Patents by Inventor Craig S. Ross
Craig S. Ross 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: 9453558Abstract: A transmission is connectable to an input member and includes an output transfer gear, first and second transmission input shaft members, first and second countershaft members, first and second sleeve shafts, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of gears, synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2014Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, Craig S. Ross
-
Publication number: 20160146325Abstract: A clutch latching system is provided for latching and draining a torque transmitting mechanism. The latching clutch control system may include a latching valve, a release valve, and an accumulator. The clutch latching system may include a clutch feed channel configured to provide hydraulic fluid from a pressurized source to a torque transmitting device when the torque transmitting device is engaged and the engine is running. A latching valve connects the clutch feed channel to the torque transmitting device. The latching valve is configured to selectively trap pressurized hydraulic fluid within the torque transmitting device. A hydraulic pressure storage circuit configured to selectively provide pressurized hydraulic fluid to the latching valve to unlatch the latching valve. A multiple speed transmission is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2016Publication date: May 26, 2016Inventors: Craig S. Ross, Paul G. Otanez
-
Patent number: 9279478Abstract: 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 four to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Edward W. Mellet, Craig S. Ross, James M. Hart
-
Patent number: 9249844Abstract: A clutch latching system is provided for latching and draining a torque transmitting mechanism. The latching clutch control system may include a latching valve, a release valve, and an accumulator. The clutch latching system may include a clutch feed channel configured to provide hydraulic fluid from a pressurized source to a torque transmitting device when the torque transmitting device is engaged and the engine is running. A latching valve connects the clutch feed channel to the torque transmitting device. The latching valve is configured to selectively trap pressurized hydraulic fluid within the torque transmitting device. A hydraulic pressure storage circuit configured to selectively provide pressurized hydraulic fluid to the latching valve to unlatch the latching valve. A multiple speed transmission is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2013Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Craig S. Ross, Paul G. Otanez
-
Patent number: 9249863Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, first and second shafts, first and second countershafts, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2010Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Edward W. Mellet, Scott H. Wittkopp, Craig S. Ross
-
Publication number: 20160010725Abstract: A transmission is connectable to an input member and includes an output transfer gear, first and second transmission input shaft members, first and second countershaft members, first and second sleeve shafts, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of gears, synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2014Publication date: January 14, 2016Inventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, CRAIG S. ROSS
-
Publication number: 20150308551Abstract: A three mode continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a motor vehicle includes an optional speed change device connected to a pulley and a belt assembly or other continuously variable unit. The pulley and belt assembly is also connected to a planetary gear set arrangement. The planetary gear set arrangement generally includes two planetary gear sets, two brakes and two clutches. The planetary gear set arrangement is connected to a final drive unit. Engagement of the clutches and brakes provides three modes of operation to the CVT.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2014Publication date: October 29, 2015Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Edward W. Mellet, CRAIG S. ROSS, CHUNHAO J. LEE
-
Publication number: 20150252877Abstract: 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 four to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2014Publication date: September 10, 2015Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Edward W. Mellet, Craig S. Ross, James M. Hart
-
Patent number: 9097323Abstract: An automated electric manual transmission (EMT) has an input member, an output member, and at least one shaft. The input member and the at least one shaft are rotatable about a first axis of rotation. A countershaft is substantially parallel with the at least one shaft and is rotatable about a second axis of rotation. The output member is operatively connected to rotate with the countershaft. A transmission controller controls engagement of a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms to selectively establish different gear ratios from the at least one shaft to the transfer shaft through pairs of intermeshing gears. An electric motor and a planetary gear set are concentric with the first axis of rotation. The electric motor can provide torque to a member of the planetary gear set.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2012Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, Craig S. Ross
-
Patent number: 9090241Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling an automatic engine stop-start in conjunction with a transmission having one or more latching valves. The system and method is configured to determine whether conditions are met for an autostop, and if so, to latch or unlatch the latching valve(s) by changing clutch pressure.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2013Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, LLCInventors: Paul G. Otanez, Craig S. Ross
-
Patent number: 9074664Abstract: A 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 first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes including a selectable one-way clutch actuatable in combinations of two to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio. The transmission also includes a transmission auto start/stop enabler which includes a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism readies one of the plurality of torque transmitting devices during an engine auto stop/start event or in preparation for a stop of the motor vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2013Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Casie M. Bockenstette, Carlos E. Marin, Paul G. Otanez, Craig S. Ross
-
Patent number: 9028359Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms that are selectively engageable to establish at least ten forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member. The transmission further includes one or more locking mechanisms that engage one or more of the plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms during a start/stop event.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2013Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Casie M. Bockenstette, Carlos E. Marin, Paul G. Otanez, Craig S. Ross
-
Patent number: 8961356Abstract: A 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 first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of four to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio. The transmission also includes a transmission auto start/stop enabler which includes a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism readies at least one of the plurality of torque transmitting devices during an engine auto stop/start event or in preparation for a stop of the motor vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2013Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Casie M. Bockenstette, Carlos E. Marin, Paul G. Otanez, Craig S. Ross
-
Publication number: 20150018163Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms that are selectively engageable to establish at least ten forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member. The transmission further includes one or more locking mechanisms that engage one or more of the plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms during a start/stop event.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2013Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventors: Casie M. Bockenstette, Carlos E. Marin, Paul G. Otanez, Craig S. Ross
-
Publication number: 20140378267Abstract: A 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 first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of four to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio. The transmission also includes a transmission auto start/stop enabler which includes a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism readies at least one of the plurality of torque transmitting devices during an engine auto stop/start event or in preparation for a stop of the motor vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2013Publication date: December 25, 2014Inventors: Casie M. Bockenstette, Carlos E. Marin, Paul G. Otanez, Craig S. Ross
-
Publication number: 20140378269Abstract: A 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 first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes. An transmission auto start/stop enabler includes one or multiple latches. The latches engage one or more of the plurality of torque transmitting devices during an engine auto stop/start event or in preparation for a stop of the motor vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2013Publication date: December 25, 2014Inventors: Casie M. Bockenstette, Carlos E. Marin, Paul G. Otanez, Craig S. Ross
-
Publication number: 20140378266Abstract: A 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 first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes including a selectable one-way clutch actuatable in combinations of two to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio. The transmission also includes a transmission auto start/stop enabler which includes a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism readies one of the plurality of torque transmitting devices during an engine auto stop/start event or in preparation for a stop of the motor vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2013Publication date: December 25, 2014Inventors: Casie M. Bockenstette, CARLOS E. MARIN, PAUL G. OTANEZ, CRAIG S. ROSS
-
Publication number: 20140352491Abstract: The transmission includes an input shaft rotatable about a first axis of rotation, and a countershaft arranged substantially parallel with the input shaft and rotatable about a second axis of rotation. An output member is operatively connected to rotate in unison with the countershaft. Multiple pairs of intermeshing gears are included, each having a respective synchronizable gear that rotates about one of the input shaft and the countershaft, and a respective fixed gear mounted to the other one of the input shaft and the countershaft to rotate in unison therewith. An electric motor has a rotor concentric with and rotatable about the first axis of rotation. A first synchronizer is selectively engageable to synchronize rotation of the rotor with the input shaft. A second synchronizer is selectively engageable to synchronize rotation of the rotor with one of the synchronizable gears that rotates about the input shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2013Publication date: December 4, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Craig S. Ross, Scott H. Wittkopp
-
Patent number: 8826758Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, first and second transmission input shafts, first and second countershafts, a plurality of co-planar gear sets and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and six forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2012Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, Craig S. Ross
-
Patent number: 8808132Abstract: A torque vectoring differential includes a pair of planetary gear assemblies having a common planet gear carrier which is driven from the output of a transmission. Each of the planetary gear assemblies include a ring gear that may be individually and selectively grounded (braked) to a stationary housing by a friction brake and a sun gear that is coupled through an axle to a respective drive wheel. Selective activation of the brakes controls the distribution, i.e., vectoring, of torque to each of the drive wheels. Each planetary gear assembly includes elongated planet gears which mesh not only with their respective sun and ring gears but also with the planet gears of the other planetary gear assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventor: Craig S. Ross