Patents by Inventor Anthony L. Smith
Anthony L. Smith 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).
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Patent number: 8562483Abstract: A method of executing an electric-only (EV) mode transition in a vehicle includes determining vehicle operating values using a control system, processing the values to identify the transition, and executing the transition to or from the first or second EV mode. The transition is executed by selectively engaging and disengaging the input brake to zero, and by using the first and/or second traction motor to synchronize slip across the input brake. When the transition is from the first to the second EV mode or vice versa, the control system may use multiple speed and torque control phases to enter multiple intermediate modes, e.g., a pair of engine-on electrically-variable transmission modes and a fixed gear mode. A vehicle includes an engine, an input brake, first and second traction motors, and a transmission driven via the motors in a first and second EV mode. The vehicle includes the control system noted above.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2010Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Hong Yang, Anthony L. Smith, Shawn H. Swales, James D. Hendrickson, Brendan M. Conlon, Jy-Jen F. Sah
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Patent number: 8496561Abstract: A hybrid powertrain system includes an internal combustion engine, an electric machine coupled to a transmission, a fluid coupling including an impeller and a turbine wherein the impeller is mechanically coupled to a rotatable member of the electric machine and the turbine is mechanically coupled to a rotatable member of the internal combustion engine. The fluid coupling is effective to fluidically couple torque from the electric machine to the internal combustion engine when the impeller and turbine are not mechanically locked.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2011Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Norman K. Bucknor, Anthony L. Smith, Yongsheng He, Hong Yang
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Patent number: 8469847Abstract: An apparatus transmitting torque among a first torque generative device, a second torque generative device and an output member includes a first planetary gear set including respective first, second and third members, a second planetary gear set including respective first, second and third members, the respective first member of the second planetary gear set mechanically coupled to the respective first member of the first planetary gear set. The first torque generative device is mechanically coupled to the respective second member of the first planetary gear set. The second torque generative device is mechanically coupled to the respective second member of the second planetary gear set, wherein the second torque generative device includes a grounding state wherein rotation of the respective second member of the second planetary gear set is prevented and a rotational state wherein rotation of the respective second member of the second planetary gear set is not prevented.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2011Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Farzad Samie, Norman K. Bucknor, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Anthony L. Smith
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HYBRID POWERTRAIN WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND OFF-LATCHING CLUTCH, AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME
Publication number: 20130116085Abstract: A powertrain for a hybrid vehicle includes a clutch interconnecting an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The electric motor is coupled to a manually operated gearbox operable in at least one electric only drive position and at least one hybrid drive position. A latch is coupled to the clutch and is moveable between a closed position inhibiting the clutch from interconnecting the internal combustion engine and the electric motor when the gearbox is disposed in the electric only drive position, and an open position allowing the clutch to interconnect the internal combustion engine and the electric motor when the gearbox is disposed in the hybrid drive position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2011Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Alan G. Holmes, Anthony L. Smith -
Publication number: 20130023379Abstract: A hybrid powertrain system includes an internal combustion engine, an electric machine coupled to a transmission, a fluid coupling including an impeller and a turbine wherein the impeller is mechanically coupled to a rotatable member of the electric machine and the turbine is mechanically coupled to a rotatable member of the internal combustion engine. The fluid coupling is effective to fluidically couple torque from the electric machine to the internal combustion engine when the impeller and turbine are not mechanically locked.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2011Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Norman K. Bucknor, Anthony L. Smith, Yongsheng He, Hong Yang
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Patent number: 8328673Abstract: The present invention provides an accessory drive system for a vehicle. The accessory drive system includes a planetary gear set having a first, second, and third planetary member. A torque transfer device operatively connects an engine with the first planetary member. A motor/generator is operatively connected to the second planetary member, and a plurality of accessories are operatively connected to the third planetary member. Engine output is transferable through the planetary gear set to drive the accessories, and the speed at which the accessories are driven is selectable by controlling the speed of the motor/generator.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2009Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Anthony L. Smith, Burak A. Gecim, Patrick B. Usoro
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Publication number: 20120306443Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for charging an energy storage system of a vehicle. A processor is coupled to an arm. The processor is configured to obtain a position of the vehicle. The processor is further configured to guide the arm to locate a charging receptacle of the vehicle based on the position and to insert the charging device into the charging receptacle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2011Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Anthony L. SMITH, Dalong GAO, Vincent M. CONFORTI, Roland J. Menassa
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Patent number: 8287411Abstract: A hybrid transmission device for a hybrid powertrain system having an integrated torque machine to transfer power among an input member, the torque machine and an output member in one of a plurality of fixed gear and continuously variable states is operative in a plurality of fixed gear states, a continuously variable state, and a torque machine state.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2009Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Farzad Samie, Norman K. Bucknor, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Anthony L. Smith
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Publication number: 20120202635Abstract: An apparatus transmitting torque among a first torque generative device, a second torque generative device and an output member includes a first planetary gear set including respective first, second and third members, a second planetary gear set including respective first, second and third members, the respective first member of the second planetary gear set mechanically coupled to the respective first member of the first planetary gear set. The first torque generative device is mechanically coupled to the respective second member of the first planetary gear set. The second torque generative device is mechanically coupled to the respective second member of the second planetary gear set, wherein the second torque generative device includes a grounding state wherein rotation of the respective second member of the second planetary gear set is prevented and a rotational state wherein rotation of the respective second member of the second planetary gear set is not prevented.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2011Publication date: August 9, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Farzad Samie, Norman K. Bucknor, Kumarswamy V. Hebbale, Anthony L. Smith
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Publication number: 20120175212Abstract: A launch and disconnect clutch for the electric motor of a P2 hybrid powertrain is compact and provides improved operation. The clutch is mounted between the engine and transmission in the space formerly occupied by the torque converter. The clutch assembly is configured so that actuation, compensation and cooling are provided by only two oil channels. The clutch utilizes single-sided reaction plates which achieve high clutch gain thereby providing high torque capacity under electric operation and improved launch shudder characteristics.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2011Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: James M. Hart, Edwin T. Grochowski, Anthony L. Smith
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Publication number: 20120174570Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2011Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Zhe Xie, Hong Yang, Anthony L. Smith, James M. Hart, Steven P. Moorman
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Patent number: 8215467Abstract: A vehicle has a multi-gap magnetorheological fluid (MRF) clutch connecting rotatable input and output members, and includes a drum connected to the output member and a rotor connected to the input member. The drum contains a magnetically-permeable stator and a magnetic core, while the rotor has a magnetically-permeable member extending axially into the drum to define an outer working gap in conjunction with the stator and an inner working gap in conjunction with the magnetic core. MR fluid fills the working gaps, and a magnetic field generator or electromagnet induces a magnetic field when electrical current is passed through a field coil therein to change an apparent viscosity of the MR fluid. The inner and outer working gaps have a predetermined inner to outer gap thickness ratio balancing the slip power dissipation per unit volume in each of the working gaps.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2008Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Anthony L. Smith
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Publication number: 20120083951Abstract: A method of executing an electric-only (EV) mode transition in a vehicle includes determining vehicle operating values using a control system, processing the values to identify the transition, and executing the transition to or from the first or second EV mode. The transition is executed by selectively engaging and disengaging the input brake to zero, and by using the first and/or second traction motor to synchronize slip across the input brake. When the transition is from the first to the second EV mode or vice versa, the control system may use multiple speed and torque control phases to enter multiple intermediate modes, e.g., a pair of engine-on electrically-variable transmission modes and a fixed gear mode. A vehicle includes an engine, an input brake, first and second traction motors, and a transmission driven via the motors in a first and second EV mode. The vehicle includes the control system noted above.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2010Publication date: April 5, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Hong Yang, Anthony L. Smith, Shawn H. Swales, James D. Hendrickson, Brendan M. Conlon, Jy-Jen F. Sah
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Publication number: 20120083385Abstract: A powertrain includes a first electric motor coupled to an internal combustion engine with a ratio changing device and a second motor selectively coupled to the engine through an engine disconnect clutch, the second motor further coupled to an input shaft of a transmission. A method to control the powertrain includes monitoring a propelling torque provided by the second motor, monitoring a speed of the second motor, determining a condition of the second motor based upon the propelling torque and the speed of the second motor, selecting a control mode for the first motor based upon the condition of the second motor and controlling the first motor, the second motor, and the engine disconnect clutch based upon the control mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2011Publication date: April 5, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Anthony L. Smith, Hong Yang, Norman K. Bucknor, Yongsheng He
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Publication number: 20120083950Abstract: A vehicle having an electric powertrain includes a control system for executing a driveline stability control method. A host machine determines vehicle speed prior to an electric-only (EV) mode or EV mode shift/transition, filters an initial motor torque command to the traction motor via a notch filter as a function of vehicle speed to generate a filtered motor torque command, and controls the motor during the EV mode or transition using the filtered motor torque command. The notch filter may have a center frequency and/or a damping coefficient tunable to changing vehicle speed. A control system for the vehicle includes the host machine, a notch filter, and optionally a vehicle speed-based active damping module. The host machine controls the motor during the EV mode or transition using the filtered motor torque command from the filter, and may provide the damping control during the EV mode or transition.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2010Publication date: April 5, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Hong Yang, Anthony L. Smith, Shawn H. Swales
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Publication number: 20120083952Abstract: A powertrain includes an electric motor providing propulsion torque to a transmission input shaft, an internal combustion engine, and an engine disconnect clutch selectively providing torque transfer between the engine and the motor. A method to control a flying engine start in the powertrain includes monitoring an output torque request, determining the propulsion torque to the transmission input shaft based upon the output torque request, determining a compensation torque to be provided to the engine disconnect clutch for the flying engine start, and controlling the motor to provide a motor torque based upon a sum of the propulsion torque and the compensation torque.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2011Publication date: April 5, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Anthony L. Smith, Hong Yang, Norman K. Bucknor, Yongsheng He
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Publication number: 20120048670Abstract: A viscous fluid clutch for use as a clutch for a cooling fan for a vehicle, the clutch includes an input shaft, a rotor assembly, a first housing portion, a second housing portion, a coil assembly, and a brush box. The rotor assembly is coupled to the input shaft. The first housing portion is coupled to the second housing portion and the second housing portion is rotatably disposed on the input shaft. The first and second housing portions define a fluid reservoir for receiving the rotor assembly and a viscous fluid, preferably of the magnetorheological type. The coil assembly is coupled to the first housing portion. The brush box is operably coupled to the coil assembly. When the coil assembly is energized by the brush box, a magnetic field is created that acts upon the magnetorheological fluid to vary the torque transfer of the input shaft to the housing and the fan connected thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2011Publication date: March 1, 2012Inventors: Anthony L. SMITH, Lawrence C. KENNEDY
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Patent number: 8087483Abstract: A hybrid powertrain is provided that provides engine starting from an electric-only mode with a reduced torque load on the motor/generator. The powertrain includes an engine and a motor/generator, which may be a single motor/generator in a strong or full hybrid, but is not limited to such. The motor provides propulsion torque in an electric-only operating mode, and is configured to apply torque to a transmission input member. A first clutch is selectively engagable to connect the engine output member for common rotation with the transmission input member. An engine starting mechanism is provided that multiplies motor torque used to start the engine so that less is diverted from propelling the vehicle, enabling a smaller motor/generator to be used. A method of controlling such a powertrain is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2009Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Norman K. Bucknor, Anthony L. Smith
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Publication number: 20100304924Abstract: A hybrid powertrain is provided that provides engine starting from an electric-only mode with a reduced torque load on the motor/generator. The powertrain includes an engine and a motor/generator, which may be a single motor/generator in a strong or full hybrid, but is not limited to such. The motor provides propulsion torque in an electric-only operating mode, and is configured to apply torque to a transmission input member. A first clutch is selectively engagable to connect the engine output member for common rotation with the transmission input member. An engine starting mechanism is provided that multiplies motor torque used to start the engine so that less is diverted from propelling the vehicle, enabling a smaller motor/generator to be used. A method of controlling such a powertrain is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2009Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Norman K. Bucknor, Anthony L. Smith
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Publication number: 20100234159Abstract: A hybrid transmission device for a hybrid powertrain system having an integrated torque machine to transfer power among an input member, the torque machine and an output member in one of a plurality of fixed gear and continuously variable states is operative in a plurality of fixed gear states, a continuously variable state, and a torque machine state.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2009Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Farzad Samie, Norman K. Bucknor, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Anthony L. Smith