Patents by Inventor Dumitru Puiu

Dumitru Puiu 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: 9109674
    Abstract: An electrically variable transmission includes an input member, first and second motor-generators and a gear reduction arrangement including at least a first gear coupled to at least one second gear. A first planetary gear set can include a first sun gear, a first ring gear and a first carrier rotatably supporting a plurality of pinion gears in meshing engagement with the first sun gear and ring gear. The first carrier can be non-rotatably coupled to the input member and the first ring gear can be non-rotatably coupled to the at least one second gear. The sun gear can be non-rotatably coupled to the first motor-generator and the first gear can be non-rotatably coupled to the second motor-generator. The torque transmitting device can be configured to selectively fix rotation of the input member in at least one of a first rotational direction and a second opposite rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Michael L Duhaime, Scott A Miller, Dumitru Puiu
  • Publication number: 20150148172
    Abstract: A hybrid transmission providing multiple modes of operation in a compact arrangement is provided and includes first and second planetary gear sets and first and second electric machines. An electric machine shaft directly couples the first planetary gear set to the second planetary gear set and the second electric machine to the second planetary gear set. The second electric machine is selectively directly coupled to an output shaft via a first clutch mechanism, and indirectly coupled to the output shaft via the second planetary gear set and a drive shaft, which extends parallel to the electric machine shaft and external to the second electric machine. A second clutch mechanism selectively couples the first electric machine to a carrier of the second planetary gear set and a third clutch mechanism selectively couples a ring gear of the second planetary gear set to a hybrid drive unit housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Dumitru Puiu, Scott A. Miller
  • Publication number: 20150136558
    Abstract: A clutch system for a transmission having a clutch assembly and a brake assembly. The clutch system includes a clutch assembly and a brake assembly coupled to a planetary gear set, engine and two electric motors to reduce transmission complexity, costs, and efficiency losses. The clutch assembly also includes a wear compensation mechanism and a clutch separator mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Goro Tamai, Dumitru Puiu, Dale E. Martin
  • Publication number: 20150105200
    Abstract: An electrically variable transmission includes an input member, first and second motor-generators and a gear reduction arrangement including at least a first gear coupled to at least one second gear. A first planetary gear set can include a first sun gear, a first ring gear and a first carrier rotatably supporting a plurality of pinion gears in meshing engagement with the first sun gear and ring gear. The first carrier can be non-rotatably coupled to the input member and the first ring gear can be non-rotatably coupled to the at least one second gear. The sun gear can be non-rotatably coupled to the first motor-generator and the first gear can be non-rotatably coupled to the second motor-generator. The torque transmitting device can be configured to selectively fix rotation of the input member in at least one of a first rotational direction and a second opposite rotational direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Michael L. Duhaime, Scott A. Miller, Dumitru Puiu
  • Patent number: 8961343
    Abstract: A clutch system for a transmission having a clutch assembly and a brake assembly. The clutch system includes a clutch assembly and a brake assembly coupled to a planetary gear set, engine and two electric motors to reduce transmission complexity, costs, and efficiency losses. The clutch assembly also includes a wear compensation mechanism and a clutch separator mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Goro Tamai, Dumitru Puiu, Dale E. Martin
  • Patent number: 8939858
    Abstract: An electrically variable drive unit having two electric motors is provided. The first electric motor is mounted along the same axis as an engine. The second electric motor is mounted along the same axis as a transmission output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Dumitru Puiu, Goro Tamai, Dale E Martin
  • Patent number: 8937413
    Abstract: An electric motor assembly includes a shield that extends about a sector of the winding head to be disposed axially outboard of the outer axial end of the winding head and radially inboard of the inner diameter portion of the winding head. The shield defines a reservoir in which the sector of the winding head is received. The reservoir is operable to receive the coolant for cooling the winding head. Additionally, the motor assembly includes at least one sealing member that substantially seals at least one of the slots formed in an inner diameter portion of the stator core. The sealing member is operable to contain the coolant within the corresponding longitudinal opening and the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Dumitru Puiu, Richard Ondrejko, Dale E Martin
  • Patent number: 8795115
    Abstract: A hybrid dual configuration transmission for a vehicle having an electric motor, planetary gear set and a plurality of gear meshes is disclosed herein. The hybrid dual configuration transmission provides for a plurality of electrically variable transmission operating modes and a plurality of fixed gear operating modes. The hybrid dual configuration transmission may be operated utilizing exclusively the electric motor, exclusively an engine, or any combination of the electric motor and engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventor: Dumitru Puiu
  • Patent number: 8795118
    Abstract: A method for assisting a transmission oil pump in a hybrid electric powertrain to generate transmission oil pressure rapidly during vehicle start. An electric motor is initially utilized to provide momentary torque to rotate an oil pump and rapidly generate transmission oil pressure. After initial assistance is provided by the electric motor, an oil pump electric motor powers the oil pump and maintains oil pressure within the hybrid powertrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Laszlo Hideg, Zhenxing Fu, Xiaodong Liu, Dumitru Puiu
  • Publication number: 20140171247
    Abstract: A hybrid transmission providing multiple modes of operation in a compact package. The hybrid transmission utilizes compact electric motors and features simple construction in comparison to conventional hybrid transmissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Dumitru Puiu, Scott A. Miller
  • Publication number: 20140097713
    Abstract: An electric motor assembly includes a shield that extends about a sector of the winding head to be disposed axially outboard of the outer axial end of the winding head and radially inboard of the inner diameter portion of the winding head. The shield defines a reservoir in which the sector of the winding head is received. The reservoir is operable to receive the coolant for cooling the winding head. Additionally, the motor assembly includes at least one sealing member that substantially seals at least one of the slots formed in an inner diameter portion of the stator core. The sealing member is operable to contain the coolant within the corresponding longitudinal opening and the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventors: Dumitru Puiu, Richard Ondrejko, Dale E Martin
  • Patent number: 8657712
    Abstract: A multi-speed drive unit is provided for an electrically variable transmission having a variable-range output gear ratio for a motor vehicle. The variable-range output electrically variable transmission has improved final drive gear ratios that allow the motor to be operated in its desired efficiency and/or performance range during both city and highway vehicle operation. Further, the variable-range output electrically variable transmission allows for increased vehicle speeds during electric vehicle operation and provides for the use of the vehicle engine during reverse gear operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Goro Tamai, Dumitru Puiu, Scott A. Miller
  • Patent number: 8651989
    Abstract: Multi-mode operation is provided for an electrically variable transmission for a motor vehicle. The multi-mode electrically variable transmission provides for multiple gear ratios and power flow configurations including fixed gear operation. An improved input-split planetary gear set configuration is provided for the multi-mode electrically variable transmission. The multi-mode electrically variable transmission may be operated in its desired efficiency and/or performance range more frequently. Further, the transmission reduces clutch torques and provides improved functionality in range-extended electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles. The multi-mode electrically variable transmission is provided with a fixed gear operating capability for improved highway cruising and incorporates a reverse gear for reverse operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Dumitru Puiu, Goro Tamai, Scott A Miller
  • Publication number: 20130225349
    Abstract: Multi-mode operation is provided for an electrically variable transmission for a motor vehicle. The multi-mode electrically variable transmission provides for multiple gear ratios and power flow configurations including fixed gear operation. An improved input-split planetary gear set configuration is provided for the multi-mode electrically variable transmission. The multi-mode electrically variable transmission may be operated in its desired efficiency and/or performance range more frequently. Further, the transmission reduces clutch torques and provides improved functionality in range-extended electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles. The multi-mode electrically variable transmission is provided with a fixed gear operating capability for improved highway cruising and incorporates a reverse gear for reverse operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Dumitru Puiu, Goro Tamai, Scott A. Miller
  • Patent number: 8512187
    Abstract: Multi-mode operation is provided for an electrically variable transmission for a motor vehicle. The multi-mode electrically variable transmission provides for multiple gear ratios and power flow configurations including fixed gear operation. An improved input-split planetary gear set configuration is provided for the multi-mode electrically variable transmission. The multi-mode electrically variable transmission may be operated in its desired efficiency and/or performance range more frequently. Further, the transmission reduces clutch torques and provides improved functionality in range-extended electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles. The multi-mode electrically variable transmission is provided with a fixed gear operating capability for improved highway cruising and incorporates a reverse gear for reverse operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Dumitru Puiu, Goro Tamai, Scott A. Miller
  • Publication number: 20130210567
    Abstract: A hybrid dual configuration transmission for a vehicle having an electric motor, planetary gear set and a plurality of gear meshes is disclosed herein. The hybrid dual configuration transmission provides for a plurality of electrically variable transmission operating modes and a plurality of fixed gear operating modes. The hybrid dual configuration transmission may be operated utilizing exclusively the electric motor, exclusively an engine, or any combination of the electric motor and engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: CHRYSLER GROUP LLC.
    Inventor: Dumitru Puiu
  • Publication number: 20130151131
    Abstract: A start-up method for a hybrid powertrain in which hydraulic pressure is generated in a casual start-up by an electric oil pump motor where certain predetermined conditions are satisfied and the casual start-up is abandoned and hydraulic pressure is generated by an engine where the predetermined conditions are not satisfied. The casual start-up is also abandoned where a vehicle operator seeks propulsion shortly after start-up and before an oil pump is rotating within a predetermined threshold of an oil pump target RPM.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: Hideg Laszlo, Zhenxing Fu, Xiaodong Liu, Dumitru Puiu
  • Publication number: 20130150198
    Abstract: An electrically variable drive unit having two electric motors is provided. The first electric motor is mounted along the same axis as an engine. The second electric motor is mounted along the same axis as a transmission output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: Dumitru Puiu, Goro Tamai, Dale E. Martin
  • Patent number: 8444516
    Abstract: A compound-input is provided for an electrically variable transmission for a motor vehicle. The compound-input electrically variable transmission has improved input gear ratios that allow the vehicle engine to be operated in its desired efficiency and/or performance range during both city and highway vehicle operation. Further, the multi-speed input electrically variable transmission provides an input brake without the need for a dedicated input brake clutch or braking mechanism and incorporates a reverse gear for reverse operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Goro Tamai, Dumitru Puiu, Scott A. Miller, Dale E. Martin, Travis J. Miller
  • Patent number: 8382623
    Abstract: A transmission used in a hybrid vehicle comprising a planetary gear set and a synchronizer. The planetary gear set having a plurality of members and the synchronizer coupling and decoupling one of the members to change a speed ratio in the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventor: Dumitru Puiu