family of power transmissions has a plurality of family members each of which have three planetary gearsets, each having three members, and six torque transmitting mechanisms. An output shaft is continuously interconnected with at least one planetary member. An input shaft is selectively interconnected with respective planetary members through at least two of the torque transmitting mechanisms. One member of the second planetary gearset and one member of the third planetary gearset are continuously interconnected, and another member of the third planetary gearset is continuously interconnected with a transmission housing. The remaining torque transmitting mechanisms provide selective interconnections between two planetary members or between a planetary member and the housing, the input shaft, and the output shaft. The torque transmitting mechanisms are selectively engaged in combinations of four to establish at least seven forward speeds and one reverse speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Patrick Benedict Usoro, Chunhao J. Lee, Norman Kenneth Bucknor, Chi-Kuan Kao
  • Publication number: 20040157697
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets, two input clutches, nine, ten or eleven torque transmitting mechanisms and a fixed interconnection. The invention provides a low content multi-speed dual clutch transmission mechanism wherein the two input clutches alternately connect the engine to realize odd and even number speed ratio ranges. The torque transmitting mechanisms provide connections between various gear members, the fixed interconnection, the input clutches, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of at least three to establish at least five forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Usoro, Chunhao J. Lee, Paul D. Stevenson
  • Patent number: 6773371
    Abstract: A family of power transmissions wherein each family member includes three planetary gearsets each having three members and six selectively engageable torque-transmitting mechanisms. The planetary gearsets have members that are continuously interconnected by at least three interconnecting members. The torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engaged in combinations of two to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio in the three planetary gearsets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Chi-Kuan Kao, Madhusudan Raghavan, Patrick Benedict Usoro
  • Publication number: 20040147360
    Abstract: The multi-stage transmission comprises a drive input shaft and a drive output shaft, three single-web planetary gearset assemblies (P1, P2, P3), at least six rotating shafts (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) and at least five shift elements (03, 04, 13, 16, 45) so that six forward gears and one reverse gear can be engaged, such that the drive input shaft (1) is connected to the solar gearwheel of the first planetary gearset (P1), the annular gearwheel of the first planetary gearset (P1) is in rotationally fixed connection with the housing, the drive output shaft (2) is connected to the annular gearwheel of the second planetary gearset (P2) and to the web of the third planetary gearset (P3), and the shaft (3) is permanently connected to the web of the second planetary gearset (P2) and to the annular gearwheel of the third planetary gearset (P3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Gerhard Gumpoltsberger
  • Patent number: 6767306
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets having six torque-transmitting mechanisms and a fixed interconnection. Also, one planetary gear member is continuously connected with the transmission housing. 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 six torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input shaft, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Patrick Benedict Usoro, Norman Kenneth Bucknor
  • Patent number: 6764426
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include four planetary gear sets, two input clutches, eight or nine torque transmitting mechanisms and three fixed interconnections. The invention provides a low content multi-speed dual clutch transmission mechanism wherein the two input clutches alternately connect the engine to realize odd and even number speed ratio ranges. The torque transmitting mechanisms provide connections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input clutches, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated with the input clutches in combinations of three to establish at least six forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick B. Usoro, Chunhao J. Lee
  • Patent number: 6758787
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include four planetary gear sets having two input clutches, eight torque transmitting mechanisms, two fixed interconnections, and one grounded planetary gear member. The invention provides a low content multi-speed dual clutch transmission mechanism wherein the two input clutches alternately connect the engine to realize odd and even speed ratio ranges. The eight torque transmitting mechanisms provide connections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input clutches, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated along with the input clutches in combinations of three to establish at least six forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Usoro, Chunhao J. Lee
  • Patent number: 6758786
    Abstract: A hydraulic clutch and a speed reducing planetary gear train, with an assembly comprising a fixed feeder block, a rotating crankcase integral with a feeder sleeve receiving at least a piston, a so-called closure wall and at least a set of friction discs for driving at least an output hub and a speed reducing planetary gear train, and a including a ring gear designed to be driven by an input shaft, a fixed axle pinion, and a planet pinion cage. The closure wall is made integral in rotation with the feeder sleeve and the crankcase and directly driven by the planet pinion cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: SC Brevets Lepelletier
    Inventor: Pierre Lepelletier
  • Patent number: 6752739
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets having six torque-transmitting mechanisms and two 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 six torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input shaft, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Norman Kenneth Bucknor, Patrick Benedict Usoro, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Publication number: 20040116238
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-stage transmission with which at least seven speeds can be shifted. The transmission is comprised, in addition to the input shaft (1) and the output shaft (2), of a non-shiftable front-mounted gear set and of a shiftable rear-mounted gear set while being provided in the form of a two-web four-shaft transmission. The front-mounted gear set consists of a first planetary gear set (3) that, in addition to the input rotational speed of the input shaft (1), offers a second rotational speed, which can be shifted at will to a rear-mounted gear set. The rear-mounted gear set consists of two shiftable planetary gear sets (4, 5) that, with the six shifting elements (A to F), can shift at least seven speeds whereby forming two power paths (P, Q). This results in preventing range shifts at all times during each shifting operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Peter Ziemer
  • Patent number: 6746362
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets having five torque-transmitting mechanisms and two 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 five torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input shaft, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Madhusudan Raghavan, Patrick Benedict Usoro
  • Patent number: 6746360
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least seven forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets having six torque-transmitting mechanisms and two fixed interconnections. Also, one planetary gear member is continuously connected with the transmission housing. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is not continuously connected to the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with at least one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input shaft, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Norman Kenneth Bucknor, Patrick Benedict Usoro, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 6746363
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include four planetary gear sets, two input clutches, eight or nine torque transmitting mechanisms, two fixed interconnections, and one grounded planetary gear member. The invention provides a low content multi-speed dual clutch transmission mechanism wherein the two input clutches alternately connect the engine to realize odd and even number speed ratio ranges. The torque transmitting mechanisms provide connections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the first input clutch, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least six forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Patrick B. Usoro
  • Patent number: 6746361
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets having six torque-transmitting mechanisms and two fixed interconnections. Also, one interconnecting member is continuously connected with the transmission housing. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is not continuously connected to any of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with at least one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input shaft, and the output shaft, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Norman Kenneth Bucknor, Patrick Benedict Usoro, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 6743147
    Abstract: A family of transmissions having a plurality of family members each having three planetary gearsets and six torque-transmitting mechanisms. The planetary gearsets and the torque-transmitting mechanisms are interconnected such that at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio can be established within the three planetary gearsets and transmitted between an input shaft and an output shaft, by selectively engaging the torque transmitting mechanisms in combinations of four.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Usoro, Chunhao J. Lee, Norman Kenneth Bucknor, Chi-Kuan Kao, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 6743145
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least seven forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets having six torque-transmitting mechanisms and a fixed interconnection. Also, one planetary gear member is continuously connected with the transmission housing. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is not continuously connected with any of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, the input shaft, the output shaft, and with the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Usoro, Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman Kenneth Bucknor
  • Patent number: 6743146
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets having six torque-transmitting mechanisms and two fixed interconnections between planetary gear members. Also, one of the fixed interconnections is continuously connected with the transmission housing. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to a member of the third planetary gear set and an output member that is continuously connected with another member of the third planetary gear set. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input shaft, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Usoro, Madhusudan Raghavan, Chunhao J. Lee
  • Publication number: 20040102276
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include four planetary gear sets, two input clutches, eight or nine torque transmitting mechanisms, two fixed interconnections, and one grounded planetary gear member. The invention provides a low content multi-speed dual clutch transmission mechanism wherein the two input clutches alternately connect the engine to realize odd and even number speed ratio ranges. The torque transmitting mechanisms provide connections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the first input clutch, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least six forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Patrick B. Usoro
  • Publication number: 20040102284
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include four planetary gear sets, two input clutches, eight or nine torque transmitting mechanisms and three fixed interconnections. The invention provides a low content multi-speed dual clutch transmission mechanism wherein the two input clutches alternately connect the engine to realize odd and even number speed ratio ranges. The torque transmitting mechanisms provide connections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input clutches, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated with the input clutches in combinations of three to establish at least six forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Patrick B. Usoro, Chunhao J. Lee
  • Publication number: 20040097324
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-step gear, comprising a drive shaft (1) linked with a front-mounted gear train (VS), an output shaft (2) linked with a rear-mounted gear train (NS), and maximally seven shift elements (A, B, C, D, E, D′, A′) through the selective shifting of which at least seven forward gears can be shifted without group shifts. The front-mounted gear train (VS) is formed by a front-mounted planetary gear (VS1) or maximally two non-shiftable front-mounted planetary gears (VS2) coupled with the first front-mounted planetary gear (VS1). The rear-mounted gear train (NS) is configured as a two-stage/four-shaft transmission with two shiftable rear-mounted planetary gears (NS1, NS2) and four free shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Peter Ziemer
  • Patent number: 6736750
    Abstract: A family of power transmissions having first, second, and third planetary gearsets and six torque-transmitting mechanisms. The first planetary gearset is continuously interconnected with a member of the second planetary gearset and a member of the third planetary gearset. The second planetary gearset is continuously interconnected with a member of the third planetary gearset. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engaged in combinations of two to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio within the planetary gearsets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Norman Kenneth Bucknor, Madhusudan Raghavan, Patrick Benedict Usoro
  • Patent number: 6736751
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include four planetary gear sets, two input clutches, eight torque transmitting mechanisms, and two fixed interconnections. The invention provides a low content multi-speed dual clutch transmission mechanism wherein the two input clutches alternately connect the engine to realize odd and even number speed ratio ranges. The eight torque transmitting mechanisms provide connections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input clutches, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least six forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio. One of the torque transmitting mechanisms may be eliminated to provide at least five forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Usoro, Chunhao J. Lee
  • Patent number: 6736752
    Abstract: A family of transmissions is incorporated into powertrains to provide six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio between an engine and a final drive mechanism. Each of the family members includes three planetary gearsets, one of which is an input planetary gearset and the other two are interconnected ratio planetary gearsets. Each transmission family member employs three rotating type torque-transmitting mechanisms (clutches) and two stationary type torque-transmitting mechanisms (brakes) to provide the six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. These torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engaged in combinations of two during the establishment of the speed ratios within the family member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Usoro, Chi-Kuan Kao, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Publication number: 20040092357
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission with an input shaft (1) and an output shaft (2) not coaxial in relation to this, with two spur gear speeds (ST1, ST2) that are connected tightly on the input side with the input shaft (1) rotating at an input rotational speed (n) and generate two output rotational speeds (n1, n2), with a main gearset that is connected with the output shaft (2) and is constructed as a two webbed four shaft transmission with two coupled, shiftable planetary gearsets (RS1, RS2) to which the output rotational speeds (n1, n2) of the spur gear speeds (ST1, ST2) are transferable through several shifting elements (A to E) through their selective closing to the clutch of at least six forward gears and can be shifted without group shifting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Eberhard Biermann
  • Publication number: 20040087410
    Abstract: A family of transmissions having a plurality of family members each having three planetary gearsets and six torque-transmitting mechanisms. The planetary gearsets and the torque-transmitting mechanisms are interconnected such that at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio can be established within the three planetary gearsets and transmitted between an input shaft and an output shaft, by selectively engaging the torque transmitting mechanisms in combinations of four.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Usoro, Chunhao J. Lee, Norman Kenneth Bucknor, Chi-Kuan Kao, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 6729994
    Abstract: A family of power transmissions wherein each family member includes first, second, and third planetary gearsets, six torque-transmitting mechanisms, and one continuous interconnecting member. The interconnecting member interconnects a member of the first planetary gearset, a member of the second planetary gearset, and a member of the third planetary gearset. The torque-transmitting mechanisms being selectively engageable in combinations of four to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio within the planetary gearset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Patrick Benedict Usoro, Norman Kenneth Bucknor, Chunhao J. Lee
  • Publication number: 20040082430
    Abstract: A family of power transmissions wherein each family member includes three planetary gearsets each having three members and six selectively engageable torque-transmitting mechanisms. The planetary gearsets have members that are continuously interconnected by at least three interconnecting members. The torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engaged in combinations of two to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio in the three planetary gearsets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Chi-Kuan Kao, Madhusudan Raghavan, Patrick Benedict Usoro
  • Publication number: 20040082429
    Abstract: A family of power transmissions wherein each family member includes first, second, and third planetary gearsets, six torque-transmitting mechanisms, and one continuous interconnecting member. The interconnecting member interconnects a member of the first planetary gearset, a member of the second planetary gearset, and a member of the third planetary gearset. The torque-transmitting mechanisms being selectively engageable in combinations of four to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio within the planetary gearset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Patrick Benedict Usoro, Norman Kenneth Bucknor, Chunhao J. Lee
  • Publication number: 20040082428
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include four planetary gear sets having two input clutches, eight torque transmitting mechanisms, two fixed interconnections, and one grounded planetary gear member. The invention provides a low content multi-speed dual clutch transmission mechanism wherein the two input clutches alternately connect the engine to realize odd and even speed ratio ranges. The eight torque transmitting mechanisms provide connections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input clutches, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated along with the input clutches in combinations of three to establish at least six forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Usoro, Chunhao J. Lee
  • Publication number: 20040082427
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets having six torque-transmitting mechanisms and two 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 six torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input shaft, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Norman Kenneth Bucknor, Patrick Benedict Usoro, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 6716133
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least five forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets and four torque-transmitting mechanisms. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one member of the planetary gear arrangement and an output member that is continuously connected with another of the planetary gear members. At least one member of the second planetary gear set is continuously connected with the transmission housing. The four torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members and with the input and the output shaft, and sometimes with the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least five forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Chunhao J. Lee, Patrick Benedict Usoro
  • Patent number: 6712733
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least five forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets, first and second interconnecting members, and four clutches. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one member of the third planetary gear set and an output member that is continuously connected with another member of the third planetary gear set. The second interconnecting member continuously connects members of the first and second planetary gear sets with the transmission housing. The four clutches provide interconnections between various gear members, the first interconnecting member, and with the input and the output shaft, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least five forward speed ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Chunhao J. Lee, Patrick Benedict Usoro
  • Patent number: 6709359
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets and five torque transmitting mechanisms. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one member of the planetary gear arrangement and an output member that is continuously connected with another of the planetary gear members. At least one other planetary gear member is continuously connected with the transmission housing. The five torque transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members and with the transmission housing, the input or output shaft, in some instances, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least six forward speed ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Usoro, Chi-Kuan Kao, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 6709358
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members each include three planetary gearsets and five torque-transmitting mechanisms. One of the torque-transmitting mechanisms is a stationary type torque-transmitting mechanism, or brake, and the remaining four of the torque-transmitting mechanisms are of the rotating type torque-transmitting mechanisms, or clutches. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one member of the planetary gear arrangement and an output member that is continuously connecting with another of the planetary gear members. At least one other planetary gear member is continuously connected with the transmission housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Chi-Kuan Kao, Patrick Benedict Usoro
  • Publication number: 20040053735
    Abstract: A family of transmissions is incorporated into powertrains to provide six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio between an engine and a final drive mechanism. Each of the family members includes three planetary gearsets, one of which is an input planetary gearset and the other two are interconnected ratio planetary gearsets. Each transmission family member employs three rotating type torque-transmitting mechanisms (clutches) and two stationary type torque-transmitting mechanisms (brakes) to provide the six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. These torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engaged in combinations of two during the establishment of the speed ratios within the family member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Usoro, Chi-Kuan Kao, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Publication number: 20040053737
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets having five torque-transmitting mechanisms and two 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 five torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input shaft, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Madhusudan Raghavan, Patrick Benedict Usoro
  • Publication number: 20040053736
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets having six torque-transmitting mechanisms and two fixed interconnections between planetary gear members. Also, one of the fixed interconnections is continuously connected with the transmission housing. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to a member of the third planetary gear set and an output member that is continuously connected with another member of the third planetary gear set. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input shaft, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Usoro, Madhusudan Raghavan, Chunhao J. Lee
  • Patent number: 6702710
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets having six torque-transmitting mechanisms and two 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 six torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input shaft, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Usoro, Madhusudan Raghavan, Chunhao J. Lee
  • Patent number: 6692400
    Abstract: A multi-speed gear hub shiftable under load having a hub shell, a stationary hub shaft, a bearing-mounted driver, and a planet gear mechanism having a ring gear and a planet carrier. A selector element displaces a coupler and introduces a shifting motion into the gearing system. The power travels from the driver to a pawl carrier having rotational play and then to the ring gear and the coupler via the pawls. To implement the backpedal brake, the pawls on the pawl carrier are controlled in a directionally dependent manner via a cam element that is joined nonrotatably to the driver. A spring-preloaded shifting sleeve disengages the pawls with a driving contour on the coupler which is initiated by the selector element. The ring gear carries stud-mounted displacement pawls and is split to simplify production and assembly. The braking operation is always performed in the low gear ratio and thus always exhibits the same braking effect regardless of the gear selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Butz
  • Patent number: 6689010
    Abstract: A family of power transmissions includes three planetary gearsets, each of which has three members, and six torque-transmitting mechanisms, which are selectively engageable to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio between a transmission input shaft and a transmission output shaft. Each of the family members has a first member of the first planetary gearset continuously interconnected with a first member of the second planetary gearset, a second member of the second planetary gearset continuously interconnected with a first member of the third planetary gearset, and a second member of the first planetary gearset continuously interconnected with either a third member of the second planetary gearset or a second member of the third planetary gearset. One member of the first planetary gearset is continuously interconnected with a transmission housing, and a transmission output shaft is continuously interconnected with at least one member of one the planetary gearsets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Usoro, Norman Kenneth Bucknor, Chunhao J. Lee, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 6689011
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least seven forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets having six torque-transmitting mechanisms. Two fixed interconnections continuously connect members of the first, second and third planetary gear sets. One of the fixed interconnections is also connected to the transmission housing. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is not continuously connected to any of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, the input shaft, the output shaft, and with the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman Kenneth Bucknor, Patrick Benedict Usoro
  • Publication number: 20040014554
    Abstract: A gear change-speed unit for an automatic transmission includes a reduction planetary-gear set, a single-pinion type planetary-gear set, and a double-sun-gear type planetary-gear set, which are disposed in parallel in this order from the side of an input shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Applicant: JATCO Ltd
    Inventor: Wataru Ishimaru
  • Patent number: 6669597
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets having six torque-transmitting mechanisms. A fixed interconnection continuously connects members of the first and second planetary gear sets with the transmission housing. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, the input shaft, the output shaft, and with the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Usoro, Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman Kenneth Bucknor
  • Patent number: 6666788
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least five forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets, one brake, and three clutches. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one member of the planetary gear arrangement and an output member that is continuously connected with another of the planetary gear members. At least one member of the first gear set is continuously connected with the transmission housing. The brake and three clutches provide interconnections between various gear members and with the input and the output shaft, and sometimes with the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least five forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Norman Kenneth Bucknor, Patrick Benedict Usoro, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 6659902
    Abstract: A multi-gear, manual transmission, especially for utility vehicles, with at least partially automatized gear shifting or with a manual gear shift, in which the gear synchronization is carried out by motor guidance and wherein the transmission possesses a forward shift-group, a main-shift-group and a post shift-group, whereby the pre-shift-group is designed as a planetary gear set (2P) and a support member of the planetary gear set is constructed as a friction brake, which is active in the slow gear-shift position and thereby assumes the function of a start-up clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Friedrich J. Ehrlinger
  • Patent number: 6659905
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least five forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets and four clutches. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one member of the planetary gear arrangement and an output member that is continuously connected with another of the planetary gear members. At least one other planetary gear member is continuously connected with the transmission housing. The four clutches provide interconnections between various gear members and with the input and the output shaft, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least five forward speed ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Usoro, Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman Kenneth Bucknor
  • Patent number: 6656077
    Abstract: A family of power transmissions includes three planetary gearsets and five torque-transmitting mechanisms that are selectively engaged to produce at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio between an input shaft and an output shaft. The planetary gearsets are arranged such that a member of the first of the planetary gearsets is continuosly interconnected with a member of the second planetary gearset, and a member of the second planetary gearset is continuously interconnected with a member of the third planetary gearset. At least one member of either the first or second planetary gearset is continuously connected with a transmission housing and at least one member of one of the planetary gearsets is connected with the transmission output shaft. The transmission input shaft is selectively connectible with the planetary gearsets only through at least two rotating type torque-transmitting mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Usoro, Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman Kenneth Bucknor