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).
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Publication number: 20130023368Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2011Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: CHRYSLER GROUP LLCInventors: Goro Tamai, Dumitru Puiu, Dale E. Martin
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Publication number: 20120275930Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2012Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: CHRYSLER GROUP LLCInventors: Laszlo Hideg, Zhenxing Fu, Xiaodong Liu, Dumitru Puiu
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Publication number: 20120115660Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2012Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: CHRYSLER GROUP LLCInventor: Dumitru Puiu
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Publication number: 20120065014Abstract: 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. The multi-mode electrically variable transmission incorporates a reverse gear for reverse operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2010Publication date: March 15, 2012Inventors: DUMITRU PUIU, Goro Tamai, Scott A. Miller
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Publication number: 20120065016Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2010Publication date: March 15, 2012Inventors: GORO TAMAI, Dumitru Puiu, Scott A. Miller
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Publication number: 20120065015Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2010Publication date: March 15, 2012Inventors: GORO TAMAI, Dumitru Puiu, Scott A. Miller, Dale E. Martin, Travis J. Miller
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Patent number: 8118703Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 1, 2006Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Chrysler Group LLCInventor: Dumitru Puiu
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Patent number: 8113981Abstract: A multi-speed transmission includes a first power transmission module driven by an input shaft. A second power transmission module is driven by the first power transmission module. A third power transmission module is driven by the second power transmission module and drives an output shaft. Each power transmission module includes an actuation mechanism and a planetary gearset. Each actuation mechanism controls the output of its respective planetary gearset to one of a first gear ratio and a second gear ratio. One of the actuation mechanisms includes a clutch and a spring biasing a member to rotate and cause a corresponding actuation of the clutch. The clutch causes two members of the respective planetary gearset to rotate at substantially the same speed and provide the first gear ratio. The actuation mechanism selectively restricts the member from rotating and prevent actuation of the clutch to provide the second gear ratio.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2008Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: Malcolm E. Kirkwood, Dumitru Puiu
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Publication number: 20090250309Abstract: A power transfer device includes a shift collar moveable between a first position and a second position, a rotatable member, a rotary to linear movement conversion mechanism interconnecting the rotatable member and the shift collar, and a hydraulic actuator operable to drive the rotatable member. The actuator includes a vane rotatably moveable within a cavity formed in a housing and a pump selectively providing pressurized fluid acting on the vane. The vane is fixed for rotation with the rotatable member such that rotation of the vane causes the shift collar to axially translate.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2007Publication date: October 8, 2009Inventor: Dumitru Puiu
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Publication number: 20090118060Abstract: A multi-speed transmission includes a first power transmission module driven by an input shaft. A second power transmission module is driven by the first power transmission module. A third power transmission module is driven by the second power transmission module and drives an output shaft. Each power transmission module includes an actuation mechanism and a planetary gearset. Each actuation mechanism controls the output of its respective planetary gearset to one of a first gear ratio and a second gear ratio. One of the actuation mechanisms includes a clutch and a spring biasing a member to rotate and cause a corresponding actuation of the clutch. The clutch causes two members of the respective planetary gearset to rotate at substantially the same speed and provide the first gear ratio. The actuation mechanism selectively restricts the member from rotating and prevent actuation of the clutch to provide the second gear ratio.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2008Publication date: May 7, 2009Inventors: Malcolm E. KIRKWOOD, Dumitru Puiu
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Patent number: 7503866Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes a pair of axelshafts connected to a pair of wheels and a drive mechanism for selectively coupling a driven input shaft to one or both of the axelshafts. The drive mechanism includes first and second drive units that can be selectively engaged to control the magnitude of the drive torque transferred and the relative rotary speed between the input shaft and the axleshafts. Each drive unit includes a planetary gearset disposed between the input shaft and its corresponding axleshaft, a bi-directional overrunning clutch and a mode clutch that may be activated to cause the planetary gearset to establish different speed ratio drive connections between the input shaft and the axleshaft. A control system including an electronic control unit (ECU) and sensors are provided to control actuation of the mode clutches so as to control the side-to-side traction characteristics of the drive axle assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2008Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: Dumitru Puiu, Malcolm E. Kirkwood
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Publication number: 20080153649Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes a pair of axleshafts connected to a pair of wheels and a drive mechanism for selectively coupling a driven input shaft to one or both of the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes first and second drive units that can be selectively engaged to control the magnitude of the drive torque transferred and the relative rotary speed between the input shaft and the axleshafts. Each drive unit includes a planetary gearset disposed between the input shaft and its corresponding axleshaft, a bi-directional overrunning clutch and a mode clutch that may be activated to cause the planetary gearset to establish different speed ratio drive connections between the input shaft and the axleshaft. A control system including an electronic control unit (ECU) and sensors are provided to control actuation of the mode clutches so as to control the side-to-side traction characteristics of the drive axle assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2008Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: Dumitru Puiu, Malcolm E. Kirkwood
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Publication number: 20080132374Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2006Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventor: Dumitru Puiu
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Patent number: 7361113Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes a pair of axleshafts connected to a pair of wheels and a drive mechanism for selectively coupling a driven input shaft to one or both of the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes first and second drive units that can be selectively engaged to control the magnitude of the drive torque transferred and the relative rotary speed between the input shaft and the axleshafts. Each drive unit includes a planetary gearset disposed between the input shaft and its corresponding axleshaft, a bi-directional overrunning clutch and a mode clutch that may be activated to cause the planetary gearset to establish different speed ratio drive connections between the input shaft and the axleshaft. A control system including an electronic control unit (ECU) and sensors are provided to control actuation of the mode clutches so as to control the side-to-side traction characteristics of the drive axle assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2005Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: Dumitru Puiu, Malcolm E. Kirkwood
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Patent number: 7337886Abstract: A torque coupling for use in a power transfer device. The torque coupling includes a friction clutch and a clutch actuator. The clutch actuator controls engagement of the friction clutch and has a first actuator plate rotatable about an axis, a second actuator plate adjacent to the first actuator plate, and a ballramp unit disposed between the first and second actuator plates. A piston assembly acts to induce rotation of the first actuator plate relative to the second actuator plate. Relative rotation between the first actuator plate and the second actuator plate induces linear movement of one of the first and second actuator plates along the axis to regulate engagement of the friction clutch.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2007Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventor: Dumitru Puiu
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Patent number: 7338403Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism and a control system are disclosed for adaptively controlling the transfer of drive torque between first and second rotary members in a power transmission device of the type used in motor vehicle driveline applications. The torque transfer mechanism includes a main clutch assembly operably disposed between the first and second rotary members, a pilot clutch assembly and a clutch operator assembly. The clutch operator assembly includes a rotary cam driven by an electric motor and a pivotal mode fork.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2004Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventor: Dumitru Puiu
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Patent number: 7294086Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism for controlling the magnitude of a clutch engagement force exerted on a clutch pack that is operably disposed between a first rotary member and a second rotary member includes a hydraulic clutch actuation system. The hydraulic clutch actuation system includes a primary fluid circuit coupled to a secondary fluid circuit by a pressure intensifier. The pressure intensifier provides magnified pressure to a piston for actuating the clutch pack.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2005Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: Magna Powertrain, USA, Inc.Inventors: James S. Brissenden, Timothy M. Burns, Sankar K. Mohan, Eric A. Bansbach, Dumitru Puiu, Malcolm E. Kirkwood
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Patent number: 7281617Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism having a multi-plate friction clutch connecting a pair of rotary members and an electrohydraulic clutch system for controlling engagement of the friction clutch. The electrohydraulic clutch system can include an actuator with first and second components with a plurality of actuation chambers that are employed to control the position of the second component relative to the first component. Relatively high pressure fluid may be directed through or around one or more bypassed portions of the actuation chambers when relatively low compressive clutch engagement forces are to be exerted on the friction clutch. The bypassed portions of the actuation chambers may be sequentially or progressively operated based on a position of the second component relative to the first component to increase an amount of force that is applied by actuator.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2005Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventor: Dumitru Puiu
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Patent number: 7278947Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes first and second axleshafts connected to a pair of wheels and a drive mechanism operable to selectively couple a driven input shaft to one or both of the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes a differential, first and speed changing units and first and second mode clutches. The first mode clutch is operable in association with the first speed changing unit to increase the rotary speed of the first axleshaft which, in turn, causes a corresponding decrease in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. The second mode clutch is operable in association with the second speed changing unit to increase the rotary speed of the second axleshaft so as to cause a decrease in the rotary speed of the first axleshaft. A control system controls actuation of both mode clutches.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2006Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventor: Dumitru Puiu
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Patent number: 7278943Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism having a multi-plate friction clutch connecting a pair of rotary members and an electrohydraulic clutch actuator for controlling engagement of the friction clutch. The clutch actuator includes a hydraulic pump, a hydraulically-actuated rotary operator, and a ball ramp mechanism. The hydraulic pump draws low pressure fluid from a sump and delivers high pressure fluid to a series of actuation chambers defined between coaxially aligned first and second components of the rotary operator. The magnitude of the fluid pressure delivered to the actuation chamber controls angular movement of the second component relative to the first component for energizing the ball ramp mechanism. The ball ramp mechanism applies a clutch engagement force on the friction clutch assembly, thereby transferring drive torque from the first rotary member to the second rotary member. A hydraulic control system adaptively regulates the fluid pressure delivered to the actuation chamber.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2005Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventor: Dumitru Puiu