Patents by Inventor Douglas John Dwenger
Douglas John Dwenger 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: 9644722Abstract: A powertrain for a motor vehicle includes a one mode continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a torque converter connected to a planetary gear set assembly which is connected to a pulley and a chain assembly or other continuously variable unit (CVU). The planetary gear set arrangement generally includes one planetary gear set, one brake and one clutch. The CVU is connected to a final drive unit. The sheaves of the CVU have an involute spline connection.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2015Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Pete R. Garcia, James M. Hart, Edward W. Mellet, Elizabeth I. Wooden, Douglas John Dwenger
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Patent number: 9400042Abstract: A two 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 gear box having a planetary gear assembly. The gear box has two brakes and a clutch. The gear set arrangement is connected to a final drive unit. Selective engagement of the clutch and brakes provides two modes of operation to the CVT.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2014Date of Patent: July 26, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Douglas John Dwenger, Edward W. Mellet
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Publication number: 20160116034Abstract: A two 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 gear box having a planetary gear assembly. The gear box has two brakes and a clutch. The gear set arrangement is connected to a final drive unit. Selective engagement of the clutch and brakes provides two modes of operation to the CVT.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2014Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Douglas John Dwenger, Edward W. Mellet
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Patent number: 9234551Abstract: A transmission and a clutch assembly for a vehicle are disclosed. The clutch assembly includes a housing defining a cavity presenting an interior surface. The interior surface defines a pocket along a longitudinal axis. The clutch assembly further includes a piston disposed in the pocket and movable between an initial position and a final position relative to the pocket along the longitudinal axis. The piston includes a plurality of flanges extending outwardly away from the longitudinal axis. The clutch assembly also includes a biasing member attached to the interior surface of the housing and engaging the piston to continuously bias the piston toward the initial position. The biasing member abuts the flanges of the piston to prevent rotation of the piston about the longitudinal axis as the piston moves between the initial and final positions along the longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2012Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Scott William Heitzenrater, Robert Neil Paciotti, Douglas John Dwenger, Larry D. Diemer, John A. Diemer
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Publication number: 20150233458Abstract: A powertrain for a motor vehicle includes a one mode continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a torque converter connected to a planetary gear set assembly which is connected to a pulley and a chain assembly or other continuously variable unit (CVU). The planetary gear set arrangement generally includes one planetary gear set, one brake and one clutch. The CVU is connected to a final drive unit. The sheaves of the CVU have an involute spline connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2015Publication date: August 20, 2015Inventors: PETE R. Garcia, James M. Hart, Edward W. Mellet, Elizabeth I. Wooden, Douglas John Dwenger
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Patent number: 9051980Abstract: A torque transmitting device for use in an automotive transmission is provided. The device includes an inner annular race and an outer annular race disposed concentrically around the inner annular race. A selector plate is disposed adjacent to the inner and outer annular races, the selector plate being movable with respect to the inner and outer races. Multiple control elements are pivotally connected to the selector plate. The control elements are disposed between the inner and outer races. A plurality of sprag elements is disposed between the inner and outer races. Each sprag element is disposed adjacent to a control element.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2013Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Randal William Arndt, Douglas John Dwenger
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Patent number: 9052003Abstract: A transmission includes 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 that are actuated in various combinations to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and a reverse gear ratio.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2013Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technoloy Operations, LLCInventors: Pete R. Garcia, John A. Diemer, Tejinder Singh, Douglas John Dwenger
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Patent number: 9033681Abstract: An integrated control valve body and hydraulic pump for an automatic transmission includes a control valve body having a plurality of control valves and passageways and an internal cavity having an inlet and an outlet, a pump rotor received within the internal cavity and having a plurality of radially and axially extending slots, radially moveable vanes and a shaft, and a device for transferring drive energy from a drive shaft extending between an output of a torque converter and an input of the transmission to the shaft of the hydraulic pump. The device for transferring drive energy may be a pair of chain sprockets and a chain, a pair of spur or helical gears or other inter-axis power transfer components and may affect a speed increase or reduction.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2009Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Michael P. Fannin, John A. Diemer, Douglas John Dwenger, Brian W. Whitmarsh
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Patent number: 8991583Abstract: A spring pack for a transmission includes first rotatable piston and a second rotatable piston. The first rotatable piston includes a first retainer plate, and the second rotatable piston includes a second retainer plate. The spring pack further includes a tabbed retainer plate that is stationary with respect to the first piston and the second piston and also includes a set of biasing members with a first subset of biasing members and a second subset of biasing members. The first subset of biasing members is disposed between the first retainer plate and the tabbed retainer plate, and the second subset of biasing members is disposed between the second retainer plate and the tabbed retainer plate. As the first and second pistons are activated, they stroke independently of each other as each retainer plate compresses its respective subset of biasing members against the tabbed retainer plate.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventor: Douglas John Dwenger
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Patent number: 8967353Abstract: A transmission includes a housing defining a sealed interior and an input hub rotatably coupled to the housing. A gear set is disposed within the housing and configured for receiving a torque from an engine. The transmission further includes an isolator assembly and a bypass clutch, each disposed within the sealed interior of the housing. The isolator assembly is configured for selectively damping drivetrain inertia and/or vibration. The bypass clutch selectively engages and disengages the isolator assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2009Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Victor M. Roses, John A. Diemer, Randy Lewis Melanson, Douglas John Dwenger, Randal William Arndt, Pete R. Garcia, Michael L. Duhaime
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Patent number: 8968146Abstract: 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 two to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2013Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Pete R. Garcia, Tejinder Singh, John A. Diemer, Douglas John Dwenger
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Publication number: 20140318923Abstract: A torque transmitting device for use in an automotive transmission is provided. The device includes an inner annular race and an outer annular race disposed concentrically around the inner annular race. A selector plate is disposed adjacent to the inner and outer annular races, the selector plate being movable with respect to the inner and outer races. Multiple control elements are pivotally connected to the selector plate. The control elements are disposed between the inner and outer races. A plurality of sprag elements is disposed between the inner and outer races. Each sprag element is disposed adjacent to a control element.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2013Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Randal William Arndt, Douglas John Dwenger
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Patent number: 8758179Abstract: An electrically-variable transmission for a vehicle is disclosed. The transmission includes an input member and an output member each rotatable about a first axis. The transmission includes a casing defining a cavity between a first end wall and a second end wall. The transmission includes a first motor/generator and a second motor/generator disposed in the cavity with a second planetary gear set disposed between the first and second motor/generators along the first axis. The transmission includes a first torque-transmitting mechanism disposed between the first and second motor/generators along the first axis. The transmission includes a second torque-transmitting mechanism disposed between the first end wall and the first motor/generator along the first axis. The first motor/generator is disposed between the first and second torque-transmitting mechanisms along the first axis.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2012Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: John A. Diemer, Pete R. Garcia, Douglas John Dwenger, Boris Burgman, Robert Joseph Gonzales, Kent A. Miller
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Publication number: 20140113760Abstract: An electrically-variable transmission for a vehicle is disclosed. The transmission includes an input member and an output member each rotatable about a first axis. The transmission includes a casing defining a cavity between a first end wall and a second end wall. The transmission includes a first motor/generator and a second motor/generator disposed in the cavity with a second planetary gear set disposed between the first and second motor/generators along the first axis. The transmission includes a first torque-transmitting mechanism disposed between the first and second motor/generators along the first axis. The transmission includes a second torque-transmitting mechanism disposed between the first end wall and the first motor/generator along the first axis. The first motor/generator is disposed between the first and second torque-transmitting mechanisms along the first axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2012Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: John A. Diemer, Pete R. Garcia, Douglas John Dwenger, Boris Burgman, Robert Joseph Gonzales, Kent A. Miller
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Publication number: 20140069763Abstract: A transmission and a clutch assembly for a vehicle are disclosed. The clutch assembly includes a housing defining a cavity presenting an interior surface. The interior surface defines a pocket along a longitudinal axis. The clutch assembly further includes a piston disposed in the pocket and movable between an initial position and a final position relative to the pocket along the longitudinal axis. The piston includes a plurality of flanges extending outwardly away from the longitudinal axis. The clutch assembly also includes a biasing member attached to the interior surface of the housing and engaging the piston to continuously bias the piston toward the initial position. The biasing member abuts the flanges of the piston to prevent rotation of the piston about the longitudinal axis as the piston moves between the initial and final positions along the longitudinal axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2012Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Scott William Heitzenrater, Robert Neil Paciotti, Douglas John Dwenger, Larry D. Diemer, John A. Diemer
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Patent number: 8628442Abstract: 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. 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: GrantFiled: August 28, 2012Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Patrick S. Portell, John A. Diemer, James M. Hart, Scott H. Wittkopp, Edwin T. Grochowski, Douglas John Dwenger, Elizabeth I. Wooden, Boris Burgman, Clinton E. Carey, Tejinder Singh
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Publication number: 20130324346Abstract: 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 two to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2013Publication date: December 5, 2013Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Pete R. Garcia, Tejinder Singh, John A. Diemer, Douglas John Dwenger
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Publication number: 20130277168Abstract: A spring pack for a transmission includes first rotatable piston and a second rotatable piston. The first rotatable piston includes a first retainer plate, and the second rotatable piston includes a second retainer plate. The spring pack further includes a tabbed retainer plate that is stationary with respect to the first piston and the second piston and also includes a set of biasing members with a first subset of biasing members and a second subset of biasing members. The first subset of biasing members is disposed between the first retainer plate and the tabbed retainer plate, and the second subset of biasing members is disposed between the second retainer plate and the tabbed retainer plate. As the first and second pistons are activated, they stroke independently of each other as each retainer plate compresses its respective subset of biasing members against the tabbed retainer plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2013Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Douglas John Dwenger
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Publication number: 20130260942Abstract: A transmission includes 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 that are actuated in various combinations to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and a reverse gear ratio.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Pete R. Garcia, John A. Diemer, Tejinder Singh, Douglas John Dwenger
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Patent number: 8500588Abstract: 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. 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 a hydraulic fluid pump and has a plurality of fluid passages disposed in the transmission housing, input member and other coupling members.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2011Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: John A. Diemer, Douglas John Dwenger