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: 9453558
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, Craig S. Ross
  • Publication number: 20160146325
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Inventors: Craig S. Ross, Paul G. Otanez
  • Patent number: 9279478
    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 four to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, Craig S. Ross, James M. Hart
  • Patent number: 9249844
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Craig S. Ross, Paul G. Otanez
  • Patent number: 9249863
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, Scott H. Wittkopp, Craig S. Ross
  • Publication number: 20160010725
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, CRAIG S. ROSS
  • Publication number: 20150308551
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, CRAIG S. ROSS, CHUNHAO J. LEE
  • Publication number: 20150252877
    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 four to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, Craig S. Ross, James M. Hart
  • Patent number: 9097323
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, Craig S. Ross
  • Patent number: 9090241
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Paul G. Otanez, Craig S. Ross
  • Patent number: 9074664
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Casie M. Bockenstette, Carlos E. Marin, Paul G. Otanez, Craig S. Ross
  • Patent number: 9028359
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Casie M. Bockenstette, Carlos E. Marin, Paul G. Otanez, Craig S. Ross
  • Patent number: 8961356
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Casie M. Bockenstette, Carlos E. Marin, Paul G. Otanez, Craig S. Ross
  • Publication number: 20150018163
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Casie M. Bockenstette, Carlos E. Marin, Paul G. Otanez, Craig S. Ross
  • Publication number: 20140378267
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Casie M. Bockenstette, Carlos E. Marin, Paul G. Otanez, Craig S. Ross
  • Publication number: 20140378269
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Casie M. Bockenstette, Carlos E. Marin, Paul G. Otanez, Craig S. Ross
  • Publication number: 20140378266
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Casie M. Bockenstette, CARLOS E. MARIN, PAUL G. OTANEZ, CRAIG S. ROSS
  • Publication number: 20140352491
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Craig S. Ross, Scott H. Wittkopp
  • Patent number: 8826758
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, Craig S. Ross
  • Patent number: 8808132
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventor: Craig S. Ross