Patents by Inventor Daryl A. Wilton

Daryl A. Wilton 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: 10018251
    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, 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: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Tejinder Singh, Daryl A. Wilton, Elizabeth I. Wooden
  • Publication number: 20180118012
    Abstract: A motor vehicle planetary axis transfer gearbox system includes a connective housing connecting an engine to a transmission of a motor vehicle with the transmission being positioned forward of the engine. An axis of an engine output shaft is oriented substantially parallel to an axis of a transmission input shaft. Both the axis of the engine output shaft and the axis of the transmission input shaft are oriented substantially perpendicular to a central axis of the motor vehicle. A planetary gear set is connected to one of the engine output shaft or the transmission input shaft acting to reverse a direction of rotation of either the engine output shaft or the transmission input shaft to match a direction of rotation of both the engine output shaft and the transmission input shaft. A drive chain connects the engine output shaft to the transmission input shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Daryl A. Wilton, James M. Hart, Clinton E. Carey
  • Publication number: 20180119751
    Abstract: A passive opening transmission clutch system includes a backing plate having multiple tab slots, each of the tab slots having a tapered wall. A first reaction plate has multiple first tapered spline teeth oriented transverse to a plane of the first reaction plate. The first tapered spline teeth are positioned at least partially in individual ones of the tab slots in a clutch disengaged condition. The first tapered spline teeth when displaced further into the tab slots and toward the backing plate define a clutch engaged condition. A first friction plate is in frictional contact with the first reaction plate in the clutch engaged condition, the first friction plate when rotated generating a rotational force on the first reaction plate. The rotational force acts against the first tapered spline teeth to induce the first reaction plate to slidably move away from the backing plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Daryl A. Wilton, James M. Hart
  • Publication number: 20180119752
    Abstract: A torque transferring transmission-drive system includes a first friction surface. A second friction surface is directed toward the first friction surface. A reaction plate is positioned between the first friction surface and the second friction surface. A piston is actuated by a fluid pressure to displace the first friction surface toward the second friction surface, frictionally engaging the reaction plate between the first friction surface and the second friction surface. At least one strap spring in a clutch engaged condition elastically compresses to allow the reaction plate to be frictionally engaged between the first friction surface and the second friction surface, and in a clutch disengaged condition the at least one strap spring elastically expands to create a clearance between the reaction plate and each of the first friction surface and the second friction surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Daryl A. Wilton, James M. Hart, Ted R. Skrzycke
  • Publication number: 20180105031
    Abstract: A vehicle powertrain includes a manual transmission with an input shaft including a plurality of input gears and at least one main shaft including a plurality of driven gears engaged with the input gears. An engine includes a drive shaft drivingly connected to the input shaft via an engine disconnect clutch and a launch clutch. An electric motor is non-concentric with the input shaft and is drivingly connected to the input shaft via the launch clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Daryl A. WILTON, James M. HART
  • Publication number: 20180051796
    Abstract: A transmission sealed low leak controls system includes a controls system having a first fluid for operation of the controls system provided by a first pump at a first pressure. A transmission input shaft is provided. A planetary gear set is connected to the transmission input shaft by a clutch assembly. A second pump provides a second fluid different from the first fluid for cooling and lubrication of the at least one clutch assembly at a second pressure lower than the first pressure. A torque converter is connected to the transmission input shaft. The second pump further provides the second fluid to the torque converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Daryl A. Wilton, James M. Hart, Eric C. Sandstrom
  • Patent number: 9884547
    Abstract: A vehicle powertrain includes an engine having a drive shaft. A manual transmission includes an input shaft drivingly connected to the drive shaft and includes a plurality of input gears. A main shaft includes a plurality of driven gears engaged with the input gears and including an output gear that is engaged with a differential. An electric motor is connected through a planetary gear set to a transfer gear on the main shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Daryl A. Wilton, James M. Hart, Darrell Lee Robinette
  • Patent number: 9821654
    Abstract: A final drive unit for a motor vehicle includes a sprocket driven by a transmission, a first planetary gear set where one of the rotational members is connected to the sprocket, a second planetary gear set where one of the rotational members is connected to the first planetary gear set, and an actuator moveable between a low range position and a high range position. The actuator is rotationally coupled to a differential. When the actuator is in the low range position, the actuator rotationally couples one of the rotational members of the second planetary gear set to the differential. When the actuator is in the high range position, the actuator rotationally couples another of the rotational members of the second planetary gear set to the differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Daryl A. Wilton
  • Patent number: 9816594
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a motor vehicle includes a transmission input shaft rotatably connected to an engine by a torque converter, the transmission input shaft defining a first CVT axis. A continuously variable unit connected for rotation by the transmission input shaft includes a first pulley assembly, a second pulley assembly, and a flexible member wrapped around the first pulley assembly and the second pulley assembly. A two mode transfer gear assembly is connected to the second pulley assembly and is coaxially aligned for rotation on a second CVT axis. A clutch assembly having at least one clutch is connected to the transfer gear assembly. A final drive unit connected to the transfer gear assembly is co-axially aligned with respect to the second CVT axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Daryl A. Wilton
  • Publication number: 20170138450
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a motor vehicle includes a transmission input shaft rotatably connected to an engine by a torque converter, the transmission input shaft defining a first CVT axis. A continuously variable unit connected for rotation by the transmission input shaft includes a first pulley assembly, a second pulley assembly, and a flexible member wrapped around the first pulley assembly and the second pulley assembly. A two mode transfer gear assembly is connected to the second pulley assembly and is coaxially aligned for rotation on a second CVT axis. A clutch assembly having at least one clutch is connected to the transfer gear assembly. A final drive unit connected to the transfer gear assembly is co-axially aligned with respect to the second CVT axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: JAMES M. HART, DARYL A. WILTON
  • Publication number: 20170130805
    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, 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: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Tejinder Singh, Daryl A. Wilton, Elizabeth I. Wooden
  • Patent number: 9618087
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a four coupling members and a six torque-transmitting mechanisms. Further, a hydraulic fluid control circuit is provided for controlling the operation of the plurality of torque-transmitting devices. The hydraulic fluid control circuit receives pressurized hydraulic fluid from an off-axis hydraulic fluid pump and has a plurality of fluid passages disposed in the transmission house, input member and other coupling members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart, Daryl A. Wilton, Vijay A. Neelakantan
  • Patent number: 9581221
    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: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart, Daryl A. Wilton
  • Patent number: 9546728
    Abstract: A flexible binary pump system for a motor vehicle transmission includes a shaft, a first vane pump mounted on the shaft and having a first rotor with a first diameter and a first width and a second vane pump mounted on the shaft and having a second rotor with a second diameter and a second width. The first vane pump provides hydraulic fluid to the transmission at a first pressure, and the second vane pump provides hydraulic fluid to the transmission at a second pressure. The first diameter, first width, second diameter, and second width are selected to optimize power consumption of the binary pump system and hydraulic fluid budget for the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: John C. Schultz, Daryl A. Wilton, Philip C. Lundberg
  • Publication number: 20160377157
    Abstract: A final drive unit for a motor vehicle includes a sprocket driven by a transmission, a first planetary gear set where one of the rotational members is connected to the sprocket, a second planetary gear set where one of the rotational members is connected to the first planetary gear set, and an actuator moveable between a low range position and a high range position. The actuator is rotationally coupled to a differential. When the actuator is in the low range position, the actuator rotationally couples one of the rotational members of the second planetary gear set to the differential. When the actuator is in the high range position, the actuator rotationally couples another of the rotational members of the second planetary gear set to the differential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: James M. Hart, DARYL A. WILTON
  • Patent number: 9421853
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle structure that extends along a longitudinal axis. An engine includes a crankshaft that defines a crank axis disposed substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis. A transmission includes an output shaft that defines a transmission output axis substantially parallel with the crank axis. The transmission output axis is disposed nearer the forward end of the vehicle structure than the crank axis. The crank axis is disposed vertically above the transmission output axis a distance of about 140 mm. The engine includes at least one cylinder bore that defines a bore axis disposed perpendicular to and may intersect the crank axis. The bore axis may be angled toward the forward end of the vehicle structure to define an angle between the bore axis and a vertical plane. The angle between the bore axis and the vertical plane may be about 18°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James L. Luttinen, Julian Broadbent, Alan W. Hayman, William A. Bear, James B. Borgerson, Daryl A. Wilton, Robert E. Zeweke, Thomas A. Barth
  • Patent number: 9382998
    Abstract: An assembly for use in a transmission of a motor vehicle includes a planetary gear set that defines an axis of rotation and includes a planetary carrier member, the planetary carrier member having at least one window. A piston is disposed on a first side of the planetary gear set and a clutch pack is disposed on a second side of the planetary gear set opposite the first side. An interplanetary actuator is in contact with the piston and the clutch pack and is slidably disposed in the window of the planetary carrier member. Actuation of the piston in turn translates the interplanetary actuator to engage the clutch pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technnology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Daryl A. Wilton
  • Patent number: 9347538
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart, Daryl A. Wilton, Clinton E. Carey
  • Patent number: 9347539
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart, Daryl A. Wilton, Clinton E. Carey
  • Publication number: 20160069443
    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: November 18, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: EDWARD W. MELLET, JAMES M. HART, DARYL A. WILTON, CLINTON E. CAREY