Patents by Inventor A. A. M. Hart

A. A. M. Hart 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).

  • Multi-speed transmission with integrated electric motor
    Patent number: 8944949
    Abstract: An automatic transmission includes an input shaft or member, an output shaft or member and three simple and one compound planetary gear assemblies each including a sun gear, a planet gear carrier with a plurality of planet gears and a ring gear. The input shaft or member is coupled to the sun gear of the second planetary gear assembly and the output shaft is coupled to the planet gear carrier of the fourth planetary gear assembly. An electric motor is coupled to and drives the sun gear of the fourth planetary gear assembly. The transmission also includes six torque transmitting devices: four friction brakes and two friction clutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart, James B. Borgerson
  • Projecting content onto a display medium
    Patent number: 8947349
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and techniques for detecting a location of a medium and projecting content onto the medium at the detected location. These systems and techniques also track the changing location of the medium while continuing to project the content onto the medium as the location changes. A user consuming the content on the medium is able to move the display medium relative to a projection device that projects the content without interrupting the consumption of the content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Rawles LLC
    Inventors: Gregory M. Hart, Ian W. Freed, Jeffrey P. Bezos
  • Multi-speed transmission with a series disconnect clutch
    Patent number: 8939863
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. One of the plurality of torque transmitting devices is an integrated friction launch clutch. A disconnect clutch is in series relationship with the launch clutch and is configured to disconnect the launch clutch from at least one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of two to establish at least ten forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Daryl A. Wilton, James B. Borgerson
  • Multi-speed transmission
    Patent number: 8932175
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and a brake actuatable in combinations of three to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew W. Phillips, Clinton E. Carey, James M. Hart, Scott H. Wittkopp
  • Clutch and gear arrangement for a rear wheel drive vehicle
    Patent number: 8932174
    Abstract: A rear wheel drive transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes arranged within a transmission housing. Each of the clutches and brakes are located within specific areas defined by the planetary gear sets and the housing walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Scott H. Wittkopp
  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION WITH CHAIN OUTPUT
    Publication number: 20150011350
    Abstract: A multi-mode continuously variable transmission in a powertrain of a motor vehicle includes a continuously variable unit connected to a planetary gear set arrangement. The planetary gear set arrangement generally includes two planetary gear sets, two brakes, and one clutch and provides multiple modes of ratio selection between the continuously variable unit and a transmission output member. The transmission output member is connected to a chain driven final having only three axes of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, JAMES M. HART, DARYL A. WILTON, CLINTON E. CAREY
  • Multi-speed transmission
    Patent number: 8926469
    Abstract: A transmission of the present invention has an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are each selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish a plurality forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Andrew W. Phillips, Scott H. Wittkopp
  • Multi-speed transmission
    Patent number: 8920281
    Abstract: A transmission has an input member, an output member, at least four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of three to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart, Andrew W. Phillips
  • Viewer-based device control
    Patent number: 8922480
    Abstract: A computing device can monitor the gaze direction of people around the device to determine whether any unintended viewers are viewing content displayed on the device. A user can activate a privacy mode of the device, such that when an unintended viewer is detected the device can take an appropriate action. In some cases the device can notify the primary user of the device using audible, visual, or tactile alerts. In other cases, the device can modify the display of content such that the unintended viewer is unable to decipher or view the content, or is otherwise notified of the detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian W. Freed, Gregory M. Hart, Jeffrey P. Bezos
  • Transmission hydraulic control system having flow augmentation
    Patent number: 8915076
    Abstract: A system for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid includes an engine driven main pump and an electrical motor driven auxiliary pump. The auxiliary pump provides hydraulic fluid at line pressure to shift control subsystems during a vehicle launch while the main pump provides hydraulic fluid to cooler or lubrication subsystems during the vehicle launch. A pressure regulation valve regulates the pressure of the hydraulic fluid from the main pump. Once the main pump reaches a critical speed, the main pump provides hydraulic fluid at line pressure to the hydraulic control system and the auxiliary pump is turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Zhe Xie, Hong Yang, Anthony L. Smith, James M. Hart, Steven P. Moorman
  • Multi-speed transmission
    Patent number: 8894535
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of two to establish at least ten forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart, Andrew W. Phillips
  • Multi-speed transmission
    Patent number: 8894534
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, two planetary gear sets, a planetary gear set assembly, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members and the planetary gear set assembly includes a first, second, third and fourth member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of two to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart
  • Multi-speed transmission
    Patent number: 8888648
    Abstract: A transmission having an input member, an output member, at least four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of three to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart
  • Multi-speed transmission
    Patent number: 8876652
    Abstract: A transmission has an input member, an output member, at least four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of three to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart, Andrew W. Phillips
  • Multi-speed transmission
    Patent number: 8876651
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in different combinations to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, Andrew W. Phillips, James M. Hart
  • Transmission with dog clutch brake
    Patent number: 8870696
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having a housing, a plurality of planetary gear sets, a structural member, a sprocket member, a first dog clutch member, a second dog clutch member, and a biasing member. The structural member is secured to the housing and includes a plurality of splines and defines a cavity. The sprocket member is rotationally supported by the structural member. The first dog clutch member is disposed in the cavity of the structural member and includes splines and dogteeth. The splines are engaged with the splines of the structural member. The second dog clutch member includes dogteeth that are aligned with the dogteeth of the first dog clutch member. The biasing member is disposed between the structural member and the first dog clutch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Daryl A. Wilton, James M. Hart, James B. Borgerson, Edward W. Mellet
  • Transmission with band clutch
    Patent number: 8870703
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having a housing, a plurality of planetary gear sets, a structural member, a sprocket member, an annular drum, a band, and an actuator. The sprocket member is rotationally supported by the structural member. The annular drum is adjacent the structural member and is continuously rotationally coupled with a member of the one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. The band circumscribes the annular drum and includes at least a first position and a second position. In the first position the band is substantially separated from the drum and in the second position the band contacts the drum. The actuator selectively positions the band between at least the first position and the second position to transfer torque between the structural member and the annular drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Daryl A. Wilton, Edward W. Mellet, Elizabeth I. Wooden
  • Hybrid powertrain for a motor vehicle
    Patent number: 8858376
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Edwin T. Grochowski
  • Multi-speed transmission
    Patent number: 8858386
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input and output member, four planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members, five interconnecting members continuously interconnecting members of the four planetary gear sets and six torque transmitting mechanisms selectively engageable to interconnect one of the first members, second members, and third members with at least one of another of the first members, second members, third members, and a stationary member. The torque transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least two to establish at least nine forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, Andrew W. Phillips, James M. Hart, Edward W. Mellet
  • MULTI-SPEED TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20140274547
    Abstract: A transmission of the present invention has an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are each selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish a plurality of forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James B. Borgerson, James M. Hart